HELIGOLAND - "Heligoland"

Heligoland is the brainchild of producer Tim Friese-Green who describes his music as 'a delicate, neurotic but ultimately category- defying path through his influences, combining punk's guitar thrash with Debussy's harmony via King Crimson.'
I have to say that I liked everything about this album from the sleeve design to the intriguing lyrics to the music itself with the 6 minute tracks 'Bluebird' and 'Shock Treatment' (You can really hear the Crimson influence on the latter) as particular standouts.
Tim is assisted on this recording by other musicians including members of Catherine Wheel whom he has produced.
This is a 2000 release that I've just received and will be returning to. 'Heligoland' is definitely one of my (retrospective) 'recommended releases of 2000'.
(Calcium Chloride CaCI 003 CD)
(distributed by Voiceprint- www.voiceprint.co.uk)

Reviewed by Phil Jackson) musician and reviewer, Paradox One

Emetrex - Curve Of The Earth (Seriously Groovy CD single)

Following up their UK tour in February, and the acclaimed (not just by us) "Metacomet", "Curve Of The Earth" will be sitting in a record shop near you on 13th May, begging an a pleading to be picked ahead of all the other offerings that week. So, should you hand over your hard earned pennies?

To put it bluntly, I do not like "Curve Of The Earth". Far too mainstream, bland, dull even. Did nothing for me, nada. Fortunately, there are two other tracks available for your delectation. "Out Of My Sight" carries on that fine Mark Eitzel / Red House Painters thang we know and love, "Trip You Up" is the ace in the pack, glistening, sliding, insinuating itself under your skin, leading you along a path you're not sure you want to explore, but you can't help yourself. If it only it was considerably longer!

Two out three ain't bad, so go ahead, get some.

http://www.seriouslygroovy.com
3rd Floor, 28 D'Arblay Street, Soho, LONDON, W1F 8EW, UK
seriously.groovy@virgin.net

KEN HENSLEY - "Running Blind"

As Ken says in his sleeve notes this is the 42nd album of his career but his first solo record since 1980 so it's been a 'long time comin'!
It opens with an overture, a slightly lachrymose orchestral arrangement heavy in piano and strings redolent of a Vangelis film soundtrack. This segues into the arpeggiated organ introduction of a 'Prelude' ('A Minor Life') and this brings us back to the classic organ sound of Uriah Heep, Ken's band from 1970 to 1980.
When the singing starts the drums are 'very 'eavy' as they used to say with the guitar counterpointing the keyboard melody. The guitarist is Dave Kilminster famed for his work with the John Wetton Band. (Wetton himself plays bass on two tracks)
Ken cleverly taps into every AOR trick in the book and 'It's Up To You' is as good a love anthem as you'll hear. In fact there are many songs here whose choruses are strong enough to have provided Ken with a string of hits in a different time.
I liked the use of a string section at various points in the album and Ken shows he can rival some of the great balladeers on songs like 'I Close My Eyes'.
The CD ends with a good old fashioned rocker 'Tell Me'.
If you enjoy the sort of music perfected by groups like Asia than 'Running Blind' is one album you'll want to have.
www.ken-hensley.com
(Mystic Records MYS CD 153)

Reviewed by Phil Jackson) musician and reviewer, Paradox One