Record Reviews
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  | ASAF AVIDAN / MOJOS ~ THE RECKONING
TELMAVAR 002 (Barcode: 718122809523) ~ ISRAEL ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2007 Released: 2008
The debut album by Israeli singer / songwriter Asaf AvidanFind albums by this artist (born in Jerusalem and aged 28) and his group the MojosFind albums by this artist is undoubtedly the most sensational Rock album ever released in the country. Apparently we had to wait for 60 years to get some real Rock happening here. Israel has produced some superb music over the years, but none of it was “real” Rock. We had plenty of excellent Pop, Art and Alternative Rock, even Progressive Rock, but nothing as gutsy, bluesy, smoky and throaty as this, ever! Imagine a hybrid between the young Robert PlantFind albums by this artist and Janis JoplinFind albums by this artist (if you can) and you get an idea how Asaf’s voice sounds. When I was first told about this album, I naturally thought the enthusiasm is a gross exaggeration. But the minute I heard the first sound uttered from the singer’s throat I understood this is real. His voice is not only unique in Israel, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s universally special. I have not heard anything like this anywhere. Add to this the fact that Asaf sings in English, completely without a trace of any foreign accent, as if he was born somewhere between West Bromwich and Texas. And of course he also wrote all the tunes and lyrics present on this album – all fifteen on them. I have no idea how to explain all this; it’s a bit early for genetic engineering so karma and reincarnation will have to do in the meantime. The fact is that this guy takes us all back 40 years when Rock really rocked. The material - all excellent with great melodies, non-trivial lyrics and intelligent arrangements – can be basically divided between two categories: hard-rocking up tempo tunes a la Led ZeppelinFind albums by this artist (first album) and quiet introvert acoustic ballads Janis so wonderfully spilled out of her heart on PearlFind albums with this title. The band (the Mojos) support the singer all the way, with scorching lead guitar solos and rock-solid backing on the up-tempo numbers and delicate (acoustic guitar, cello, etc.) accompaniment behind the ballads. I know all this sounds just too good to be true – well, you won’t know unless you try it, will you? An instant classic!
| | | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | MAGGIE BELL ~ QUEEN OF THE NIGHT
ANGEL AIR 200 (Barcode: 5055011702004) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1974 Released: 2006
1st album by Maggie BellFind albums by this artist, after her group Stone The CrowsFind albums by this artist disbanded a year earlier. A wonderful singer with a distinct husky voice and great musical sensitivity, she was definitely one of the most important female vocalist on the UK scene in the 1970’s. The album is excellent in every respect: the choice of material, the accompanying band and the performances are all first rate. Maggie moves freely between genres – soul, blues, Rhythm And Blues and even jazz. Her range and passion make every tune to come alive and she obviously has a ball singing. The overall atmosphere resembles recordings by Joe CockerFind albums by this artist and at times also Janis JoplinFind albums by this artist. Great remastering, which brings out all the crisp sounds of the original and two live bonus tracks make this a definite worth investigating item for fans of British Rhythm And Blues of the 1970’s.
| | Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | BIG BROTHER AND THE HOLDING COMPANY ~ BE A BROTHER / HOW HARD IT IS
ACADIA 8194 (Barcode: 805772819429) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1970 - 1971 Released: 2008
3rd and 4th albums by the legendary US West Coast band Big Brother And The Holding CompanyFind albums by this artist, which is sadly most famous for giving the world their lead singer – America´s most incredible female artist Janis JoplinFind albums by this artist. After recording a couple of albums with the band for the ColumbiaFind albums on this label label, Janis was persuaded to leave them and start a solo career, a move which musically turned out to be most unfortunate. Although at the early stage Big Brother, led by guitarist and the group´s main songwriter Sam AndrewFind albums by this artist, were perhaps not the most seasoned and high profile band on the spot, they fitted Janis like a glove with their raw energy and enthusiasm, providing her with the best possible vehicle for her vocal extravagancies. Faced with the prospect of their lead singer, who was absolutely irreplaceable, most bands would have called it a day, but Big Brother decided to hang on and went to record a couple of excellent albums, presented here. They expanded the lineup to a sextet, featuring three lead guitarists (Andrew, Peter AlbinFind albums by this artist and David SchallockFind albums by this artist), and armed with a set of great tunes (mostly written by Andrew) they dared to expand into new musical ventures, way beyond the early Blues-centered tunes. With traces of Psychedelic influences, harder Rock riffs and even proto-Prog moments, these two albums are amongst the finest attempts, sadly remaining almost completely ignored and forgotten for years. Having them both back in circulation is a treat and a great opportunity to get acquainted with some lost treasures of American music. Wholeheartedly recommended!
