Record Reviews
24 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | BLIND FAITH ~ LONDON HYDE PARK 1969
SANCTUARY 0090 (Barcode: 5050749500908) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2005
Captured live in front of 100,000 (or more) people gathered in London’s Hyde Park, here is the world’s first “super group”, Blind FaithFind albums by this artist, playing their debut gig on June 7th, 1969. Surely a momentous occasion and a premiere piece of Rock’s history, this footage is seen here for the first time in its entirety. The group existed for just a very brief period of time and left as its legacy just one eponymous album, but its historical importance stretches way beyond that. Blind Faith was a proof that greatly talented musicians can work together, in spite of their different backgrounds and experiences, creating momentous music. The “super group” phenomenon would become ever so popular in the 1970s, but the pioneering effort that was Blind Faith would forever stay in our collective memory as one of Rock’s giant steps. The collective talents of guitarist Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist, vocalist / keyboardist Steve WinwoodFind albums by this artist, bassist Rick GrechFind albums by this artist and drummer Ginger BakerFind albums by this artist represented the formative years and experiences of British Rock in the 1960s. They played in some of the most important bands of the 1960s: Spencer Davis GroupFind albums by this artist, Graham Bond OrganizationFind albums by this artist, CreamFind albums by this artist, TrafficFind albums by this artist and FamilyFind albums by this artist – all icons and remarkable Rock achievers. The music they created together in Blind Faith is (especially in retrospect) quite surprising and different that anything done before. Anticlimactic and relaxed, it allowed them to take a much-deserved break from the emotional (and physical) extremities they all experienced with their former groups. The change is most evident and personalized by Clapton, who left behind the high-volume, heavy, fuzz saturated guitar style he used with Cream and dramatically changed it into a subdued, relaxed and laid-back guitar playing, which was to be his new “thing”, as evident on his recordings from that moment on. He was still one of the best players around, but simply not trying to prove it any more. Winwood’s vocals, dramatic and soulful as always, were of course the group’s trademark and here he reached maturity (in spite of his young age) for the first time. Baker’s drumming is inventive, as always, but again the relaxed atmosphere allows for his incredibly melodic playing to he really heard. Grech is solid and supportive all the way, with his elegance and sensibility at their best. But of course not everything is perfect here – the gig was played in the midst of the recordings for the album and the material is obviously still being in the “working” phase, with charming imperfection and numerous glitches. Nevertheless it does work charmingly and listening to this stuff almost 40 years later still gives me the shivers. What a teat! Dolby Digital Stereo Sound, 73 minutes.
| | | DVD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER ~ LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL
SANCTUARY 0351 (Barcode: 5050749503510) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1992 Released: 2007
The Emerson, Lake & PalmerFind albums by this artist reunions have been quite a regular event since the group broke up originally in 1979 (or perhaps they never did?), meeting with various degrees of success. The first reunion (in 1991) resulted in recording of the Black MoonFind albums with this title album and a tour. They were all in top form, as can be witnessed by this concert at London’s famous Royal Albert Hall. The concert includes just a couple of tracks from the a.m. new album and most of the material is a selection of their previous material, which is what the crowd was really looking for. Slightly rearranged, classic ELP (and a bit of NiceFind albums by this artist) material sounds as good as ever and any ELP fan will surely find this DVD a pleasure to watch. Keith EmersonFind albums by this artist (as usual) performs some of his stage theatrics, which are always fun to watch and Karl PalmerFind albums by this artist’s virtuoso drumming is a revelation. This is classic Prog stuff and perhaps the best live ELP material available on film. 88 minutes.
