Gates Of Eden - Ralph McTell

Advantages: Quality songwriting and arrangements
Disadvantages: Maybe a little dated in parts

...McTell is in fine form in this often overlooked album, his songwriting evoking personal experiences as well as the metaphysical, and looking far beyond the folk world for musical inspiration. The arrangements switch from minimal accompaniment to rock band to Robert Kirby's bold orchestrations on the standout track, "The Ferryman". Although some of the themes of the songs, such as "Pick Up A Gun", "Claudia" and "Chalkdust" are somewhat depressing, McTell relates the stories so well they can't help but leave a lasting imprint. "Tonight In Some Way I Loved You", the tale of a one-night stand, particularly displays the mixed emotions of the situation. If there is a weak link, it is possibly the rather turgid title track. It is interesting to see some names among the credits who would become famous for other ventures, including... Read review

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Advantages: Good songwriting, well-produced
Disadvantages: Pretentious- very, very pretentious

...Ultravox are generally considered as a band of two eras- before Midge Ure joined, and after he joined. The odd, often minimalistic musing of their New Wave era of the late 70s had long been brushed away by the time "Rage in Eden" appeared in 1981, the follow-up to their breakthrough album "Vienna". People generally either love or hate Ultravox, and it's easy to see the reasoning of both sides on this album. Midge Ure's vocals and lyrics are utterly pretentious, the echo of a band that has begun to disappear up itself in no uncertain manner. Scattered throughout the album, such as on songs like "The Stranger Within" are moments of over-theatrical warbling. That said, some of the songs here are quite beautiful, with the synths on "The Ascent" sounding especially gorgeous. The production is top-notch and the album has a pristine... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: arguably the greatest album in the world
Disadvantages: none at all

...the whole album. What was side one on the vinyl is one long suite, in three distinct sections. "The Rainbow" is an astonishing achievement, beginning imperceptibly, with a mournful trumpet and some gentle strings. This ain't rock n' roll... Without warning a harmonica blasts across the music, powerful and angry and the bass and drums create a simple rhythm beneath, as Mark Hollis sings the first line: 'Oh yeah, the world's turned upside down'. Never have the opening words on an album been so true. This is nothing like any music that anyone has ever created before. The rest of the suite is no less impressive with "Eden" containing faint echoes of the Velvet Underground's "Heroin" - something which takes on a deeper resonance in the light of the fifth track "I Believe In You" which is nothing less than a heartfelt prayer in memory of Mark... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful