SHORT STORIES / TALL TALES

I am currently listening to this album as part of the magnificent "More Than You Can Chew" box set, where it is presented in it's own mini-gatefold sleeve with proper art work, and notes in a separate hardback book which comes in the box. Although the notes are frank, saying this was produced by a band worn out by touring and record company apathy, it was not an impression which I got from the actual music - this is largely upbeat and even jaunty in places. Highlights for me are "Rescue Me", with an acoustic Simon & Garfunkel feel, that should have been an huge hit, and Unapproved Road (it's interesting how both of these songs touch on very dark subjects, whilst keeping things melodic and avoiding the usual cliches). As for it's prog rock credentials: I'd say this is one of the more straight-forward albums in the Horslips catalogue, and perhaps The Book Of Invasions or Aliens would be a better place to start, but I don't think there are any fillers and I listen to the album all the way through without skipping anything.