Photos of Ghosts

HIS album might be considered the finest moment in progressive rock. All elements of classical, electronic, traditional folk, and acoustic music are represented within this album. There is no particular emphasis on only one element, such as jazz or "pop" as later albums fell victim to. The instruments were impeccibly recorded, as well. The mix is clean, so even when the band is playing at high volume, each instrument is able to be heard.       The introduction to the first song "River of Life" is a masterpiece in itself. A solo acoustic guitar plays the melody. Within two minutes, the entire band has mutated the simple melody to a roaring blast of sound, yet still retaining the theme. The next theme is a wonderfully recorded keyboard dominated mix of synthesiser, mellotron, and the Freeman String Symphonizer, which was added to the English mix by Pete Sinfield.       The tradional Italian folk sound is highlighted on "Celebration", which has perhaps become the representational song of the band. "Il Banchetto" contains many electronic sounds, common at the time of the recording, as synthesisers became more involved in recording. Yet it too contains a moody melody before deteriorating into an electonics exercise. Many of the songs contain the abrupt changes of tempo and volume so beloved by fans of progressive music.       This album contains music which is both simple yet complicated. It is not just an exercise of technical music by stuffy musicians, playing for a few people. It contains the sound of humanity- moody yet full of life. We should appreciate the work done on the arrangements which can only be accomplished by musicians who have dedicated themselves to their craft. David Eric Shur

---

[review index]