FROM THE GREENHOUSE

I'll be honest and say that I've never heard any of this bands seventies output except maybe a song here or there on prog internet radio (or when I saw them live). Also, I wouldn't even really call this prog rock but more like art rock. Sure there are definitely prog elements on here like the use of keyboards and different arrangements but over all this is more in the art rock school than pure prog. For one thing the songs are pretty basic and there's not a lot in the way of long instrumental sections like in prog. That said none of that really matters if you enjoy good music. There is a definite uplifting, happy or bright vibe going on here and that might put some people off because some of this might be considered sappy or syrupy sounding to some(another reason why it would never be called pure prog). But again it's all about the music and despite that happy kind of song that permeates some of the tracks the lyrics are often kind of cynical focusing on the darker aspects of human nature and as a result could be considered "liberal." To me the band is just telling it like it is and regardless of your politics you can't deny that this is some very melodic and well played rock. I always sort of thought of this record(which I first picked up back in 1989 shortly after it first came out)as a cross between the Wall era Pink Floyd and early to mid 80's Rush (think Signals-Hold your Fire and it's in that ballpark)and I still think that stands for the most part but this would probably also appeal to fans of Styx and 80's Yes as well as maybe later Genesis. So yes this is a somewhat poppy sounding album and it is very accessible but it kind of brings out the kid you at least until you pay attention to the lyrics which like I hinted at are socio -political at times.

The album starts of with the title track "from the greenhouse" which is very reminiscent of Pink Floyd especially in the guitar. The chorus of "after all we've been through...doesn't it seem a little bit funny to you...." is one of the most haunting and memorable things I've heard. The whole album could consist of the best songs the radio never played and I still can't figure out why none of these songs were ever hits. I did hear the title track on the radio once(not counting a special on the group which is how I discovered them)but that was a rare thing and only to promote new albums. Next up is "under red skies" which is kind of laid back and with a nice almost bluesy or folky feel to it. The third track "big money" is a bit of a rocker with a big almost arena rock kind of quality to it especially with the chorus."The frozen rain" is next and contains a very beautiful melody which will be reprised later on in the album. Next up is "monkey boy" which might put some people off at first because of the racial imagery but it is actually a very anti racist kind of song which seems to criticize the racist and intolerant views people have and still do hold. A good one but possibly the weakest link on the album. Next up is "all the things we do" which is a nice rocker but with a laid back quality. This is where the social commentary seems to be at it's sharpest on the album. The song even ends with a fake atomic bomb sound. Track number seven is another exercise in social commentary called "lost in america." The lyrics are almost humorous at times but don't take away from the fact they are trying to address serious often neglected matters. This track contains a very nice bluesy Floydish sounding guitar solo. I remember hearing that Genesis were a big influence on Crack the Sky but it seems that Pink Floyd must have been a pretty big influence to especially judging by this album. The last track is the longest at almost 8 minutes long and is called "Can I play for you(Ians song)." This track contains one of the most beautiful and melodies I've ever heard and although it's pretty laid back it is so inspired that it will do anything but put you to sleep. The strings are a very nice addition to this track and gives it a very big sound. Somewhere in the middle the track breaks into the theme of "frozen rain" and the chorus from that song is repeated. Very beautiful.

All in all an all time unsung classic. It's possible that I've played this as much if not more so than any album I've ever owned. If you don't like aor or pop rock or stuff like 80's Rush or Styx or the 90125 or big Generator sounding Yes than this might not be for you but this is some great melodic rock with some prog elements (especially the last track) that is waiting to be discovered. A great album and I'm only giving this album four stars and not five because of the drum machine that is used which might put some people off.

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