Record Reviews
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  | JUDAS PRIEST ~ THE COMPLETE ALBUMS COLLECTION
SONY 886979678729 (Barcode: 886979678729) ~ UK ~ Pop & Rock
Recorded: 1974 - 2009 Released: 2012
This superb Box Set collects all the albums recorded by the seminal British Rock band Judas PriestFind albums by this artist in the span of about thirty five years, starting with the first two albums recorded for the GullFind albums on this label label and then fifteen albums recorded for the EpicFind albums by this artist label, two of which are double albums. Together these nineteen CDs remastered and expanded with bonus tracks, present one of the finest and most consistent Rock groups that ever existed.
Although most commonly referred to as a "Metal" band, Judas Priest always were and still are a Hard Rock band, i.e. a kick ass, loud, energetic performing unit, which plays music based on excellent melodic themes and offers first rate instrumental work with a double lead guitar front. Fronted by the charismatic vocalist Rob HalfordFind albums by this artist, whose ability to scream is truly virtuosic (just kidding), and featuring Glenn TiptonFind albums by this artist and K. K. DowningFind albums by this artist on guitars and Ian HillFind albums by this artist on gutsy bass, the band really has very few contenders in their league.
The band did go through several drummers over the years, with Scott TravisFind albums by this artist holding the chair since 1990, but all four founding members are still in the band since 1974, which is truly amazing. Musically the band has been quite consistent over the year, but their 2008 release "NostradamusFind albums with this title", a double CD concept album, which puts to shame most of contemporary Progressive Rock efforts, was a complete and most pleasant surprise.
What this box does nor include, and therefore, as it often happens, misses the "complete" part of its title, are a couple of live and a couple of studio albums released on the German SPVFind albums on this label label, recorded with the short lived vocal chair occupancy by Tim OwensFind albums by this artist; altogether not a great loss, although those albums are also worth hearing. Also not included is the newest album by Judas Priest ("Redeemer Of SoulsFind albums with this title"), released after this Box Set was completed and released.
For veterans like me, who witnessed this music being created in real time, his is one hell of a nostalgic trip, reconfirming again that most Rock bands today are simply a bunch of talentless sissies and the "real deal" is sadly left behind or left to a bunch of dying dinosaurs. For the later generation, this is a splendid opportunity to discover a fundamental testimony of what Rock music is all about and where it comes from. Wholeheartedly recommended!
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 19 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | PAUL RODGERS ~ ELECTRIC
SPV 4001617297025 (Barcode: 4001617297025) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 1999 Released: 1999
This is the fourth solo studio album by British singer / songwriter Paul RodgersFind albums by this artist, the voice of legendary groups like FreeFind albums by this artist and Bad CompanyFind albums by this artist and undoubtfuly the most impressive white Blues / Blues-Rock vocalist ever. The album presents ten original songs, all written by Rodgers (music and lyrics), recorded by a tight unit, which includes guitarist Geoff WhitehornFind albums by this artist, bassist Jaz LochrieFind albums by this artist and drummer Jim CopleyFind albums by this artist. Rodgers plays some guitar and piano, Tom KeelysideFind albums by this artist plays flute and there are also some female background vocals.
The music on this album marks a return to the Blues based songwriting, which is Rodgers´ trademark, away from the MOR approach that characterized this album´s predecessor "NowFind albums with this title", recorded a couple of years earlier. The overall level of the individual songs is excellent and in retrospect they lost nothing of their quality over the years. Rodgers´ vocals are impeccable, as always, full of the soulful, bluesy charm, that knows no equal.
The instrumental parts are also perfect for the job, with many good guitar solos and tight, highly professional executions from start to finish. The flute adds a beautiful touch on "Over You", creating a sort of "Celtic Blues" feel and making it the strongest song on this album by far.
Overall this is a fine album by a superb Artist, who manages to stick to what he does best and tries to do his own thing despite the reality, which basically tries to rob music of all its values. Rodgers always was, and still is, a completely unique voice, a natural born Blues ambassador, who spills his emotions to share them with his listeners with total dedication. I wholeheartedly recommend getting hold of this gem, although it´s pretty tough to get hold of a copy these days. This music is absolutely timeless!
| | Updated: 07/02/2016Posted: 07/02/2016 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | BLACKMORE`S NIGHT ~ UNDER VIOLET MOON
SPV 7241 (Barcode: 693723724126) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
2nd album by Blackmore`s NightFind albums by this artist, very similar to the first album and as delightful. A combination of original tracks and arrangements of early English music. Ritchie`s playing shines brightly, as ever.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
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