Field Day (Anthony Phillips album)
Field Day is the seventh studio album by English multi-instrumentalist Anthony Phillips, released in 1982 on Passport Records. It's a predominantly instrumental album, shifting from Phillips' earlier focus on guitar-based pieces towards more keyboard-oriented compositions and incorporating early digital synthesis.
The album features a mix of pastoral and more energetic pieces. While largely instrumental, it includes a brief vocal segment by Viv McAuliffe on the track "Scottish Suite." The track "Exocet," named after the French-built missile, reflects a slightly darker, more contemporary sound, contrasting with the generally lighter and more idyllic atmosphere of much of the album. Other notable tracks include "Stranger," "Trilogy," and "Lindsay."
"Field Day" showcases Phillips' diverse musical interests and his continuing experimentation with sound, marking a departure from some of his earlier, more classically influenced guitar work. It received a mixed reception upon release, with some critics praising its innovative use of synthesizers and evocative melodies, while others found it less engaging than his previous work. It remains a significant entry in his discography, demonstrating his evolving musical style.