Record Reviews

CROSBY & NASH ~ GRAHAM NASH / DAVID CROSBY ATLANTIC 081227992538 (Barcode: 081227992538) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1972 Released: 2008 This is the debut album by the celebrated team of singer / songwriter friends, American David CrosbyFind albums by this artist and British Graham NashFind albums by this artist. After the first split of Crosby, Stills, Nash & YoungFind albums by this artist following the release of the seminal "Déjà VuFind albums with this title" album, all four members released solo albums and later on Crosby and Nash decided to form a duo and started to perform together with great artistic and commercial success, which led to the decision of formalizing the Crosby & NashFind albums by this artist moniker by recording an album together. After all it was the special affinity, both musical and personal, between Crosby and Nash, which led to Nash leaving The HolliesFind albums by this artist and moving to the US to join Crosby and Stephen StillsFind albums by this artist in order to create the magical triumvirate of Crosby, Stills & NashFind albums by this artist. On the album, in addition to both of them singing, Crosby also played guitars and Nash played keyboards. Many friends and musical peers took part in the recording, like guitarist Dave MasonFind albums by this artist, members of The Grateful DeadFind albums by this artist, the famous quartet of studio musicians called The SectionFind albums by this artist, which consisted of guitarist Danny KortchmarFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Craig DoergeFind albums by this artist, bassist Leland SklarFind albums by this artist and drummer Russell KunkelFind albums by this artist, and many others. The album presents eleven songs, six by Nash and five by Crosby. The album is dedicated to Joni MitchellFind albums by this artist. The songs written by Crosby were quite different from those Nash wrote; Crosby, a dreamer and melancholic, wrote heartwrenching, Bluesy tunes, which caused depression and gloom, whereas Nash was his spiritual "nemesis" and wrote absolutely perfect love songs and romantic ballads. It was the combination of the two, which created the special magic, which this album exemplifies, expressed by their vocal harmonies, which are unparalleled to this very day. These songs are all absolutely timeless and withstand the tides of time like stainless steel. Perfectly crafted, beautifully executed, full of harmony and offering meaningful lyrics, they are the epitome of song weaving, which is simply beyond trends, fads and fashions. In retrospect this album stands among the best achievements of the fruitful legacy created by Crosby and Nash, both individually and collectively. It is an absolute must in any decent Rock record collection and a part of music history that is out there waiting to be discovered by younger generations of music lovers. They don´t make music like this any more, but at least we can still enjoy these gems, before we are all covered by heaps of garbage and dirt.

Updated: 21/01/2019Posted: 03/06/2018

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

CROSBY, STILLS & NASH ~ CROSBY, STILLS & NASH (EXPANDED EDITION) RHINO 081227329020 (Barcode: 081227329020) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1969 Released: 2006 This is a reissue of the legendary eponymous debut album by Crosby, Stills & NashFind albums by this artist. David CrosbyFind albums by this artist, Stephen StillsFind albums by this artist and Graham NashFind albums by this artist play all the instruments and sing the divine vocal harmonies all by themselves, except for the drum parts played by Dallas TaylorFind albums by this artist. This expanded and remastered edition adds four previously unreleased songs to the ten original masterpieces included on the original album. What can I say about this album that has not been said already? Probably not much other than my very personal experiences, which are some of the most significant parts of the puzzle called "The Soundtrack Of My Life". Upon its release in May of 1969, the album became an immediate favorite of mine, lasting to this very day (almost fifty years now) and I will probably take it with me to my grave. Although all the ingredients that make this album what it is were scattered around for a while, before it was recorded, this particular amalgam of songwriting, vocal harmony, lyrical depth and pure genius was simply unprecedented. Of course The ByrdsFind albums by this artist, The Buffalo SpringfieldFind albums by this artist and The HolliesFind albums by this artist made superb music earlier on, but the magical bond that Crosby, Stills & Nash created was definitely an outcome way more significant than a simple sum of its ingredients. Considering the fact that part of the music on this album consists of vocals accompanied just by acoustic guitars points out that simplicity is definitely a key ingredient. The other songs, which use electric instruments, all played by Stills, are also quite straightforward. The only true complexity is reflected in the vocal harmonies, which are a first of its kind fusion of the American Country & Western vocal tradition and the splendid British Folk vocal tradition, masterly combined to create a new level of vocal virtuosity never previously attempted. Even the album´s cover is perfect; an astounding photograph by the great Henry DiltzFind albums by this artist, which was a mistake (figure it out) which could not be corrected as the house in the photograph was torn down the day after these pictures were taken. Talking about capturing moments in history… A few weeks after this album was released, Crosby, Stills & Nash would appear on the stage at Woodstock, joined by Neil YoungFind albums by this artist, and another piece of musical history would be made. So here it is, an icon of my youth (I wasn´t even eighteen when this album was released), which became an icon of my life, an eternal piece of musical perfection, which grabs me by my throat every time I listen to it, relentlessly after all those years.

Updated: 05/03/2017Posted: 05/03/2017

CD 1 HDCD Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

HOLLIES ~ BUS STOP / STOP! STOP! STOP! BGO 0968 (Barcode: 5017261209689) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1966 Released: 2011 This album combines the 4th and 5th LPs by the British group The HolliesFind albums by this artist, released in the USA on the Imperial label. As it often happened during the British Invasion days, the US and domestic UK releases by British groups were quite different, as witnessed here. “Bus StopFind albums with this title” was a compilation album of sorts, including the group’s monster hit of the same title and adding some B-sides and songs previously unreleased in the US but present on the UK albums. Of course considering how great the group was, even though this was a “leftovers” compilation album, it was incredibly strong. “Stop! Stop! Stop!Find albums with this title” was the first US release, which was an exact replica of a UK release, with only the album’s title changed (the UK release was entitled “For Certain Because…Find albums with this title”). This album was the first release to feature entirely original material written by Allan ClarkeFind albums by this artist, Tony HicksFind albums by this artist and Graham NashFind albums by this artist and is a giant step in British Rock in every respect. The sophistication of the melody lines, the absolutely perfect vocal harmonies and the intricate instrumental accompaniment place The Hollies at the top of the British pack, way ahead of The BeatlesFind albums by this artist and other contemporaries, who are considered as the main heroes. The better the historic perspective becomes the clearer it is that The Holies were just better then anybody at what they did.

Updated: 28/07/2023Posted:

CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Recommend To A Friend

HOLLIES ~ CLARKE, HICKS & NASH YEARS (THE COMPLETE HOLLIES APRIL 1963 – OCTOBER 1968) EMI 96242 (Barcode: 5099909624221) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1963 - 1968 Released: 2011 This magnificent Box Set compiles (as the title suggests) the entire recorded output by the British Pop / Rock group the HolliesFind albums by this artist, from their inception and until the moment founding member Graham NashFind albums by this artist left the group to move to the US and join forces with David CrosbyFind albums by this artist and Stephen StillsFind albums by this artist. I´ll make this brief: I´ve always considered the Hollies to be the best ever British group of the 1960s, way ahead of the BeatlesFind albums by this artist and scores of others. Now I have a great argument for my adversaries; next time another discussion about the British scene supremacy erupts I´ll simply point towards this Box Set – discussion closed! This is a marvelous lesson in music history. Beyond essential!

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted:

CD 6 Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

HOLLIES ~ HERE I GO AGAIN / HEAR! HERE! BGO 0973 (Barcode: 5017261209733) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1964 - 1965 Released: 2011 This album combines the 1st and 2nd LPs by the British group The HolliesFind albums by this artist, released in the USA on the ImperialFind albums on this label label. As it often happened during the British Invasion days, the US and domestic UK releases by British groups were quite different, as witnessed here. Both these albums were compilation albums of sorts, including the group’s early hits and adding some B-sides and songs present on the UK albums. Of course considering how great the group was, even though these were compilation albums, they were incredibly strong. At that time the group was mostly singing covers or material written by songwriters outside the group, but some original songs are also present, forecasting the writing talents inside the group, which will dominate in the future. The sophistication of the melody lines, the absolutely perfect vocal harmonies and the intricate instrumental accompaniment place The Hollies at the top of the British pack, way ahead of The BeatlesFind albums by this artist and other contemporaries, who are considered the main heroes of the British Invasion. With the historic perspective becoming clearer it is obvious that The Holies were just better then anybody else at the time.

Updated: 28/07/2023Posted:

CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Recommend To A Friend

HOLLIES ~ ORIGINAL ALBUM SERIES PARLOPHONE 825646361991 (Barcode: 825646361991) ~ UK ~ Pop & Rock Recorded: 1963 - 1966 Released: 2014 This Box Set collects the first five albums by the British Pop group The HolliesFind albums by this artist, and includes material recorded between 1963 and 1966, a period spanning just over three years. The core members of the group were Allan ClarkeFind albums by this artist, Tony HicksFind albums by this artist and Graham NashFind albums by this artist, all three being superb vocalists, great instrumentalists and formidable songwriters. They were supported by bassists: Eric HaydockFind albums by this artist and later Bernie CalvertFind albums by this artist and drummers: Don RathboneFind albums by this artist and later Bobby ElliotFind albums by this artist. Listening to these five albums clearly illustrates not only their many qualities but also their rapid progress from early American influenced Rhythm And Blues and Rock And Roll to their own individual style, which embraced sophisticated chord changes, multilayered vocal harmonies and complex rhythms, combined with exquisite sense of melody. In order to fully appreciate the group´s incredible journey it is recommended to listen also to the next two albums ("EvolutionFind albums with this title" and "ButterflyFind albums with this title") recorded by the group before Graham Nash left, or even better get a copy of the incredible Hollies anthology "Clarke, Hicks & Nash Years (The Complete Hollies April 1963 – October 1968)Find albums with this title", which includes absolutely everything they recorded while Nash was still in the group. The appropriately titled "Evolution" and then "Butterfly", both recorded in 1967, are absolute masterpieces of Psychedelic / Progressive Pop, which to this day have but a few competitors. As I have been saying for decades, it is painfully obvious, especially now in retrospect that The Hollies were an infinitely better group musically than The BeatlesFind albums by this artist; a statement I have been bitterly criticized for, but which I am ready to repeat any time. This music simply proves my point to anybody who is willing to listen with an open mind. Wholeheartedly recommended! 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: 05/04/2024Posted:

CD 5 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

HOLLIES ~ ORIGINAL ALBUM SERIES VOL.2 PARLOPHONE 825646179817 (Barcode: 825646179817) ~ UK ~ Classic Pop Recorded: 1967 - 1970 Released: 2016 This Box Set collects the second five albums by the great British Pop group The HolliesFind albums by this artist, released between 1967 and 1970. They are: "EvolutionFind albums with this title" from 1967, "ButterflyFind albums with this title" from 1967, "Hollies Sing DylanFind albums with this title" from 1969, "Hollies Sing HolliesFind albums with this title" from 1969 and "Confessions Of The MindFind albums with this title" from 1970. The first two albums in this Box Set were recorded while Graham NashFind albums by this artist was still with the group and are the two strongest albums they ever recorded, full of brilliant Psychedelic Pop / Rock laced with superb vocal harmonies. The three post-Nash albums are quite remarkable considering the distress the group suffered following his departure and show how well they recovered. The complete post-Nash recordings by the group can be found in the fabulous boxed set called "Changin` Times (The Complete Hollies January 1969 – March 1973)Find albums with this title". As I have been saying for decades, it is painfully obvious, especially now in retrospect that The Hollies were an infinitely better group musically than The BeatlesFind albums by this artist; a statement I have been bitterly criticized for, but which I am ready to repeat any time. This music simply proves my point to anybody who is willing to listen with an open mind. Wholeheartedly recommended! 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: 05/04/2024Posted: 08/02/2016

CD 5 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

KINKS ~ ARTHUR (DELUXE EDITION) SANCTUARY 273227 (Barcode: 602527322742) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1968 - 1969 Released: 2011 This is the 7th album by The KinksFind albums by this artist, the seminal British Pop / Rock band led by brothers Ray DaviesFind albums by this artist (who wrote all their wonderful material and was definitely one of the greatest composers in British Rock) and Dave DaviesFind albums by this artist (who played the lead guitar for the band). The first lineup, which lasted for five years, included also bassist Pete QuaifeFind albums by this artist and drummer Mick AvoryFind albums by this artist. Quaife´s replacement John DaltonFind albums by this artist is heard on this album for the first time. Similar to other great British Rock bands like The HolliesFind albums by this artist, The WhoFind albums by this artist and even The Rolling StonesFind albums by this artist, The Kinks were overshadowed by The BeatlesFind albums by this artist, that in retrospect is a great injustice, as they certainly were as good if not better than the Fab Four in every respect. This album continues the new phase for the group, which developed a completely unique approach to writing music, which now included elements of Psychedelia and other influences. The lyrics were full of social commentary and concentrated on British society, history and way of life, often being quite sarcastic and critical. Although not a concept album as such, it was conceived and recorded as a soundtrack for a TV movie, which eventually was never made. Always truthful to themselves and their fans, the Kinks wonderfully mixed raw energy and melodic sophistication, which lost nothing of its intrinsic power through the years. This new edition adds a whole CD worth of bonus materials, including non-album singles, alternate takes, outtakes, mono and stereo versions and BBC sessions. Absolutely brilliant stuff!

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

KINKS ~ FACE TO FACE (DELUXE EDITION) SANCTUARY 277262 (Barcode: 602527726205) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1966 Released: 2011 This is the 4th album by The KinksFind albums by this artist, the seminal British Pop / Rock band led by brothers Ray DaviesFind albums by this artist (who wrote all their wonderful material and was definitely one of the greatest composers in British Rock) and Dave DaviesFind albums by this artist (who played the lead guitar for the band). The first lineup, which lasted for five years, included also bassist Pete QuaifeFind albums by this artist and drummer Mick AvoryFind albums by this artist. Similar to other great British Rock bands like The HolliesFind albums by this artist, The WhoFind albums by this artist and even The Rolling StonesFind albums by this artist, The Kinks were overshadowed by The BeatlesFind albums by this artist, that in retrospect is a great injustice, as they certainly were as good if not better than the Fab Four in every respect. This album presents a new phase for the group, which developed a completely unique approach to writing music, which now included elements of Psychedelia and other influences. The lyrics were full of social commentary and concentrated on British society, history and way of life, often being quite sarcastic and critical. Although not a concept album as such, it points the way towards the future release, which will be concept albums. Always truthful to themselves and their fans, the Kinks wonderfully mixed raw energy and melodic sophistication, which lost nothing of its intrinsic power through the years. This new edition adds a whole CD worth of bonus materials, including non-album singles, EPs, alternate takes, outtakes, mono and stereo versions and BBC sessions. Absolutely brilliant stuff!

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

KINKS ~ KINDA KINKS (DELUXE EDITION) SANCTUARY 275632 (Barcode: 602527563268) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1965 Released: 2011 This is the 2nd album by The KinksFind albums by this artist, the seminal British Pop / Rock band led by brothers Ray DaviesFind albums by this artist (who wrote all their wonderful material and was definitely one of the greatest composers in British Rock) and Dave DaviesFind albums by this artist (who played the lead guitar for the band). The first lineup, which lasted for five years, included also bassist Pete QuaifeFind albums by this artist and drummer Mick AvoryFind albums by this artist. Similar to other great British Rock bands like The HolliesFind albums by this artist, The WhoFind albums by this artist and even The Rolling StonesFind albums by this artist, The Kinks were overshadowed by The BeatlesFind albums by this artist, that in retrospect is a great injustice, as they certainly were as good if not better than the Fab Four in every respect. This album presents the group crystallizing their unique style and voicing and moving almost completely to performing original songs written by Ray. The Kinks were amongst the first British groups to perform and record self-penned songs and this album includes only two covers. Always truthful to themselves and their fans, the Kinks wonderfully mixed raw energy and melodic sophistication, which lost nothing of its intrinsic power through the years. This new edition adds a whole CD worth of bonus materials, including non-album singles, EPs, alternate takes, outtakes, mono and stereo versions and BBC sessions. Absolutely brilliant stuff!

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

KINKS ~ KINKS (DELUXE EDITION) SANCTUARY 275627 (Barcode: 602527562742) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1964 Released: 2011 This is the 1st album by The KinksFind albums by this artist, the seminal British Pop / Rock band led by brothers Ray DaviesFind albums by this artist (who wrote all their wonderful material and was definitely one of the greatest composers in British Rock) and Dave DaviesFind albums by this artist (who played the lead guitar for the band). The first lineup, which lasted for five years, included also bassist Pete QuaifeFind albums by this artist and drummer Mick AvoryFind albums by this artist. Similar to other great British Rock bands like The HolliesFind albums by this artist, The WhoFind albums by this artist and even The Rolling StonesFind albums by this artist, The Kinks were overshadowed by The BeatlesFind albums by this artist, that in retrospect is a great injustice, as they certainly were as good if not better than the Fab Four in every respect. This album presents the first steps of the band, performing a mixture of covers of Rhythm And Blues material and original songs written by Ray. The Kinks were amongst the first British groups to perform and record self-penned songs. Always truthful to themselves and their fans, the Kinks wonderfully mixed raw energy and melodic sophistication, which lost nothing of its intrinsic power through the years. This new edition adds a whole CD worth of bonus materials, including non-album singles, EPs, alternate takes, outtakes, mono and stereo versions and BBC sessions. Absolutely brilliant stuff!

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted:

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

KINKS ~ SOMETHING ELSE (DELUXE EDITION) SANCTUARY 273214 (Barcode: 602527321417) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1967 Released: 2011 This is the 5th album by The KinksFind albums by this artist, the seminal British Pop / Rock band led by brothers Ray DaviesFind albums by this artist (who wrote all their wonderful material and was definitely one of the greatest composers in British Rock) and Dave DaviesFind albums by this artist (who played the lead guitar for the band). The first lineup, which lasted for five years, included also bassist Pete QuaifeFind albums by this artist and drummer Mick AvoryFind albums by this artist. Similar to other great British Rock bands like The HolliesFind albums by this artist, The WhoFind albums by this artist and even The Rolling StonesFind albums by this artist, The Kinks were overshadowed by The BeatlesFind albums by this artist, that in retrospect is a great injustice, as they certainly were as good if not better than the Fab Four in every respect. This album continues the new phase for the group, which developed a completely unique approach to writing music, which now included elements of Psychedelia and other influences. The lyrics were full of social commentary and concentrated on British society, history and way of life, often being quite sarcastic and critical. Although not a concept album as such, it points the way towards the future releases, which will be concept albums. Always truthful to themselves and their fans, the Kinks wonderfully mixed raw energy and melodic sophistication, which lost nothing of its intrinsic power through the years. This new edition adds a whole CD worth of bonus materials, including non-album singles, EPs, alternate takes, outtakes, mono and stereo versions and BBC sessions. Absolutely brilliant stuff!

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

KINKS ~ THE KINK KONTROVERSY (DELUXE EDITION) SANCTUARY 275628 (Barcode: 602527562858) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1965 - 1966 Released: 2011 This is the 3rd album by The KinksFind albums by this artist, the seminal British Pop / Rock band led by brothers Ray DaviesFind albums by this artist (who wrote all their wonderful material and is definitely one of the greatest composers of the British Rock) and Dave DaviesFind albums by this artist who played the lead guitar for the band. Similar to other great British Rock Bands like The HolliesFind albums by this artist, The WhoFind albums by this artist and even The Rolling StonesFind albums by this artist, The Kinks were overshadowed by The BeatlesFind albums by this artist, which in retrospect is a great injustice, as they certainly were as good if not better than the Fab Four in every respect. This album marks the transition of the band from their initial cover-performing Beat group into a bona fide Rock band, performing their self-penned material (by Ray) and embarking on an illustrious career. Always truthful to themselves and their fans, the Kinks wonderfully mixed raw energy and melodic sophistication, which lost nothing of its intrinsic power through the years. This new edition adds a whole CD worth of bonus materials, including non-album singles, alternate takes and BBC sessions. Absolutely brilliant stuff!

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

KINKS ~ THE KINKS ARE THE VILLAGE GREEN PRESERVATION SOCIETY (DELUXE EDITION) SANCTUARY 602527046792 (Barcode: 602527046792) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1968 Released: 2004 This is the 6th album by The KinksFind albums by this artist, the seminal British Pop / Rock band led by brothers Ray DaviesFind albums by this artist (who wrote all their wonderful material and was definitely one of the greatest composers in British Rock) and Dave DaviesFind albums by this artist (who played the lead guitar for the band). The first lineup, which lasted for five years, included also bassist Pete QuaifeFind albums by this artist and drummer Mick AvoryFind albums by this artist. Similar to other great British Rock bands like The HolliesFind albums by this artist, The WhoFind albums by this artist and even The Rolling StonesFind albums by this artist, The Kinks were overshadowed by The BeatlesFind albums by this artist, this in retrospect is a great injustice, as they certainly were as good if not better than the Fab Four in every respect. This album presents the culmination point for the group, which developed a completely unique approach to writing music, which now included elements of Psychedelia and other influences. The lyrics were full of social commentary and concentrated on British society, history and way of life, often being quite sarcastic and critical. This is a full fledged concept album, as good as any of its revered contemporaries, but somehow was missed both by fans and critics at the time of its release and quickly forgotten. In retrospect it is an absolute milestone and an essential piece of Rock´s history. Always truthful to themselves and their fans, the Kinks wonderfully mixed raw energy and melodic sophistication, which lost nothing of its intrinsic power through the years. This new edition adds two whole CDs worth of bonus material, including both stereo and mono versions of the original album, non-album singles, EPs, alternate takes, outtakes, and other previously unreleased recordings. Absolutely brilliant stuff!

CD 3 Digipak Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

GRAHAM NASH ~ SONGS FOR BEGINNERS ATLANTIC 081227977078 (Barcode: 081227977078) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1971 Released: 2011 This is the debut solo album by British singer / songwriter Graham NashFind albums by this artist, one of the 20th Century Classic Rock icons, who is still active today. After a glorious career in the UK as a member of the legendary group The HolliesFind albums by this artist, Nash moved to the USA to join David CrosbyFind albums by this artist and Stephen StillsFind albums by this artist (and later Neil YoungFind albums by this artist) to form one of the most influential Classic Rock bands in history: Crosby, Stills & NashFind albums by this artist (and Crosby, Stills, Nash & YoungFind albums by this artist). Nash was decisively the catalyst and bonding element of these bands, with his British Cultural background, lyricism and superb feel of vocal harmony, as well as his personal manners and attitude, which was often in complete contrast to his American partners. This album was recorded in wake of the success of the CSN&Y debut album "Déjà VuFind albums with this title" released in 1970, which prompted all four members of the band to release solo albums, all of which were superb pieces of musical ingenuity. In retrospect, however, this album and David Crosby´s "If I Could Only Remember My NameFind albums with this title" stand out as icons of the era. The album presents eleven original songs, all written (music and lyrics) by Nash, except for one which was co-written with the British guitarist Terry ReidFind albums by this artist, an old friend and partner. Nash is supported by a formidable team of musicians, which includes vocalist Rita CoolidgeFind albums by this artist, Jerry GarciaFind albums by this artist, David Crosby and Dave MasonFind albums by this artist on guitars, Neil Young on piano, Bobby KeysFind albums by this artist on saxophone, bassist Calvin SamuelsFind albums by this artist and Phil LeshFind albums by this artist, drummers John BarbataFind albums by this artist and Dallas TaylorFind albums by this artist and numerous others. The songs exemplify not only his exceptional harmonic and melodic qualities but also his social awareness, which is strongly present in the fabric of the lyrics, many of which would become an integral part of the protest songs sung by the young generation in the early 1970s, when lyrics were meaningful and could move mountains. In retrospect this album is one of the absolute top achievements of the Classic Rock era, and remains completely relevant today, not losing an iota of its splendor and power over time. Almost half a Century after this music was created, it is still fresh, moving and exceedingly beautiful. How sad that nobody makes music like this any more…

Updated: 09/09/2018Posted: 09/09/2018

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

GRAHAM NASH ~ WILD TALES ATLANTIC 075678143229 (Barcode: 075678143229) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1973 Released: 1985 This is the second solo album by British singer / songwriter Graham NashFind albums by this artist, one of the 20th Century Classic Rock icons, who is still active today. After a glorious career in the UK as a member of the legendary group The HolliesFind albums by this artist, Nash moved to the USA to join David CrosbyFind albums by this artist and Stephen StillsFind albums by this artist (and later Neil YoungFind albums by this artist) to form one of the most influential Classic Rock bands in history: Crosby, Stills & NashFind albums by this artist (and Crosby, Stills, Nash & YoungFind albums by this artist). Nash was decisively the catalyst and bonding element of these bands, with his British Cultural background, lyricism and superb feel of vocal harmony, as well as his personal manners and attitude, which was often in complete contrast to his American partners. The album presents ten original songs, all written (music and lyrics) by Nash. Nash is supported by a formidable team of musicians, which includes vocalist Joni MitchellFind albums by this artist, guitarists David LindleyFind albums by this artist, David Crosby and Dave MasonFind albums by this artist, Neil Young on piano, bassist Tim DrummondFind albums by this artist, drummer John BarbataFind albums by this artist and numerous others. The songs are somewhat darker and more introvert that those on his debut album, but all are superbly crafted and executed. Each and every one of these songs is a microcosm of inventive songwriting and lyrical sensitivity that Nash is blessed with. His exceptional harmonic and melodic aesthetics and his social awareness are strongly present in the fabric of the lyrics, as always. At the time of its release this album was received coldly by the music critics and to this very day is not considered as one of his best achievements, which of course is a complete poppycock, as this music withstands the test of time formidably and remains an archetypal example of Classic Rock. How sad that nobody makes music like this any more…

Updated: 26/10/2018Posted: 10/09/2018

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend