Record Reviews
20 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | EGG ~ THE CIVIL SURFACE
ESOTERIC 2003 (Barcode: 5013929710320) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1974 Released: 2007
3rd and last album by the brilliant British trio EggFind albums by this artist, which comprised of keyboardist Dave StewartFind albums by this artist, bassist Mont CampbellFind albums by this artist and drummer Clive BrooksFind albums by this artist, recorded almost three years after the group disbanded following the release of their previous album. Unfortunately the reunion proved to be short lived, and this was to be their last recording together. Egg was an archetypal representative of the Canterbury scene and their sound, dominated by Stewart´s keyboards, is one of the genre´s most recognizable aural icons. In between recording the second and this, the third album with Egg, Stewart played keyboards with Hatfield And The NorthFind albums by this artist, another seminal Canterbury band, contributing his incredible talent to the success of that ensemble. The album is a superb example of the Canterbury essence – strange haunting melodies, quirky rhythmic patterns and incredible virtuosic instrumental performances, spiced on top with a good measure of British humor. There is not one weak moment here from start to finish and the music stand its ground honorably, in complete disregard to the time passing by. A few notable guest musicians take part in the recording, including members of Henry CowFind albums by this artist (fellow VirginFind albums on this label label recording artists at the time) and guitarist Steve HillageFind albums by this artist. This album is an absolute must to every Canterbury fan!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | HATFIELD AND THE NORTH ~ HATFIELD AND THE NORTH (EXPANDED EDITION)
ESOTERIC 2139 (Barcode: 5013929723924) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1974 Released: 2009
1st album by the legendary Canterbury group Hatfield And The NorthFind albums by this artist, probably the most iconic and unsurpassed masters of the genre. Comprising of keyboardist Dave StewartFind albums by this artist, guitarist Phil MillerFind albums by this artist, bassist / vocalist Richard SinclairFind albums by this artist and drummer Pip PyleFind albums by this artist, with guests like reedman Geoff LeighFind albums by this artist (Henry CowFind albums by this artist), vocalist Robert WyattFind albums by this artist and others, they recorded what is considered to be the ultimate Canterbury masterpiece. The album represents everything that the genre stands for: brilliant melodies, strange harmonies, superb musicianship, quirk rhythmic patterns and a good dash of British humor. It is difficult to pinpoint why this album and its follow up turned out to be the genre´s icons, but the fact that they are the first thing that come to mind when Canterbury is mentioned speaks for itself. Whatever the reasons, this is an absolute classic album, which lost nothing of its intrinsic beauty and musical perfection over time. Absolutely essential!
| | | CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | HENRY COW ~ CONCERTS
RER HC5/6 (Barcode: 752725022521) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1973 - 1975 Released: 2006
This magnificent and legendary album is a true document of an era and a glimpse at the process of musical groundbreaking. Henry Cow’s visionary music and musical ideology was of course aeons ahead of their time and influenced (in fact influences to this very day) generations of musicians. At the time these recording were made, Henry Cow were an obscure band, unwanted by their record label (Virgin), which was the cause of this music being released as a double LP on a tiny Norwegian label (Compendium). The vinyl album turned almost immediately into a collectors’ item and with time became a Holy Grail of every serious Prog collector (priced accordingly). The fact that the music, although composed, is predominantly improvised, makes it so innovative and fascinating. Although early traces of improvisation in rock were already present since the late 1960s (mostly by musicians, who had some jazz background), the unique combined talents of Henry Cow members managed to give birth to a whole new genre of music, which later was christened as RIO. Improvised rock, with heavy traces of jazz and contemporary classical music is about as close a description as one might think of, but of course words are hardly adequate when describing music, especially music is this caliber. Today the music contained on these two pieces of plastic belongs to the canon of modern music and any person, who considers himself a music connoisseur, can not afford to have this album missing in his collection.
| | | CD 2 Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | HENRY COW ~ IN PRAISE OF LEARNING
RER HC3 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
3rd album from 1975 which is more avantgarde then the previous two, but still essential listening in order to fully comprehed thr group`s development. Requires more `flexibility` from the listener, but well trained ears will have no trouble at all enjoying this one. Remastered.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | HENRY COW ~ LEG END
RER HC1 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
1st album from 1973 by what is considered the most important and influential avatgarde UK Prog group of all times. Their music is so different and more advanced from anything done at that period that it took many years for people to realize the true qualities of this outstanding music. Absolutely essential listening.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | HENRY COW ~ UNREST
RER HC2 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
2nd album from 1974 by this brilliant group. More jazz influenced then the previous one but this unique style can by hardly classified as jazz since the incredible mixture of all musical elements create an atmosphere unlike anything else. Considered their best album (but honestly all of them are great!).
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | HENRY COW ~ WESTERN CULTURE
RER HC4 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
4th and last album from 1978. A culmination of this fantastic group long career and as usual a strong political statement as well. Not available on CD for a long time, this remastered eddition is pure joy!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HILLAGE ~ FISH RISING (EXPANDED EDITION)
VIRGIN 373415 (Barcode: 094637341520) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1974 - 1975 Released: 2007
1st album recorded while Steve HillageFind albums by this artist was still a member of GongFind albums by this artist. After recording with Gong the entire “Radio Gnome Invisible” trilogy, Hillage decided it was time to start a solo career, where his music would be featured more prominently, with this album being the first step in that direction. In Gong Hillage met his life-long partner Miquette GiraudyFind albums by this artist, who would become his musical collaborator and they both composed all the music and the entire concept of this album. Most of his Gong cohorts participate, but Hillage added the great Dave StewartFind albums by this artist on keyboards and Lindsay CooperFind albums by this artist (from Henry CowFind albums by this artist) on bassoon, to create a much more sophisticated sound and instrumentation. The material consists mostly of 3 long (2 over 14 minutes) suites and a few shorter pieces. The overall sound and style of the album is still very much Gong related / influenced and can be considered as another Gong off-shot project (which many Gong fans do), but Hillage’s individuality is certainly already present and it will come to full fruition starting with the next album. In retrospect this album manages to keep at its extraordinary qualities well and is still fresh and exciting, adding another Canterbury classic album to the list.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | HUGH HOPPER ~ HOPPER TRINITY BOX
CUNEIFORM 240 (Barcode: 045775024028) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1976 Released: 2007
2nd album by Hugh HopperFind albums by this artist (and the first release after he left Soft MachineFind albums by this artist), released originally on the tiny Norwegian Compendium label (same label that originally released Henry CowFind albums by this artist’s ConcertsFind albums with this title and other weird but wonderful music). Musically the album belongs very strongly to the Soft Machine experimental Jazz-Rock of the ThirdFind albums by this artist, FourthFind albums with this title, FiveFind albums with this title & SixFind albums by this artist period (when Hopper was still a member of the group). Hopper enlisted eight great musicians (Mark CharigFind albums by this artist, Elton DeanFind albums by this artist, Dave StewartFind albums by this artist, Gary WindoFind albums by this artist and others), all members of the flourishing Canterbury scene and UK Jazz circles (members in groups like Brotherhood Of BreathFind albums by this artist, GilgameshFind albums by this artist, Hatfield And The NorthFind albums by this artist, IsotopeFind albums by this artist, Keith TippettFind albums by this artist Sextet, etc), who make up the duos, trios, quartets and quintets that play on this album. He wrote all the music, except one track, which was composed by Ornette ColemanFind albums by this artist. This album is considered Hopper’s most consistent release ever and sounds as fresh today as when it was first recorded. For all Canterbury scene and SM fans this is an absolute must and it’s a great joy to see this album available again. Brilliant stuff!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | LIGHT COORPORATION ~ RARE DIALECT
RER LC01 ~ POLAND ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2010 Released: 2011
This debut album by Polish ensemble Light CoorporationFind albums by this artist is a stunning revelation of musical genius present among the new generation of European musicians. Led by guitarist / composer Mariusz SobanskiFind albums by this artist, who composed all the music, the ensemble also includes saxophonists Michal FetlerFind albums by this artist (baritone and alto) and Michal PijewskiFind albums by this artist (tenor), violinist Robert BielakFind albums by this artist, bassist Tom StrukFind albums by this artist (fretless bass) and drummer Milosz KrauzFind albums by this artist. Keyboardist Marcin SzczesnyFind albums by this artist sits in as a guest musician. The music is a completely unique brand of RIO / Avant-Garde Prog, which is deeply rooted in the beginning of the movement (Henry CowFind albums by this artist) but successfully updated to contemporary standards, both sonically and conceptually.
Superbly matched and combined acoustic sounds of the reeds and electronic distortion from the guitar and keyboards, hypnotic rhythmic patters (similar to the Zeuhl movement) and dark melodic vistas create an overwhelming effect, which is completely fresh and unparalleled. Considering the fact that these are very young individuals and this is their debut recording one must wander about the possibilities of these gifted musicians in the future. No wander the prestigious ReRFind albums on this label label released this album worldwide, especially since this kind of material suits their catalogue as a glove.
