3 ORIGINALS

Cheap and cheerful

"Three originals" brings together 3 (unsurprisingly!) of Kayak's consecutive early albums, namely "Starlight Dancer" (1977), "Phantom of the night" (1979), and "Periscope life" (1980). To this are added a number of bonus tracks from the same period.

There is little point in going into detail here on the contents of the three albums, which are all listed and reviewed separately on this site. They are presented here chronologically, with the tracks in the same order as on the original albums. For reasons of space, "Phantom of the night" is split between the latter part of disc one, and the early part of disc two, with all the bonus tracks being appended to the end of disc two.

The package includes extensive sleeve notes, but unfortunately, from my point of view at least, these are written in Dutch, with no translation to English. The irony of this becomes apparent when you realise that all the lyrics are in perfect English!

Musically, the albums may not generally be cited as being the best efforts by the band, but they are nonetheless of a consistently high quality. They fit together well as a package, with little in the way of obvious changes in direction.

In short, a cheap and cheerful way of exploring some of the early music of this versatile band.

Three original albums with double CD that cost you purchase three albums, why don't you buy it? It's really worth the money because the three albums are good ones. In fact, I always love "Stralight Dancer" and "Phantom of The Night" album which both I rate excellently. Kayak is something special to me as the band is skillful in creating catchy notes, forming wonderful melody which typically augmented with great piano or keyboard work. "Starlight Dancer" has practically little prog components even though I can find clearly in "Starlight Dancer" track but this is an excellent album overall. Let me put it this way: I think vast majority of people like pop music and very few love prog rock. Now, if you have been attuned to prog, you would find this album by Kayak enjoyable and unlike other pop music. Because I know, that most progheads find themselves hard to accept regular pop song. Kayak music is mainly pop but with prog components. I rate this album as excellent one. "Phantom of The Night" is an excellent album that made them famous with "Ruthless Queen".

I remember vividly my first introduction (in the 70s) with Kayak through my big brother who gave me two groups at the same time: Genesis (later I knew as "Nursery Cryme" album) and Kayak. Those two bands were actually not related or something similar but both were made known to me personally at the same time. My first impression with Kayak was on their song "Woe and Alas" which has since then become my all-time favorite until now. I then kept purchasing the cassette version of Kayak whenever it was possible. This "Starlight Dancer" album is very memorable to me with the facts that some songs have tied me to some critical milestones in my life.

First is the title song "Starlight Dancer" which became as one of my companion when I struggled my career as Strategy consultant in one of the world's top six consulting firms. Yes, it was not just the time when the album was released but many years after that when I needed this song as a companion of my critical career. Why? First is the lyrics that for me was very adventurous and fit with my fighting spirit to achieve exceptional result as professional consultant. Second, is the song itself which has a catchy melody especially on the opening part, i.e. vocal line accompanied by piano. In addition, this song has a tight composition through dynamic style and orchestration. It creates my adrenalin running faster whenever I listen to this song.

Second is "Daughter or Son" with its great groove, wonderful beats and catchy melody. This is the kind of song that I need when I wake up in the morning. The music gives me feel like being motivated to conquer the day. It's nothing prog, I think, but it's pop with brilliant nuance. I seem do not care what the lyrics is trying to say, but the groove and the beats that make me! It's one of great songs that Kayak has ever produced.

"Irene" is an instrumental track with nice melody and it fits to most of people ears, I think. "Golddust" is another good song with drums intro plus uplifting mood. "May" is a very nice track with mellow style using mainly piano / keyboard as main instrument that accompanies beautiful singing style. "Where Do We Go From Here" is another excellent track this album presents. "Phantom of The Night" is an album which made them famous .Why do I say so? As far as I know, the band was not that famous until they released this album because it has successful and popular hit in my country : "Ruthless Queen". It quickly became one of favorites for vast majority of people in my country who love music. The radio stations played this song quite often in their regular program because it was so many requests about this song. People tended to know the band literally only from this one song. Not that many people knew that there were actually many excellent albums by Kayak. The discussion of Kayak is now even becoming one of hot topics in the i-Rock! mailing list where I'm participating.

It was at my first year as engineering student when I purchased the cassette version of this CD and I was in fact amazed with the music which was for me quite easy to digest. Everything about the music of Kayak sounds to me like a pop based music. They do not have jaw dropping fast speed double pedal drums nor distorted guitar solos. They play sweet music, I think.

Look at "Winning Ways" which has relatively fast tempo but in the corridor of pop music through a good combination of piano, drums and some guitar fills plus bass that accompany vocal line. This upbeat tempo track is quite good to open the day. "Keep the change" is also a song in similar vein like "Winning Ways".

"Daphne" is one of my best favorite tracks from this album. Oh man .. I like the intro part where the vocal starts the track in catchy melody. The melody is so nice that I keep repeating this track again whenever I play this album. As usual, this wonderful track starts with soft piano work with notes that makes your heart breaks! I mean it. Especially when vocal starts to sing backed with nice notes delivered by the piano. The song then moves into upbeat style in grandiose way using orchestra and guitar fills. Well, you must experience yourself. Play it loud!

"The Poet and The One Man Band" is another straight pop music. "No Man's Land" is a straight rocker with an upbeat music using a combined work of guitar and piano. "Journey Through Time" is a nice track with good grooves through out the song.

The title track "Phantom of The Night" is another great track which has powerful melody, tight composition and brilliant music flow. The music is mellow but the melody has been written in such a way that brings you seamlessly from one segment to another without any disorientation of chords or notes. All chords and notes blend nicely in a beautiful melody that brings your mind through a peaceful journey. The song is also enriched by light orchestra. The overall track is so captivating for me. It's really great!

"Periscope of Life" is also another classic album that I played regularly at that time. There are great songs like "Anne" and also "Sad To Say Farewell".

Overall, this is a highly recommended package that you should not miss! Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW (i-Rock! Music Community)