| | | DVD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER ~ LIVE AT THE ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL 1970
SANCTUARY 085 (Barcode: 5050749208521) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
The IOW Festival was ELP’s only second gig, which again proves that some groups can be an instant success. Their debut album was to be released only three months after this performance was recorded, but obviously they had their act together already and enough material for at least two albums. The set includes a 35+ minutes long rendition of “Pictures At The Exhibition” and the other tracks come from the debut ELP album and Emerson’s Nice heritage. The performance is truly electrifying, with the 19 years old Palmer brilliant technique and wonderful sense of rhythm in full bloom. Emerson switches between classical and jazz with ease and elegance and everybody seems to have great fun. I must be a sucker for the early days of all the big Prog bands (rather that the later days) and this is for me definitely the best live ELP recording ever, as it is void of any pomposity and artificial grandeur which would haunt the group in later days. The sound quality is surprisingly good and this is definitely an ELP album to have. As bonus, a 15 minutes interview with the band is added, which gives a lot of insight about their early days.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | COLOSSEUM ~ THOSE WHO ARE ABOUT TO DIE SALUTE YOU (DELUXE EDITION)
SANCTUARY 096 (Barcode: 5050749209627) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2004
1st album by ColosseumFind albums by this artist, the best ever UK blues / rock / jazz outfit. Formed by the finest UK jazz and blues players at the time and led by the drummer Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist, they were a mean and well oiled playing machine delivering virtuoso performances at neck-breaking speed and mastery. Some great compositions by all band members (especially Dave GreensladeFind albums by this artist) - this music gets better with time like good wine. This edition adds previously unavailable studio tracks.
| | | CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | COLOSSEUM ~ VALENTYNE SUITE (DELUXE EDITION)
SANCTUARY 097 (Barcode: 5050749209726) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2004
2nd album by the same lineup of ColosseumFind albums by this artist that produced the debut album. This time the group attempts to record a lengthy suite rather then individual pieces of music and of course succeeds beyond all expectations. The music and the performances are brilliant all the way and mark this as one of the greatest Prog albums of all times. This beautiful edition includes both the UK release (Valentyne SuiteFind albums with this title) and the US release (The Grass Is GreenerFind albums with this title), which was earlier and much different, as well as some BBC sessions. Absolutely essential.
| | | CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | JACK BRUCE ~ SHADOWS IN THE AIR
SANCTUARY 142 (Barcode: 5050749214225) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1999 - 2000 Released: 2001
This is the 12th studio album by the legendary British singer / multi-instrumentalist / songwriter Jack BruceFind albums by this artist, who sings and plays bass and piano. He is supported by several musicians, including several percussionists, and prominent guests, including guitarists Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist, Gary MooreFind albums by this artist and Vernon ReidFind albums by this artist and keyboardist Dr. JohnFind albums by this artist. The album presents fifteen tracks, most of which were composed by Bruce with lyrics by poet Pete BrownFind albums by this artist, or co-composed with Kip HanrahanFind albums by this artist, who also co-produced the album. Six of the tracks are new versions of songs previously recorded by CreamFind albums by this artist and West, Bruce & LaingFind albums by this artist or appearing on his earlier albums.
The late recorded output by Bruce, which includes this album, its follower “More Jack Than GodFind albums with this title” and his final recording “Silver RailsFind albums with this title” are tragically little known and mostly ignored by his followers, despite the fact that they include some of his finest songwriting and playing. The songs are more introvert and lyrical, and offer beautiful melodies and as usual profound lyrics, reflecting the last phase of his life and career.
Overall, this is a brilliant, as always, album by one of the greatest vocalists / musicians / songwriters of all time, who never achieved the proper recognition simply because he never compromised and created music he believed in. Despite his fame as a Rock superstar, his true glory remains deeply hidden in his solo career and his deep affinity to Jazz.
| | Updated: 31/10/2023Posted: 31/10/2023 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | KING CRIMSON ~ THE POWER TO BELIEVE
SANCTUARY 155 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2003
Long awaited new studio album by King CrimsonFind albums by this artist - the Kings of Prog. Although much criticised by the press, this is as good as anything KC did in the last decade, with complex instrumentation and dramatic mood changes. Lyrics are scarce, but the music speaks for itself, mostly in very dark colors. This time King Crimson are a quartet with 3 (!) guitars and percussion - Guitar heaven it is then. Bend your ears!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | JACK BRUCE ~ MORE JACK THAN GOD
SANCTUARY 211 (Barcode: 5050159021123) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2002 - 2003 Released: 2003
This is the 13th (and one before the last) studio album by British bassist / vocalist / songwriter and music icon, Jack BruceFind albums by this artist. It was the second album co-produced by Bruce with American producer Kip HanrahanFind albums by this artist. The album presents fourteen tracks, nine of which are updated version of songs released on earlier albums, which were co-written by Bruce with poet Pete BrownFind albums by this artist, and five are new songs co-written with Hanrahan. Bruce plays bass, piano, synthesizers and sings, and is accompanied by several excellent musicians, like guitarist Vernon ReidFind albums by this artist, drummer Horacio FernandezFind albums by this artist and others.
