Comments for Browne, Duncan, The Wild Places

Duncan Browne resumed his solo career after parting from the art rock band, Metro (Godwin still has some co-writing credits on this album), and emerged with this substantial solo work. While the art rock elements are still present, there are many progressive aspects to this fine album, including the musicians (all of unquestionable excellence, including Browne) culminating in the instrumental epic, "Camino Real" (the Tennessee Williams influence in this outing), a textured, moody, mature progressive piece by any standards. "The Wild Places" was a hit in some European countries: it begins with strummy acoustic guitar and nearly inaudible vocals, building to a huge rock climax, with a nice stop and start additional piece on the end. The rest is mostly refined pop/rock ballads and songs, performed by the four piece. The cover is kind of dated and sexist (DB in a white suit with leopard-skin clad 70s female pawing him, in front of yellow beach-scape) but has a certain humour about it :-). The music stands up well now and deserves to be remembered. (Ian C. Thomas)