Record Reviews

JUDEE SILL ~ ABRACADABRA: THE ASYLUM YEARS RHINO 081227953423 (Barcode: 081227953423) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1971 - 1973 Released: 2006 This is a reissue / remaster of the first two albums by the enigmatic American singer / songwriter Judee SillFind albums by this artist: the eponymous “Judee SillFind albums with this title” from 1971 and “Heart FoodFind albums with this title” from 1973. The original albums are expanded by bonus tracks, which are alternate takes and live recordings. Sill appeared on the American Rock scene briefly and released just these two albums, and being almost completely forgotten she died from a drug overdose in 1979. At the early 1970s she was revered by many of her fellow Rock stars, like David CrosbyFind albums by this artist and Graham NashFind albums by this artist, who took part in the recording of the debut album. Following a lack of commercial success Sill was dropped by the AsylumFind albums on this label label and her third album was never completed. In retrospect she was a remarkable songwriter and an interesting singer, deserving wider recognition than she ever achieved, like many other great talents of that period. This reissue is a great reminder of her brief but extraordinary career. Overall, this is a wonderful opportunity to re-examine the legacy Sill left us, which beautifully reflects the feverish activity of the early 1970s, when some of the greatest music ever written was conceived and realized. Although five decades old, this music lost absolutely nothing of its beauty, depth and aesthetic values, which deserve to be remembered. A great opportunity to discover a forgotten jewel!

Updated: 16/08/2022Posted: 16/08/2022

CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

JAN HAMMER ~ BLACK SHEEP / HAMMER WOUNDED BIRD 0173 (Barcode: 664140017320) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1978 - 1979 Released: 2005 4th and 5th albums (originally released on the AsylumFind albums on this label label) combined here as one set. By the end of the 1970s Jan HammerFind albums by this artist moved completely into rock and these two albums are his best achievements in that genre. He could still write excellent songs and as these two albums feature three very good vocalists: Colin HodgkinsonFind albums by this artist – also a great bass player (Back DoorFind albums by this artist, Brian AugerFind albums by this artist), Bob ChristiansonFind albums by this artist and Glenn BurtnickFind albums by this artist, the result was surprisingly good. Quite close to Prog, these two albums include excellent instrumental work by Hammer, who uses the electronic keyboards like a true virtuoso. Just listen to his interpretation of Jimi HendrixFind albums by this artist’ “Manic Depression” to appreciate his abilities. As these two albums were unavailable for ages, it’s good to seem them back in circulation. People who are not familiar with this music might be quite surprised listening to them now.

CD 2 Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend