Fountains of Light

Product Description
Domestic reissue of the prog rock outfit's second album, originally released in 1977 on Epic. The Yes-like group featured ex-REO Speedwagon vocalist Terry Lutrell & this acclaimed album features the FM radio hit 'Fountains'. Six tracks total. The All-Music Guide gave 'Fountains Of Light' four & a half stars (out of five possible), choosing it as their artist pick. Also includes the original cover art. 1998 Renaissance release.

Fountains of Light,Starcastle,Renaissance,Pop,Popular Music,Prog-Rock/Art Rock,Rock,Rock/Pop

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Fountains of Light

Average customer rating: Last proggy outing for the band A Finely Polished Jewel Step In The Right Direction YES??????.....NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Forgotten prog masterpiece

Fountains of Light Starcastle Manufacturer: Renaissance ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Citadel Starcastle Song of Times Alive in America The Snow Goose ASIN: B00000FCD4 Release Date: 1998-11-03

Tracks:

1. Fountains
2. Dawning Of the Day
3. Silver Winds
4. True To the Light
5. Portraits
6. Diamond Song (Deep Is the Light)

Album Description

Domestic reissue of the prog rock outfit's second album, originally released in 1977 on Epic. The Yes-like group featured ex-REO Speedwagon vocalist Terry Lutrell & this acclaimed album features the FM radio hit 'Fountains'. Six tracks total. The All-Music Guide gave 'Fountains Of Light' four & a half stars (out of five possible), choosing it as their artist pick. Also includes the original cover art. 1998 Renaissance release.

Customer Reviews:

Last proggy outing for the band.......2007-07-17

Released in 1977, this pleasant album of American symphonic prog finds the band covering territory similar to that found on the debut - Yes-influenced prog rock. My general impression of this album is that while they manage to work some "Yes-isms" into their compositions, Starcastle is successful at getting their own stamp on each composition. They did not for example, simply cobble together sections of every Yes tune released but wrote pieces on their own. In this regard, I have a lot of respect for the group-they wrote music that was difficult; it sounded good; and did not feature any hard rock or "boogie" elements - working hard rock into their tunes made American prog bands active at the time sell records like hotcakes. I suppose that this approach to composition may at least partially explain why the core 1970s fanbase for the band did not extend appreciably further than the Midwestern U.S. Nowadays, this may be a different story though.

The lineup on the Fountains of Light album included Terry Luttrell (lead vocals); Herb Schildt (synthesizers, Hammond organ, piano, Oberheim sequencer); the late Gary Strater (Rickenbacker bass, moog pedals, vocals); Stephen Hagler (electric and acoustic guitars, vocals); Matthew Stewart (electric and acoustic guitars; and Stephen Tassler (drums, percussion, and vocals). All of the musicians are great and I especially appreciate Gary's thick trebly tone he gets out of his Rickenbacker bass - he was an excellent player very much in the Chris Squire school. Herb Schildt gets some nice synth tones, although he does seem to overuse the right hand arpeggios on the mini-moog that sound like something off of Close to the Edge (Yes, 1972). It is not too distracting though. The vocal harmonies are excellent though-these guys put a lot of effort into them and Terry's high pitched lead vocal shines through.

Musically the tunes feature high energy prog compositions that are heavy on melody and are actually very cheery and upbeat. This absence of darkness in their compositions most likely led to the disparaging "Yes-lite" comments fired at the band by their detractors. I for one don't mind the cheeriness at all...it is kind of refreshing. There are also a few quieter passages that feature acoustic instruments and spacy synthesizer parts that make for a nice dynamic contrast.

This particular version of the CD is not the greatest thing in the world but attempts to reproduce the original LP cover art and gatefold art. The sound quality is pretty good.

Around the time of the release of Fountains of Light, Starcastle was touring small venues and college campuses with arena rock bands like Journey and Foreigner providing support. Unfortunately, Fountains of Light would prove to be the last prog album by the band, after which they would (reluctantly) cave in to the record companies need for more commercial appeal with the release of Citadel, 1977, and the poorly received Real to Reel, 1978. Fountains of Light is recommended to those folks that are interested in exploring American progressive rock along with the eponymous debut album (1976). Other great American prog albums include a few by Kansas (Song for America, 1975; and Leftoverture, 1976).

A Finely Polished Jewel.......2007-02-22

The transition from 'Solar Winds' to 'True to the Light' (both in C) has been giving me goosebumps since the 1977.

The unfavorable comparisons with Yes (then my beloved favorites) are undeserved and shallow. This collaboration was more of a team effort without the supergoup aura. A de-emphasis on extended soloing, with tighter, more compressed guitars, keys, and vocals.

Fountains is a flowing series of pieces which are best experienced as a whole. Get the vinyl also, if possible, to experience the segues as originally intended.

Step In The Right Direction.......2006-09-22

I know what you're thinking. Even if you haven't heard them yet and just doing a little research on Starcastle, I know what you've read about `em. But I'm gonna be original & not mention That 'Big 5' Prog Band...wink wink. What I will say is that on their 2nd album, Fountains of Light, Starcastle take a noticeable step in the right direction with a sound that's closer to their own....sort of. This time, they also sound more like Crosby, Stills & Nash (harmonies) meets Styx (nearly everything else).

As much as I enjoy Starcastle, I'm still left feeling somewhat empty afterwards. There's just not quite enough 'meat' to them. Prog-lite. You can hear the great potential & they're certainly fun to listen to, but for me, the subliminal distraction is knowing who they remind you of.

FOL is a huge improvement over their self-titled debut. These guys can play & sing well. What I find fantastic on this and the debut is Gary Strater's bass playing. Very creative & melodic on just about every track. They hadn't yet moved on from "Praise The Light"-type of lyrics on FOL, but the stand-out tracks are the opener & closer: "Fountains" & "Diamond Song" respectively.

This album is an easy & likeable listen. I believe that even those who insist every album sounds exactly like....That Big 5 Prog Band, would at least see some growth here.

YES??????.....NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2006-04-05

I don't deny that Lutrell's voice is similar to that of Chris Squire in Fish Out Of Water and a couple of other background vocals in Yes itself, or that the moog and keyboard pieces in this album sound like the bit in And You And I and the main riff of Yours Is No Disgrace, or that the guitar riffs sound like Steve Howe's introduction melodies in To Be Over, The Ancient and Future Times. Other than these BITS Starcastle is totally different from Yes.

Which Starcastle song is similar to Roundabout, the suite Close To The Edge, Gates Of Delirium, Sound Chaser, Parallels, Going For The One, etc.?????

Forgotten prog masterpiece.......2005-10-02

Even in their own time, Starcastle was slagged as a Yes-clone but these days with a whole genre of neo-prog and entire labels such as Magna Carta devoted to clone-bands, it seems acceptable to finally give this band some credit as a great prog band. Of course they were Yes clones, but they were so darned GOOD at it that it's hard to think of that as a minus.

On this, their second album, Starcastle shrugged off the last vestige of originality from the debut, the atmospheric instrumentals, and aimed for nothing less than 100% Yes. They nearly succeeded too. Still, neither guitarist could touch Steve Howe, and while Jon Anderson could hardly be called a belter, Terry Lutrell makes him sound like Louie Armstrong! In other words, the vocals are more than a bit wimpy. As on the other Starcastle albums, the real star is keyboardist Herb Schildt who was one of the most underrated prog keyboardists and turns in terrific performances all over the band's catalogue.

Fountains of Light is a rather short recording even by vinyl standards, but the length is just perfect as each song blends nicely into the next so that while this isn't a concept album, it still has that conceptual "togetherness" that the best of 70's art-rock featured. Nobody makes this type of record anymore, mainly because it's almost impossible to sustain through the hour-or-more length of CD's these days. Classic prog fans should definitely check out this band's first three albums, with this one recommended as the first to get.

Consumer note: this is a CD-R and like many CD-R's I find that the volume needs to be turned up even on good systems. The cover scan is poorly done and an affront to the original artwork, done by the same guy who did several Kansas covers. The trimming almost cuts off the lyrics at the far right of the inside cover as well, and I could have made a better back cover than this on my home computer. Still, this is about the only way you're going to find this CD and it's worth the inconvenience since it's such a good record.

Average customer rating:

Rebecca Clarke: The Complete Choral Music Manufacturer: Asv Living Era ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Rebecca Clarke: The Cloths of Heaven Rebecca Clarke: Chamber Music Rebecca Clarke: Midsummer Moon, Passacaglia, Rhapsody etc. ASIN: B00008IHWO Release Date: 2003-04-22

Tracks:

1. He That Dwelleth In The Secret Place Of The Most High
2. Ave Maria
3. There Is No Rose
4. Chorus From Shelley's 'Hellas'
5. Come, O Come, My Life's Delight
6. My Spirit Like A Charmed Bark Doth Float
7. Daybreak
8. Music, When Soft Voices Die
9. Now Fie On Love
10. A Lover's Dirge
11. When Cats Run Home And Light Is Come
12. Philomela
13. Weep You No More, Sad Fountains
14. Away, Delights - Angharad Gruffydd Jones
15. Nacht Fur Nacht - Angharad Gruffydd Jones
16. Spirits - Angharad Gruffydd Jones
17. Take, O Take Those Lips Away
18. Sleep
19. Hymn To Pan

Average customer rating: Huge fan of Ms. von Otter Great collect of Baroque Melodies Joyness and great musicality Mellow, but it does have a distraction At times, a wonderful experience, at others, a lukewarm one.

Music for a While: Baroque Melodies Anne Sofie von Otter , Jory Vinikour , and Jakob Lindberg Manufacturer: Archiv Produktion ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Sarabande | Baroque Dance Suites | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Dowland | Dowland, John | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Kapsberger, Giovanni | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Monteverdi | Monteverdi, Claudio | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Purcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Grounds | Variations | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Madrigals | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Anne Sofie von Otter - Lamenti (Monteverdi, Vivaldi, Purcell, Bertali, Legrenzi) / Goebel Anne Sofie von Otter - Folksongs (Dvorak, Kodaly, Britten, Grainger, Larsson, Hahn) Cecilia Bartoli ~ Opera Proibita (Handel · Scarlatti · Caldara) / Les Musiciens du Louvre · Minkowski Watercolors: Swedish Songs Anne Sofie von Otter - Love's Twilight (Late Romantic Songs by Berg, Korngold, Strauss) ASIN: B0002XNMA0 Release Date: 2004-11-09

Tracks:

1. Amanti io vo se dire
2. Se l'aura spira
3. Dovrunque morire
4. Ecco di dolce raggi
5. Quel sguardo sdegnosetto - Madrigali, Canzonette e Scherzi musicali (Book X)
6. La Capona
7. Adagiati, Poppea - Oblivion soave (Arnalta)
8. L'Eraclito amoroso (Udite amanti)
9. Ciaccone
10. Saraband with Division, Z 654
11. Sweeter than roses
12. Dear pretty youth
13. Music for a While
14. There's not a swain
15. An Evening Hymn, Z 193
16. Arpeggiata
17. In darkness let me dwell
18. 5. Can she excuse my wrongs
19. Weepe you no more, sad fountaines
20. What if I never speed?
21. Fantasia

Customer Reviews:

Huge fan of Ms. von Otter.......2005-10-01

I bought this recording and I really enjoyed it, but it's not my favorite by Ms. von Otter. I still recommend it to everyone. This recital is wonderful, with the exception of "Amanti io vo se dire." It was nice, but a little out of place. I still rate this as a good recital disc.

Great collect of Baroque Melodies .......2005-04-27

This is a great cd,I am a 23 year old music lover I love all kinds of music.I have many cd's and I have to say this is one of My favorite Cd's.All the songs are sung very well.

Joyness and great musicality.......2005-04-22

This artist always knows what she does and why. In this wonderful recording the serious, grave manner is replaced by sheer joyness. This is a record that makes the listener very happy! And the musicality never fails. Strongly recommended!

Mellow, but it does have a distraction .......2005-01-01

After receiving this CD a few weeks ago, I have fluctuated between "I like it" and "I don't" back and forth, settling eventually on, I like it - sort of, and can recommend it with the following understandings. First, its technical merit. This is a well produced minimalist approach to Baroque music. The production notes say we should listen to it as we would a recital, and it is well-suited for that atmosphere. The instrumentation is bare bones: harpsichord, chamber organ, theorbo, lute, Baroque guitar. They accompany Ms. von Otter individually in each song and usually never more than one at a time. This is a fine quality recording: clear and even-handed throughout. As for the twenty-one selections, with the exception of Benedetto Ferrari's "Amanti, io vi so dire", the very first song on this otherwise thematic CD, the selections create a mellow mood and maintain that mood throughout. I can't understand how the first cut escaped a final editing, and wondered as I listened to it over and again, what goes through the minds of producers and artists when they review what they have created and don't hear that something is as out of place as this. Nonetheless, I could easily sit with a book and listen to this CD without much distraction, except for the first cut. Anne Sofie von Otter delivers an evenly modulated performance and hints at considerably more power in her voice than she delivers. Her voice has a richness and depth that even when controlled as it was, conveys power. Pull up a seat at King Arthur's Court, sit back, close your eyes and enjoy a fine, minimalist performance in the Baroque tradition that for the most part will not disappoint. PJW

At times, a wonderful experience, at others, a lukewarm one........2004-11-17

I've been a von Otter fan for a number of years now and almost always, blindly purchase her recordings immediately upon release, never having to be either persuaded or dissuaded. I'm rarely, if ever, wholly disappointed. And this is no exception. Von Otter is one of the most intelligent and completely versatile singers on the classical music scene. Her ability to go from Baroque to 20th century works (like her Melisande for Haitink) is admirable and always tasteful. In "Music for a While" she seems, at times, too eager to please, if you will. It's obvious she means to be cheeky, but at times comes across rather annoying and that is not something that she wears well. I don't take anything so seriously that I can't see what the ultimate aim was, but it just seemed somewhat silly and smacking of effort; however, I still think that is a more than worthy recital and one that will provide a great deal of entertainment to both her established fan base and any newcomers. Her Dowland selections are where she really shines, imbuing those lovely pieces with a pathos and quiet dignity that have become her trademark, especially in the early music field, where projects such as "Lamenti" and "Coronation of Poppea" with Gardiner (her "Addio Roma" is nothing short of spectacular) being especially memorable. The lute/theorbo solo pieces are recorded at too low a level, making one having to strain to get the full effect. Yes, the voice doesn't have the bloom it once did, but it's still a gorgeous instrument. I think that those, like myself, who believe in Ms. von Otter's innate artistry and musicality will not be disappointed, so go ahead and purchase it; believe me, you won't be that upset over the few excesses that you'll ultimately be sorry.

Average customer rating:

Among Whom We Shine Poole Manufacturer: SpinArt ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B000IASHKM

Product Description

Harkening back to the bright-eyed power-pop of '80s bands like Prefab Sprout and the Reivers, this burst of jangly goodness is loads of fun. Sure, tunes like the hummable title track won't change your worldview, but who needs that much tumult? Instead, kick back with the bubblegum soul of "Anyway" and the bright bounce of "Never Sad Again." It's like the Archies with an edge. Contents: 1) Better Off On Yer Own 2) Among Whom We Shine 3) Feelin Ill Tonight 4) Make It Right 5) Sole Operator 6) Story With Me 7) Anyway 8) Never Sad Again 9) Fall For Anything 10) You're On Top

Average customer rating:

Indoubliable Alfred Deller: A Portrait Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Dowland | Dowland, John | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Purcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Lute | Instruments | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Lute | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music ASIN: B00000074Z Release Date: 1996-02-12

Tracks:

1. The Plaint - Alfred Deller/Wieland Kuijken/William Christie/Roderick Skeaping
2. If Music Be The Food Of Love - Alfred Deller/Wieland Kuijken/William Christie
3. I Attempt From Love's Sickness - Alfred Deller/Wieland Kuijken/William Christie
4. Fairest Isle - Alfred Deller/Wieland Kuijken/William Christie
5. Sweeter Than Roses - Alfred Deller/Wieland Kuijken/William Christie
6. Not All My Torments - Alfred Deller/Wieland Kuijken/William Christie
7. Thrice Happy Lovers - Alfred Deller/Wieland Kuijken/William Christie
8. An Evening Hymn - Alfred Deller/Wieland Kuijken/William Christie
9. From Rosy Bow'rs - Alfred Deller/Wieland Kuijken/William Christie
10. O Lead Me To Some Peaceful Gloom - Alfred Deller/Wieland Kuijken/William Christie
11. Retired From Any Mortal's Sight - Alfred Deller/Wieland Kuijken/William Christie
12. Music For A While - Alfred Deller/Wieland Kuijken/William Christie
13. Since From My Dear Astrea's Sight - Alfred Deller/Wieland Kuijken/William Christie
14. O Solitude - Alfred Deller/Wieland Kuijken/William Christie/Robert Elliott/Jane Ryan

Tracks:

1. Miserere My Maker - Alfred Deller/David Munrow//Richard Lee/Desmond Dupre/Robert Elliott
2. Shall I Sue - Alfred Deller/David Munrow//Richard Lee/Desmond Dupre/Robert Elliott
3. I Care Not For These Ladies - Alfred Deller/David Munrow//Richard Lee/Desmond Dupre/Robert Elliott
4. Come Heavy Sleep - Alfred Deller/David Munrow//Richard Lee/Desmond Dupre/Robert Elliott
5. Of All The Birds - Alfred Deller/David Munrow//Richard Lee/Desmond Dupre/Robert Elliott
6. I Saw My Lady Weep - Alfred Deller/David Munrow//Richard Lee/Desmond Dupre/Robert Elliott
7. Wilt Thou Unkind - Alfred Deller/David Munrow//Richard Lee/Desmond Dupre/Robert Elliott
8. The Cypress Curtain - Alfred Deller/David Munrow//Richard Lee/Desmond Dupre/Robert Elliott
9. What Then Is Love - Alfred Deller/David Munrow//Richard Lee/Desmond Dupre/Robert Elliott
10. Rest Sweet Nymphs - Alfred Deller/David Munrow//Richard Lee/Desmond Dupre/Robert Elliott
11. The Fair Lover And His Black Mistress - Alfred Deller/David Munrow//Richard Lee/Desmond Dupre/Robert Elliott
12. The Self-Banished - Alfred Deller/David Munrow//Richard Lee/Desmond Dupre/Robert Elliott
13. The Glory Of The Arcadian Groves - Alfred Deller/David Munrow//Richard Lee/Desmond Dupre/Robert Elliott
14. Oh! The Mighty Pow'r Of Love - Alfred Deller/David Munrow//Richard Lee/Desmond Dupre/Robert Elliott
15. In Her Brave Offspring - Alfred Deller/David Munrow//Richard Lee/Desmond Dupre/Robert Elliott
16. My Time, O Ye Muses - Alfred Deller/David Munrow//Richard Lee/Desmond Dupre/Robert Elliott
17. O Ravishing Delight - Alfred Deller/David Munrow//Richard Lee/Desmond Dupre/Robert Elliott
18. A Hymne To God The Father - Alfred Deller/David Munrow//Richard Lee/Desmond Dupre/Robert Elliott
19. What Then Is Love But Mourning - Alfred Deller/David Munrow//Richard Lee/Desmond Dupre/Robert Elliott
20. Fine Knacks For Ladies - Alfred Deller/David Munrow//Richard Lee/Desmond Dupre/Robert Elliott
21. Flow My Tears - Alfred Deller/David Munrow//Richard Lee/Desmond Dupre/Robert Elliott

