Concepts by Mo & Mick
Music by Roye, Taff, Mo & Ron
Lyrics by Roye, Mo & Mick.
A NEKTAR composition.
Roye Albrighton / guitar, lead vocals
Derek "Mo" Moore / bass, backing vocals
Ron Howden / drums, percussion
Allan "Taff" Freeman / keyboards, backing vocals
Mick Brockett / lighting, projections and visual effects
Music samples are in red |
Bonus Tracks on Remastered Cd: |
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1.
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Astral Man |
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2.
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Nelly The Elephant |
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3.
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Early Morning Clown |
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4. |
Oh Willy |
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Show Me The Way |
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6. |
Robert Calvert out-takes |
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As the author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent"
and a former radio disc–jockey, I am often asked to write and or discuss various
music supplies and recordings from the 60's and 70's.
After one of the finest progressive rock masterpieces "Remember The Future"
the guys from Nektar had to decide the direction of their next project. Do you continue
with the theme record and the longer tracks or attempt something different? Nektar
went with the alternate route and along with "Sounds Like This" comes
their most underrated achievement.
1974's "Down To Earth" with Hawkwind friend Robert Calvert acting
as ringmaster for the progressive circus is a tremendous listen. "Astral Man"
is in its proper place as the album opens. Offering the perfect combination of catchy
instrumentation with a great vocal, the three–minute tune would be superlative
on stage as well. "That's Life" is a work of art. The beauty of the
song comes alive each listen. "Fidgety Queen" is in your face Nektar rock
and roll with no apologies needed. "Oh Willy" can be thought of as a shorter
version of "A Day In The Life Of A Preacher" from "Sounds Like This."
In short form it still takes hold of your body. The album builds momentum and by
the time the eighth track rolls around "Show Me To Way" you are elevated
to an even higher level of musical brilliance. Make sure to please purchase the
remaster with 6 alternate versions and some Robert Calvert ringmaster outtakes!
If you are looking for the first Nektar CD to purchase any order of "Remember
The Future", "Recycled", or "A Tab In The Ocean" will surpass
your expectations. Once you have absorbed the wizardry, next should be "Journey
To The Center Of The Eye", "Sounds Like This", and "Down To
Earth." Those would cover the original Roye Albrighton catalog. "Magic
Is A Child" with Dave Nelson stepping in takes a different approach but still
a must own. You then will have several reunion choices and Roye solo projects to
engulf.
Enjoy the music and be well,
Craig Fenton
Author of the Jefferson Airplane book "
Take Me To A Circus Tent"