BOX OF CIRCLES

Well I have to disagree with the other reviewer. I think this is a highly sophisticated album with a distinctive voice reaching WELL beyond what 'Garden Shed' achieved. It was also clearly a MASSIVE effort to put together (Webb estimates it as taking 7300 hours in total!) and demands to be listened to in complete before making a rash judgement.

The concept of Fortune And Fame and the music being rich, layered and through-composed makes this is a highly 'progressive' album in the literal sense. You have to sit down and listen closely as well as actively. Webb is clearly a huge music lover who marvels at the work of the great composers as well as classic rock. Homages to Carl Orff, Beethoven, a homage to Gershwin, a homage to McCartney, Simon & Garfunkel and so on and so on. Yes and Genesis are OFF the radar here. The 'homage' to Mitchell and Mingus's 'God Must Be A Boogie Man' without 'covering' the song itself is quite a feat and pulled off handsomely. For the rock 'trainspotters' out here, he also drops in little references to things we already know and love...there's some Floyd, King Crimson and, well, have fun, you'll find the rest!

Look, you get the message. This album is for music-lovers with a broad taste. This is the whole point: 'England' have cult status with progressive rock fans but this LP might be lost on those who merely want more 'Garden Shed'! Therein lies the poisoned chalice of popularity even on a modest level. Forget 'Garden Shed', great though it is, this is a step away from that. Equally clever and equally polished but going somewhere less easy to pigeonhole. What a shame it's lost on some. This album is imaginative, witty and if you listen and discern properly there are deep messages to absorb.

I should also mention the booklet of lyrics is beautifully done. Make sure you get the LP! Side One, track two, "Destiny" is the standout track for me. Very clever indeed. Though Timelessness is also achingly beautiful both in execution and production. Again, best appreciated while sat still listening and following the lyrics in the booklet, as is ALL of Side Two in fact.

Great album.