Record Reviews
10 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | DEEP PURPLE ~ ORIGINAL ALBUM CLASSICS
SONY 886979445024 (Barcode: 886979445024) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1990 - 1996 Released: 2011
This Box Set collects reissues of three albums by the iconic British Rock group Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist, originally released on the RCAFind albums on this label label between 1990 and 1996. They are: “Slaves And MastersFind albums with this title” (1990), “The Battle Rages On…Find albums with this title” (1993), and “PurpendicularFind albums with this title” (1996).
“Slaves And Masters” is the thirteenth studio album and the only album recorded by the Mk V lineup of Deep Purple, in which the lead singer Ian GillanFind albums by this artist was replaced by the ex-RainbowFind albums by this artist vocalist Joe Lynn TurnerFind albums by this artist. The rest of the members were veterans since the forming of the Mk II lineup in 1969: keyboardist Jon LordFind albums by this artist, guitarist Ritchie BlackmoreFind albums by this artist, bassist Roger GloverFind albums by this artist and drummer Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist. Some string orchestral arrangements are also present. The album presents nine songs, all co-written by the band members. Later reissues of the albums included single edits as bonus tracks, which are not present here.
“The Battle Rages On…” is the fourteenth studio album and the only album recorded by the second reunion of the Mk II lineup of Deep Purple, in which the lead singer Ian Gillan returned to his vocal duties, alas for the last time. This was the last album recorded by the classic Mk II lineup. The album presents ten songs, all co-written by the band members.
“Purpendicular” is the fifteenth studio album and first album by the Mk VII lineup of Deep Purple, which marked the arrival of ex-Dixie DregsFind albums by this artist / KansasFind albums by this artist American guitarist Steve MorseFind albums by this artist, as a replacement for Blackmore (The short-lived Mk VI featured American guitarist Joe SatrianiFind albums by this artist, who eventually could not join the group on a permanent basis). The album presents twelve songs, all co-written by the band members. Later reissues of the albums included single edits as bonus tracks, which are not present here.
Although these albums were met with mixed reception by critics and fans at the time of their release, they are still classic rock album created by Masters of the trade, who never played a wrong note in their life. Considering how dreadful Rock / Pop music created in the 1990s was in general, these three albums are some of the last strongholds of sanity and of course they are an essential part of the Deep Purple legacy.
And yes, all the three album covers are amongst the ugliest ever! ;)
Side Note
The "Original Album SeriesFind albums with this title" by Warner Bros.Find albums on this label, the "Original Album ClassicsFind albums with this title" by SonyFind albums on this label, the "5 Original AlbumsFind albums with this title" by UniversalFind albums on this label, the Box Sets by RhinoFind albums on this label and other similar releases are an archetypal example of how good intentions turn sour. Although these new editions often bring back to life some of the best music ever made on this planet, which in many cases has been lost in the tides of time and was unavailable on the market for ages, they suffer from an unforgivable disregard for the essence of cultural values and general sloppiness, contrary to human decency, which requires as to treat our Cultural Legacy with respect and loyalty.
The Box Sets produced under these monikers have no discographical information whatsoever about the lineups, musician names, composers, lyricists, dates and places of recording, original release data and even basic copyright data (the last is strictly illegal BTW). Although the original LP sleeves are reproduced, they are often edited and information (which would be in most cases too small to be readable) is removed. Most importantly these Box Sets don't include any booklet offering a historical background and perspective about the Artists and the Music, which are extremely important and vital to the preservation of our Culture and passing the knowledge to the next generations.
In short the fact that these Box Sets are meant to be inexpensive, does not mean that they have to be cheap. Considering the fact how many times this music has been sold over and over again by the labels, this is a crying shame!
| | Updated: 06/02/2024Posted: 11/09/2021 | CD 3 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Recommend To A Friend |
  | KANSAS ~ KANSAS (EXPANDED EDITION)
EPIC 517143 (Barcode: 5099751714323) ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1974
1st album by the founders of US Prog. Combining the elements of British Prog with American roots, KansasFind albums by this artist have become one of the most popular US acts, regardless their higher than average musical standards and typical Prog tendencies to long and complex compositions, improvised instrumental passages, etc. A very strong debut album, with excellent compositions and great performances (with more violin than there is flute on a Jethro TullFind albums by this artist album).
