Voyage of the Acolyte (Bonus Edition) [Remastered]

Steve Hackett's tarot-inspired solo recording debut, Voyage of the Acolyte was reissued in late 2005 by EMI in what amounted to an expanded audiophile edition, newly remastered and expanded by over 22 minutes with the addition of two bonus tracks, a live version of "Ace of Wands" and the unedited version of "Shadow of the Hierophant." The sound on the expanded version is beautiful, close, rich, and detailed, bringing out elements of the playing — and it's always worth hearing elements of Hackett's playing in detail — that were only hinted at on the original LP and only partly drawn out in the prior CD edition. Every instrument is now in sharp relief in the mix, and the volume is boosted as well. The concert version of "Ace of Wands" isn't quite a match for the fidelity of the new master of the studio version, but it's still a pleasure to hear, and one only wishes that there were a precise date listed for the show whence it came. As to the extended studio cut, the extra material only adds length, rather than any significant new content to the track. But the improved sound and the new annotation by Hackett are enjoyable bonus features for those so inclined to upgrade.