A CAN OF WORMS

Andy Tillison, also known as the man behind The Tangent's curtain, is more deeply rooted in this band. Here, in Parallel or Ninety Degrees, he's quirky and eccentric, which says a lot since this perp's more popular offering is more than a jog away from the run of the mill.

To further digress, this double album constitutes best and unreleased material that spans eight years from the inception of his lateral endeavor to that point where he shifted focus to the right angle.

While others may have performed analogous acts to spackle over gaps or make their presence known, A Can of Worms is an unexpected treat. Each individually-wrapped song is scrumptious and delicious, and the production is sparkly clean, so there is no need to fry these scallops in a vat of fat in order to get them down. The packaging, however, is nothing special, but wrapping an adornment around a crustacean would be most unnecessary. It's what's inside that counts and the sooner you get to it; the better.

Aside from the alternate version of "Four Egos One War" (states unreleased but a related take was on The Tangent's Not As Good As The Book), this is brand-new to listeners situated at the median and below. Honestly, the stock is exceptional and could have been passed off as his next project rather than surplus.

For starters, "A Man of Thin Air", "The Single", and "Unbranded" are quality cuts. These prawns might be under par in comparison to his standard-issue masterpieces, but they're a steal when marked down for the bulk purchase.

Then again, "Modern" might be flawed. It's got too many mealy parts. Judging the song with scrutiny and context, one may be swayed - without too much arm twisting - to toss it in the shredder. Still, it's reasonable to save it for its perceptible entertainment value.

Similar comments can be shared in regards to "Fadge Part One". Since it's short in stature, it doesn't matter in the grand scheme and shouldn't require indictment with a broader net.

Excluding plea deals and provided there is a fair hearing, "The Media Pirates", "Space Junk", "Petroleum Junkies", and "Afterlifecyle Sequence" are submissions certainly deserving of their stay of execution.

Also above suspicion and beyond reproach, "Blues for Lear", which features Roine Stolt, is quite prestigious for something that was socked away for a rainy day.

Everything else left unmentioned is worth your own personal review, and if you knew what the tackle box held; it'd be a lure. After just one session, it's hard to believe A Can of Worms is nothing more than spill off. Hopefully, Andy Tillison and his mateys hook a couple more fans when they go fishing with this forgotten jug of grub.

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