What Are You Listening To?

[Ruby]

JOHN HACKETT BAND – We Are Not Alone
 


Personnel:
John Hackett – Vocals, Flute, Guitar, Keyboards
Nick Fletcher – Lead Guitar
Jeremy Richardson – Bass, Acoustic & 12-String Guitars, Vocals
Duncan Parsons – Drums, Vocals, Triangle
Steve Hackett – Harmonica on “Never Gonna Make a Dime”

This latest release by flautist John Hackett and his compadres comprises two CD’s; the first We Are Not Alone, and the second Another Live which is a collection of live performances of songs from John Hackett’s previous albums recorded at the Classic Rock Society in 2016, those two albums being Checking Out of London and Another Life.

It came out in September, so not exactly new; the bottom line is that I’ve been trying to wrap my head around this one for a while now and just can’t get to grips with it. There are good elements, but the whole thing just sounds disjointed, and I’m afraid to say, is downright dreary in some places. I didn't make it to the live part - perhaps I should give that a spin. John’s flute is fine, and the music’s not terrible, nor is the production, but something just doesn’t gel, and the vocals leave me stone cold. Maybe it's just me, but I’m not going to try again (at least, not the first disc) and can’t even settle into it enough to do a proper review. Pity – I had been hopeful ... 

Nothing on YouTube but here it is on Deezer if anyone wants to give it a try … http://www.deezer.com/en/album/49410402