At The Theatre - Mantovani

Advantages: Like Boz Scaggs - love this album
Disadvantages: Hate Boz Scaggs - why are you reading this?

...only hear in lifts, as arranged for Mantovani’s Cascading Strings. This album, his first for seven years or so, is a pretty reasonable mixture of jazz, R&B, smoochy stuff and old-fashioned Scaggs magic…and puppies. Payday, the opening number, is introduced by some distorted guitar and a bit of hi-hat ‘n’ cowbells before the keyboards and guitar, supported by some solid bass, come in and let you know that this is Boz…no suprises! Gentle lead, a nice bit of brass in the background, and Mr Scaggs offering up a blues lyric which offers the notion that, as it’s payday, it might be a decent time to party. At points, it sounds a little ‘disco’ and at others it sounds like the kind of thing Simply Red were covering back in the old days when they were musicians, and no-one minded being seen buying their records. Track 2: Sarah, is a ballady... Read review

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Advantages: Brilliant rock classical sounds, great songs
Disadvantages: None

...of my favourite songs of ELO. Need Her Love ***** Again a very quiet opening with electronic sounds, keyboard and muted guitar builds up with gentle strings to a gentle romantic ballad. The video superimposes pop art imagery and the ELO space ship symbol over the group’s performance. The Diary Of Horace Wimp ** The introduction suggests Sparky’s magic piano meets Mantovani. Otherwise it is a jaunty enough upbeat number with little distinguishing features. This is not my favourite track on this album – although a great many people disagreed with me and made it a hit single. The accompanying cartoon animations are diverting. Last Train To London *** A good railway rhythm from the bass and drums pervades the backing of this track. Good swirling strings too. (Video) The song is performed on a stage with dry ice swirling about... Read review

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Advantages: Relevant songs, great vocals
Disadvantages: Deviates a bit from the normal Styx formula

...Paradise Theatre is the album which helped Styx become a world-wide name and it's easy to see why from the moment you hear the first track. Penned by Dennis DeYoung, the frankly genius vocalist of the group who was forced to quit in 1999 helped make this concept album sound brilliant and relevant even today. Described as being a metaphor for American life in the early 80s, each track helps build up the Styx experience and makes great use of the piano and electric guitar. Several tracks make use of the same melody from this album's signiture track 'The Best of Times' which gives the album setting a sense of continuity and presense. If you're wanting a great rock/pop album you can't go wrong with Paradise Theatre. Let's face it, you're hearing this from a 15 year old kid: it's gotta be good!... Read review

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