Ars Longa Vita Brevis 1968 Album

The Nice

Very quickly – like, as soon as this album – you begin to realize with The Nice, there comes a point you know they never ever will be a fan-friendly band. That doesn't mean their music or albums suck. By no means. And I moderately enjoyed this record. The first three tracks are freakin' hilarious – very much in the ballpark of the kookier stuff from the debut, but even wackier. Then there's the "Karelia Suite" which goes from very classy to just super into-its-own-world weird over the course of nine minutes. Then you get the title track which is a multi-sectioned suite of music taking up the entire second side. Talk about pretentious! Yet, there is some great music in there! Still, taken as a whole – it's too much too soon. Sorry to use a cliché, but it was definitely true in this case! Fun record, though, if you give it a chance.