Sky are not the most popular prog band for many reasons, one of which is the band fairly much sticks to a standard form of indstrumental music rather than tripping outside the box. Occasionally they produce some exciting music that resonates with exceptional clarity and musical virtuosity. This collection encapsulates all that is great about Sky. The ability to trasform classics into an incredible sound experience that appeases the masses. One such track is 'Toccata', the first massive single for the band that put their name on the world map. 'Toccata' features brilliant drummiing and guitar and a keyboard sound that drives the track relentlessly. The film clip was my first introduction to the band and I owned the vinyl single as a result. I was taken aback by this amazing sound but wondered if their other material could measure up to this outstanding track.
Sadly, rarely does any of Sky's works even come close. They are capable of some great material such as 'Gymnopédie No. 1' and 'Hotta', represented on this album but overall there is little to recommend them. They do perform an excellent version of Curved Air's 'Vivaldi' and 'Skylark' is pleasant enough. However apart from these tracks the music becomes tiresome and I longed for them to step into uncharted territory. It is all too safe and confined. The band need to experiment more and produce progressive stylised music, but they rarely do. This is perhaps the only Sky album you will need.
1. Toccata2. Westway
3. The Fool on the Hill
4. Gymnopédie No. 1
5. Vivaldi
6. Skylark
7. Troika
8. Hotta
9. Masquerade
10. A Girl in Winter
11. Dance of the Little Fairies
12. Chiropodie No. 1
13. Keep Me Safe and Keep Me Warm, Shelter Me...
Δεν υπάρχουν σχόλια:
Δημοσίευση σχολίου