Down to Earth

by Nektar

Overview

Depending on who you ask, this is either Nektar's greatest or worst album. As Albrighton explained later, it was the band's attempt to re-invent itself as someone else -- like the Magical Mystery Tour. Old fans were appalled; but as the first album to get much airplay in the U.S., it brought in new fans who found it by far their most accessible work. Its progressive and funk elements are set around a demented circus theme, with the songs introduced by a loony Teutonic ringmaster. "That's Life," powered by chattering drums and a positively orgasmic Rickenbacker bass sound, is a standout of progressive rock showmanship. Delicate pieces like "Little Boy" and "Early Morning Clown" -- where Albrighton uses rotating Leslie speakers to great effect -- alternate with pub rockers like "Fidgety Queen" and the lumbering funk of "Nelly the Elephant." For new fans, this album is the place to start; and if they're willing to take it on its own terms, old fans might find a place in their heart for it too. ~ Paul Collins

Product Details

Release Date:	12/20/2019
Label:	Purple Pyramid
UPC:	0889466131615

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Nektar   Primary Artist,Vocals
Kenneth Cole   Vocals (Background)
Steve Gregory   Sax (Tenor)
Chris Mercer   Sax (Tenor),Sax (Baritone)
Chipping Norton Mandies   Choir/Chorus
Stephan Wick   Tuba
Butch Hudson   Trumpet
Phil Brown   Tuba (Bass)
Ron Carthy   Trumpet
Chris Pyne   Trombone
P.P. Arnold   Vocals (Background)

Technical Credits

James Freeman   Composer
Geoff Emerick   Engineer
Peter Hauke   Producer
Dieter Dierks   Engineer
Nektar   Composer,Producer
Derek Moore   Composer
Alan Freeman   Composer
Ron Howden   Composer
Aaron Moore   Composer
Roye Albrighton   Composer
P.P. Arnold   Duet