Read liner notes.
View original albums:
Flash (1972) & Out Of Our Hands (1973).

LINER NOTES

by Joe Reagoso
When progressive rock legends Peter Banks and Tony Kaye [sic] emerged on the recording scene in 1971 with a new outing called Flash, they formulated a very intricate yet free form sound that would go on to record some very fine music over the next few years.

Along with other rock royalty, Colin Carter from Camel, Ray Bennett from Gun, and Mike Hough, Flash developed into a highly touted concert and recording act which lasted only for a brief span of time. Fortunately, they put together some very interesting albums that live on to this day, through the years of interest and acclaim provided by their ever growing fan base.

The Top 30 self-titled Flash album, known for having one of the most memorable album covers ever released, sold quite well throught its substantial radio and retail run back in 1972-73. It also copped a #29 hit with the memorable Small Beginnings from the movie, Record Review. Banks' guitar work is second to none throughout this stunning track, as Tony Kaye's trademark organ passages are very complementary to this song, as well as to the entire album. Every track on this stellar first project is a standout. Rock radio standards of the time like Dreams of Heaven and Children Of The Universe continue to dance in your head after one listen. Even the mood pieces like Morning Haze and the mystical The Time It Takes show the other side of this formidable quintet. The guitar work on these compositions is nothing short of classic Banks delivery. No wonder fans have been clamoring a reissue of this album for over a decade. Well, you can put their minds at ease with this stunning newly remastered version of their brilliant debut.

Out of Our Hands pre-dates the concept-type albums which became commonplace over the next several years. But in 1973, Flash disbanded and left us with one very important and cohesive effort that, Peter Banks and Flash fans will agree, displays some of his finest guitar work ever waxed. Tracks like Man of Honour and None The Wiser are often cited as their most memorable tunes from this Top 100 album from 1973. As with all their albums, the underrated and much imitated Colin Carter's vocals are solidly entrenched along side the hard-working rhythm section of Ray Bennett and Mike Hough. Although prior success from other affiliations may have been the launching pad for this creative act, Flash definitely hit their own stride with this enjoyable final effort.

Flash made several successful albums for Capitol/Sovereign Records, and today, Friday Music, is proud to be re-releasing these two great installments here, newly remastered and at a great price. Hopefully, you will enjoy the modern advances in technology that make these recordings leap out at you the way they were intended back in the days of $7.50 concert tickets, black vinyl and 8 track tapes. This was worth waiting for. Prog-Rock fans REJOICE!

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