Record Reviews
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  | ARMAGEDDON ~ ARMAGEDDON
ESOTERIC 2150 (Barcode: 5013929725027) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1975 Released: 2009
Only album by the short-lived Prog / Hard Rock band ArmageddonFind albums by this artist formed by keyboardist / vocalist Keith RelfFind albums by this artist (founding member of YardbirdsFind albums by this artist and then RenaissanceFind albums by this artist), guitarist Martin Pugh (SteamhammerFind albums by this artist), bassist Louis Cennamo (Renaissance, Steamhammer) and US drummer Bobby Caldwell. With strong Prog / Blues / Rock background the group eventually opted for a heavy Hard Rock sound, which dominates this, their only album. The group folded shortly after the album was released, which was followed by Relf´s tragic death in 1976. The album is considered to be an iconic Hard Rock album, completely overlooked at the time, but now considered a classic. In retrospect it is definitely a milestone of the genre, emphasizing the saying: They don´t make music like that any more! For guitar freaks this is heaven on earth, but most Classic Rock fans should have a field day with this.
| | | CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | ERIC CLAPTON ~ ERIC CLAPTON (DELUXE EDITION)
POLYDOR 877849 (Barcode: 602498396070) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1969 - 1970 Released: 2006
I still remember very well holding this album in my hands for the first time. It was 1970 and Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist was God! Clapton’s brilliant career, which developed in the late 1960’s from YardbirdsFind albums by this artist via John MayallFind albums by this artist’s BluesbreakersFind albums by this artist via CreamFind albums by this artist and finally Blind FaithFind albums by this artist created one of the mightiest Rock legends in all times, namely a Guitar Superstar (rivaled only by Jimi HendrixFind albums by this artist).
Clapton’s debut album as a solo artist was probably one of the most anticipated albums in the history of Rock. As usual in such cases, when Clapton’s fans (which numbered in many millions around the world) got eventually to hear the album, their consternation had no limits. It is hard to imagine the scale of the metamorphosis that Clapton went through in just a few months (at least in the public eye), which led to this album. He tried to run away from the Guitar Superstar image with all his might and the album includes (almost) no guitar solos, surely nothing even near to his extravagantly long improvisations he used to perform (especially in Cream). Many fans were of course bitterly disappointed and dismissed the album as “Pop”.
The events that led to the album are as follows: During the 1969 Blind Faith US tour Clapton met Delaney BramlettFind albums by this artist and Bonnie BramlettFind albums by this artist, known as Delaney & BonieFind albums by this artist, who were their act openers. A close musical friendship developed between them and when the Blind Faith tour was over (and the group practically disbanded) Clapton joined the Bramletts’ group and toured with them. A brilliant live album was recorded in 1969 (“On Tour With Eric ClaptonFind albums with this title”) and when Clapton started the recording sessions for his first solo album he invited the Bramletts and their excellent band to serve as the backbone of his studio cast. The album was recorded in the late 1969 and early 1970 in the US and UK.
The result was a wonderful (and completely new) mixture of styles and genres, mostly rooted in American music, which included Blues, Gospel, Soul, Rhythm And Blues, Rock and Pop. This strange brew ;) worked exceptionally well and listening to this album without pre-conceptions is really great fun. Clapton delivers a lot of nice guitar licks (mostly in the background) and soulful vocals as well as a bunch of well-crafted songs (most were co-written with Delaney Bramlett). The supporting band is superb all the way and the result is a classic of the era. The new edition brings out a complete new mix of the album done by Delaney Bramlett, which is quite different from the originally released version mixed by the mighty Tom DowdFind albums by this artist, as well as a bunch of previously unreleased tracks. This is a splendid opportunity to find a space on your shelves for another classic.
| | Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | DEEP PURPLE ~ TURNING TO CRIME
EAR MUSIC 4029759157151 (Barcode: 4029759157151) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2021 Released: 2021
This is the 22nd studio album by the iconic British Rock / Prog band Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist and their first album dedicated entirely to covers of Classic Rock songs by such legends as Fleetwood MacFind albums by this artist, Bob DylanFind albums by this artist, YardbirdsFind albums by this artist, CreamFind albums by this artist and others. The lineup includes vocalist Ian GillanFind albums by this artist, guitarist Steve MorseFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Don AireyFind albums by this artist, bassist Roger GloverFind albums by this artist and drummer Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist. A few additional musicians appear on selected tracks. The album presents twelve tracks, the last of which is a medley of five songs, so altogether the album includes covers of sixteen songs.