In many respects the album can be seen as a retrospective, recorded in view of Bruce’s declining health, which eventually lead to a liver transplant, shortly after this album was completed. He recovered from the transplant and resumed live performances, but did not release anything new (except for live concert recordings) until 2014, i.e. over a decade later. He died later that year.
Bruce was undoubtedly one of the great Geniuses of British Rock and his unique bass, vocal and songwriting talents left one of the mightiest music legacies in Rock. He was a great Jazz lover as well and even recorded a great Jazz album early in his career, called “Things We LikeFind albums with this title”. I have been lucky to know Jack Bruce personally and spent many hours conversing with his, whenever out paths crossed.
Overall, this is another strong album by Jack Bruce, in which he returns to many of his favorite songs in new arrangements. His bass playing and vocals as are strong as ever, despite his ailing health, and one can never get enough of his brilliant songs. A classic!
| | Updated: 20/01/2025Posted: 20/01/2025 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | KINKS ~ SOMETHING ELSE (DELUXE EDITION)
SANCTUARY 273214 (Barcode: 602527321417) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1967 Released: 2011
This is the 5th album by The KinksFind albums by this artist, the seminal British Pop / Rock band led by brothers Ray DaviesFind albums by this artist (who wrote all their wonderful material and was definitely one of the greatest composers in British Rock) and Dave DaviesFind albums by this artist (who played the lead guitar for the band). The first lineup, which lasted for five years, included also bassist Pete QuaifeFind albums by this artist and drummer Mick AvoryFind albums by this artist. Similar to other great British Rock bands like The HolliesFind albums by this artist, The WhoFind albums by this artist and even The Rolling StonesFind albums by this artist, The Kinks were overshadowed by The BeatlesFind albums by this artist, that in retrospect is a great injustice, as they certainly were as good if not better than the Fab Four in every respect. This album continues the new phase for the group, which developed a completely unique approach to writing music, which now included elements of Psychedelia and other influences. The lyrics were full of social commentary and concentrated on British society, history and way of life, often being quite sarcastic and critical. Although not a concept album as such, it points the way towards the future releases, which will be concept albums. Always truthful to themselves and their fans, the Kinks wonderfully mixed raw energy and melodic sophistication, which lost nothing of its intrinsic power through the years. This new edition adds a whole CD worth of bonus materials, including non-album singles, EPs, alternate takes, outtakes, mono and stereo versions and BBC sessions. Absolutely brilliant stuff!
| | | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | KINKS ~ ARTHUR (DELUXE EDITION)
SANCTUARY 273227 (Barcode: 602527322742) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1968 - 1969 Released: 2011
This is the 7th album by The KinksFind albums by this artist, the seminal British Pop / Rock band led by brothers Ray DaviesFind albums by this artist (who wrote all their wonderful material and was definitely one of the greatest composers in British Rock) and Dave DaviesFind albums by this artist (who played the lead guitar for the band). The first lineup, which lasted for five years, included also bassist Pete QuaifeFind albums by this artist and drummer Mick AvoryFind albums by this artist. Quaife´s replacement John DaltonFind albums by this artist is heard on this album for the first time. Similar to other great British Rock bands like The HolliesFind albums by this artist, The WhoFind albums by this artist and even The Rolling StonesFind albums by this artist, The Kinks were overshadowed by The BeatlesFind albums by this artist, that in retrospect is a great injustice, as they certainly were as good if not better than the Fab Four in every respect. This album continues the new phase for the group, which developed a completely unique approach to writing music, which now included elements of Psychedelia and other influences. The lyrics were full of social commentary and concentrated on British society, history and way of life, often being quite sarcastic and critical. Although not a concept album as such, it was conceived and recorded as a soundtrack for a TV movie, which eventually was never made. Always truthful to themselves and their fans, the Kinks wonderfully mixed raw energy and melodic sophistication, which lost nothing of its intrinsic power through the years. This new edition adds a whole CD worth of bonus materials, including non-album singles, alternate takes, outtakes, mono and stereo versions and BBC sessions. Absolutely brilliant stuff!
| | | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | KINKS ~ KINKS (DELUXE EDITION)
SANCTUARY 275627 (Barcode: 602527562742) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1964 Released: 2011
This is the 1st album by The KinksFind albums by this artist, the seminal British Pop / Rock band led by brothers Ray DaviesFind albums by this artist (who wrote all their wonderful material and was definitely one of the greatest composers in British Rock) and Dave DaviesFind albums by this artist (who played the lead guitar for the band). The first lineup, which lasted for five years, included also bassist Pete QuaifeFind albums by this artist and drummer Mick AvoryFind albums by this artist. Similar to other great British Rock bands like The HolliesFind albums by this artist, The WhoFind albums by this artist and even The Rolling StonesFind albums by this artist, The Kinks were overshadowed by The BeatlesFind albums by this artist, that in retrospect is a great injustice, as they certainly were as good if not better than the Fab Four in every respect. This album presents the first steps of the band, performing a mixture of covers of Rhythm And Blues material and original songs written by Ray. The Kinks were amongst the first British groups to perform and record self-penned songs. Always truthful to themselves and their fans, the Kinks wonderfully mixed raw energy and melodic sophistication, which lost nothing of its intrinsic power through the years. This new edition adds a whole CD worth of bonus materials, including non-album singles, EPs, alternate takes, outtakes, mono and stereo versions and BBC sessions. Absolutely brilliant stuff!
| | Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | KINKS ~ THE KINK KONTROVERSY (DELUXE EDITION)
SANCTUARY 275628 (Barcode: 602527562858) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1965 - 1966 Released: 2011
This is the 3rd album by The KinksFind albums by this artist, the seminal British Pop / Rock band led by brothers Ray DaviesFind albums by this artist (who wrote all their wonderful material and is definitely one of the greatest composers of the British Rock) and Dave DaviesFind albums by this artist who played the lead guitar for the band. Similar to other great British Rock Bands like The HolliesFind albums by this artist, The WhoFind albums by this artist and even The Rolling StonesFind albums by this artist, The Kinks were overshadowed by The BeatlesFind albums by this artist, which in retrospect is a great injustice, as they certainly were as good if not better than the Fab Four in every respect. This album marks the transition of the band from their initial cover-performing Beat group into a bona fide Rock band, performing their self-penned material (by Ray) and embarking on an illustrious career. Always truthful to themselves and their fans, the Kinks wonderfully mixed raw energy and melodic sophistication, which lost nothing of its intrinsic power through the years. This new edition adds a whole CD worth of bonus materials, including non-album singles, alternate takes and BBC sessions. Absolutely brilliant stuff!
| | | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | KINKS ~ KINDA KINKS (DELUXE EDITION)
SANCTUARY 275632 (Barcode: 602527563268) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1965 Released: 2011
This is the 2nd album by The KinksFind albums by this artist, the seminal British Pop / Rock band led by brothers Ray DaviesFind albums by this artist (who wrote all their wonderful material and was definitely one of the greatest composers in British Rock) and Dave DaviesFind albums by this artist (who played the lead guitar for the band). The first lineup, which lasted for five years, included also bassist Pete QuaifeFind albums by this artist and drummer Mick AvoryFind albums by this artist. Similar to other great British Rock bands like The HolliesFind albums by this artist, The WhoFind albums by this artist and even The Rolling StonesFind albums by this artist, The Kinks were overshadowed by The BeatlesFind albums by this artist, that in retrospect is a great injustice, as they certainly were as good if not better than the Fab Four in every respect. This album presents the group crystallizing their unique style and voicing and moving almost completely to performing original songs written by Ray. The Kinks were amongst the first British groups to perform and record self-penned songs and this album includes only two covers. Always truthful to themselves and their fans, the Kinks wonderfully mixed raw energy and melodic sophistication, which lost nothing of its intrinsic power through the years. This new edition adds a whole CD worth of bonus materials, including non-album singles, EPs, alternate takes, outtakes, mono and stereo versions and BBC sessions. Absolutely brilliant stuff!
| | | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | KINKS ~ FACE TO FACE (DELUXE EDITION)
SANCTUARY 277262 (Barcode: 602527726205) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1966 Released: 2011
This is the 4th album by The KinksFind albums by this artist, the seminal British Pop / Rock band led by brothers Ray DaviesFind albums by this artist (who wrote all their wonderful material and was definitely one of the greatest composers in British Rock) and Dave DaviesFind albums by this artist (who played the lead guitar for the band). The first lineup, which lasted for five years, included also bassist Pete QuaifeFind albums by this artist and drummer Mick AvoryFind albums by this artist. Similar to other great British Rock bands like The HolliesFind albums by this artist, The WhoFind albums by this artist and even The Rolling StonesFind albums by this artist, The Kinks were overshadowed by The BeatlesFind albums by this artist, that in retrospect is a great injustice, as they certainly were as good if not better than the Fab Four in every respect. This album presents a new phase for the group, which developed a completely unique approach to writing music, which now included elements of Psychedelia and other influences. The lyrics were full of social commentary and concentrated on British society, history and way of life, often being quite sarcastic and critical. Although not a concept album as such, it points the way towards the future release, which will be concept albums. Always truthful to themselves and their fans, the Kinks wonderfully mixed raw energy and melodic sophistication, which lost nothing of its intrinsic power through the years. This new edition adds a whole CD worth of bonus materials, including non-album singles, EPs, alternate takes, outtakes, mono and stereo versions and BBC sessions. Absolutely brilliant stuff!
| | | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | CROSBY & NASH ~ CROSBY NASH
SANCTUARY 293 (Barcode: 5050159029327) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2004 Released: 2004
This is the sixth (fourth studio and so far the last) album by the celebrated team of singer / songwriter friends, American David CrosbyFind albums by this artist and British Graham NashFind albums by this artist, known as Crosby & NashFind albums by this artist. Supported by a superb team of musicians, which includes Crosby´s son James RaymondFind albums by this artist, who plays keyboards, guitarists Dean ParksFind albums by this artist and Jeff PevarFind albums by this artist, bassist Leland SklarFind albums by this artist and drummer Russell KunkelFind albums by this artist, Crosby and Nash present no less than twenty new songs spread over two CDs. Crosby wrote five of the songs, Raymond wrote also five songs and Nash wrote seven songs. Of the remaining three songs, one was written by Mark CohnFind albums by this artist, one is a traditional tune and one was co-written by Nash and three other musicians.
Musically the album seems to be a time capsule, which goes back over three decades to the times when Crosby & Nash recorded their debut album together. Heartfelt melodies, meaningful lyrics, wonderful musicianship and an overall atmosphere of harmony, both musical and spiritual, had of course absolutely nothing to do with the music market at the time of the recording. Some critics accused Crosby & Nash to be stuck in the past, but hey, what greater praise can be bestowed upon a musician than saying his music sounds like being recorded in the early 1970s? Indeed the album could have been recorded in 1974 rather than in 2004 and nobody could have spotted the difference.
Crosby, Raymond and Nash manage to weave wonderful songs, perfectly suited to the individual vocal abilities and the vocal harmonies, which are the duo´s trademark. The elegant, perfectly arranged instrumental accompaniment brings the beauty of the melodies to the front and remains respectfully supportive, without interfering with the vocal parts.
