JON ANDERSON - EarthMotherEarth (1997) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Anyone with a passing knowledge of the band Yes will be familiar with Anderson's high-pitched vocals and starry-eyed lyric sensibility. This disc features perhaps the most unabashed flowering of his cosmic muse. The acoustic instrumentation is set against a background of bird chirps and bug noises, and the songs generally concern love, magic and more love. While it is clear that Anderson means what he sings, anyone with an ounce of cynicism will occasionally laugh out loud. But if you are willing to swallow your pride, this disc offers a pleasant escape. by Tim Sheridan