Reunion

Worst PP&M album, ever!

     

Im a big fan of PP&M. But after 30 years this album remains the only one in their library that is not in print on CD. In fact it was never on CD. I think PP&M know just how dated this album is in its production values. I have read over the years that whomever produced it went overboard. The first time I heard it I was reminded of a sappy Carpenters album. It was nothing like any previous PP&M album. However I think all albums of this era might sound this way on closer examination. Listen to John Denver's late 70's offerings. All in all the choice of songs are not that horrible. Its the production and often repetitive "la-la-las" that ruin the songs. Most the songs clock in at over 4 minutes. The biggest stinker in the bunch would have to be the Unicorn Song. It tried to be the "new" Puff The Magic Dragon, but lacks the simplicity that made Puff so magical to being with. To say nothing of the endless "la la las" at the end. Stand outs on this album are By Surprise and Summer Highland Falls (by Billy Joel). But nothing can really save this album. A few years later PP&M tried again to record an album and we got what is still their best offering in the "modern" PP&M era. This is "Such is Love". Stick with what works PP&M. Two guitars, a bass and three voices. All the fluff that ruined "Reunion" should be left behind. Only buy this album if you already have all the others. Side note: There have been ongoing rumours for the last several years that Peter wants to remix reunion and strip away the added instrumentation to "reveal" the songs as they were meant to be heard. iTunes would be a terrific place to sell it if they every get around to it. All of these songs can benefit from a downmix and a couple cuts.