Overall this is undoubtedly the strongest album by the duo since their debut recorded thirty two years earlier. It is great to see that Crosby and Raymond found their common musical destiny, which thrives to this very day, as evident on the recent solo albums by Crosby ("CrozFind albums with this title", "Sky TrailsFind albums with this title"). Sadly this may probably be the last recording by the duo although Crosby still performs live with Nash and Stills and I had the immense pleasure to hear them live in 2015. We must never cease to hope of course!
This is a brilliant album from start to finish and a must have to any true Classic Rock fan, regardless of age. Although they don´t make music like this any more, miracles do happen ;)
| | Updated: 05/06/2018Posted: 05/06/2018 | CD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | BAD COMPANY ~ IN CONCERT: MERCHANTS OF COOL (DVD)
SANCTUARY 3003 ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Bad Company were formed by Paul Rodgers after Free disbanded. The group was less blues influenced then Free, but the voice of Rodgers, who is probably the best white blues singer, still dominated the sound. This DVD filmed in 2002 marks a remarkable reunion concert of the band with Rodgers in the lead and the original members, including Simon Kirke (from Free as well) on drums. Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, 93 minutes.
| | | DVD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | YES ~ LIVE IN PHILADELPHIA 1979
SANCTUARY 3005 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Classic Yes lineup with Wakeman, Anderson, Howe, Squire and White playing some of the group favorite tunes in front of an extatic audience. Good sound and very solid performance which of course makes any Yes fan happy. Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, 50 minutes.
| | | DVD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | KING CRIMSON ~ EYES WIDE OPEN
SANCTUARY 3056 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
There are very few things in this world that you can bet your life on, but for me (continually over the years) King Crimson is definitely one of them. Although the group underwent more personal, stylistic and musical changes than any other of its peers, KC managed to emerge not only as the best of them all but also the most consistent one. This double DVD set is yet another proof of that (not that any proof is needed). It captures the latest (so far) KC configuration as a quartet, with Fripp, Belew, Gunn and Mastelotto – three (very different) guitar players and a drummer. Filmed almost 3 years apart from each other, the first DVD documents a London concert from July 2000 and the second a Tokyo concert from April 2003. Obviously the performances are quite different, as is the material. The earlier DVD includes mostly the legacy of the double trio, whereas the later includes mostly material from the “The Power To Believe” album, which the group was promoting at the time. There is no need to boast how good this stuff is – anybody who is a KC fan already knows it. For a KC addict like myself, this is of course a must. Any opportunity to see (and hear) a live performance by KC is an eye (and ear) opener any way you look at it. Devilishly clever music performed by masterly players – never a dull moment! Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound.
| | | DVD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | KINKS ~ THE KINKS ARE THE VILLAGE GREEN PRESERVATION SOCIETY (DELUXE EDITION)
SANCTUARY 602527046792 (Barcode: 602527046792) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1968 Released: 2004
This is the 6th album by The KinksFind albums by this artist, the seminal British Pop / Rock band led by brothers Ray DaviesFind albums by this artist (who wrote all their wonderful material and was definitely one of the greatest composers in British Rock) and Dave DaviesFind albums by this artist (who played the lead guitar for the band). The first lineup, which lasted for five years, included also bassist Pete QuaifeFind albums by this artist and drummer Mick AvoryFind albums by this artist. Similar to other great British Rock bands like The HolliesFind albums by this artist, The WhoFind albums by this artist and even The Rolling StonesFind albums by this artist, The Kinks were overshadowed by The BeatlesFind albums by this artist, this in retrospect is a great injustice, as they certainly were as good if not better than the Fab Four in every respect. This album presents the culmination point for the group, which developed a completely unique approach to writing music, which now included elements of Psychedelia and other influences. The lyrics were full of social commentary and concentrated on British society, history and way of life, often being quite sarcastic and critical. This is a full fledged concept album, as good as any of its revered contemporaries, but somehow was missed both by fans and critics at the time of its release and quickly forgotten. In retrospect it is an absolute milestone and an essential piece of Rock´s history. Always truthful to themselves and their fans, the Kinks wonderfully mixed raw energy and melodic sophistication, which lost nothing of its intrinsic power through the years. This new edition adds two whole CDs worth of bonus material, including both stereo and mono versions of the original album, non-album singles, EPs, alternate takes, outtakes, and other previously unreleased recordings. Absolutely brilliant stuff!
| | | CD 3 Digipak Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | KINKS ~ AT THE BBC
SANCTUARY 602527972183 (Barcode: 602527972183) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1964 - 1994 Released: 2012
This incredible Box Set compiles the BBC radio and TV recordings by one of the greatest British Pop / Rock groups The KinksFind albums by this artist, captured for posterity between 1964 and 1994; a thirty years period of superb songwriting and performing. The BBC vaults prove yet again to be a seemingly endless source of musical delights and perhaps the most important archive of British music history, which has absolutely no parallels. The sound quality of these recordings, as usual with the BBC recordings, is simply superb and often better than or at least as good as the studio recordings by the same artists done at the same period. Considering the fact that all these are live recordings, with no overdubs, re-recordings and other studio tricks, they are the true mirror of the performing skills of the artists involved, which is an invaluable historic testimony.
The Kinks, led by brothers Ray DaviesFind albums by this artist (the group´s principal composer) and Dave DaviesFind albums by this artist were of course an incredible band, which created a massive amount of fantastic music and overshadowed most other British acts by their talents, quality, versatility and artistic consistency. Ray´s outstanding composing gift puts him on a pedestal of the most creative British songwriters of the Pop / Rock era, equaled by only few others and vastly superior to many others, who are (in retrospect) more popular and successful. Both The Kinks and Ray Davies are vastly underrated by music critics and fans alike, mostly because their music was always more complex and sophisticated than that of their contemporaries.
These BBC recordings present a wonderful chronological sequence, which shows the group developing rapidly from young and energetic rebels to masters of their trade, with ever more stylish and complex artistic outlook. They wonderfully combined the British wry sense of humor, social awareness and other subject matter, which was often avoided by other Pop / Rock artists and were always faithful to their own musical ideas, avoiding fads and fashions and managing to stay aloft. This Box Set is an excellent opportunity to take another look at The Kinks and perhaps finally grant them the respect and admiration they so much deserve.
This is a Limited Edition item (including 5 CDs and a DVD), so it will be probably out of print by the time you read these words, but if you are a true Pop / Rock music lover, and you can lay your hands on a copy of this Box Set, don´t hesitate even for a heartbeat before grabbing it. It is bigger than life!
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD+DVD 6 Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | KINKS ~ LOLA VERSUS POWERMAN AND THE MONEYGOROUND / PERCY (DELUXE EDITION)
SANCTUARY 888430895928 (Barcode: 888430895928) ~ UK ~ Pop & Rock
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2014
This is a reissue of the eighth and last great album by the British Pop / Rock legends The KinksFind albums by this artist, formed and led by brothers Ray DaviesFind albums by this artist and Dave DaviesFind albums by this artist. For this reissue it is coupled with the next, ninth album, which was a soundtrack of the movie of the same name. Placing the two albums together into one package makes perfect sense, as they were recorded only a couple of months apart and stylistically present almost inseparable musical ideas. As all the Deluxe editions, this one also includes a plethora of bonus material, most of it previously unreleased. These were the last two albums The Kinks recorded for the PyeFind albums on this label Records label and for their next album, the true swan song called "Muswell HillbilliesFind albums with this title", they´d switch to RCAFind albums on this label Records.
Even if The Kinks were already past their creative apex at the time this music was recorded, they were still one of the best Pop / Rock bands and songwriting talents on the British scene and this music lost nothing of its quality and vitality over time. The songs from this album, which were released as singles, remain in the collective memory of the 1960s / 1970s generation as an integral part of its life´s soundtrack, your humble scribe included.
