Pendragon [1985] The Jewel

[01] Higher Circles
[02] The Pleasure Of Hope
[03] Leviathan
[04] Alaska (At Home With The Earth - Snowfall)
[05] Circus
[06] Oh Divineo
[07] The Black Knight
[08] Fly High Fall Far
[09] Victims Of Life



amg: This is the debut effort from Pendragon, and it is essentially a combination of Fish-era Marillion with doses of Genesis and Pink Floyd. The keyboard-laden arrangements are unequivocally '80s, and the production is one step up from a demo recording. The selections are a mixed bag of neo-progressive excursions and insipid pop ("Higher Circles" is particularly embarrassing). There was, however, enough talent and individuality here to develop a loyal following that lead Pendragon to be one the few successful progressive bands during the '80s. Recommended for fans interested in the band's humble beginnings, or those interested in the defining years of the neo-progressive subgenre of progressive rock.
(amg 5/10)

Pat Benatar [1985] Seven The Hard Way

[01] Sex As A Weapon
[02] Le Bel Age
[03] Walking In The Underground
[04] Big Life
[05] Red Vision
[06] 7 Rooms Of Gloom
[07] Run Between The Raindrops
[08] Invincible (Theme From The Legend Of Billie Jean)
[09] The Art Of Letting Go



amg: Seven the Hard Way continues the slick pop approach of Tropico and is benefitted by a wealth of songs written by professional songwriters. At this point, Pat Benatar and her band weren't coming up with material as catchy or memorable as "Invincible" and "Sex as a Weapon," so the presence of the pro songwriters was a blessing, not a curse.
(amg 6/10)