Record Reviews

ALMENDRA ~ ALMENDRA SONY BMG 738668 (Barcode: 886973866825) ~ ARGENTINA ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1969 Released: 2008 This is the 1st album by the great Argentinean proto-Prog group AlmendraFind albums by this artist, the first "true" Rock group in the country, which together with groups like Los GatosFind albums by this artist, ManalFind albums by this artist and Vox DeiFind albums by this artist pioneered the genre in their country. The group was fronted by the charismatic and highly talented vocalist / guitarist / songwriter Luis Alberto SpinettaFind albums by this artist and also included guitarist Edelmiro MolinariFind albums by this artist (who later founded another great group Color HumanoFind albums by this artist), bassist Emilio Del GuercioFind albums by this artist and drummer Rodolfo GarciaFind albums by this artist (the last two later founded the great group AquelarreFind albums by this artist). They played a beautiful mixture of sophisticated Rock, Psychedelia and lyricism, supported by poetic lyrics written by Spinetta, which at the time were in complete contrast to the banality which ruled Pop music. Forty years later this album is still considered a masterpiece and in retrospect this truly charming music lost nothing of its beauty and appeal over the years and is definitely worthy of an honorable place in any serious Prog collection.

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

ALMENDRA ~ ALMENDRA 2 SONY BMG 738985 (Barcode: 886973898529) ~ ARGENTINA ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1970 Released: 2008 This is the 2nd and last album by the great Argentinean proto-Prog group AlmendraFind albums by this artist, the first "true" Rock group in the country, which together with groups like Los GatosFind albums by this artist, ManalFind albums by this artist and Vox DeiFind albums by this artist pioneered the genre in their country. The group was fronted by the charismatic and highly talented vocalist / guitarist / songwriter Luis Alberto SpinettaFind albums by this artist and also included guitarist Edelmiro MolinariFind albums by this artist (who later founded another great group Color HumanoFind albums by this artist), bassist Emilio Del GuercioFind albums by this artist and drummer Rodolfo GarciaFind albums by this artist (the last two later founded the great group AquelarreFind albums by this artist). They played a beautiful mixture of sophisticated Rock, Psychedelia and lyricism, supported by poetic lyrics written by Spinetta, which at the time were in complete contrast to the banality which ruled Pop music. Originally released as a double LP, this album was much more progressive than the debut and forty years later is still considered a masterpiece and in retrospect this truly charming music lost nothing of its beauty and appeal over the years and is definitely worthy of an honorable place in any serious Prog collection.

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

MANAL ~ EL LEON SONY BMG 741539 (Barcode: 886974153924) ~ ARGENTINA ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 1970 Released: 2008 This is the 2nd album by the great Argentinean Blues-Rock trio ManalFind albums by this artist, which consisted of guitarist Claudio GabisFind albums by this artist, bassist / vocalist Alejandro MedinaFind albums by this artist and drummer Javier MartinezFind albums by this artist. The group was one of the founders and pioneers of Argentinean Rock and was often referred to as the "Argentinean CreamFind albums by this artist" due to the stylistic similarity. The music, which was written mostly by Martinez, was performed with passion and a lot of technical skill. The guitar improvisations were quite Jazzy at times and always very imaginative. In retrospect this is a great gem, not only of the Argentinean scene but the entire early South American Rock history. Losing absolutely nothing of its magic and energy over time, this is till a great listen today, worthy of any serious album collection. A must!

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

MANAL ~ MANAL SONY BMG 738049 (Barcode: 886973804926) ~ ARGENTINA ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 1970 Released: 2008 This is the 1st album by the great Argentinean Blues-Rock trio ManalFind albums by this artist, which consisted of guitarist Claudio GabisFind albums by this artist, bassist / vocalist Alejandro MedinaFind albums by this artist and drummer Javier MartinezFind albums by this artist. The group was one of the founders and pioneers of Argentinean Rock and was often referred to as the "Argentinean CreamFind albums by this artist" due to the stylistic similarity. The music, which was written mostly by Martinez, was performed with passion and a lot of technical skill. The guitar improvisations were quite Jazzy at times and always very imaginative. In retrospect this is a great gem, not only of the Argentinean scene but the entire early South American Rock history. Losing absolutely nothing of its magic and energy over time, this is till a great listen today, worthy of any serious album collection. A must!

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend