Record Reviews

JEFF BECK ~ BECK-OLA (EXPANDED EDITION) EMI 578750 (Barcode: 724357875028) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1969 Released: 2004 This is the 2nd and last album by the group formed by guitarist Jeff BeckFind albums by this artist soon after leaving The YardbirdsFind albums by this artist. Combining forces with vocalist Rod StewartFind albums by this artist, pianist Nicky HopkinsFind albums by this artist, bassist Ron WoodFind albums by this artist and drummer Tony NewmanFind albums by this artist, Beck´s group was every bit a supergroup as the other ensembles led by ex-Yardbirds guitarists: CreamFind albums by this artist (with Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist) and Led ZeppelinFind albums by this artist (with Jimmy PageFind albums by this artist). Absolutely brilliant from start to finish, with exceptional performances by Beck and Stewart, combining raw energies and great talent, this is a masterpiece of the era. This album includes some originals as well as superb arrangements of classic blues songs and other no less inspiring material pays off in this case. The sound is even heavier than on the debut album. This is classic Rock with an early definition of what "Hard Rock" will sound like a few years later and altogether is just one hell of a kick to listen to after all these years. This edition provides a much better sound quality and a plethora of bonus track, which were previously impossible to find. Not to be missed!

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

MAY BLITZ ~ MAY BLITZ / THE 2ND OF MAY BGO 153 (Barcode: 5017261201539) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1970 - 1971 Released: 1992 1st and 2nd albums by UK trio May BlitzFind albums by this artist, led by drummer Tony NewmanFind albums by this artist with singer / guitarist James BlackFind albums by this artist and bassist Reid HudsonFind albums by this artist, which appeared briefly on the scene in the early 1970s and disappeared without a trace after releasing these two albums. The albums are remembered chiefly for the fact that both were released on the legendary VertigoFind albums on this label label and in time became highly sought after collector´s items, but the music is also quite excellent, with many proto-Prog elements and early Heavy Rock characteristics, good songwriting (all original material) and solid instrumental work. In fact it is rather surprising, in retrospect, that the group did not become a popular act, as they have all the potential to do so, continuing the "power trio" tradition of CreamFind albums by this artist and many other vastly more successful groups. Of the three group´s members, Newman (who was already a veteran and previously member of the Sounds IncorporatedFind albums by this artist and Jeff BeckFind albums by this artist´s group, continued to reappear on the many recordings made throughout the 1970s. The other two simply vanished from the scene. In retrospect, these two albums are still very much worth investigating, especially for early Prog fans.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend