Archive of the former Yahoo!Groups mailing list: The Mellotron Group

Hey John,

Thanks for prompting me to listen to the "Aqualung" album again, for the 1st time in many years! I didn't hear Mellotron on "Hymn 43," but MOST definitely it's very prominent on the opening section of "Cross-Eyed Mary," the 2nd song. Mellotron strings against Anderson's flute... beautiful. 

This reminded me, too, of how incredibly adventurous and talented musicians so often were back in the late '60s & early '70s. There is some SERIOUS playing here, as well as very brave and expressive vocals. I can vouch for the guitar work in "Aqualung" itself.  My band in '72-'73 played it, and it was one of those "got to do it right or we don't do it at all" things. One of the biggest musical challenges I'd faced to that point... most welcomely, to be sure. The switches between electric & acoustic (which admittedly, live, I just stayed on electric, but got as "acoustic" in sound as I could when needed), the double lead work, the solo... makes me want to re-learn it just as an exercise. No pressure playing for audiences!

Thank you, too, as I'm recording a new CD myself at this moment, for reminding me to ALWAYS challenge myself in the music, lyrics, recording techniques, etc., as I put it together.  I'm happy with it so far, but there's always "the next level" out there. Listening to the "Aqualung" album put me in touch with that very clearly. Like a hammer on my head!!  (-:  (And yes, there's plenty of Mellotron on this album to keep you guys happy. Sometimes it's just the ONLY sound that works, right?)

Cheers!