Record Reviews

ALMENDRA ~ ALMENDRA SONY BMG 738668 (Barcode: 886973866825) ~ ARGENTINA ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1969 Released: 2008 This is the 1st album by the great Argentinean proto-Prog group AlmendraFind albums by this artist, the first "true" Rock group in the country, which together with groups like Los GatosFind albums by this artist, ManalFind albums by this artist and Vox DeiFind albums by this artist pioneered the genre in their country. The group was fronted by the charismatic and highly talented vocalist / guitarist / songwriter Luis Alberto SpinettaFind albums by this artist and also included guitarist Edelmiro MolinariFind albums by this artist (who later founded another great group Color HumanoFind albums by this artist), bassist Emilio Del GuercioFind albums by this artist and drummer Rodolfo GarciaFind albums by this artist (the last two later founded the great group AquelarreFind albums by this artist). They played a beautiful mixture of sophisticated Rock, Psychedelia and lyricism, supported by poetic lyrics written by Spinetta, which at the time were in complete contrast to the banality which ruled Pop music. Forty years later this album is still considered a masterpiece and in retrospect this truly charming music lost nothing of its beauty and appeal over the years and is definitely worthy of an honorable place in any serious Prog collection.

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

ALMENDRA ~ ALMENDRA 2 SONY BMG 738985 (Barcode: 886973898529) ~ ARGENTINA ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1970 Released: 2008 This is the 2nd and last album by the great Argentinean proto-Prog group AlmendraFind albums by this artist, the first "true" Rock group in the country, which together with groups like Los GatosFind albums by this artist, ManalFind albums by this artist and Vox DeiFind albums by this artist pioneered the genre in their country. The group was fronted by the charismatic and highly talented vocalist / guitarist / songwriter Luis Alberto SpinettaFind albums by this artist and also included guitarist Edelmiro MolinariFind albums by this artist (who later founded another great group Color HumanoFind albums by this artist), bassist Emilio Del GuercioFind albums by this artist and drummer Rodolfo GarciaFind albums by this artist (the last two later founded the great group AquelarreFind albums by this artist). They played a beautiful mixture of sophisticated Rock, Psychedelia and lyricism, supported by poetic lyrics written by Spinetta, which at the time were in complete contrast to the banality which ruled Pop music. Originally released as a double LP, this album was much more progressive than the debut and forty years later is still considered a masterpiece and in retrospect this truly charming music lost nothing of its beauty and appeal over the years and is definitely worthy of an honorable place in any serious Prog collection.

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

VOX DEI ~ LA BIBLIA (EXPANDED EDITION) DISC JOCKEY 19001 (Barcode: 709735900127) ~ ARGENTINA ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1971 Released: 2005 This is the 2nd album by the great Argentinean Prog group Vox DeiFind albums by this artist, the first ever concept album in the Spanish language and one of the masterpieces of early South American Prog. Based (as the title suggests) on the Biblical story (similar to other concept albums on that subject) it presents an apocalyptic tale of the world. The music is truly exceptional as are the instrumental parts, especially the guitar solos. At the time of recording this album, which was a double vinyl LP, the group was a quartet, with lead guitarist / violinist / vocalists Ricardo SouleFind albums by this artist, bassist Willie QuirogaFind albums by this artist, drummer Ruben BasoaltoFind albums by this artist and rhythm guitarist Juan Carlos GodoyFind albums by this artist, who left the group after this album was recorded, leaving them as a trio. Some of the tracks on the album include orchestral arrangements. This expanded edition adds to the original album a plethora of additional tracks from the album´s sessions and some live performances. An absolute Prog classic!

CD 2 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend