Album: Feedback 86
Artist: Steve Hackett
2000 Camino Records
CD: CAMCD21

Musicians:
Steve Hackett: guitars (all), vocals (1-5, 8), harmonica (5)
Chris Thompson: vocals (1-3, 5, 6)
Bonnie Tyler: vocals (2)
Brian May: guitar (1, 3), vocals (3)
Pete Trewavas: bass (1)
Terry Pack: bass (2)
Ian Mosley: drums (1)
Nick Magnus: keys (1-5), piano (6), virtual drums (2-5, 8)
The Phil Henderson Orchestra (2)

Produced by Hackett, except (3) by Hackett/May
Cover painting: "Blood on the Rooftops" by Kim Poor
 

Tracks:
1. Cassandra [Hackett] (4:07)
2. Prizefighters [Hackett/Steve Howe] (5:13)
3. Slot Machine [Hackett/May] (4:23)
4. Stadiums of the Damned [Hackett] (4:42)
5. Don't Fall [Hackett] (4:26)
6. Oh How I Love You [Hackett] (3:58)
7. Notre Dame des Fleurs [Hackett] (3:11)
8. The Gulf [Hackett] (7:19)

Orchestra arranged by Phil Henderson (2)
 

Notes: This album is notable to Yes fans for "Prizefighters". The song was co-written by Hackett and Steve Howe for their band GTR and played live, but not included on their one studio album (GTR). After Hackett left GTR, Howe continued the band, bringing in Robert Berry and changing the name. These sessions however never secured a release (although material later appeared on Berry's Pilgrimage to a Point and Max Bacon's The Higher You Climb). Hackett had no more success with his next project, this album, which also did not secure a release at the time, but eventually came out on his own label Camino Records.

As well as recording "Prizefighters", Hackett seems to have remained in the two-guitars mindset of GTR, bringing in Queen guitarist Brian May on two tracks. The opening track also includes two Marillion members, Pete Trewavas and Ian Mosley (whose name is misspelt Mosely in the liner notes). The other two big names recruited were vocalists Chris Thompson (ex-Manfred Mann's Earth Band) and Bonnie Tyler. On keys and virtual percussion is long-time Hackett collaborator Nick Magnus.

"Prizefighters" sounded better played by GTR (a live version can be heard on King Biscuit Flower Hour). The main collaboration with Brian May, "Slot Machine", is one of the better songs on the album, but it's neither vintage Brian May or vintage Steve Hackett, sounding more like Foreigner. I prefer the less mainstream-sounding "The Gulf", but overall this is not Hackett at his best. (HP, 1 May 05)


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