Record Reviews

ASAF AVIDAN / MOJOS ~ THE RECKONING TELMAVAR 002 (Barcode: 718122809523) ~ ISRAEL ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 2007 Released: 2008 The debut album by Israeli singer / songwriter Asaf AvidanFind albums by this artist (born in Jerusalem and aged 28) and his group the MojosFind albums by this artist is undoubtedly the most sensational Rock album ever released in the country. Apparently we had to wait for 60 years to get some real Rock happening here. Israel has produced some superb music over the years, but none of it was “real” Rock. We had plenty of excellent Pop, Art and Alternative Rock, even Progressive Rock, but nothing as gutsy, bluesy, smoky and throaty as this, ever! Imagine a hybrid between the young Robert PlantFind albums by this artist and Janis JoplinFind albums by this artist (if you can) and you get an idea how Asaf’s voice sounds. When I was first told about this album, I naturally thought the enthusiasm is a gross exaggeration. But the minute I heard the first sound uttered from the singer’s throat I understood this is real. His voice is not only unique in Israel, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s universally special. I have not heard anything like this anywhere. Add to this the fact that Asaf sings in English, completely without a trace of any foreign accent, as if he was born somewhere between West Bromwich and Texas. And of course he also wrote all the tunes and lyrics present on this album – all fifteen on them. I have no idea how to explain all this; it’s a bit early for genetic engineering so karma and reincarnation will have to do in the meantime. The fact is that this guy takes us all back 40 years when Rock really rocked. The material - all excellent with great melodies, non-trivial lyrics and intelligent arrangements – can be basically divided between two categories: hard-rocking up tempo tunes a la Led ZeppelinFind albums by this artist (first album) and quiet introvert acoustic ballads Janis so wonderfully spilled out of her heart on PearlFind albums with this title. The band (the Mojos) support the singer all the way, with scorching lead guitar solos and rock-solid backing on the up-tempo numbers and delicate (acoustic guitar, cello, etc.) accompaniment behind the ballads. I know all this sounds just too good to be true – well, you won’t know unless you try it, will you? An instant classic!

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

ARTHUR BROWN ~ LEGBOOT GONZO 418 (Barcode: 5060230868752) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 2002 Released: 2017 This is a reissue of a live acoustic album by the British vocalist / songwriter Arthur BrownFind albums by this artist, recorded during his performances as a supporting act for Robert PlantFind albums by this artist in 2002. He is accompanied by guitarist Chris BryantFind albums by this artist and multi-instrumentalist (violin, dulcimer, guitar, bass pedals) Nick PynnFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, mostly his original songs and some covers. The album was released originally to be sold during gigs and has several very limited editions, some actually including hand-made covers. All of those were of course sold out and are now collectors’ items. This edition is simply an attempt to keep this unique document alive, and thank God for this. The album’s title is of course a pun on the “official bootleg” phenomenon, i.e. “Legal Bootleg”. Brown (aged 82 at the time of writing) is to me one of the greatest unsung heroes of the British Rock scene, and despite his minor period of modest success, he remains relatively little known and seldom heralded, despite his absolutely supernatural talents as a singer of incredible vocal range and technique and sublime songwriter. His collected recorded legacy stands out as one of the mightiest since the late 1960s and his uncompromising genius is sadly often too much to swallow for music listeners and critics alike. His most recent recordings were made just a couple of years ago, when he was 80 years old, which is absolutely astounding, and I hope to hear more from him yet, God willing. Overall, this absolutely stunning and almost completely undiscovered album, is an absolute jewel, perfectly recorded and documenting rare acoustic performances by Brown, which are unparalleled. Not easy to find, but a must to every Brown fan and obviously wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 02/07/2024Posted: 02/07/2024

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

LED ZEPPELIN ~ CELEBRATION DAY (DELUXE EDITION) ATLANTIC 081227968823 (Barcode: 081227968823) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 2007 Released: 2012 On December 10, 2007 Led ZeppelinFind albums by this artist, the greatest Rock band of all times, reunited for a one-time performance at the 02 Arena in London, with original members Robert PlantFind albums by this artist (vocals), Jimmy PageFind albums by this artist (guitar) and John Paul JonesFind albums by this artist (bass and keyboards) and with their original drummer John BonhamFind albums by this artist (who died in 1980) replaced by his son Jason BonhamFind albums by this artist. At the time of the concert they were 59, 63, 61 and 41 years old respectively. 20 million people entered the on-line lottery to win the opportunity to buy tickets for this concert, with black market prices eventually reaching astronomical sums. The concert lasted for just over two hours (without any breaks) with the band performing 16 songs (including two encores). Exactly five years later the sound and video recordings of this concert were finally released on CD and DVD, with this edition comprising of two CDs and two DVDs. The second DVD is a one-camera shot of the band´s rehearsal, which took place on December 6, 2007, and contains the same sequence and content as the actual concert recording. The concert was officially called the "Ahmet ErtegunFind albums by this artist Tribute Concert", dedicated to the memory of the legendary president of AtlanticFind albums by this artist Records, Led Zeppelin´s record label, who died a year earlier (December 14, 2006), but of course the Led Zeppelin concert was above all a tribute to Led Zeppelin. Time, as people my age get to experience, is ruthless and for Rock musicians that reality is even crueler than for most other performers, simply for the reason that Rock is after all so much about energy and physical effort. Therefore many Rock dinosaurs cross the line of no return becoming a caricature of their earlier selves without realizing it. It happens to the best. It did not happen this time to Led Zeppelin, but it was damn close… Of course they can still sing and play; but even a less trained ear can easily hear the limitations of Plant´s voice, who stays safely in the mid range and does not dear scream and whine as he used to do so magnificently, the lack of fluidity and exploration in Page´s solos, and so on. Jones is as solid as he always was and looks much younger than his mates, easily winning the title of the best preserved Zep around. Bonham, two decades younger than his cohorts is the true backbone of this entire show, imaginative, precise and as powerful as his late father; a living proof or reincarnation… (Or genetics?) The sound quality of the recording is a bit mushy and the video, although well done technically, lacks imagination and eventually becomes a bit boring. The rehearsal DVD is a complete waste of time visually but the sound and some of the performances are actually better that those during the concert. So what do we have here? Two hours of Led Zeppelin playing the music they played in the good old days and metaphorically performing a sermon in memoriam. Is it worth hearing? Of course it is; people who grew up with Led Zeppelin´s music in their veins will love every second of it, but please, PLEASE, don´t do it again! Let´s not ruin the memory… Visitors' Comments Christopher  Brice Thanks for the painfully honest review!

2CD+2DVD 4 Digipak Box Set Recommend To A Friend

LED ZEPPELIN ~ DVD WARNER MUSIC VISION 70198 (Barcode: 603497019823) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1969 - 1979 Released: 2003 Considering the fact that this is the only available filmed document of the illustrious career by Led ZeppelinFind albums by this artist, the greatest rock band in history (other than their pseudo-documentary film The Song Remains The SameFind albums with this title), it immediately achieves a legendary status of the Holy Grail proportions. This double DVD set was compiled by Jimmy PageFind albums by this artist in 2003 and released as a companion to the 3 CD live set How The West Was WonFind albums with this title. Why did the fans of the band had to wait for so long for this magnificent music remains a mystery (probably having a lot to do with corporate music business bullshit), but better late than never seems to be appropriate here. Much better (than never) in fact, as this marvelous set presents over five hours of never previously seen archival material spanning the entire 11 years of the band’s existence: 1969-1979. The main feature of the first DVD is the legendary 1970 Royal Albert Hall concert, which features the band at the peak of their first musical phase (spanning the last days of Page with the YardbirdsFind albums by this artist, the formative days of Led Zeppelin and up to the release of their second album). Page demonstrates the absolute command of guitar and the revolutionary use of the bow to squeeze outlandish sound effects from the instrument. Robert PlantFind albums by this artist takes the vocal parts way beyond anything previously attempted and his jazz like staccato exchanges with Page are breathtaking. John BonhamFind albums by this artist provides a metronome and yet innovative rock solid rhythms and John Paul JonesFind albums by this artist uses the bass and organ to fill in the spaces, ornament and put the cheery on the cake. In short if I had to explain to a Martian what rock is all about I’d need little more that a copy of this DVD to go by. The second DVD features live performances from the 1970’s: 1973 Madison Square Garden, 1976 Earl’s Court and 1979 triumphant UK tour, which was sadly the last time the band played together before Bonham’s death the following year – each and every one a magnificent piece of musical history. In addition a collection of shorter clips, amateur footage and TV performances are also included. This stuff is truly bigger that life and the nonchalant title seems most appropriate in this case – probably the best way there is for anyone to spend his money on music.

