Record Reviews

CAMEL ~ I CAN SEE YOUR HOUSE FROM HERE (EXPANDED EDITION) ESOTERIC 2158 (Barcode: 5013929725829) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1979 Released: 2009 8th album by British Prog legends CamelFind albums by this artist, which marks a transition period in the band´s history, which followed a five years of personnel stability and incredibly productive output, as documented by their albums released during that period. Following the departure of founding member / keyboardist Peter BardensFind albums by this artist soon after recording this album´s predecessor – "BreathlessFind albums with this title" – the remaining two founding members: guitarist Andy LatimerFind albums by this artist and drummer Andy WardFind albums by this artist recruited three new members to complete the new lineup: bass player Colin BassFind albums by this artist (Steve HillageFind albums by this artist), keyboardist Jan SchelhaasFind albums by this artist (CaravanFind albums by this artist) and American keyboardist Kit WatkinsFind albums by this artist (Happy The ManFind albums by this artist). The new quintet lineup recorded this album, with a guest appearance by Phil CollinsFind albums by this artist (GenesisFind albums by this artist) on one track. As to the music included on the album; although more consistent and ambitious than it´s predecessor, at the time of its release it was considered both by the band´s fans and critics as disappointing and way too "commercial" in comparison to the band´s earlier efforts. In retrospect, although different indeed, it still preserves an incredibly high musical standard and integrity, both on the compositional and performance level, and suggests that it was rather the fans, who disliked change, then the band, which propagated change, which caused the fracture. There is no doubt that this album belongs to the proud heritage of music left to us by one of the best British Prog bands in the genre´s history. Recommended!

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

FROGG CAFE ~ CREATURES PROGROCK (Barcode: 660662133326) ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2003 Released: 2003 2nd album by relatively new US Prog group Frogg CafeFind albums by this artist and what a delight! Somewhere between Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, Gentle GiantFind albums by this artist and Happy The ManFind albums by this artist, these musicians create an amalgam of sounds and rhythms so fresh and high spirited that it draws an immediate attention. Although their musical heritage (Zappa!) is evident, they manage to re-invent some of the masterful tricks as well as create a very unique statement.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

	HAPPY THE MAN ~ 3RD / BETTER LATE... CUNEIFORM 55001 (Barcode: 045775500126) ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1979 Released: 1990 3rd and last album by this great group, which sadly was short lived. This is a reissue of the original album with some bonus tracks added. Many fans consider this to be their best ever.
	CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

	HAPPY THE MAN ~ BEGINNINGS CUNEIFORM 55003 ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock Early recordings and demos by the US Prog band considered by many the best symphonic band to come from the US. This material was recorded before the first album and shows the strength and inventivness of the musicians.
	CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

	HAPPY THE MAN ~ CRAFTY HANDS MUSEA 4314 (Barcode: 3426300043146) ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1978 Released: 2000 2nd album by the seminal US group Happy The ManFind albums by this artist, which sadly was short lived. More of the same brilliant musicianship and fascinating compositions make it another classic.
	CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

	HAPPY THE MAN ~ DEATH`S CROWN CUNEIFORM 55015 ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock First time on record, Death`s Crown presents a multi-media show composed and performed by the band in 1994. Written as a collaborative work with dancers, actors, lightning and coordinated slide shows, the music is very much in the usual Prog vein similar to other HTM material.
	CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

HAPPY THE MAN ~ HAPPY THE MAN MUSEA 4323 (Barcode: 3426300043238) ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1976 Released: 2000 1st album by this US group, which is still considered today the best American Prog outfit ever. Well based in the roots of British early classic Prog, yet very innovative as well, this music shattered the opinion that US bands can never play proper Prog. One of the great classics of all times.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

	HAPPY THE MAN ~ LIVE CUNEIFORM 55014 ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock Recently discovered live recordings from 1978 present the group at their peak playing extended versions of tunes from their first 2 albums and some new ones. Great sound and a must for all HTM fans.
	CD 1 Recommend To A Friend