STEVE HACKETT

STEVE HACKETT
DEFECTOR (1980)
REMASTER
320 KBPS

I recently purchased the remastered version of this, and I am doing this review based on that. This is, in some ways, the logical descendant to the classic Spectral Mornings, even down to the similar cover. The first track, 'The Steppes', is another classic Hackett offering, a superbly melodic instrumental, with trademark flowing guitar solo. A wonderful way to start. 'Time To Get Out' is a more standard rock song, with nice harmonies, displaying Steve's enormous gift for composition. Nice touches of guitar on this too. 'Slogans' is, or was, a live favourite, showing that his playing is technically better than some critics think. He has never been a fast player, as he said himself, it wasn't his style, but this track does show his competence when in faster mode. 'Leaving' is one of those haunting ballads with beautiful harmonies, another trademark of Hackett's. 'Two Vamps' is an nice acoustic piece, again, haunting. He does this type of track remarkably well. 'Jacuzzi' was the opener on side two of the original record. A fast paced, bright and cheerful instrumental, with nice flute from brother John, this is a wonderfully melodic tune. 'Hammer In The Sand' is another melodic highlight, with superb piano from Nick Magnus, a slow, melancholic tune, wonderful! 'The Toast' is somewhat reminiscent of 'Leaving', another slowy with nice harmonies. 'The Show' is not my favourite track on here, but is decent enough, more uptempo and more in the straight rock vein. Finally, 'Sentimental Instituiton' is another of Steve's famous pastiches. An old, big band type of song, sung really well by Pete Hicks, with humorous lyrics. I love this type of song. The bonus tracks, five of them, are all decent, but none essential. They include an old B side, 'Hercules Unchained' possibly the most un-Hackett like song he has ever written. Almost punkish in its ferocity. Nothing spectacular. Good live versions of 'Sentimental Institution', 'The Steppes', 'Slogans' & 'Clocks - The Angel Of Mons' follow. All are interesting but add nothing to the album itself. The quality of the remaster, however, is superb - loud, crisp and clear. After this album, he was to change his style dramatically, and, some would say, controversially. This is a must have for Hackett fans.

1. The Steppes
2. Time to Get Out
3. Slogans
4. Leaving
5. Two Vamps as Guests
6. Jacuzzi
7. Hammer in the Sand
8. Toast
9. Show
10. Sentimental Institution
Bonus tracks
11. Hercules Unchained
12. Sentimental Institutions (Live)
13. Steppes (Live)
14. Slogans (Live)
15. Clocks-the Angel of Mons (Live)