Fish Out of Water
Artist: Chris Squire
Label: Castle
6 tracks (47 mins) + DVD (ca. 100 mins)
 
Given that Rick Wakeman's solo work is almost beyond counting, it may be a little presumptuous to say that this is probably in the top four or five Yes solo works. Given that this is Squire's only solo effort (apart from one he has now started work on, 35 years later) it is also a remarkable case of quality winning out over quantity.
 
Its name comes from Squire (nicknamed “Fish”) being out of his normal band environment. The disc earns its ranking from being melodic, disciplined and inventive – one of the best albums that Yes never made. That said, a core of the band is present. The jazz-oriented Bill Bruford joins Squire in the rhythm section, while Patrick Moraz – with jazz links of his own – plays keyboards.
 
It is no surprise then, that with the seven minute “Lucky Seven” we get the wonderful Mel Collins' naturally fluid saxophones floating over the 7/4 rhythm like a bunch of leaves on a lively breeze. It's a fine example of Squire's  chunky Rickenbacker being very present in the mix, but never overbearing.
 
The rest of the album offers sharper versions of the band's typical song structures. These songs need to be tight, because most  feature the London Symphony Orchestra. Andrew Jackman's score sometimes has them subliminally adding warmth, but at other times sharing the spotlight, as in “Safe,” where strings provide a canon that interplays with Squire's bass line.
 
As with Jon Anderson, Squire's lyrics are more for sonic effect than for meaning, but there are still some fine sentiments: “To attack is to retreat / Hold out your hand / All the treasure of the universe are lying at your feet”. The lyrics blend naturally with the cadences of the music and as a result they are still memorable decades later.
 
The CD would be enjoyable on its own, especially with its bonus track of the US single edit of “Lucky Seven”. But this new expanded re-issue has a DVD that contains just about all the material available: the promo video (as seen on Old Grey Whistle Test); an audio commentary to the whole disc that sees Squire uneasily speaking to camera and giving an over view between sides; and an exhaustive and relaxed interview full of interesting background.
 
This pack is great value for prog fans, but also highly accessible to anyone who likes intelligent, melodic rock.
 
Derek Walker  11/30/2007