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March 29, 2024


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Nektar
A Tab in the Ocean (Eclectic Discs/Dream Nebula Recordings)

By: Jeb

This is an inspired re-issue of both the 1972 German mix and 1976 U.S. re-mix (on one CD) of NEKTAR's sophomore album "A Tab in the Ocean." Consisting of only four tunes, the album is nonetheless over 35 minutes long. NEKTAR's remarkable brand of progressive rock was sired in the late '60s by pioneering artists from all over the rock 'n roll spectrum including such widely variant artists as FRANK ZAPPA, THE WHO, IRON BUTTERFLY, or even the earliest efforts of the ALICE COOPER BAND. But the prog movement really came into its own in the early and mid-seventies. NEKTAR joined bands like YES, PINK FLOYD and SUPERTRAMP as the premier purveyors of thinking man's rock. The interplay of instruments was definitely inspired by jazz but the hard hitting music was (IS!!) pure rock. If you are not familiar with NEKTAR, now is your chance. You'll love the soaring vocals, the keyboards that somehow combine wanderlust with precision, and the guitars that put to shame many of the heaviest bands of the day. The 1972 mix is a much louder and more hard-hitting and is frankly superior in every way to the 1976 mix. Most surprising to me is the fact the US mix features songs that were edited slightly in length. Whoever decided to make sure this CD release included the original mix deserves a big raise. It is my understanding that the rest of the NEKTAR back catalog is also being re-released and I for one will have my eyes peeled. I also understand that the band is still (once again?) playing. Is life great, or what?
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