Post Description

Studio Album, released in 1975, United Kingdom.

Canterbury Scene Project van Phil Manzanera.

QUIET SUN was first formed in 72 but later disbanded as various members evolved into other groups. As a side project to ROXY MUSIC, guitarist Phil Manzanera teamed up with Bill Mc Cormick (of MATCHING MOLE fame), Dave Jarrett and Charles Hayward ( ex-HIGH TIDE and future GONG, and future "touche-à-tout" in the early 90's) reformed QUIET SUN and made this sole album called Mainstream that defides any classifications/categorizations. With the help of Brian Eno, this album is full of superb interplay with long tracks every member writing two tracks except for Mc Cormick only one. Later on, Manzanera and McCormick will form the 801 group that will also release two albums.

It is almost impossible to describe the one and only album from this band. A band which includes Brian Eno amongst others. The typical avant-garde quirkyness is well represented here. So is the jazz and fusion stuff. Then there is some very melodic parts here too. In fact, the album ends with some melodic parts which reminds me about a soundtrack for an American crime TV series. This albums takes influences from as diverse acts as MATCHING MOLE, SOFT MACHINE, GONG, EGG, KING CRIMSON, HENRY COW and some avant-garde jazz bands. Quiet Sun is in this landscape.

The quality is very good and it is easy to understand why this album is regarded as one of the best Canterbury Scene albums. Although, I would more call it a RIO or a Fusion album than Canterbury Scene album. But the quality is so good that I do not care. There is stuff here that will keep my brain occupied for a long time. And that is all the hallmarks for a good prog rock album.



Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Sol Caliente (7:35)
2. Trumpet With Motherhood (1:47)
3. Bargain Classics (5:49)
4. R. F. D. (3:22)
5. Mummy Was An Asteroid..... (6:01)
6. Trot (5:14)
7. Rongwrong (9:29)

Total Time: 38:17

Line-up / Musicians

- Charles Hayward / drums, percussion, keyboards & voices
- Dave Jarrett / keyboards
- Phil Manzanera / guitars, keyboards
- Bill MacCormick / bass & voices

With:
- Brian Eno / synthesizers, treatments and oblique strategies