Jon And Vangelis - The Friends Of Mr Cairo - 1981 (24/96 Vinyl Rip)

The Friends of Mr Cairo is the second collaboration of Jon Anderson and Vangelis as Jon & Vangelis. There are two editions of this album, with different sleeves. Both versions were released in 1981 within a few weeks of each other. The title track, "The Friends Of Mr Cairo", peaked at nr. 1 for 5 weeks on the Canadian singles chart in late 1981.

The second edition of the album includes the single "I'll Find My Way Home", which stayed for 14 weeks in the Swiss charts and peaked at nr. 1 on March 7, 1982 "State of Independence" was later a hit single for Donna Summer, and a decade later for Moodswings with Chrissie Hynde on vocal. Anderson also later re-recorded that song on his solo album Change We Must, released in 1994.

The fantastic title track of this album you can hear and see on Youtube. Note: No silence was deleted, so please burn gapless..



Review:

"A Masterpiece"
It must be 20 years ago when I first heard this album, I decided to buy it after being impressed by it's predecessor, 'Short Stories'. This, however is in a different league, a masterpiece that still thrills and captivates with each listening, and listen to it I still do after all these years. The title song demands your attention with its so realistic screeching car chase and machine gun fire at the very start and then goes from one pace to another, from one emotion to another, evoking nostalgic feelings for the cinema of the 30's and 40's, film noir in particular.

Vangelis is an expert in conjuring images with his music and Jon Anderson is his perfect foil, this is music you turn off the lights to and listen raptly through your best headphones. State of Independance was covered many years later by Donna Summer, good cover too. 'I'll find my way home' was added to the album in the later album versions and became the opening track on side one which is a shame, it does not fit so well, being a hit single for the duo. Probably the weakest song is 'Back to school' but a lively addition nevertheless.

I also very much like the songs 'Beside' and 'Outside and Inside', now these are songs to lower your heart beat to a pedestrian pace.
I have recommended this album to many people, they are never disapointed. Enjoy!
Mario Yacoub - Amazon.com


Track List:

1. I’ll Find My Way Home
2. State of Independence
3. Beside
4. The Mayflower
5. The Friends of Mr. Cairo
6. Back to School
7. Outside of This (Inside of That)