Eloy - Planets

Artist : Eloy (formed in 1969)

Album Title : Planets (1981)

Genre : Progressive Symphonic Space Rock

YouTube Link : point of no return

Rating : ***** ** (out of 10*)

This Week I'm Listening To...
Eloy is a German band with a sound that's a blend of Pink Floyd and Yes. Their last studio album came out in 1998, and they haven't toured since 2003, so they may be defunct now.

Eloy is not named for that famous city in Arizona; instead it's a reference to the race of the Eloi from the book The Time Machine. The Eloi were the primary munchies food of the evil Morlocks.

Planets came out in 1981, which was in the heyday of Eloy. It is a concept album, and was planned to be a double-LP. Unfortunately, the record company decided one disc was enough, so you get half-a-story. The concluding half had to wait for the next LP, A Time To Turn, which came out in 1982.

What's To Like...
Expertly crafted songs and fantastic musicianship. Check out the YouTube link (above) for a song, Point Of No Return, from this album. Cool album covers (the British cover is posted below), and lots of prog music from beginning to end.

What's Not To Like...
Lead singer Frank Bornemann's voice leaves something to be desired, and it's evident from the lyrics that English is not his native tongue.

Although this whole album is good, there's nothing that really jumps out and grabs you. I prefer their 1979 effort, Silent Cries & Mighty Echoes, which is much closer to the Pink Floyd sound.

Yes , as in "Overrated"...
Eloy-Planets is what Yes could've sounded like if they had been able to get rid of their pretentious attitude. I have several Yes LP's, and a couple Rick Wakeman albums as well. None overly impress me. Too much fluff; not enough substance.

Which is a shame, because the concept behind the Yes-sound has always had great potential. It's nice to hear a group like Eloy grabbing that concept, and taking it to another level of proficiency.

But I digress. Planets is a good album, but it's not the best of what Eloy has to offer. If you can ignore the vocals, and concentrate on the music, you'll find this album a treat. Then if you are in need of a Floydian fix, go out and buy Silent Cries & Mighty Echoes.