Record Reviews

BYRDS ~ BYRDS ESOTERIC 2658 (Barcode: 5013929475847) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1972 Released: 2019 This is a reissue of the 1973 reunion album by the iconic American group The ByrdsFind albums by this artist, which was their twelfth and last album. It was recorded by the original members of the group: lead guitarists / vocalist Roger McGuinnFind albums by this artist, guitarist / vocalist Gene ClarkFind albums by this artist, guitarist / vocalist David CrosbyFind albums by this artist, bassist Chris HillmanFind albums by this artist and drummer Michael ClarkeFind albums by this artist. The album presents elevens songs, eight of which were written by the members of the band, two by Neil YoungFind albums by this artist and one by Joni MitchellFind albums by this artist. This newly remastered reissue includes no bonus tracks, but offers an improved sound quality in comparison to the original release. The album was originally released on the (then) newly founded Asylum Records, following the eleven earlier albums that the group recorded for Columbia, all of which were beautifully reissued in the "The Complete Columbia Albums CollectionFind albums with this title" Box Set with a plethora of bonus material. Although the album did not result in any chart material, the songs are up to par with the band´s superb older material, and in retrospect it is an integral part of their recorded legacy. By the time this album was recorded, the transformation of the American music from the Folk to the Rock idiom was already complete and the material was already anachronistic to some extent. But since great music proves to be timeless, this album withstands the test of time without a hitch. Since this album remains mostly forgotten by the Classic Rock fans, it is good to see it back in circulation. The Byrds were instrumental in the process of creating Rock music as we know it, and we should always keep their music alive. For the younger generation of Rock music lovers, who were not around when this music was originally released, this is definitely worth investigating!

Updated: 02/08/2019Posted: 01/08/2019

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

STEPHEN STILLS / MANASSAS ~ MANASSAS ATLANTIC 075678280825 (Barcode: 075678280825) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1972 Released: 1996 This is the debut album by the short-lived excellent band ManassasFind albums by this artist led by legendary American Rock icon Stephen StillsFind albums by this artist which also included ex-ByrdsFind albums by this artist / Flying Burrito BrothersFind albums by this artist vocalist / guitarist Chris HillmanFind albums by this artist, guitarist Al PerkinsFind albums by this artist, bassist Calvin SamuelsFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Paul HarrisFind albums by this artist, drummer Dallas TaylorFind albums by this artist and percussionist Joe LalaFind albums by this artist. Rolling StonesFind albums by this artist bassist Bill WymanFind albums by this artist guests on several tracks. The original double LP album presents twenty one excellent songs, split across the four sides of the two LPs with a separate subtitle for each of the sides, all bar one written or co-written by Stills and superbly performed by the band. Stills emerges on the album not only as a first rate vocalist, guitarist and bandleader but primarily as a superb songwriter, cementing his status initiated as a member of Buffalo SpringfieldFind albums by this artist and Crosby, Stills, Nash & YoungFind albums by this artist, where he already contributed some of his finest creations and his material featured on the two solo albums released before forming Manassas. Musically the album epitomizes the best of American Rock, which emerged from the amalgam of Blues, Folk and Country music with electric Rock And Roll. Plenty of heartfelt vocals, excellent vocal harmonies and surging guitar work supported by rock steady rhythm section were the ingredients of the irresistible formula that American Rock knew how to push to the max at the time. In retrospect this album is often considered as one of the top achievements of American Classic Rock in the 1970s, listed side by side such albums as Derek And The DominosFind albums by this artist masterpiece "Layla And Other Assorted Love SongsFind albums with this title". Dedicated to the great and prematurely dead American Rock Heroes: Jimi HendrixFind albums by this artist, Al WilsonFind albums by this artist (of Canned HeatFind albums by this artist) and Duane AllmanFind albums by this artist, Stills clearly defines his influences and pays tribute to the fallen victims of the demanding Rock careers. An essential piece of the American Classic Rock heritage, this album is a must in any serious Classic Rock collection and definitely worth to be re-discovered by the new generations of listeners.

Updated: 18/01/2019Posted: 18/01/2019

CD 1 HDCD Remastered Recommend To A Friend