3:47 E.S.T. [AKA: KLAATU]

This album by Klaatu might have been written years before it was released in 76. This is based on John Woloschuk's statement at the CD sleeve: "One of the original motivations for doing [what] we did was that we were sick and tired of the over- hyped, high profile syndrome that was prevalent in the recording industry in the early 70's. We wanted to avoid all that nonsense, so we waited until we could get a record company that would market us as just KLAATU". This album was originally released in August 1976 and my copy is the Re-issue version of 2001.

The album starts off with mellotron-drenched "Calling Occupants" in an atmospheric and mellow style with symphonic touch. It's a thematic opening with excellent melody and vocal line. "California Jam" is psychedelic in nature and it is very The Beatles with good vocal harmony from all three members of the band. The song contains style and tempo changes. "Anus of Uranus" sees the band in a classic rock style with practically straight forward structure. Guitars make good work here at this track especially during the short interlude. "Sub Rosa Subway" tells a story that dated back in 1870 just beneath the Great White Way. It starts with a combined work of piano, bass and xylophone. The opening part reminds me to the intro part of The Beatles "With A Little Help From My Friends" even though it does happen very shortly. Overall style of this track is similar with The Beatles. The song has style and tempo changes as it was with The Beatles "Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" album. The ending part of this track is very boring to my ears, i.e. when the lyrics says "To Brahmsian tunes ." repeatedly.

"True Life Hero" is a nice rocker with an upbeat tempo. "Doctor Marvello" brings another style of Klaatu in mellow symphonic psychedelic music. It's a good track as it has good melody and composition. "Sir Bodsworth Rugglesby III" is something circus-like music with banjo as main rhythm section. This track gives variation on this album. The concluding track is a thematic song called "Little Neutrino" which might serve good in accompanying you to contemplate. It's ambient, atmospheric and it has classical music element with touch of violin work and keyboard / mellotron. This song is different from any other track of this album and it's not The Beatles style at all.

Overall, it's a good album to have. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW