Record Reviews
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  | MAGGIE BELL ~ SUICIDE SAL
ANGEL AIR 201 (Barcode: 5055011702011) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1975 Released: 2006
2nd album by one of the best UK female voices of the 1970’s - Maggie BellFind albums by this artist. Recorded with her regular touring band this album is much tighter and focused than the debut and with the addition of one Jimmy PageFind albums by this artist (who happened to be in the studio when this albums was recorded) adding a few guitar solos, this is her best work ever. Being as versatile as she was, she felt at ease singing heartbreaking blues ballads and up tempo rocky numbers, all done with flair and absolute dedication. As a female vocalist she had no competition on the local UK scene at the time and easily compares to the best US Rhythm And Blues and soul vocalists (Janice JoplinFind albums by this artist, Aretha FranklinFind albums by this artist, etc.). This is a magnificent example of the female vocal rock of the era and is definitely worth being re-discovered.
| | Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | DONOVAN ~ BREEZES OF PATCHOULI – HIS STUDIO RECORDINGS: 1966-1969
PARLOPHONE 5099992860520 (Barcode: 5099992860520) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1966 - 1969 Released: 2013
This marvelous Box Set collects all the studio recordings by the great British troubadour DonovanFind albums by this artist, recorded during his explosive years, which changed the shape of Pop and Rock music as we know it. It includes the five extraordinary studio albums: "Sunshine SupermanFind albums with this title", "Mellow YellowFind albums with this title", "The Hurdy Gurdy ManFind albums with this title", "BarabajagalFind albums with this title" and finally "A Gift From A Flower To A GardenFind albums with this title" which was originally a double LP. All these albums were released by EpicFind albums on this label in the USA and PyeFind albums on this label in UK, often out of sync and with different track lists, as a result of the usual music business BS that prevailed at the time.
These albums feature all original songs written by Donovan and were produced by the British producer Mickie MostFind albums by this artist. Some of the arrangements were written by the great John CameronFind albums by this artist and the list of supporting musicians reads like a who´s who of the British Jazz and Rock scene at the time: pianist John Cameron, flautist Harold McNairFind albums by this artist, guitarists Jeff BeckFind albums by this artist and Jimmy PageFind albums by this artist, bassist Danny ThompsonFind albums by this artist, John Paul JonesFind albums by this artist and Jack BruceFind albums by this artist, drummers Phil SeamenFind albums by this artist and Tony CarrFind albums by this artist and many others.
In addition to the five original albums on three CDs, this set includes a fourth CD full of bonus material, which wonderfully fills in and expands the picture of Donovan´s creativity. A well researched booklet with overview of Donovan´s career during those years is also included.
Donovan´s brilliant mixture of Celtic roots, Psychedelia, Jazz and Rock, spiced with his incredibly poetic lyrics, was an absolutely unique phenomenon in the Pop / Rock history and no other artist managed to create such a massive body of brilliant songs within such short period of time. His music is as much relevant today as it was at the time it was created and lost nothing of its beauty, vitality or artistic power over time. They certainly don´t make music like that any more!
The only regret, as far as this Box Set is concerned, is the fact that it does not include the brilliant live album "In Concert (The Complete 1967 Anaheim Show)Find albums with this title", which would have made this set even more perfect.
This is an absolutely essential piece of music history, which deserves an honorable place in any serious music collection!
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: 08/11/2016 | CD 4 Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | RORY GALLAGHER ~ CHECK SHIRT WIZARD: LIVE IN `77
CHESS 602508369469 (Barcode: 602508369469) ~ IRELAND ~ Blues-Rock
This us a superb archival release presenting previously unreleased live concerts by Irish Blues-Rock superstar vocalist / guitarist / songwriter Rory GallagherFind albums by this artist, captured during his tour supporting the release of the "Calling CardFind albums with this title" album. The music was recorded by a quartet which also included keyboardist Lou MartinFind albums by this artist, bassist Gerry McAvoyFind albums by this artist and drummer Rod de`AthFind albums by this artist. The 2CD set presents twenty songs, mostly originals written by Gallagher, covering the material from the new album, but also some of his concert favorites.
Starting with his brief but brilliant stint as the bandleader of Taste in the 1960s, and then throughout the solo career in the 1970s and 1980s Gallagher was the champion of the electric guitar and undoubtedly wrote a significant chapter of the Rock history with his stellar talent, as evident on his recorded legacy. He was first and foremost a stage beast and his live recordings are by far more characteristic of his energy and instrumental virtuosity. This album offers a most significant chunk of his superb showmanship during a relatively undocumented period of his career.
In retrospect Gallagher was one of the great European / white Blues guitar heroes, who took the idiom a step further as far as instrumental virtuosity is concerned and proudly joined the ranks of Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist, Peter GreenFind albums by this artist, Jeff BackFind albums by this artist, Jimmy PageFind albums by this artist and others, who transformed the Blues into a new dimension.
For the countless guitar freaks, Blues enthusiast and general Classic Rock connoisseurs, this is a brilliant piece of history and an absolute must in any decent record collection.
| | Updated: 11/05/2020Posted: 11/05/2020 | CD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | LED ZEPPELIN ~ CELEBRATION DAY (DELUXE EDITION)
ATLANTIC 081227968823 (Barcode: 081227968823) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2007 Released: 2012
On December 10, 2007 Led ZeppelinFind albums by this artist, the greatest Rock band of all times, reunited for a one-time performance at the 02 Arena in London, with original members Robert PlantFind albums by this artist (vocals), Jimmy PageFind albums by this artist (guitar) and John Paul JonesFind albums by this artist (bass and keyboards) and with their original drummer John BonhamFind albums by this artist (who died in 1980) replaced by his son Jason BonhamFind albums by this artist. At the time of the concert they were 59, 63, 61 and 41 years old respectively. 20 million people entered the on-line lottery to win the opportunity to buy tickets for this concert, with black market prices eventually reaching astronomical sums. The concert lasted for just over two hours (without any breaks) with the band performing 16 songs (including two encores).
Exactly five years later the sound and video recordings of this concert were finally released on CD and DVD, with this edition comprising of two CDs and two DVDs. The second DVD is a one-camera shot of the band´s rehearsal, which took place on December 6, 2007, and contains the same sequence and content as the actual concert recording. The concert was officially called the "Ahmet ErtegunFind albums by this artist Tribute Concert", dedicated to the memory of the legendary president of AtlanticFind albums by this artist Records, Led Zeppelin´s record label, who died a year earlier (December 14, 2006), but of course the Led Zeppelin concert was above all a tribute to Led Zeppelin.
Time, as people my age get to experience, is ruthless and for Rock musicians that reality is even crueler than for most other performers, simply for the reason that Rock is after all so much about energy and physical effort. Therefore many Rock dinosaurs cross the line of no return becoming a caricature of their earlier selves without realizing it. It happens to the best. It did not happen this time to Led Zeppelin, but it was damn close…
Of course they can still sing and play; but even a less trained ear can easily hear the limitations of Plant´s voice, who stays safely in the mid range and does not dear scream and whine as he used to do so magnificently, the lack of fluidity and exploration in Page´s solos, and so on. Jones is as solid as he always was and looks much younger than his mates, easily winning the title of the best preserved Zep around. Bonham, two decades younger than his cohorts is the true backbone of this entire show, imaginative, precise and as powerful as his late father; a living proof or reincarnation… (Or genetics?)
The sound quality of the recording is a bit mushy and the video, although well done technically, lacks imagination and eventually becomes a bit boring. The rehearsal DVD is a complete waste of time visually but the sound and some of the performances are actually better that those during the concert.
So what do we have here? Two hours of Led Zeppelin playing the music they played in the good old days and metaphorically performing a sermon in memoriam. Is it worth hearing? Of course it is; people who grew up with Led Zeppelin´s music in their veins will love every second of it, but please, PLEASE, don´t do it again! Let´s not ruin the memory…
Visitors' Comments
Christopher Brice
Thanks for the painfully honest review!
| | | 2CD+2DVD 4 Digipak Box Set Recommend To A Friend |
  | LED ZEPPELIN ~ DVD
WARNER MUSIC VISION 70198 (Barcode: 603497019823) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1969 - 1979 Released: 2003
Considering the fact that this is the only available filmed document of the illustrious career by Led ZeppelinFind albums by this artist, the greatest rock band in history (other than their pseudo-documentary film The Song Remains The SameFind albums with this title), it immediately achieves a legendary status of the Holy Grail proportions. This double DVD set was compiled by Jimmy PageFind albums by this artist in 2003 and released as a companion to the 3 CD live set How The West Was WonFind albums with this title. Why did the fans of the band had to wait for so long for this magnificent music remains a mystery (probably having a lot to do with corporate music business bullshit), but better late than never seems to be appropriate here. Much better (than never) in fact, as this marvelous set presents over five hours of never previously seen archival material spanning the entire 11 years of the band’s existence: 1969-1979. The main feature of the first DVD is the legendary 1970 Royal Albert Hall concert, which features the band at the peak of their first musical phase (spanning the last days of Page with the YardbirdsFind albums by this artist, the formative days of Led Zeppelin and up to the release of their second album). Page demonstrates the absolute command of guitar and the revolutionary use of the bow to squeeze outlandish sound effects from the instrument. Robert PlantFind albums by this artist takes the vocal parts way beyond anything previously attempted and his jazz like staccato exchanges with Page are breathtaking. John BonhamFind albums by this artist provides a metronome and yet innovative rock solid rhythms and John Paul JonesFind albums by this artist uses the bass and organ to fill in the spaces, ornament and put the cheery on the cake. In short if I had to explain to a Martian what rock is all about I’d need little more that a copy of this DVD to go by. The second DVD features live performances from the 1970’s: 1973 Madison Square Garden, 1976 Earl’s Court and 1979 triumphant UK tour, which was sadly the last time the band played together before Bonham’s death the following year – each and every one a magnificent piece of musical history. In addition a collection of shorter clips, amateur footage and TV performances are also included. This stuff is truly bigger that life and the nonchalant title seems most appropriate in this case – probably the best way there is for anyone to spend his money on music.
| | | DVD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | LED ZEPPELIN ~ THE SONG REMAINS THE SAME (SPECIAL EDITION)
WARNER BROS. 72654 (Barcode: 7291005726542) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1973 Released: 2007
There would have be nothing easier for Led ZeppelinFind albums by this artist than to release the film that documents their 1973 Madison Square Garden performance as a straight-forward documentary, the same way as other concert / festival footage was released. The band decided to take this a step further and augmented the concert footage with fantasy sequences, behind-the-stage scenes and at-home glimpses of all four heroes, creating what might be considered as one of the first major scale video-clips. Regardless of the fact if this additional material is great cinematography (a debate that belongs elsewhere), the overall effect works very well and most importantly depicts the era where Rock musicians were almighty Superheroes. But of course the film also includes a brilliant performance and some of the best Rock music ever recorded. Jimmy PageFind albums by this artist, Robert PlantFind albums by this artist, John Paul JonesFind albums by this artist and John BonhamFind albums by this artist playing together were a Force of Nature, way beyond any other Rock band that walked the earth at the time. Phenomenal instrumental skills, telepathic interplay, dramatic vocals and a wall of sound effect of immense intensity were but a few of their virtues. The film captures all of that and more in superb visual and audio quality and the miracle is preserved for eternity. The new (2007) edition adds a whole extra DVD, which includes lots of never previously seen material, but most importantly some of the original concert footage that was edited out from the film edition. Absolutely Essential! Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound and DTS, 137 minutes.
| | | DVD 2 Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | JIMMY PAGE ~ OUTRIDER
GEFFEN 720642418826 (Barcode: 720642418826) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1988 Released: 1988
This is the debut solo album by guitar legend Jimmy PageFind albums by this artist, which raises the question: is there life after Led ZeppelinFind albums by this artist? In case of Page a retrospective view at his post-Zep career, including the Zep reunion, would have to be, unfortunately, negative. The album presents nine tracks, eight of which are original compositions by Page and one is a Leon RussellFind albums by this artist song. Page is supported by vocalists John MilesFind albums by this artist, Robert PlantFind albums by this artist (on one track only) and Chris FarloweFind albums by this artist (with his name misspelled repeatedly in the album´s booklet), bassists Tony FranklinFind albums by this artist, Durban LavedreFind albums by this artist and Felix KrishFind albums by this artist and drummers Jason BonhamFind albums by this artist and Barriemore BarlowFind albums by this artist (with his name also misspelled – ridiculous and disrespectful!). Three of the tracks are instrumentals and six feature vocals.
The music is a much expected mixture of typical Zep Rock and Blues signatures, all quite ordinary and not especially impressive. There is little solo work by any of the participants, most surprisingly by Plant himself, so any fan looking forward to extensive guitar madness will be deeply disappointed. The only point of relative satisfaction can be found in Farlowe´s vocals, which unfortunately is more than often hated by Rock fans, for reasons that are completely beyond me, as he is in my opinion one of Britain´s most exceptional vocalists, with a superb feel for the Blues.
The album made little impact at the time of its release and is today mostly forgotten, which in this case is mostly justified. Of course it has some moments, which are worth spinning the disc occasionally, but no more than that.
The fact that Page did not evolve with time and found a proper stage for his extraordinary talents is a true tragedy of sorts, especially in view of the impact his playing made on whole generations of guitar players the world over.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | JIMMY PAGE & THE BLACK CROWES ~ LIVE AT THE GREEK (25TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION)
SILVER ARROW 198846877563 (Barcode: 198846877563) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1999 Released: 2025
This is the 25th Anniversary Edition of the live album by British guitarist Jimmy PageFind albums by this artist and the American group The Black CrowesFind albums by this artist, recorded in 1999 at the LA Greek Theatre and originally released in 2000. This 3CD remastered reissue expands the original release by sixteen previously unreleased (for contractual reasons) tracks, presenting the entire concert and the soundcheck, totaling in thirty-six tracks. The material includes a mixture of Led ZeppelinFind albums by this artist material, original material by the Black Crowes and classic Blues standards.
The Black Crowes lineup includes brothers Chris RobinsonFind albums by this artist on vocals and Rich RobinsonFind albums by this artist on guitar and vocals, and also bassist Sven PipienFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Eddie HarschFind albums by this artist, drummer Steve GormanFind albums by this artist and lead guitarist Audley FreedFind albums by this artist. Bassist Greg RzabFind albums by this artist is overdubbed on two tracks.
The sound and feel of the music offers a remarkable resemblance to what Led Zeppelin sounded like on stage, which is hardly surprising. The lead vocals might not be as spectacular as those by Robert PlantFind albums by this artist, but are definitely quite fitting, and the entire concert is a brilliant tribute to Led Zeppelin in every respect. The original material by the Black Crowes is not bad either.
Overall, the album is a great fun to listen to and for Hard Rock / Led Zeppelin fans is an absolute must. The additional material is definitely worth having and despite the fact that the music was recorded at the very end of the 20th Century, it is Classic Rock stuff every inch of the way. Obviously Page is as perfect as always, which goes without saying. I had a blast!
| | Updated: 15/06/2025Posted: 15/06/2025 | CD 3 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | THEM ~ THE COMPLETE THEM 1964-1967
SONY 888751505421 (Barcode: 888751505421) ~ IRELAND ~ Pop & Rock
Recorded: 1964 - 1967 Released: 2015
This compilation collects all the recordings by the Northern Irish group ThemFind albums by this artist, which owes its fame to the fact that it included the charismatic vocalist Van MorrisonFind albums by this artist as its lead singer and principal songwriter. Both LPs released by the group, all their singles, EPs and a plethora of demos, radio sessions and other rarities are included here, spread over 3 CDs, with the third CD consisting entirely of previously unreleased material. To be honest the title is a bit confusing and incorrect, since Them continued to record after Morrison left the group and their later output is quite interesting musically. But of course Them with Morrison at the helm are another story.
Musically Them were quite similar to other early Rock And Roll / Rhythm And Blues bands that swept the British Isles from the early 1960s on. They were perhaps a bit more Blues oriented than others, but basically the sound and melodic approach was pretty ordinary at the time. Of course Morrison´s songs had a catchy side to them and his unique vocals and delivery turned the group into a moderate success story both in Britain and across the pond.
The original songs written by Morrison, which are present herein, show his potential as a songwriter, which would fully blossom shortly after he moved on to start his solo career. The limited Pop format was not suitable for his complex poetic lyrics at the time, and only after the music went through Psychedelic Pop, Progressive Rock and the Summer of Love (mind you it all just took only a couple of years), the world was ready for the new poetic Van Morrison.
The lineup of the band went through countless changes and during the recording session many musicians from outside the group were used. In the liner notes Morrison talks about it at length and it shouldn´t surprise the more refined listeners to hear Jimmy PageFind albums by this artist on guitar from time to time.
Overall this collection is a superb historical document of the era and a must have item for Van Morrison fans. The remastered sound is excellent and the entire affair is a lovely trip down the memory line. Definitely worth investigating!
| | Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: 10/02/2016 | CD 3 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | YARDBIRDS ~ BIRDLAND
FAVORED NATIONS 2280 (Barcode: 690897228023) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2003 Released: 2003
Forty years after The YardbirdsFind albums by this artist ruled the British Rhythm And Blues scene for a while and than splintered into several seminal Rock and Prog bands like Led ZeppelinFind albums by this artist, Jeff Beck GroupFind albums by this artist and RenaissanceFind albums by this artist, to mention just a few, here they are again alive and kicking. The original founding members Jim McCartyFind albums by this artist and Chris DrejaFind albums by this artist drafted three younger musicians: guitarist Gypie MayoFind albums by this artist, vocalist and bassist John IdanFind albums by this artist and harmonica player Alan GlenFind albums by this artist and reunited the Yardbirds to record this album, which includes several re-makes of classic Yardbirds material and a nice batch of new songs written by the band members. I´m usually skeptical about reunions, being right most of the time, this album however works amazingly well, as if time stood still (which is a good thing) for all these years and The Yardbirds never disbanded at all. Mayo plays some amazing guitar licks and easily joins the Yardbirds lead guitarists list (Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist, Jeff BeckFind albums by this artist & Jimmy PageFind albums by this artist), the songs smoke from start to finish and the entire album simply kicks ass. Some spectacular guest guitar players add solos as well: Jeff Beck, Steve VaiFind albums by this artist, Joe SatrianiFind albums by this artist, Brian MayFind albums by this artist and others. Definitely no regrets here – a must!
| | Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | YARDBIRDS ~ THE ULTIMATE LIVE AT THE BBC
REPERTOIRE 1464 (Barcode: 4009910146422) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1965 - 1968 Released: 2024
This is a 4CD Box Set, which collects all known live BBC recordings by the seminal British Rock group The YardbirdsFind albums by this artist, recorded between March 1965 and March 1968, presenting ninety tracks, twenty-eight of which are previously unreleased. As usual with BBC recordings, the sound quality (in most cases) is absolutely stunning, considering the equipment that existed at the time.
For some strange reason The Yardbirds seem to be almost completely forgotten these days, but considering the fact that during the first period of their existence between 1963 and 1968 they had among their ranks the three top British lead guitar players of all time: Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist, Jeff BeckFind albums by this artist and Jimmy PageFind albums by this artist and they were de facto the origin of Led ZeppelinFind albums by this artist. The lineup, which recorded the music on this Box Set, includes vocalist Keith RelfFind albums by this artist, drummer Jim McCartyFind albums by this artist, rhythm guitarist Chris DrejaFind albums by this artist, bassist Paul Samwell-SmithFind albums by this artist and Beck or Page on lead guitar. When Samwell-Smith quit in 1966, Dreja became the bassist and the group continued as a quartet. Clapton is not playing on any of the BBC recordings, despite the fact that some other releases claim the contrary.
Listening to the chronologically organized material is like watching a documentary, which explicitly explains how British Rock developed from the humble roots of copying American Blues and Rhythm And Blues, into a full-fledged British Rock, with exquisite new original material and way of expression, which influenced everything that happened in the years to come. The last track in this collection is no other than “Dazed And Confused”, which of course explains how things proceeded from where the first incarnation of The Yardbirds disbanded.
Overall, this is a brilliant piece of musical document, which deserves to be heard by every serious music lover, in order to comprehend how Rock music developed in UK. Although a large portion of these tracks were previously released already, it’s a neat way to have a complete collection in one Box Set. The package includes a booklet with historical notes, which sadly I find lacking the proper historical perspective, but they do offer a lot of details, which I find less interesting. It is a collector’s treasure trove by all means!
| | Updated: 23/08/2024Posted: 23/08/2024 | CD 4 Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
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