Scanning the Greenhouse

The Flower Kings, The Flower Kings | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 30, 1998)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Outer Music
• ASIN: B000007P32
• Also Available in: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #496,461 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. In The Eyes Of The World

2. World Of Adventures

3. Pipes Of peace

4. The Flower King

5. There Is More To This World

6. Stardust We Are: Part 3

7. Retropolis

8. Compassion

Editorial Reviews

Japanese edition of the prog rock act's 1998 compilation features six of the eight tracks which appeared on the out-of-print UK edition and adds one extra track, 'Cinema Show'. Standard jewel case. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Current all-time favorite progressive rock CD, July 8, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Scanning the Greenhouse (Audio CD)

Scanning the Greenhouse by the Flower Kings is my pick for 'best prog CD' in the past two decades at least, if not all time. It is the one I give as a gift to entice friends into the prog genre. Everything about this CD is great: Roine Stolt's guitar work, his brother Michael's all-knowing bass support, flawlessly integrated and creative keyboards, state-of-the-art drums, hearty and satisfying vocals, and some of the best writing ever in the genre. Also, unlike some of the other best bands in the genre, there is a consistently positive and inspiring spirit behind the lyrics. The recording and production quality are top notch.

The CD comprises selected best recordings from 1993 to 1995, but the influences are firmly rooted in the finest traditions of progressive rock.

To give you an idea whether you might feel as I do when you hear this CD, I was born in 1953 and have followed progressive rock since its inception. I have played in various prog bands over the years,(and still do), supported myself as a guitar player for a few years in the 70s, and I occasionally compose in the genre. My favorite albums pre-1980 (when progressive rock was somewhat mainstream) were Fragile and Close to the Edge by Yes, Pictures at an Exhibition by ELP, and the like. My favorite "recent discoveries", thanks to John Szpara's "Exposure" radio show devoted to progressive rock, are Ever by IQ, and a few cuts by Spock's Beard. I most like hard-hitting, musically intricate, positive-energy, sonically rich, chordally complex, classically inspired, frequently contrasting progressive rock, played by "musician's musicians" in terms of their playing skill. The Flower Kings really nail it for me.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars OK introduction to a brilliant band, October 27, 1999

By 

El Kabong - See all my reviews

This review is from: Scanning the Greenhouse (Audio CD)

A sampler CD of the half-dozen or so full- (and sometimes double-) length albums released by Sweden's Flower Kings. There's nothing wrong with the selection, but the overall effect is a little anemic compared to the actual albums. Flower Kings are one of the very best 90s bands extant, and SCANNING is certainly no dog, but try instead to grab one of the proper releases: THE FLOWER KING, WORLD OF ADVENTURES, RETROPOLIS, STARDUST WE ARE, FLOWER POWER or the related solo albums by Roine Stolt and Tomas Bodin.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Flower Kings, September 14, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Scanning the Greenhouse (Audio CD)

I was extrememly fortunate last year when my brother won tickets to see the Flower Kings first New York City performance at the Wetlands, September 1998. From the first moment the band took to the stage and played "Retropolis" from begininning to end, I was totally enthralled!!!! Their outstanding musicianship impressed me for days, and weeks to come. I now have all of their records. "Hydronphonia", the solo record by Roine Stolt is my absolute favorite. Check out the Flower Kings' website for retailers who carry their records. They are more than well worth the effort!