JON ANDERSON - ANIMATION (1982, POLYDOR)
Jon Anderson - vocals
'Clem' Clempson - guitar
Jack Bruce, John Giblin, Billy Kristain - bass
Dave Lawson, Ronnie Lehay, David Sancious, Blue Weaver - keyboards
Stefano Cerri, Simon Phillips, Morris Pert, Ian Wallace - drums
Chris Rainbow - background vocals
Dick Morrisey - sax
Henry Lowther - horns

Background
With or without Yes, Jon Anderson has always struck me as one weird dude. Never met the man of course, but going by some of the interviews I've read and owning at one time or another just about everything he's recorded , there is a pattern of aerie fairie nonsense and new age gibberish in his solo work that lingers like a bad cold. I've never hitched a ride on the 'we are the world', 'hands across the universe' rainbow starship that Anderson commands, but it's a philosophy he's made a career of and for like minded fans of such lofty ideals, no one does it better. Turning back the clock to the magical year of 1982, the impetus for Jon's third solo effort 'Animation' was the birth of his daughter and a new found freedom away from the progressive juggernaut that was Yes. Like his former band, Anderson understood the times indeed were changing and his move away from typical prog heavy handedness to pop was quite refreshing.

The Songs
In fact, I would go as far as to say this album was the reference point for Yes' comeback '90125'. 'Olympia' opens the album with Anderson in fine vocal form and his take on the then new digital age. Both this song and the title track are progressive in nature and lyrically heavy, yet incredibly tuneful. 'Surrender' takes on a reggae flavor and works surprisingly well. All In A Matter Of Time' is classic Jon Anderson and would fit nicely on any Yes album as well as 'Unlearning' and 'Boundaries' on side two. Of course we get the rapturous 'All Gods Children' closing out the album with typical out of this world lyrics like 'Have you heard of the people the Magical Trinity I am ready to kiss you and love you infinity, dancing In gravity, dancing in gravity, all Gods children shall be free, all Gods children shine a light on me'. Eegads. Someone pass me the magic Kool-aid. I'm ready.

In Summary
Long anticipated on CD and a 'want-list' favorite for many years, 2006 finally saw a reissue of 'Animation' with resounding disappointment. Turns out it was a vinyl rip and not a very good one at that. Hard to say why masters were not used, but here's hoping a label like Wounded Bird pick up on it in the future and give the album the digital treatment it deserves.

URL: www.jonanderson.com

Track Listing:
01 Olympia
02 Animation
03 Surrender
04 All In A Matter Of Time
05 Unlearning
06 Boundaries
07 Pressure Point
08 Much Better Reason
09 All Gods Children

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Posted by Eric on July 08, 2008 · 0 Comments · 1077 Reads ·