Swirling key effects, a pounding bass and that full staccato complement of the quintet we’ve known as Saga opens the band’s 20th studio release 20/20. Original singer Michael Sadler is back, lending his strong pleading vocals to the opening track “Six Feet Under.” The next one, “Anywhere You Wanna Go,” is highlighted by Jim Gilmour’s running and racing keys, matching guitarist Ian Crichton’s playing note-for-note. Brian Doerner’s perfectly placed low toms add a nice touch.
Bassist Jim Crichton, Ian’s brother, is truly present on “Spin It Again,” a tune that mixes progressive verses with heavy rockin’ choruses and Ian digging in with his distinct vibrato bar work on the lead. On 20/20, Saga is really at their best when they are moving bristly along on these rockier tunes.
Since 1977, when the band formed, Saga has had a more-than-a-slight-swinging-door policy on band members. Sadler, the Crichton brothers and Gilmour, however, were there from the beginning, which may explain why these 10 tunes feel like a return to form.
“One of These Days” is almost Styx-like with its quick pace and use of Gilmour and Sadler’s vocal interplay. Slowing the pace, “Ball And Chain” sees the first real use of Gilmour’s piano playing. “Lost For Words” is a true showcase for Sadler — his distinctive vocal and Ian’s Crichton’s acoustic and electric leads stand out on this otherwise mediocre tune.
The metallic, watery slap-back sound running round Sadler’s strong vocals truly serve “‘Till The Well Runs Dry,” as much a Saga tune as any I have ever heard. Ian Crichton rips out big, chunky riffs, while his bass-playing brother treads here and there softly. Add the unique keys and departed drummer Doerner’s deceptively effective foot, and this one is filled to the brim with added Saga flavor.
Saga has been making their particular brand of progressive music, scoring hits early on (1982’s “Wind Him Up” and “On The Loose” enjoyed heavy rotation on MTV), while enjoying continued popularity in Germany and Puerto Rico to this day. Back on the road behind 20/20, Saga is one band you can’t count out.
~ Ralph Greco, Jr.
