Record Reviews

RICHARD HARRIS ~ MY BOY ZONE 1013 (Barcode: 5060105741326) ~ UK ~ Classic Pop Recorded: 1971 Released: 2006 British actor Richard HarrisFind albums by this artist is an iconic figure on the silver screen, but his career as a singer is much lesser known. In the late 1960s and early 1970s Harris recorded a series of absolutely stunning albums with music composed mainly by the great Jim WebbFind albums by this artist, displaying his unique ability as a vocalist. This album was his 3rd recording, following the breathtaking "A Tramp ShiningFind albums with this title" (which included the unforgettable "McArthur Park") and "The Yard Went On ForeverFind albums with this title". Accompanied by an orchestra, which played meticulous arrangements, Harris delivered incredibly sensitive and dramatic vocals, as only he could. This music is impossible to categorize (for lack of a better choice it goes under Pop), but it is absolutely brilliant in every respect and eternal. One of my "secret pleasures" since many years. Unavailable for ages, it is finally once more in circulation. Simply brilliant!

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VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ TOMMY REPERTOIRE 5128 (Barcode: 4009910512821) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1972 Released: 2009 A lavish production of the first Rock Opera, written and originally performed and recorded by Pete TownshendFind albums by this artist and the WhoFind albums by this artist in 1969, which was staged and recorded three years later by the London Symphony OrchestraFind albums by this artist, English Chamber ChoirFind albums by this artist and s set of soloist, which sounds like a who´s who of British Rock superstars at the time, including: Pete Townshend, Roger DaltreyFind albums by this artist, Ringo StarrFind albums by this artist, Rod StewartFind albums by this artist, Sandy DennyFind albums by this artist, Richie HavensFind albums by this artist, Richard HarrisFind albums by this artist and others. The overall production and performance are stunning and remain a symbol of what was possible at that time, with no effort and money spared in order to make great music. In many respects this is the best ever version of "TommyFind albums with this title" and an absolute must to any Classic Rock collector. This edition includes a lavish book with the original extensive graphics. A true collector´s item!

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JIMMY WEBB ~ ORIGINAL ALBUM SERIES RHINO 081227955878 (Barcode: 081227955878) ~ USA ~ Classic Pop Recorded: 1970 - 1977 Released: 2015 This Box Set collects five (second to sixth) albums by the great American singer / songwriter Jimmy WebbFind albums by this artist, released between 1970 and 1977. They are: "Words And MusicFind albums with this title" from 1970, "And So: OnFind albums with this title" from 1971, "LettersFind albums with this title" from 1972, "Land`s EndFind albums with this title" from 1974 and "El MirageFind albums with this title" from 1977. Webb is one of the most influential figures on the American popular music scene, thanks to his phenomenal success as a songwriter. His albums, however, never really achieved much commercial success or recognition, which is a great pity as they are full of beautiful melodies and poetic lyrics. This is an excellent opportunity to re-discover them. Webb is also a very sensitive singer and his interpretations of the songs made famous by others, are often deeper and more interesting. Of course Webb will be remembered for his memorable collaboration with The 5th DimensionFind albums by this artist, Glen CampbellFind albums by this artist and numerous other Pop stars. The outrageously beautiful albums with British actor / singer Richard HarrisFind albums by this artist ("A Tramp ShiningFind albums with this title", "The Yard Went On ForeverFind albums with this title" and "My BoyFind albums with this title"), the first of which included the epic "McArthur Park", are to this day absolute Pop masterpieces, regardless of the denigration by some pompous music critics at the time of their release. Still active today as a performer and songwriter, Webb symbolizes the American songwriting at its best, in complete contrast to the infinite oceans of non-musical garbage that America produces on a massive scale. Side Note: The "Original Album SeriesFind albums with this title" by Warner Bros.Find albums on this label and the "Original Album ClassicsFind albums with this title" by SonyFind albums on this label 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 have been lost in the tides of time and was unavailable on the market for ages, they suffer from an unforgivable disregard to the essence of cultural values and general sloppiness, contrary to human decency, which requires us 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. 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: 26/01/2019Posted: 09/01/2016

CD 5 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend