3:47 E.S.T. [AKA: KLAATU]

Klaatu fulfills, in this first album, what all lovers of Beatlesque music and Progressive Rock are looking for; an album of rich melodies against a backdrop of progressive imagery. Add to this a flawless production with crisp engineering and you have an irrististible combination that should not be missing in any melodic 70's music collection.

The album begins with their undeniable masterpiece, "Calling Occupants..." which was heard on FM Rock stations across the country (briefly) asking it's listeners whether this was the Beatles or not. They obviously were not, but the keen listener got their first glimpse of great musicianship amidst the onslaught of Arena Rock rubbish that surrounded it on the airwaves. The melody and production commanded attention as we all heralded "World Contact Day" and began to believe in extra-terrestial life. But my personal first aquaintance with Klaatu was the following track, which I heard on AM Canadian radio (CKLW) a couple of years before. "California Jam" encapsulates the Beach Boys feel-good sound with twists and turns the 60's group couldn't deliver. "Anus of Uranus" then adds some fun levity while letting us hear how "heavy" they could deliver the goods. And then back to the Beatles imagery and arrangements with "Sub Rosa Subway" with it's melodic McCartney bass lines, hi-hat echo ala "Let It Be" and the "It's All Too Much" ending complete with passing subway cars reminiscent of "Magical Mystery Tour".

The second side begins with an out-of-character but fun rocker called "True Life Hero" which also shows they can rock like the best of them. "Dr. Marvello" is then supplied for the die-hard "Strawberry Fields/Walrus" enthusiasts and delivers it well, complete with sitars and a backward instrumental break. And then, boys and girls, we venture back to the '40s as an old sailor tells us a story about his adventures around the world and to hell and back in "Sir Bodsworth Rugglesby III". You may first want to roll your eyes when the song starts, but just take the time to experience this track! The arrangement and studio experimentation are in full force here. You can actually hear the old sailor strike a match, light his pipe, and slightly choke as he continues his story. It also includes great vari-pitch techniques with the vocals. And then the album concludes with "Little Neutrino" which has left me scratching my head for years, although I've come to love it. This final track (ending with a puzzling mouse "squeak") leaves you wondering who the heck Klaatu is and wanting to listen again to discover more.

The mark of any good album is to encourage repeated listening as well as anticipation for a future release. The mystique created with this album accomplishes both of these feats better than any other album I've experienced! It is no wonder that rumours were flying about the groups identities as well as the meaning behind the tunes. Nobody felt that way about Foreigner or Journey, but those that were paying attention in '77 got a pleasurable treat with Klaatu!