The Once and Future VAI
4
By Ilum77
'Passion and Warfare' is still groundbreaking 25 years later! The bonus material, while interesting, doesn't add a thing to the original 'P&W' track listing. 'P&W' was a brilliantly conceived, unified body of work from beginning to end in its original form. If anything, the bonus tracks give you an appreciation for the excellent editing work done 25 years ago in that they were NOT included then.
'Modern Primitive' shows off the once and future VAI with tracks that are VERY much like the material from 'Flex-able', as well as material that foreshadow 'Real Illusions'. This collection just goes to show you how ahead of his time VAI was (and is)!! However, there are a LOT of Steve-fronted vocals here, so if you're not into his vocal style, this disc might not be your thing. His vocal work on "Mighty Messengers", however might be his best ever! A LOT of space is dedicated to the song set "Pink and Blows Over" which any sane person will only listen to ONCE.
A Five Star rating for sure -- until "Pink and Blows Over" is considered; then it loses one.