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | KANSAS ~ KING BISCUIT FLOWER HOUR
KING BISCUIT 88042 ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded in 1989 in Philadelphia, this album is considered the best ever live recording by this US Prog group. Lead by the guitar virtuoso Steve Morse, this version of Kansas is more powerful then ever and lacks the uneveness of the previous line-ups. The material spans the group`s entire recording history including their hit `Dust In The Wind`.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | KANSAS ~ MASQUE
EPIC 502480 ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock
3rd album from 1975 by this US Prog group. By the time this album was released, Kansas already established a leading role on the US Prog scene. The album includes a stream of great compositions by the leader/guitarist/keyboardist Kerry Livgren, who has a lyrical tendency with some darkish streaks. The usage of violin creates a distinctive sound to be Kansas` trademark. This stands the tides of time beautifully.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | KANSAS ~ POINT OF KNOWN RETURN (EXPANDED EDITION)
COLUMBIA 506032 (Barcode: 5099750603222) ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1977 Released: 2002
5th album. Veteran US Prog band KansasFind albums by this artist are probably the best example of a synthesis between the UK based Prog and American roots of melodic, country influenced Rock. Considered by many as ther definitive album, it includes the monster hit `Dust In The Wind`, which must be one of the nicest songs ever written? The healthy ballance Kansas managed to maintain between the Prog and the melodic Rock elements make them true heroes of the genre.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | KANSAS ~ SONG FOR AMERICA
EPIC 517142 (Barcode: 5099751714224) ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1975 Released: 2004
2nd album from 1975. This is definitely the most Proggy of all theit albums, with orchestral arrangements and long instrumental passages, as expected from a `true` Prog group. The material is exceptionally strong and the playing soaring and inspired. Add the unusual time signatures and twists and you get one hot album. This is a prime example of the US Prog in the 1970s and a timeless classic.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | KANSAS ~ THE CLASSIC ALBUMS COLLECTION 1974-1983
SONY 886978732729 (Barcode: 886978732729) ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1974 - 1983 Released: 2011
This wonderful Box Set collects all the ten albums recorded by the original lineup of the US Prog band KansasFind albums by this artist during the decade this lineup existed. The band was led by guitarist / songwriter Kerry LivgrenFind albums by this artist, who wrote most of the band´s material and included also violinist / singer Robby SteinhardtFind albums by this artist, keyboardist / vocalist Steve WalshFind albums by this artist, guitarist Rich WilliamsFind albums by this artist, bassist Dave HopeFind albums by this artist and drummer Phil EhartFind albums by this artist. They started out as a bona fide Prog outfit, based on the European Prog model, but replacing the European Classic music heritage elements with more American sources, like Country and Folk. Nevertheless the music they created, at least during the first years of their career was original, interesting and ambitious enough, to be placed among some of the top US Prog achievements, which in retrospect are not that numerous or impressive altogether. By the time they recorded their fourth and fifth albums, the band scored hit singles and strong album sales, which entrapped them as part of the music industry´s vicious circle, which demanded to repeat the success over and over again, obviously damaging the band´s musical integrity. The band carried on, surviving Livgren becoming a born-again Christian, personal tensions and some minor personnel changes, and kept recording albums up to the last moment before disbanding, all of which are included here and are definitely worth investigating. In retrospect this is a great body of music, which represents well the more creative side of US Rock. Remastered, mini-sleeved, with bonus tracks and expanded version of their only live album, this is a treasure chest, which no Prog fan should miss. The price is also right, so don´t think about this for too long, as it will be out of print soon, like everything else these days.
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 11 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | KANSAS ~ TWO FOR THE SHOW
EPIC 466842 ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock
6th album from 1978 and the first live album following a string of 5 immensly successful studio albums. Originally a double LP here on 1 CD (unfortunately less 1 track). It presents the group in full power mode, playing much extended versions of their album tunes, with much space for individual soloists to show off, as usual on live recordings. They prove anything they can do in the studion they can do better on stage.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
|
