Record Reviews

STEVE HACKETT ~ HIGHLY STRUNG (EXPANDED EDITION) VIRGIN 384418 (Barcode: 094638441823) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1982 Released: 2007 6th album by Steve HackettFind albums by this artist and the last one released on the CharismaFind albums on this label label (All the rest of Steve’s extensive catalogue is available on his privately owned label CaminoFind albums on this label Records, also available on this site). For this album Hackett expanded the duo format, which recorded Cured, into a trio with the addition of drummer Ian MosleyFind albums by this artist (future MarillionFind albums by this artist member) and a few guest musicians also participated. Together they created what is considered one of the best Steve Hackett albums, full of great melodies and excellent playing. Back to the Prog format and sound and including some of Hackett’s most memorable tunes like Camino Royale, this is a perfect summary of his early period. Future Hackett albums will slowly mark the transition into acoustic music and his dedication to the acoustic guitar, with only occasional ventures into the classic electric Prog. This is a beautiful album in every sense and a pleasure to revisit after all these years. Definitely a classic and highly recommended!

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

MARILLION ~ LIVE FROM CADOGAN HALL EAR MUSIC 4029759064046 (Barcode: 4029759064046) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2009 Released: 2011 This is a live album by legendary British Neo-Progressive band MarillionFind albums by this artist, recorded during the last date of the “Less Is MoreFind albums with this title” tour in December 2009. The 2CD album presents the full concert spanning twenty-one tracks. The video material of this concert was also released on DVD. The “Less Is More” album was the 16th studio album by Marillion and was an acoustic re-work of songs from their albums recorded since Steve HogarthFind albums by this artist became the band’s vocalist in 1989, starting with their 5th studio album “Seasons EndFind albums with this title”, and includes one previously unreleased song. The live concert includes obviously more songs from these albums. The lineup includes Hogarth, guitarist Steve RotheryFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Mark KellyFind albums by this artist, bassist Pete TrewavasFind albums by this artist and drummer Ian MosleyFind albums by this artist. Marillion’s ability to maintain a steady personnel since the band’s formative time (except for the vocalist of course) is truly incredible and is one of the reasons that the band manages to keep an unbelievable level of artistry and success at the same time. These acoustic versions emphasize the melodic qualities of Marillion’s material and the incredible vocal possibilities of Hogarth, which have few competitors. Overall, this is a beautiful album from start to finish, which is among very few recordings justifying the existence of Prog these days, since the genre suffers from terrible stagnation and lack of direction, making it almost completely obsolete today. For Marillion fans this is an absolute must of course, and most Rock fans should be able to enjoy this music without any hesitation. A tour de force by any standard!

Updated: 07/07/2023Posted: 07/07/2023

CD 2 Recommend To A Friend

DARRYL WAY / WOLF ~ CANIS LUPUS ESOTERIC 2065 (Barcode: 5013929716520) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1973 Released: 2008 This is the 1st album by the excellent British Prog group WolfFind albums by this artist, formed by violinist / composer Darryl WayFind albums by this artist, following his departure from Curved AirFind albums by this artist. Featuring guitarist John EtheridgeFind albums by this artist, bassist Dek MessecarFind albums by this artist and drummer Ian MosleyFind albums by this artist, Wolf were a formidable ensemble, capable of playing complex music, which often included extended improvised passages. The overall instrumental work by the group was always first class and of course Way´s violin solos had little competition to speak of. An absolute must to all Prog enthusiasts!

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

DARRYL WAY / WOLF ~ NIGHT MUSIC ESOTERIC 2064 (Barcode: 5013929716421) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1974 Released: 2008 This is the 3rd and last album by the excellent British Prog group WolfFind albums by this artist, formed by violinist / composer Darryl WayFind albums by this artist, following his departure from Curved AirFind albums by this artist. Featuring guitarist John EtheridgeFind albums by this artist, bassist Dek MessecarFind albums by this artist and drummer Ian MosleyFind albums by this artist, Wolf were a formidable ensemble, capable of playing complex music, which often included extended improvised passages. The overall instrumental work by the group was always first class and of course Way´s violin solos had little competition to speak of. On this album the band also included the vocalist J.W. HodkinsonFind albums by this artist, previously with the excellent band IfFind albums by this artist. An absolute must to all Prog enthusiasts!

Updated: 17/09/2022Posted:

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

DARRYL WAY / WOLF ~ SATURATION POINT ESOTERIC 2066 (Barcode: 5013929716629) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1973 Released: 2008 This is the 2nd album by the excellent British Prog group WolfFind albums by this artist, formed by violinist / composer Darryl WayFind albums by this artist, following his departure from Curved AirFind albums by this artist. Featuring guitarist John EtheridgeFind albums by this artist, bassist Dek MessecarFind albums by this artist and drummer Ian MosleyFind albums by this artist, Wolf were a formidable ensemble, capable of playing complex music, which often included extended improvised passages. The overall instrumental work by the group was always first class and of course Way´s violin solos had little competition to speak of. An absolute must to all Prog enthusiasts!

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend