An Incomplete Guide To Kayaking: Part 6
Posted on | June 6, 2008 at 8:53 am | Comments Off
This is a continuation of my series of blog entries on the albums of the Dutch progressive rock band Kayak. To see the previous entries, do a blog search (that little box on the top right) for the word “kayaking”.
Phase 3 (continued): Pop Prog (1978-1981)
Periscope Life
Kayak’s seventh album Periscope Life was their big time expensive followup to Phantom of the Night, their biggest hit album. It was recorded in Los Angeles with some big production touches, and featured the same lineup as the previous album. And even though the sound didn’t deviate that much from Phantom, it failed to find the commercial success of that album.
When I re-listened to this album for this review, I didn’t expect to like it as much I did. It holds up better than I thought it would. The songs are short and punchy, mostly fast tempo, and it’s a logical progression from Phantom.
The album opens with the goofy sci-fi tune “Astral Aliens”, which was a strange choice for a lead track. It’s probably my least favorite track on the album, despite the exemplary guitar riffing. “What’s In A Name” is better. Propulsive drumming by Max Werner on this fast-paced tune. “Stop That Song” is another happy little fast song. Lots of horns give it that circus-atmosphere feel. I love the fast acoustic rhythm guitar.
Then we have the first ballad, “If You Really Need Me Now”. It’s a waltz with a catchy but subdued chorus. The rest doesn’t do anything for me.
Next up is the title track, “Periscope Life”. It’s a rocker that opens with the trademark Kayak synth/guitar combo. It’s another song about a dysfunctional romantic relationship:
She’s so extreme, she won’t let me dream
Won’t let me love and caress
I’m always told to look around and conclude this world’s a mess
Side 2 opens with “Beggars Can’t Be Choosers”, which starts with a piano/synth riff. It’s a bit slower than most of the songs on the album, but still has some intensity. The background vocals on the refrain and chorus make this song for me. They’re cheesy but cool. Includes a saxophone solo!
The next track is another waltz, “The Sight”, and it’s more uptempo than “If You Really Need Me Now”. It’s a song about a fortune teller. The rhythm track makes the song sound kind of samey and it has one of the lamest breaks ever in a Kayak song.
“Lost Blue of Chartres” is another instrumental in the vein of “Irene” or “Relics From A Distant Age”. Starts out with piano only and adds more instruments as it goes along (strings, bass, percussion, electric guitar). It builds up well and I like it when the guitar comes in. Would not sound out of place on a Tangerine Dream album. The central melody is repetitive but good.
Then we have another waltz! “Anne” is another historical/mythological epic like “Daphne” from Phantom – this one about Anne Boleyn:
Why did he push aside the one we adore?
Caught in the web of that vain Boleyn whore
For that vixen drives him wild
Harsh! But pretty much spot-on, as I learned from watching The Tudors. I love the flute/harpischord/synth riff. It should be played at Renaissance Fairs.
“One Way Or Another” is not the Blondie song, but it’s almost as poppy. This is the most Abba-esque song on the album. Very catchy chorus.
The last song is “Sad To Say Farewell”, a typical album-closing emotional power ballad. Big overlapping vocals at the end, which makes the fact that it goes on too long easier to digest.
The CD includes two bonus tracks. The first, “Total Loss” is one of the rockingest numbers Kayak has ever done, especially with this lineup. The lower-fi production is jarring and you can tell it wasn’t from the same sessions as the rest of the disc. But I like it a lot. The second, “What’s Done Is Done” is a bit more subdued but is also pretty good. It’s more ominous sounding than most of the tunes on the record proper. I’m sad to say this, but it kind of reminds me of Journey. If Journey were… you know… good.
Favorite Songs: One Way Or Another, Stop That Song, Total Loss, Periscope Life, What’s In A Name, Anne, Beggars Can’t Be Choosers
Next in the series: A return to the proggy roots, plus my all-time favorite Kayak song!
Latre.