Customer Reviews

Highly Strung

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

 

 

The second batch of EMI remasters for Steve's work included this frequently overlooked gem from the Hackett catalog. While somewhat "dated" in its sound, which was heavily influenced by early '80s style rock (period music of the day), it did offer up classics like "Cell 151" and "Camino Royale" which are true Steve Hackett staples from his early catalog.

As with the previous batch of EMI Hackett remasters, the remastering on the album is first rate (where did all the tape hiss go?). The added bonus tracks including the extended version of "Walking Through Walls" was a real treat as well (and something that I never thought would see its way to compact disc). Overall, Steve Hackett fans will relish in this new pressing of a classic Hackett album.

Although not one of my favorite Steve Hackett albums, the remastered edition of Highly Strung does much to make the music clearer, and with that it is now possible to hear many nuances in songs I once thought were somewhat bland or not very interesting. Sadly, one of the bonus tracks, "Time Lapse at Milton Keynes," is available elsewhere (or at least it doesn't sound much different than the version on Bay of Kings). The other two, and extended version of "Walking through Walls" and a rockabilly tune "Guitar Boogie," have some interesting moments. Overall, the remaster is a good album.

If you are a fan of the earlier Genesis stuff, or Steve Hackett in particular (he played guitar for Genesis in the early days), you will probably enjoy this CD. This was the 2nd Hackett CD I purchased (Voyage of the Acolyte was the first) and another pretty good, interesting effort. He sang all the vocals and played several different instruments. Some songs I really like, while others are just "ok", but overall worth listening to.