Klaatu - Endangered Species (1980)
I cannot help but wonder as I listen to this album, if the endangered species refered to in the title might not be the band itself. This album sounds forced, as if it is Klaatu through someone elses eyes. Their previous three albums, 3:47 Eastern Standard Time, Hope and Sir Army Suit, were all technological wonder's full of amazing and innovative music with an underlying feel of progressive rock. When left to their own devices, they are incredible, but this album sounds like Klaatu trying to be something they are not... a pop band.
Although some of the tunes are catchy and enjoyable, the over all feel of the album is pretty ordinary. This shift in musical direction could be a result of the change in Producer, or record label. The band that was anonymous up until recently, has been the target of some pretty hostile press since they went public with their identities. As a result of the Beatles Rumor, something over which they had no control, Klaatu are now on shakey ground.
Their weakest effort to date, Endangered Species might be a result of the times, and a foreshadowing of what is to come. There are moment's of interest in this album, but the thing that has me wondering about the future of this band is the last song, All Good Thing's. The lyric's, "But all good things must end, No use trying to pretend it isn't so, When it's time you gotta go" have me wondering if this could be their last album.
I sincerely hope not. As a Dj and reviewer, I love unique and interesting music, and detest mass produced Pop. Klaatu have provided us with some of the best music of the last 5 years! I hope they continue to do so for many years to come.
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