CHERRY FIVE

CHERRY FIVE recorded only one album before band leader Claudio Simonetti and a couple of his other band mates went on to form GOBLIN. Interesting that Claudio pays tribute to his 2 previous bands THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY and OLIVER by naming songs after them on this album. He would also borrow musical pieces from this record and put them on GOBLIN's debut. I mention Simonetti a lot because he really is the main man here,his organ,keyboard and mellotron play absolutely shine. The music here is without question YES influenced and flavoured. That's putting it mildly, and I can understand some having a problem with that. For me it's just a pleasure to hear such well played and composed music. There are vocals and they are in English.

"Country Grave-Yard" is one of my favourites on this album. I especially like when the vocals come in before a minute with organ and then mellotron. An awesome sound is the result. The vocals are passionately good before the opening guitar melody returns after 2 minutes. An organ solo follows,and check out the bass ! More mellotron waves come and go as themes are repeated. The song ends with honking horns and sirens. "The Picture Of Dorian Gray" opens with some powerful organ as mellotron joins in. Acoustic guitar takes over. This is very pastoral. Mellotron is back until some uptempo organ arrives. Some nice drum work before vocals come in at 3 minutes. More great mellotron and bass a minute later. Guitar is prominant as well as it and the organ come and go. Great tune.

"The Swan Is A Murderer Part 1" opens with some energy as keys and drums lead the way. Vocals come in.There is an eerie calm with wind 3 1/2 minutes in. You can hear a music box playing. This continues into "The Swan Is A Murderer Part 2". The sound starts to build until it's full before a minute. Prominant bass as vocals arrive a minute later. Piano 3 minutes in as drums and piano dominate to the end of the song. "Oliver" opens with piano that gives way to some aggressive organ and drums. Vocals 2 minutes in. The organ and bass are great. A calm after 4 minutes as piano and guitar slowly play. Drums join in before mellotron kicks in at 5 minutes.The organ leads the way as the tempo picks up. A mellotron storm follows. Nice. Vocals are back 9 minutes in to end the song. This and the opening track are my favourites. "My Little Cloud Land" opens with some outstanding organ, drumming and guitar before the vocals arrive. Love the intro.The bass is chunky and I really like the way the vocals soar somewhat each time on the chorus as organ and drums sparkle.

CHERRY FIVE is a nice treat I will bring out every once and a while when I need something symphonic. Excellent.