PALADIN

I actually like this record. Maybe its not up to the standard of the later "Charge" but it has plenty of ideas and makes up for it faults by sounding enthusiastic. Always a second division outfit Paladin never got the kind of support reserved for bands like YES. The Organist is a fine musician but the vocalist is second rate poor at times. Bad-times is a worthy first cut and to be honest there are no real howlers on this LP at all. The art work is a little dull, which is a shame. The production is OK even good by the standard of the time. My favorite cut is Dance of the Cobra, which has a fine Drum solo (an acquired taste perhaps). Otherwise this is pretty much what you would expect prog rock that is neither truly dreadful or partially inspiring. Has this record had a cd release yet ? I suspect not and because of that it remains a mid priced rarity sought after by those who own the excellent "charge". It doesnt compare well with Charge but then few records from that period by less well known bands do. If you can find a copy and love "charge" I would recommend this because it aint that bad.