Record Reviews
26 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | STRAWBS ~ STRAWBS (EXPANDED EDITION)
A&M 5302679 (Barcode: 600753026793) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2008
2nd album by the legendary UK Folk-Rock group StrawbsFind albums by this artist, although officially often referred to as their first album, as the first recordings with Sandy DennyFind albums by this artist remained unreleased until much after this album was released. Led by Dave CousinsFind albums by this artist, who is still in the helm 40 years later enjoying the renewed interest in the band, Strawbs were definitely one of the most successful and brilliant UK Folk-Rock outfits. In various stages of their career they would explore other avenues, getting closer to Rock and Pop, but they always remained faithful to the Folk tradition, which is their core inspiration. Cousins, a remarkable singer, guitarist and songwriter, was also a hardened bandleader and his personality is the key for the band´s ability to keep going for four decades. This album, which was the 1st they recorded for the UK branch of the US A&MFind albums on this label label, is a brilliant collection of songs, all written by Cousins. The group was a trio at the time (Cousins with Tony HooperFind albums by this artist and Ron ChestermanFind albums by this artist), but many studio musicians support the band, and the superb arrangements and brilliant production by Tony ViscontiFind albums by this artist make it an everlasting masterpiece of the genre. I have no idea how this piece of music history remained unreleased on CD until now, but once out this is a must buy for all Strawbs and Folk-Rock enthusiasts. Brilliant stuff!
| | Updated: 29/01/2019Posted: | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | STRAWBS ~ DRAGONFLY (EXPANDED EDITION)
A&M 5302680 (Barcode: 600753026809) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2008
3rd album by the legendary UK Folk-Rock group StrawbsFind albums by this artist led by Dave CousinsFind albums by this artist, who is still in the helm 40 years later enjoying the renewed interest in the band, Strawbs were definitely one of the most successful and brilliant UK Folk-Rock outfits. This album, recorded in the shadow of the previous eponymous release, which was lavishly (and expensively) produced, is much more straightforward instrumentally, but it does feature the first appearance of the legendary keyboards player Rick WakemanFind albums by this artist, who was soon after to become a regular Strawbs band member. The groups also expanded by adding to the original trio the cellist Claire DenizFind albums by this artist. Cousins, as usual, wrote the bulk of the material, with Tony HooperFind albums by this artist contributing one of his own tunes and co-composing another. The album includes the first (of many) epic tracks Strawbs were to record later on, the almost 11 minutes long "The Vision Of The Lady In The Lake". In spite of the modest production, this is a brilliant album and a prime example of Folk-Rock at its best, which makes the fact that it remained unreleased on CD until now a complete folly. High time to grab it now!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | STRAWBS ~ NOMADNESS (EXPANDED EDITION)
A&M 5302822 (Barcode: 600753028223) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1975 Released: 2008
10th album by the legendary UK Folk-Rock group StrawbsFind albums by this artist led by Dave CousinsFind albums by this artist, who is still in the helm 40 years later enjoying the renewed interest in the band, Strawbs were definitely one of the most successful and brilliant UK Folk-Rock outfits. This album was the last of the albums released by the A&MFind albums on this label label and marks a certain attempt to produce music, which is less complex and more accessible. There are no epic tracks here, but the material is very strong, written, as usual, mostly by Cousins, with a couple tracks by other band members. The band at the time of the recording was a quartet, with Cousins, Dave LambertFind albums by this artist, Chas CronkFind albums by this artist and Rod CoombesFind albums by this artist, but many famous musician friends participate in the recording, including keyboardists Rick WakemanFind albums by this artist and Tommy EyreFind albums by this artist. In retrospect this is still an extremely solid release, which makes the fact that it remained unreleased on CD until now a complete folly. High time to grab it now!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | STRAWBS ~ HERO AND HEROINE
A&M 540935 ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
8th album from 1974. After more personal changes and with new guitarist (Dave Lambert) and keyboards player (John Hawken) the Strawbs had their stronges line-up ever, as well documented by this masterpiece. Well crafted songs and great playing are consistent here without exception. Many Strawbs fans consider this to be their best album.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | STRAWBS ~ BURSTING AT THE SEAMS (EXPANDED EDITION)
A&M 540936 (Barcode: 731454093620) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1973 Released: 1998
7th album. This was the group`s most commercially successful album and features their hit `Part Of The Union`. StrawbsFind albums by this artist were at the top of their popularity at that time, which led to extensive touring. However, soon after most of the players on this one left the group, which forced Dave CousinsFind albums by this artist to rebuild it almost from scratch, which he did well as documented by the next release.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | STRAWBS ~ GHOSTS
A&M 540937 ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
9th album from 1975. This albums marks the decline in their popularity and although as solid as anything else they recorded previously, was a commercial failure, as were all their following albums. Thre is a lot of great music here, as usual, and for a Strawbs fan this is a great addition to the music library.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | STRAWBS ~ JUST A COLLECTION OF ANTIQUES AND CURIOS (EXPANDED EDITION)
A&M 540938 (Barcode: 731454093828) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1970 Released: 1998
4th album. StrawbsFind albums by this artist formed in 1967 as a folk group led by Dave CousinsFind albums by this artist, but by the time this live record was recorded they moved into the Prog genre. With new member Rick WakemanFind albums by this artist, they became one of the best outfits on the scene and released a long series of magnificent albums. Always related to the English folk tradition, their flavor of Prog was gentle and sophisticated, with meaningful lyrics.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | STRAWBS ~ FROM THE WITCHWOOD
A&M 540939 (Barcode: 731454093927) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1971 Released: 1998
5th album by StrawbsFind albums by this artist and the first to feature Rick WakemanFind albums by this artist as a full band member. The transition from the folky roots to the new rocky sound is even more evident here and the group seems to acheive a perfect ballance of both. Usual mix of well crafted songs and delicate arrangements creates an enchanted atmosphere. Pure delight!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | SUPERTRAMP ~ BREAKFAST IN AMERICA (DELUXE EDITION)
A&M 600753304389 (Barcode: 600753304389) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1979 Released: 2010
This is probably the last truly great classic Rock album, which not only closes the 1970s but if fact (and in retrospect) the entire Rock era. Everything recorded after this album would be more or less a lame imitation of the glorious past. It was also the 6th album by British group SupertrampFind albums by this artist, and definitely their most perfectly crafted piece of music. With strong ties to Progressive Rock, Supertramp´s music was always beyond straight-forward Rock and (again in retrospect) that added value makes it sound so great 30+ years later. This newly remastered edition adds a whole second CD of live performances by the group, none of which were included on the live album "ParisFind albums with this title", which was released, following this one, at the time. Absolute classic stuff!
| | | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | T. REX ~ T. REX (DELUXE EDITION)
A&M 600753473221 (Barcode: 600753473221) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2014
This is the debut album by the British group T. RexFind albums by this artist, which in fact is a second incarnation of the duo Tyrannosaurus RexFind albums by this artist, founded by singer / guitarist / songwriter / poet Marc BolanFind albums by this artist. Initially it included only Bolan´s partner from Tyrannosaurus Rex, Mickey FinnFind albums by this artist, but was later expanded to a quartet. This edition of the album includes a plethora of bonus tracks, including radio broadcasts, home recorded demos and alternate takes of the album tracks and more than triples the playing time of the original album.
The music on this album presents the transformation of the group from its almost anarchistic roots of Psychedelia, poetic suites with complex verses and lots of weirdness into a wide audience oriented sleek hits producing machine and fashion setting Glam act, which the group was to become in its immediate future. Although the album itself does not include any hits, the bonus tracks include the first hit single, which brought T. Rex (almost) to the top, "Ride A White Swan", which reached number two on the British charts. From now on everything was a rollercoaster with Bolan at the steering wheel, writing all the music and the lyrics. He managed to stay at the centre of attention right up to his tragic and unnecessary death in 1977.
Bolan´s friendship with David BowieFind albums by this artist and their occasional musical cooperation was not incidental. They both shared a love of the eccentric and both were trend setters. Bolan and Bowie also shared their manager (Tony HowardFind albums by this artist) and producer (Tony ViscontiFind albums by this artist) which made things easier. Bolan was among the first British stars to expand the usual Rock appearance with the vaudeville tradition, wearing colorful, often outrageous garments and using heavy makeup, similar to what Bowie and slightly later Elton JohnFind albums by this artist would also do as part of their act. Therefore he is often credited with the initiation of Glam Rock movement, which later on contributed also to the formation of the Punk culture, as means of protest against the glittering decadence.
Musically this album is a bit weaker that the four Tyrannosaurus Rex albums, which were completely innovative and uncensored, taking the listener by complete surprise if not giving him a shock treatment. The slicker production tricks, overdubs and improved vocals made everything definitely easier to swallow but at the same time much of the magic was lost in the process. On the other hand the songs themselves don´t have the zest and catchiness which was part of the later material. As stated earlier, a transitional album, which is a historic document more than it is a source of musical delights, but certainly worth revisiting.
| | | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | TYRANNOSAURUS REX ~ A BEARD OF STARS (DELUXE EDITION)
A&M 600753473290 (Barcode: 600753473290) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2014
This is the fourth and last album by the British duo Tyrannosaurus RexFind albums by this artist, founded by singer / guitarist / songwriter Marc BolanFind albums by this artist after his previous band called John`s ChildrenFind albums by this artist collapsed. The duo, which included Bolan and percussionist Steve Peregrin TookFind albums by this artist, recorded the three earlier albums, and Took was later replaced by Mickey FinnFind albums by this artist, who appears on this album. This edition of the album includes a plethora of bonus tracks, including radio broadcasts, home recorded demos and alternate takes of the album tracks and more than triples the playing time of the original album.
The music of Tyrannosaurus Rex was a strange amalgam of Folk, Psychedelia, Avant-Garde and Rock, completely outlandish and different from almost anything else on the British scene at the time. Bolan, who had one of the prettiest faces among his musical peers, which resulted eventually in his idol status among the young ladies of the time, was also blessed with probably the most appalling voice, which could wake dead listeners and sounded off tune at all times. And yet, as the saying goes, that peculiar voice was so ugly it became beautiful.
On this album the music is slightly more accessible that the earlier material, with extensive usage of electric guitar, which also sounds quite weird by the way, and more Rocky rhythms, resulting in more listeners getting interested in the group´s music, which would later turn into a raging success, after Bolan changed the name of the group to T. RexFind albums by this artist and released several highly successful albums in the early 1970s, which pioneered Glam Rock and even Punk to some extent.
The Tyrannosaurus Rex recordings are a wonderful example of the times they were recorded in, when Major record labels recorded completely non-commercial material and supported the artists all the way. The freedom of artistic expression was never in better shape and sadly disappeared soon after when the corporate management methods started to call the shots.
In retrospect this was a musical experiment more than anything else. Regardless of the actual musical value of this music, its historical importance signifies open-mindedness, experimentation and courage to express your ideas, all the qualities that contemporary music lacks so badly.
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | TYRANNOSAURUS REX ~ PROPHETS, SEERS & SAGES THE ANGELS OF THE AGES (DELUXE EDITION)
A&M 600753538234 (Barcode: 600753538234) ~ UK ~ Pop & Rock
Recorded: 1968 Released: 2014
This is the second album by the British duo Tyrannosaurus RexFind albums by this artist, founded and led by singer / guitarist / songwriter / poet Marc BolanFind albums by this artist, which also included percussionist Steve Peregrin TookFind albums by this artist. Bolan was one of Britain´s most idiosyncratic and prophetic Pop stars and his short stay on this earth (he died tragically in a car accident a couple of weeks before his thirtieth birthday) was comparable to a comet passing us by.
Released just a few months after the debut, this album is a natural continuation of the stylistic and aesthetic approach initiated there, but in many respects it offers a more focused, better recorded and certainly better written material. Bolan´s unique voice and the duo´s unprecedented delivery has crystallized with this second outing, eliminating the "one hit wonder" status that many music critics tried to apply to the duo with the release of their debut.
Both musically and textually the duo´s material remains completely unconventional and uncompromising, as appropriate for true Avant-Garde. A mixture of Folk, Psychedelia and Bolan´s weirdness, the music is dissimilar from anything happening at the time on the British scene, and it precedes the ComusFind albums by this artist debut album, which is the closest kin of this music, by a couple of years. Bolan´s lyrics / poetry developed swiftly and his tests are definitely more complex and intricate then on the debut album, still including Fantasy references, but becoming more and more personal.
Overall this album is a more solid effort than the debut, but of course it lacks the element of surprise and novelty that the debut created. In retrospect it is still a gem worthy of revisiting and an important document of the time when it was created, which was about the only time such bizarre material had a chance of acceptance and even certain commercial success.
This Deluxe Edition includes a plethora of bonus material, almost quadrupling the original album´s contents, including BBC sessions, interviews and other BBC material, stereo version of the original mono album, alternate takes, etc. The accompanying booklet includes an essay by Boland´s biographer Mark PaytressFind albums by this artist, the album´s songs lyrics and a many wonderful photographs, justifying the reissue effort in full.
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | TYRANNOSAURUS REX ~ MY PEOPLE WERE FAIR AND HAD SKY IN THEIR HAIR… (DELUXE EDITION)
A&M 600753538876 (Barcode: 600753538876) ~ UK ~ Pop & Rock
Recorded: 1968 Released: 2014
This is the debut album by the British duo Tyrannosaurus RexFind albums by this artist, founded and led by singer / guitarist / songwriter / poet Marc BolanFind albums by this artist, which also included percussionist Steve Peregrin TookFind albums by this artist. Bolan was one of Britain´s most idiosyncratic and prophetic Pop stars and his short stay on this earth (he died tragically in a car accident a couple of weeks before his thirtieth birthday) was comparable to a comet passing us by.
Blessed by a highly unusual voice Bolan was involved in music since his early school days, first coming to wider attention as a member of the short-lived group John`s ChildrenFind albums by this artist. After the group fell apart Bolan formed Tyrannosaurus Rex, a duo playing and singing a weird mixture of Folk and Psychedelia, which was completely unique and Avant-Garde, even for the Flower Power era. "Adopted" by the American (who just moved to England) producer Tony ViscontiFind albums by this artist, who encouraged Bolan and produced almost all his albums, the duo recorded four sensational albums before shortening their name to T. RexFind albums by this artist, which later became one of the pioneers of British Glam Rock and brought Bolan fame and fortune.
The fact that albums such as this one were released by a major record label and even managed to achieve chart success is a wonderful document of the short period of time, when anything could happen on the music scene and of course the incredible musical creativity that flourished at the time. Some critics see in this album the last part of the great Psychedelic Trilogy, which started with DonovanFind albums by this artist´s "A Gift From A Flower To A GardenFind albums with this title" and continued with Pink FloydFind albums by this artist´s "The Piper At The Gates Of DawnFind albums with this title". This might be a little exaggerated, but the days when such Avant-Garde music, which featured bizarre vocals, chanting, gibberish, associative poetry and a full blown Psychedelic aura was accepted as "normal" by the majority of listeners were definitely miraculous and sadly very short-lived.
Because of its uniqueness the music on this album is completely timeless and lost absolutely nothing of its effectiveness and beauty over time. Of course if it was released today, the number of people ready to give it an ear would probably be infinitesimal.
This Deluxe Edition includes a plethora of bonus material, almost quadrupling the original album´s contents, including BBC sessions recorded before the debut album was recorded and other BBC material, stereo version of the original mono album, home demos etc. The accompanying booklet includes an essay by Boland´s biographer Mark PaytressFind albums by this artist, the album´s songs lyrics and a many wonderful photographs, justifying the reissue effort in full.
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | TYRANNOSAURUS REX ~ UNICORN (DELUXE EDITION)
A&M 600753539170 (Barcode: 600753539170) ~ UK ~ Pop & Rock
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2014
This is the third album by the British duo Tyrannosaurus RexFind albums by this artist, founded and led by singer / guitarist / songwriter / poet Marc BolanFind albums by this artist, and the last to include the founding member, percussionist Steve Peregrin TookFind albums by this artist. Bolan was one of Britain´s most idiosyncratic and prophetic Pop stars and his short stay on this earth (he died tragically in a car accident a couple of weeks before his thirtieth birthday) was comparable to a comet passing us by.
Released again just a few months after its predecessor, this album marks a continuous process of development and gradual change in the duo´s sound and aesthetic approach. The most obvious change is the use of electric guitar by Bolan and a full drum set by Took, as well as introduction of other instruments, like the piano, harmonium, bass guitar and studio sound effects. All these new elements create a bigger and more diverse overall sound, slightly moving away from the initial folksy / acoustic ambience.
Overall this album is solid effort, definitely more accessible to a wider audience than the first two releases, with more of clear melodic content, vocal harmonies, instrumental hooks and so on. However this was still highly individual and original music, which had no parallel on the scene. The group enjoyed commercial success and toured heavily, playing bigger venues. This took a tall on the relationships between Bolan and Took, eventually leading to Took´s departure, who was replaced by Mickey FinnFind albums by this artist. The three albums Bolan and Took recorded together remain as some of the most interesting, original, unique music ever recorded and in retrospect are a document of a brief time slot, which never again allowed for an explosion of creativity of such magnitude.
This Deluxe Edition includes a plethora of bonus material, almost quadrupling the original album´s contents, including BBC sessions, interviews, stereo version of the original mono album, alternate takes, demos for the next album, singles, etc. The accompanying booklet includes an essay by Boland´s biographer Mark PaytressFind albums by this artist, the album´s songs lyrics and a many wonderful photographs, justifying the reissue effort in full.
| | | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | RICK WAKEMAN ~ THE SIX WIVES OF HENRY VIII (DELUXE EDITION)
A&M 600753562383 (Barcode: 600753562383) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1972 Released: 2014
This is the debut album by British keyboardist / composer Rick WakemanFind albums by this artist, one of the most prominent and prolific figures of the Progressive Rock movement. The album was recorded while Wakeman was a member of the legendary Prog group YesFind albums by this artist, and features all the members of the band except for the vocalist, as well as members of Wakeman´s previous group StrawbsFind albums by this artist, which initially brought him to the public attention.
As appropriate for the genre and the period, the album proposes many innovations, such as the fact that it is completely instrumental, that it is a concept album based on real historical figures, the fact that it focuses on the many different keyboard instruments, including synthesizers, which were in the early stage of their development, and so on. Upon its release the album was warmly received by the critics and turned out to be a huge commercial success, enjoying a legendary status and still selling more that forty years later.
However, in retrospect, the album does show some serious cracks in its polished image. Although it does include some nice melodic themes, the keyboard arrangements and especially the extravagant effort to include as many different keyboard effects and sound layers sounds pretty naïve today, if not ridiculous at the most excessive moments. Rhythmically the whole album is very straightforward and holds no surprises or innovation. The whole affair could be describes as Baroque (if one wants to be nice) or simply pompous, to be honest.
Throughout the album the music sounds as if performed by Yes, which of course is not surprising, considering the participation of the band´s members and Wakeman´s artistic grip over the band. Again in retrospect it shows how much Wakeman´s vision dominated Yes, changing the band gradually from an ambitious and unique outfit to a repetitive, pretentious, self-indulgent and eventually boring outfit by the time this album was released.
This Deluxe Edition is quite a vulgar attempt to sell the same material again, as it offers absolutely nothing worthwhile in return for its price. The bonus tracks are two single edits of the album´s tracks and one different mix. The accompanying DVD brings high definition stereo and quad mixes of the same material (God only knows what for?) and a five minutes long video of Wakeman performing one of the tracks at the BBC.
Overall this album brings back on the market music that did not age well, which is dishonestly packaged. It retains its historic value when judged in perspective.
| | | CD+DVD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | RICK WAKEMAN ~ THE MYTHS AND LEGENDS OF KING ARTHUR AND THE KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE (DELUXE EDITION)
A&M 600753562604 (Barcode: 600753562604) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1974 - 1975 Released: 2014
This is the third (second studio) album by British keyboardist / composer Rick WakemanFind albums by this artist, one of the most prominent and prolific figures of the Progressive Rock movement. The album was recorded after Wakeman left (for the first time) the legendary Prog group YesFind albums by this artist, and features members of the band that took part in the recording of his previous album ("Journey To The Centre Of The EarthFind albums with this title") as well as the English Chamber ChoirFind albums by this artist and Orchestra.
In many respects this album continues the pattern set up in its predecessor, which puts Wakeman in the centre playing an array of keyboards, accompanied by a Rock group including vocals and supported by a large orchestra and choir. Of course Wakeman did not invent the concept of combining orchestra and choir with a Rock band; that has been tried out with various degrees of success many times before. The most important issue in an attempt to create a Rock-Classical Fusion is always the extent of integration between these two musical universes, which is supposed to give birth to a symbiotic hybrid. Unfortunately such organic fusion does not happen neither on its predecessor nor on this album and Wakeman uses the Classical elements as an extension of his palette of sounds, as if he had another synthesizer at his disposal, but not as an extension of his musical horizon.
When stripped down from all the excess ornamentation, which is not easy mind you, the album does present some decent melodic content. Wakeman always could weave some pretty nice tunes, which absurdly hold water better in their simplicity than when glazed up by layers upon layers of sugary glitter.
Having said all that, Wakeman knew how to maximize his success and push the boundaries of the Rock / Prog idiom into the extravagant grandeur, which could flourish for just a brief period of time, when the circumstances allowed it, writing down a fascinating period in Rock´s history. Wakeman never lacked neither the vision nor the ability to actually make projects like this one become a reality, which is a virtue he deserves praise for, regardless of the net musical value that was actually created.
This Deluxe Edition is quite a vulgar attempt to sell the same material again, as it offers absolutely nothing worthwhile in return for its price. There are no bonus tracks at all and the accompanying DVD brings high definition stereo and quad mixes of the same material (God only knows what for?).
Overall this album brings back on the market music that did not age well, which is dishonestly packaged. It retains its historic value when judged in perspective.
| | | CD+DVD 2 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | DAVID CROSBY ~ OH YES I CAN
A&M 600753650158 (Barcode: 600753650158) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1989 Released: 2015
This is the second album by the iconic American singer / songwriter David CrosbyFind albums by this artist, released eighteen years after the release of his epic debut album "If I Could Only Remember My NameFind albums with this title" in 1971. The prolonged silence, caused by the chaotic circumstances of his private and artistic life, was broken by a relatively short period of solo recording activity, which produced this album and the follow up album "Thousand RoadsFind albums with this title" (1993) as well as the live album "It`s All Coming Back To Me NowFind albums with this title" (1995), but then another long (nineteen years) period followed again until the resurrection of his recording career in 2014, which so far produced three new albums: "CrozFind albums with this title", "LighthouseFind albums with this title" and "Sky TrailsFind albums with this title". The album presents eleven songs, nine of which were written or co-written by Crosby, and a great support band featuring some of Rock´s most reliable studio players like drummers: Russell KunkelFind albums by this artist and Jim KeltnerFind albums by this artist, bassist Leland SklarFind albums by this artist, guest guitarists: Steve LukatherFind albums by this artist and Larry CarltonFind albums by this artist and guest vocalist and old buddies: James TaylorFind albums by this artist, Graham NashFind albums by this artist, Jackson BrowneFind albums by this artist and others.
The album presents the usual mixture of Rocky songs and heartwrenching ballads that only Crosby is able to write. His vocal abilities are at their best and the superb instrumental (and vocal) support are as usual top rate, The album does not disclose any new facets in Crosby´s songwriting, but proves that his creativity remains intact.
Of course Crosby´s figure has a meaning way beyond his musical activity. For people my age Crosby is a voice of a generation and in retrospect a symbol of the tragically short lived American cultural and social Revolution of the late 1960s, which is sadly almost completely forgotten by now. His recent activity is a proof that our generation is not completely dead yet, although the light at the end of the tunnel is getting dimmer.
Everything Crosby touched during his lifetime eventually turned to gold, and this album is a classic of the genre, definitely worth returning to or being discovered by the generation of our children and grandchildren. Peace!
| | Updated: 03/06/2018Posted: 23/03/2018 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STING ~ THE BRIDGE
A&M 602438587070 (Barcode: 602438587070) ~ UK ~ Pop & Rock
Recorded: 2020 Released: 2021
This is the fifteenth studio album by British singer / bassist / songwriter StingFind albums by this artist, recorded with a small group of musicians, which includes multi-instrumentalist Martin KierszenbaumFind albums by this artist, who also co-produced the album with Sting, guitarist Dominic MillerFind albums by this artist, drummer Josh FreeseFind albums by this artist and a few others including Jazz buddies saxophonist Branford MarsalisFind albums by this artist and drummer Manu KatcheFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten songs, all written by Sting or co-written with Kierszenbaum, Miller and two others contributors. A Deluxe edition with three additional tracks and an outrageous price tag also exists.
In the booklet accompanying the album Sting, outspoken as always, whines about the pandemic and other personal problems, as if he was the only human being affected by it. Writing songs / music was an escape route for him, like for most musicians on the planet, except those who did not make it of course.
But Sting is Sting and you can’t take his songweaving talent away from him, which means that he can still put a nice tune together with some decent lyrics on top, even though he has hardly anything new so say since a long time. His vocals are as idiosynchratic as ever, and for those of us who love them, it’s way too late to change our minds now.
The production and sound of the instrumental accompaniment is pretty unnerving and often difficult to swallow, with American Pop mannerisms taking over, which taste sadly like a second hand chewing gum…
Overall, this is Sting and this is what he does, take it or leave it. For those who love him for what he did in the past, this album is a sad reminder of better times, but hope dies last they say, so I still hope he will find himself again sooner or later.
| | Updated: 20/12/2021Posted: 20/12/2021 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOE COCKER ~ MAD DOGS & ENGLISHMEN (DELUXE EDITION)
A&M 886006 (Barcode: 602498860069) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2005
This is one of the greatest rock albums ever recorded! Following Joe CockerFind albums by this artist`s Woodstock appearance in 1969, which was one of the musical highlights of the festival, a US tour was arranged for him the following year (1970). The accompanying band, led by the mighty Leon RussellFind albums by this artist, provides Cocker with a perfect vehicle for his vocal pyrotechnics. The lad really shows the Yankees the true meaning of Rhythm And Blues! His husky voice and almost demonic ability to express feelings and emotions are unique and overpowering. The tour was filmed (and later a movie was released) and recorded and this album is a perfect document of that event. This new edition adds previously unheard material, creating two solid hours of some of the best music of the 1970`s one can ever hear. Heartworming, breathtaking and absolutely essential!
| | Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | TYRANNOSAURUS REX ~ MY PEOPLE WERE FAIR AND HAD SKY IN THEIR HAIR… (EXPANDED EDITION)
A&M 9822509 (Barcode: 602498225097) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1968 Released: 2004
This is the debut album by one of the most esoteric musical outfits on the UK scene during the heydays of the Psychedelic explosion. Tyrannosaurus RexFind albums by this artist were a duo led by Marc BolanFind albums by this artist, who was a member of the band John`s ChildrenFind albums by this artist before forming this band. Firmly based on the folk tradition, the duo expanded their unique sound way beyond the basics of folk by using elements of world music rhythmic patterns, chanting, gibberish and of course the outlandish vocal qualities of Bolan’s voice. Shortly after the band was formed, they were spotted, while performing at London’s legendary UFO Club, by Tony ViscontiFind albums by this artist, who produced all their albums, They scored a surprising hit with the song “Debora” (their debut single) and had a dedicated following. After releasing four very interesting albums Bolan shortened the name of the band to T. RexFind albums by this artist and later on became a mega-star with his group during the Glam Rock Period. He died tragically in 1977 in a car accident. In retrospect this is one of the most surprising debut albums of the period and although not an easy listening, its intrinsic qualities make it a gem well worth remembering and repeated listening. The expanded edition more than doubles the contents of the original album and is splendidly remastered.
| | | CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | TYRANNOSAURUS REX ~ PROPHETS, SEERS & SAGES THE ANGELS OF THE AGES (EXPANDED EDITION)
A&M 9822510 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1968 Released: 2004
This is the second album by one of the most interesting UK groups Tyrannosaurus RexFind albums by this artist, sadly quite neglected as far as most Prog fans are concerned. Formed by singer / guitarist / songwriter Marc BolanFind albums by this artist after leaving his first group - John`s ChildrenFind albums by this artist, Tyrannosaurus Rex was basically a duo: Bolan and percussion player Steve Peregrin TookFind albums by this artist (a pseudonym of course and a character in J.R.R. TolkienFind albums by this artist’s novels). They played a completely unique kind of British folk heavily spiced with Psychedelic influences. Their usage of Avant-Garde techniques (loops, backward tracks, random noises, gibberish, nonsense, etc.) puts them on the forefront of the most adventurous music makes of the era. Bolan’s unusual voice and singing / phrasing remain unmatched to this very day (the closest that comes to mind is the gorgeous debut album by ComusFind albums by this artist). The lyrics, mostly based on mystery and literature (Bolan must have been the first musician to be obsessed with Tolkien’s work), are often incomprehensible, which of course makes then even more enjoyable. In short this is a lost classic, finally available again – the expanded edition more than doubles the contents of the original album. Highly recommended to the more adventurous listener.
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | TYRANNOSAURUS REX ~ UNICORN (EXPANDED EDITION)
A&M 9822511 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1968 - 1969 Released: 2004
This is the third album by Tyrannosaurus RexFind albums by this artist and the last to feature the original Mark BolanFind albums by this artist / Steve Peregrin TookFind albums by this artist lineup. Shortly after this album was released and then toured the US for the first time the tensions between Bolan and Took resulted in Took being replaced by Mickey FinnFind albums by this artist. The band expands the basic sound by Bolan using electric guitar for the first time and Took using the full drum set in addition to the percussion instruments. The musical formula remains similar to the previous albums – a mixture of folk, Psychedelic influences and Fantasy (Bolan’s obsession with the writings of J.R.R. TolkienFind albums by this artist). It is all a strange brew, esoteric and enchanting, absolutely unique and sounding surprisingly fresh after all those years. The expanded edition more than doubles the contents of the original album and is splendidly remastered.
| | | CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | TYRANNOSAURUS REX ~ A BEARD OF STARS (EXPANDED EDITION)
A&M 9822512 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2004
This is the fourth and last album by Tyrannosaurus RexFind albums by this artist. It marks a certain change in the stylistic approach, being closer to rock and using electric instruments. Mickey FinnFind albums by this artist replaced the original percussion player on this album and additional instruments were used to create a richer sound, but the link to the acoustic material and the mystical / Avant-Garde approach is still very strong of course. Some of the songs are somewhat more accessible, but the overall effect remains unique all-Mark BolanFind albums by this artist craziness. Following the release of this album Bolan took a sharp turn, when he renamed his band to T. RexFind albums by this artist and became a most successful artist in the early 1970’s, being one of the pioneers of Glam Rock. However, his Tyrannosaurus Rex years are still a beautiful musical experiment in retrospect and the reissue of this album is most welcome. The expanded edition more than doubles the contents of the original album and is definitely worth investigating.
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | HUMBLE PIE ~ I NEED A STAR IN MY LIFE
CLEOPATRA 03172 (Barcode: 889466317224) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1974 - 1976 Released: 2020
This is a reissue / remaster of the “lost” album by one of the greatest British Rock groups of all time, Humble PieFind albums by this artist. This album was rejected by the group’s record label A&MFind albums on this label, but they continued to record for many months, until the group fell apart and the music remained shelved, while they released their swan song album “Street RatsFind albums with this title” in the meantime. The album presents twenty tracks, most being originals written by the group members.
In addition to the regular group members: vocalist / guitarist Steve MarriottFind albums by this artist, bassist Greg RidleyFind albums by this artist, guitarist Clem ClempsonFind albums by this artist, drummer Jerry ShirleyFind albums by this artist and keyboardist Tim HinkleyFind albums by this artist, they invited a plethora of guests to take part in this project, including such luminaries like bassist Boz BurrellFind albums by this artist, drummer Ian WallaceFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Mel CollinsFind albums by this artist, guitarist B. J. ColeFind albums by this artist and others.
These tracks surfaced in 1990s as “Scrubbers Sessions”, both on bootlegs and eventually on Eagle Records, but are not available anymore and this new reissue offers a good sound quality and nice packaging.
Overall, this is a great document, both of the era and one of the greatest British Rock groups ever, which definitely is worth being remembered. Marriott had one of the most distinctive voices of Rock and his premature and tragic death in 1991 robbed the world of his magic forever. A great piece of history!
| | Updated: 07/10/2022Posted: 07/10/2022 | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | SERGIO MENDES ~ ORIGINAL ALBUM SERIES
RHINO 081227975166 (Barcode: 081227975166) ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-World Fusion
Recorded: 1964 - 1968 Released: 2011
This Box Set collects the five albums by Brazilian pianist / composer Sergio MendesFind albums by this artist, released by AtlanticFind albums on this label Records between 1964 and 1968. During that same period Mendes also released albums for A&MFind albums on this label Records, mostly with a vocal group, which were much more popular and commercially successful. The Atlantic albums are more Jazz oriented and are one of the earliest examples of Jazz-World Fusion.
Mendes gained popularity as one a several Brazilian artists, who swept the American music scene in the mid 1960s, popularizing the wonderful bossa nova movement. He combined his own composition with those of dozens of great bossa nova songwriters in Brazil, popularizing them in the USA. His various group included mostly Brazilian players, such as bassist Sebastiao NetoFind albums by this artist and drummers Chico BateraFind albums by this artist and Chico De SouzaFind albums by this artist, but he was often supported by top American Jazz players like trumpeter Art FarmerFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Phil WoodsFind albums by this artist, flautist Hubert LawsFind albums by this artist and many others. Sometimes he also used extensive orchestral arrangements, which of course sounded pretty kitschy at times.
In retrospect Mendes and other Brazilian musicians / composers were responsible for opening up the American musical scene to new sonic and rhythmic vistas, which also invigorated the American Jazz scene immensely at the time. These albums include many of the classic bossa nova evergreens, and still are great fun to listen to, even if they sound somewhat outdated due to relatively simplistic production and problematic sound quality. For bossa nova fans these are absolute classics, others might like to take a trip down the nostalgia lane; whatever the reason, this music still has a lot of charm and zest. Recommended!
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 as 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 |
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