What does it sound like?:
This CD/DVD reissue of what is Banks’ strongest solo release is basically the same as the 2009 reissue – a new stereo mix of the album on the CD, 5.1 surround mix on the DVD – with the addition of a 96/24 mix on the DVD. Two promo videos also appear on the DVD.
Based loosely on Daniel Keyes novel ‘Flowers For Algernon’, the album was first released back in 1979, Banks wisely let someone else (Kim Beacon in this case) handle the singing, while he concentrated on the keyboards – a good decision as this album showcases some of the finest examples of his technical playing abilities.
Nice booklet too, with some interesting observations by TB.
What does it all *mean*?
Powerful complex songs – check, top notch keyboard playing – check, abstract soundscapes – check, thematically linked lyrics – check. If you only buy one Banks solo album, this is the one to go for.
Goes well with…
Other Banks albums, Mike Rutherford’s ‘Smallcreep’s Day’, other prog-lite stuff.
Release Date:
Might suit people who like…
Fans of Genesis around the ‘Wind and Wuthering’ era.
I’d go along with this. The best tracks of this and Smallcreep’s Day would make a very strong album.
Smallcreep’s Day has one of my favourite Hipgnosis sleeves. I’ve never heard it.
Mike doesn’t sing on it, so it has that going for it. If you like Duke era Genesis it’s worth seeking out. It doesn’t seem to be on Spotify. About £10 on vinyl on eBay.
I’ve recently been putting the boot in regarding Tony Banks, but more for his piss-poor attitude than his music. I like his orchestral music (I bought 6 and 7, I’ll probably buy 5 at some point) – the influences are a bit blatant but it’s none the worse for that.
It occurred to me that I’d never actually heard A Curious Feeling, despite the consensus being that it’s his easily his best solo album. Comments above about Duke-era Genesis and Wind & Wuthering encouraged me to give it a go. So I cued it up on Spotify and gave it a listen.
Worthy but dull. Prog-lite, indeed. Duke is much more interesting, Wind & Wuthering is an order of magnitude more interesting. Reinforced all my prejudices about Banks Minor.
Admittedly, I didn’t give it the Tigger-approved six listens…do I have to? Life’s too short…
Has it ever been revealed what this curious feeling was? I wonder if it was humility or empathy.
Based on the Genesis – Together and Apart doc, I’m guessing… neither.