ANOTHER GREEN WORLD

Relying on one's own Oblique Strategies is perhaps the ultimate form of self-help. Whatever the case, this isn't an album I would see myself visiting very often. It is like tasteless, lumpy gravy. There's no unifying style, sound, or substance. It is eclectic, but not in a good way, and there are a couple of nice pieces, but a thick majority of this is just awful. What's more, when the music shows promise, it stops.

"Sky Saw" The highlight of this is no doubt the bass playing- it shines over all of the electronic brashness. I'm sorry though- all the garish silliness makes this unpleasant to even sit through- I grit my teeth.

"Over Fire Island" Once again, the bass is what holds my attention, but everything else just reeks of noise.

"St. Elmo's Fire" The first song is an upbeat one with actual direction and a pleasant, catchy melody. Expect fun vocals and piano, as well as an "electrifying" guitar solo from Robert Fripp.

"In Dark Trees" I like the rapid, locomotive sound driving the background and almost steel guitar whine that bears down on it.

"The Big Ship" This is the sort of progressive electronic music I like- it is powerful and heartwarming, and it has direction. It's a shame that, like most of the works on this album, it does not go anywhere.

"I'll Come Running" This wouldn't be a bad little ditty if it weren't for the silly lyrics and vocals. It's a laidback yet jaunty little piece led by piano.

"Another Green World" Brilliant thrusts of sound wash over a calm major bass line.

"Sombre Reptiles" This piece has a lazy, electronic and percussive Tex-Mex thing going.

"Little Fishes" Like a continuation from the previous track, this has a similar vibe, but a smaller sound, with lighter, quivering instrumentation.

"Golden Hours" Dull vocals drag over this otherwise bouncy bit of synthetic music. The guitar solo is a bit of fun, though.

"Becalmed" Soft and velvety synthetic pads fill out this brief piece, which is rather lovely.

"Zawinul / Lava" This is a gorgeous piece of music- so gentle and soothing. The piano carries a terse melody over airy washes of sound.

"Everything Merges With the Night" The second to last track is a weak folk track, with light acoustic guitar and piano. The vocals again are meager but not unpleasant.

"Spirits Drifting" The final piece is a thick bit of synthetic pads- nothing remarkable, much like this album.