Record Reviews
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  | BAKERLOO ~ BAKERLOO (EXPANDED EDITION)
ESOTERIC 2468 (Barcode: 5013929456846) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2014
This is a reissue of the only album by the obscure British trio BakerlooFind albums by this artist, which comprised of guitarist Clem ClempsonFind albums by this artist, bassist Terry PooleFind albums by this artist and drummer Keith BakerFind albums by this artist. The original album presented seven tunes, five of which were co-written by Clempson and Toole (and Baker on one of them), one was a blues standard and one was an arrangement of a Johann Sebastian BachFind albums by this artist composition (the same composition was also recorded by Jethro TullFind albums by this artist and released as "Bouree" on their second album "Stand UpFind albums with this title"). This remastered and expanded edition adds five bonus tracks, which are a B-side, a couple of alternate tracks and a couple of previously unreleased tracks.
The music is floating somewhere between Blues-Rock and early Progressive Rock, featuring brilliant guitar work by Clempson, who of course was about to join Colosseum soon after Bakerloo disbanded and achieve world fame. The fact that this album was dug up is primarily due to the fact that Clempson plays on it, although with all fairness it is a solid release worth being remembered. The last track on the original album is an extended piece which last for about fifteen minutes, which of course hints as to the Proto-Prog connection of the band and its music.
The British Blues Revival produced hundreds of bands similar to Bakerloo in the late 1960s, most of which tried to copy bands which already achieved fame and acclaim, like CreamFind albums by this artist, John MayallFind albums by this artist´s BluesbreakersFind albums by this artist, Fleetwood MacFind albums by this artist, Jimi HendrixFind albums by this artist, Ten Years AfterFind albums by this artist and many others. Many of these bands never managed to make an album at all, many others recorded one album, like Bakerloo, which disappeared into the vaults of record labels, and are now occasionally rediscovered by reissue labels.
Guitar freaks will find this album highly exciting, as Clempson plays much more aggressively and prominently on this album than at any other point of his career, obviously due to the fact that he was the leading voice in this trio and there were no restrictions whatsoever. Some of his neck-breaking / hair-raising solos on this album are completely unrepeatable.
Overall this is a great trip down the memory lane and the remastered music sounds superbly fresh and is highly enjoyable, again emphasizing the fact that those were the most productive years in British (and worldwide) music scene, sadly long gone, albeit not forgotten. Highly recommended!
| | Updated: 21/01/2017Posted: 21/01/2017 | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | EDDIE BOYD ~ THE COMPLETE BLUE HORIZON SESSIONS
BLUE HORIZON 676968 (Barcode: 828767696829) ~ USA ~ Blues
Recorded: 1967 - 1968 Released: 2006
US Blues Giant Eddie BoydFind albums by this artist hails from the Mississippi Delta. Like many of his Blues companions, he left the South and settled in Chicago in the early 1940’s, where he developed his original style as pianist and singer, but mostly as a gifted composer of many Blues standards, universally performed all over the world today. In 1965 Boyd decided to leave the US, deeply disenchanted by the segregation and racism still prominent there at the time, and settled in Europe, first in Belgium and then in Finland, where he died in 1994. While in Europe, his career flourished both as a performer and a recording artist. Among his many recordings, the sessions he recorded in 1967-1968 for the UK label Blue Horizon (owned and headed by one of the most important Blues producers Mike VernonFind albums by this artist) stand out as truly remarkable. At that time the greatest UK Blues band Fleetwood MacFind albums by this artist was practically the Blue Horizon “hose” band and accompanied many musicians on their recording sessions. So here it is – some outstanding blues music performed by the Master Eddie Boyd on piano / vocals and Fleetwood Mac (Peter GreenFind albums by this artist – guitar, John McVieFind albums by this artist – bass and Mick FleetwoodFind albums by this artist – drums) supporting him with passion and vigor. For a Blues fan it does not get much better.
| | | CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | DEEP PURPLE ~ TURNING TO CRIME
EAR MUSIC 4029759157151 (Barcode: 4029759157151) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2021 Released: 2021
This is the 22nd studio album by the iconic British Rock / Prog band Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist and their first album dedicated entirely to covers of Classic Rock songs by such legends as Fleetwood MacFind albums by this artist, Bob DylanFind albums by this artist, YardbirdsFind albums by this artist, CreamFind albums by this artist and others. The lineup includes vocalist Ian GillanFind albums by this artist, guitarist Steve MorseFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Don AireyFind albums by this artist, bassist Roger GloverFind albums by this artist and drummer Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist. A few additional musicians appear on selected tracks. The album presents twelve tracks, the last of which is a medley of five songs, so altogether the album includes covers of sixteen songs.
The album, recorded during the Covid-19 pandemic, was put together by recording the five members of the band in separate studios and then pasted together by the band’s regular producer Bob EzrinFind albums by this artist, for whom this was the 4th DP album he produced.
Although Deep Purple created a plethora of great original songs during the fifty plus years of their existence, they were always superb interpreters of songs written by other songwriters, starting with their debut album. This album proves that they indeed are able to put new life into songs, which are mostly as old as the group, and that without damaging the original songs and often improving on them.
The instrumental abilities that come together on this album are absolutely convincing, which of course is no surprise to any music lover familiar with Deep Purple’s legacy, Gillan is still a mighty vocalist, losing just a bit of his upper range, which is all for the better. Sparkled with some British sense of humor and obvious love of the subject matter, they are simply unbeatable. Veterans, grandpas, dinosaurs and whatever they are called, they still easily kick the ass of any band half their age.
Overall, this is a superb Rock album, which combines tradition, great selection of material and sublime musicianship, which is way more than one dares to expect from any contemporary Rock music. The fans of the group need no convincing and the youngsters might just learn something from what it has to offer. Hats off are in order and hopefully see you all on stage one day soon, lads.
| | Updated: 05/08/2024Posted: 25/12/2021 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | FLEETWOOD MAC ~ 1969 - 1974
REPRISE 603497851300 (Barcode: 603497851300) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1969 - 1974 Released: 2020
This Box Set includes remastered / expanded CD reissues of the seven studio albums by the iconic British Blues / Rock group Fleetwood MacFind albums by this artist, recorded between 1969 and 1974 and a bonus previously unreleased live CD recorded in 1974.
The reissued albums are “Then Play OnFind albums with this title” (1969 with four bonus tracks), “Kiln HouseFind albums with this title” (1970 with four bonus tracks), “Future GamesFind albums with this title” (1971 with six bonus tracks), “Bare TreesFind albums with this title” (1972 with three bonus tracks), “PenguinFind albums with this title” (1973 with no bonus tracks), “Mystery To MeFind albums with this title” (1973 with two bonus tracks) and finally “Heroes Are Hard To FindFind albums with this title” (1974 with one bonus track). Those are the group’s third to ninth studio albums.
The Box Set shows the transition of the group from the Blues and Blues-Rock idioms, which characterized their early period and the first two studio albums recorded in 1968, with guitarist Peter GreenFind albums by this artist at the helm. That style is still predominantly heard on the “Then Play On” album, which the lineup including also guitarist Danny KirwanFind albums by this artist, bassist John McVieFind albums by this artist and drummer Mick FleetwoodFind albums by this artist.
“Kiln House” marks the departure of Green and features guitarist Jeremy SpencerFind albums by this artist in addition to Kirwan, McVie and Fleetwood. “Future Games” marks the departure of Spencer, who was replaced by American guitarist Bob WelchFind albums by this artist and the addition of singer / keyboardist Christine McVieFind albums by this artist. “Bare Trees” featured the same lineup as its predecessor. “Penguin” marks the departure of Kirwan, who was replaced by guitarist Bob WestonFind albums by this artist. “Mystery To Me” was the last album to include Weston. “Heroes Are Hard To Find” was the last album to include Welch and the first album to be recorded in the US.
Over the years Fleetwood Mac managed to develop a superb Classic Rock act, with excellent songwriting and perfect musicianship, although their commercial breakthrough was about to happen following the release of their next (tenth) studio album, their second eponymous album “Fleetwood MacFind albums with this title”.
Overall, this Box Set is a brilliant collection of great tunes, which are worth being remembered and cherished, despite the fact that they were created before fortune smiled to them Big Time.
Side Note
The "Original Album SeriesFind albums with this title" by Warner Bros.Find albums on this label, the "Original Album ClassicsFind albums with this title" by SonyFind albums on this label, the "5 Original AlbumsFind albums with this title" by UniversalFind albums on this label, the Box Sets by RhinoFind albums on this label and other similar releases are an archetypal example of how good intentions turn sour. Although these new editions often bring back to life some of the best music ever made on this planet, which in many cases has been lost in the tides of time and was unavailable on the market for ages, they suffer from an unforgivable disregard for the essence of cultural values and general sloppiness, contrary to human decency, which requires as to treat our Cultural Legacy with respect and loyalty.
The Box Sets produced under these monikers have no discographical information whatsoever about the lineups, musician names, composers, lyricists, dates and places of recording, original release data and even basic copyright data (the last is strictly illegal BTW). Although the original LP sleeves are reproduced, they are often edited and information (which would be in most cases too small to be readable) is removed. Most importantly these Box Sets don't include any booklet offering a historical background and perspective about the Artists and the Music, which are extremely important and vital to the preservation of our Culture and passing the knowledge to the next generations.
In short the fact that these Box Sets are meant to be inexpensive, does not mean that they have to be cheap. Considering the fact how many times this music has been sold over and over again by the labels, this is a crying shame!
| | Updated: 22/09/2023Posted: 22/09/2023 | CD 8 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | FLEETWOOD MAC ~ BLUES JAM IN CHICAGO VOL.1
BLUE HORIZON 516446 ~ UK ~ Blues
First part of a marathon jam session arranged during the New Year 1968/1969 Fleetwood Mac US tour. All this music was recorded in one day (January 4th 1969) at the legendary Chess studios in Chicago, and this was an incredible opportunity for the Fleetwoods to meet and to jam with some of their heros and legendary blues figures, such as Otis Span and Willie Dixon. The result is of course stunning and fortunately documented here for posterity.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | FLEETWOOD MAC ~ BLUES JAM IN CHICAGO VOL.2
BLUE HORIZON 516447 ~ UK ~ Blues
Second part of a marathon jam session arranged during the New Year 1968/1969 Fleetwood Mac US tour. All this music was recorded in one day (January 4th 1969) at the legendary Chess studios in Chicago, and this was an incredible opportunity for the Fleetwoods to meet and to jam with some of their heros and legendary blues figures, such as Otis Span and Willie Dixon. The result is of course stunning and fortunately documented here for posterity.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | FLEETWOOD MAC ~ LIVE AT THE BBC
ESSENTIAL 297 ~ UK ~ Blues
An amazing collection of BBC broadcasts by this legendary blues group recorded between 1967-1971. Peter Green and Danny Kirwan handle the guitar parts brilliantly and this is a true blues fiesta. As usual the BBC recordings are of higher quality then studio albums recorded in the parallel period, which makes this album even more worthwhile. Not to be missed by any serious blues fan.
| | | CD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | FLEETWOOD MAC ~ LIVE AT THE MARQUEE
RECEIVER 157 ~ UK ~ Blues
This 1966 live recording at the legendary London club is the earliest known recording by this seminal UK blues band. Recorded before the first studio album and even before the final line-up was crystalized, we can hear Green, Spencer and Flieewood playing their hearts out. The recording is pretty Lo-Fi, but considering the historic importance of this material nothing else matters. This is history in the making.
| | Updated: 01/06/2018Posted: | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | FLEETWOOD MAC ~ MR. WONDERFUL (EXPANDED EDITION)
BLUE HORIZON 516444 (Barcode: 5099751644422) ~ UK ~ Blues
Recorded: 1968 Released: 2004
2nd album. To create a follow up to the sensational debut album is usually a very tough task for any group, but Fleetwood Mac seemed to have no problem with recording another masterpiece. With the dual lead guitar talents of Peter Green and Jeremy Spencer, who also wrote most of the music (which meant they didn`t need to play any blues standards), there was plenty of talent and enthusiasm to go around. On this album they added piano (Christine Perfect, later to be McVie, `stolen` from the rival blues group Chicken Shack) and a small horn section. This is timeless music.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | FLEETWOOD MAC ~ PETER GREEN`S FLEETWOOD MAC
BLUE HORIZON 516443 ~ UK ~ Blues
1st album from 1968. Peter Green`s ride to the top of the UK blues revival of the late 60`s was swift and almost Hollywood like. When the young Jewish lad was chosen by John Mayall as a replacement for Eric `the God` Clapton as the lead guitarist for the Bluesbreakers, blues fans were all shook up. But it took just one legendary album with Mayall to kick Green to stardom. When Green left Mayall to form Fleetwood Mac with two other Bluesbreakers alumini (Mick Fleetwood - drums and John McVie - bass), the expectations were extremely high. Fleetwood chose to record for the Blue Horizon label owned by legendary blues producer Mike Vernon. The debut album recorded in late 1967 was released in 1968 to overwhelming applause from the blues community and has been considered a classic ever since. Essential!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | FLEETWOOD MAC ~ STRANGER BLUES - LIVE
LONDON CALLING BOX 3 (Barcode: 5053792300334) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 1968 - 1969 Released: 2020
This Archival Box Set collects radio / concert recordings by one of the greatest Blues guitarists of all time, Peter GreenFind albums by this artist, and his seminal group Fleetwood MacFind albums by this artist. Mick FleetwoodFind albums by this artist (on drums) and Green formed Fleetwood Mac in 1967 and the group included also guitarist Jeremy SpencerFind albums by this artist and bassist John McVieFind albums by this artist, and eventually a third guitarist Danny KirwanFind albums by this artist. That early lineup lasted until May 1970, when Green left the group, and recorded a number of albums, which are absolute Blues-Rock classics to this very day.
This Box Sets presents 4CD worth of material. The first CD collects nineteen tracks of Fleetwood Mac BBC recordings between January and October 1968. The second CD presents a live concert recorded at the Carousel Ballroom in San Francisco in June of 1968, recorded by a local FM station. The third CD presents a live concert in Helsinki in September of 1969, recorded by the Finnish YLE. The fourth CD presents a live concert in Gothenburg in November 1969, recorded by the Swedish radio.
The music includes the familiar Fleetwood Mac repertoire, about half of which was written by Green, including the everlasting icons like “Man Of The World”, “Oh Well”, “Albatross” and “Black Magic Woman”, but more importantly dozens of Blues classics and long jams, which emphasize green’s incredible guitar pyrotechnics and his genuine fondness and deep understanding of the Blues.
The sound quality of these historic recordings varies, but is certainly good enough to enjoy the music, and the material is an incredible document of the two crucial and most innovative years in music history, as reflected by only one of its heroes.
For Blues / Blues-Rock fans this album is an absolute must of course, and hopefully it will also open the eyes / ears of some young listeners to the treasures of days passed, which still glimmer more potently than anything recorded today.
Side Note
Obiterdictum Ltd, a company based in Cyprus (oh well you know the story… copyright laws and legal issues) releases mostly live recorded radio broadcasts from the 1960s on and offers an amazing source of music which was never officially released by some of the best Classic Rock and Jazz artists. The catalogue offers five hundred releases, which is an absolute treasure chest of music history, often appearing for the first time.
Although the sound quality and sometimes also music quality range from absolutely brilliant to pretty poor, most of the material is surely listenable, especially after being remastered recently, and more importantly offers music which is not available elsewhere.
The company releases the albums under several sub-labels: Air CutsFind albums on this label, EchoesFind albums on this label, Hi HatFind albums on this label, HotspurFind albums on this label, InterferenceFind albums on this label, KeyholeFind albums on this label, KlondikeFind albums on this label, Live On VinylFind albums on this label, London CallingFind albums on this label, OrbitFind albums on this label, Rox VoxFind albums on this label and Sound StageFind albums on this label. There is no ironclad logic as to what material appears on which label, except perhaps some internal considerations by the Obiterdictum owners.
Approach with caution, but keep in mind that some of these releases are absolutely brilliant!
| | Updated: 23/09/2022Posted: 05/06/2021 | CD 4 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | FLEETWOOD MAC ~ THE ORIGINAL
BLUE HORIZON 516448 ~ UK ~ Blues
4th album from 1971, which in fact is a collection of previously unreleased studio tracks recorded in 1967 and 1968 before even their first album was released. Peter Green and the Fleetwoods are in peak form riding through a series of blues standards and some originals. This is a fascinating document of their early days. Not to be missed by any (early) Fleetwood Mac fan!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | FLEETWOOD MAC ~ THE PIOUS BIRD OF GOOD OMEN
BLUE HORIZON 516445 (Barcode: 5099751644521) ~ UK ~ Blues
Recorded: 1969
3rd album by Fleetwood MacFind albums by this artist. In fact this is not a "proper" album, as when the group announced their intention to departure from Blue HorizonFind albums on this label, the label simply released all the existing material recorded by the group in the meantime, which included the timeless "Black Magic Woman" and of course the #1 single "Albatross", which is one of the greatest instrumentals ever recorded. Although a collection of sorts, this album includes some of Fleetwood Mac´s greatest acheivements, which makes it another essential addition to any blues collection.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | FLEETWOOD MAC ~ THE VOUDEVILLE YEARS 1968-1970
RECEIVER 014 ~ UK ~ Blues
A collection of all previously unreleased studio material from the best period of the greatest white blues group ever with two lead guitarists (Peter Green & Danny Kirwan) exchanging licks for hours. Packaged as a lavish book with many photographs and extensive notes. Absolutely essential to all blues fans and a rarity!
| | | CD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | MICK FLEETWOOD & FRIENDS ~ CELEBRATE THE MUSIC OF PETER GREEN AND THE EARLY YEARS OF FLEETWOOD MAC
BMG 4050538669336 (Barcode: 4050538669336) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 2020 Released: 2021
This 2CD album, recorded live at the legendary Palladium in London in February 2020, is a document of a special concert organized to pay tribute to one of the greatest Blues guitarists of all time, Peter GreenFind albums by this artist, and his seminal group Fleetwood MacFind albums by this artist. Mick FleetwoodFind albums by this artist (on drums) and Green formed Fleetwood Mac in 1967 and the group included also guitarist Jeremy SpencerFind albums by this artist and bassist John McVieFind albums by this artist, and eventually a third guitarist Danny KirwanFind albums by this artist. That early lineup lasted until May 1970, when Green left, and recorded a number of albums, which are absolute Blues-Rock classics to this very day. Green died a few months after this concert took place.
This concert, three years in planning in making, presents no less than twenty-three songs from the Fleetwood Mac repertoire, about half of them written by Green, including the everlasting icons like “Man Of The World”, “Oh Well”, “The Green Manalishi”, “Albatross” and “Black Magic Woman”. The list of names of the guest musicians appearing on this album reads like a Rock / Blues encyclopedia and includes musicians such as David GilmourFind albums by this artist, John MayallFind albums by this artist, Bill WymanFind albums by this artist, Noel GallagherFind albums by this artist, Christine McVieFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Christine PerfectFind albums by this artist), Jeremy Spencer, Pete TownshendFind albums by this artist and many others. The overall level of performances is simply staggering.
The fact that this concert actually took place, despite the nightmarish logistics involved with bringing so many musicians on one stage, not mentioning the contractual complications, is a symbol of Peter Green’s influence on generation of musicians all over the world. His contribution to the Blues idiom is simply immeasurable and goes way beyond the British Blues Revival of the 1960s, as his music proves to be simply everlasting.
For Blues / Blues-Rock fans this album is an absolute must of course, and hopefully it will also open the eyes / ears of some young listeners to the treasures of days passed, which still glimmer more potently than anything recorded today.
| | Updated: 05/06/2021Posted: 29/05/2021 | CD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
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