Tracks:

1. Flow, My Tears - Alfred Deller/Robert Spencer/The Consort Of Six
2. Galliard - Alfred Deller/Robert Spencer/The Consort Of Six
3. The Lady Laiton's Almain - Alfred Deller/Robert Spencer/The Consort Of Six
4. Fortune My Foe - Alfred Deller/Robert Spencer/The Consort Of Six
5. The Frog Galliard - Alfred Deller/Robert Spencer/The Consort Of Six
6. Weep You No More, Sad Fountains - Alfred Deller/Robert Spencer/The Consort Of Six
7. Me, Me, And None But Me - Alfred Deller/Robert Spencer/The Consort Of Six
8. What If I Never Speed? - Alfred Deller/Robert Spencer/The Consort Of Six
9. Lasso, Vita Mia - Alfred Deller/Robert Spencer/The Consort Of Six
10. Toy: The Shoemaker's Wife - Alfred Deller/Robert Spencer/The Consort Of Six
11. Galliard: Can She Excuse - Alfred Deller/Robert Spencer/The Consort Of Six
12. Mistress White's Thing - Alfred Deller/Robert Spencer/The Consort Of Six
13. The Round Battle Galliard - Alfred Deller/Robert Spencer/The Consort Of Six
14. Wilt Thou, Unkind, Thus Reave Me - Alfred Deller/Robert Spencer/The Consort Of Six
15. Come Away, Come, Sweet Love - Alfred Deller/Robert Spencer/The Consort Of Six
16. Sorrow, Stay - Alfred Deller/Robert Spencer/The Consort Of Six
17. If That A Sinner's Sights - Alfred Deller/Robert Spencer/The Consort Of Six
18. Midnight - Alfred Deller/Robert Spencer/The Consort Of Six
19. Say, Love, If Ever You Didst Find? - Alfred Deller/Robert Spencer/The Consort Of Six
20. Lachrimae Pavan - Alfred Deller/Robert Spencer/The Consort Of Six
21. Galliard: Can She Excuse - Alfred Deller/Robert Spencer/The Consort Of Six
22. If My Complaints Could Passions Move - Alfred Deller/Robert Spencer/The Consort Of Six
23. Katherine Darcy's Galliard - Alfred Deller/Robert Spencer/The Consort Of Six

Average customer rating: One of the best derivative Yes works,inferior than Babylon The best Yes-tribute band of all time! Refreshing to hear after so many years!! ONE OF THE BEST ALBUMS OF ALL TIME The re-release that StarCastle fans have been waiting for!

Fountains of Light Starcastle Manufacturer: Import [Generic] ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B00000GBGD Release Date: 1999-02-02

Tracks:

1. Fountains
2. Dawning of the Day
3. Silver Winds
4. True to the Light
5. Portraits
6. Diamond Song (Deep Is the Light)

Customer Reviews:

One of the best derivative Yes works,inferior than Babylon.......2003-02-17

Well it's their best effort, resembling the early Yes very much, but with a certain personality and attention to their personal arrangements too...nevertheless if I compare this band to other derivative US bands, such as Babylon (these latter are also in the vein of early Genesis), Yezda Urfa,Myrthrandir and in some moments Pentwater as well, Starcastle can not stand in the same place: Even though the atmosphere is romantic and the 10 minute epic track "Fountains" is a typical example of Starcastle intelligent involvement in some Yes-like light symphonic breaks through !! It's powerful and characterized also by strong riffs . Naturally it's not a masterpiece, as for their tribute due to Yes,above all in the chorus section with their classic vocal-harmonies... nevertheless They grow more and more during the music narration: listen to "Silver winds" and "Diamond songs", whose melodies are stunning. Moreover the sound of the Moog, a bit Wakeman oriented, is tasteful; while the romantic atmosphere is well supported by the acoustic interludes (listen to "Portraits") and is worth checking out !!

Recommended, even though before this one buy the debut albums by Babylon,Myrthrandir and Yezda Urfa's "Sacred Baboon"

The best Yes-tribute band of all time!.......2001-06-28

First of all, I don't know what planet Dwight is from ("Do not buy this CD and expect it to sound like Yes.")...excuse me? Hello, Dwight? Anyone in there? To say that Starcastle sounds like a midwestern clone to Yes, to me, is not an insult, but rather a compliment of the highest degree. More to the point, though, you would have to be a complete bamboon not to immediately compare them to yes--vocals, keyboards, guitars, basses, percussives, the whole enchilada. If you are a fan of Yes, you owe it to yourself to own this and their first album--both brilliant masterpieces in the grand tradition of the classic Yes line-up of the FRAGILE and CLOSE TO THE EDGE albums. I don't know if I would agree with one of the reviewers who said this is the greatest rock album of all time--my vote for that might be Stray Dog's first album (anyone heard that one? And why is it not out on CD? Are you listening, Snuffy Walden?)--but I would rank FOUNTAINS among the top progressive rock albums of all time...right up there with UK's first 2 albums, PFM's PHOTOS OF GHOSTS, Genesis' THE LAMB LIES DOWN ON BROADWAY, ELP'S BRAIN SALAD SURGERY, and last but certainly not least, Yes' RELAYER. It is astounding to think that talent such as this, along with Kansas, came out of the midwest. The entire side one of this album (the first three tracks) is like a walk through heaven for any prog-rock fanatic. I am to this day regretful that I was never able to see this band perform live; to my knowledge, they never did a gig in Nebraska (and Lincoln and Omaha got LOTS of prog-rock concerts). At any rate, if you are a die-hard progger like me and love the 70's for the progressive rock gems that came from that era, treat yourself to this album. And their first one as well. I look forward to hearing their live CD, which, until today, I didn't know existed. Does a video exist out there somewhere? And what are the guys doing today? Any chance for a reunion?

Refreshing to hear after so many years!!.......1999-06-30

After not hearing Fountains for 15 plus years, I was grinning from ear to ear when I finally found this CD, bought it and once again heard those fresh crisp sounds that still sound great today. All same tracks as album. A must buy for Starcastle fans and for those Yes, Genesis, etc. fans, this CD is a must listen. Includes liner notes and lyrics in English and Japanese.

ONE OF THE BEST ALBUMS OF ALL TIME.......1999-04-17

Years ago I saw Starcastle in Concert and the crowd loved them so much that they would not let the other band play. Fountains of Light is probably the best rock album of all time and will shine 100 years from now.

The re-release that StarCastle fans have been waiting for!.......1998-12-12

This is an excellent CD, full of mesmerizing keyboard melodies and vocal harmonies. StarCastle was the brain child of a keyboard wizard named Herb Schildt (who has now turned his talent to writing computer books). Contrary to popular belief, StarCastle is not a Yes clone. Do not buy this CD and expect it to sound like Yes. I first heard this release in the late 70's, and to this day I have not heard anything close to what this band accomplished on this CD. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys melodic rock.

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5. Hatfield and the North
6. Have You Never Been Mellow [Import]
7. Homebrew 3
8. Hot Shots II
9. Hunter [Import]
10. Illinois Speed Press/Duet [Enhanced] [Extra tracks] [Original recording remastered]

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