Record Reviews

STILLS & COLLINS ~ EVERYBODY KNOWS SONY 190758010625 (Barcode: 190758010625) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 2017 Released: 2018 This is a sensational album by two of the American Folk / Rock icons: vocalist / guitarist / songwriter Stephen StillsFind albums by this artist (born 1945) and vocalist / songwriter Judy CollinsFind albums by this artist (born 1939), making an album together for the first time, which is hard to believe but true. They are accompanied by organist Russell WaldenFind albums by this artist, bassist Kevin McCormickFind albums by this artist and drummer Tony BeardFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten exquisite songs, three by Stills, two by Collins and five (one each) by other Pop / Rock icons: George HarrisonFind albums by this artist, Leonard CohenFind albums by this artist, Tim HardinFind albums by this artist, Bob DylanFind albums by this artist and Sandy DannyFind albums by this artist. The music is everything one might expect from these two legends – wonderfully melodic, mostly melancholic and low key, full of brilliant harmonies and accompanied by elegant instrumental work, which is simply perfect for this kind of atmosphere. The arrangements of the five songs, which most music lovers are familiar with in their original versions is fresh, intelligent and truly inspired. Both Stills and Collins sound surprisingly fresh and clear, as if untouched by the tides of time, and Stills delivers some sweet solo guitar work, which remains unparalleled. The closing track of the album sounds as strong as the best work of Crosby, Stills & NashFind albums by this artist, but the entire album is completely coherent and absolutely top notch both vocally and instrumentally. Although "instant classic" is a much overused term these days, if any album deserves to be called that – this is the one. Could have been (or perhaps should have been) recorded in the 1960s, but here and now, fifty years later, it is definitely better late than never! A complete unadulterated delight from start to finish!

Updated: 01/04/2018Posted: 01/04/2018

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

ROBIN TROWER ~ THE COMPLETE ATLANTIC RECORDINGS WOUNDED BIRD 6033 (Barcode: 664140603325) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 1988 - 1990 Released: 2020 This is a 2CD reissue of the 11th and 12th solo studio albums by the legendary British Rock guitarist / songwriter Robin TrowerFind albums by this artist, released on AtlanticFind albums on this label Records in 1988 and 1990 respectively. CD1 is the album “Take What You NeedFind albums with this title”, which was recorded in a quartet setting with vocalist Davey PattisonFind albums by this artist, bassist Dave BronzeFind albums by this artist and drummer Pete ThompsonFind albums by this artist. It presents nine tracks, all written by Trower or co-written with Bronze. This edition adds one bonus track, which is a live version of one of the original album tracks. CD2 is the album “In The Line Of FireFind albums with this title”, which was recorded in a quintet setting with vocalist Davey Pattison, keyboardist Bobby MayoFind albums by this artist, bassist John ReaganFind albums by this artist and drummer Tony BeardFind albums by this artist. It presents eleven tracks, most written or co-written by Trower, with two originating from other sources. Two tracks feature lyrics by Keith ReidFind albums by this artist, Trower’s Procol HarumFind albums by this artist cohort. Following his departure from the iconic Procol Harum, Trower pursues a solo career since 1973, with dozens of albums to his credit. He manages miraculously to stick to his own formula of creative Blues-Rock, which he follows in the sixth decade of his career. His guitar playing is still sharp and clear-cut and his vocals are still as powerful as always, and he does not need to reinvent himself or search for any new avenues, doing what he does best. His many fans love his music, and that’s what matters the most. There are very few Rock personalities of his statue and legacy still standing today and every new album he releases is an unmistakable blast, on which he definitely takes, as usual, no prisoners. Overall, these are excellent Blues-Rock albums, with beautifully melodic tunes, solid vocals and sensational guitar playing, which has but a few contenders. The reissue is a most welcomed opportunity to grab a copy of the them. Trower’s many followers need no encouragement of course and some of the self-proclaimed new guitar aces would be wise to take a listen. Brilliant stuff!

Updated: 09/12/2023Posted: 20/10/2023

CD 2 Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend