Product reviewsOctopus by Gentle Giant (Record, 2020)

Perfect Vinyl Reissue of a Classic Album

Gentle Giant was a very individual progressive rock band who were noted for their rhythmic complexity and their harmonies often drawing on madrigal forms, albeit within accompanied songs. This was most likely enhanced by the presence, still at this stage, of the three Shulman brothers, Derek, Ray and Phil, whose voices fused well together.

Although there are different views about which early Gentle Giant album is the high point, for many Octopus is the one. It was certainly to one I listened to the most as my brother bought it shortly after we saw them at the Caird Hall in Dundee for the first time. It is said that the albums title derived from it having eight songs. The songs are either based on or inspired by literary sources. This is most noticeable on Knots, based on RD Laing’s book of the same name.

Gentle Giant were easily the equal of more celebrated progressive rock bands of the period such as Genesis but they never achieved the commercials success they deserved.

Fortunately for music lovers they left behind some real gems of albums. This vinyl reissue is perfect, beautifully reproduced artwork, the labels on the album art the album cover on one side and a label with track detail on the other in a well thought out way. I love this and the other three vinyl reissues of the debut album, Three Friends and Acquiring a Taste. Buy the, all!
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Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: junorecords