Reminding of a true gem that for some reason didn't sell on release and today seems almost forgotten. It was his second solo album after Procol Harum broke up 1977. Reading the credits there's not a trace of the old combo - Brooker himself wrote both music and lyrics and handeled the production with help from fellow musicians. Backing provided by some of the most renowed players back then - Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Albert Lee, Mel Collins, Chris Stainton and Phil Collins included. Even if the context and zeitgeist was way past -77, the feeling is almost like being back with Procol Harum. It's all there - the strong melodies, key-board riffs and attractive vocals. The arrangements are more seventies than eighties - synths are only used as support and not too much reverb, giving a very good audio. I'm listening to it this morning and getting a warm feeling like being among friends. There's no specified track credits, so it's hard to know exactly who plays where. Still it's hard to miss George Harrison's licks on "Mineral Man" and the guitar backing on title track sounds a lot like Clapton. If you're an old PH fan and haven't heard it yet it'll be a happy reunion, but also highly recommended to music lovers everywhere. Early US on Mercury (SRM-1-4054). German CD issue 1987 on Line Records (9.00015). Premiere UK had label as shown here and thin glossy cover with lyric/credit inner. (PRÖX*)
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