Customer Reviews

Steel Umbrellas

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

 

 

I love SAGA and the direction SAGA was going up to this point. I always thought during the late 80's to 90's they were better when they acted their age-writing mature, heartfelt and sophisticated songs. Saga were always a pop(ier) band waiting to happen in their earlier years- see: 'Will it be You', 'The Interview' and 'Someone Should.' I thought they sort of ditched or lost the hardrock vibe after 'Beginners Guide...'which is a great record. Many of their harder songs sound a bit corny during the 90's-ie)Some of Generation 13, and the wretched 'Pleasure and Pain.' Many SAGA fans may disagree w/ me but I just think the mellower, groovier SAGA songs sounded more natural than the rock songs at this point.

OK, that said 'Steel Umbrellas' was partially written for the 'Cobra' TV series, this I try to ignore. The songs are light, fun and very catchy. Very Bryan Ferry-ish,not one of them is a stinker. Sort of reminds me of 'Behaviour' or 'Wildest Dreams' which is totally misunderstood and underrated in my book!
The bonus is a total disappointment, 'I Walk w/ You' live taken from 'Detours'! WHY? Where are the non-lp studio tracks that were promised!!? Overall, though, a pretty damn good cd.

The SAGA remasters up until now, overall get a mixed review as far as the packaging, artwork, liner notes(none at all!). It'd be nice to read something about the records. Also, 'Behaviour' DOES NOT have a video track, much to my disappointment!! 'Misbehaviour' is one of my fave SAGA songs. I raced out to get this to see the video of this song only to find out it's a live, audio track-oh well. The artwork also is poorly put together, why not liner notes instead of terrible pictures or cheesy collages? I'll still buy all the remasters, it's the content on the cd that matters.
SAGA RULES!!

saga is remastering their entire collection. So far the first three saga releases sound great and have all the art restored. Steel umbrellas however is not one of my favorites. To add to this I own a polydor and a Bonaire version of this cd. The bonaire version has a song called WALKING ON THIN ICE and its better than most on the disc. Considering saga is adding bonus tracks why didnt they add this song instead of I WALK WITH YOU LIVE.I also own NEVER ALONE and WHY NOT as sinle edits on a best of, why no bonus tracks of these, the space is there. So it seems the remasters are like the SAGA WEBSITE never quite complete and always leaving you wishing there had been more. My comment on this one, skip it if you already own it.

Steel Umbrellas Is an album that proves just how much the American Mainstream Music Scene was missing and always will be missing...their loss of sensibility to see just how overly talented this band is.

The Album is a bit of a departure from their usual prog-rock, but still sounds like Saga.

Why Not - The Album Kicks Off With This Super Upbeat Track That Deserves to be noticed.

Never Alone - Why Wasn't This Song On U.S. Radio???! it's almost like it should've been there!

Bet On This - Great Upbeat Song

Shake That Tree - Wow, Another Amazing Track...this has to be my personal favorite on the album, it's just great!

I'm Not Even Gonna Bother Finishing Reviewing the rest of the album, because of just how great it is!

Let It Be A Sunny Saturday and Put This Album On Maximum!

Some might not agree, but this slick production is one of Saga's best packages, not so much in the sense of memorable songs but more as a tight set that doesn't falter in any moment. This reunion album is full of US type of fast and shiny possible singles and reflects - if it can be called that - west coast melodic rock. Great album with 2-3 wonderful songs. It reminds me of Asia's Alpha - all songs are great and full of tempo. Great production!

I can't believe they left push it of this version of steel umbrellas. The one that should have been left off is pirate passcode pirate. Anyway this still has some excellent songs on it. Namely Why not, you're never alone, shake that tree. The rest are good too such as I walk with you and walking on thin ice.