Nice followup to Attic Thoughts
BENJAMIN MILER | Veneta, Oregon | 02/02/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Music Inspired by Watership Down (aka El-Ahrairah), released in 1977 proved to be the final album for Bo Hansson, at least until 1985 when he released one more final album, Mitt i Livet (which was never released outside of Sweden). Music Inspired by Watership Down was released in the US on Sire Records, and on Charisma in the UK. In Sweden, he left Silence Records, and was released on the YTF label, with the El-Ahrairah title, and a totally different cover. Once again, he recorded another album inspired by a book, this time Richard Adams' Watership Down. But don't expect to find quotes from that book on the back of the album (I own the Sire LP), instead you'll get quotes from Keats, the Pope (whoever was the Pope in 1977, I'm guessing, after all John Paul II had yet to be Pope), Hare, Crabbe, and Shakespeare. His band changed, now mostly consisting of members of Kebnekaise (although guitarist Kenny Håkansson had already appeared on his previous two albums, Attic Thoughts and Magician's Hat). Drummer Rune Carlsson was now replaced by Bo Skoglund, and saxist Gunnar Bergsten was now out of the picture, although flautist Sten Bergman was still there.
The album starts off with the 16 minute "Born of the Gentle South", this is without a doubt the lengthiest composition on any of Hansson's four solo albums (remember that he has something like four albums released in the late '60s with partner Janne Karlsson). This is truly a five star song all the way, going through many different styles and moods, with Nordic influences, some nice Moog solos, atmopheric passages, and some almost medieval sounding passages (but still remaining prog). Kenny Håkansson also provides some nice guitar work as well, this song, as well as the rest of the album is truly a band effort composition. "Trial and Adversity" harkens back to his previous album, Attic Thoughts (Mellanväsen), but what prevents this album from the full five stars is "The Twice - Victory", which is a bit on the slow-paced side, but I really love that Moog solo. The album closes with the piano-oriented "The Kingdom Brightly Smiles". I don't think this is a strong an effort as Attic Thoughts, but like that album, this is by far his most sophisticated album. Still worth having, but go for Attic Thoughts or Lord of the Rings before you come here."
Copy protected?
RKL | Asheville, NC | 03/21/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This was the last release by Bo Hansson and his amazing lineup of backing musicians. I thought this title would never make to cd, let alone a proper remastering. But here it is in all it's glory. The lead track alone is worth the price of this disc, Born Of The Gentle South is a killer track of guitar/keyboard interplay the likes we will probably never hear again. At 16.34, it's a journey into the mind of the genius of Hansson's playing as well as Kenny Hakansson skilled guitarwork. The other tracks are pure Hansson, dreamy and flowing: Trial and Adversity. If that wasn't enough we have a bonus track: Migration Suite. Sounding like an early version of Track 1 but with it's own styling, at 11.42 it's a welcome bonus indeed. All the Hansson remasters are copy protected, yet when I introduced the disc to my ripper, it replied: 'I know not your copy protection!', and happily ripped away. The disc does contain data and is considered a cd extra. It contains a player for install which I highly recommend you do not. Just ignore the data and concentrate on the music. I had no playback problems on any of my players despite the disc being heavily corrupted with errors. This is Hansson's second best masterpiece, but my favourite. Notice the typo on the back and in the booklet 'Born in' instead of 'Born Of'. The booklet is great, in depth and detailed notes by Mark Powell as well as never before seen photos. 7 tracks/47.09."
A soft and reflective album of instrumental progressive rock
Jeffrey J.Park | Massachusetts, USA | 04/15/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Following a somewhat tepid critical response to this 1977 release, Bo Hansson would retreat from the music world until his short lived re-appearance sometime in 1985, at which time he released one album. I for one am extremely glad that his albums have been released and remastered in spite of it all. With respect to Watership Down, this is yet another great Bo Hansson record and features his trademark synth heavy instrumentals with their warm and inviting textures.
The lineup on Watership Down included Bo Hansson (Hammond organ, acoustic piano, synthesizers, guitar, bass, tambourine); Kenny Hakansson (guitar, bass); Bo Skoglund (drums and percussion); Goran Lagerberg and Thomas Netzler (bass guitar); Sten Bergman (flute); Torbjorn Ekman (wooden flute); and Fredrik Noren (drums). All of the players are good and there are some solid performances on the album. In contrast with earlier efforts, there are some high energy electric guitar solos here and there that add a lot of spice to Bo's compositions. Synthesizer tones of all descriptions are plastered across this album - as a huge synth fan, this is a major plus for me. I also appreciate the acoustic piano work too - Bo is a great player.
The tracks range in length from 1'22" to the lengthy 16'32" Born of the South Wind suite. Musically, this album is largely reflective and soft, with the occasional electric guitar part here and there, but nothing too loud or abrasive, even when the whole band is playing. The tempo of the pieces is largely in the slow to mid tempo range, so things never really heat up too much - in fact, spacey synth textures, and dreamy atmospheres dominate most of this instrumental album. Overall, Bo's compositions are reasonably interesting and make for a very pleasant listening experience.
This remastered album is great and features excellent sound quality and loads of liner notes. The 11'38" bonus track Migration Suite was recorded live in the studio and is very good.
All in all, this is a great album by Bo Hansson and is the last of his quartet of classic albums including Lord of the Rings (1970); Magicians' Hat (1972); Attic Thoughts (1975); and Watership Down (1977). Highly recommended to folks that like their prog on the mellow, instrumental side."
Track Listings (7) - Disc #1