Kayak

Esoteric are just great and absolutely without rival. One only need pass a polite suggestion in their direction to release a rare and forgotten item which may well be right up their street and, so long as it's as good as this, then, lo and behold, it eventually appears on the open market almost like magic - and always superbly remastered and packaged to boot!!If, like myself, you like your 70s progressive rock to be tight, accessible and concise, and to feature loads of uplifting and melodic variety, as well as plenty of great musicianship and vocal harmonies, then this should hit the spot for you nicely. And it's not at all difficult to get into. As well as displaying very much their own sound and style throughout, it features occasional hints of classic Yes, Genesis, Fruupp, and, inevitably because they're also Dutch, Focus. At its best, this music definitely reaches for the sky.Although some fans and converts may disagree, I personally reckon their previous and first album "See See The Sun" (also now available) just has the edge on this set (my jaw just happened to drop that little bit further with certain tracks on that one!). But it really matters not - both albums are superb and come highly recommended.Enjoy, and many thanks to Esoteric for bringing this music back into the world again. Your back catalogue has become very impressive these days!!

Fantastic blast from the past for me. I bought the album on Vinyl years ago but, as I currently don't own a Turntable, I decided to grab a copy on cd and have really enjoyed listening to it again.

A fantastic Esoteric Remaster, of an old favourite.And a fantastic early album from Kayak to boot...

What a great band thanjs Esoteric.Symphonic prog at its best. Love each song can't stop lpalying it time and again.

Kayak's first album See, See the Sun, though very good, did contain a few lack-lustre songs, and over-all, a Four Star album. This, their second, improved on the previous one in many ways with not a single forgettable song. Wintertime was a hit single in Europe with a catchy melody and powerful vocal from Max Werner. My favourite is Mireille/Trust in the Machine. Starting as as slow keyboard & drum instrumental passage, building with guitar for the main vocal section, then a wonderful tango style drum rythym takes over, slowly overlaid with synth and guitar until the guitar takes control and leads to a wonderful climax. His Master's Noise follows, a tender piano and vocal song dedicated to their roadies - a perfect end to a truly classic album. As the CD is generally unavailable I copied my original vinyl to minidisc so am not tempted to spend ridiculous amounts for it. **2014 update** The CD has now been re-issued on esoteric. No need to pay £80+ for it now!

Before you are even tempted to spend a ridiculous amount of money on this CD, let me say that this is certainly not Kayaks best effort. Actually, it was considered a failure following their strong debut album See see the sun. Kayak 2 (originally titled His Masters Noise) contained a minor hit single (Wintertime) and a few other strong tracks (Alibi, Serenades, Woe and Alas), but also a couple of long, tedious Scherpenzeel-penned tracks like Mountain Too Rough and They get to know me, in which nothing interesting happens. And then there is Trust In The Machine, a song about a brain transplantation. It used to be a highlight on stage; on record it sounds dull and contrived. If you like true progrock, get See See The Sun, if you prefer progressive popsongs, pick it up from their third album, Royal Bed Bouncer. Kayak 2 is lost somewhere between the two directions.

This disc is a gift so cant be sure at the moment but if its like the other discs I've bought it will be first class

Es ist nur 1 Seite des Vinylalbums wirklich progig. Insgesamt ist das Album zu soft. Für mich ist Merlin das schlechteste Kayak Album. Bestes Kayak Album ist aus meiner Sicht das Album Seventeen.

Kayakの2ndアルバム。1974年度作品。1stのようなキーボード（ハープシコードや、ムーグなど）を押し出したスタイルは姿を消し、音の角がとれ、より線の細いボーカルを重きに置いてるが、その演奏は相変わらずうまい使い方をしている。キャラバンの中期に通じるものがあるのではないかな。1stが最高傑作と評価する人がいますが、1stの路線からつながる音作りをしているし、むしろ2ndのほうが洗練されていると思います。上質なポップさがここちいい。派手さはないが、聴けば聴くほど良さがわかると思います。

this is a fantstic reissue on the uk esoteric label for the second 1974 album by dutch prog legends kayak, the remastering is fantastic on this and the booklet that comes with this will tell you all you need to know about kayak, kayak are probably the biggest dutch prog band next to golden earring as kayak saw some success outside of the netherlands but mainly they where huge in holland only, still esoteric did this reissue a lot of justice, this is another long lost prog classic that will just blow you away if mid 70s prog is your thing, the album also seems to have a very soothing effect as well so if you have not picked this up yet do so if 70s prog was/is your thing as this cd sounds awesome and very fresh, esoteric is a label that puts a lot into there reissues, these come with booklets, liner notes and great sound. cant ask for more then that!!!

Progessive Pop Rock afficionados should have this CD, with nice liner notes and classic photos. The remaster and packaging is first rate. The music among the most creative from Netherlands' Kayak.

An interesting combination of music.Good guitar, piano works. A wonderful variety of music. Too bad they didn't achieve popularity in the states.

The product is all right. The issue was regarding the payment.After i payed the fee of postage and the value of the parcell , when i pick it from the post i was pushed to pay another 21 pounds, without a previous warning. Is not about money is about principle. I think the entire prize must be shown along with the offer