THE ROTTERS' CLUB

The true beauty of this album, some earlier reviewers suggest, only emerges after repeat listening. After listening three of four times I certainly began to appreciate the subtleties of the music and the skills of the players. Although the musical constructions are often complex and frequently innovatory, the album remains accessible and generally pleasing to the ear. However, repeat listening also led me to draw some negative conclusions. Despite it's innovations and craftsmanship, the album only amounts to a form of progressive-jazz kitsch that is, at best, innocuous and at worst irritating. Too often the music slips into a meandering and inoffensive waffle that did little to grab my attention or excite any emotion other than indifference. The lyrical 'whimsy' is not especially humorous and the mock cockney accent of the singer is slightly embarrassing although otherwise tolerable. The album certainly has its virtues and I can appreciate its influence upon later progressive rock bands. But, ultimately this is a piece for progressive-rock connoisseurs and not essential listening.