Record Reviews
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  | SPIRIT ~ SON OF SPIRIT / FARTHER ALONG
BGO 0644 (Barcode: 5017261206442) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1975 - 1976 Released: 2004
This is a reissue of two albums by the seminal American Rock group SpiritFind albums by this artist. Those are the second and third albums released by the MercuryFind albums on this label Records label, following the five albums the group released on OdeFind albums on this label and EpicFind albums on this label labels.
"Son Of SpiritFind albums with this title" was mostly a collection of ten songs recorded during the sessions held in early 1975. These sessions, produced such an abundance of material that it did not fit on the 2LP album "Spirit of `76", which was its predecessor, and was used to create this follow up album.
The music was recorded by guitarist / composer Randy CaliforniaFind albums by this artist, who wrote almost all the songs and played most of the instruments, assisted only by Ed CassidyFind albums by this artist on drums. It emphasized California´s superb songwriting and spectacular guitar playing, often compared to that of Jimi HendrixFind albums by this artist.
The album is a masterpiece of late Psychedelic Rock. California used novel (at the time) studio techniques and completely unprecedented use of multi-layered sound effects and other studio paraphernalia. It still sounds absolutely innovative today, well over four decades later.
"Farther AlongFind albums with this title" was recorded by an almost reunited lineup of Spirit, which included apart from California and Cassidy also original members, John LockeFind albums by this artist on keyboards and Mark AndesFind albums by this artist on vocals and bass (missing only Jay FergusonFind albums by this artist from the original lineup), with Matt AndesFind albums by this artist on vocals and guitar, as well as a bunch of guest musicians. Orchestral arrangements including horn and string sections were also used on some of the songs.
The material includes twelve songs, all but one new with just one remake of an old song. As usual all the songs are originals, mostly by California or co-composed by the group members. The overall sound and atmosphere are a return to the classic Spirit albums from the first period and offers some of the best American Rock even created, and these fine musicians performing together are simply unbeatable.
Overall this is Classic Rock stuff that nobody makes today, hence an absolute must to any serious Rock fan and record collector!
| | Updated: 17/09/2020Posted: 17/09/2020 | CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend |
  | SPIRIT ~ FUTURE GAMES / SPIRIT OF 84
BGO 0657 (Barcode: 5017261206572) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1976 - 1984 Released: 2005
This is a reissue of two albums by the seminal American Rock group SpiritFind albums by this artist. Those are the last two of the five albums released by the MercuryFind albums on this label Records label, following the five albums the group released on OdeFind albums on this label and EpicFind albums on this label labels. The albums are separated by seven years of hiatus, which characterized most of the late years if the group´s career.
In between these two albums Spirit released the "The Adventures Of Kaptain Kopter & Commander Cassidy In Potato LandFind albums with this title" album in 1981, which included material recorded in 1972 and 1973 and was partly re-recorded in 1981.
"Future GamesFind albums with this title", originally released in 1977, was practically a solo album by guitarist / composer Randy CaliforniaFind albums by this artist, who wrote almost all the songs and played most of the instruments, assisted only by Ed CassidyFind albums by this artist on drums and a few unspecified guests. It emphasized California´s superb songwriting and spectacular guitar playing, often compared to that of Jimi HendrixFind albums by this artist, who is given a tribute by including the Bob DylanFind albums by this artist´s "All Along The Watchtower" all time classic associated with the Godly version performed by Hendrix.
The album is a masterpiece of late Psychedelic Rock, presenting twenty-two short songs creating a fascinating Sci-Fi like story. California used novel (at the time) studio techniques and completely unprecedented use of multi-layered sound effects and other studio paraphernalia. It still sounds absolutely innovative today, well over four decades later.
"Spirit Of 84Find albums with this title", released as "The Thirteenth DreamFind albums with this title" outside of the US, was recorded by a reunited lineup of Spirit, which included apart from California and Cassidy also original members Jay FergusonFind albums by this artist on vocals and guitar, John LockeFind albums by this artist on keyboards and Mark AndesFind albums by this artist on vocals and bass, as well as a bunch of guest musicians. The original lineup was reunited for the first time since the recording of the classic "Twelve Dreams Of Dr. SardonicusFind albums with this title" album in 1970 (hence the title).
