Steve Hackett's legacy has reached legendary proportions over the
years due to his contributions to progressive rock in bands like Genesis.
His solo career has also left its imprint upon the history of progressive
rock. Although I haven't heard too much of his solo work, this release
and Darktown give me a good idea of what direction Hackett went on
two of his outings.
"Feedback 86" was his post GTR solo album, and it probably was a huge
disappointment, it certainly was for me. It all sounds like over produced
fluff; it's overtly technical, fake and plastic. It's really a shame,
as Hackett is a great guitar player, one of the best. What saves the
day are the 20 MP3 bonus tracks. I suggest you skip right over the
album and go right to the MP3's, they are excellent. Chester Thompson
and Ian McDonald also contribute tracks. Several of the songs are
of the unplugged variety. Of particular interest are the cuts from
the "Tokoyo Tapes." "Court of the Crimson King" and "Heat Of The Moment"
are fantastic acoustic adventures that will have prog fans and collectors
reeling. "Sketches of Satie-Pieces Froides #2," "Skteches of Satie-Gnossienne
#2," and "Momentum-Cavalcanti" show a beautiful side of Hackett's
guitar playing. All the tracks have a decidedly Latin flavor ala Segovia.
I know that Steve Hackett has garnered rave reviews and the respect
of his peers over the years, and I am a little disappointed that I
couldn't rant and rave about his work. I hope I have the opportunity
to hear more of his catalog in the near future so I don't have to
look at his solo career through just two CDs. I have a feeling he
did a lot of great work over the years that I just haven't had the
privilege to hear yet. I believe regardless of my feelings that these
two discs were well worth the listen and any prog rock diehard would
find some value and entertainment in them, I certainly did, especially
in all of the MP3s.
Songs:
1. Cassandra (Hackett) - 4:07
2. Prizefighters (Hackett/Howe) - 5:13
3. Slot Machine (Hackett/May) - 4:23
4. Stadiums of the Damned (Hackett) - 4:42
5. Don't Fall (Hackett) - 4:25
6. Oh How I Love You (Hackett) - 3:58
7. Notre Dame des Fleurs (Hackett) - 3:11
8. The Gulf (Hackett) - 7:21
* Bonus Tracks-20 MP3 Songs
Steve Hackett - Guitar, Harmonica, Vocals, Producer
Bonnie Tyler - Vocals
Nick Magnus - Drums, Keyboards
Terry Pack - Bass
Pete Trewavas - Bass
Ian Mosely - Drums
