Comments on: Criminal Record

By: karoly vaczy

karoly vaczy — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 10:57:29 +0000

honestly, if you are just getting into Wakeman’s world of music this record should be the first one to obtain. it is by far unic and a masterpiece of one of a kind!!! Kari Vaczy
Rating: 5 / 5

By: S. Glickman

S. Glickman — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 10:40:02 +0000

this is in the manner of henry the 8th, which nothing could really compete with. enjoyable.
Rating: 4 / 5

By: Steve in Memphis

Steve in Memphis — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 08:25:45 +0000

This isn’t my favorite Wakeman album, but it is good. If you already have his better works, like “The Six Wives of Henry the Eighth” and “Journey to the Center of the Earth,” you might want to consider this.
Rating: 4 / 5

By: Jorge Carnaxide

Jorge Carnaxide — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 07:59:05 +0000

In spite of being a huge Yes fan, i have to say that i consider many of Wakeman’s records weak or not particularly inspired. Nevertheless, i think that ‘Criminal Records’ is probably his best yet. This is progressive music at its best, inspired by classical composers, but without being pretentious or overwhelming; quite the opposite, it flows graciously in a noble atmosphere mirroring the themes of crime and passion. The opener ‘Statue of Justice’ is simply stunning, as is the impressive closer ‘Judas Iscariot’; however, my favorite track is the lovely ‘Birdman of Alcatraz’, an only-piano song with a touching melodie that describes briliantly the moving story of a convict sentenced to life in that infamous prison, who dedicated his time to the study of birds. The painful contrast of an imprisoned man versus the careless and free flights of birds is masterfully captured by Wakeman’s music, in one of his best compositions ever. The price for the imported item is a little heavy, that’s true, mas anyone who can afford it shouldn’t hesitate, for it’s worthy. An excelent (criminal) record.
Rating: 4 / 5

By: Tooloud

Tooloud — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 05:44:30 +0000

This was a good time for Rick. In the midst of the “Going For The One” sessions, back with Chris and Alan, getting his hands on a massive church organ… he was in a very good mood.

In it’s own way it was the opposing bookend to ‘Six Wives’ and compositionally it is better constructed, but I can’t take “The Breathalyser” as a serious component of anotherwise seamless listening experience.

For this track I deduct half a star.

The other half is for Ricks overuse of his new toy – the thin sounding Polymoog.

It was responsible for the harpooned whale solo on Tormato.

It was good for that.
Rating: 4 / 5