SHADOW OF THE MOON

The more I listen to Blackmore's Night the more I conclude it is just so much fluff, pretty and pat, but it never strikes me as being parody as some have suggested, just a muse being followed by Mr Blackmore to satisfy his own muse, Ms Candace Night. One album seems to be plenty to indulge, and I suppose this debut is as good a place to start as any, even if I find the less acclaimed followup to be the less samey.

One of the problems here is that they actually perform a few pieces I have heard in other guises, and their renditions erect the same sterile vinyl siding around these old chestnuts as around the originals. This begs the question of what TRI YANN or RENAISSANCE could do with some of Blackmore's compositions.

Perhaps because it is so rare, I look to tracks that possess some edge as the highlights, even if the edge be filed, sanded and rounded almost beyond detection, because at least these tracks stand out to some degree. For instance, when Richie does cut loose on lead guitar it is occasion to celebrate. "Writing on the Wall" comes to mind..

This is all easy listening music 17th century styled the way pork roast can be served kosher style. But it is at least well played, produced, and Night's vocals suit the material. I can't recommend it to many here who don't have a fetish for quaint folk and an honorary membership in the Society for Creative Anachronisms, but under the shadow of the moon I'll admit to liking it, and then deny it all the next morning.