90125

You have to get past the seventies Yes albums and the Asia-like qualities of the day to see what what has actually come about of this sometimes exhillerating album.The starkness of "City of Love",the unsinkable attitude of "Our Song",the whole Football-rally we're-the-winners sound of it.Do not be fooled by the pristine recording techniques of circa 1983,as some of the shine here is real.The album as a whole is played out as a series of stories,and was crafted in a mindset that it does not matter what anyone is making.This is not a Toto album.The unfortunate clarity of some of its bells and whistles only serves as a backdrop to the larger picture.Dare I say that "It Can Happen" contains soulfulness?Or that the rolicking rythym of "Leave It" just sound good enough to play again? This is not an all-purpose album,but it contrast to today's prevelant cynicism,this peice of escapism is sometimes a welcome relief,and that IS what Rock'n'Roll is all about.