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It has been only in the last couple
of years that I have been aware of Kaipa and that introduction
came via following the career of musical polymath Roine Stolt.
I have found that whatever project Stolt pours his energy
into turns out to be well worth the listening. And so it is
with Mindrevolutions. ***
Those who think that the old hippie
spirit of the 60s is long dead and buried in an avalanche
of widespread cynicism need listen no further than Mindrevolutions
to hear that it is alive and well in the musical oracle known
as Kaipa. On this CD, Stolt teams up once again with keyboard
wizard Hans Lundin and his band to make one of the finest
recordings of 2005. ***
Everything you might expect of
an A list prog band and more is here. I have listened to the
CD at least a dozen times since acquiring it and find more
to like every time I hear it The CD opens with some of Stolt's
fine guitar work and progresses through a variety of moods
in its all too short 79 minutes. The listener will be mesmerized
by the scope and sheer majesty of not just the instrumental
work, but the powerful vocals as well. ***
My favorites are the solemn Shadows
of Time, the joyous A Pair of Sunbeams, the epic and exhilarating
title cut with its penetrating message,and soaring musical
interludes, the plaintive and wistful Last Free Indian, the
timely anti-war anthem Timebomb , and the bold, majestic Remains
of the Day. Whatever you ultimately think about the lyrics
of these songs, you can't deny that the songwriters are both
deeply spiritual and unabashedly idealistic. ***
Lest you think that Kaipa is just
merely yet another outlet for Roine Stolt's creative energy,
I should mention that all of this gorgeous music was written
by Lundin. In addition, Lundin co-wrote most of the lyrics
with Stolt. But Stolt's stamp is clearly audible in their
spirit. ***
I heartily recommend this to anyone
seriously interested in progressive rock. Roine Stolt is one
of its modern titans, and if Mindrevolutions is any indication,
Hans Lundin has reached the pinnacle as well. The CD comes
with an attractive booklet containing lyrics, photos, and
pertinent information about the recording. Get it soon, you
won't be sorry. Grade: A
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