FATA MORGANA

OK - I admit this is not your fathers "Holderlin." Not symphonic prog rock at all really. In fact, it is very reminiscent of the new wave pop rock era of its time.

But, this is a wonderful record if taken from that perspective. Beautiful melodies (mostly sung in German) mixed with great (not over the top) production. The energy is just right for the style, and there is still some prog moves here and there - especially compared to the new wave era of the time.

Some of the progressive community really hated this style that a few of our early heroes went. I too always want long, meaningful songs, done in a progressive arrangement. Tull's "Under Wraps" comes to mind. Man did the prog fans bag on this one. And in actuality, this is a wonderful record and quite progressive if taken for the fact that Ian's muse went this way. AND it kept them in the public eye (MTV interviews, video's played in rotation, etc...) while the industry wondered (or is it wandered?) aimlessly where to go next.

So, even though some of this sounds a bit dated, the music holds on its own. BTW - the remaster is well done, and since the music is not in anyway conceptual, the extra tracks (I usually hate extra/bonus tracks - just give me the album as it was released!) fit quite nicely, and in fact add to the completeness of the outing.

I lean more and more to avant/RIO/prog, but for this is a nice easy to enjoy that really hits the spot sometimes....as always, JMHO!!! and as always, thank you to Progarchives.com for this wonderful place to exchange ideas!