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  | BIG BROTHER AND THE HOLDING COMPANY ~ CHEAPER THRILLS
ACADIA 8001 (Barcode: 805772800120) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1966 Released: 2000
An early live recording by the legendary US West Coast band Big Brother And The Holding CompanyFind albums by this artist, led by guitarist Sam AndrewFind albums by this artist and fronted by the divine Janis JoplinFind albums by this artist, recorded shortly after she joined the band. Although not high quality sound-wise, this is incredibly important material, documenting the early stages of the band and is the first known recording by Janis. The raw energy and the incredible atmosphere of the era are all captured here and make this a must for any true fan of the band and of course of Janis. Definitely worth checking out!
| | Updated: 18/01/2019Posted: | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | BIG BROTHER AND THE HOLDING COMPANY ~ LIVE AT THE CAROUSEL BALLROOM 1968
COLUMBIA 886979640924 (Barcode: 886979640924) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1968 Released: 2012
This album brings to life an archival recording by Big Brother And The Holding CompanyFind albums by this artist from June 1968, still fronted by Janis JoplinFind albums by this artist who was to leave the group a few months later. The band performed constantly at San Francisco´s main venues: Winterland, Avalon Ballroom and Carousel Ballroom (soon to be Fillmore West). A live recording from Winterland, recorded in April 1968 has been already released by ColumbiaFind albums on this label in 1998 as "Live At The Winterland `68Find albums with this title". This new release adds to the overall picture and historic perspective, presenting a band at the peak of its powers with Joplin simply blowing any other contemporary US singer out of the water. In spite of the rather poor recording quality (which has been a source of endless bitching by a horde of wannabe critics) the music, the artistry, the genius, the tension, the incredible voice of Janis and some unbelievable guitar work by Sam AndrewFind albums by this artist and James GurleyFind albums by this artist makes this release worth its weight in gold for any Janis fan and a true music lover. With their superb "Cheap ThrillsFind albums with this title" album, which was completed just a month earlier (also partly recorded live), but still unreleased at the time of this recording, this album is a preview of things to come and includes most of the material included on "Cheap Thrills". Three track from this album appeared previously on the 1972 "In ConcertFind albums with this title" album, but with a completely different mix. So here we go, a trip lasting over 70 minutes, taking us back to the glorious days, when music was music, and nothing else mattered. Ye brave ones, come aboard!
| | | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | BIG BROTHER AND THE HOLDING COMPANY ~ SEX, DOPE & CHEAP THRILLS
SONY 190758635224 (Barcode: 190758635224) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1968 Released: 2018
This is a sensational archival companion to the iconic Classic Rock album "Cheap ThrillsFind albums with this title" by Big Brother And The Holding CompanyFind albums by this artist, released to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the release of the original album. The group, headed by the greatest ever female Rock vocalist Janis JoplinFind albums by this artist, included also guitarists Sam AndrewFind albums by this artist and James GurleyFind albums by this artist, bassist Peter AlbinFind albums by this artist and drummer David GetzFind albums by this artist. The album presents twenty nine outtakes recorded during the sessions that produced the original album and one live track from the Winterland Ballroom concert recorded in April 1968, which was not included on the live album that presents the rest of the concert, called "Live At The Winterland `68Find albums with this title". From the thirty tracks on the 2CD album twenty five are previously unreleased. The album´s title is what the original album was supposed to be called, but obviously at the time it was considered way to daring for a Major label.
For the Classic Rock cognoscenti there is very little one can add to what they already know and hopefully feel about this music. A wonderful amalgam of Blues, Psychedelic Rock, Rock And Roll and Soul, this music embodies what American music was all about in the late 1960s, constantly breaking new ground and being alive and kicking like it will never be again in the years that followed. Concealing twenty five previously unreleased tracks featuring the incredible artistry of Janis Joplin is a Cultural Crime, which Major labels like ColumbiaFind albums on this label have been committing repeatedly. Joplin´s recording legacy, tragically cut short by her early demise, left us with relatively limited evidence of her Godly talent, and this album offers a tremendous wealth of her unadulterated Genius. Although some of the songs are repeated several times, each and every take is completely different of course and especially Joplin´s heartwrenching vocals are completely unique time after time and as such worth their weight in gold.
Joplin´s stardom clearly overshadowed the role of the band, which although unfair was pretty understandable. But Big Brother was a great band by any standard, capable of great instrumental work and superb support behind Joplin. Both guitarists produced many exquisite solos on various occasions and the double guitar lineup was one of the first of its kind. This album confirms the band´s excellent work even further. Columbia´s decision to convince Joplin to drop the band and pursue a solo career was completely off the track of course as much as it was brutally unfair towards the band. As a result Joplin, notwithstanding her immense talent, would never sound as tight and expressive as she did on "Cheap Thrills". The tracks on this album clearly show why that happened.
Overall this album is a tremendous historical document of one of the greatest moments in American Classic Rock and an important extension of an iconic / pivotal Classic Rock album, which should be of interest to every Classic Rock connoisseur!
| | Updated: 18/01/2019Posted: 18/01/2019 | CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | DELANEY & BONNIE ~ THE ORIGINAL DELANEY & BONNIE: ACCEPT NO SUBSTITUTE
ELEKTRA 4943674139804 (Barcode: 4943674139804) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2013
This is the second album by American singer / songwriter couple Delaney BramlettFind albums by this artist and Bonnie BramlettFind albums by this artist, known as Delaney & BonnieFind albums by this artist and later on as Delaney & Bonnie & FriendsFind albums by this artist. This album, their only release on ElektraFind albums on this label Records (founded and run by Jac HolzmanFind albums by this artist), took them away from the image associated with Afro-American music which their previous label, StaxFind albums on this label Records, symbolized. The album was recorded by a dream team of top American musicians, which included pianist Leon RussellFind albums by this artist, guitarist Jerry McGeeFind albums by this artist, bassist Carl RadleFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Bobby WhitlockFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Bobby KeysFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Jim PriceFind albums by this artist, drummers Jim KeltnerFind albums by this artist and Jim GordonFind albums by this artist and the incredible vocalist Rita CoolidgeFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten songs, most of which were penned by the Bramletts.
Musically the album continues the direction put forward by the debut album, which amalgamates Rhythm And Blues, Soul, Gospel and Blues with Pop and Rock, adding this time some American Southern Rock accents. The resulting fusion produced some of the most perfect American Rock music ever. With the Bramletts´ writing talents, Bonnie´s incredible husky vocals, which at their best rival Janis JoplinFind albums by this artist, superb arrangements and perfect, soulful and inspired instrumental work, production and sound quality, the album is a timeless gem.
The album was not very commercially successful at the time of its release, but fellow musicians and music industry figures recognized its sublime qualities. George HarrisonFind albums by this artist offered Delaney & Bonnie a contract with AppleFind albums on this label Records, which was even signed, but subsequently voided of course in view of the already signed Elektra contract. Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist loved the album, which led Delaney & Bonnie and the crew (to be called together Delaney & Bonnie & Friends) to play as an opening act on the Blind FaithFind albums by this artist American 1969 tour and later on to participate in the recording of his debut eponymous solo album "Eric ClaptonFind albums with this title".
In order to get a full view of the talents of the musicians playing on this album, it is worth to remember that they were involved in making the following milestone recordings, all recorded in 1970: Joe CockerFind albums by this artist´s "Mad Dogs & EnglishmenFind albums with this title", Eric Clapton´s (as Derek And The DominosFind albums by this artist) "Layla And Other Assorted Love SongsFind albums with this title" and George Harrison´s "All Things Must PassFind albums with this title" – all this and more in just one incredible year!
In retrospect this is a milestone recording in American music, which eradicated the racial discrimination between American Country and Folk music and the Afro-American Rhythm And Blues, Soul and Gospel traditions, creating, perhaps for the first time, a true all-American music. This album is an absolute must have in any serious Rock music collection and its everlasting values are still in full bloom five decades later. Essential!
| | Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: 01/06/2018 | CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | JANIS JOPLIN ~ PEARL (LEGACY EDITION)
COLUMBIA 90282 ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
It is truly tragic that America’s greatest female Blues / Rock singer Janis JoplinFind albums by this artist left this earthly plane with just a couple of albums to her name. Even if we count the two earlier albums she recorded with Big Brother And The Holding CompanyFind albums by this artist that comes up to four albums! That is a terrible waste of talent and a shame. Fortunately some live recordings appeared over the time (both with Big Brother and later groups), which expand her available recorded legacy, but that is just a limited solace. Therefore every time some new material by Janis becomes available, my heart jumps with joy and anticipation – I truly can’t get enough of her amazing talent. “PearlFind albums with this title” was of course Joplin’s second and last solo album, recorded in September 1970 and released posthumously (she died just a month later). Janis was persuaded (by ColumbiaFind albums on this label executives) to dump her original band (Big Brother) in order to play with “better” musicians. Such bullshit was very common at that time, when record companies had the power of “life and death” over their artists. It took a while until her final band crystallized and became the Full Tilt Boogie BandFind albums by this artist, heard on these recording. The Kozmic Blues BandFind albums by this artist, which recorded with her the first solo album (“I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama!Find albums with this title”) had still ties to Big Brother via guitarist Sam AndrewFind albums by this artist. When he was gone, it was a complete new situation, which perhaps reflected better musicianship (technically), but lacked the power, passion and “street wisdom” of Big Brother, not to mention the years of experience of playing together with Janis. Nevertheless, whatever was missing on the part of the musicians, who played with Janis in her last months, was amply compensated by her own talent, virtuosity and heartbreaking musical honesty. “Pearl” presents a more mature, slightly more relaxed and contemplative Janis, who rather than screaming and crying her heart out about her distress (and there is plenty of distress there), addresses her pain with sadness and sarcasm. Her performance is, as usual, beyond reproach. The unaccompanied vocal treatment of “Mercedes Benz” is perhaps the absolute climax of the album, and perhaps of her entire career, or even life. After all everybody dies alone. This new edition does unearth some studio outtakes, previously unheard, which are fabulous. In addition the second album of the set present Janis and her band during the Canadian tour in June / July 1970, when the band finally came together as a well oiled unit and Janis was flying high in the stratosphere, as always, at the top of her artistic power. She was, after all, primarily a performer and a live concert situation was her natural habitat. The title “Legacy Edition” was never more appropriate for an album than this time. Nobody on this earth should die before hearing this album.
| | | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | JANIS JOPLIN ~ THE PEARL SESSIONS
SONY 886978422422 (Barcode: 886978422422) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2012
We all love to bitch how the Major record labels are ripping us off by releasing the same material again and again in a slightly different packaging. Although this release might be considered by some as one of those cases, especially in view of the "Pearl (Legacy Edition)Find albums with this title", released not so long ago, in fact it shouldn´t be, as it brings a plethora of previously unreleased material (a whole CD worth of it), which is simply sensational. Considering the fact that Janis JoplinFind albums by this artist was the absolutely best white American singer of the 1960s every piece of archival material, especially of such high quality as the studio stuff from the "Pearl" sessions included here, is worth its weight in pure gold. I have written extensively about Joplin, her life and Art and the tragic waste she represents more than any other victim of the conflict between the Person and the Artists, which can be devastating; so let´s see what is new on this 2CD edition. The first CD includes the original posthumously released "Pearl" alum in its full glory. In addition the mono versions of some of the album´s tracks, which were released as singles, are also present. The second CD includes mostly material recorded in the studio during the recording sessions in July and September 1970: pieces of conversation between Janis and the members of Full Tilt Boogie BandFind albums by this artist and legendary producer Paul RothchildFind albums by this artist, different takes and false starts, all these living documents of the artistic process called "making an album", which the listener is usually completely unaware of. In addition a couple of live tracks are also included. Song after song, take after take Joplin is singing her heart out, with power, conviction and that great natural talent, which was simply unparalleled at the time and stayed as such for posterity. This album is much more than a historic document of an era and a portrait of an Artist; it is a superb and masterful piece of music, which deserves to be heard again and again. Since the legacy Janis left is so criminally small, an addition like this is absolutely priceless and every serious Joplin fan will definitely grab it immediately as will most Classic Rock fans. On the other hand we are a dying breed, so who knows. I certainly don´t mind to be ripped off in this case!
| | Updated: 26/08/2020Posted: | CD 2 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | JANIS JOPLIN / BIG BROTHER AND THE HOLDING COMPANY ~ LIVE AT THE WINTERLAND `68
COLUMBIA 485150 ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Although in retrospect Janis JoplinFind albums by this artist is recognized now as the greatest American rock singer of the 1960’s, her tragically short recording career left a legacy so limited, that every scrap of new material is simply indispensable. Therefore it is a great pity that this incredible concert recording from April 1968 had to wait for 30 years to be heard (the album was released in 1998). The recording was made just after Janis and her band Big Brother And The Holding CompanyFind albums by this artist secured their recording deal with ColumbiaFind albums on this label, but before the legendary “Cheap ThrillsFind albums with this title” album was released. They perform with zest and confidence typical of bands on the verge of stardom, with Janis tearing the room with her shrills and groans that only she was capable of. Firmly based on the blues tradition, the band’s material is spiced with a psychedelic flavor of the San Francisco variety, most of it soon be recorded for the “Cheap Thrills” album. Strangely enough just a few months later Janis decided to leave Big Brother and start her solo career, a move as illogical and uncalculated as all the rest of her decisions in her troublesome and tragic life. She would never again have such a sympathetic and “natural“ group of musicians supporting her and bringing out the best of her abilities. This album is not only a rare and wonderful document of Joplin’s immense talent, but also a document of an era – recorded in the peak of the intense, but short lived San Francisco music explosion. As perfect as it is I keep daydreaming to have this one on DVD – that would really be the ultimate thrill.
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  | SARI SCHORR ~ LIVE IN EUROPE
MANHATON 2053 (Barcode: 5038787205320) ~ USA ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 2019 Released: 2020
This is the 3rd album (first live album) by American Blues / Blues-Rock vocalist Sari SchorrFind albums by this artist, recorded during her European tour in 2019. It presents ten tracks with electric backing and a couple of bonus tracks with acoustic versions from a session for the BBC. She writes most of her material by herself. She also recorded an album with British Blues-Rock hero Robin TrowerFind albums by this artist, called "Joyful SkyFind albums with this title", which was released in 2023 and was one of the absolutely best releases of the genre that year.
Schorr is blessed with an incredibly expressive and powerful vocal abilities with almost no competitors on the contemporary scene. Combined with her excellent songwriting, she should dominate the Blues scene, but on the other hand she might simply be too good for her own good, as the recognition is somehow slow to come.
In many respects Schorr’s talent is parallel to that of Janis JoplinFind albums by this artist, upon her arrival on the scene. Supported by excellent musicians she is an unstoppable hurricane of Blues-Rock energy on stage, as this album proves beyond any doubt. I am eagerly waiting for her next album to see how she crystalizes her many talents.
Overall, this is a brilliant live album from start to finish, which is an absolute heaven on earth for Blues-Rock listeners, especially since the genre suffered from decades of absence of female vocalists of such class and talent. Go Lady!
| | Updated: 09/02/2024Posted: 09/02/2024 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
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