In a Glass House

In the lyric-inclusive liner notes of this long-awaited CD re-release, Geir Hasnes writes that he considers "In A Glass House" the "primary gemstone of the progressive rock era". I guess that means he likes it.Looking more at the big picture of this remarkable and grossly under-appreciated ensemble, one would be hard pressed to decide which album, if any, were their best. "Glass House" certainly appeared during a peak era of the group, immediately preceded by the amazing "Octopus" and followed by the equally wonderful "Power & the Glory" and "Free Hand" releases. If anything, "Glass House" is a great example of GG's creative audacity, though maybe not the most focussed work of their output.The album consists of four longer, high-energy, varied works punctuated by two shorter, arrangementally spare pieces. "An Inmates Lullabye" is probably the most eccentric composition this group has recorded, a truly schizoid lullabye performed entirely on percussive instruments. In contrast, "A Reunion" is a gentle ballad done on strings (multi-track violin and bass all done by Ray Shulman), tenderly vocalized by keyboardist Kerry Minnear. The rest of the pieces showcase lead singer Derek Shulman and the band's trademark medieval/funk hybrid style which involves richly textured, developmental, deliriously syncopated and edgy rock.Overall production is very clean, a quality appreciably noticable in digitally remastered form. Aside from the slight presence of some tape hiss from the effects-sparing original, this is the clean, crisp release that this collection was intended to be heard as. My vinyl release was not only riddled with pops and rumbles from day one, it was also slighly off center; hearing the sustained organ sections on "Way of Life" is virtually revelatory, almost takes getting used to the purity of it. Highest praise to the remastering crew for bringing the brilliance of the orginal to sparkling life today, something that unfortunately can't be said about some other CD re-releases (early Genesis, for example). These guys even cared enough to add two bonus live tracks (GG's albums were always a bit on the short side, a fan's common criticism) and resurrect the original packaging, right down to the cellophane "window" and the black jacket texturing! If only all deserving recorded archives could get this kind of treatment.A great listen to one of the more ambtious, hard-working and just plain fun prog groups to emerge from Europe from the early 70s, though probably for a more exclusive audience. As their Giant mascot observed, from the first album: "the gentlest music ..... apart from thunderstorms."

The version of this I have is a re-issue of a re-issue - the original album (1973), GLORIOUSLY remixed, packaged in a miniature reproduction of the original lp sleeve, with two bonus live tracks from 1974 & 1976. The second of the live tracks, `In a glass house', is a pretty muddy, echo-y recording - but why quibble? This album is one of the best of the era from a prog band.Gentle Giant were a band of extremely creative, talented multi-instrumentalists - no one played only one instrument, and seeing them juggle parts in concert was a real treat. Critics have accused them over the years of being `cold' and `emotionless' - nothing could be further from the truth. It's easy to hear how much fun they're having with this complex music - and if you ever had the opportunity to see them perform live, it was easy to see as well. None of the musically ambidextrous goings-on were performed just for the sake of showing off - their music is well thought-out, played with abandon and perfection at the same time, accompanied by intelligent and thoughtful lyrics. Every single member of the band has a huge part to contribute - nothing is left to chance, and it's as fun for the listener to hear it all come together as it must have been for the band to perform it.I've played versions of this album for people over the years who have never heard of the band - they've never failed to come away from the experience being impressed - it's jaw-droppingly good. This is a classic of the genre - and a must-have for any true collector.

Been listening to this album for over 40yrs!.. It is an absolute benchmark in progressive music!. Highest Recomendation!

This work contains all the best elements of Gentle Giant music as well as representing the band at a very peak period. I cannot imagine what the record company was thinking when this title originally came out in 1973. Not releasing this album in the US was a huge mistake and a great disservice to music fans.At any rate, we can be thankful it is now available and in a nicely remastered form. This album should be a welcome addition to any Progressive Rock fan's collection, especially those who already find themselves appreciating Gentle Giant's many other excellent offerings.In a Glass House starts off strong and does not let up until the last sound of crashing glass at the end of track 6. There is a theme running through the compositions which is very nicely summarized in the closing track.I really like the entire Gentle Giant catalogue; however, with each listen, I find myself thinking that In a Glass House has to be at the very top of their musical accomplishments and that is saying something when you consider the quality of their other efforts.Highly recommended.- Scriptor

this was the last gentle giant album I needed to complete my collection. the music was concept, complex and amazing.if you hadn't heard of them through a friend, your record store or in rolling stone they were pretty easy to miss.no social media so you had to "discover" bands in other ways back in the 70's.a hidden gem of a band and this was a great album to dive into...!!

In a Glass House is probably the most rocked-out Gentle Giant album. Although there are a couple of songs I don't really care for, the album is more than redeemed by "The Runway," "Experience," and the title track, which for me, rank as the best trio of songs on any Gentle Giant album. Also this album stands apart because it really doesn't sound much like their other releases. It's different from all the rest, yet still brilliant. With the departure of Phil Shulman from the group, Gentle Giant lost some of its signature textures, however this album along with the two that followed it, (Power & Glory & Free Hand) demonstrate that the band still had much greatness ahead of it. It's easy to see why some rate "In a Glass House" as their favorite. It's definitely in the top 3 or 4.

