Editorial Review:

Album Description:
Part of the Charisma series. Japanese reissue packaged in a miniature LP sleeve. Originally released in 1974. Virgin. 2004.

Album Details:
Japanese Limited Edition in an LP-STYLE Slipcase.

Rating: - excellent
Hatfield and the North were one of the more creative bands from the 70's. Much of the debut sounds like ambient sounds combined with light jazz. Every so often you can hear some Camel and Caravan influences, however, on this album, the band doesn't quite have the memorable songwriting that the former two bands had since the very beginning. Some of the instrumental jams are a bit too messy and quiet to catch my attention.

BUT, that's not really important, since I still really love ... Read More

---

Rating: - Excellence Amidst the Absurdity
Musically, this album is 4-star impressive. Just don't look for any substance lyrically. The song titles and lyrics are feeble attempts at quirky humor that gets old fast. It is unfortunate because had they at least made some of the efforts more serious in the lyrical department, I would consider this a classic and must have for fans of the Canterbury scene of the 70's. It is certainly a keeper but if you can't get past the nonsensical lyrics, better steer clear. For that reason alone, it will ... Read More

---

Rating: - close to perfect
This is probably the most uniformly brilliant and inventive piece of canterburian progressive rock I have ever heard. Every single composition displays extremely intricate arrangement, chord patterns, and amazing virtuosic musicianship. Dave Stewart's keyboard work is absolutely indespensable and the whole band displays some of the most melodic and confoundingly beautiful ensemble work this side of Mozart. Not only does the music improve but it is essential for repeated listening. This is a defining ... Read More

---

Rating: - Serious music for serious minds
This cd would require more active listening but generally the results are very rewarding. I've listened to this more than 20 times and I still discover new sounds and new twists. Dave and crew must've been into some kind mind enhancing potion to create such complex music.

---

Rating: - Not Sinclair's best work
I bought this based on my appreciation of Sinclair's work with Caravan and Camel but also due to someone describing the album as the one he'd take to a desert island. Not me. The songs here are sloppy compared to Sinclair's work with the other bands. No doubt in those situations the other musicians held him to higher standards than when he was calling the shots himself.