THE RAGGED CURTAIN

This is Guy's fourth studio album released in 2002. Several guests help out including Andy Tillison on one track. Guy dedicates this recording to his dad "For his love of life, the sea & stone". His father passed away the year this was released. As usual Manning writes and composes everything. Every album of Guy's I have heard has impressed me.There's depth and class to his work that stands the test of time. And I know as I get older these albums will become more appreciated.

"A Ripple (From Ragged Curtains)" is a short intro track then things kick into gear with "Tightrope" where the electric guitar and a full sound arrives. Spoken words in this one then the tempo picks up followed by vocals. Catchy stuff. The tempo slows after 3 minutes but it continues to shift. Nice sax 4 1/2 minutes in followed by organ.This is great. Themes are repeated and the sax is back late. "A Place To Hide" is a relaxed tune and vocals arrive before a minute. Sax before 3 minutes followed by guitar. "Where Do All The Madmen Go?" opens with spoken words and music. Almost a reggae vibe here. Some raw guitar too. Organ before 2 1/2 minutes. Some good guitar late.

"Stronger" again opens with spoken words as a beat with synths comes in. Reserved vocals arrive, then later we get some sax before 4 minutes. "What Is It Worth ?" opens with horns before the vocals take over. Mellow guitar after 4 1/2 minutes and spoken words end it. "The Weaver Of Dreams" features flute and a light beat. Guitar comes in then it settles as the vocals arrive. Contrasts continue. "Ragged Curtains" is the almost 26 minute closer. It's pastoral to start with what sounds like mellotron. Then we get flute as reserved vocals continue. It kicks in after 2 minutes.It then settles back 5 1/2 minutes in with strummed guitar and flute. Organ before 7 minutes. It kicks back in at 9 1/2 minutes then settles back as the tempo continues to change. A calm before 16 minutes with vocals.

As usual an enjoyable and rewarding listen. 3.5 stars.