The material includes several remakes of old songs from the first four albums by the group as well as a few new songs, recorded "live in the studio". Although obviously opportunistic / nostalgia based, this is still some of the best American Rock even created, and these fine musician performing together are simply unbeatable.
Overall this is Classic Rock stuff that nobody makes today, hence an absolute must to any serious Rock fan and record collector!
| | Updated: 12/09/2020Posted: 12/09/2020 | CD 2 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend |
  | SPIRIT ~ SUNRISE & SALVATION: THE MERCURY ERA ANTHOLOGY
ESOTERIC 2776 (Barcode: 5013929477681) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1974 - 1986 Released: 2021
This is an archival / reissue Box Set by the legendary American group SpiritFind albums by this artist, which collects the albums originally released on the MercuryFind albums on this label label, compiled and mastered by archivist Mike SkidmoreFind albums by this artist, who is in charge of the entire series of Spirit archival releases on the EsotericFind albums on this label label. This Box Set expands the original releases and adds a plethora of previously unreleased material by the group, including demos, outtakes and live concerts. The music was recorded by various musicians, with Randy CaliforniaFind albums by this artist and Ed CassidyFind albums by this artist being the only ones present on all the tracks.
The Box Set includes eight CDs:
CD1 presents nineteen tracks originally released as the 2LP album “Spirit Of ‘76Find albums with this title”.
CD2 presents six remaining tracks from the “Spirit Of ‘76” album and fourteen mostly previously unreleased bonus tracks.
CD3 presents ten tracks originally released as the album “Son Of SpiritFind albums with this title”, twelve tracks originally released as the album “Farther AlongFind albums with this title” and five bonus tracks, which are outtakes of the second album.
CD4 presents twenty-two tracks originally released as the album “Future GamesFind albums with this title” and eleven bonus tracks from various sources.
CD5 presents thirteen tracks recorded live originally released as the album “The Thirteenth DreamFind albums with this title” (in UK) or “Spirit Of ‘84Find albums with this title” (in US) and six additional previously unreleased live tracks.
CD6 presents twenty-one studio tracks and eight demo recordings, all of which did not materialize on an album release.
CD7 presents sixteen tracks recorded live in concert in 1975.
CD8 presents twenty-three early demo versions of the material released as “Future Games” and eight tracks recorded live in concert in 1975.
Overall, this is an incredible piece of American Rock history and a great tribute to one of greatest American Rock bands, which Spirit obviously were, as much as a tribute to the incredible talents of Randy California, who was both an extraordinary guitarist and a superb songwriter, often sadly underappreciated. This is an obvious labor of love and a part of a unique recording legacy document on a scale rarely attempted, which Spirit obviously deserves.
| | Updated: 01/03/2022Posted: 01/03/2022 | CD 8 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND ~ AT FILLMORE EAST (DELUXE EDITION)
MERCURY 077353 (Barcode: 044007735329) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1971 Released: 2003
3rd album, recorded live in 1971 when the Allman Brothers BandFind albums by this artist were at the peak of their creative powers and before a long chain of tragic events that seemed to haunt them later. Considered by many as one of the best Rock / Blues albums ever recorded, certainly one of the best ever live albums. Featuring the dual guitar leads by Duane AllmanFind albums by this artist and Dickey BettsFind albums by this artist exchanging licks of heartbreaking beauty. This edition includes for the first time the entire material recorded at Fillmore with `Mountain Jam` expanded to the original 33+ minutes version. Over 2 and a half hours of pure, unadelturated musical pleasure!
| | Updated: 18/01/2016Posted: | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | CUBY AND THE BLIZZARDS ~ GROETEN UIT GROLLO
MERCURY 273835 (Barcode: 602527383514) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 1967 Released: 2010
The Dutch Blues-Rock scene in the late 1960s / early 1970s was definitely the strongest on the Continent and second only to the British scene at the time. The band Cuby And The BlizzardsFind albums by this artist was the undeniable king of the scene. Led by vocalist / harmonica player Harry MuskeeFind albums by this artist, a.k.a. Cuby, the band changed its lineup many times over the years, but always featured exceptional players, especially lead guitarists. This is their 2nd album. An absolute must to all Blues-Rock fans and a great document of European music history!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | CUBY AND THE BLIZZARDS ~ TOO BLIND TO SEE
MERCURY 273835 (Barcode: 602527383576) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2010
The Dutch Blues-Rock scene in the late 1960s / early 1970s was definitely the strongest on the Continent and second only to the British scene at the time. The band Cuby And The BlizzardsFind albums by this artist was the undeniable king of the scene. Led by vocalist / harmonica player Harry MuskeeFind albums by this artist, a.k.a. Cuby, the band changed its lineup many times over the years, but always featured exceptional players, especially lead guitarists. This is their 9th album and features great brass arrangements. An absolute must to all Blues-Rock fans and a great document of European music history!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | THIN LIZZY ~ BLACK ROSE (DELUXE EDITION)
MERCURY 277270 (Barcode: 602527727004) ~ IRELAND ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1979 Released: 2011
This is the 10th album by Thin LizzyFind albums by this artist, the last of the great Irish / British Rock bands of the 1970s. Formed and led by the charismatic vocalist / bassist / composer Phil LynottFind albums by this artist and drummer Brian DowneyFind albums by this artist (they were the only steady members lasting until Lynott´s untimely death in 1985), the band was characterized by a double lead guitar lineup and a strong connection to Irish / Celtic roots. Many great guitar players were members of the band over the years, but this album features the superb Gary MooreFind albums by this artist, who was also of Irish origin and was friendly with Lynott since the late 1960s, when they were members of Skid RowFind albums by this artist. Unfortunately Moore´s stint with the band lasted only for this one album, and he was replaced by another guitar hero: Snowy White. In retrospect this is definitely the strongest album the band recorded, full of great songs and passionate playing. This new edition expands the original album by a whole CD of new material, which includes alternate takes and other goodies. A great example of late Classic Rock, before it all went to hell!
| | | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | ERIC CLAPTON ~ THE LADY IN THE BALCONY (LOCKDOWN SESSIONS)
MERCURY 602438711529 (Barcode: 602438711529) ~ UK ~ Blues
Recorded: 2021 Released: 2021
This is an album by iconic British guitarist / vocalist / songwriter Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist, recorded during the Covid-19 pandemic, following the cancellation of his live concerts. He is accompanied by veteran British keyboardist Chris StaintonFind albums by this artist, American bassist Nathan EastFind albums by this artist and drummer Steve GaddFind albums by this artist, all seasoned and well respected musicians. The album presents seventeen tracks, eight of which are songs written or co-written by Clapton, spanning his entire career, two are classics written by Peter GreenFind albums by this artist and the rest are American Blues classics.
The music was recorded almost completely acoustically and has a distinct “unplugged” feel about it. Clapton plays some beautifully tasteful acoustic guitar and sings confidently, accompanied amicably by his cohorts. The resulting music is pretty straightforward, mostly classic Blues oriented, which is a delightful listening experience, unpretentious, straight to the heart, relaxed and honest.
Overall, this is a wonderful, nostalgic but not sugary retrospective of one of the greatest British guitarists and songwriters, regardless of what some people might think. It is a soundtrack of my generation, when a great melody and skillful, intelligent instrumental performance meant something. I absolutely loved every second of this album.
| | Updated: 19/03/2022Posted: 19/03/2022 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | RITE OF STRINGS ~ LIVE AT MONTREUX 1994
MERCURY 602448000743 (Barcode: 602448000743) ~ USA ~ Jazz-World Fusion
Recorded: 1994 Released: 2022
This is a live album by the great acoustic trio Rite Of StringsFind albums by this artist, comprising of French violinist Jean-Luc PontyFind albums by this artist and American guitarist Al Di MeolaFind albums by this artist and bassist Stanley ClarkeFind albums by this artist. The 2CD album presents ten tracks, all composed by the trio members, with one composition repeated twice and featuring Jamaican pianist Monty AlexanderFind albums by this artist on one of the versions. Three of the tracks are solo performances, one by each member of the trio. This album was recorded a year before the trio recorded their eponymous, and so far only studio album. This live recording offers a stunning sound quality.
The music is everything one might expect from these three instrumental virtuosi, who manage to avoid turning this into a competition and rather display a wonderful teamwork using their respective strengths the best possible way.
The music spans a wide range of stylistic explorations, but is mostly dominated by the Jazz-World Fusion influences, which Al Di Meola pursued predominantly at the time and his partners followed contentedly.
Overall, this is a breathtaking display of the instrumental abilities of three giant musicians, who complement each other wonderfully herein. The perform beautiful music and the album is not surprisingly full of pyrotechnical neck-breaking displays of instrumental virtuosity. Personally I prefer this live album to the studio album, which followed, as the live electric atmosphere present on this recording is simply electrifying, acoustically ;)
| | Updated: 30/08/2024Posted: 30/08/2024 | CD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | WHO ~ LIVE AT SHEA STADIUM 1982
MERCURY 602458372229 (Barcode: 602458372229) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1982 Released: 2024
This is an archival live album by the legendary British Rock group The WhoFind albums by this artist, captured live at the NY Shea Stadium on November 13, 1982. The lineup included three original members: vocalist Roger DaltreyFind albums by this artist, guitarist Pete TownshendFind albums by this artist and bassist John EntwistleFind albums by this artist and two new members: drummer Kenney JonesFind albums by this artist (ex-Small FacesFind albums by this artist / FacesFind albums by this artist) and keyboardist Tim GormanFind albums by this artist. The 2CD album presents twenty-five tracks, all but five written by Townshend, presenting a few tracks from their (then new and the last to feature Entwistle) album “It`s HardFind albums with this title” and a selection of songs spanning the entire career of the group.
Following the death of the founding member / drummer Keith MoonFind albums by this artist, the group carried on for a while and recorded a couple of albums, before finally splitting in 1983s. There were several reunions and a couple of albums since, but the activity was relatively sporadic.
The Who were undoubtedly one of the greatest Rock groups of all times, and this album, even if recorded closely to the last apogee of their career, proves it beyond any doubt. They had an awe-inspiring charisma on stage and recorded some of the most iconic Rock albums of all time, being Rock’s “avant-garde” for years in many fields, including their social awareness and groundbreaking musical trends. Their iconic “Live At LeedsFind albums with this title” album remains to be one of the absolutely top live Rock recordings to this very day, and they were truly mighty musicians and songwriters.
Overall, this is a brilliant live Rock album by one of the best Rock groups of all time, superbly recorded and offering a review of the group’s entire recording career. The Who were true Giants, and this album clearly and proudly shows why. It is great to be able to hear this material, which was previously unreleased on CD, and which is a great piece of Rock history!
| | Updated: 04/08/2024Posted: 03/08/2024 | CD 2 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | CHICAGO ~ LIVE AT 55
MERCURY 602465741728 (Barcode: 602465741728) ~ USA ~ Brass Rock
Recorded: 2024 Released: 2024
This is a live album by the seminal American Brass Rock band ChicagoFind albums by this artist, recorded in November 2024, celebrating the 55th Anniversary of the release of the legendary debut album by the band in 1969. The 2CD album presents thirty-one tracks, which span the band’s output created over the years, including all the memorable material.
Only three founding members of the group: keyboardist Robert LammFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Lee LoughnaneFind albums by this artist and trombonist James PankowFind albums by this artist are still part of the current band’s lineup, which includes newer members as well as a huge cast of guest musicians, including guitarists Steve VaiFind albums by this artist, Robert RandolphFind albums by this artist, Chris DaughtryFind albums by this artist and others. Although some of the new arrangements and the guest appearances sound often a bit schmaltzy, parts of the magic are still there and the music is of course timeless.
Chicago defined the Brass Rock idiom completely and perfectly and no other ensemble managed to create as much creative music over the years. They were also superb instrumentalists, composers and arrangers, which set them apart from other Brass Rock manifestations. Of course Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist were also awesome, but they were completely different stylistically and conceptually, although definitely Brass Rock related as well.
Overall, this is a retrospective snapshot of the essential Brass Rock ensemble, somewhat spoiled by contemporary American kitsch, but with over two hours of Godly music, this is definitely worth listening to, and shedding a tear in memory of the great times.
| | Updated: 06/01/2025Posted: 06/01/2025 | CD 2 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | SCOTT WALKER ~ SCOTT: THE COLLECTION 1967-1970
MERCURY 602537288496 (Barcode: 602537288496) ~ UK ~ Pop & Rock
Recorded: 1967 - 1970 Released: 2013
This Box Set collects five of the six albums recorded by British (born in USA) singer / songwriter Scott WalkerFind albums by this artist, who earned his initial fame as the lead singer of the Walker BrothersFind albums by this artist vocal trio. These albums cover the early solo career of Walker, after the trio split, only to be reunited and active again between 1975 and 1978. The album not included in this Box Set ("Scott Walker Sings Songs From His TV SeriesFind albums with this title") was never reissues on CD due to Scott´s opposition to do so. Walker recorded four more solo albums before the Walker Brothers reunion, but those recordings are considered as significantly less valuable.
All the five albums included here are absolute masterpieces, presenting an intellectual singer / songwriter who takes his music seriously and completely ignores the fads of fashion and commerciality. Deeply interested in Jazz and European Culture, which was a hive of activity at the time, Walker carefully chose a mixture of self-written material and covers, especially those of songs by Jacques BrelFind albums by this artist, whom he admired, to create a music which clearly stood apart from almost everything else created in the Pop domain at the time.
Blessed with a velvet baritone and a superb artistic delivery, Walker recorded his albums supported by large orchestras, conducted by the best and often very innovative British arrangers / orchestrators active at the time. In retrospect these albums are all classics of European balladry, which remain completely untouched by time.
In parallel to his solo career Walker also produced albums by other artists, including debut albums British Jazz heroes Terry SmithFind albums by this artist ("Fall OutFind albums with this title") and Ray WarleighFind albums by this artist ("First AlbumFind albums with this title"). After years of reclusion and silence Walker returned to the centre of the music scene in the 2000s with a series of revolutionary albums, which find him again at the forefront of music making.
This Box Set is a treasure chest of elegance, intellectual songwriting and sensitive performances, which are timeless and deserve to be revisited or discovered by next generations of music lovers.
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 5 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | ELTON JOHN ~ GOODBYE YELLOW BRICK ROAD (40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION)
MERCURY 602537534807 (Barcode: 602537534807) ~ UK ~ Classic Pop
Recorded: 1973 Released: 2014
This is a Box Set edition of the milestone seventh album by Pop legend Elton JohnFind albums by this artist. It includes the original double album remastered with a whole bunch of bonus material, including the entire BBC live recording of a concert at the Hammersmith Odeon in 1973, documentary film about Elton, his lyricist Bernie TaupinFind albums by this artist and his group and a hardcover book full of photographs documenting the period when this music was recorded as well as an informative essay. All together this Box Set includes 4 CDs, 1 DVD and a book.
It is hard to believe that this music is forty years old; I distinctly remember listening to it for the first time and being honestly impressed, although my musical inclination at the time was immersed in Progressive Rock and Free Jazz – some albums are simply too good to be ignored, regardless of their stylistic background. Elton of course started his road to fame and glory a few years earlier, producing one great album after another and with the help of Taupin created some of the most remarkable Pop anthems in history.
Elton was of course always different; the fact that he used the acoustic piano as his weapon of choice, in a world of screaming electric guitars, was just one aspect of his uniqueness. Then there was his sweet, crooner like voice which could melt ice and those meaningful lyrics that popped out of Taupin´s head, which used imagery and sophistication way beyond your usual Pop song. Top all that with Elton´s extravagant costumes and stage appearance and you get a true Star, one of those greater than life figures that left our world for good.
But most importantly there was the magic ability to write beautifully melodic tunes, which were catchy like hell but were never trivial, used strange chord changes and included a myriad of clever bits and odds originating in Blues, Jazz, Vaudeville and Cabaret, and were way more sophisticated that what most people considered as Pop. This was Elton´s magic and the reason why this music remains perfect exactly as it was forty years ago, untouchable by time.
The live recordings included here prove that Elton was not only a great songwriter but also a superb performer; behind the vale of flashy costumes and early Glam era mannerisms there was a wonderful singer and excellent piano player, an touching actor, in short a great Artist.
We old farts, who experienced this music in real time, need no convincing; we know this is good music. But you, poor souls, born long after this music was created, get yer ya-ya´s out and give it a listen rather than keep poisoning your wretched souls by contemporary bullshit. You have been warned!
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD+DVD 5 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND ~ THE 1971 FILLMORE EAST RECORDINGS
MERCURY 602537736935 (Barcode: 602537736935) ~ USA ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 1971 Released: 2014
How does one take the best ever live Rock album and make it even better? This sensational set is the answer and the proof that is can be done. The music by Allman Brothers BandFind albums by this artist at their absolute peak, recorded live at the Fillmore East on March 12 & 13, 1971 (two shows each day) and again on June 27, 1971 produced initially the legendary "At Fillmore EastFind albums with this title" double LP, their third album, which in time earned the title of the best live album of all times, which is fully justified to this very day. The deluxe edition form 2003 expanded the contents to include about two and a half hours of music, but this edition takes it to the max, spread over six CDs and presenting the full five Fillmore concerts that served as the source of the earlier releases.
At the time of the recording Allman Brothers Band consisted of guitarist Duane AllmanFind albums by this artist, guitarist / vocalist Dickey BettsFind albums by this artist, keyboardist / vocalist Gregg AllmanFind albums by this artist, bassist Berry OakleyFind albums by this artist, drummer Butch TrucksFind albums by this artist and drummer / percussionist Jai Johanny JohansonFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. JaimoeFind albums by this artist). Duane Allman died in a motorcycle accident on October 29, 1971 and Berry Oakley followed him a year later on November 11, 1972 in similar circumstances, which closed that chapter of this seminal band.
The great thing about this set is of course the possibility to hear the music in a complete unabridged and unspoiled form, and then be able to compare the different versions of the same tunes. The set lists are very similar which results in same of the tunes to appear in five different versions. Of course in the case of Allman Brothers Band the extensive instrumental improvised passages differ considerably between each other and are a superb document of the role of improvisation in the Rock idiom. Duane Allman, who shortly before these shows completed his part in recording the seminal album "Layla And Other Assorted Love SongsFind albums with this title" with Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist, was familiar with the extensive improvisational style, which Clapton developed during his Cream days. The two exchanged licks for hours, which can be heard on the 20th Anniversary Edition and the 40th Anniversary Super Deluxe Editions of "Layla" and obviously adopted them as part of the Allman Brothers Band routine.
Listening to this music in depth allows the listener to be metaphysically transported a few decades back, when music was all about music and nothing else mattered. Every note played here is a statement of musical truth that these musicians wanted to share with their audiences. That required total dedication and commitment, which are sadly completely absent form today´s music scene.
Luckily this set was not contaminated by various high-resolution bullshit remixes and other atrocities of the music industry´s confusion, simply giving the listener the naked truth, as captured at the time, for people who have two ears. For people who love Blues and Rock, this set is beyond essential!
| | Updated: 18/01/2016Posted: 18/01/2016 | CD 6 Digibook Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND ~ IDLEWILD SOUTH (45TH ANNIVERSARY SUPER DELUXE EDITION)
MERCURY 602547346476 (Barcode: 602547346476) ~ USA ~ Pop & Rock
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2015
This is a remastered / expanded reissue of "Idlewild SouthFind albums with this title", the second studio album by The Allman Brothers BandFind albums by this artist, originally released in September 1970. The Allman Brothers Band was America´s greatest ever Rock band, which combined superb songwriting, instrumental virtuosity and Rock improvisation in a way that no other American band was able to reiterate ever since. This edition adds five bonus tracks (two outtakes and two alternate takes, all previously unreleased, and a mono single version of one of the album´s songs). In addition this edition also includes the monumental live album "Live At Ludlow Garage 1970Find albums with this title", expanded by one previously unreleased track, which lasts about fifteen minutes. Considering the fact that the live album, recorded on April 11, 1970 (it was released only in 1990), was captured for posterity during the recording sessions of "Idlewild South", which lasted between February and July of 1970, produced by the legendary Tom DowdFind albums by this artist, it is an integral part of the band´s musical statement at that point of time and combining these two albums here makes perfect sense.
The personnel on both albums features guitarist Duane AllmanFind albums by this artist, guitarist Dickey BettsFind albums by this artist, keyboardist / vocalist Gregg AllmanFind albums by this artist, bassist Berry OakleyFind albums by this artist, drummer Jai Johanny JohansonFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. JaimoeFind albums by this artist) and drummer Butch TrucksFind albums by this artist. The studio album also features harmonica / percussion player Thom DoucetteFind albums by this artist. Most of the material performed by the band was written by Gregg Allman, Duane Allman and Betts, but included also the band´s versions of classic Blues anthems.
