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MARCH 21, 2000
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Source: All Music Guide
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll/?p=amg&sql=Awjua6ja171y0
Review: Squire & Sherwood: Conspiracy
By Dave Connolly
Chris Squire and multi-instrumentalist Billy Sherwood worked together in
Yes and World Trade, so the decision to collaborate on Conspiracy isn't
unexpected. While the packaging is pretty disappointing (Purple Pyramid
should have spent a few more green pyramids to spruce this up), the
production is clean and professional. There are a handful of moments that
recall Yes -- Alan White even makes a couple of cameos -- notably on "The
More We Live," which first appeared on Union, and "Violet Purple Rose,"
which would have felt at home on Drama. And the pairing of Squire's voice
with the higher registered Sherwood is a match that clearly invites
comparison to that band. Honestly, though, the songs remind one more of XTC
circa Oranges and Lemons: bouncy bass lines, Beatlesque melodies, ringing
guitars, and steady backbeats from Jay Schellan (another World Trade
alumnus). Squire and Sherwood aren't as subversive as all that, but "You're
the Reason" and "Light in My Life" are awfully catchy in spots. While the
material is generally good, it fits a certain formula: slightly bittersweet
melodies, familiar instrumentation from track to track, a shared moodiness.
Judged on their own, songs like "Red Light Ahead" are certainly enjoyable;
taken in toto, Conspiracy becomes a baker's dozen of the same donut. If you
enjoyed the poppier moments of Big Generator ("Shoot High Aim Low," "Almost
Like Love"), this disc is a good bet to please. As a bonus, three hidden
tracks are featured at the end: versions of "Open Your Eyes" and "Man in
the Moon" from Open Your Eyes, and "Say Goodbye" from Euphoria.
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