The Prog & Fusion Album Club

Anteater · 01-22-2011, 09:43 AM

Well, in an attempt to give the PFAC a slight change in pace, I have an album suggestion-

It Bites - The Tall Ships (2008)

I'll begin by saying this is undoubtedly the best progressive rock/pop-rock crossover album I've had the pleasure of getting my grubby paws on in recent years, driven by punchy arrangements, vocal harmonies up the wazoo and some good ol' fashioned guitar virtuosity to keep things from completely sinking into more commercial territory...all whilst remaining catchier and more enjoyable to listen to than anything that's been on radio for over a decade.

A bit of backround though - It Bites were originally one of those quirky anomalies of the mid 80's, blending 70's Genesis-like grandeur and instrumental virtuosity with pop trends from the era, yet ultimately synthesized these disparate elements far more effectively than most of their neo-prog. peers..including Marillion! They had their 15 minute of fame in 1984 with a little hit from their debut, 'Calling All The Heroes', but even that song was undoubtedly the proggiest thing to hit #1 airways since the mid 70's...a feat you don't see too often.

Anyway, this album came out two years ago after the band reformed in 2008 (after a 19 year hiatus!) with a new lead guitarist and vocalist (John Mitchell, who sang with experimental neo-proggers Frost* and played guitar with Arena).

The Tall Ships may surprise you at first with its deceptively mainstream leanings in places, but give it time -- there's a lot more to these songs than meets the ear.