Steve Hackett - The Circus and The Nightwhale : Album Review
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- čas přidán 16. 02. 2024
- Steve Hackett - The Circus and The Nightwhale : Album Review
The album is a movie for the ears and soul where the listener is the main character - Phil Aston
I really feel this is one of Steve’s finest works to date. The universal themes and the way it mirrors the journey of life itself. Through tracks that blend theatrical soundscapes, aggressive guitar work, and emotive melodies, Steve crafts a story that, while deeply personal, invites listeners to find pieces of their own lives within its progression.
I was particularly moved by the album’s exploration of life’s highs and lows, noting how it addresses the universal experiences of love, loss, and the pursuit of happiness. The music has the ability to convey profound emotions without the need for words, showcasing Steve Hackett’s skill in translating the human condition into music. This connection is underscored by Steve’s own reflections on the album, where he discusses the role of music as a constant amidst life’s storms and the journey from a post-war London to a realm of creative exploration.
“The Circus and The Night Whale” is presented as a journey not just through Steve Hackett’s life but as a path that mirrors the listener’s own experiences. I found this approach both special and relatable, allowing the album to touch me on a very deep level. The whole album has a cohesive story, a message full of hope, and an ability to encapsulate a wide range of human emotions, from angst to joy.
“The Circus and The Night Whale” will be one of my top albums of 2024, it as a testament to the healing power of music and the enduring spirit of hope and love.
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Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine - Hudba
I absolutely love this album. I completely agree with Phil that this album is one of the best albums of Steve’s career. A pure classic from beginning to end. I have the standard black vinyl version.
Well done Steve. 👏😃👏😃
Steve is the embodiment of what creative song writing is all about - and for over 50 years on... thanks for this review Phil
Thank you for watching - Phil
Hackett rocks where other people don't even dare to go.
Enjoying this review hugely, and really want to get hold of the album now.
I would have, anyway, I suppose, but....endorsed by Phil, it has to be a definite "must".
I got mine on Friday. I pre-orderd vinyl and got a blue splattered album autographed by Steve. As good as Voyage of the Acolyte. Live it.
Not got into Steve Hackett before but I’m enjoying this album.
Thank you Sir Phil for an exquisite review. I may just have to get it love his solo music as I love his Genesis contributions.
Great review Phil, and very encouraging for me as i bought the album on Saturday there but have still to listen to it. I did look at pre ordering it but i get really impatient so i held back and then came across it in Fopp in Glasgow on Saturday, the red vinyl version. I did look at buying the blue splatter version from Steve's own website but it was sold out so bought the red vinyl version while i had the chance. I've followed Steve since he left Genesis, and when you look back, it was the best move he ever could have made, because if he hadn't, the albums we've all come to love from the past 40 years would never have existed.
Fantastic review! It seems that you really got all the beauty of this album. Like you, I think it's one of the very best from Steve.
Cheers from France!
Thank you for watching, I found it very moving - Phil
Just listened to the album I have the CD and blu ray version, so on the Blu ray you have the full album in 5.1 and a High Resolution 24 bit 48 kHz stereo format, there is so much going on in this album its like a huge dining table table with a feast of delectable nibbles, cheese on a stick its not, you don't know what to have first and then you find everything taste's glorious.
The 5.1 is stunning the 24 48 is off the chart tonally suberp, This is not only Hackett's best album since voyage, but as a piece of great music its easily up there with anything over the past 10 years.
Uncle Phil, I've never gone down the Hackett rabbithole but fear not, I feel brave enough to do that now. Thank you.
As an 8 yr old in 76' my uncle gave me his old record player and 2 records Sparks Kimono my House and Rainbow Rising and thanks to your wonderful channel i have discovered so much more wonderful music. Many thanks 👌
Thank you 🙏
Such a great review Phil. My bank balance now slightly lower after that.
I have to admit I wasn’t originally going to buy this album even though I am a big Steve Hackett fan (!) His last couple of releases didn’t really do it for me, they sounded samey and weren’t memorable by and large plus one of the new tracks “Circo Inferno” was in a very similar vein imo…however…I listened to the whole album on youtube and surprise surprise I really enjoyed it and indeed bought it. Thank goodness I did, it’s really good! The Circus And The Nightwhale really IS a concept album and needs to be heard in its entirety to appreciate the musical story from Steve. Your review made me take a second ear so thank you Phil!