In addition to the studio and live albums, this set also includes a Blu-Ray Pure Audio disc, with high definition sound mixes of the studio album and the four unreleased outtakes / alternate takes. Also included is an in-depth essay about the band by John LynskeyFind albums by this artist, with many photographs and detailed information about this set´s contents.
This set in only the second best piece of music by The Allman Brothers Band, next to the celebrated "The 1971 Fillmore East RecordingsFind albums with this title", the recently expanded live album, which is absolutely the best live Rock album of all times.
They don´t make music like that any more, that is a fact, and therefore the best we can do is listen for what the past left us as a legacy of our generation´s Culture. Thanks to the miracle of sound recording, even if music (and our Culture) continues to disintegrate as it does now, there is enough great music already recorded to last for eternity. This is just one of the eternal treasures.
| | Updated: 29/01/2019Posted: 30/05/2016 | 3CD+DVD 4 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | GREGG ALLMAN ~ LAID BACK (DELUXE EDITION)
MERCURY 602577427510 (Barcode: 602577427510) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1973 Released: 2019
This is an expanded reissue / remaster of the 1st solo album by the American keyboardist / vocalist / songwriter / bandleader Gregg AllmanFind albums by this artist, recorded while he was still a member of the Allman Brothers BandFind albums by this artist. None of the members of the ABB play on the album and it was by a large group of studio musicians, all first rate players. The original album presented eight tracks, three of which were Allman originals. This 2CD Deluxe edition presents the remastered original album and adds eight early mixes on CD1 and eighteen demos, outtakes and alternate versions on CD2.
The album is an absolute marvel from start to finish, with beautiful, moistly romantic songs, brilliantly performed and sung, with lush instrumental arrangements. Full of Blues, Soul and even quite a few swinging Jazzy moments, it is a timeless joy and one of the best American Rock albums produced in the early 1970s. It is, however, quite different from what most ABB expected it to be, and was received mostly with mix feelings at the time. Listening to it today truly depicts Gregg’s full talent as a songwriter and performer, which stands the test of time without a hitch.
The bonus tracks on the Deluxe edition reflect the process of the album’s production step by step, until it reached its final polished / perfect form, and are of course priceless to true music lovers and a great historic document.
Overall, this is a timeless piece of music, which presents the softer side of the Southern Rock image, which Allman Brother Band presented during their epic live concerts. Gregg was undoubtedly one of the best American Rock vocalists and a sublime keyboardist, all of which is fully documented on this expanded version of the album, which is an absolute must in any decent Rock record collection. Not to be missed!
| | Updated: 25/06/2024Posted: 25/06/2024 | CD 2 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | RUSH ~ MOVING PICTURES (DELUXE EDITION)
MERCURY 62107 (Barcode: 602527621074) ~ CANADA ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1980 Released: 2011
This is the 8th studio album by Canadian Prog heroes RushFind albums by this artist, one of the oldest and best known representatives of the genre still active today. Guitarist Alex LifesonFind albums by this artist, bassist Geddy LeeFind albums by this artist and drummer Neil PeartFind albums by this artist managed to produce an impressive set of albums over the years, sustaining a steady fan base and even some chart success. This album was their most successful release commercially and includes many of their most well known songs. This new edition offers the original album remastered and in addition a DVD with 5.1 Surround Sound mixes of the album as well as video material. This is a must to all Rush fans and a great introduction for those, who never heard their music before. Recommended!
| | | CD+DVD 2 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND ~ EAT A PEACH (DELUXE EDITION)
MERCURY 987784 (Barcode: 602498778494) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1971 Released: 2006
4th album by Allman Brothers BandFind albums by this artist and the first release following Duane AllmanFind albums by this artist´s tragic death. Originally released as a double LP, it contains 4 different sessions: studio recordings completed while Duane was still alive, studio recordings completed by the band without Duane, live recordings at the Fillmore East, recorded in March 1971 and included also on the Deluxe edition of the Fillmore East album and finally live recordings at Fillmore East, recorded in June 1971, which was Duane’s last live recording. In retrospect it is a magnificent album, full of brilliant performances and vital energy with a drop of bitter sadness of course. This is classic stuff, which deserves a permanent position in any decent music library. The new exquisite edition includes the entire June 1971 Fillmore East concert, released here for the first time. As the Allmans were first a foremost a live band, this new material is, as usual, a gold mine of musical thrills. Essential!
| | Updated: 18/01/2016Posted: | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
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