Customer Reviews

The Friends Of Mr. Cairo

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It's hard to believe that there is a musical foundation for Jon Anderson that fits better than Yes, but The Friends of Mr. Cairo suggests that such a foundation might exist, and his name would be Vangelis. The real standout on this album is the extraordinarily melodic and lyrical "Friends of Mr. Cairo." Vangelis creates a sonically lush yet notewise spare framework over which Jon Anderson lays a picture of movies, gangsters, and sentimentality. Absolutely stunning and worth the price of the album if you don't listen to anything else. Assuming you do get beyond it, though, you'll likely hear some other familiar melodies. "State of Independence," for example, whose Donna Summer cover is better known than the (quite good) original. It can be argued (and I'd be happy to) that no one has rendered Jon Anderson's ideas into music better than Vangelis, and it is almost impossible to imagine anyone else singing atop a Vangelis melody.

At least after The Friends of Mr. Cairo it is.

I love this recording and have listened to it again and again. Donna Summer's cover of "State of Independence" is inspirational, anthemic, but the musicians here obviously have a lot of fun as well. The title song is a wonderful tip of the hat to forties films. The Spanish singer, Ana Belén,was moved by "I'll find my way home," a song which she covered on "Geminis." "Back to School" is silly and grating, but provides comic relief. For me, however, the most spectacular track is "The Mayflower," which beautifully captures the loneliness of human existence, the desperate need to leave the comfort of home, and the alienating effect of technology on our lives. A group of humans are marooned in space, unable to communicate with or return to Earth. Atmospheric music and the innocence of Jon Anderson's tenor are punctuated by a crackling of radio transmissions across vast distances. It is such a sad, beautiful work of art. For fans of Vangelis at his loveliest, there are a couple of other tracks sure to please, "Beside" and "Outside of This (Inside of That)." This twenty year old recording remains fresh and delightful.

I have lost count how many times I have purchased this CD. I lend then to others and never see them again. It great.

It's rare you experience a state of anticipation as intensely as with this album. The first track, the standard electronic pop tune I'll Find My Way Home, was a big hit in the early 1980s. Next comes State of Independence, a more complex song, and then comes a dip with Beside. The fourth track is The Mayflower, where Jon Anderson lets his vocals out to play for a while and the duo toss in some imagination.

Jon and Vangelis then move over into the land of musical magnificence with the title track, a small symphony which plays out over 12 minutes and nine seconds. It's based on the 1941 classic film "The Maltese Falcon" and starts off with the sound of bullets flying as our hero and his posse are under the gun and on the run. The effect is amusing, the music is imaginative, and then about seven minutes in it all changes and we move into a quietly mesmerising love song, one of the most beautifully constructed pieces of music I know. It ends like this:

Silent golden movies, talkies, technicolour, long ago
My younger ways stand clearer, clearer than my footprints
Stardom greats I've followed closely,
Closer than the nearest heartbeat
Longer than expected, they were great
Oh love oh love just to see them
Acting on the silver screen, oh my
Clark Gable, Fairbanks, Maureen O'Sullivan
Fantasy would fill my life and I
Love fantasy so much
Did you see in the morning light
I really talked, yes I did, to God's early dawning light
And I was privileged to be as I am to this day
To be with you. To be with you

I still listen to this often and then stop the CD. I don't want to hear any more, which means I don't think I've ever heard the last two songs.

I was born only 2 years after this album was released and came across a copy of it (on cassette) from my step dad. He recommended it to me, noting its story telling qualities (Friends of Mr. Cairo) and thought I might like it for my lyrical ballet class. I'm hooked! So entertaining and smooth, I'll definitely use "Find my Way Home" for a recital piece next year.

We are only allowed 1,000 words to review items, which is a shame as this album surely would exceed that in one review.

In short this is a masterpiece, coupling the talents of Jon Anderson and Vangelis has never been a bad idea. His haunting voice and lyrics literally transcend over the gorgeous melodies and keyboards that Vangelis is so well known for.

Oddly upon it's release, this album did not garner much favour across the pond in the USA. However, time told, and finally the CD was put out. I own three.

The best on this is probably State of Independence which is over 7 minutes long on the cd issue, and could very well have been longer as the song is a very catchy, almost jazzy, piece.

Anyone who has an ear for Vangelis at all should get this just for the fact that it's him and this explores new territory as far as his use of keyboards is concerned. I can say this, this album has not aged on bit. First time listeners will be highly impressed. I know I was.

Yes, if you like Yes you'll like this disc. This album is a very unique portrait painted by two very talented musicians who were at the top of their craft during this time. Jon has never sounded better and the combination with Vangelis is magical on this disc. Get a copy of this music immediately unless of course...you're allergic to good music.

I cannot recall how many years ago it was that I first heard this (then)album. I only know that when my vinyl collection was lost, it was one of those I was not sure could be replaced. How very glad I am to be wrong!
This coupling is one of the best fusions I have ever heard of music and voice.
State of Independence to this day remains a musical masterpiece. Complex in it's simplicity, it seizes you with it's musical hooks while delivering a powerful message.

It must be 20 years ago when I first heard this album, I decided to buy it after being impressed by it's predecessor, 'Short Stories'. This, however is in a different league, a masterpiece that still thrills and captivates with each listening, and listen to it I still do after all these years. The title song demands your attention with its so realistic screeching car chase and machine gun fire at the very start and then goes from one pace to another, from one emotion to another, evoking nostalgic feelings for the cinema of the 30's and 40's, film noir in particular. Vangelis is an expert in conjuring images with his music and Jon Anderson is his perfect foil, this is music you turn off the lights to and listen raptly through your best headphones. State of Independance was covered many years later by Donna Summer, good cover too. 'I'll find my way home' was added to the album in the later album versions and became the opening track on side one which is a shame, it does not fit so well, being a hit single for the duo. Probably the weakest song is 'Back to school' but a lively addition nevertheless.
I also very much like the songs 'beside' and'Outside and Inside', now these are songs to lower your heart beat to a pedestrian pace.
I have recommended this album to many people, they are never disapointed. Enjoy!

Friends of Mr. Cairo~ Jon & Vangelis is a match made in heaven with Jons amazing vocals and Vangelis muisicianship. Jon Anderson is also a great lyricist and the track " I'll Find My Way Home" is one of the best songs that I have ever heard for its intricate yet not over the top lyrics. I honestly have no idea why this song did not become a number one on the charts since it certainly has all the right qualities for a hit song, splendid vocals, immense lyrics and awesome muisicianship. "The Friends Of Mr. Cairo" sounds like a sound of days gone by with a thematic story telling quality to it. The rest of the album remains with this high standarad and I would most definetely recommend it.