CYCLOPS SAMPLER 5

The reason I bought this sampler many years ago was because it was advertised as being a double disc filled with previously unreleased tracks. So we get different versions of songs, live tracks and new tunes as well. Only one song was released previously to this but apparently it's rare so there you go. Something like this wouldn't appeal to me now just because I find alternate versions of songs rarely come close to being good as the original. And after many listens to this recording I can also say that this doesn't come close to being as good as the Cyclops 4 sampler, in fact I can't even muster up a 3 star rating for this one.

Disc one begins with Rob Andrews' "Lake Vinuela 2" with it's powerful atmosphere before the drums and guitar come in before 1 1/2 minutes. An enjoyable instrumental recorded specifically for this project. FLAMBOROUGH HEAD's "Limestone Rock" is a highlight for sure with those female vocals coming in around 2 minutes.The song begins and ends with seagulls and waves.I like the atmospheric instrumental part way through as well.

GUARDIANS OFFICE is an offshoot of FRUITCAKE and their alternate version of "Dark Girl" is a top three for me on this first disc. I really like the melancholic mood here. HENRY FOOL a band I really enjoy for Tim Bowness' vocals and the abundance of mellotron is next with a new song called "Pills In The Afternoon".This is a top three as well. Great track.

KARDA ESTRA's "The Projected Future" is one i'm not a fan of at all. I just never could get into this band. Same with the next band LANDSEND i'm afraid.

Guy Manning's "A Strange Place" is next and it's a live version that reminds me of the eighties for some reason. MOSTLY AUTUMN hit us with two tracks in a row.The first is Celtic-like and the second FLOYD- like.They're okay.

MYSTERKAH is a band i've never heard of. Female vocals in this one. Not a fan. NICE BEAVER ends disc one with my last top three song. It's an alternate version of "Culley On Bleaker Street". I like these guys.

Disc two begins with ODYSSICE's "Scream".This is a good instrumental with atmosphere early then piano and guitar. PARALLEL OR 90 DEGREES' "Blues For Lear" is a previously unreleased studio jam but it's all about the lyrics really. I like it.

PINEAPPLE THIEF's "Variations On A Dream Pt.0" was recorded for this sampler and it's my favourite song on the whole recording. Love this band and track. SAENS' "Escaping The Hands Of God Pt.2" is funny enough the worst song on the whole recording in my opinion.Yikes !

SPHERE3 offers up a jazzy instrumental. I like it,while TRANSCIENCE an offshoot of LANDSEND disappoints.

TRINITY's tune "Which Way" is poor. Sounding like a light seventies tune before turning into a FLOYD flavour. TWELFTH NIGHT" and their "Fact And Fiction" song is a top three. An eighties vibe on this catchy number.

VULGER UNICORN ends it all with "Gliders" a song i've enjoyed in the past.This is an alternate version and good enough for a top three on this second disc as well.

So 2 stars for this one. Some good songs and some bad ones make up this particular sampler.