FISH RISING

If my earlier statement of the two main Canterbury styles is true being camp 1: the Caravan/Hatfield/Soft Machine style and the other camp 2: the Gong style being far more avant garde/psychedelic/space then Steve Hillage is clearly to be classified in camp 2. And another statement: this music is so early seventies, I mean light up a joint and enjoy !

Actually my big love for this great artist and this album is caused by the largest epic of the release: Solar Musick Suite. I know the song for over 5 years now and my love and admiration is only increasing. And then I mean especially the second half of the song on which Steve is firing at all cilinders really. Like I said in my Khan review: I like it best if these solos are extended like they are never ending. And that's what's happening here. The loose laid back style of this eminent song is unsurpassed and I will love it forever. 5* without reserve.

How about the rest of the album ? Well, The Salmon Song and Aftaglid are certainly worth while deserving just about 3,75* on average but they can't reach the amazing level of SMS. But in the end the approach of this album is absolutely my cup of tea. An admirable effort by Steve Hillage but not a true masterpiece I feel. So I will setlle for four.