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    The Phantom Tollbooth 1997/Eager
    Eager — Eager cover

    Eager

    Eager

    (1997)

    Reviewed by Shari Lloyd

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    Label Questar Mission RecordsThe Phantom Tollbooth1997
    classic rockpop rockpower pop

    Yes, PFR fans will be at home here! Patrick Andrew has returned with a new group called eager which includes Greg Pope (guitar), Mark Kloos (guitar), and Paul Eckberg (drums) with Andrew playing bass. Both Patrick and Greg share the lead vocals and songwriting. The album was produced by Jimmie Lee Sloas who also produced PFR. Eager is a little rockier, but the Beatlesque harmonies are still there on "Unspoken," "Don't Let Go," and "Look at Mary," to name a few. In addition, there's a progressive rock feel to the album that made me take notice. "Blame" is even reminiscent of an old Yes tune.

    This album should enable eager to attract existing PFR fans, while expanding to a new audience with its harder edge and progressive rock tendencies. It took me a few listens to really start to appreciate the variety on this release. The lyrics didn't do much for me, however. They aren't bad, but they don't grab your mind the way I like them to. Buy it for the music.

    3.5 tocks

    Other coverage for this album

    7ball #14Reviewed by Curtis SpitzerWhile listening to the debut from Eager, it's impossible not to think of PFR. Some of the immediate comparisons come because of the guitar-heavy nod to such classic rock bands as Badfinger, as well as the vocal harmonies and arrangements. Perhaps it's because PFR alum Patrick Andrew, who now shares lead vocals and plays bass in Eager, had a big say in the creative direction of the PFR swan song,…The Phantom Tollbooth 1997Reviewed by Tony LaFianzaEager includes Patrick Andrew, formerly of the band PFR, a popular and successful band in CCM accruing dove awards and other rock acclaim. As the band PFR was coming to an end in 1995, Patrick Andrew heard a solo effort by Greg Pope and added Pope to the lineup for PFR's "Farewell" tour to play guitar and sing some backing vocals. At that time, the two began to write songs and plan ahead to the…

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