Saga are a Canadian rock band, formed in Oakville, Ontario. Jim Crichton and Welsh-born vocalist Michael Sadler have been the principal songwriters for Saga. Ian Crichton is the band’s guitarist; apart from his work with Saga, he has recorded several solo albums as well as sessions with Asia.
Currently, Crichton, as well as his brother Jim, the band’s bassist, are the only two original members who have appeared on every album. Lead singer Michael Sadler has appeared on every release by the band apart from their 2008 album The Human Condition, in which he was replaced by Rob Moratti. Though not present on the group’s first two albums, current keyboardist Jim Gilmour has been with the band since 1979, making his debut on the album Silent Knight. He briefly departed from the band 1986, returning later in 1992, and has remained in the band since then. Saga have been awarded gold and platinum albums worldwide and have sold more than 8 million albums
Originally known as Pockets, Saga formed in 1977 from the nucleus of Canadian rock band Fludd. In June 1978, they released their self-titled debut album Saga. A modest success in Canada, it would eventually sell over 30,000 copies in Germany as an import. It also became a major seller in Puerto Rico, after a local stereo equipment store featured the guitar-keyboard duet of the band’s single, “Humble Stance” as part of its radio advertisements. Two other songs, “How Long?” and “The Perfectionist” (a song about a psychopath, Ellery Sneed, who secretly poisons the attendants to a feast he has organized), also became local favourites.
Their 1979 follow-up album Images at Twilight gave them their first charting single in Canada with the song “It’s Time” peaking at No. 84 in the Canadian Charts. From the album, the songs “See Them Smile” and “Slow Motion” became strong radio favourites elsewhere.
Images At Twilight is the second studio album by the Canadian progressive rock band Saga and was originally released in May 1979.Images At Twilight is the second studio album by the Canadian progressive rock band Saga and was originally released in May 1979. (by wikipedia)
t’s hard to believe you can go back a couple of years before Saga’s breakthrough album, Worlds Apart, and discover that Images At Twilight is actually better and far more consistent. It’s hard to find a bad song on this one. It’s Time (Chapter Three), You’re Not Alone, and Take It Or Leave It are top notch songs, but the stand out song is definitely Hot To Cold. This album should have been big. If it was released when Worlds Apart came out, 1981, I think Images At Twilight would have done even better on the charts than Worlds Apart. It’s almost like the band peaked a little too early. Highly recommended. (by Captain Nemoon)
Incredible epic-styled melodies, hard to believe their melodies are not more well known indeed, particularly the media, sports channels, etc. As one commenter said, they should have been a lot more popular. I prefer the early years myself, but I have to admitt I have not listened the newest stuff.
Of the almost near or over a thousand of CD’s from the 80’s and 90’s and beyond that I have, this group is one of the few groups I listen to all the time, and I know many rock bands !!! Your stereo eqipmente will sound incredible ! Trust me ! This band is amazing. (by Fernando)
Personnel:
Greg Chadd (keyboards, background vocals, synthesizer, vocoder effects)
Ian Crichton (guitar)
Jim Crichton (bass, synthesizer)
Steve Negus (drums, percussion)
Michael Sadler (vocals, keyboards, synthesizer, bass on 01.)
Tracklist:
01. It’s Time (Chapter Three) (J.Crichton/I.Crichton/Chadd/Negus/Sadler) 4.01
02. See Them Smile (J. Crichton) 3.25
03. Slow Motion (Sadler/J. Crichton) 3.55
04. You’re Not Alone (J. Crichton/I. Crichton/Negus/Rochon) 5.22
05. Take It Or Leave It (Sadler/J. Crichton) 3.58
06. Images (Chapter One) (J. Crichton/Sadler) 6.31
07. Hot To Cold (Sadler/Rochon) 5.02
08. Mouse In A Maze (J. Crichton/Negus/Rochon) 5.41
Single sleeves from Germany
ManyFantasticColors 