SECOND ALBUM

For many CURVED AIR fans this is their favourite. I still much prefer "Air Cut" but maybe it's because that's their most mellotron laden album plus it was the first record I heard from them. "Second Album" would change the lives of everyone in this band when "Back Street Luv" became a hit in the UK. Suddenly they were getting TV appearances and their concerts became full of screaming fans. Monkman with his VCS3 synth is quite inventive here while Way on his violin always impresses. Sonja though is the focus with her fantastic vocals.The album is fairly low key overall but they always keep it interesting to their credit.

"Young Mother" is a top three for me that was written by Darryl Way about Jackie Onassis the wife of President Kennedy. It opens in an impressive manner with swirling synths and prominant drums. Vocals and violin after a minute. Some "out there" synths and piano too when the vocals and violin stop. Great section as the drums pound.Vocals and violin are back late to end it. "Back Street Luv" just sounds really good especially the tone of the electric piano. Crisp drumming and reserved vocals too.

"Jumbo" is an interesting ballad with strings. Again written by Darryl about how homesick he was for the UK when they were touring over in America.They even cut a tour short because he was so distressed. "You Know" is catchy and fairly uptempo with vocals. Some guitar solos on this one too.

"Puppets" is a great tune that opens with laughter and percussion before the vocals,piano and mellotron take over.This is the only mellotron track. Some nice bass before 1 1/2 minutes. Cool song. "Everdance" is fairly intense with Darryl's violin and Sonja's urgent vocals.

"Bright Summer's Day" is an upbeat track with vocals, violin, organ and drums standing out. "Piece Of Mind" is the final and longest song on the album at almost 13 minutes. A top three for me as well.This one is about being incarcerated at a mental hospital and it is quite dark. Native-like drumming with violin and organ early.Very cool sound here.Vocals after a minute. Piano 2 1/2 minutes in as the tempo picks up. Guitar after 3 minutes. It settles with piano after 3 1/2 minutes.Violin joins in. It picks up with vocals 5 1/2 minutes in. Spoken vocals 8 minutes in as uptempo drums, violin and bass play on. It settles back before 11 minutes. Spacey synths come in to end it.

An enjoybale listen.3.5 stars.