Gracious

構成数 : 1
合計収録時間 : 00:54:23
Personnel: Alan Cowderoy (vocals, guitar); Martin Kitcat (vocals, piano, electric piano, harpsichord, Mellotron); Robert Lipson (drums). Audio Remasterer: EROC . Recording information: 1970. Photographer: Sam Sawdon. Arranger: Gracious. Hard on the heels of King Crimson, the debut of Gracious! begins with the blandly but accurately titled "Introduction." One of the album's strongest tracks, it's a Nice-like combination of menacing Moog breaks and shimmering harpsichords, and it foreshadows the band's use of both heavy prog music and ghostly lyrics tinged with Catholic dread. "Heaven" is a gorgeous minor-key ballad of stately Mellotron and chiming guitar tones, with harmonies reminiscent of late-model Zombies. "Hell," not surprisingly, is another thing altogether: a descent into drunken declamations, clinking bottles, rowdy bar sounds, loopy piano riffs, and creepy phasing effects. From here, the album settles down a bit: "Fugue in D Minor" is a straightforward chamber orchestra piece, and the "Dream" ends the album with meandering jamming and overblown monologues. Still, it's a fine debut, and it presaged the superb second effort that was to follow. ~ Paul Collins
録音 : ステレオ (Studio)