DVD 2 Recommend To A Friend

LED ZEPPELIN ~ THE SONG REMAINS THE SAME (SPECIAL EDITION) WARNER BROS. 72654 (Barcode: 7291005726542) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1973 Released: 2007 There would have be nothing easier for Led ZeppelinFind albums by this artist than to release the film that documents their 1973 Madison Square Garden performance as a straight-forward documentary, the same way as other concert / festival footage was released. The band decided to take this a step further and augmented the concert footage with fantasy sequences, behind-the-stage scenes and at-home glimpses of all four heroes, creating what might be considered as one of the first major scale video-clips. Regardless of the fact if this additional material is great cinematography (a debate that belongs elsewhere), the overall effect works very well and most importantly depicts the era where Rock musicians were almighty Superheroes. But of course the film also includes a brilliant performance and some of the best Rock music ever recorded. Jimmy PageFind albums by this artist, Robert PlantFind albums by this artist, John Paul JonesFind albums by this artist and John BonhamFind albums by this artist playing together were a Force of Nature, way beyond any other Rock band that walked the earth at the time. Phenomenal instrumental skills, telepathic interplay, dramatic vocals and a wall of sound effect of immense intensity were but a few of their virtues. The film captures all of that and more in superb visual and audio quality and the miracle is preserved for eternity. The new (2007) edition adds a whole extra DVD, which includes lots of never previously seen material, but most importantly some of the original concert footage that was edited out from the film edition. Absolutely Essential! Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound and DTS, 137 minutes.

DVD 2 Essential Recommend To A Friend

JIMMY PAGE ~ OUTRIDER GEFFEN 720642418826 (Barcode: 720642418826) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1988 Released: 1988 This is the debut solo album by guitar legend Jimmy PageFind albums by this artist, which raises the question: is there life after Led ZeppelinFind albums by this artist? In case of Page a retrospective view at his post-Zep career, including the Zep reunion, would have to be, unfortunately, negative. The album presents nine tracks, eight of which are original compositions by Page and one is a Leon RussellFind albums by this artist song. Page is supported by vocalists John MilesFind albums by this artist, Robert PlantFind albums by this artist (on one track only) and Chris FarloweFind albums by this artist (with his name misspelled repeatedly in the album´s booklet), bassists Tony FranklinFind albums by this artist, Durban LavedreFind albums by this artist and Felix KrishFind albums by this artist and drummers Jason BonhamFind albums by this artist and Barriemore BarlowFind albums by this artist (with his name also misspelled – ridiculous and disrespectful!). Three of the tracks are instrumentals and six feature vocals. The music is a much expected mixture of typical Zep Rock and Blues signatures, all quite ordinary and not especially impressive. There is little solo work by any of the participants, most surprisingly by Plant himself, so any fan looking forward to extensive guitar madness will be deeply disappointed. The only point of relative satisfaction can be found in Farlowe´s vocals, which unfortunately is more than often hated by Rock fans, for reasons that are completely beyond me, as he is in my opinion one of Britain´s most exceptional vocalists, with a superb feel for the Blues. The album made little impact at the time of its release and is today mostly forgotten, which in this case is mostly justified. Of course it has some moments, which are worth spinning the disc occasionally, but no more than that. The fact that Page did not evolve with time and found a proper stage for his extraordinary talents is a true tragedy of sorts, especially in view of the impact his playing made on whole generations of guitar players the world over.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

JIMMY PAGE & THE BLACK CROWES ~ LIVE AT THE GREEK (25TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION) SILVER ARROW 198846877563 (Barcode: 198846877563) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1999 Released: 2025 This is the 25th Anniversary Edition of the live album by British guitarist Jimmy PageFind albums by this artist and the American group The Black CrowesFind albums by this artist, recorded in 1999 at the LA Greek Theatre and originally released in 2000. This 3CD remastered reissue expands the original release by sixteen previously unreleased (for contractual reasons) tracks, presenting the entire concert and the soundcheck, totaling in thirty-six tracks. The material includes a mixture of Led ZeppelinFind albums by this artist material, original material by the Black Crowes and classic Blues standards. The Black Crowes lineup includes brothers Chris RobinsonFind albums by this artist on vocals and Rich RobinsonFind albums by this artist on guitar and vocals, and also bassist Sven PipienFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Eddie HarschFind albums by this artist, drummer Steve GormanFind albums by this artist and lead guitarist Audley FreedFind albums by this artist. Bassist Greg RzabFind albums by this artist is overdubbed on two tracks. The sound and feel of the music offers a remarkable resemblance to what Led Zeppelin sounded like on stage, which is hardly surprising. The lead vocals might not be as spectacular as those by Robert PlantFind albums by this artist, but are definitely quite fitting, and the entire concert is a brilliant tribute to Led Zeppelin in every respect. The original material by the Black Crowes is not bad either. Overall, the album is a great fun to listen to and for Hard Rock / Led Zeppelin fans is an absolute must. The additional material is definitely worth having and despite the fact that the music was recorded at the very end of the 20th Century, it is Classic Rock stuff every inch of the way. Obviously Page is as perfect as always, which goes without saying. I had a blast!

Updated: 15/06/2025Posted: 15/06/2025

CD 3 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

ROBERT PLANT ~ LULLABY AND… THE CEASELESS ROAR NONESUCH 075597954210 (Barcode: 075597954210) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 2014 Released: 2014 This is the tenth solo album by British singer / songwriter Robert PlantFind albums by this artist, primarily known as the frontman of the iconic Led ZeppelinFind albums by this artist. It is also the first studio album with his new (at the time) band called Sensational Space ShiftersFind albums by this artist, which included guitarists Liam TysonFind albums by this artist and Justin AdamsFind albums by this artist, keyboardist John BaggottFind albums by this artist, bassist Billy FullerFind albums by this artist, drummer Dave SmithFind albums by this artist and West African musician Juldeh CamaraFind albums by this artist. The album presents eleven original songs, all co-credited to Plant and the band members. Plant’s post Zeppelin solo career was undoubtedly a most impressive path of musical activity and constant development, which took him on a wonderful adventure of amalgamating Rock and World Music, perhaps more significant than any other Classic Rock Artist undertook in the last four decades, following the death of the genre. Plant bravely incorporated a wide kaleidoscope of influences, ranging from Celtic, via Middle East, African and Far East sources. He also bravely kept updating the Rock vocabulary, using sound shaping equipment but at the same time eschewing the dreaded synthesized electronic doodling. Like all of his earlier albums, this one is a fabulous display of his many talents, both as a vocalist (with his vocal delivery every bit as strong as ever), songwriter and Artist. The music is diverse and often surprising, beautifully performed and full of inherent drama and tension, which makes listening to this album a beautifully aesthetic experience. Overall this is a superb piece of music, which hopefully will be listened to by audiences beyond the ageing Les Zeppelin fans, who could learn a thing or two about the expanding horizons of Rock music. Brilliant stuff!

Updated: 30/07/2021Posted: 30/07/2021

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

TERRY REID ~ ORIGINAL ALBUM SERIES RHINO 825646163960 (Barcode: 825646163960) ~ UK ~ Pop & Rock Recorded: 1968 - 1991 Released: 2015 This Box Set collects five of the six albums by the British vocalist / guitarist / songwriter Terry ReidFind albums by this artist released between 1968 and 1991. They are: his debut album "Bang, Bang You`re Terry ReidFind albums with this title" from 1968, this eponymous second album "Terry ReidFind albums with this title" from 1969 (both produced by Mickie MostFind albums by this artist), the third album "RiverFind albums with this title" from 1973, the fifth album "Rogue WavesFind albums with this title" from 1978 and finally the sixth album "DriverFind albums with this title" from 1991. The fourth album "Seed Of MemoryFind albums with this title" from 1976 was sadly left out simply since there is no place for six albums in a five albums box; how stupid is that? Reid is sadly almost completely unknown to Rock fans, probably due to the fact that he refused several times offers that can´t be refused, like fronting Led ZeppelinFind albums by this artist (he recommended Robert PlantFind albums by this artist for the job) or fronting Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist as their lead singer. His solo albums never achieved commercial success, despite the fact that they were all excellent, which is a great pity. Reid´s completely original timbre of voice is one of the most unique in Rock history and his sensitivity and intelligence as a musicians were truly above most of his contemporaries. Reid incorporated in his music Blues and Soul influences, creating a long string of memorable performances over the years. He also cooperated with many first-rate musicians over time, like Graham NashFind albums by this artist, with whom he co-wrote songs and who produced his fourth album. When listening to these albums in retrospect it becomes obvious that success is blind as a bat, and in countless cases it prefers worthless twits to hidden geniuses. At least this music is now available again for future generations and hopefully it will be discovered by some and even properly appreciated. This is, after all, a great chapter in Rock´s history. 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:

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

SPOOKY TOOTH ~ IT`S ALL ABOUT REPERTOIRE 1074 (Barcode: 4009910107423) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1968 Released: 2005 1st album by superb British Rock band Spooky ToothFind albums by this artist, which comprised of four British musicians: vocalist / pianist Mike HarrisonFind albums by this artist, guitarist Luther GrosvenorFind albums by this artist, bassist Greg RidleyFind albums by this artist and drummer Mike KellieFind albums by this artist and American vocalist / organist Gary WrightFind albums by this artist, who lived in UK at the time. Together they possessed an incredible amount of talent, which turned then instantly into one of the best Rock acts on the British Isles at the end of the 1960s. Their material, mostly written by Wright, was a mixture of Rock, Blues and proto-Prog with Psychedelic influences, performed with a dense heavy sound dominated by Wright´s organ, somewhere between Procol HarumFind albums by this artist and Led ZeppelinFind albums by this artist. Grosvenor played some fantastic guitar licks and the rhythm section was second to none with Ridley´s heavy but virtuosic pulsations and Kellie´s spectacular pyrotechnics. Together with Harrison´s incredible vocal abilities, which combined the forces of everything from Robert PlantFind albums by this artist, via Rod StewartFind albums by this artist to Roger ChapmanFind albums by this artist, the band had the ability to outshine any if its contemporaries, and they certainly did a fantastic job on their debut album, which is an incredible blast of energy and ingenuity, turning it into an instant classic. Although slightly patchy stylistically, since the band was still searching for its own unique approach, the variety of styles works well here and adds to the album´s appeal. This is definitely one of the strongest debut albums of Classic Rock and a diamond in any serious record collection. Essential listening experience!

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend