Try It....You Might Like It By Tiger Moth Tales

I can't think of another artist who could feature on this blog who has been on the UK X Factor. I mean, the X Factor and progressive rock are not natural bedfellows. However, Tiger Moth Tales, one of the many projects of Peter Jones, is proper prog, and this album is a must listen for fans of the more melodic wistful end of the prog spectrum.

The first song is called A Visit To Chigwick and to those of us born around the 1960s the cultural resonance is very clear. Consider Jones was born in 1980, it's a bit surprising he nails this so well, but he does. It clocks in at over 8 minutes, and I wouldn't be pushing it too far to suggest this is something of a masterpiece. For some people, it might err on the side of twee, but it's done with such enthusiasm and warmth that you'd have to be very cynical not to like it.

Jones continues to mine English cultural references with track 2, Toad Of Toad Hall. It's not very serious, but again he's fully committed. It makes me think of what might have happened if Genesis had developed the style of Harold The Barrel on further albums.

Speaking of Genesis, the references of track 3, Hygge, are very clear. I can hear For Absent Friends in there, something from the Lamb and Entangled from Trick Of The Tail. There's even Tony Banks' electric piano from Duke at one point. But it's not just a copy, it's something new and interesting. And the vocal is very compelling. Very honest.

This album is right up my street, if you haven't already guessed. The melodies are strong, the lyrics are great, the musicianship is sensitive and avoids unnecessary twiddling. Everything is aimed at supporting the song rather than showing off. I do not hesitate to recommend this album to you.

Reasons to listen:

  • Like me, you're a fan of the English pastoral progressive rock tradition
Reasons not to listen:
  • Some of it might seem a little on the twee side. If you're a cynical, bitter monster with no friends.

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