Arcadium is like a proto Czar, Gracious, or Cressida, at the very earliest of the British progressive rock scene, yet psychedelia plays a major role in their sound. Organ and dual guitars drive the sound. 'Walk on the Bad Side' is a great example on how the band straddles that fence perfectly. At one point you're thinking Pink Floyd and Pussy Plays, and the other it's the aforementioned early prog bands. A pioneering effort worthy of pursuit.
Ownership: CD: 2021 Sunbeam. 2xCD in a fine triple FOC. Recent acquisition (2023) that replaces the Green Tree CD that I bought in a collection buy from a friend (1997). That was my introduction to the album. Originals LPs are very expensive and were pressed in the UK, France, and Australia. According to those who are in possession of one, the sound is very poor on those. As such, I was always apologetic about the Green Tree CD, as it too sounds poor. It did include a bonus 45, that was nice (as have all subsequent reissues). But if offered nothing else. So what of this new CD from Sunbeam? From a packaging perspective, it's brilliant, with a lengthy history of the band in the liner notes, carefully put together. The first CD is the album proper with the same two bonus tracks. It sounds better than the Green Tree CD, but it's glitchy, which can be distracting. Much better is the second CD, which comes from an acetate. It is the exact same album with a slightly different mix. It can be a bit muddled, but you begin to realize it probably never will sound good. But it's much better than the first CD and the Green Tree release. So given all the above considerations, this is your best bet for a (legal) CD reissue. Weighing the poor original LP sound and expense, I can lay off that as well. I'll stand pat here.
1997; 2//05; 7/2/20 (new entry); 8/23/23
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