PROCUL HARUM- REISSUE OF 1997
"30th Anniversary Anthology"
Procul Harum have recently been touring again as part of their 30th anniversary celebrations.For those unfamiliar with them as an albums band this is a great introduction containing their first 4 albums digitally transferred to CD by Tom Moulton and Greg Vaughn in New York (These guys deserve credit for the great sound they get particularly on album one which was recorded in 4 track mono!) As a bonus there is a third disc with singles, outtakes and alternate takes.The liner notes by Henry Scott-Irvine (He was also responsible for the compilation) trace the influence that Procul has had on progressive rock and Edward Macan classifies them as a 'proto-progressive' group in his recent book on the subject. Daryll Steumer and Ronnie Stolt cite them as inspirations- and there must be many others! However you classify them this package is essential listening and also great value for money retailing at £20.00 in High Street stores - a great chance to listen to a band that were way ahead of their time and did not get the recognition their talents deserved (and still do!) Absolutely indispensible!

PAR LINDH PROJECT
"Mundus Incompertus"
Superlatives fail me!- an outstanding new release from Sweden's answer to Emerson. 3 tracks only beginning with 'Baroque Impression No.1' just as it says-big classical influences but this music also rocks! 'The Crimson Shield' featuring the heavenly voice of Magdalena Hagberg quietens the mood before the near 27 minute long title track. Outstanding performances not only from Par on Hammonds etc but also Inge Thorsson on violin and the Singillatum Choir. (That's definitely unfair to the other 6 players) Buy it!
On Crimsonic Records. Web site: www.algonet.se/~larry/plp.html
E-mail: crimsonic@algonet.se

BJORN LYNNE "When the Gods Slept"

'When the Gods Slept' ('Wizard of the Winds' in the U.S.) is Lynne's musical interpretation of Allan Cole's novel of the same name(s). I wondered how Bjorn could possibly follow 'The Void', one of 1997's best releases - now I have my answer.

Once again he has successfully blended 70s symphonic/ electronic prog with modern sensibilities and given concept works a new respectability. Ignore this at your peril!

(Cyclops Records- available through the usual outlets  or through: http://www.lynnemusic.com (where you can check out the CD covers featuring the original book artwork  and hear samples of the music.)
ANEKDOTEN "Official Bootleg:Live in Japan
Expensive import- contains most of 'Vemod' and half of 'Nucleus'as well as 4 stunning new tracks- 'Slow Fire', 'Road To Nowhere', 'Tabatha' and 'Groundbound' (Get it?)
ARS NOVA "Goddess of Darkness"
For the uninitiated Ars Nova are a 3 piece all lady group from Japan. Their music has the intensity of Emerson, the intricacy of Egg. Clssical influences abound especially on the symphonic 'Isis'. Dramatic, powerful music full of snarling Hammond and unnerving sounds. Turn the volume and bass up- Ars Nova are wild!
STEVE HACKETT AND FRIENDS "Tokyo Tapes"
Following hot on the heels of 'Genesis Revisited' I was a little uncomfortable with the mixture of AOR ('Heat of the Moment'), humour? ('Vampyre With A Healthy Appetite'- like an out of control 'Pandora's Box') and prog and I have to say the best moments are the storming versions of' In The Court', 'Watcher of the Skies', 'Los Endos', 'I Talk To The Wind' (with Ian McDonald in excellent form) and a welcome return for 'Shadow of the Hierophant'. I wasn't sure about the arrangement of 'Firth of Fifth' preferring the 'revisited' one.Digitally recorded at the  price of a single CD one can't really complain. It's just a pity Steve hadn't included something from 'Spectral Mornings'- now that really merits the tag '20th century classic'! (Camino Records)
Available from www.stevehackett.com/ at £14.50 + P&P (The video is £12.00 + P&P)