The album, recorded during the Covid-19 pandemic, was put together by recording the five members of the band in separate studios and then pasted together by the band’s regular producer Bob EzrinFind albums by this artist, for whom this was the 4th DP album he produced.
Although Deep Purple created a plethora of great original songs during the fifty plus years of their existence, they were always superb interpreters of songs written by other songwriters, starting with their debut album. This album proves that they indeed are able to put new life into songs, which are mostly as old as the group, and that without damaging the original songs and often improving on them.
The instrumental abilities that come together on this album are absolutely convincing, which of course is no surprise to any music lover familiar with Deep Purple’s legacy, Gillan is still a mighty vocalist, losing just a bit of his upper range, which is all for the better. Sparkled with some British sense of humor and obvious love of the subject matter, they are simply unbeatable. Veterans, grandpas, dinosaurs and whatever they are called, they still easily kick the ass of any band half their age.
Overall, this is a superb Rock album, which combines tradition, great selection of material and sublime musicianship, which is way more than one dares to expect from any contemporary Rock music. The fans of the group need no convincing and the youngsters might just learn something from what it has to offer. Hats off are in order and hopefully see you all on stage one day soon, lads.
| | Updated: 05/08/2024Posted: 25/12/2021 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | DEREK AND THE DOMINOS ~ LAYLA AND OTHER ASSORTED LOVE SONGS (DELUXE EDITION)
POLYDOR 600753314296 (Barcode: 600753314296) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1970 - 1971 Released: 2011
I guess there´s not much left to say about this iconic album, considering the oceans of words already spilled on the subject. Post CreamFind albums by this artist / Blind FaithFind albums by this artist guitarist / vocalist Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist moved over the pond and embraced American music: Blues (which was always his primary love), Country and Rock And Roll. Playing with American musicians Clapton seemingly changed his approach from the highly improvisational, endless and incredibly loud solos he used to play with Cream, to concise, almost simplistic brief solo moments, lots of vocals and lots of melody. For some it was a "new" Clapton, but for people with keen hearing Clapton was still playing the Blues, same as he did in the YardbirdsFind albums by this artist years ago and same as he did with Cream, slightly disguised / Americanized but basically honest and consistent with his past. And then of course the presence of Duane AllmanFind albums by this artist, the legendary guitar hero of the Allman Brothers BandFind albums by this artist and Southern Rock in general, which turns this album into what it truly is – a conversation between two Giants, which in Rock happens only once in a blue moon. So what do we have here: nice but not sensational music, mostly Blues based, superb guitar playing, great support from a great rhythm section and a lot of Magic, which turns this into one of the greatest Rock albums of all times. Of course it could have never been repeated and even if Duane did not meet his Maker soon after, this kind of miracle happens only once, so let´s be happy with what we have. The additional CD includes some great previously unreleased material, some live / some studio, including the sessions for the second, never finished album and other goodies. Did I say essential? Hell YES!
| | Updated: 01/06/2018Posted: | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | LED ZEPPELIN ~ DVD
WARNER MUSIC VISION 70198 (Barcode: 603497019823) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1969 - 1979 Released: 2003
Considering the fact that this is the only available filmed document of the illustrious career by Led ZeppelinFind albums by this artist, the greatest rock band in history (other than their pseudo-documentary film The Song Remains The SameFind albums with this title), it immediately achieves a legendary status of the Holy Grail proportions. This double DVD set was compiled by Jimmy PageFind albums by this artist in 2003 and released as a companion to the 3 CD live set How The West Was WonFind albums with this title. Why did the fans of the band had to wait for so long for this magnificent music remains a mystery (probably having a lot to do with corporate music business bullshit), but better late than never seems to be appropriate here. Much better (than never) in fact, as this marvelous set presents over five hours of never previously seen archival material spanning the entire 11 years of the band’s existence: 1969-1979. The main feature of the first DVD is the legendary 1970 Royal Albert Hall concert, which features the band at the peak of their first musical phase (spanning the last days of Page with the YardbirdsFind albums by this artist, the formative days of Led Zeppelin and up to the release of their second album). Page demonstrates the absolute command of guitar and the revolutionary use of the bow to squeeze outlandish sound effects from the instrument. Robert PlantFind albums by this artist takes the vocal parts way beyond anything previously attempted and his jazz like staccato exchanges with Page are breathtaking. John BonhamFind albums by this artist provides a metronome and yet innovative rock solid rhythms and John Paul JonesFind albums by this artist uses the bass and organ to fill in the spaces, ornament and put the cheery on the cake. In short if I had to explain to a Martian what rock is all about I’d need little more that a copy of this DVD to go by. The second DVD features live performances from the 1970’s: 1973 Madison Square Garden, 1976 Earl’s Court and 1979 triumphant UK tour, which was sadly the last time the band played together before Bonham’s death the following year – each and every one a magnificent piece of musical history. In addition a collection of shorter clips, amateur footage and TV performances are also included. This stuff is truly bigger that life and the nonchalant title seems most appropriate in this case – probably the best way there is for anyone to spend his money on music.
| | | DVD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOHN MAYALL ~ BLUESBREAKERS WITH ERIC CLAPTON (DELUXE EDITION)
DECCA 984180 (Barcode: 602498418017) ~ UK ~ Blues
Recorded: 1965 - 1966 Released: 2006
2nd album by John MayallFind albums by this artist and his Bluesbreakers, which features Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist as the lead guitarist and sadly the only album they recorded together at the time. Of course this is the definitive white blues album of all times, with an incisive impact not only on Clapton’s stairway to the “Godly” status of Emperor of all guitar players, but also on the entire music scene, basically establishing the electric Blues (and later Blues / Rock) as the natural and legitimate next step from American-born acoustic blues. This album influenced (and still influences) generations of guitar players of all genres and changed the face of music probably more than any single album did beforehand. It is pretty ironic (at least in retrospect) that Clapton left the YardbirdsFind albums by this artist, accusing the band of becoming to “commercial” following the release of the “For Your Love” single (which by the way was quite revolutionary and groundbreaking as it is), to pursue a “pure” blues oriented music with Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, only to leave a few month later to form CreamFind albums by this artist, which became one of the most successful Rock bands in history. Life is full of surprises! Nevertheless during his stint with Mayall, Clapton managed single-handedly to shape the future of Rock, producing some of the most memorable sounds ever. Speaking of sound, Clapton’s US-made Gibson Les Paul combined with the British Marshall amplifiers produced a sound so unique that it was to be imitated by hordes of axe players around the world for decades. Of course Clapton’s feel for the blues is undeniable, and his interpretation of the twelve bar music form, mixed with his rock background, created an embryo of a new musical Hydra. Mayall was of course ecstatic to have Clapton in his band, only to be utterly devastated when Clapton announced his departure soon after this album was recorded. Fortunately Mayall soon recovered and followed suit with another guitar hero – Peter GreenFind albums by this artist. This (long overdue) edition of this groundbreaking album collects virtually absolutely everything Mayall and Clapton managed to record together. The First CD includes both the original mono mix of the album and the stereo mix, which was done only three years later (1969). The second CD includes a plethora of singles, outtakes, BBC sessions and live recordings, many of which see the light of day for the first time. I am not a great fun of the “If you had to select only one single album…” idea, but this one does come as close to the idea as it is humanly possible. If you don’t own this album, this probably is the greatest hole in your collection (not to mention your music education). Hopefully not for long.
| | | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | YARDBIRDS ~ BIRDLAND
FAVORED NATIONS 2280 (Barcode: 690897228023) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2003 Released: 2003
Forty years after The YardbirdsFind albums by this artist ruled the British Rhythm And Blues scene for a while and than splintered into several seminal Rock and Prog bands like Led ZeppelinFind albums by this artist, Jeff Beck GroupFind albums by this artist and RenaissanceFind albums by this artist, to mention just a few, here they are again alive and kicking. The original founding members Jim McCartyFind albums by this artist and Chris DrejaFind albums by this artist drafted three younger musicians: guitarist Gypie MayoFind albums by this artist, vocalist and bassist John IdanFind albums by this artist and harmonica player Alan GlenFind albums by this artist and reunited the Yardbirds to record this album, which includes several re-makes of classic Yardbirds material and a nice batch of new songs written by the band members. I´m usually skeptical about reunions, being right most of the time, this album however works amazingly well, as if time stood still (which is a good thing) for all these years and The Yardbirds never disbanded at all. Mayo plays some amazing guitar licks and easily joins the Yardbirds lead guitarists list (Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist, Jeff BeckFind albums by this artist & Jimmy PageFind albums by this artist), the songs smoke from start to finish and the entire album simply kicks ass. Some spectacular guest guitar players add solos as well: Jeff Beck, Steve VaiFind albums by this artist, Joe SatrianiFind albums by this artist, Brian MayFind albums by this artist and others. Definitely no regrets here – a must!
| | Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | YARDBIRDS ~ THE ULTIMATE LIVE AT THE BBC
REPERTOIRE 1464 (Barcode: 4009910146422) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1965 - 1968 Released: 2024
This is a 4CD Box Set, which collects all known live BBC recordings by the seminal British Rock group The YardbirdsFind albums by this artist, recorded between March 1965 and March 1968, presenting ninety tracks, twenty-eight of which are previously unreleased. As usual with BBC recordings, the sound quality (in most cases) is absolutely stunning, considering the equipment that existed at the time.
For some strange reason The Yardbirds seem to be almost completely forgotten these days, but considering the fact that during the first period of their existence between 1963 and 1968 they had among their ranks the three top British lead guitar players of all time: Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist, Jeff BeckFind albums by this artist and Jimmy PageFind albums by this artist and they were de facto the origin of Led ZeppelinFind albums by this artist. The lineup, which recorded the music on this Box Set, includes vocalist Keith RelfFind albums by this artist, drummer Jim McCartyFind albums by this artist, rhythm guitarist Chris DrejaFind albums by this artist, bassist Paul Samwell-SmithFind albums by this artist and Beck or Page on lead guitar. When Samwell-Smith quit in 1966, Dreja became the bassist and the group continued as a quartet. Clapton is not playing on any of the BBC recordings, despite the fact that some other releases claim the contrary.
Listening to the chronologically organized material is like watching a documentary, which explicitly explains how British Rock developed from the humble roots of copying American Blues and Rhythm And Blues, into a full-fledged British Rock, with exquisite new original material and way of expression, which influenced everything that happened in the years to come. The last track in this collection is no other than “Dazed And Confused”, which of course explains how things proceeded from where the first incarnation of The Yardbirds disbanded.
Overall, this is a brilliant piece of musical document, which deserves to be heard by every serious music lover, in order to comprehend how Rock music developed in UK. Although a large portion of these tracks were previously released already, it’s a neat way to have a complete collection in one Box Set. The package includes a booklet with historical notes, which sadly I find lacking the proper historical perspective, but they do offer a lot of details, which I find less interesting. It is a collector’s treasure trove by all means!
| | Updated: 23/08/2024Posted: 23/08/2024 | CD 4 Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
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