GLORYDAZE Music - Articles: Thomas, Ian

ARTIST: Thomas, Ian (Band)
ALBUM: Glider
LABEL: GRT
SERIAL: GRT 9230-1082
YEAR: 1979
CD REISSUE: 1980, Anthem Records (LP only)
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:

LINEUP: Ian Thomas - vocals, guitars * Dave Cooper - guitars * Hugh Syme - keyboards * Steve Hogg - bass * Mike Oberle, Jorn Andersen - drums * Bob Doidge - recorder * Milan Kymlicka - sring arrangements

TRACK LISTING: 01 Pilot * 02 I Still Want To Hold You * 03 Small Talk * 04 High And Mighty * 05 Time Is The Keeper * 06 Beast Of Phobia * 07 Nero's Spell * 08 Voices Of The Children

WEBLINKS: www.ianthomasband.com

Background
This is an album I've been wanting to get my hands on for years. Having been a huge fan of Ian Thomas' early works, in particular the closet classic 'Still Here', the following year's release 'Glider' was a must have in my books. It was from about this era that Thomas's knack for writing music with strong thoughtful lyrics became apparent. We saw evidence of it on 'Still Here' and it continued on with 'Glider'. After listening to 'Glider', I think I come away still prefering 'Still Here', but that's because I am more familiar with it.

The Songs
Lead off track 'Pilot' is one of Ian's best remembered tracks, the popping bass work is apparent, but it's the gorgeous harmony vocals coming together on the pre-chorus and chorus sections that stand out. 'I Still Want To Hold You' is a combination of Hugh Syme's vibe like keyboards, mixed with an ethereal/progressive section a la Alan Parsons Project through the middle. 'Small Talk' is a punchier tune, allowing Dave Cooper to stretch out a bit on lead guitar. 'High And Mighty' stands alongside the 70's styled rock previously heard by many artists featured here at GD. The orchestral mid-section is an interesting part, again Alan Parsons Project rears its head. Changing tempo to a semi-disco beat is 'Time Is The Keeper', it's not as bad as it sounds, as the chorus is rather excellent and the tune is very melodic. 'Beast Of Phobia' is a dense affair, part prog, part pop and part AOR. It comes across as clever, but ends up being obtuse in the same vein as Todd Rundgren. 'Neros Spell' features Syme's stereophonic keys which bounce across the left/right stereo divide, a pleasant workout with a spicy latin section mid-tune. The closer 'Voices Of The Children' is a beautful atmospheric piece, based on piano layers and intricate guitar/keyboard interplay. It becomes a dramatic slab by the halfway stage, the end sequence is a fiery guitar laden climax before the soothing piano returns to finish off the deal.

In Summary
After a good solid run with GRT Records, Ian had to look for greener pastures by the end of the decade. The guys from Rush and their label - Anthem Records come to the party, and Ian enjoyed a number of releases on the label right through to 1985. Certainly the GRT releases from Ian represent an interesting period for him, the music here being lightweight pop/AOR which would harden up eventually during the early 80's. You can read more on his other albums below..

All written content on this website is copyrighted.
Copying of material without permission is not permitted.

Public

Useful Links