Record Reviews

BEE GEES ~ ODESSA (EXPANDED EDITION) REPRISE 79886 (Barcode: 081227988661) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1969 Released: 2009 This magnificent Box Set includes the material recorded for the Bee GeesFind albums by this artist magnum opus "OdessaFind albums with this title", their 4th album recorded since their return to Britain and definitely their most ambitious effort ever. Originally released as a double LP, the album included a set of highly inspired compositions, lushly orchestrated and beautifully produced. Magnificent melodies, which were always the strength of the group, combined with heavy Psychedelic influences and of course their stunning vocal harmonies make this one of the most perfect Pop / Rock and even Prog works of the late 1960s. Unfortunately the group entered a period of personal hiatus following the recording of the album, creating negative publicity, which resulted in poor sales and lack of exposure to this album, which of course deserved much better. It also marks the end of the first period of the group´s career, which would be followed by several years of soul searching, with poor musical results, and eventually the complete downfall into the mindless disco music. Nevertheless in proper historic perspective the band´s 1960s output is the pinnacle of musical perfection and imagination, with this album being the crown jewel. Lavishly packaged in a velvet covered box, the 3 CDs include the stereo and mono mix of the original album and a whole CD of bonus material with alternate versions, outtake and other previously unreleased material. This is an instant collectors´ item and a wonderful testimony of the most inspired period in the music history. Essential listening!

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted:

CD 3 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

CHITINOUS ENSEMBLE ~ CHITINOUS VOCALION 8405 (Barcode: 765387840525) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1971 Released: 2005 This strange and beautiful album would have never been released at the time if not for the openness of the DeramFind albums on this label label to issue even the most eccentric material, as long as it had musical merit. The Chitinous EnsembleFind albums by this artist was as fictitious as they come, so named by cellist / composer / arranger Paul BuckmasterFind albums by this artist, who assembled the musicians to perform an ambitious piece of orchestral music he composed. Buckmaster was a gifted and accomplished musician, who was in great demand in UK as arranger and composer, working with top Rock stars like Elton JohnFind albums by this artist, the Bee GeesFind albums by this artist (see OdessaFind albums with this title) and even the Rolling StonesFind albums by this artist (see Sticky FingersFind albums with this title). He also composed numerous film scores, including the amazing soundtrack for Roman PolanskiFind albums by this artist’s MacbethFind albums with this title, where he cooperated with the Third Ear BandFind albums by this artist. The ensemble Buckmaster assembled to perform this complex extended composition includes a large string section and a large deployment of his Jazz buddies, all top British Jazz players like Ian CarrFind albums by this artist on trumpet, Chris LaurenceFind albums by this artist on bass, John MarshallFind albums by this artist on drums and many more. The music is a mixture of classical influences with Jazz-Rock rhythmic patterns and modern sound vistas, all combined together into a wonderful sonic experience. It sounds absolutely great today as if time only enhanced the intrinsic beauty included therein. Wholeheartedly recommended for more adventurous listeners.

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend