Album of the Day

Upon the November 1970 release of Curved Air's debut, AIR CONDITIONING, Melody Maker enthused “”At last, something utterly and without doubt a revelation … There's not one boring moment.” It's hard to argue with the U.K. music magazine on that; the 10 originals here blend progressive (“It Happened Today”), classical (“Vivaldi”) and experimental (the band drew their name from Terry Riley's work) influences in consistently inventive ways. Among the first picture discs in rock, the collection features a formidable frontwoman in Sonja Kristina and terrific instrumental performances from guitarist/keyboardist Francis Monkman and violinist Darryl Way. With eccentric arrangements but catchy songs, AIR CONDITIONING may be Curved Air's most accessible album, and it reached the Top 10 in the band's native England.