THE HISTORY OF SOLAR MUSIC VOL. 2

The first "mysterious" version available on this double album is over an hour long. The introductory part (with these disjointed vocals) is well known. It is not during this short section that "Grobschnitt" investigate into unknown territories (jamming if you prefer).

The problem with this long version is that the improv parts aren't very much inspired. Repetitive, the guitar work from the first section sounds a bit dull. Flavourless, unfortunately. I am a huge fan of this splendid track. Each time that a version is available, one does not know what to expect.

After twelve average minutes, the song progresses into good territories. Fantastic crescendo, aerial keyboards. "Solar Music" in all its splendour. This version is harder than most of the previous ones. Spacey moments are scarce (if any). And I'm lacking these ones.

The band is of course playing at unison but the feeling is not the same even if this version is good of course. But my expectations are so high in terms of "Solar Music" that when it is not excellent, original nor extravagant, one has the feeling that something goes wrong. And this is what happens here. If you would except the second and the fifth "movement", most of this version is far from reaching the superb quality of its predecessor ("History 1"). But remember, I'm comparing different versions of this fabulous track, so by no means is this one poor. Just not on par with the greatest renditions available.

Still, some fantastic guitar and drumming with sustained keyboards work are present during the short sixth part. The best one so far IMHHO. Emotion and subtlety are on the rendez-vous during the seventh part. Almost religious, poignant. In one word : great. It seems that the overall quality is picking up again. You know, it is impossible for "Solar Music" to be a disappointment for me. I love this track sooooooo much.

After a few music less seconds, the band starts the final part in an explosion of sounds. Almost "Santana" guitar work and heavy keys. Like in their debut album ("Santana", I mean). It is no the first time that I make this comment (and probably not the last time either since I will review each of "Solar" jam available).

To fill up the first CD, there will another jam featuring very good keys ("The J.R. Connection"). But eleven minutes of these are probably too much.

Now, the second "Solar" moment. "Extremely" short one. Can you imagine : "only" thirty five minutes or so.

This "Köln" intro is probably one of the best available. Recorded much after the release of the original (1979).True vocals and great beat for about five minutes. Then a loooong and repetitive average but crazy part. Till the end of this first section (which lasts for about fifteen minutes). Second section starts as a kind of poor world music one but gets great after a while. A mixed feeling, really. From poor to great.

As usual, the last section (fourth one here) is not the best one : band presentation (in German of course). This "Köln" version is one of the weakest one I know (except the great intro).

The third one was recorded in Osterholz in 1973. It is more psychedelic and features some harder beats as well. I definitely prefer this one in comparison with the Köln version. More authentic should I say. But each "Solar" boarding will bring you to another location, using a different transportation as well as routing. Final destination always being the magical STAR.

Part five through eight are really hard rocking all right. Incredible guitar attacks. Wiiiild and grandiose. This epic piece of prog music is an ABSOLUTE must for prog fans (whatever the genres you are into). You really need to grab one version of this masterpiece. But maybe not this one although the closing section is tranquil and melodic. It changes from the usual band presentation. One of the best closing part of this marvellous track IMO.

If I can recommend one CD of this magical piece of music, I would say that History part one is the best so far. I would rate this one only with three stars. I hope that my friend Febus will forgive me...Still two hours and a half of good music. A hell of time (well) spent for one review.

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