Steve Hackett- Wild Orchids

**JJ88** · 04-27-2015

It seems to me this album is the most 'forgotten' among his rock releases so it deserves its own thread. I remember it being the first Hackett release I bought when it was out...the day before it was due out, as I recall! At that time I only really knew his first four, 'Highly Strung' and maybe 'Guitar Noir'.

I don't think I liked it much at first, it felt too all over the place and some songs seem unnecessary (the instrumental 'She Moves In Memories' which is just an instrumental 'To A Close'!). But it really did grow on me...'Down Street' was a song I really hated at first but I think now it's my favourite on the whole album. 'Set Your Compass' is lovely. I think there's an awful lot of good music on here.

How is this one viewed here now?

**progman1975** · 04-27-2015

I don't remember much but "Set Your Compass" is sooooo sublime...Must revist!!!

**bill g** · 04-27-2015

Always loved 'Set your Compass', and the two blending tracks toward the end, don't remember the name of the first, but the 2nd is 'Howl'. Also 'Linda' is a really nice little tune as well, as is the 'progressive blues' instrumental that follows it. I actually like it more than the two albums that followed it. (Tunnel's Mouth & Beyond The Shrouded...) though he's pretty consistent these days.

**SteveSly** · 04-27-2015

Agreed, very overlooked album from my perspective. I think it is another great one.

**Koreabruce** · 04-27-2015

I seem to recall at the time that the criticisms of Wild Orchids were about length ("too long") and focus ("all over the map" - a curious criticism since this in itself is hardly unusual for SH).

**Hobo Chang Ba** · 04-28-2015

It's a great one.

This and To Watch The Storms are the pinnacle of SH's later career IMO.

**flowerking** · 04-28-2015

I prefer To Watch The Storms which has a lot more highlights. This one, while consistent, doesn't have a lot that I find memorable other than the wonderful She Moves in Memories.

**JJ88** · 04-28-2015

^Interesting. That song was one I found a pointless inclusion as it's essentially just an instrumental version of 'To A Close'.

I would agree that 'To Watch The Storms' is a more even and appealing (and, really, better) album, but I did grow to rather like the sprawl of this one too. I've never sequenced it to follow the standard edition...I have the one with the four extra tracks inserted into it.

I forgot about 'Man In A Long Black Coat'...this is the 2nd 'prog' cover version of this track I have, ELP did it on 'In The Hot Seat'. This one has more of the mood of the original version really...I do love the bluesy guitar intro here.