Newly released, this is a revised and expanded edition of the classic 1972 album from Renaissance. I love the sound on this version. The original was good, but I think the nuances and overall textures particularly shine here in this new recording.
As far as the "expanded" part, there is only one additional song, a single version. That said, the new booklet is very informative and well worth having. I consider that part of the expansion. It's also updated with newer information. Perhaps you could even say that the content inside it is "remastered." I should mention that I previously reviewed the original edition of this album. For the sake of consistency (and because the music is the same) I'm including that here (with a few modifications), and augmenting it with the additional track. So, what follows (until that bonus track review) is that one. Just remember that I think this new edition in general sounds better.
This early Renaissance disc has a lot of the folky progressive rock that was a trademark of the band at times. Annie Haslam guides some of the songs, but isn’t as big a factor as on some other Renaissance albums. No matter how you slice this, though, it’s a great set that still holds up really well.
by Gary Hill, 2018
Tracks
1. Prologue (Michael Dunford) - 5:41
2. Kiev (Betty Thatcher, Jim McCarty) - 7:40
3. Sounds Of The Sea (Betty Thatcher, Michael Dunford) - 7:09
4. Spare Some Love (Betty Thatcher, Michael Dunford) - 5:11
5. Bound For Infinity (Betty Thatcher, Jim McCarty) - 4:24
6. Rajah Khan (Michael Dunford) - 11:39
7. Spare Some Love (Betty Thatcher, Michael Dunford) - 3:50
Renaissance
*Annie Haslam - Lead, Backing Vocals, Percussion
*Rob Hendry - Electric, Acoustic Guitars, Mandolin, Chimes, Backing Vocals
*John Tout - Keyboards, Backing Vocals, Arrangements
*Jon Camp - Bass, Tamboura, Lead, Backing Vocals, Arrangements
*Terence Sullivan - Drums, Percussion
With
*Francis Monkman - VCS3 Synthesizer (Track 6)
