19. Crack the Sky

I know what you’re thinking. “who???”

But this was the debut album of the year for Rolling Stone magazine in 1975.

So I’m not the only one who thinks this is a home run. Problem was the album (reportedly) never really got to market. So if they did have radio play (which I doubt), there weren’t any albums in the stores for people to buy.

Thank you itunes!!! Because it’s there instantly for us now.

When I was a teen, getting into King Crimson, Yes, Rush, Kansas and the like, Lance McDonald put Crack the Sky on his turntable. I’m forever in his debt!

I got to meet one the guitar players from CTS a couple years back (Rick Witkowski), and he didn’t believe I knew the band, and their songs. I started singing one of his own songs back at him, and he was stunned.

Crack the Sky is essentially writer John Palumbo’s manic and moody thoughts set to some incredibly difficult music, ala YES. Lots of harmonized guitar solos, 3 part vocal harmonies, woven melodic instrumental lines that really are more classical than pop, over one of the tightest and most aggressive rhythm sections you’ve ever heard.

If the Beatles played prog rock, this is what it would be.

Don’t believe me? Listen to “Ice” or “Hold On” or “ Surf City” and you’ll hear what I’m talking about.

They spent real money on the production of this CD. There are orchestral arrangements on several songs, and the production quality/mixing is magnificent.

One final thought… Joe Macre, bass player for CTS, is one of the baddest bassists on the planet. BIG influence for me. HUGE.

If you like Yes, King Crimson, Genesis, Kansas, Jethro Tull, and Rush, but don’t have Crack the Sky in your collection, download the album today. Thank me later.

  ¶ 10:00 AM