RICK WAKEMAN - Retro 2 (2007)
Progressive Rock-United Kingdom“This is one of Rick’s best records and one of the best prog records ever. Wakey made Retro 2 with the same gung-ho enthusiasm and creativity he had in his 20’s. He used the same collection of analog instruments from the previous record but Retro 2 is a different experience. There’s more guitar, more instrumental tracks, and the recording sounds a little more visceral. Two things that really stand out are the fantastic sounding Hammond organ on several tracks and Dave Colquhoun’s impressive guitar playing.Retro 2 is a real album experience that takes you to different places. “Expect The Unexpected” is a very unexpected bluesy number with funky clavinet and slide guitar. “Beyond the Void” is a spacey prog epic with terrific bass playing from Lee Pomeroy and one of the coolest Mellotron choir parts I’ve heard. “Robert The Robot” demonstrates the silly side of Rick as the lyrics are a grumpy old rant about automated phone systems. “Tigger The Bounce” is a piano piece with multi-tracked pianos. My favorite is “Standing Room Only” which I consider one of the top rock instrumentals of all time.Retro 2 was made for people who aren’t satisfied with the way rock albums sound today. It was mastered with dynamics in mind, not loudness. Also Rick and Erik put a lot of effort into experimenting in the studio to make a unique sounding recording. I think Retro 2 deserves a Grammy or two!
review by George (Washington, DC USA)
01 Chasing The Devil 6′ 10″
02 Expect The Unexpected 4′ 40″
03 Beyond The Void 9′ 5″
04 An Angel Spoke To Me 5′ 35″
05 The Soundtrack 7′ 25″
06 The Fairground Shuffle 4′ 35″
07 Robert The Robot 3′ 45″
08 Standing Room Only 6′ 25″
09 Tigger The Bounce 4′ 45″
10 The Temple Of Life
Artist List:
Artist List:
Rick Wakeman - Keyboards
Tony Fernandez - Drums and Percussion
Lee Pomeroy - Bass and Bass Pedals
Dave Colquhoun - Electric and Acoustic Guitars
Jemma Wakeman - Vocals
Elliot Tuffin - Vocals
Catalogue: CD RWC᪷ President Worldwide
Miscellaneous Information:
Miscellaneous Information:
Equipment:
•Hammond M102•Leslie Cabinet•Korg Mono Poly•Poly Moog•Prophet5•Korg Electric Piano ES50•RMI Electra Piano•Mellotron M400•Korg Trident•Mini Moog•Korg Vocoder•Moog Taurus Mk1 Pedals•Moog Taurus Pedals II + Controller•Korg Sigma•Cry Baby Wah Wah Pedal
Original post by Merlinus