Search - Phil Manzanera :: K-Scope

Like Roxy Music? You'll Like This.

Chris Ward | Costa Rica | 03/02/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is effectively a solo effort (with lots of help from 801 and King Crimson and Roxy alums) from Roxy Music guitarist Phil Manzanera. Is it his best? No-- that's "801 Live." But this album (along with "Listen Now") is close behind, and the two stand-out tracks (Walking Through Heaven's Door & Gone Flying) are among the best stuff ever out of the whole Roxy/Ferry/Eno/Manzanera 70s club. Well worth checking out."

A Kaleidoscope Of Sound

Ralph Quirino | Keswick, Ontario Canada | 05/16/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Sadly for Roxy Music fans, Manzanera was pretty much relegated to the role of second banana by the time Avalon hit shelves in the early eighties. Gone were the looping, edgy guitar runs that marked key Roxy tracks like "Both Ends Burning" or "Editions Of You". On this, his third solo disc (fourth if you count 801 LIVE), Manzanera took all sorts of chances and came up with an inventive prog-rock album that sounded fun and varied. From "Walking Through Heaven's Door" (with its "Kashmir"-like construction) to the cheesy Farfisa organ runs on the instrumental title track, the album has a little bit of everything for fans who've come to love the man's guitar work. Simon Phillips' intense drumming on the wistful "Gone Flying" is to-die-for while guest vocalists Tim and Neil Finn add the right amoount of pop fizz. Easily one of his finest and a find for Roxy Music fans with a fondness for cuts like "Out Of The Blue" and "Mother Of Pearl". Recommended!"

Nor bad for 1978...

Armando M. Mesa | Chandler, AZ | 11/16/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Amidst the disco fad and hype it was refreshing to know that some artists were not afraid to try other venues of style or experiment outside of the norm. Case in point is Phil Manzanera from Roxy Music fame. This solo-side project reflects some interesting styles from pop-rock,pre-new wave to one particular track having an almost ska-like life of it's own (pre-dating the sound of the group Sublime). While Remote Control may have less than well thought out lyrics or music,K-Scope, Cuban Crisis, Hot Spot,and others more than make up for it.Do not expect any Love Is The Drug or Avalon musings;this is strictly Phil's turf and time. There is an almost subliminal early Police (Sting) nuance to this project but not enough to garner the award for rip-off.While not a blockbuster it is a more subtle approach and acquired taste that may take a few plays to get used to. Once you like it you will appreciate it more.It's like an intermediate wine;it may take a few sips before it hits (in a good 'ol fashion partying way)."