Starcastle - Citadel. 1977 USA-Illinois

"OK Starcastle, enough is enough, time to produce a hit record!" So the good guys from Illinois roll back into the studio - ah but now we're going to invest heavily and ensure you stay on track: You're going to London to record with a big time producer! That'll do the trick. And what did Starcastle manage to come up with? A prog album! Oh for crying out loud, says the record company.

It's definitely more of a sincere attempt at AOR friendly music than prior. And in this case there's less Yes, and far more fellow regional Midwest superstars Styx into the mix this time. The obvious pandering for hits such as 'Can't Think Twice' and 'Could This Be Love' are pathetic and demonstrate what happens when you record something that just isn't you. But the rest isn't that far removed from Fountains of Light or the debut. Even in short compositional form, Starcastle puts in plenty of thought provoking ideas. Because that's who they are. While Citadel is the 3rd best of a three album run, it's still quite excellent and closes the book on one of America's best - and most derided - progressive rock bands.

After this, Starcastle finally gave in and produced for the record company a real pop rock album. All their fans left, sales plummeted, and Starcastle were no more. That's a lesson in life for all: NEVER give in to the masses. They don't care about you, so don't care about them. Do what you do, and if they appreciate, consider it a blessing and stay true to your integrity.

Ownership: LP: 1977 Epic. Single sleeve with awesome artwork. Found for a $1 at an estate sale (2022).

LP: 1977 Epic. Pic Disc. Trade credit from a local store (2021). Definitely for show, that's for sure. I mean honestly, if Epic were really serious about Starcastle being a commercial rock act, they really should have gone with different artwork. It screams prog. And 42 years later, thank goodness they did what they did. But at the time, who knows what they were thinking.

CD: 2009 Rock Candy (UK). Jewel case. Fantastic reissue. Full historical essay, interviews with the band, and great sound. Still no bonus tracks though. 

Probably will keep all 3 copies and likely display the pic disc somewhere. I consider the CD as the primary copy though.

12/14/19 (new entry); 5/2/21 (pic disc); 7/30/22 (LP)