Cats In Space - Chapter 1
(Cherry Red Records – 2025)
(Genre: Melodic Rock)
This 4 CD collection revisits the band with Original Singer, Paul Manzi. It consists of three studio albums and one live, all which are rare or deleted. The collection has all been remastered and gives fans, especially newer ones the opportunity to own these together in one great set, with a poster an illustrated booklet and six rare bonus tracks.
The albums included are: ‘Too Many Gods’ – ‘Scarecrow’ – ‘Day Trip To Narnia’ and ‘Cats Alive!'. My guess is you are familiar with this retro rock band or you wouldn’t be reading this. My journey with the Cats began with ‘Scarecrow’. They were supporting Deep Purple and Europe were 2nd on the bill with the Cats opening. I was so impressed with the music that the Cats played that I rushed to the merchandise desk to purchase 'Scarecrow'. I should have got 'Too Many Gods' at the same time! Oh, the Cats blew Europe off the stage.
For those of you who don’t know Cats In Space’s brand of delightful music, it's a blend of Styx, Queen and ELO and many others. The musicianship is of the highest calibre on album they sound great but it is live where the enormity of the talent is at its most magical.
Since these releases these Cats have continued to fly with each subsequent release & tour reaching new heights and travelling even further into the distant galaxies of space. This amazing box set shows the vision and scope that the band had from their inception, that vision has become wider and more exhilarating, but this is the first chapter and you really need to add it to your collection, even if you all ready own the original discs. It is the ultimate collection and the perfect way to get these albums.
Phil Manzi left the group on good terms. They all remain great friends but his work with Sweet meant he had no alternative. The Cats evolved and with the discovery of Damien Edwards, the next phase and universal conquest could begin.
Together Greg Hart, Steevi Bacon, Jeff Brown, Andy Stewart, Dean Howard, Mick Wilson, Mark Pascall, Paul Manzi & Damien Edwards have created the ‘Greatest Story Never Told’. If you want Glam Rock – Power Pop – Hard Rock – Pop Rock, then this British band is for you. But you know that I guess.
Simply fantastic!
By Paul Mace