One other thing I’d like to say is that another album that tells a similar musical life’s journey in concept form is A Nod And A Wink by Camel from 2002, the journey in this case being Andy Latimer’s. Please check it out if you haven’t heard it, it’s a great album.
Thank you for the tip on the Camel album - Phil
On my fifth listen. I agree it works great as a whole. Love to see Steve play this live in full.
EXCELLENT ALBUM EXCELLENT CHANNEL!!!
Hi Phil - thanks for the great review. I am not all in on Hackett, although I do have about 8 of his CD's. I've listened to this new album just the once, I need more listens I think. Is it his best album to date?? Hmmm - I'm not sure about that, I think Wild Orchids, Darktown & Metamorpheus are brilliant, also his album with Chris Squire "Squackett" is sensational. I've read a number of quite negative reviews, which are interesting - I take note you'll always get that, but I'll make my own mind up. Cheers Doug
Thank you 🙏
I haven't heard it yet but will very soon. I love all Steve's albums especially the live ones ( not sure about the cover art on this though, but a minor gripe).
Yes, I have to agree, the cover art is grotesque!
I may have to design my own art to cover it. ;-)
So far I've listened to the album 3 times and I can honestly say I don't have the same observations or admiration for it as you do Phil. Maybe on further spins, something else might pop out of the woodwork though I doubt very much they would draw me to the conclusion that this is one of his best albums or to give anywhere near the praise you have given to it. I can understand how the concept may very well tie in with all of our lives but on the other hand, I do feel that they are more on a personal level. I also feel that the lyrics in particular are quite weak which is very unusual for Steve's writing. Musically it perhaps speaks more volumes and in parts, it is something a bit more different to what we have seen from his output since Beyond the Shrouded Horizon. However, I could not place this album above the few albums that came before that album I just mentioned such as To Watch Storms and Wild Orchids for example and I personally don't think it would stand a chance of competing with his earlier works.
What I would like to see is a proper return to form with Roger King using proper keyboard sounds such as Hammond, synths etc. and throw all this orchestral malarky out of the window. Orchestral sounds are fine on his acoustic tracks but leave it out for his electric stuff. The use of keyboard orchestration is what put a damper on things for me since they were utilised more on his albums from 2011 onwards and that is where things got to be a bit more sterile for my liking. Don't get me wrong some of those albums have good tracks on them and work particularly well live such as "The Devil's Cathedral" from his previous album Surrender of Silence for example. I am also glad that he cut them down a bit more on this new album too and I do quite like it. As a matter of fact, it was the final acoustic track on this album that just made me buy his last acoustic album Under A Medditerainiun Sky an album I put off on its release cause it never came with a surround mix. It was also the only of his albums I had not brought over all the years of following him and I can honestly say I am glad to add it to my collection because that is where he excels and I personally would say that is the best album he has put out over the last decade or so.
I got my copy yesterday, never been off the turntable, it is a great album
I agree, just wonderful - Phil
Had to order it after that riveting review Phil !!
Thank you - hope you like it as much as me! Phil :)
Looking forward to seeing him again in October....
I’ve streamed this album today and was blown away.I know it’s a bold statement after 1 listen however I agree that it’s one of the of best things he’s done His playing is amazing and it rocks out in places Will definitely buy
I was the same, a concept album that really works. Phil :)
I agree with your statement
I pre ordered this from his website & it arrived on day of release
His guitar playing is absolutely amazing !!!
I love the way the album flows & the production is outstanding
Definitely his best work 👍👍👍
It is just outstanding - thank you for watching - Phil
Have you listened to the 5.1 Phil?
No, not yet. I only have the vinyl version. What is it like?
It seems like all the albums he’s been releasing this century were just a run up to this one.
I’m really impressed. Particularly Steve’s guitar playing. It’s an excellent album. Perfect length
as well, it doesn’t outstay its welcome. But what’s up with that album cover?🤔