First of all, I want to say hello to everyone who might remember me, as i was a part of the old message board which is now closed (previous username - life4live), and to all the new folks and great people that I am about to meet. You can call this post the new intoduction, because in many ways I am a newcomer to this forum.

This is not a 100% what you may call a review of the new and debut album of the Gracious Few, but in some I would guess it is.

First of all let me say this. Back in the days Live was a very unique band. It was not only the sound that they had, but it was also Ed himslef, with the unique voice that separated the band from the rest of the scene. Many may disagree on this, but once again, it is just my own personal opinion.

Whenever I first heard about the solo albums both from Ed and the Gracious Few, truly, I did not know what to expect. Now that both of those albums are breathing, here is my opinion:

The truth of the matter is, I did not listen to both of those albums from the start to an end. Let me explain why, and please do not judge me, even know that it may be well deserved.

As I mentioned above, Live starting from the Mental to Jewelry up to V (for some of you it maybe The Distance to Here) like I already mentioned above was a unique band in many aspects of that word. What do we see now? As much as I do not want to say that, personally, I see an empty gap.

What once was brilliant, now turned into an everyday american band. Both Ed and the guys (the gracious few) did not gain a thing, the sad part about it is - they lost it, lost that little twich that used to turn tables around. I am not gonna go into the specifications of both Ed's and The Gracious Few albums - not worth it, there are already a dozen reviews explaining all of it much better than If I will try doing it.

Let me put it this way. I've got 2 legs that I've been cheerfully using for 24 years now. Each day and every single moment those 2 fellows are with me. Now suddenly, after a certain period of time, one of my legs desides to separate. Now I have to use the surrogate, and let me tell you folks, it may be alright, but it was always better with the original line up.

Sorry if I said too much.

All the best,

VZ