Sky

Sky are one of those bands that would only have been formed in the Seventies or early Eighties. Classical guitarist John Williams had had some success as a performer but decided to explore a more mainstream style with Tristan Fry (Percussion), Herbie Flowers (bass) Kevin peek (Guitar) and Francis Monkman (keyboards). They began life in 1979, playing rock songs or classical music in their unique prog-rock sound. For a period in the early eighties the band were hugely successful, topping the UK album charts and carrying out extensive world tours.

Both these albums are released on CD for the first time in twenty years and have been remastered. The first is Sky's 1983 release Cadmium, which features the likes of Troika and Mother Russia, where Williams displays his spanish guitar style skills. There is also a DVD included, which features a BBC recording from Drury Lane as well as an appearance from the Val Doonican Show.

The second CD, re-released underlines the band's live appeal. Sky Live was released in early 1983 and features recordings taken from a huge tour around Australia. The newly remastered CD includes a track that was on the original vinyl but not on the 1996 CD. The Animals is a 20 minute piece at the opening of the album and it can only be time constraints that meant this highlight was not originally on the CD.

Many new listeners might find the music dated now - and in some senses it is - but for fans of the era and of the band these two CDs are a great trip down memory lane.