Record Reviews
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  | GRAHAM NASH ~ SONGS FOR BEGINNERS
ATLANTIC 081227977078 (Barcode: 081227977078) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1971 Released: 2011
This is the debut solo album by British singer / songwriter Graham NashFind albums by this artist, one of the 20th Century Classic Rock icons, who is still active today. After a glorious career in the UK as a member of the legendary group The HolliesFind albums by this artist, Nash moved to the USA to join David CrosbyFind albums by this artist and Stephen StillsFind albums by this artist (and later Neil YoungFind albums by this artist) to form one of the most influential Classic Rock bands in history: Crosby, Stills & NashFind albums by this artist (and Crosby, Stills, Nash & YoungFind albums by this artist). Nash was decisively the catalyst and bonding element of these bands, with his British Cultural background, lyricism and superb feel of vocal harmony, as well as his personal manners and attitude, which was often in complete contrast to his American partners.
This album was recorded in wake of the success of the CSN&Y debut album "Déjà VuFind albums with this title" released in 1970, which prompted all four members of the band to release solo albums, all of which were superb pieces of musical ingenuity. In retrospect, however, this album and David Crosby´s "If I Could Only Remember My NameFind albums with this title" stand out as icons of the era.
The album presents eleven original songs, all written (music and lyrics) by Nash, except for one which was co-written with the British guitarist Terry ReidFind albums by this artist, an old friend and partner. Nash is supported by a formidable team of musicians, which includes vocalist Rita CoolidgeFind albums by this artist, Jerry GarciaFind albums by this artist, David Crosby and Dave MasonFind albums by this artist on guitars, Neil Young on piano, Bobby KeysFind albums by this artist on saxophone, bassist Calvin SamuelsFind albums by this artist and Phil LeshFind albums by this artist, drummers John BarbataFind albums by this artist and Dallas TaylorFind albums by this artist and numerous others.
The songs exemplify not only his exceptional harmonic and melodic qualities but also his social awareness, which is strongly present in the fabric of the lyrics, many of which would become an integral part of the protest songs sung by the young generation in the early 1970s, when lyrics were meaningful and could move mountains.
In retrospect this album is one of the absolute top achievements of the Classic Rock era, and remains completely relevant today, not losing an iota of its splendor and power over time. Almost half a Century after this music was created, it is still fresh, moving and exceedingly beautiful.
How sad that nobody makes music like this any more…
| | Updated: 09/09/2018Posted: 09/09/2018 | CD 1 Remastered 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 |
  | TERRY REID ~ SEED OF MEMORY
EDSEL 425 (Barcode: 740155142520) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1976 Released: 1995
This is the 4th album by the extraordinary British singer Terry ReidFind albums by this artist, who is one of the most enigmatic and underrated artists of the era. His refusal to join Led ZeppelinFind albums by this artist as the band´s lead singer and later on again the refusal to replace Ian GillanFind albums by this artist in Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist are some of Rock´s most bizarre and legendary stories, both true of course. His unique voice, theatrical delivery and great sensibility were underappreciated and his recorded legacy is mostly completely unknown to most music fans, which is quite sad. This album features Reid´s own material and was recorded in the US with some incredible musicians supporting his. It was produced by Graham NashFind albums by this artist, who also sings vocal harmonies with Reid. In retrospect this is a little known gem, which deserves to be listened to. Highly recommended!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
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