Record Reviews

CAMEL ~ THE SINGLE FACTOR (EXPANDED EDITION) ESOTERIC 2156 (Barcode: 5013929725621) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1982 Released: 2009 10th album by British Prog legends CamelFind albums by this artist, which marks a transition period in the band´s history, which followed a five years of personnel stability and incredibly productive output, as documented by their albums released during that period. Following the departure of founding member / keyboardist Peter BardensFind albums by this artist soon after recording the album "BreathlessFind albums with this title", the remaining two founding members: guitarist Andy LatimerFind albums by this artist and drummer Andy WardFind albums by this artist (who could not participate in the recording of this album due to injury) recruited various session musicians like bassist David PattonFind albums by this artist and drummer Graham JarvisFind albums by this artist. Several guest musicians also participated, like guitarist Anthony PhillipsFind albums by this artist, drummer Simon PhillipsFind albums by this artist, former Camel member keyboardist Peter Bardens and keyboardist Francis MonkmanFind albums by this artist. As to the music included on the album; at the time of its release it was considered both by the band´s fans and critics as disappointing and way too "commercial" in comparison to the band´s earlier efforts. In retrospect, although different indeed, it still preserves an incredibly high musical standard and integrity, both on the compositional and performance level, and suggests that it was rather the fans, who disliked change, then the band, which propagated change, which caused the fracture. There is no doubt that this album belongs to the proud heritage of music left to us by one of the best British Prog bands in the genre´s history. Recommended!

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

GENESIS ~ FROM GENESIS TO REVELATION (EXPANDED EDITION) EDSEL 721 (Barcode: 740155172121) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1967 - 1968 Released: 2005 Debut album by the British Prog legends GenesisFind albums by this artist, who were just teenagers barely out of high school at the time this music was recorded. Vocalist / lyricist Peter GabrielFind albums by this artist, blessed with a unique voice and theatrical delivery way beyond what could be expected from a youthful lad and his mates keyboardist Tony BanksFind albums by this artist, guitarist / bassist Mike RutherfordFind albums by this artist, guitarist Anthony PhillipsFind albums by this artist and drummer John SilverFind albums by this artist delivered a masterpiece of early Prog, which in retrospect (and I know this sounds like a blasphemy) overshadows everything they did later. This concept album, which presents the Biblical story covered by 13 songs, is full of great melodies, clever lyrics and heartfelt delivery. Although the band had no experience performing live before this music was recorded, the album was carefully produced and the orchestral arrangements, done with great taste, were just perfect for the music and solidified the album, hiding whatever shortcoming were there as a result of lack of experience by the band. The resulting music sounds somewhat similar to early Moody BluesFind albums by this artist orchestral extravagancies, but is completely original and sounds today as good as it did at the time. My problem with future Genesis releases is mainly due to the fact that the band, and especially Gabriel, would constantly indulge in ego trips and completely lose self-restrain, which resulted in watering good musical ideas with extensive passages, which contributed nothing of essence (exactly as another Prog legend YesFind albums by this artist). Therefore I love this album more that anything they recorded later. This expanded edition adds a whole additional CD of material, which includes the demos recorded before the album, pre-album singles and album outtakes – in short a goldmine of additional material. This is an absolute must to every Prog fan!

CD 2 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

STEVE HACKETT ~ OUT OF THE TUNNEL`S MOUTH (SPECIAL EDITION) INSIDEOUT 327 (Barcode: 5052205053881) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2009 Released: 2010 At a time when most contemporary Prog music crop proves that the genre has simply run out of steam (yet again!), guitarist / composer Steve HackettFind albums by this artist, one of the forefathers of the genre (GenesisFind albums by this artist) demonstrates that not all is lost and intelligent Prog is still alive and kicking. This album is one more addition to Hackett´s splendid legacy and a testimony to the fact that he ages incredibly well. The album includes eight new beautiful songs, all composed by Hackett (with lyrics by various collaborators), exquisitely performed by a large group of Hackett´s usual cohorts, which include keyboardist Roger KingFind albums by this artist, his brother John HackettFind albums by this artist on flute, surprise appearances of guitarist Anthony PhillipsFind albums by this artist (Genesis) and bassist Chris SquireFind albums by this artist (YesFind albums by this artist) and several others. The performances are all first-rate and Hackett´s guitar playing remains simply stellar. The album is a continuous spellbinding experience, which although is not very innovative, presents the core of the Prog idiom, characterized by deeply melodic themes with improvised passages and multilayered rich arrangements. The last song on the album incorporates Middle Eastern folkloristic elements, which is the first for Hackett. He plays splendidly both acoustic and electric guitars throughout the album and his vocals are also excellent. This special addition of the album adds a bonus CD, which presents six Genesis songs performed live, five of them by the Steve Hackett band and the last one with the Hungarian ensemble DjabeFind albums by this artist, which toured with Hackett as a guest in 2010 and recorded a 2CD live album during that tour. The bonus material is quite different from the studio album and shows Hackett primarily as a performer in a typical live Prog framework, which of course he stands up to with distinction. For the many Hackett fans around the world this is definitely a must, but any Prog enthusiasts getting this album will find their money very well spent. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 26/08/2020Posted:

CD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend