Rebirth

Rebirth is the second (and best) of three albums released by late sixties/early seventies band Blonde On Blonde. Debut album Contrasts had ranged from pop to rock, with elements of folk and psychedelia. With distinctive new singer Dave Thomas on board, and fiery guitarist Gareth Johnson taking a dominant role, Rebirth was a far more coherent affair. The band delivered an ambitious set of melodic, progressive rock. From the Moody Blues-like pop-rock of opening track (and single A-side) Castles In The Sky to the Procol Harum-style keyboard grandeur of finale You'll Never Know Me/Release, via heavy magnum opus Colour Questions, Rebirth is consistently excellent. Released on indie label Ember, without the promotional clout of a major progressive label like Harvest, Deram or Vertigo, Rebirth somehow got lost in the plethora of fine rock released in 1970.