Brown and Crane...Together Again!
Jason A. Levine | Seattle, WA USA | 06/27/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I do not have enough words to describe how unbelievably cool this album is, let alone how under-appreciated. Recorded in 1980 (when making records still required the use of fab musicians, REAL singers, analog tape and ANALOG synthesizers) "Faster..." was a very welcomed collaboration from two of Britain's finest (and zaniest) psychedelic cats. From the opener, "Storm Clouds", it's vintage Arthur Brown, whooping and singing with a strength and range that makes you shiver...The track segues with a moog bass into "Nothing We Can Do," a slightly disco-esque, yet modern-Hammond Organ-Rock Opera type tune that again, features fabulous Brown vocals (and lyrics) and beautiful harmonies, and string arrangements. And it just gets better and better. "Timeship" and "Come And Join The Fun" are by far two of the best tracks on the CD (and could have easily fit right into a Kingdom Come release), with their spacey/insanity type lyrics...I could go on forever. And it goes without saying, that Arthur is in fine company. Vincent Crane is an AMAZING keyboardist; piano, organ, moog, it's all here, and it rocks. And as always..MASTERING NOTES:: Now, I have the 1995 Blueprint release which was transferred from virgin vinyl; a couple pops and clicks, but it in no way detracts from this fine music. I can't speak for this new import, but I'm sure they'll keep the standards high. Seek out this release, even on vinyl...You just might learn something, and it just might change your opinions about great rock/pop music, and it'll change you, Faster Than The Speed of Light!"
The last great prog record?!
Herb Atlas | Chicago IL | 01/23/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The album was commissioned by Klaus Schulze for his Innovative Communication label in the late seventies. Unfortunately the master tapes to the album have been lost (or so the story goes). Thus this Blueprint reissue is inferior quality to the original excellent vinyl. However, ditto all of the below review comments; The orchestration is top - reminiscent of Chris Squire's Fish Out of Water. Truly the last great record of the 70s. Classic!"
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1