Thursday, September 06, 2012

Yes
"Fragile" (Vinyl)

Straight outta the time capsule, 1971's "Fragile" is progressive British rock at is strongest.  Complete with sprawling epic rock sagas ("Roundabout,") folksy acoustic numbers and synthesized covers of Brahms (ala ELP,) this is setting the groundwork for Spinal Tap.
If it weren't done in such earnestness it would be easy to laugh at.

As it is, this album is beautifully crafted with production detail that I've experienced on only a handful of albums.   Yes, it's sprawling and indulgent, and that's large part of what makes it fun.

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