UK '73 Orig CURVED AIR AIR CUT SWIRLING PROG PSYCH

$

34

1973 British Original !                              

Tumbling like Alice, down the tunnels of my mind!                          

         =CURVED AIR=

             AIR CUT

\                                                 UK - Warner Brothers - K 46225

 ORIGINAL 1973 British first pressing in gatefold sleeve....This is a progressive sophisticated hard rock record and it has a very surprising powerful sound for 1973 ...The bass is VERY bottom, and the distorted & aggressive organ and electric guitars give one of the most powerful progressive rock sound of the 70's 

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A real hidden gem this one, which is generally much more progressive than Curved Air's previous albums.

With Daryl Way and Francis Monkman no longer in the band, Sonja Kristina, whose distinctive voice is one of the band's strongest trademarks, was the only original member left. She continued however to surround herself with highly competent musicians, including the multi-talented Eddie Jobson. The other Curved Air trademark, the violin of Way was mainly replaced by keyboards, with Jobson only reverting to violin on a couple of tracks.

"Purple speed queen" is a storming opener, with a great synthesiser solo in the Rick Wakeman vein. "Elfin Boy" follows on much more softly, Kristina's voice never sounded more haunting than it does here. The track is a real weepy, with beautifully sympathetic violin accompaniment. "Graceful his fingers, they waltz on the strings, gentle the song that he sings", as the lyrics go....

The third track "Metamorphosis", is perhaps Curved Air's best ever track. Starting with almost classical piano, the track builds and softens, quickens and slows. Sonja's vocals vary from the almost child like, to seductive temptress. They combine with some really infectious themes and great instrumental work for over 10 minutes, to make for a real progressive rock classic.

Kristina takes something of a back seat on side 2, with an instrumental track, and a rare (for Curved Air) male vocal lead on "Two three two". The feature track on side 2 is however the longer final song, "Easy". For want of a better description, this is a prog power ballad. Once again, the track has superb keyboards including an excellent instrumental break, and Kristina in top form vocally.

Side 1:
1. The Purple Speed Queen (1:32)
2. Elfin Boy (4:13)
3. Metamorphosis (10:38)
4. World (3:43)
Side 2:
5. Armin (3:42)
6. U.H.F. (5:07)
7. Two-Three-Two (4:10)
8. Easy (6:40)        

CONDITION: The gatefold cover is VG++ still stiff and strong having a bit of small shelf wear mainly at top center, small, otherwise looks fine...no seam splits, no significant problems to note

The vinyl is all glossy clean with strong original shiny luster, "EX" (excellent) to M-playback is clean and very enjoyable...

      A cool addition to anyone's music library!

SEE: SELLERS OTher items for similar cool sounds for "head" people...

EFFICIENT/CAREFUL GRADING

All imperfections are noted both cover & record