Gentle Giant remain one of the most innovative of all the bands from the progressive rock era. They drew in a range of musical influences including jazz, rock, classical and English folk.Their music was quite complex taking sudden turns. Unlike many of their peers they seldom created tracks longer than 5/6 minutes. During those few minutes Gentle Giant could cram in all those influences, making for sometimes quite an intense listening experience. However, if one perseveres, it was ultimately a very rewarding experience.Born from the ashes of 60s mod/white soul group Simon Dupree & the Big Sound, best known to many for their psychedelic/exotica single "Kites", Gentle Giant were formed by the Schulman brothers Phil, Derek and Ray. "In a Glass House" was their 5th album and the 1st following the departure of group leader and saxophonist Phil Schulman. Despite such a change in group dynamics, which would derail many groups, Gentle Giant still managed to create another gem.Everyone in the group was a multi-instrumentalist, something which contributed to the diversity in their music. My only quibble is that lead vocalist Derek Shulman, who also played sax, seldom does so despite suitable breaks from singing. That is I must say is only a personal disappointment, but something which doesn't detract from the quality of the music.The sound quality is good and the cd was delivered promptly.

Gentle Giant’s 1973 album has become one of their most popular,though apparently the Band did not enjoy the recording experience ,having to work for the first time without Phil Shulman who had recently left the Band.A concept album full of good tunes and classic chord changes which are the hallmark of Gentle Giant,this recording was never originally released in North America and until 2004 was only available there as an expensive import which only added to it’s popularity.A worthy addition to Gentle Giant’s catalogue and highly recommended.

Argument will always prevail over which GG album holds the "best one" crown, even i can't fit a rizla between this one, their first, and Three Friends -- all of high merit, This is their final release on the Vertiga label in the UK, before they switched to Chrysalis and went badly downhill, and brings together all the GG elements we know and love in a very polished package. Innovators, sideways steppers, never following popular commercial trends, this was how they made their name, and sadly didn't get the audience they deserved at the time. Nowadays people aren't so blinkered and listen to this stuff for its true musical value, not how high it got in the charts.Most trascks have that pre-rehearsed feel to them, only a few on the second side (of the original lp format) have that made-up-on-the-spot-in-the-studio ring about them, and GG often have to resort to spontaneous creations, their original stuff was slow in coming. Master instrumentalists with a choice of excellent vocalists, and not limiting themselves to their trademark bizare prog either, they often dip into madrigal folk or spiky jazz.

1973's In A Glass House was the fifth studio album that the British Progressive Rock band Gentle Giant released overall and the second of their albums to feature John Weathers on the drums. As usual Gentle Giant fail to disappoint; this is a brilliant album hands down, just like every other Gentle Giant album before it, and even a few after it too.Gentle Giant were consistent as well as talented, creative and eclectic. If you like one of their songs you won't hear another that sounds like it, but you will likely love most of the assorted songs they made. As a rule, the band cover a whole lot of musical ground in each song, more on each album and a great deal across their whole career. You never know where a song will go and how many moods and tones it will cover, but you can be fairly certain that it will be entertaining.Compared to the album which preceded it In A Glass House is different different, a bit more out there, a little more progressive but still innately Gentle Giant. The level of creativity and musicianship on the album is utterly exceptional. Gary Green is in fine form in particular here delivering a great performance and as always Kerry hits it out of the park with ace keyboard and moog throughout. In fact, each member is a simply superb musician and usually all deserve immense praise.One thing that makes In A Glass House stand out in the catalogue is that the album arguably has a much simpler approach to vocals than other Gentle Giant records, but then it also has as complicated if not more complicated music. Luckily that complex music is held tightly together by John Weathers' funky and brilliant drumming, which melts away any apparent chaos or pretensions with a flick of the drumstick, leaving the listener receptive and probably even wanting more.All six of the albums tracks are worth exploring, but highlights include the rocking title track 'In A Glass House' and the jaunty 'Experience.'For the most part this is a pretty difficult album to criticise if you are into this sort of music in the first place. Admittedly, the DRT remaster lacks the punch and energy of the Vertigo editions of Octopus or Acquiring The Taste but after about twenty seconds you'll be lost in the performance anyway. It may not be bombastic but at least it is clear, if a little quiet.Overall, this is a very good album from a very good band. If you like prog you should at least try out the band, and if you like the band then this album is pretty essential listening. I highly recommend it, along with most of the band's entire discography.

What can you say about this album except that it is an absolute master piece! From the smashing glass at the beginning leading into one of the best tracks the band ever wrote, "The Runaway", on to the intriguing "An Inmate's Lullaby", then the awesome "Way of Life", the stunning "Experience", the beautiful "A Reunion", and finishing with the outstanding "In a Glass House". An incredible album from a band at the height of their powers. Get it now!