Island of Jewels

Something of a continuation of The Tower by the band’s own account — the leadoff song itself is called “Tower 6” — Island of Jewels found the Legendary Pink Dots further developing their approach, essentially creating a prog rock album in all but name, owning a style far away from mainstream attention. The vivid sense of a collapsing England depicted via Edward Ka-Spel’s lyrics and his always notable vocals is heightened by the tempo shifts, instrumental variety — clattering percussion, stirring string parts, epic guitar solos, blaring saxophone, much more — and the cover art collage.