What does it sound like?:
Another deluxe reissue in this continuing series – this time it’s the turn of the 1990 album Slow Dance. It follows the now usual format of the first cd having a remastered version of the original release, the second disc has a plethora of previously unreleased material while the audio only dvd has the surround mix etc.
This is an instrumental album – originally there was one piece occupying each side of the vinyl album. It’s said it was intended to illustrate Phillips’ ability to produce film soundtrack music, showcasing as it does many facets of his undoubted musicianship. It is an album that needs to be carefully listened to in order to fully appreciate it – it certainly reveals more each time you play it. The pace does flag a little at times, but there are some nice orchestral passages, together with sections of intricate keyboard work, and the first part ends with a lovely guitar solo.
Aficionados will be especially interested to hear the second cd, Slow Dance Vignettes, which has nine previously unreleased pieces from the album sessions, these ranging from alternate takes to demos to unused sections of music.
The package includes a very good and well illustrated booklet, which recreates the original artwork and includes a fine new essay on the making of the album.
What does it all *mean*?
This is an interesting album, one that has to a great extent been forgotten until now in the Phillips’ catalogue, but it’s well worth a listen if you like the sort of lengthy instrumental pieces on offer here.
Goes well with…
A quiet night in.
Release Date:
Might suit people who like…
Other albums by Anthony Phillips, instrumental albums in the vein of, for example, Mike Oldfield.
Colin H says
This man has made seemingly a career not out of touring or other public appearances but simply by being a former member of Genesis for half an hour. Amazing, isn’t it? Good luck to him.
Baron Harkonnen says
He’s recorded a lot of fine music Colin, I only got into his music by buying the first of these mini-box sets(good value also) out of curiosity. The fact that I have bought the lot says something.
Colin H says
That’s certainly a great tribute to his music, Baron!