For The Kinks enthusiasts this is an absolute must, for others, who still appreciate great music created before the collapse of Culture, definitely something worth investigating and remembering. This is a nice remaster and archival piece of history of the music that is no more.
| | Updated: 29/01/2019Posted: | CD 2 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | COLOSSEUM ~ THE GRASS IS GREENER (EXPANDED EDITION)
TALKING ELEPHANT 181 (Barcode: 5028479018123) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1969 - 1970 Released: 2011
"The Grass Is GreenerFind albums with this title" was the second US release by the superb British band ColosseumFind albums by this artist. Founded in 1968 by drummer Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist, Colosseum was one of the most important and innovative bands active in the UK in the late 1960s / early 1970s. It combined virtuosic performances and imaginative musical writing way ahead of its time; crossing genres elegantly and skillfully, amalgamating Blues, Jazz and Rock in a way no other band had previously attempted and very few others ever managed to do in the years that followed.
This particular album by Colosseum is however especially interesting as far as record collectors and fans of the band are concerned, since it reflects a widely-spread phenomenon, which characterized the record industry at the time. As a result of the "British Invasion", spearheaded by the Beatles and other UK bands in the mid-1960s, the US record market was swamped by UK releases on a regular basis. However, the US record labels often took the liberty to change the UK albums selected to be released in the USA. These changes could involve an alternate cover art and liner notes, a different track order, a different selection of tracks and up to creating new and completely "virtual" albums, which never existed originally, by combining tracks from two or more previously released albums, sometimes even with previously unreleased material.
This album is a great example of the above, as it embodies all of the above methods and as a result becomes a true nightmare for collectors and fans, especially the completists among them. Before "The Grass Is Greener" was released in the US on the DunhillFind albums on this label label, the label already released the band´s debut album "Those Who Are About To Die Salute YouFind albums with this title" in US, but that release was also completely different from the original UK release and in fact included about half of material from the "Valentyne SuiteFind albums with this title" album, before that album was released in the UK a few months later as the first release on the new VertigoFind albums on this label label – the legendary home of Progressive Rock and Art Rock for years to come. Therefore, by the time Dunhill was planning the release of the second US Colosseum album; including the "Valentyne Suite" in its entirety was obviously out of the question, since so much of the album´s material had already been used on the debut US release. So the label decided to use the remaining three tracks from "Valentine Suite" and asked for some new, previously unreleased material, which the band recorded in two separate sessions late 1969 and early 1970 (after Clem ClempsonFind albums by this artist joined the band, replacing James LitherlandFind albums by this artist). These five new tracks, released only in US on the "The Grass Is Greener" album have made it a much sought after collectors´ item ever since.
Those interested in further pursuing these tracks should note, that four of them: "Bolero", "The Grass Is Greener" (which is an alternate version of the 3rd part of "Valentyne Suite"), "Jumping Off The Sun" (with an overdubbed vocals by Chris FarloweFind albums by this artist) and "Rope Ladder To The Moon" were released in UK in 1971 on the Bronze compilation album "The Collectors Colosseum" (ILPS 9173), which also included an unreleased track from the debut album entitled "I Can´t Live Without You". As for "Lost Angeles", one would have to wait another 33 years, until the 2004 release of the "Valentyne Suite" 2CD expanded edition on SanctuaryFind albums on this label (SMEDD 097) or further 2 years after that for the digipak CD version of that album (SMBCD 386). Both these editions include another lost "Valentyne Suite" era track: "Arthur´s Moustache", which had remained unreleased up to that time.
And of course Colosseum is still very much alive. After reuniting in 1994, they continued touring and recording right up to the present day but that is a completely different tale. However, if you can get to hear them play, don´t miss the opportunity to enjoy one of the best bands that ever existed on this planet.
Side Note
The above are my liner notes included on this album's artwork.
I am honored when asked by the Artists to write liner notes for their albums, always hoping that my words reflect the true spirit of the music. This is also a symbol of our mutual respect and friendship developed over the years.
The same is also true when Record Labels ask me to write liner notes for their releases, mostly in the case of reissues of archival albums, which is a symbol of their appreciation of my knowledge and historical perspective and my recognition of their dedication to the preservation of the history of recorded music and the effort to keep human Culture and Aesthetics alive.
| | Updated: 26/08/2020Posted: | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
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