FURTHER OUT

I certainly agree with what Gooner has already said in his review about this album. For me Ken Baird is first and foremost a song writer. Ken is also a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist. And he takes some great photos as well. There's something about his lyrics, songs and pictures that all seem to be connected. They all make me think and feel good at the same time. I felt "that" strongly with his previous release "Martin Road", both albums take me to a warm, safe place as odd as that sounds. It's about memories and the everyday things in life that he has the ability to make more meaningful through his lyrics, music and pictures.

"Spinning Wheels" has such a pleasant soundscape as Susan comes in vocally. Lots of piano here as it settles. Ken comes in singing before 2 minutes. Great sound. Gorgeous guitar solo 3 1/2 minutes in as organ follows. More incredible guitar after 5 minutes to the end. One of my favourite songs for sure. "A Thousand Years" opens with piano as vocals come in.This is sad and beautiful. Children start to sing before 1 1/2 minutes. Themes are repeated. Great tune. "The Sound Of Rain" is led by keyboards and drums as vocals come in. It gets fuller sounding a minute in as contrasts continue.

"Stainless Skies" is another favourite of mine. A feel-good track that opens with some good guitar and drums. "Where I Came From" is classic Baird, check out the lyrics. "I'll tell you where I came from, the town was small but the roads were long. I fell into life, I fell into yours and though I mean't well, I was not strong". Penny Whistle before 2 minutes. Guitar a minute later. "As The Highway Greets A Friend" is fantastic ! A heavier rhythm section on this one. Vocals come in. Piano after a minute as that chunky bass continues. It settles after 2 1/2 minutes with some excellent guitar and drumming.

"Reflections In The Lake" is basically Ken doing it all solo. A moving track with keyboards, piano and fragile vocals. Beautiful. "Everything To Lose" has such meaningful lyrics. Piano and organ to open as vocals come in.The tempo and mood shifts a lot in this one. Can't help but think of Tony Banks before a minute. Themes are repeated. The vocals soar 5 minutes in. "Further Out" might be the most ambitous song Ken has done. By far the longest at 10 minutes and my favourite. Amazing lyrics and the mood that is set here is so uplifting. The song turns spacey after 4 minutes as the melody stops. Sounds like TANGERINE DREAM 5 1/2 minutes in as the synths pulse and the drums start to put on a show. Incredible section ! Susan comes in vocally after 7 1/2 minutes.

A solid 4 stars, I still prefer "Martin Road" slightly but it might be the fact I have more history with it. If you can get either one don't hesitate. Heart music.