Customer Reviews

The Mind's Eye

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

 

 

You all heard the song "Inside" or "Footsteps". Surprisingly it didnt come from any known big bands, but from a little, unknown band called Stiltskin.
Those two songs were the reason I looked up the cd, and I wasnt sure what to expect. To my surprise, it turned out to be one of my favoritealbums ever.

The songs vary between laidback alternative rock to hard rock with hooks. Uh...I have a hard time judging any songs over another, I just love this album. It needs some time to sink in, but when you start listening to it, songs like "An Illusion", "When my Ship comes in" and "Rest in Peace" will nail them selves to your head for years to come. Its moody, sad but beautiful. Whats so sad, is that this band never got the reputation they deserved. They came and went as a one hit wonder with "Inside" and "Footsteps", but the album was never a major hit.

Therefor, I am writing a review for it, to highlight this wonderful album. I recommend everyone buying this album, you will probably find it at a low price, and if you do, pick it up.

Rest in Peace Stiltskin, for you will be loved.

The other reviewer from Sweden is absolutely correct about this fine little unknown band (now disbanded sadly)and it's 1994 album "the minds eye". Interestingly the main reason I purchased this CD was because of the lead singer Ray Wilson. Scottish born Wilson went on to sing lead vocals on the last GENESIS album "Calling all stations" in 1997 and it was his strong and fine vocals on that album that lead me back to his work on Stiltskin. Ironically the final Genesis CD was as underrated as this one, but despite that, Ray Wilson shines on through Stiltskins 40 minutes of unconventional alternative rock. And along with "inside" and "Footsteps", the last track, the instrumental "Prayer before birth" is more than worth whatever price you may pay for this wonderful music.Fans of this CD will be interested to know that Wilson formed another Band called CUT in 1999 and released the album "Millionairhead", and Wilson also released an Genesis/Stiltskin(and others) cover CD called "Live and Acoustic" in 2002. Ray Wilson has also released an album titled RAY WILSON- CHANGE this year (2003) Enjoy the fact that no one else knows about this little British gem.

This album is an excellent mix of songs, from the sublime Rest in Peace to the aggressive Footsteps, and of course the well-known and excellent single: Inside.
The music is well formed and every member of the trio pulls their weight and is heard, plus the guest bassist has his moments. It is a shame that Genesis snapped up Ray Wilson, as Pete Lawlor made much better use of his talents, and a somophore effort from Stilskin would have brilliant, as it is I'll just have to get my band to perform Inside at our next gig XD

RAY WILSON'S BAND BEFORE HIS SHORT STINT IN GENESIS. THIS CD IS GRUNGE INFLUENCED BUT WILSON'S VOCAL TALENTS SHINE AND MAKE THIS A GOOD LISTEN. WILSON HAS A GREAT RANGE AND IT IS SAD THAT GENESIS COULD NOT CONTINUE WITH HIM. THE ONLY GRUNGY CD I OWN. EVEN I WEAR FLANNEL SOMETIMES. POWERFUL SONGS!

Was looking for this album for ages based on the first track "Inside". It was used in a Levis commercial in the late 80's or early 90's. First bought Ray Wilson album Next Best Thing, which was pretty good but had an updated version of the song. This album did the trick!

There would appear to be two different versions of this CD. The UK release has a running order which ends with the excellent 'Prayer Before Birth' whereas this is the penultimate track on the US version which then reprises the track as a hidden {bonus} track. This writer much prefers the US version which gives a more cohesive feel to the album. The listing shown on Amazon is the UK, so buyer beware!

The outstanding feature is Ray Wilson's vocals which dominate and provide a strong basis to all the songs and not just the infamous jeans song 'Inside'. Shame this band only lasted one release even if that would seem to be a vehicle for Wilson. 'Inside' apart, other songs which stick in the mind after a couple of spins are; 'Scared of Ghosts', 'Sunshine and Butterflies' and 'When my Ship comes in'. The band are professional throughout but no one instrument comes to the fore and the feeling of a well rehearsed, well played group of sidesmen is hard to ignore. This is a very good CD and enjoyable listen on the car stereo, cranked up.

Wilson's short and ill-fated foray with Genesis after Phil Collins departure should have yielded better results and 'Calling All Stations' is a solid album which fickle fans never gave a chance and critics couldn't see beyond Collins.

This is worth the price of admission and will get a few work-outs.