OUT OF FOCUS

I always take notice when Barry Winton is let loose in RC, not least of all for his highly opinionated comments and, it must be said, somewhat contentious gradings (Polydor Power, RC 368). As a point of reference, surely the Blind Faith and Focus’ In And Out Of Focus albums are worth more than a paltry three stars apiece? While The Bee Gees’ Odessa has, to my mind, always sounded like a massive pop-psych folly – a band looking to grab any passing fad in an attempt to sound relevant.

Mind you, it was nice to finally see coverage of some of the more obscure Polydor releases, such as the remarkably erudite jazz-rock of I Spider by The Web (above); the brilliantly melodic prog of Paint A Picture by Fantasy; and Ray Owen’s blistering guitar homage to Jimi Hendrix, Moon. But if you’d allowed Barry just a page more he might have covered such low-selling obscurities like heavy progressive rockers Life, Rare Amber, Mongrel, Mainhorse and Abacus.

There was also the superb progressive jazz of Zzebra and Iguana: two acts that stand shoulder to shoulder with The Web. For pastoral and considered (some might say mellow) prog, investigate Aubrey Small, Medicine Head, Juicy Lucy and Daddy Longlegs. I’m sure Barry would’ve waxed lyrically about all those and more given half the chance. When can we expect to see a similar feature on the progressive rock of Deram or Charisma?

by Derek Oliver
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