FINGERPRINCE

"Fingerprince" was released back in 1977 and while it's impact was not immediate on me like their others have been, this one really grew on me with repeated listens. A very consistent album with the usual humour, along with the electronics and percussions that dominate musically, but the vocals really are key. And they can be hilarious. It's interesting when they add warmth to their sound how it hits me emotionally. Usually the organ or atmosphere does this.

So we get eight tracks on side one of shorter pieces followed by the side long suite called "Six Things To A Cycle" that clocks in around 15 minutes and is divided into six parts. I do prefer that second side the most, as the first side is where it took me some listens to appreciate it. Of the first side songs I like "Tourniquet Of Roses" the most. Drums and horns as the vocals arrive and we get two different singers, and I can't get enough of the one that sounds really dumb.

I much prefer this to Zappa's humour but I suppose either one needs a really immature person as a listener to really appreciate it. Yes these guys do cross some lines in my world with their irreverence, but I have to give it up to this band for being so committed to their sound, to the point of not listening to other band's music, keeping it all inside their little world and it worked. "Godsong" is interesting as they go off the map here with determined vocals and an urgent sound. So much of this album is repetitive and sparse, especially side one.

The six piece suite includes the ultra catchy Pt.4 about chewing gum. Funny and repetitive. That yell in Pt.1 is startling. Pt.2 has some warmth, while Pt.3 is quite catchy. Warmth on Pt.5 the longest section along with horns, vibes and vocals. Originally the band wanted to make this a 3 sided album, including what is now the "Babyfingers" EP to this recording, but decided against it. It would be added though on later re-issues making this about a 53 minute album at that point.

Again this took some listens to appreciate as it's not as immediate as some of their other classics, but this is for sure a solid 4 stars in my world.