Ok, here goes. I have waited for this CD for as long as Stan has been talking about it. Now I am a Happy fan since H'Burg days 76 or so, Wilson Hall, Cellar Door, Rockingham County Fairgrounds Holloween Party, how long ago...............
I heard from Stan, more vocals, rockier, fusionier.........
Here is what I think.
Fanfare...........Happy, but no progression of creativity, & it's not Happy, it's a different band.
Ride..........Best track, doesn't sound like Happy, sounds like a different band....that's good.
Noodlepoint....Back to Happy, now this is ok, but as in the Muse, I personally would like to see growth, especially an instrumental.
Catwalk....very Happy, I love Stan's vocals, great instumentation, but tedious, too long. Washed out production.
No Surprise......Great intro, great sax work, keybored, enough said. Just right time wise though.....short.
Bootsy.....whimsical, funky, Jan Hammer ish, even a taste of Jeff Becky. 2nd best tune, adventurous.
Chapter 7.1.........not as good as PGA, & why?
??
Tales of Young Whales.......Yawn
Frank is a supreme sax player, but is holding Stan back imho. His writing is too Happy, where Stan's is a bit more creative. Happy is good but I heard it, like the Muse, 30 years ago, & frankly (no pun), move on.
Oh, & by the way, I think this is better than most of the mindless crap that is making money today. That's the shame, most people don't really want talent, they want good videos & controversy.
Yes, I am just a joe blow with an opinion.
I am listening to Oblivion Sun now, & continue to listen to Happy, forever.