Record Reviews
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  | POOPIK ARNON ~ EVERYONE
PHONOKOL 4190 (Barcode: 7296134419020) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2004
Only album by Israeli singer / actor (Mordechai) Poopik ArnonFind albums by this artist, who was an important figure on the early Israeli Psychedelic Rock / Prog scene in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The album includes a set of songs, which include mostly lyrics written by Arnon with music composed by members of the ChurchillsFind albums by this artist, who also accompany him on the album, and Shlomo GronichFind albums by this artist, presenting his earliest compositions on record. By the mid-1970 Arnon slowly retuned to the orthodox Jewish religion and left the entertainment scene altogether. In time this album achieved a legendary status and is now considered a cult album for the connoisseurs if Israeli music.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | MATTI CASPI ~ MATTI CASPI (2) (30TH ANNIVERSARY EXPANDED EDITION)
NMC (ISRAEL) 80779 (Barcode: 7290011507589) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1975 - 1979 Released: 2007
2nd eponymous album by Matti CaspiFind albums by this artist (his first album was also self-titled and hence this one is commonly known as “2” or the “door bell album” – see the cover art). The 1970’s were the formative years of the Israeli musical scene and Caspi’s role was one of the most crucial and influential at the time, rivaled only by the output of Yoni RechterFind albums by this artist and Shlomo GronichFind albums by this artist (with whom Caspi cooperated – see their album as a duo). Inspired by a wide variety of musical influences, like Progressive Rock, jazz, blues and Brazilian music, Caspi created a unique blend of superb songwriting, which inspired later generation of Israeli musicians, notable to this very day, as well as creating some of the best Israeli songs ever. Caspi not only wrote and arranged all the music on this album, but he also sings and plays all the instruments (and does it extremely well), giving a new meaning to the term “solo album”. To this day this is one of the most “perfect” albums ever recorded in Israel, setting an incredibly high standard to be followed. This beautiful new edition includes an entire second CD of bonus live material, never previously available on record.
| | | CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | MATTI CASPI ~ ORIGINAL ALBUMS VOL.2
NMC (ISRAEL) 22432 (Barcode: 7294276224328) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1974 - 1984 Released: 2012
This is the 2nd Box Set collection of original albums by Israeli singer / composer Matti CaspiFind albums by this artist, one of the most important Israeli music figures, who played a central role on the emerging local music scene in the 1970s and in retrospect can be considered as one of the Godfathers of what we now consider as contemporary Israeli music. The set includes the following albums: "Matti CaspiFind albums with this title" – 1st album released in 1974, "Side A Side BFind albums with this title" – 3rd album released in 1978, "Matti Caspi Sings Sasha ArgovFind albums with this title" – 6th album released in 1982 and "Mattityahu And AlexanderFind albums with this title" – 8th album released in 1984. The eponymous debut album was one of the great milestones of Israeli music and influenced generations of Israeli musicians with its originality, wonderful melodic quality and above all its personal statement, which clearly expressed the belief in braking barriers and taboos in complete defiance of the commonly accepted standards. The 3rd album presents Caspi´s versions of the songs, which he wrote originally for other Israeli singers and which were initially performed by them. This album and its two predecessors show how in just a few years Caspi created a body of work, which immediately established his position of a leading Israeli songwriter and one of the leaders of the Israeli born generation of music makers, together with Shlomo GronichFind albums by this artist and Yoni RechterFind albums by this artist. The remaining two albums in the set are Caspi´s tribute to the remarkable talents of Alexander ArgovFind albums by this artist (aka. Sasha Argov), the most prominent first generation Israeli composer, who arrived in Israel from Russia in 1934 and who until his death in 1995 was the undisputed royal leader of the local music scene, admired, respected and loved by all Israelis. Argov´s incredible legacy of songs easily equals in its size, beauty, sophistication and originality to the songbooks of Irving BerlinFind albums by this artist, Jerome KernFind albums by this artist, George GershwinFind albums by this artist and other prominent Jewish composers. He brilliantly amalgamated the European Classical heritage, Russian folkloristic themes and the Middle Eastern influences to compose some of the most impressive songs ever written. Most of his songs used brilliant lyrics, mostly written by Israeli poets. Caspi selected some of the songs composed by Argov, arranging them in his very personal style and performs them with obvious respect and deep love, which ipso facto creates a wonderful bridge between the two generations. It´s probably worth mentioning that Caspi plays all the instruments on all these albums, quite brilliantly one might add, which only emphasizes his incredible talent. This is some of the best Israeli music ever made and of course it is absolutely essential listening. This reissue saves this music from the cruel fate of oblivion, which is a most commendable act of keeping our Culture alive. A must!
