Record Reviews
17 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | ARTHUR BROWN ~ MONSTER`S BALL
CLEOPATRA 2214 (Barcode: 889466221422) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2022 Released: 2022
At the remarkable age of eighty (he was born in 1942), British vocalist / songwriter / bandleader Arthur BrownFind albums by this artist still makes music more exciting than all the musicians, half or quarter his age, seem to be able to come up with these days. Amazingly, this is his second release in 2022 and the unstoppable energy and creativity knows no borders.
This time Brown abandons his usual formula of recording his own songs, and ventures into an insane world of covers of some Rock classics, all related to Halloween-like show about hell, fire, mayhem, monsters, zombies, etc., with a wink of course. The album presents thirteen (what else) songs, only three of which were penned by Brown, including a new version of his mega-hit “Fire” from 1968, but include also songs by CreamFind albums by this artist, Pink FloydFind albums by this artist and many other iconic Rock groups.
Brown is accompanied by an incredible gathering of Rock superstars: Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist, Steve HillageFind albums by this artist, Carmine AppiceFind albums by this artist, Brian AugerFind albums by this artist, to mention but a few, all veterans of the scene who still prove they can kick a butt or two. The music rocks and is a great fun to listen to from start to finish, despite the potentially disastrous “various artists” gathering, which often fails miserably. Obviously Brown’s personality and incredible vocal power and producer Alan DaveyFind albums by this artist’s skills simply worked out.
Overall, this is an incredibly entertaining Classic Rock production, which works like magic and is able to offer quality music in the good old Rock idiom, which is almost completely absent from the scene these days. I really hope to be in Brown’s form when I get to be his age and in the meantime I can only recommend this great album to all of us geriatric people, who are the last survivors able to tell good music from trash.
| | Updated: 09/01/2023Posted: 09/01/2023 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | CAMEL ~ I CAN SEE YOUR HOUSE FROM HERE (EXPANDED EDITION)
ESOTERIC 2158 (Barcode: 5013929725829) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1979 Released: 2009
8th album by British Prog legends CamelFind albums by this artist, which marks a transition period in the band´s history, which followed a five years of personnel stability and incredibly productive output, as documented by their albums released during that period. Following the departure of founding member / keyboardist Peter BardensFind albums by this artist soon after recording this album´s predecessor – "BreathlessFind albums with this title" – the remaining two founding members: guitarist Andy LatimerFind albums by this artist and drummer Andy WardFind albums by this artist recruited three new members to complete the new lineup: bass player Colin BassFind albums by this artist (Steve HillageFind albums by this artist), keyboardist Jan SchelhaasFind albums by this artist (CaravanFind albums by this artist) and American keyboardist Kit WatkinsFind albums by this artist (Happy The ManFind albums by this artist). The new quintet lineup recorded this album, with a guest appearance by Phil CollinsFind albums by this artist (GenesisFind albums by this artist) on one track. As to the music included on the album; although more consistent and ambitious than it´s predecessor, at the time of its release it was considered both by the band´s fans and critics as disappointing and way too "commercial" in comparison to the band´s earlier efforts. In retrospect, although different indeed, it still preserves an incredibly high musical standard and integrity, both on the compositional and performance level, and suggests that it was rather the fans, who disliked change, then the band, which propagated change, which caused the fracture. There is no doubt that this album belongs to the proud heritage of music left to us by one of the best British Prog bands in the genre´s history. Recommended!
| | | CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | EGG ~ THE CIVIL SURFACE
ESOTERIC 2003 (Barcode: 5013929710320) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1974 Released: 2007
3rd and last album by the brilliant British trio EggFind albums by this artist, which comprised of keyboardist Dave StewartFind albums by this artist, bassist Mont CampbellFind albums by this artist and drummer Clive BrooksFind albums by this artist, recorded almost three years after the group disbanded following the release of their previous album. Unfortunately the reunion proved to be short lived, and this was to be their last recording together. Egg was an archetypal representative of the Canterbury scene and their sound, dominated by Stewart´s keyboards, is one of the genre´s most recognizable aural icons. In between recording the second and this, the third album with Egg, Stewart played keyboards with Hatfield And The NorthFind albums by this artist, another seminal Canterbury band, contributing his incredible talent to the success of that ensemble. The album is a superb example of the Canterbury essence – strange haunting melodies, quirky rhythmic patterns and incredible virtuosic instrumental performances, spiced on top with a good measure of British humor. There is not one weak moment here from start to finish and the music stand its ground honorably, in complete disregard to the time passing by. A few notable guest musicians take part in the recording, including members of Henry CowFind albums by this artist (fellow VirginFind albums on this label label recording artists at the time) and guitarist Steve HillageFind albums by this artist. This album is an absolute must to every Canterbury fan!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HILLAGE ~ FISH RISING
VIRGIN 2031 ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
1st album from 1975. After leaving Gong, where he played on the entire `Radio Gnome Invisible` trilogy, Hillage recorded this excellent debut album with some of his ex-Gong cohots participating, but adding the great Dave Stewart and even Lindsay Cooper (from Henry Cow), to create a much more sophistcated sound and instrumentation. The material consists mothly of 3 long (2 over 14 minutes) suites and a few shorter pieces. In retrospect this album mamages to keep at it`s extraordinary qualities well and is still fresh and exciting.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HILLAGE ~ FISH RISING (EXPANDED EDITION)
VIRGIN 373415 (Barcode: 094637341520) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1974 - 1975 Released: 2007
1st album recorded while Steve HillageFind albums by this artist was still a member of GongFind albums by this artist. After recording with Gong the entire “Radio Gnome Invisible” trilogy, Hillage decided it was time to start a solo career, where his music would be featured more prominently, with this album being the first step in that direction. In Gong Hillage met his life-long partner Miquette GiraudyFind albums by this artist, who would become his musical collaborator and they both composed all the music and the entire concept of this album. Most of his Gong cohorts participate, but Hillage added the great Dave StewartFind albums by this artist on keyboards and Lindsay CooperFind albums by this artist (from Henry CowFind albums by this artist) on bassoon, to create a much more sophisticated sound and instrumentation. The material consists mostly of 3 long (2 over 14 minutes) suites and a few shorter pieces. The overall sound and style of the album is still very much Gong related / influenced and can be considered as another Gong off-shot project (which many Gong fans do), but Hillage’s individuality is certainly already present and it will come to full fruition starting with the next album. In retrospect this album manages to keep at its extraordinary qualities well and is still fresh and exciting, adding another Canterbury classic album to the list.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HILLAGE ~ L (EXPANDED EDITION)
VIRGIN 373419 (Barcode: 094637341926) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1976 Released: 2007
2nd album by Steve HillageFind albums by this artist and his most (commercially) successful release ever. In contrast to the debut album, which was recorded while Hillage and his partner Miquette GiraudyFind albums by this artist were still members of GongFind albums by this artist and included strong similarities to Gong material, this album was quite a different affair. Hillage used his record label’s connections to establish contact with US musician / producer Todd RundgrenFind albums by this artist, who agreed to produce this album. Hillage and Giraudy left for the US, where this album was recorded and produced by Rundgren, with members of Rundgren’s band UtopiaFind albums by this artist serving as the backing band. The material includes both original material by Hillage / Giraudy and a few covers of what Hillage describes as “his favorite songs at the time” (including a great version of DonovanFind albums by this artist’s “Hurdy Gurdy Man”). The album stands the test of time fabulously and is a great example of both Hillage’s strength as a composer and a guitarist. One more point of interest is the participation of the great jazz trumpet player Don CherryFind albums by this artist, who adds an interesting coloring to the album’s atmosphere. A classic by all means!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HILLAGE ~ LIVE HERALD (EXPANDED EDITION)
VIRGIN 373440 (Barcode: 094637344026) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1977 - 1978 Released: 2007
5th album by the legendary guitarist Steve HillageFind albums by this artist and the only live document of his music during the early period of his solo career. Recorded during a period of 18 months when Hillage and his band (three different band lineups are featured) performed frantically all over the world in support of his excellent solo albums, this material was initially released as a double LP. The first 3 sides of the album included live material and the fourth side included new studio material. For the CD reissue the 3 live sides were combined into a single CD (now with bonus live material previously unreleased) and the studio material was moved as bonus tracks of the next album (OpenFind albums with this title), where it rightfully belongs. Hillage composed almost all the music on the album with his life-long musical companion and synthesizer pioneer Miquette GiraudyFind albums by this artist, whom Hillage befriended during his GongFind albums by this artist days. The sound of the band is often quite similar to Gong’s familiar mixture of psychedelic Space-Rock and early ambient influences (which would later develop as Hillage’s main interest) are also quite evident. In retrospect this is quite visionary music, foretelling by almost 20 years the ambient explosion of the late 1990’s. There is a lot happening (musically) here, which means this stuff requires attentive listening to truly comprehend its complexity. This is an important historical document, which sheds a lot of light on the music scene of the late 1970’s, which existed in parallel to the punk dominated mainstream.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HILLAGE ~ MOTIVATION RADIO (EXPANDED EDITION)
VIRGIN 373425 (Barcode: 094637342527) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1977 Released: 2007
3rd album by Steve HillageFind albums by this artist also recorded (same as its predecessor) in the US. Hillage was trying to expand the scope of his music beyond the Prog and Canterbury genres he was associated with and to include other elements, especially Funk, which he found interesting at the time. He approached the legendary producer Malcolm CecilFind albums by this artist (producer of FunkadelicFind albums by this artist) who agreed to produce the album. The resulting music is much lighter and funkier that the previous albums, bearing less Psychedelic elements. Steve is the main soloist and his guitar playing on this album is definitely some of his finest ever. Miquette GiraudyFind albums by this artist adds some tasty spacey keyboards and the rhythm section provides a strong steady basis for Hillage’s extended guitar outings. Steve’s compositions are also particularly strong here and the album stands the test of time fabulously. Definitely a classic and a must for all Hillage fans.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HILLAGE ~ OPEN (EXPANDED EDITION)
VIRGIN 373459 (Barcode: 094637345924) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1979 Released: 2007
7th album by Steve HillageFind albums by this artist in less than 5 years and the third one originally released in 1979 – a very busy year for him. As already mentioned (see Live HeraldFind albums with this title) the album opens with four studio tracks originally included as side 4 of the Live Herald album and then continues with the tracks recorded a few months later as the original OpenFind albums with this title album. As usual most of the music was written by Hillage and his partner Miquette GiraudyFind albums by this artist, with just one cover of a BeatlesFind albums by this artist song and a most surprising instrumental track based on a song by the legendary Egyptian singer Oum KalsoumFind albums by this artist. This proves that Hillage was looking everywhere for inspiration and his openness to music outside the strict rock circles was always obvious. Just two months after the album was released the Steve Hillage band would play a couple of farewell concerts and disband and it would be three years until the next Hillage album would be released. The album stands the test of time beautifully and the remaster upgrades the sound considerably, so this is another must for SH fans.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HILLAGE ~ RAINBOW DOME MUSICK (EXPANDED EDITION)
VIRGIN 373458 (Barcode: 094637345825) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1979 Released: 2007
6th album by Steve HillageFind albums by this artist, which was really an off-shot project from his “normal” sequence of solo albums, as it was recorded to serve as background music for a special event staged in London in April of 1979 – the “Mind And Body Festival”. As part of the festival’s preparations a special dome was erected, called the Rainbow Dome, as it presented the visitor / spectator with special light effects. The festival’s organizers contacted Hillage with their plans and he immediately agreed to write the music, which would be played continuously in the Rainbow Dome. Hillage and his partner Miquette GiraudyFind albums by this artist quickly assembled an ambient soundtrack for the project and the music was released to coincide with the festival’s opening. The music is a beautiful example of early ambient composition, executed with deep sensibility and grace. It was to be an extremely influential piece of music, which would be often cited by members of the young generation of composers of ambient music some two decades later as one of their main influences. Hillage and Giraudy themselves changed their main musical activity to ambient and electronic music in the later days of their career, still being active today as System 7Find albums by this artist. A classic!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | KHAN ~ SPACE SHANTY
ESOTERIC 2046 (Barcode: 5013929714625) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1972 Released: 2008
Only album recorded by the short-lived Canterbury group KhanFind albums by this artist, which was fronted by guitarist Steve HillageFind albums by this artist and included keyboardist Dave StewartFind albums by this artist (who was a member of EggFind albums by this artist, another Canterbury group, at the time), bassist Nick GreenwoodFind albums by this artist and drummer Eric PeacheyFind albums by this artist, which turned out to be the first major exposure of Hillage´s considerable talents as a guitarist and composer. Later on Hillage joined GongFind albums by this artist and then released a series of excellent solo albums, but here he unveils his superb guitar work for the first time, playing a series of tunes he composed. The music is typical Canterbury mixture of Rock, Jazz and Psychedelic influences, beautifully executed and full of wit and inspiration. Stewart´s keyboards work is excellent as always and the entire album retains its original charm untouched by the passing time. The album was one of the most sought after collectors´ items for many years until reissued on CD and is considered a classic Canterbury release. A must to all Canterbury fans!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
|
