Record Reviews
16 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | FAMILY ~ BANDSTAND / IT`S ONLY A MOVIE
BGO 856 (Barcode: 5017261208569) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1972 - 1973 Released: 2009
7th and 8th albums by the fantastic British Prog band FamilyFind albums by this artist, one of the most imaginative, sophisticated and excellent bands of the 1970s. "BandstandFind albums with this title" was recorded by the same excellent lineup that created its predecessor "FearlessFind albums with this title" and the live album. In spite of extensive touring and some chart success Family sadly remained somewhere in the back trenches of the turbulent Rock scene, never actually achieving the recognition they truly deserved. By the time the recorded the second album included here, which was to be their swansong, the band was clearly running out of steam as far as climbing the commercial top was concerned. Poli PalmerFind albums by this artist and John WettonFind albums by this artist left (Wetton joined King CrimsonFind albums by this artist) and were replaced by keyboardist Tony AshtonFind albums by this artist and bassist Jim CreganFind albums by this artist. The last album was much more relaxed that the previous material, but definitely still a great piece of musical ingenuity, even if the critics and many of the band´s fans thought otherwise. In retrospect its whimsical approach to songwriting and Jazzy undertones sound truly excellent. The quality of the songwriting, as well as the extended instrumental work, is staggering and completely uncompromised by the passage of time. This is the Holy Grail of early Prog, regardless the fact that most Prog historians and music critics often fail to recognize the band´s contribution to the genre. This remastered edition spiced up with many bonus tracks is a must to any collector of Prog albums, as no collection can be complete without them. Absolutely essential!
| | | CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | FAMILY ~ FEARLESS / LIVE
BGO 855 (Barcode: 5017261208552) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1971 Released: 2009
6th album and an album compiling live material recorded at the same period by the fantastic British Prog band FamilyFind albums by this artist, one of the most imaginative, sophisticated and excellent bands of the 1970s. Following the release of the 5th album, a compilation / remix release entitled "Old Songs New SongsFind albums with this title", bassist John WeiderFind albums by this artist left the band to be replaced by John WettonFind albums by this artist, who not only supplied some of his great bass pulsations but also added his excellent vocals to the group´s arsenal. Family were at that time at the absolute peak of their artistic powers, both in the studio and on stage, as beautifully documented by these two albums. Roger ChapmanFind albums by this artist´s unique vocal qualities, which had absolutely no rivalry on the British scene, combined with the superb instrumental backing turned Family into an absolute marvel, which has stayed unchallenged for the last 40 years. The new lineup recorded two albums: "FearlessFind albums with this title" (included here) and the next studio album "BandstandFind albums with this title". The "LiveFind albums with this title" album, released for the first time as late as 2003, is the only live album by the band, except for the 4 live tracks on "Anyway...Find albums with this title". The quality of the songwriting, as well as the extended instrumental work, is staggering and completely uncompromised by the passage of time. This is the Holy Grail of early Prog, regardless the fact that most Prog historians and music critics often fail to recognize the band´s contribution to the genre. This remastered edition spiced up with many bonus tracks is a must to any collector of Prog albums, as no collection can be complete without them. Absolutely essential!
| | | CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | PETER SINFIELD ~ STILL (EXPANDED EDITION)
ESOTERIC / MANTICORE 1003 (Barcode: 5013929380325) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1972 - 1973 Released: 2009
Only album by legendary lyricist / producer Peter SinfieldFind albums by this artist, the man behind the first four landmark King CrimsonFind albums by this artist albums, where he lurked in the shadows as an informal virtual member of the band. His lyrics and production were an integral part of the magic of these milestone Prog recordings. Once Sinfield and King Crimson terminated their cooperation, he turned into a successful producer for other bands and finally found time to record his only album, which in many ways is a continuation of the work done by King Crimson Mk I. Supported by an assemblage of Prog and Jazz stars, Sinfield created another masterpiece, which although initially callously received by fans and critics alike, in retrospect sounds great today and does not lose ground to the King Crimson recordings. The supporting musicians include Greg LakeFind albums by this artist, Mel CollinsFind albums by this artist, John WettonFind albums by this artist, Ian WallaceFind albums by this artist, Keith TippetFind albums by this artist and numerous other illustrious musicians. The material is often atmospheric and introspective, but some heavier moments are also present. The original album was released on the ManticoreFind albums on this label label, owned by Emerson, Lake & PalmerFind albums by this artist, and the new edition adds a plethora of previously unheard alternate tracks and mixes, obviously to the delight of the fans. A must for all Prog-heads!
| | | CD 2 Slipcase Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOHN WETTON ~ AKUSTIKA-LIVE IN AMERIKA
BLUEPRINT 226 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
A daring and commendable recording by `naked` John WettonFind albums by this artist performing completely solo and acoustic befor a huge crowd of fans. Years of experience and total professionalism are evident here - he stands up to the challenge brillianly and with no blemish. Amazing!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOHN WETTON ~ BATTLE LINES
BLUEPRINT 240 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
John`s first solo album from 1993 after he left Asia. First released only in Japan and only 2 years later for the rest of the world. A big cast of supporting musicians give John a helping hand here to present his original material. Absolutely brilliant drumming by Simon Philips!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOHN WETTON ~ CHASING THE DEER (EP)
BLUEPRINT 282 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
After the album `Battle Lines` was recorded, Wetton was asked to create a score (soundtrack) for the film `Chasing The Deer`, which was to include the title song from that album. Wetton added a few atmospheric instrumental pieces and 2 new versions of the song and all this naterial was incorporated into the film.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOHN WETTON ~ LIVE IN TOKYO 1997
BLUEPRINT 289 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
A 2CD live set fom John WettonFind albums by this artist and his band. Great playing and great vocals by the leader, performing some of his best known compositions through the years. Excellent sound quality. For his fans there is never enough material and this one is a valuable addition.
| | | CD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOHN WETTON ~ NOMANSLAND
GEP 1025 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
A live recording by Wetton with a very strong backing group which presents him in the best possible environment. Some old, some new pieces with vocals in the best form. Many consider this to be his best solo effort.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOHN WETTON ~ ROCK OF FAITH
GEP 1033 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Latest offering (2003) from the giant player / singer / songwriter finally witnesses his return to the roots of Prog with full blast. Leaving the almost straight-ahead rock approach of his latest albums behind, Wetton returns with a set of great compositions executed masterfully by himseld and his group, featuring the superb Clive Nolan on keyboards. This is serious music, as we all know he can deliver!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOHN WETTON ~ SINISTER
GEP 1029 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
The latest effort from 2001 by the legendary Prog figure, bass player and singer. Including mostly his own compositions and played by a selected group of excellent musicians. After over 30 years on the scene, Wetton is still a monumental figure and his every effort is worthwhile.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOHN WETTON ~ SUB ROSA-LIVE IN MILAN
BLUEPRINT 314 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Another live recording from Wetton, this time a 1998 concert recorded at the Leonadro Da Vinci castle near Milan. The magical atmosphere of the surroundings must have influenced the artists, since the acoustic set sounds as magical as the surroundings. Although the material tends to repeat itself on other live recordings, the interpretations are different every time.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
|