On the band´s site we can learn that their performances are usually accompanied by screening of video material, which seems highly appropriate, as this music has a very strong atmospheric / ambient content as well, which is usually ideal to be combined with visual material. But listening "only" to the music is also an immensely powerful and invigorating experience of rare magnificence and depth. I listened to the album for three consecutive times, being completely enchanted by it. I´m pretty sure the same will happen to most of the listeners. Of course such music requires repeated listening sessions to be discovered and uncovered in depth – as all great music does.
It is rather obvious that this music is well beyond being recommended – it would (literally) be a crime if any serious music lover, regardless is he´s a Prog or Jazz or RIO or Zeuhl fan if he was to miss this album! Such gems are so rare, that we must make everything in our power to make the world listen, especially since I can´t recall hearing such great music in a very long time! This is a brilliant piece of intelligent music - chapeau Mariusz & co.
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 1 Gold Recommend To A Friend |
  | NATIONAL HEALTH ~ OF QUEUES AND CURES
ESOTERIC 2130 (Barcode: 5013929723023) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1978 Released: 2009
2nd album by the exquisite band National HealthFind albums by this artist, which was the last of the great original bands and the centerpiece crown jewel of the Canterbury scene, as it combined all the elements that made this musical excursion so unique and important, crystallizing a decade of development and constant search for new forms of musical expression. Formed by keyboardist / composer Dave StewartFind albums by this artist, who previously led such cornerstone Canterbury ensembles like EggFind albums by this artist and Hatfield And The NorthFind albums by this artist, combining musicians of the last and another sublime ensemble GilgameshFind albums by this artist, which also recently fell apart. After bassist Neil MurrayFind albums by this artist left the band following the recording of the debut album, he was replaced by bassist John GreavesFind albums by this artist from Henry CowFind albums by this artist, another Canterbury icon. The album included several guest musicians, among them the superb trumpeter Phil MintonFind albums by this artist and overall it fallowed the same lines as the debut. Overall National Health was an ideal tool to deliver the intricate melodic content of Stewart´s compositions, spiced with lengthy jazzy improvisations, which could go on for several minutes and allow ample opportunity for the players to stretch out, probably more that in any earlier Canterbury ensemble. There is never a dull moment here, with ideas chasing ideas at all times and the listener is drawn into the music completely. This album is a timeless masterpiece and an essential cornerstone of any serious record collection!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | NOA ~ NOA
SOLEIL ZEUHL 26 (Barcode: 2090503519145) ~ FRANCE ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1980 Released: 2011
This is a reissue of the only album by the obscure French band NoaFind albums by this artist, a great gem of the French Zeuhl with strong Jazz influences, modeled on the work by Henry CowFind albums by this artist and many other experimental / Avant-Garde ensembles of the day. Fronted by wordless female vocals (vocalese) with saxophone, flute, guitar and drums this is a superb document of an era, when music was still made for the sake of Art. Remastered to CD by Udi KoomranFind albums by this artist, this is a must to all fans of great strange music and another great release by the excellent French Soleil ZeuhlFind albums on this label label.
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | RADAR FAVOURITES ~ RADAR FAVOURITES
REEL RECORDINGS 017 (Barcode: 654367021033) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1974 Released: 2010
The short lived British Prog / Experimental Rock band Radar FavoritesFind albums by this artist, led by saxophonist Geoff LeighFind albums by this artist (Henry CowFind albums by this artist) and comprising of keyboardist Cathy WilliamsFind albums by this artist, guitarist G. F. Fitz-GeraldFind albums by this artist, bassist Jack MonckFind albums by this artist and drummer Charles HaywardFind albums by this artist, never managed to record an album before circumstances brought to its demise. This great album collects all the existing material by the band, including some studio recordings made towards the band´s debut album and some live material. Considering the fact that this material is virtually unknown to most Prog fans it´s quite and ear-opener. Although Rock based, the music includes a lot of improvisation and wild conic excursions, complex structures and other unusual elements, which make it different from most other stuff recorded at the time. There is a lot to be discovered here, requiring several listening sessions, but this is an ultra-rare historic gem finally recovered from oblivion, hopefully to be discovered by contemporary listeners. Wholeheartedly recommended, especially to RIO fans!
| | | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | SLAPP HAPPY ~ ÇA VA
VOICEPRINT 509 (Barcode: 604388336029) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1997 Released: 2009
In the early 1970s the trio Slapp HappyFind albums by this artist, which comprises of German vocalist Dagmar KrauseFind albums by this artist, British keyboardist Anthony MooreFind albums by this artist and US guitarist Peter BlegvadFind albums by this artist, was part of the early RIO movement, closely associated with the British group Henry CowFind albums by this artist. The two bands recorded a couple of brilliant albums together and Slapp Happy recorded two albums of their own (on their debut they were supported by the German band FaustFind albums by this artist), which are all considered absolute classic of Avant-Garde rock. When the band re-united to record this album, expectations were sky-high. The result took many of the band´s fans by surprise, as almost 30 years later Slapp Happy evolved into a completely different band, playing sophisticated, but melodic and hardly Avant-Garde material. Nevertheless the trio members lost none of their magical touch over the years as far as musicianship and composing skills are concerned. This great set of songs (and the album as a whole) is beautifully performed and crafted, with sophisticated lyrics and enchanting melodies. It is hard to determine if the passing time simply mellowed their once young and tormented souls, but they did grow up and aged well. Since one should allow artists to evolve and change, listening to this album one should "ignore" the band´s past to some degree, giving it a fair chance. With this approach I´m sure this great music can be accepted on its own terms and admired for its own merits. Excellent stuff!
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | SLAPP HAPPY ~ LIVE IN JAPAN – MAY, 2000
VOICEPRINT 523 (Barcode: 604388337422) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2000 Released: 2009
In the early 1970s the trio Slapp HappyFind albums by this artist, which comprises of German vocalist Dagmar KrauseFind albums by this artist, British keyboardist Anthony MooreFind albums by this artist and US guitarist Peter BlegvadFind albums by this artist, was part of the early RIO movement, closely associated with the British group Henry CowFind albums by this artist. The two bands recorded a couple of brilliant albums together and Slapp Happy recorded two albums of their own (on their debut they were supported by the German band FaustFind albums by this artist), which are all considered absolute classic of Avant-Garde rock. When the band re-united in 1997 to record the splendid “Ça VaFind albums with this title” album, expectations were sky-high. The result took many of the band´s fans by surprise, as almost 30 years later Slapp Happy evolved into a completely different band, playing sophisticated, but melodic and hardly Avant-Garde material. Nevertheless the trio members lost none of their magical touch over the years as far as musicianship and composing skills are concerned. This live recording from the group´s Japanese tour finds them in great shape, performing several songs from the re-union album, as well as new versions of songs from their early 1970s recordings. This great set of songs is beautifully performed, with superb sound quality. It is hard to determine if the passing time simply mellowed their once young and tormented souls, but they did grow up and aged well. Since one should allow artists to evolve and change, listening to this album one should "ignore" the band´s past to some degree, giving it a fair chance. With this approach I´m sure this great music can be accepted on its own terms and admired for its own merits. Excellent stuff!
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | SLAPP HAPPY / HENRY COW ~ DESPERATE STRAIGHTS
RER HCSH1 (Barcode: 752725019026) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1975 Released: 2004
The two groups, Slapp Happy and Henry Cow had a lot in common: both were Avant-Garde and ahead of their time musically and both shared the same social / political agenda. Slapp Happy consisted of the German singer Dagmar Krause, British pianist Anthony Moore and American guitarist Peter Blegvad. The band released their debut album (recorded with the participation of members from the legendary Krautrock band Faust) on Polydor in 1972, but when the rebel rejected their next album, they moved to Virgin, which at the time was pretty open to experimental music, and re-recorded the album, which was released in 1974. Since Virgin was the home label for Henry Cow, the bands soon met and started to cooperate and eventually record together, becoming de-facto one group. In fact Slapp Happy and Henry Cow recorded two albums together: this one and In Praise Of Learning, with the latter appearing under Henry Cow’s moniker only. Following the second album, Moore and Blegvad left the band, but Krause remained as the band’s singer till their demise. It is interesting to compare the two albums, as they are quite different even though the band is identical. Desperate Straights is almost a straightforward songs album, with 13 relatively short tracks, whereas In Praise Of Learning is highly adventurous and Avant-Garde oriented. Nevertheless this is a brilliant example of the early RIO movement and in time reached a classic status with the music remaining fresh and visionary forever. A must for all Henry Cow fans and RIO followers.
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
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