Let your Fantasy's run wild
bruceski | FLA United States | 03/25/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Fantasy's "Paint a Picture" is an example of prototypical progressive rock that appears to be as influenced by The Beatles and The Moody Blues as by King Crimson. In this way, Fantasy compares to Spring, Gracious and Cressida (if you are familiar with those bands). The band's original guitarist had died accidently before this was made and subsequently the lyrics reflect issues of loss, madness and an overall questioning of existance. The songs are mostly short (2-5 minutes) and at their best feel like that wonderful combination of sunshine with a breeze. The sound is generally fairly mellow, but much like the album's beautiful cover (which includes a combination of pictures that represent each song) it is painted with a diverse and colorful palette. In other words, while most of tempos are relaxed and there aren't that many time changes, there is a lot going on: acoustic guitars, electric guitars, organ, mellotron, bass, and drums all combine to form the main melody, and then, at times, seperate to present variations. The exception to this is the seven minute long "Circus." This is generally considered the most progressive song in this set, and it is the most uptempo and varied. However, my favorite is the title track which has a very dream-like feel to it. In the early days of prog, it wasn't so clear that the music would dominate the soundscapes, and I think because of this, many of the early groups had better vocalists than some of the latter bands. Fantasy's vocalist, Paul Lawrence, has a wonderful clear voice that is slightly similar to David Bowie, but with a more sustained tone. This album was only minimally distributed when originally released in the early 1970s and vinyl copies sold for high prices until it was released on CD in the mid 90s. They made a second record called "Beyond the Beyond" which is even better. However, it wasn't even released when originally recorded!!! It is also now available on CD from better prog dealers (I got mine through Syn-Phonic). I have the Korean Si-Wan version of "Paint a Picture" and I am debating getting this Japaneese re-mastered version. Does anybody know if this was remastered from the tapes, as I believe the Si-Wan release is from vinyl. It is a bit pricey, but this is a really great album from that time period. The only thing that keeps it from being a 5 star rating is knowing how good Beyond the Beyond is."
Overrated almost-progressive rock
Unsmart | 12/21/2007
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Some people have called this record a progressive masterpiece. I honestly don't have a clue why. First of all, the music isn't more progressive than Asia or Toto, only a bit less commercial. Second of all, there are just a few pretty good tracks and then some duller ones. Just like on any groups records. The sound / style is very professional and sofisticated though.
Their second album "Beyond the beyond" (recorded in the 1970's but not released until more recently) is slightly better and slightly more progressive. That might be a better place to start if you absolutely have to check out this group."
