CLOSE TO THE EDGE

As the general favourite, this is definitive Symphonic Progressive Rock, incorporating brilliant melodies and mesmerising bass. Every track is composed, crafted and expressed with awesome power and attention to detail. 'Close to the Edge' and 'And You and I' are those tracks that you can just play over and over again, each time picking out another little delight that you may have missed the time before.

'Close to the Edge' has some brilliant transitions and sweeping Wakeman interludes, using harsh dissonance, skilfully relieved leading to the cascading development into the next section of the song. Simply brilliant. 'I get up, I get down' and 'Seasons of Man' are my favourites of the track, leaving me breathless. Wakemans majestic organ leading to the bombastic synthesisers and drumbeat and the seamless but evident stride into the next passage. A brilliant end to this awesome exemplar of progressive music.

'And You and I' is possibly even better than 'Close to Edge', taking a slower more relaxed approach to effortlessly create another foundation in the prog tower. Starting with acoustic guitars leading to a progression where background moog is introduced and soft vocals veiling the raw music. About half way through - a choking extended note relived by a Wakeman with a beautiful tone from his moog, sweeping, elegant and flowing over the crashes of the drums. This is again developed, setting you solid in your chair, to the powerful vocals of Anderson. After an acoustic 'calming period', the main stream is again present, with bass, moog and drums, leaving Anderson and an acoustic guitar to counterbalance the swelling moog and finish yet another masterpiece.

'Siberian Khatru' is a less notable track in my opinion, although has my favourite minute of the album - Wakemans tremendous harpsichord solo and penetrating bass.

A must have in any prog rock collection. This is not just 37 minutes of entertainment; it is a lifetime achievement.

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