Record Reviews
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  | STEVE HACKETT ~ CURED (EXPANDED EDITION)
VIRGIN 384415 (Barcode: 094638441526) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1981 Released: 2007
5th album, written while Steve HackettFind albums by this artist was recuperating in Brazil, following a grueling couple of years filled with concert appearances and studio recordings. Hackett disbanded his regular band, with which he toured supporting his earlier releases, and for this project he retained the services of one musician only – his keyboards player Nick MagnusFind albums by this artist. Hence this is basically a duet effort, with the only exception being Steve’s brother John HackettFind albums by this artist, who contributes his flute on one tune. This is also the first album featuring Hackett as a lead vocalist, something Hackett was trying to avoid for a long time. It turns out he is quite capable of carrying a tune and his vocal performances are perfectly acceptable. The music is as good as always, with a slightly “lighter” approach, but nevertheless this is still Hackett, who couldn’t make bad music even if he tried very hard. Especially the fantastic “The Air Conditioned Nightmare” instrumental, which is a Prog classic and remained for many years a regular feature of his concerts. In retrospect, considering this album was unavailable for so many years, it’s a pleasure to remember and a most enjoyable listening experience.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ OUT OF THE TUNNEL`S MOUTH (SPECIAL EDITION)
INSIDEOUT 327 (Barcode: 5052205053881) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2009 Released: 2010
At a time when most contemporary Prog music crop proves that the genre has simply run out of steam (yet again!), guitarist / composer Steve HackettFind albums by this artist, one of the forefathers of the genre (GenesisFind albums by this artist) demonstrates that not all is lost and intelligent Prog is still alive and kicking. This album is one more addition to Hackett´s splendid legacy and a testimony to the fact that he ages incredibly well.
The album includes eight new beautiful songs, all composed by Hackett (with lyrics by various collaborators), exquisitely performed by a large group of Hackett´s usual cohorts, which include keyboardist Roger KingFind albums by this artist, his brother John HackettFind albums by this artist on flute, surprise appearances of guitarist Anthony PhillipsFind albums by this artist (Genesis) and bassist Chris SquireFind albums by this artist (YesFind albums by this artist) and several others. The performances are all first-rate and Hackett´s guitar playing remains simply stellar. The album is a continuous spellbinding experience, which although is not very innovative, presents the core of the Prog idiom, characterized by deeply melodic themes with improvised passages and multilayered rich arrangements. The last song on the album incorporates Middle Eastern folkloristic elements, which is the first for Hackett. He plays splendidly both acoustic and electric guitars throughout the album and his vocals are also excellent.
This special addition of the album adds a bonus CD, which presents six Genesis songs performed live, five of them by the Steve Hackett band and the last one with the Hungarian ensemble DjabeFind albums by this artist, which toured with Hackett as a guest in 2010 and recorded a 2CD live album during that tour. The bonus material is quite different from the studio album and shows Hackett primarily as a performer in a typical live Prog framework, which of course he stands up to with distinction.
For the many Hackett fans around the world this is definitely a must, but any Prog enthusiasts getting this album will find their money very well spent. Wholeheartedly recommended!
| | Updated: 26/08/2020Posted: | CD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
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