Record Reviews

VAN MORRISON ~ DAYS LIKE THIS POLYDOR 731452730725 (Barcode: 731452730725) ~ IRELAND ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1995 Released: 1995 This is the 23rd studio album by legendary Northern Irish singer / songwriter Van MorrisonFind albums by this artist, who is accompanied by a splendid group of musicians, which includes guitarist Ronnie JohnsonFind albums by this artist, bassist Nicky ScottFind albums by this artist, drummer Geoff DunnFind albums by this artist and a brass section with saxophonist Pee Wee EllisFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Matthew HollandFind albums by this artist and others. The album presents twelve tracks, ten of which are originals by Morrison and two are his adaptations of songs by other songwriters. Musically the album offers a mix of Blues, Folk, Gospel and Celtic, but, as always, it is a mixture of cross-genre songs, all blessed by Morrison’s outstanding ability to weave beautiful melodies and write heartfelt lyrics, like only a few others Artists are able to do. There is also a slight jazz touch in the background, which characterizes everything Morrison recorded. Overall, this is a piece of music that is worth being remembered, and although Morrison’s recorded legacy offers a few dozen releases, he never recorded a bad album and everything he ever put out is worth an honorable place in a decent record collection. It is one of those Artists you can never have too much of…

Updated: 22/12/2024Posted: 22/12/2024

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

PROCOL HARUM ~ NOVUS EAGLE 659 (Barcode: 5034504165922) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 2016 Released: 2017 This is the twelfth studio album by the seminal British Classic Rock group Procol HarumFind albums by this artist, one of the last active representatives of the great music wave that started over five decades ago. It is separated by fourteen years from the band´s previous studio album "The Well`s On FireFind albums with this title". Although the only founding member of Procol Harum still present on this album is vocalist / pianist Gary BrookerFind albums by this artist, the sound and the musical style of the group remain pretty stable over time. The piano / Hammond organ double keyboards dominated sound, which has been the group´s trademark over time, is here and so are Brooker´s unique dramatic vocals. The Hammond is handled by Josh PhilipsFind albums by this artist, the bluesy guitar by Geoff WhitehornFind albums by this artist, the bass by Matt PeggFind albums by this artist (son of the legendary Dave PeggFind albums by this artist) and the drums by Geoff DunnFind albums by this artist. The album offers eleven new songs, almost all co-composed by Brooker and Philips. This is the first album by the band which features lyrics by the poet Pete BrownFind albums by this artist (of CreamFind albums by this artist and Jack BruceFind albums by this artist fame) after decades of working with the poet Keith ReidFind albums by this artist. Musically the album does not break any new ground, but it stays, as already mentioned above, faithful to the band´s tradition to produce highly melodic lyrical and even melancholic songs, which often amalgamate elements of British Folk and some Classical Music influences. Brown´s lyrics are perhaps less ominous and mysterious, but they are full of his whimsical metaphors and dry British humor, which is all for the best. The songs vary in their intensity and expressiveness, but the best of them are certainly up to par with the great legacy of Procol Harum at its best. Overall it is mostly "more of the same", which in the case of a band like Procol Harum is quite a compliment. I had a great fun listening to these songs and the idea that someone is still able to write music like this is a lifesaver. Not everything has to change in time, and for Classic Rock fans staying in the past means staying alive. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 27/01/2019Posted: 27/01/2019

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend