BREATHE AWHILE

ARCADIUM are an obscure band from the UK who were released on even a more obscure label called "Middle Earth Records". Their lone release "Breathe Awhile" was released in 1969. I don't like the album cover or the pictures in the liner notes, heck I don't like the liner notes either. Anyway I do like the first two tracks a lot, but I felt the rest was below average except for the final song.

"I'm On My Way" opens with relaxed guitar as bass joins in. It gets heavier after 2 1/2 minutes then settles again. Electric guitar after 4 minutes as it builds.Vocals and a calm 6 minutes in. The tempo picks up 9 minutes in with organ.This is catchy stuff.The guitar lights it up before 11 minutes. Good song. "Poor Lady" is another catchy track with harmonies. Love the chorus.The guitar cries out on the verse.

"Walk On The Bad Side" features reserved vocals, organ and bass before a minute. I like when the vocals stop and guitar and organ take the lead. Vocals return as themes are repeated. Not a fan of a "Woman Of A Thousand Years", the vocals and lyrics do little for me. Guitar and organ stand out on "Change Me", vocals a minute in. "It Takes A Woman" kicks in quickly guitar leading the way as bass, drums and organ try to keep up. Vocals 1 1/2 minutes in. An uptempo tune. "Birth, Life And Death" has this spacey intro then it kicks in with organ and drums. It then settles with a relaxing beat. Raw guitar before 2 minutes. Lots of organ and vocals arrive before 6 minutes.

I can understand why some people adore this record, sadly i'm not one of them.