Record Reviews

MARTY BALIN ~ BALIN / LUCKY BGO 1079 (Barcode: 5017261210791) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1981 - 1982 Released: 2013 This is a reissue of the first two solo albums by American vocalist / guitarist / songwriter Marty BalinFind albums by this artist, primarily known as a founding member and one of lead vocalists of the seminal group Jefferson AirplaneFind albums by this artist and later Jefferson StarshipFind albums by this artist. Following his departure from the latter Balin started a solo career, which continues for many years. He died in 2018 leaving behind a glorious legacy in Rock music. "BalinFind albums with this title", released originally in 1981, featured a team of highly talented but relatively anonymous musicians and presented nine songs, three of which were written by Jesse BarishFind albums by this artist (two of which charted as singles) and only one song was composed by Balin. In an attempt to disassociate his solo career from the Jefferson image, the material was much more "commercial", but his heartfelt vocals and excellent choice of material as well as the superb musicianship produced a Classic Rock gem. "LuckyFind albums with this title", released in 1983, followed the same pattern as its predecessor, presenting ten excellent songs (one each by Balin and Barish). The album and the singles did not chart, but the music was every bit as good, only the times were changing. Overall Balin had one of the most expressive voices of the American Rock and his legacy deserves to be remembered, not only because of nostalgic reasons, but primarily for its quality. They don´t make music like this any more.

Updated: 24/09/2020Posted: 24/09/2020

CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Recommend To A Friend

JEFFERSON AIRPLANE ~ RETURN TO THE MATRIX 02/01/68 COLLECTORS` CHOICE LIVE 6008 (Barcode: 617742600827) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1968 Released: 2010 This album presents previously unreleased live material recorded by the superb US Rock group Jefferson AirplaneFind albums by this artist. This specific show, recorded at the legendary Matrix Club in SF, originally owned by Marty BalinFind albums by this artist, presents for the first time a glimpse at the live concert played by the second lineup of the group, which included female vocalist Grace SlickFind albums by this artist, at their absolute creative peak. In retrospect this recording proves how great this band was in every respect and always eons ahead of their time. This is an absolute must to every Jefferson Airplane fan and a great document of the era. A must!

CD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

STEPPENWOLF ~ EARLY STEPPENWOLF / FOR LADIES ONLY BGO 691 (Barcode: 5017261206916) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1967 - 1971 Released: 2005 4th and 8th albums by US group SteppenwolfFind albums by this artist, which are in fact the earliest and the latest recordings by this band during their initial period of activity. It is quite astonishing to see how the group developed and changed in the short period of four years, with this change reflecting well the overall music scene dramatic developments during that period. Surprisingly (or perhaps not) "Early SteppenwolfFind albums with this title" was not really recorded by Steppenwolf, but by the group SparrowFind albums by this artist, which is the first outfit formed by vocalist John KayFind albums by this artist in Canada, and which eventually settled down on the West Coast and changed the name to Steppenwolf (with some minor lineup changes). Recorded live at the legendary SF "Matrix" club (owned by Jefferson AirplaneFind albums by this artist´s Marty BalinFind albums by this artist), the album is a phenomenal document of the West Coast music scene in 1967, when Rock music, heavily spiced by Psychedelic influences, was breaking all the barriers and moving forward at an incredible pace. The album includes an 21+ minutes version of "The Pusher", which is in fact a freely improvised modern music, having really very little to do with Rock per se, and being closer to Free Improvised Music or Contemporary Classical Music, with extended instrumental improvisations, sound effects, dramatic crescendos, etc. The atmosphere is not far removed form what other West Coast bands were doing at the time, with similar live recordings by the DoorsFind albums by this artist, Jefferson Airplane and Grateful DeadFind albums by this artist serving as proof. "For Ladies OnlyFind albums with this title", in complete contrast to its companion, presents a completely different musical approach, although separated by mere four years. The group was now past its commercial peak, reached with the release of their first two albums, and with a solid Blues-Rock / Hard Rock image and strong songwriting serving as their forte. For their swan song they mellowed up quite a bit, dedicating the album to the ladies in their lives and expressing a strong feminist view, quite contrary to usual chauvinistic approach of most Rock musicians. The songwriting and playing is still very strong, but it´s quite clear that the band was running out of wind and it was time to quit. Kay and various version of Steppenwolf were to appear again in the future and record more albums, but nothing ever would come close to the first eight glorious albums. A classic!

CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Recommend To A Friend