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 4 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Recommend To A Friend |
  | MATTI CASPI / SHLOMO GRONICH ~ BEHIND THE SOUNDS (EXPANDED EDITION)
HED ARZI 64404 (Barcode: 7293372440427) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1972 Released: 2002
1st album by this duo of Israel`s most talented composers and performers Matti CaspiFind albums by this artist and Shlomo GronichFind albums by this artist. Recorded live with just a piano and guitar, this revolutionary album exposed those two talents to Israeli public for the first time. The complex compositions and carefully chosen lyrics worked together like magic and this still is one of those albums that send shivers down your spine. This album was so advanced and sophisticated at the time of its release that many Israelis had serious trouble liking it and I remember people leaving the concert halls during their performances. A masterpiece!
| | | CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | MATTI CASPI / SHLOMO GRONICH ~ BEHIND THE SOUNDS 2002
NOT ON LABEL ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2002 Released: 2002
3rd cooperation project / live recording by this duo of Israel’s most prominent musicians. In many ways this is a summary of 30 years of their amazing careers, with hundreds of wonderful songs, numerous albums and countless concerts behind them, all of which enriched the Israeli music scene immensely. Both Caspi and Gronich are amazing performers on their own right, but when they are together on stage magic always appears to be there. Their previous meetings in 1972 and 1984 produced splendid albums and this one, recorded 30 years after the first meeting, is a masterful showcase of matured, yet still vibrant and productive musicians, who age well and keep their talents flourishing. The material includes many of their individual compositions as well as repeated performances of their common material, spanning back to the first album. This time they are not completely alone, as both their spouses accompany them on several songs. People who know their music need no recommendation to savor it; those who don’t should get to know it – the sooner the better.
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  | MATTI CASPI / SHLOMO GRONICH ~ BEYOND THE SOUNDS 1984
NMC (ISRAEL) 26781 (Barcode: 7290003504480) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1984 Released: 1994
2nd album by the superb duo of Matti CaspiFind albums by this artist and Shlomo GronichFind albums by this artist. Recorded live 12 years after the debut album, this is an attempt to perform the same (almost) material from a different perspective. Both musicians are older and much more experienced, so whatever this album lacks naivity and freshness is now replaced by prefessionalism and perfection. By the time this album was recorded, they both were of course well recognized on the local scene with many accomplishments behind them.
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  | DOUBLE SPACE ~ WINDINGS
NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 8824655671086) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2005 Released: 2006
Excellent debut album by Israeli Prog group Double SpaceFind albums by this artist, which is probably the most significant piece of music recorded in this country in the last decade. Coming back to the sources if Israeli Prog (of the 1970’s) the group decided to create a musical project based on texts by prominent Israeli poets like Leah GoldbergFind albums by this artist, Natan AltermanFind albums by this artist, Hanoch LevinFind albums by this artist and others (unfortunately lost to non-Hebrew speaking audiences). The musical approach is remarkably similar to the early (and revolutionary) work of Shlomo GronichFind albums by this artist, with brilliant compositions including weird time signatures and unexpected twists and turns. The music is mostly acoustic, with occasional use of electric guitar. Extensive use of flute and saxophone adds touches of jazzy arrangements. The vocals (in Hebrew of course) are expressive and very sensitive to the complex lyrics. The maturity and the intellectual stamina of this project are truly astounding, especially in view of the young age of its participants. Considering the recent “wave” of excellent Israeli Prog releases, this is another most welcome addition to the local scene.
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  | SHLOMO GRONICH ~ COTTON CANDY (EXPANDED EDITION)
HED ARZI 64485 (Barcode: 7293372448591) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1981 - 1982 Released: 2004
3rd album. Recorded after Shlomo GronichFind albums by this artist returned from the US, where he studied composition, this is probably the best rock album ever recorded in Israel. Everything is perfect here - Gronich`s superb compositions and virtuoso keyboards and vocal performances, as well as the best possible team of musicians, including the best Israeli jazz musicians (especially the young Mordy FerberFind albums by this artist on guitar, who was to leave for the US soon and establish a brilliant career for himself there). The album has a strong fusion feel, but is basically firmly rooted in rock. Timeless!
| | | CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | SHLOMO GRONICH ~ LIVE
HED ARZI 14805 (Barcode: 7293372480522) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1980 Released: 1993
2nd album by Shlomo GronichFind albums by this artist. Although recorded live as a solo performance, parts of the album were later overdubbed in the studio with added brass. The album showcases Gronich`s brilliant compositions and clearly documents his development as a performer since his debut album. His unique approach to music making places him on the pioneering front of Israeli music.
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  | SHLOMO GRONICH ~ MOONLIGHT WALKER
NMC (ISRAEL) 463179 ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Solo album (recorded 1987-88) by the Israeli singer / songwriter and one of the pioneers of the local Prog scene. With strong backing by some of the best Israeli players and Gronuch`s excellent compositions, this is a worthwhile addition to his outstanding legacy. With age Gronich mellows a bit and his delivery is much more sattled, but the magic is still there.
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  | SHLOMO GRONICH ~ WHY DIDN`T YOU TELL ME? (EXPANDED EDITION)
PHONOKOL 046 (Barcode: 7296134004622) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1971 - 1972 Released: 2003
Shlomo GronichFind albums by this artist is considered by many the top Israeli composer and his work since the early 70s was always the cutting-edge of Israeli music. This is his first album recorded in 1971 and at the time it was way ahead of anything else that was happening on the local scene. Heavy psychedelic influences, especially on the title track. Now enhanced with never previously released material recorded in 1972 and in lavish packaging. An absolute must!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | SHEM TOV LEVY ~ IN THE MOOD (EXPANDED EDITION)
PHONOKOL 4257 (Barcode: 7296134425724) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1976 Released: 2008
1st album by Israeli flautist / pianist / composer Shem Tov LevyFind albums by this artist – finally released on CD 32 years after it was originally recorded. Levy was of course one of Israel’s best and most talented musicians at the time and a bold innovator, pushing the boundaries of early Israeli Rock, mostly in the Prog direction. After this brilliant debut album, Levy was to join forces with Shlomo GronichFind albums by this artist and Shlomo YdovFind albums by this artist to form the legendary No NamesFind albums by this artist, and soon after another legendary ensemble SheshetFind albums by this artist. Levy composed and arranged all the music on this album, which includes 4 vocal tracks and 5 instrumentals. He also wrote the lyrics for two of the vocal tracks. On the two other vocal tracks Levy used poems written by famous Israeli poets Lea GoldbergFind albums by this artist and Dalia RabikovitchFind albums by this artist, as was quite customary in Israeli Prog on the 1970s. The brilliant melodies, which Levy composed, are perhaps the only truly “Israeli” music written at the time, full of Jazzy chord changes, polyrhythmic pulsation and clever incorporation of Middle Eastern motifs. The instrumental performances are brilliant, as he used the best players on the local scene at the time, like guitarist Yitzhak KlepterFind albums by this artist (ChurchillsFind albums by this artist, KaveretFind albums by this artist), bassist Ehud IngerFind albums by this artist, drummer / guitarist Haim RomanoFind albums by this artist, drummer Meir IsraelFind albums by this artist and many others. His flute playing is absolutely mind-blowing of course. He also arranged the music for the string ensemble, used on some of the tracks. In retrospect, this is an extraordinary debut album, full of exquisite music and endless timeless gems and definitely on of the best albums recorded in Israel in the 1970s. This new editions adds four bonus tracks, all great examples of Levy’s superb talent as composer and arranger, including an extra-rare live recording of a live No Names performance, singing a medley of Beatles songs with a typical humorous twist. An absolute classic!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | THEY DON`T CARE ~ THEY DON`T CARE (EXPANDED EDITION)
PHONOKOL 4264 (Barcode: 7296134426424) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2009
The Israeli vocal trio They Don`t CareFind albums by this artist, founded in 1970 by singer / composer Matti CaspiFind albums by this artist and two of his colleagues, who served with him in an IDF entertainment unit, was the first exposure of Caspi´s extraordinary talents as a singer and especially so as a songwriter. Caspi wrote all (except one) the songs present on this, the trio´s only album, and they are all excellent, clearly pointing towards his future achievements. Therefore this album is often considered as Caspi´s debut recording, preceding the eponymous solo album which followed only three years later, after his cooperation with Shlomo GronichFind albums by this artist. This expanded edition adds some ultra-rare material previously unavailable on CD. This is a must to all Caspi fans and connoisseurs of early Israeli Pop / Rock / Prog from the 1970s.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ A DIFFERENT TUNE 1, 2 & 3
HED ARZI 15756 (Barcode: 7293372575624) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1975 - 1990 Released: 2000
This superb Box Set collects together the three volumes of the Israeli Prog compilation called "A Different TuneFind albums with this title", released separately over a period of two decades. These compilations contain some of the best and most daring music recorded in Israel over the years, which are examples of the incredible vitality of the local scene. Some of the material appears on albums released by the artists included here, but the compilations also include material never previously released commercially or released only as radio singles, etc. The scope is enormous and truly enlightening, especially for people less acquainted with Israeli Prog and Art Rock and therefore especially attractive as a comprehensive introduction to the scene. I recommend this Box Set wholeheartedly as it contains "pure musical gold" from start to finish and should appeal to any Prog fan around the world. For those familiar with the scene let me just throw in some names of the artists appearing here: No NamesFind albums by this artist, Fourteen OctavesFind albums by this artist, Shlomo GronichFind albums by this artist, Matti CaspiFind albums by this artist, Tuned ToneFind albums by this artist, Yoni RechterFind albums by this artist, Shem Tov LevyFind albums by this artist, Gidi GovFind albums by this artist and many, many more!
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 3 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Recommend To A Friend |
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