Octopus by Gentle Giant

Octopus, Gentle Giant's 1972 masterpiece, an essential album for progressive rock, here in the Steven Wilson Remix.

An album preceded by some truly great albums and the one that paved the way for a wonderful series of masterpieces: Octopus, this one from 1972, In a Glass House from 1973, The Power and the Glory from 1974, and Free Hand from 1975. An impressive series.

It's said that the album's title comes from "octo opus," eight musical works, the eight tracks on the album. In fact, there's no track titled Octopus, so it seems plausible to me.

This was the last album with the Shulman brothers as a whole; Phil Shulman left the band after the album's release.

First album with drummer John Weathers, who remained with the band until their breakup in 1980.

An extremely complex alum, with the band's distinctive medieval character and masterfully executed counterpoints, yet played with such mastery that it seems effortless.

It contains complexity and absolute beauty, especially with "Think of Me with Kindness," an absolutely exceptional song.

The Advent of Panurge, melody and energy combined, with jazz improvisations and fantastic piano. Magnificent
Troubadour Raconteur, great use of strings and a complex composition. Violin takes center stage with a beautiful solo and great vibraphone and piano.
A Cry for Everyone with a superlative voice. An exceptional song with a great organ solo and great lead guitar.
Knots with a cappella vocals, again great vibraphone and percussion.
The Boys in the Band with excellent organ and violin, with beautiful tempo variations and a great keyboard.
Dog's Life with beautiful strings -
I've already mentioned "Think of Me with Kindness" - a great melody. An exceptional song in its simplicity.

River closes the album with a beautiful melody, but also great lead guitar, vocals, and organ.

A classic by The Gentle Giants. A must-have for any prog lover.

Fantastic

The Tracks

1. The Coming of Panurge (4:45)

2. The Troubadour Narrator (4:03)

3. A Cry for All (4:06)

4. Knots (4:11)

5. The Boys in the Band (4:34)

6. A Dog's Life (3:13)

7. Think of Me Kindly (3:31)

8. River (5:52)

Duration 34:15

Lineup

- Derek Shulman - lead vocals (1-4,8), alto saxophone (5)

- Gary Green - guitar, percussion

- Kerry Minnear - piano, electric piano, Hammond (1-5,7,8), MiniMoog (1,3,5,8), Mellotron (2,7,8), clavinet (1), harpsichord (4), vibraphone (4,8), regal, Cello (2.6), percussion, lead vocals (1, 4, 7), and backing vocals

- Philip Shulman - tenor saxophone (4.5), trumpet (1.2), Mellophone (7), lead vocals (1, 4, 6, 8), and backing vocals

- Raymond Shulman - bass, violin, electric violin, viola, and acoustic guitar (6), percussion, backing vocals

- John Weathers - drums, bongos (3.8), varispeed cymbal (4.8), xylophone (4.6)

Cons:

- Martin Rushent - variable speed oscillator

- Mike "Viccars" Vickers - Moog operator