Curved Air – The Best Of Curved Air

Curved Air – The Best Of Curved Air

Originally released in 1976, The Best Of Curved Air is an excellent introduction to the adventurous sound of one of Britain's most distinctive progressive rock bands. Bringing together eight tracks from the group's influential early albums, this compilation captures their unusual blend of progressive rock, psychedelia, classical influences and experimental musicianship.

Formed in London in 1970, Curved Air developed a sound that set them apart from many of their contemporaries. Fronted by the charismatic vocals of Sonja Kristina, the band combined Darryl Way's virtuosic electric violin, Francis Monkman's inventive guitar and keyboard work, and an adventurous rhythm section to create music that was atmospheric, technically accomplished and often unpredictable. Their willingness to incorporate classical composition, electronic textures and extended instrumental passages made them an important part of the early British progressive rock movement.

The compilation opens with 'It Happened Today', a striking introduction to the band's early experimental approach, followed by their celebrated interpretation of Antonio Vivaldi's Baroque composition. Reworking classical material through electric violin, keyboards and progressive rock instrumentation, 'Vivaldi' became one of Curved Air's signature recordings and a particularly distinctive example of the meeting point between classical music and early 1970s rock.

'You Know' and 'Back Street Luv' demonstrate the group's more song-oriented side, balancing sophisticated arrangements with memorable melodies and Kristina's expressive vocal delivery. 'Back Street Luv' was one of the band's biggest commercial successes, reaching the UK singles chart in 1971 and helping establish their reputation beyond the progressive rock audience.

The second side moves further into the band's experimental territory. 'Melinda (More Or Less)' and 'Cheetah' showcase their interest in unusual musical structures and instrumental interplay, while the extended 'Metamorphosis' provides one of the collection's most ambitious moments. Written by Eddie Jobson, the composition builds through shifting musical passages and intricate arrangements, reflecting the band's more exploratory progressive rock identity. Closing with 'The Purple Speed Queen', the compilation finishes on an energetic note, combining driving rock instrumentation with the band's characteristic adventurous spirit.

Drawing material from the group's first four studio albums – Air Conditioning (1970), Second Album (1971), Phantasmagoria (1972) and Air Cut (1973) – this collection offers a concise overview of Curved Air's formative and creatively adventurous years.

An appealing addition for fans of classic British progressive rock, psychedelic rock and early 1970s experimental music, The Best Of Curved Air is also a worthwhile discovery for collectors interested in the more unusual and imaginative corners of the era's underground rock scene.

Tracklist

Side A

1. It Happened Today (4:55)

2. Vivaldi (7:28)

3. You Know (4:10)

4. Back Street Luv / Love (3:35)

Side B

1. Melinda (More Or Less) (3:22)

2. Cheetah (4:53)

3. Metamorphosis (10:35)

4. The Purple Speed Queen (3:30)