Terry Reid is a remarkable singer; his bright tenor twists seductively around his melodies and occasionally expands into inspired improvisations that few rockers can match. Distressingly, Reid's music today bears little resemblance to the hard edge of his first two albums.

Seed of Memory, Reid's fourth release in a recording career spanning nearly ten years, is much like his previous LP, River: overly simple instrumentation, sluggish tempos and weak flirtations with country and jazz. Only "Ooh Baby (Make Me Feel So Young)," the title song and especially "The Way You Walk" show any spirit. The electric guitar on "Seed of Memory" provides some bite and its deliberate and repeated chords are a good backdrop for Reid's vocal. The cut is reminiscent of Neil Young, which may have something to do with Graham Nash's production. (RS 218)

CHARLEY WALTERS