Word: mellotron
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...Hill Studio for an untitled album -- his 23rd since the Beatles' breakup two decades ago -- and preparing for a new tour next year. Hog Hill boasts the latest in electronic gear, but there are nostalgic and whimsical touches too, like Elvis Presley's bass from Heartbreak Hotel, the Mellotron from Strawberry Fields Forever and a Megaroids video game. Next to the studio is a cozy kitchen featuring a spread of Linda's veggie foods. Upstairs is a retreat for writing amid the scent of fresh flowers and patchouli...
...CONTRAST, "Sound and Vision" is punctuated by a sizzle reminiscent of Bowie's disco years. Bass line, mellotron and the choral vocals are all classic components of a disco arrangement, though the sounds and inspirations seem to originate elsewhere. Bowie's mellow but beautifully articulated baritone contrasts with his high sharp "rock" voice. The cut has brief moments when the musical concept seems to jell, but ultimately there is little sense of build or progression...
...first four notes of the opening "Promenade" from a different loudspeaker. Disconcerting, that. So, at first, is the fact that the sound is not Mussorgsky's piano or Ravel's trumpet, but one of human voices-or rather, canned choral sounds transmogrified by Tomita's Mellotron, an electronic keyboard device that plays prerecorded tapes. Things perk up considerably with the first picture, "The Gnome," a succession of subterranean squeaks and giggles that resemble a band of tipsy trolls frolicking beneath Frankenstein's castle. As for "The Old Castle," it sounds like a caravan of balalaika players...
...rhythm backdrop to Stevie Winwood's crisp piano playing. "Dream Gerrard" is the piece most indicative of the album's general mood. Winwood seems to place more emphasis on keyboards as opposed to guitar with the piano (both electric and conventional) figuring prominently. In addition, Winwood's experimentation with mellotron and synthesizer is highly successful. The tasteful string arrangement simulated by the mellotron, complements the strong rhythm section quite well, joined by a subtle wah-wah guitar way down in the mix. Wood's sax solo is far moodier than in the past although one cannot help but be immediately...