It is indeed exciting to discover, or for some rediscover, some of the early classics of the progressive rock movement. Thanks to Eclectic Discs, the first two albums by the British trio Egg have finally been remastered. The second of the two, "The Polite Force," is quite simply a fabulous record from beginning to end. The follow-up to their 1970 self-titled debut album (also newly remastered), "The Polite Force" explores new ground for the band. The compositions are, on average, longer and more experimental. There is less of the jovial Canterbury sound that was quite evident on "Egg." However, that does not mean the band left their Canterbury roots completely. The middle section of "A Visit to Newport Hospital", a song recounting their days as Uriel with Steve Hillage, is chock full of lighthearted music and happy lyrics. The intro and outro of the track, though, summon the likes of King Crimson with their dark and brooding overtones. "Contrasong" also is fully entrenched in Canterburiness, complete with a horn section. The song is also set over a darting and dancing tempo that is reminscent of some of Gentle Giant's more complex compositions.

"Boilk" is an experimental departure into loops, sounds, and backward masking. Its predecessor of the same name from the previous album was a very short one-minute exploration of a Mellotron. The final track, simply titled "Long Piece No.3", an album-closing epic like "Symphonic No.2" from their first album. This 20-minute instrumental is a steady stream of dramatic passages interlaced with jazz and classically-influenced keyboard flourishes and melodies, plus some weirdness thrown in for good measure. Some of the more dramatic Hammond moments are reminiscent of classic Keith Emerson, but in now way a fascimile. On the whole, it's an intense and well-developed opus.

The dexterous keyboard playing of Dave Stewart dominates the album, employing an arsenal of sounds put forth though Hammond organ, piano, tone generator, and numerous others. The bass and vocal duties are covered by Mont Campbell. While his bass playing is steady and his tones are warm, his baritone voice leaves a little to be desired. It should be said that is hardly detracts from the quality of this classic album. Drummer Clive Brooks, like Campbell, is competent and reliable. But the star of the Egg CDs remains Stewart.

The remastering on this release is excellent. There is a crispness to a lot of the instruments that is absent from most "vintage" CD releases. The cymbals, horns, and grind of organs on the album are most notably enhanced and sound amazing. Fans of Canterbury, symphonic or simply of keyboards, are urged to give this remasted a spin. It is an early progressive rock masterpiece, as Egg fans already know. Said Egg fans will be happy to hear this music again but with a shiny new shell.

Review by Chad Hutchinson
December 08, 2004