Album Info
| Artist: | Jon And Vangelis |
| Album: | The Friends Of Mr. Cairo |
| Released: | Australasia, 1981 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | I'll Find My Way Home | |
| A2 | State Of Independence | |
| Backing Vocals - Carol Kenyon | ||
| Flute - Dick Morrisey | ||
| A3 | Beside | |
| A4 | The Mayflower | |
| Voice - David Coker | ||
| B1 | The Friends Of Mr. Cairo | |
| Voice - David Coker, Sally Grace | ||
| B2 | Back To School | |
| Backing Vocals - Carol Kenyon, Clair Hamill | ||
| Saxophone - Dick Morrisey | ||
| B3 | Outside And Inside | |
| Flute - Dick Morrisey |
Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store
- We are a small independent record store located at 91 Plenty Rd, Preston in Melbourne's North (Australia)
- We buy and sell new and used vinyl records - if you have a collection you'd like to sell please click here.
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- We ship Australia wide for a flat rate of $10 for standard shipping or $15 for express post.
- Free Shipping for orders $125 and over.
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- We also ship internationally - prices vary depending on weight and location.
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- We almost always ship your vinyl next business day (excluding pre orders)
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- You can contact our Melbourne record shop at (03) 9939 3807 or at info@funkyduckvinyl.com
- Happy Listening!
Description
When two titans of music come together, one anticipates magic. "The Friends of Mr. Cairo" is the product of such an alliance. Jon Anderson, frontman of progressive rock giants Yes, and Vangelis, the maestro behind film scores such as "Blade Runner" and "Chariots of Fire", join forces for an album that defies categorization. Sailing between the shores of rock, electronic, and cinematic scores, the duo crafts an auditory experience that's immersive, atmospheric, and otherworldly.
The title track, "The Friends of Mr. Cairo," acts as the album's crown jewel. It's a testament to the creative synergy of Jon and Vangelis. A tribute to classic films and their stars, the song is an auditory journey through old Hollywood, capturing its charm, drama, and suspense. Sound effects reminiscent of vintage noir films, coupled with Jon's ethereal vocals and Vangelis' cinematic synthesizers, transport listeners to a bygone era.
"I'll Find My Way Home" is a melodic gem. The song is a soft touch of hope, a beacon of optimism. The beauty of this track lies in its simplicity. Anderson's poignant vocals blend seamlessly with Vangelis' ambient synthesizers. The song, while being the most 'commercial' on the album, doesn't lose its depth or sincerity. It's a soothing balm, a promise of homecoming, of finding one's way amidst life's storms.
"State of Independence," another standout, is a hymn-like epic that exudes spirituality. The rhythmic drum beats, chorus-backed vocals, and an ever-evolving soundscape make it an auditory pilgrimage, reflecting a quest for enlightenment and liberation.
However, the brilliance of the album doesn't stop at its musical compositions. The cover art, showcasing an illuminated silhouette against an abstract blue, captures the album's essence – mystery, exploration, and transcendence.
But it's not all highs. Some tracks, like "Beside", drift into the territory of being overly ambient, with the risk of losing the listener's attention. While beautifully produced, they may not resonate with everyone, especially those looking for more traditional rock.
Yet, despite its occasional pitfalls, "The Friends of Mr. Cairo" remains a testament to innovation. The album is not just a meeting of minds but a fusion of souls. Jon's rock roots and Vangelis' electronic mastery, while seemingly polar opposites, intertwine to create an album that's both familiar and novel.
In retrospect, it's an album that's more than the sum of its parts. Its charm lies not just in its musical brilliance but in its intent. At a time when music was evolving, Jon and Vangelis didn't just adapt; they pioneered. "The Friends of Mr. Cairo" isn't just an album; it's a sonic adventure, one that invites listeners to explore, dream, and discover.
To appreciate this album fully, one needs to approach it without preconceived notions. Forget the boundaries of genre, shed the weight of expectation, and just dive in. Let Jon's voice guide you and Vangelis' compositions envelop you. It's not just music; it's an experience, a journey through time, space, and emotion.