THE ROAD BACK HOME

I am, for sure, an "album person". That's to say .. I prefer to spin an album in its entirety instead of making a collection of excellent tracks. This is probably due to my experience with having enjoyed long duration tracks like Genesis "Supper's Ready" or Yes' "Gates of Delirium" which gives me limited room to make a compilation. This has been working fine for me for quite a long time. For bands with song duration greater than 10 minutes, I do not expect to have any compilation - that's why I do NOT own this compilation by The Flower Kings, because the band has many excellent tracks with long duration and I rarely find their best in short duration. So, you know now why I do not own it. My friend loaned me this compilation.

To my surprise, this compilation delivers "value" to me because it has background story (in its 20-page colorful booklet) for each track presented in the compilation. This is really great and it satisfies my purpose because I always curious about the detailed information about how the song was composed so that it helps appreciate the music better. I hate any CD with very limited information on band history as well as song history.

Roine Stolt wrote the opening welcome in the booklet where he mentioned about why and how the compilation was made, plus an introduction of 10 years + the lifespan of The Flower Kings. I do enjoy the opening welcome and, of course, detailed information about the song and under which album the song was album. This is something that other compilation seldom do and it's a deep fallacy. The major reason for me to own an album is basically the information pertinent to the music, even though I can actually find from the net.

Let me just take an example on how the booklet info plays important role for me. When I read the background od "Cinema Show" it's clear that this song was something that the band members very proud of. The reason they recorded this song was due to a request from the American label to make a Tribute to Genesis CD where the band (Stolt) chose Cinema Show. They were doubtful to be able to perform the song, especially on guitar layers. But the result, for me personally (Gatot) is superb! This is one of the best cover song I have ever heard despite Kevin Gilbert's "Back In NYC" (another Genesis cover song). I am not exaggerating to say that this version by The Flower Kings is different than original version by Genesis and for me it's bit better than original one. It's really wonderful how the band plays this song with great flow. It sounds like floating and richer in textures. I do not intend to demean Genesis but I 'm proud having this version by The Flower Kings.

Having known this, I do not think that this compilation is worth for newbie, but it's also for Collectors who want to know better the music of The Flower Kings, especially in the song making story. Recommended. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW

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