Release Date: 17th March 2015
Label: Primary Purpose
The
Studio Recordings Anthology Volume 1 is a look back at the solo
career of a man of whom it has been said “has been in more bands than many of
us have had hot dinners,” and the man in question is John Wetton. A brief
listing of his band involvements certainly gives a flavor of the variety of
“jobs” he has had with Mogul Thrash, Family, King Crimson, Roxy Music, Uriah
Heep, UK and Asia.
As to JW’s solo output, there are 10 studio albums listed
from Caught In The Crossfire (1980)
to Raised in Captivity (2011), 9 live
albums from Chasing The Dragon (1995)
to New York Minute (2015) and 5
compilation/box sets form Kings Road 1972-1980
(1987) to the album for review, The
Studio Recordings Anthology Volume 1 (2015).
I would normally give an indication as to the band
members involved in the review of an album, but as the contents of the release
span 31 years, I feel it would be a thankless task, as well as taking up many
pages.
The selection of tracks on Anthology Vol 1 come from his “true” solo albums, 3 tracks taken
from Caught In The Crossfire (1980),
5 from Battle Lines (1994), 8 from Arkangel (1998), 7 from Sinister (2001), 6 from Rock of Faith (2003) and 3 from Raised in Captivity (2011). Although I
suggested that there were 10 solo albums, 3 were collaborations with Geoffrey
Downes (Icon, Icon 2 and Icon 3) and
the other was a collaboration with Phil Manzanera. I must admit there is one
thing that I sit on the fence with anthology albums, and that is whether the
chosen tracks should run chronologically or not, as having the chance to see
how the artist has evolved through the years I think is a very good thing.
Anthology
Vol 1 is a double CD carrying 32 tracks with a total playing
time of around 140 minutes with each CD lasting seconds under 70 minutes. The
longest, and shortest, tracks on offer are “Take me To The Waterline” on disc
2, and “The Circle Of St Giles” on disc 1, playing for 6:08 minutes and 2:03
minutes respectively.
I will freely admit that John Wetton is not very high on
my personal list of listening favorites, although I have been aware of him
since being “blown away” by the Family releases back in the 60’s. This release
is an excellent introduction to the writing and the music of John Wetton with a
fantastic selection of rock ballads which effortlessly move from quiet, soft
vocals and music, through some stunning guitar breaks, the addition of
excellent orchestration when required, but which is never obtrusive, and at
times, some blistering work from John and his myriad of guests.
Tracks that caught my attention after several plays
include, “Cold Is The Night” (5:19), “Second Best” (4:01), “Where Do We Go from
Here” (3:21), “Heart Of Darkness” (4:51), “The Last Thing On My Mind” (3:49),
“Battle Lines” (5:25), “Raised In Captivity” (6:06) and “Take Me To The
Waterline” (6:08), but there are no “fillers” on this album. The double release
is a welcome addition to anyone’s CD collection, unless, of course, you already
possess the original albums.
I would certainly recommend giving The Studio Recordings Anthology Volume 1 a few listens as I was
extremely impressed by the material on offer, and I will dip into the music
from time to time. My view on the writing and music of John Wetton has rocketed
from the position it was, having recently reviewed a couple of his live
releases, which were less than impressive.
This is a superb retrospective from a giant in this
genre.
4.5/5 Stars
Key
Tracks: Take Me To The Waterline, The Last Thing On My Mind, Raised In
Captivity
Disc 1:
The Circle Of St Giles
The Last Thing On My Mind
Hold Me Now
Where Do We Go From Here?
Another Twist of The knife
I’ve Come To Take You Home
I Can’t Lie Anymore
Lost For Words
Battle Lines
Caught In The Crossfire
Arkangel
Right Where I Wanted To Be
Nothing’s Gonna Stand In Our way
Second Best
Woman
Real World
Disc 2:
Heart Of Darkness
Say It Ain’t So
Cold Is The Night
You’re Not The Only One
Raised in Captivity
Steffi’s Ring
Walking On Air
Take Me To The Waterline
Silently
Battle Lines (Acoustic)
I Lay Down
Rock Of Faith
Who Will Light A Candle?
Disc 1:
The Circle Of St Giles
The Last Thing On My Mind
Hold Me Now
Where Do We Go From Here?
Another Twist of The knife
I’ve Come To Take You Home
I Can’t Lie Anymore
Lost For Words
Battle Lines
Caught In The Crossfire
Arkangel
Right Where I Wanted To Be
Nothing’s Gonna Stand In Our way
Second Best
Woman
Real World
Disc 2:
Heart Of Darkness
Say It Ain’t So
Cold Is The Night
You’re Not The Only One
Raised in Captivity
Steffi’s Ring
Walking On Air
Take Me To The Waterline
Silently
Battle Lines (Acoustic)
I Lay Down
Rock Of Faith
Who Will Light A Candle?
Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson-Sr. Reviewer Prog
Rock Music Talk
August 25, 2015
Review
Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk