Record Reviews
21 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | BEACH BOYS ~ FEEL FLOWS – THE SUNFLOWER & SURF`S UP SESSIONS 1969 - 1971 (SUPER DELUXE EDITION) CAPITOL 602508802188 (Barcode: 602508802188) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1969 - 1993 Released: 2021
This is another mammoth 5CD Box Set expanded reissue of albums recorded by the legendary American Pop / Rock group The Beach BoysFind albums by this artist. The material includes mostly music recorded between 1969 and 1971, but some live recordings included here go as far as 1993. The vast majority of the material is previously unreleased. Here is more detailed information:
CD1 presents the album “SunflowerFind albums with this title” with twelve original tracks, six live versions of the songs from that album recorded over many years and nine bonus tracks.
CD2 presents the album “Surf`s UpFind albums with this title” with ten original tracks, five live versions of the songs from that album recorded over many years and nine bonus tracks.
CD3 presents nineteen tracks from the “Sunflower” sessions and additional ten a cappella tracks recorded between 1969 and 1971.
CD4 presents eleven tracks from the “Surf`s Up” sessions, seven a cappella tracks recorded during the “Surf`s Up” sessions and six additional various bonus tracks.
CD5 presents twenty-nine additional various bonus tracks.
Renowned for their sublime vocal harmonies and divine songwriting, mostly by Brian WilsonFind albums by this artist, The Beach Boys produced some of the finest American Pop / Rock music ever, which loses nothing of its power, beauty and Artistic vision over the time. They had few competitors at the time and of course the music shines brightly in comparison to the non-music that surrounds us today. Sadly, the material included here marks more or less the decline of their illustrious career, which would last just a couple of great albums (see the “Sail On Sailor - 1972Find albums with this title” Box Set), although Brian Wilson still produces great music today.
Overall, this Box Set is an obvious labor of love and a treasure trove of sublime timeless music. Although such detailed recording documents are perhaps most interesting to true fans of the group (those who are still with us, like myself), they are also extremely educative, to show the new generations what great music is all about. Personally, I love every second of those 5 CDs, which bring fond memories of times long gone. Nostalgia? Perhaps, but surely also way beyond…
| Updated: 17/02/2024Posted: 17/02/2024 | CD 5 Digibook Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | BEACH BOYS ~ SAIL ON SAILOR - 1972 (SUPER DELUXE EDITION) CAPITOL 602445859146 (Barcode: 602445859146) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1972 - 1993 Released: 2022
This is another mammoth 6CD Box Set expanded reissue of albums recorded by the legendary American Rock group The Beach BoysFind albums by this artist. The material includes mostly music recorded in 1972, but some live recordings included here go as far as 1993. The vast majority of the material is previously unreleased. Here is more detailed information:
CD1 presents the album “Carl And The Passions – So ToughFind albums with this title” with eight original tracks and eight bonus tracks.
CD2 presents the album “HollandFind albums with this title” with nine original tracks and seven bonus tracks, as well as the six-part suite “Mount Vernon And Fairway (A Fairy Tale)”.
CD3 presents eleven tracks recorded live at the Carnegie Hall on November 23, 1972.
CD4 presents fifteen more tracks from the Carnegie Hall concert.
CD5 presents twenty-one tracks from various 1972 sessions.
CD6 presents twenty various tracks, including six live versions of the songs from the two albums recorded between 1973 and 1993 and other studio recordings.
Renowned for their sublime vocal harmonies and divine songwriting, mostly by Brian WilsonFind albums by this artist, The Beach Boys produced some of the finest American Rock music ever, which loses nothing of its power, beauty and Artistic vision over the time. They had few competitors at the time and of course the music shines brightly in comparison to the non-music that surrounds us today. Sadly, the material included here marks more or less the final stage of their illustrious career, although Brian Wilson still produces great music today.
Overall, this Box Set is an obvious labor of love and a treasure trove of sublime timeless music. Although such detailed recording documents are perhaps most interesting to true fans of the group (those who are still with us, like myself), they are also extremely educative, to show the new generations what great music is all about. Personally, I love every second of those 6 CDs, which bring fond memories of times long gone. Nostalgia? Perhaps, but surely also way beyond…
| Updated: 17/02/2024Posted: 19/01/2024 | CD 6 Digibook Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | BEACH BOYS ~ THE SMILE SESSIONS (DELUXE EDITION) CAPITOL 5099902766324 (Barcode: 5099902766324) ~ USA ~ Classic Pop Recorded: 1966 - 1967 Released: 2011
If any album in the history of recorded music deserves the “legendary” status, “SmileFind albums with this title” is certainly a worthy candidate. Devised as a follow up to the brilliant “Pet SoundsFind albums with this title” album by The Beach BoysFind albums by this artist and their resident genius / creative director Brian WilsonFind albums by this artist, it was supposed to be the Mother of all albums, the ultimate musical thrill and the decisive blow in the Beach Boys / BeatlesFind albums by this artist imaginary competition.
Wilson devised the idea and technique for what was supposed to become the “Smile” album when he started to record to famous “Good Vibrations” single, while still working on “Pet Sounds”. From the summer of 1966 and months into 1967 Wilson recorded hours upon hours of material, which was to be later edited into finished songs using elaborate studio wizardry, splicing, overdubbing and any previously known trick in the book, and then some. Unfortunately Wilson became increasingly erratic and disturbed as the work progressed, fighting with his own demons, fears and drug abuse, which eventually led to abandoning the project / album completely.
Luckily for us, music lovers, the session tapes of the “Smile” project were saved, some of them circulating in the bootleg circles for many years. Jump forward to 2004, when the rejuvenated Wilson, in much better mental state and drug free decided to revisit the “Smile” concept and recorded a contemporary version of the “Smile” songs, a project, which was very well received both by critics and public alike. This led to Wilson’s work of reconstruction of the “Smile” album, using the original tapes, which was eventually released in late 2011 as “The Smile Sessions” in several versions: a normal 2CD version, a Deluxe 2CD Box Set (this one) and the lavish and extravagant Special Edition Deluxe Box Set with 5 CDs, 2 LPs and 2 singles.
So much for the history behind this album, and now let’s talk about the musical content; in retrospect it’s obvious that “Smile” was definitely a brilliant piece of music and a work of a visionary Artist. The completely innovative approach to creating music, at least as far as Pop was concerned, marks “Smile” as a prophetic and pioneering step forward. The question is, however, if now, almost five decades later, the music manages to retain its vitality, credibility and conceptual integrity? Regardless of what the subjective answer the above question is, one must admit that the music still sounds damn good, especially those sublime melody lines, vocal harmonies and layers upon layers of sound all falling into place like pieces of a complex puzzle.
The bonus material enables us a glimpse into the creative process of recording this music step-by-step, sound upon sound, which is still truly amazing. Perhaps this version of “Smile” is not as grand as it might have been if it was ever finished back then, but it is the best we’ll ever get, so let’s enjoy it. It is certainly worthy an honorable place in any serious record collection, as long as people still remember who the Beach Boys were. Wholeheartedly recommended!
| Updated: 17/02/2024Posted: | CD 2 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | DAVE DEE, DOZY, BEAKY, MICK & TICH ~ DAVE DEE, DOZY, BEAKY, MICK & TICH REPERTOIRE 1004 (Barcode: 4009910100424) ~ UK ~ Classic Pop Recorded: 1965 - 1966 Released: 2003
1st album by the British Classic Pop group Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & TichFind albums by this artist, one of the most prominent hit makers in the mid to late 1960s, which with many other contemporary British Pop acts shaped the sound of the music of that decade. Although mostly known for their contributions to the hit parade. They were in fact excellent musicians and singers and listening to their albums in retrospect reveals a whole world of music, which is mostly forgotten, but certainly deservers to be remembered. Most of the music the group played was penned by the pair of excellent songwriters Ken HowardFind albums by this artist and Alan BlaikleyFind albums by this artist, who also wrote songs for other British acts. Their debut album includes a typical mid-1960s British Pop, full of wonderful melodies and lots of typical British humor. The material is superbly performed and sung, with vocal harmonies easily rivaling those of the BeatlesFind albums by this artist or the Beach BoysFind albums by this artist and many other acts of the time. The bonus material (which doubles the volume of the original content) includes the early hit singles by the group. People, who love the wonderful sound of the 1960s and the intelligent and clever British Pop, will find here quite a surprising wealth of memorable material to delight in. Warmly recommended!
| | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | DAVE DEE, DOZY, BEAKY, MICK & TICH ~ IF MUSIC BE THE FOOD OF LOVE REPERTOIRE 1005 (Barcode: 4009910100523) ~ UK ~ Classic Pop Recorded: 1966 - 1967 Released: 2003
2nd album by the British Classic Pop group Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & TichFind albums by this artist, one of the most prominent hit makers in the mid to late 1960s, which with many other contemporary British Pop acts shaped the sound of the music of that decade. Although mostly known for their contributions to the hit parade. They were in fact excellent musicians and singers and listening to their albums in retrospect reveals a whole world of music, which is mostly forgotten, but certainly deservers to be remembered. Most of the music the group played was penned by the pair of excellent songwriters Ken HowardFind albums by this artist and Alan BlaikleyFind albums by this artist, who also wrote songs for other British acts. This album continues to follow their development, with the music being more sophisticated, full of wonderful melodies and lots of typical British humor. The material is superbly performed and sung, with vocal harmonies easily rivaling those of the BeatlesFind albums by this artist or the Beach BoysFind albums by this artist and many other acts of the time. The bonus material (which doubles the volume of the original content) includes the early hit singles by the group. People, who love the wonderful sound of the 1960s and the intelligent and clever British Pop, will find here quite a surprising wealth of memorable material to delight in. Warmly recommended!
| | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | DAVE DEE, DOZY, BEAKY, MICK & TICH ~ IF NO-ONE SANG REPERTOIRE 1013 (Barcode: 4009910101322) ~ UK ~ Classic Pop Recorded: 1968 Released: 2003
3rd album by the British Classic Pop group Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & TichFind albums by this artist, one of the most prominent hit makers in the mid to late 1960s, which with many other contemporary British Pop acts shaped the sound of the music of that decade. Although mostly known for their contributions to the hit parade. They were in fact excellent musicians and singers and listening to their albums in retrospect reveals a whole world of music, which is mostly forgotten, but certainly deservers to be remembered. Most of the music the group played was penned by the pair of excellent songwriters Ken Howard and Alan BlaikleyFind albums by this artist, who also wrote songs for other British acts. This album continues to follow their development, with the music becoming quite ambitious and the orchestrations and arrangements sophisticated and complex, including Psychedelic influences and even proto-Prog moments. The material is superbly performed and sung, with vocal harmonies easily rivaling those of the BeatlesFind albums by this artist or the Beach BoysFind albums by this artist and many other acts of the time. The bonus material (which doubles the volume of the original content) includes the early hit singles by the group. People, who love the wonderful sound of the 1960s and the intelligent and clever British Pop, will find here quite a surprising wealth of memorable material to delight in. Most warmly recommended!
| | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | EVERLY BROTHERS ~ DOWN IN THE BOTTOM: THE COUNTRY ROCK SESSIONS 1966-1968 RPM 550 (Barcode: 5013929555020) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1966 - 1968 Released: 2020
This is a 3CD set reissue of the entire late-1960s studio recording legacy by the American vocal duo The Everly BrothersFind albums by this artist – Don EverlyFind albums by this artist and Phil EverlyFind albums by this artist. The set includes the three albums: “The Hit Sound Of The Everly BrothersFind albums with this title”, “The Everly Brothers SingFind albums with this title” and “RootsFind albums with this title”, which were their last studio albums released by Warner Bros.Find albums on this label in 1967 and 1968. The original albums are expanded with a plethora of outtakes, singles and other material recorded at the sessions that produced these albums. The booklet included in the set is highly detailed and informative and the remastered sound is superb.
Although deeply rooted in American Country music, in retrospect the Everly Brothers were one of the most influential outfits that shaped the Pop / Rock explosion on both sides of the Atlantic. They basically invented and defined the brilliant use of vocal harmonies, which were the core of Pop / Rock and almost every major figure in these genres identified them as a decisive influence, including the BeatlesFind albums by this artist, Beach BoysFind albums by this artist, Simon & GarfunkelFind albums by this artist and countless others.
By the time these three albums were recorded, American Rock was being forged by electrifying the Folk and Country tradition with new influences, creating the electric Folk Rock and Country Rock, and The Everly Brothers followed suit, producing some of the finest examples of the genre, which can be found on the albums included herein.
The level of the songs, the legendary vocal harmonies and the Rocky instrumental work is all exemplary and sounds absolutely fresh today, despite the time that passed by. Good music apparently ages well. Wholeheartedly recommended.
| Updated: 18/08/2021Posted: 18/08/2021 | CD 3 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | CHARLES LLOYD / JASON MORAN ~ HAGAR`S SONG ECM 2311 (Barcode: 602537245505) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2012 Released: 2013
This is a beautiful duo album by veteran US saxophonist Charles LloydFind albums by this artist and much younger pianist Jason MoranFind albums by this artist, who plays with Lloyd since several years. The album comprises of fourteen pieces, eight of which are Jazz / Rock / Pop standards, which receive here a very special treatment and one is an original composition by Lloyd. The remaining five are also composed by Lloyd and constitute a musical suite, which gives the album its title.
Lloyd´s status as a player is beyond legendary and his latest output completely defies the limitations that age imposes on people, which is absolutely astounding. His tone, sensibility, aesthetics and virtuosity are simply stunning and being enhanced by maturity and experience give a new meaning to the term "musical perfection". Moran, one of the most important pianists to emerge on the US scene in the last decade, proves to be both a worthy partner and a faithful supporter to Lloyd´s artistry.
Lloyd´s decision to revisit some of the most iconic Jazz standards, as well as no less iconic pieces by Bob DylanFind albums by this artist or Brian WilsonFind albums by this artist (the Beach BoysFind albums by this artist) is somewhat surprising, as he is known to concentrate mostly on his original material. These Jazz standards are obviously very dear to his heart to return to them with such love and sensitivity. The non-Jazz material is a nice reminder of the period when Lloyd´s music was a part of the emerging Jazz-Rock scene in the US, one of the most exciting periods in music history.
Lloyd plays flutes on this album, which is also quite a rare occasion to be reminded how beautifully he can handle that instrument as well. The interplays and musical conversations between him and Moran are a striking example of mutual empathy, understanding and respect between musicians, regardless of their age difference.
Overall this is a superb album, full of deeply moving music from start to finish, perfectly and most sensitively performed by Master musicians and beautifully recorded. One can hardly ask for anything more as far as musical aesthetics and creativity are concerned. This is superb music in every respect and a must for any serious Jazz listener.
| | CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend |
  | SINGERS UNLIMITED ~ A CAPELLA MPS 042281567124 (Barcode: 042281567124) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1971 Released: 1984
This is a reissue of the 2nd album by American vocal quartet The Singers UnlimitedFind albums by this artist, led by vocalist / composer / arranger Gene PuerlingFind albums by this artist, which included also Don SheltonFind albums by this artist, Len DresslarFind albums by this artist and Bonnie HermanFind albums by this artist. They perform a cappella (i.e. without any instrumental accompaniment) ten carefully selected Pop songs and Jazz standards, brilliantly arranged by Puerling. They would release two sequels to this album, their 6th and 12th albums called “A Capella IIFind albums with this title” and “A Capella IIIFind albums with this title” respectively.
Although not a strictly a Jazz album per se, it demonstrates the exquisite vocal harmonies used also by Jazz singers and the Jazzy "nature" of Puerling´s arrangements, which influenced generations of American singers of all genres, including The Beach BoysFind albums by this artist. He was an absolute maverick of the vocal quartet and a great pioneer of that idiom.
These a cappella performances are breathtaking and timeless. Such perfection and harmony, although tried by many, has been rarely achieved by other vocal quartets and this album is an absolute classic of the genre.
It is great to hear this timeless classic and anybody who loves the angelic harmony of the human voice must have a copy of this album in their collection! Side Note The legendary German MPSFind albums on this label (Musik Produktion Schwarzwald) label, founded by Hans Georg Brunner-SchwerFind albums by this artist (HGBS) in 1963, first as SABAFind albums on this label Records and later on from 1968 as MPS Records, was the most important independent European record label, which had an enormous contribution to the development of European Jazz. For many years MPS cooperated with the legendary German producer / author Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist, my Friend and Mentor, whose visionary approach and open-mindedness brought the crème de la crème of the Jazz (in the broadest meaning of the word) musicians from all over the world to the label. Between 1963 and 1983 MPS produced about five hundred albums, many of which are among the most important Jazz recordings on this planet.
In 1983 the MPS catalog was sold to UniversalFind albums on this label, which sadly resulted in all those artistic treasures to almost disappear from the face of the earth – a situation not only tragic but culturally criminal. Universal reissued a part of the MPS albums (probably 128 titles) on CD between 1999 and 2011 under the "Most Perfect Sound Edition" moniker.
Since 2008 the German Promising MusicFind albums on this label label released some of the MPS recordings, but at a very slow pace.
In 2014 the German company Edel AG bought the MPS catalogue from Universal and released a series of 25 MPS albums on CD with a new slipcase graphic design, which brought all those excellent albums back to life. In 2015 Edel AG started to record and release new albums under the MPS moniker. In 2016 Edel AG released a series of 10 classic MPS albums on CD, which were beautifully remastered and re-packaged, presenting the original artwork and liner notes, as well as new liner notes and photographs. An obvious labor of love, these reissues are what the MPS catalogue truly deserves. This project was continued in 2017 with another series of 10 classic MPS albums released on CD. In later years some new reissues were released sporadically.
Over the years many SABA / MPS albums were reissued in Japan, which is often the only available source for these albums today, but that is a story in itself.
| Updated: 13/02/2025Posted: 13/02/2025 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | SINGERS UNLIMITED ~ A CAPELLA II MPS 042282186027 (Barcode: 042282186027) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1974 Released: 1984
This is a reissue of the 6th album by American vocal quartet The Singers UnlimitedFind albums by this artist, led by vocalist / composer / arranger Gene PuerlingFind albums by this artist, which included also Don SheltonFind albums by this artist, Len DresslarFind albums by this artist and Bonnie HermanFind albums by this artist. They perform a cappella (i.e. without any instrumental accompaniment) twelve carefully selected Pop songs, brilliantly arranged by Puerling, many of which became Jazz standards. It is a sequel to their 2nd album called simply “A CapellaFind albums with this title”.
Although not a strictly a Jazz album per se, it demonstrates the exquisite vocal harmonies used also by Jazz singers and the Jazzy "nature" of Puerling´s arrangements, which influenced generations of American singers of all genres, including The Beach BoysFind albums by this artist. He was an absolute maverick of the vocal quartet and a great pioneer of that idiom.
These a cappella performances are breathtaking and timeless. Such perfection and harmony, although tried by many, has been rarely achieved by other vocal quartets and this album is an absolute classic of the genre.
It is great to have this timeless classic back in circulation and anybody who loves the angelic harmony of the human voice must have a copy of this album in their collection! Side Note The legendary German MPSFind albums on this label (Musik Produktion Schwarzwald) label, founded by Hans Georg Brunner-SchwerFind albums by this artist (HGBS) in 1963, first as SABAFind albums on this label Records and later on from 1968 as MPS Records, was the most important independent European record label, which had an enormous contribution to the development of European Jazz. For many years MPS cooperated with the legendary German producer / author Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist, my Friend and Mentor, whose visionary approach and open-mindedness brought the crème de la crème of the Jazz (in the broadest meaning of the word) musicians from all over the world to the label. Between 1963 and 1983 MPS produced about five hundred albums, many of which are among the most important Jazz recordings on this planet.
In 1983 the MPS catalog was sold to UniversalFind albums on this label, which sadly resulted in all those artistic treasures to almost disappear from the face of the earth – a situation not only tragic but culturally criminal. Universal reissued a part of the MPS albums (probably 128 titles) on CD between 1999 and 2011 under the "Most Perfect Sound Edition" moniker.
Since 2008 the German Promising MusicFind albums on this label label released some of the MPS recordings, but at a very slow pace.
In 2014 the German company Edel AG bought the MPS catalogue from Universal and released a series of 25 MPS albums on CD with a new slipcase graphic design, which brought all those excellent albums back to life. In 2015 Edel AG started to record and release new albums under the MPS moniker. In 2016 Edel AG released a series of 10 classic MPS albums on CD, which were beautifully remastered and re-packaged, presenting the original artwork and liner notes, as well as new liner notes and photographs. An obvious labor of love, these reissues are what the MPS catalogue truly deserves. This project was continued in 2017 with another series of 10 classic MPS albums released on CD. In later years some new reissues were released sporadically.
Over the years many SABA / MPS albums were reissued in Japan, which is often the only available source for these albums today, but that is a story in itself.
| Updated: 21/01/2025Posted: 21/01/2025 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | SINGERS UNLIMITED ~ A CAPELLA III MPS 042282188229 (Barcode: 042282188229) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1979 Released: 1984
This is a reissue of the 12th album by American vocal quartet The Singers UnlimitedFind albums by this artist, led by vocalist / composer / arranger Gene PuerlingFind albums by this artist, which included also Don SheltonFind albums by this artist, Len DresslarFind albums by this artist and Bonnie HermanFind albums by this artist. They perform a cappella (i.e. without any instrumental accompaniment) twelve carefully selected Pop songs and Jazz standards, brilliantly arranged by Puerling. It is a sequel to their 2nd and 6th albums called “A CapellaFind albums with this title” and “A Capella IIFind albums with this title”.
Although not a strictly a Jazz album per se, it demonstrates the exquisite vocal harmonies used also by Jazz singers and the Jazzy "nature" of Puerling´s arrangements, which influenced generations of American singers of all genres, including The Beach BoysFind albums by this artist. He was an absolute maverick of the vocal quartet and a great pioneer of that idiom.
These a cappella performances are breathtaking and timeless. Such perfection and harmony, although tried by many, has been rarely achieved by other vocal quartets and this album is an absolute classic of the genre.
It is great to hear this timeless classic and anybody who loves the angelic harmony of the human voice must have a copy of this album in their collection! Side Note The legendary German MPSFind albums on this label (Musik Produktion Schwarzwald) label, founded by Hans Georg Brunner-SchwerFind albums by this artist (HGBS) in 1963, first as SABAFind albums on this label Records and later on from 1968 as MPS Records, was the most important independent European record label, which had an enormous contribution to the development of European Jazz. For many years MPS cooperated with the legendary German producer / author Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist, my Friend and Mentor, whose visionary approach and open-mindedness brought the crème de la crème of the Jazz (in the broadest meaning of the word) musicians from all over the world to the label. Between 1963 and 1983 MPS produced about five hundred albums, many of which are among the most important Jazz recordings on this planet.
In 1983 the MPS catalog was sold to UniversalFind albums on this label, which sadly resulted in all those artistic treasures to almost disappear from the face of the earth – a situation not only tragic but culturally criminal. Universal reissued a part of the MPS albums (probably 128 titles) on CD between 1999 and 2011 under the "Most Perfect Sound Edition" moniker.
Since 2008 the German Promising MusicFind albums on this label label released some of the MPS recordings, but at a very slow pace.
In 2014 the German company Edel AG bought the MPS catalogue from Universal and released a series of 25 MPS albums on CD with a new slipcase graphic design, which brought all those excellent albums back to life. In 2015 Edel AG started to record and release new albums under the MPS moniker. In 2016 Edel AG released a series of 10 classic MPS albums on CD, which were beautifully remastered and re-packaged, presenting the original artwork and liner notes, as well as new liner notes and photographs. An obvious labor of love, these reissues are what the MPS catalogue truly deserves. This project was continued in 2017 with another series of 10 classic MPS albums released on CD. In later years some new reissues were released sporadically.
Over the years many SABA / MPS albums were reissued in Japan, which is often the only available source for these albums today, but that is a story in itself.
| Updated: 07/02/2025Posted: 07/02/2025 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | SINGERS UNLIMITED ~ CHRISTMAS MPS 4029759116004 (Barcode: 4029759116004) ~ USA ~ Xmas Jazz Recorded: 1972 Released: 2016
This is a reissue of the 3rd album by American vocal quartet The Singers UnlimitedFind albums by this artist, led by vocalist / composer / arranger Gene PuerlingFind albums by this artist, which included also Don SheltonFind albums by this artist, Len DresslarFind albums by this artist and Bonnie HermanFind albums by this artist. They perform a cappella seventeen Christmas songs, most of which are traditional Carrols arranged by Puerling and six are original compositions by American Jazz trumpeter Alfred S. BurtFind albums by this artist, which in time entered the list of Christmas favorites.
Although not strictly a Jazz album per se, this album demonstrates the exquisite vocal harmonies used also by Jazz singers and the Jazzy "nature" of Puerling´s arrangements, which BTW influenced generations of American singers of all genres, including The Beach BoysFind albums by this artist. He was an absolute maverick of the vocal quartet and a great pioneer of that idiom.
These a cappella performances are breathtaking and timeless, and regardless of the Christmas material, can and should be listened to at any time of the year. Such perfection and harmony, although tried by many, has been rarely achieved by other vocal quartets and this album is an absolute classic of the genre.
It is great to have this timeless classic back in circulation and anybody who loves the angelic harmony of the human voice must have a copy of this album in their collection! Side Note The legendary German MPSFind albums on this label (Musik Produktion Schwarzwald) label, founded by Hans Georg Brunner-SchwerFind albums by this artist (HGBS) in 1963, first as SABAFind albums on this label Records and later on from 1968 as MPS Records, was the most important independent European record label, which had an enormous contribution to the development of European Jazz. For many years MPS cooperated with the legendary German producer / author Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist, my Friend and Mentor, whose visionary approach and open-mindedness brought the crème de la crème of the Jazz (in the broadest meaning of the word) musicians from all over the world to the label. Between 1963 and 1983 MPS produced about five hundred albums, many of which are among the most important Jazz recordings on this planet.
In 1983 the MPS catalog was sold to UniversalFind albums on this label, which sadly resulted in all those artistic treasures to almost disappear from the face of the earth – a situation not only tragic but culturally criminal. Universal reissued a part of the MPS albums (probably 128 titles) on CD between 1999 and 2011 under the "Most Perfect Sound Edition" moniker.
Since 2008 the German Promising MusicFind albums on this label label released some of the MPS recordings, but at a very slow pace.
In 2014 the German company Edel AG bought the MPS catalogue from Universal and released a series of 25 MPS albums on CD with a new slipcase graphic design, which brought all those excellent albums back to life. In 2015 Edel AG started to record and release new albums under the MPS moniker. In 2016 Edel AG released a series of 10 classic MPS albums on CD, which were beautifully remastered and re-packaged, presenting the original artwork and liner notes, as well as new liner notes and photographs. An obvious labor of love, these reissues are what the MPS catalogue truly deserves. This project was continued in 2017 with another series of 10 classic MPS albums released on CD. In later years some new reissues were released sporadically.
Over the years many SABA / MPS albums were reissued in Japan, which is often the only available source for these albums today, but that is a story in itself.
| Updated: 21/01/2025Posted: 19/12/2016 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | WHO ~ THE WHO SELL OUT (DELUXE EDITION) POLYDOR 5315336 (Barcode: 600753153369) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1967 Released: 2009
This is probably one of the most underrated and misunderstood albums in Rock history. British wild rockers, The WhoFind albums by this artist, recorded this album in the midst of the blooming Psychedelic era, with their contemporaries home (BeatlesFind albums by this artist) and across the pond (Beach BoysFind albums by this artist) producing concept albums, which are considered masterpieces to this very day. Wild as they were, and a bit mad (or even more that a bit) vocalist Roger DaltreyFind albums by this artist, guitarist Pete TownshendFind albums by this artist, bassist John EntwistleFind albums by this artist and drummer Keith MoonFind albums by this artist responded to all that psychedelic hullabaloo with their version of temporary insanity. The album was initially intended to be a concept album of sorts, about an imaginary pirate radio station, including jingles, chatter and commercials. Sadly never actually completed as such, the underlying concept of the songs is still very much there, being romance or the convoluted male / female relationships. Of course anything touched by the Who turns into mayhem, madness and above all typical British absurd humor. Even the album´s title, which is of course an oxymoron to anybody familiar with the band, serves a purpose. In fact the Who are much closer here to Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist ("We´re Only In It For The MoneyFind albums with this title" – sounds familiar?) than to their saccharine British mates. Of course there is plenty of great music here as the band rocks harder and mightier that anybody else at the time. This new edition is a goldmine for the Who fans, with dozens of bonus tracks and both the stereo and mono mixes of the album. To all the people who never got this album, this is an opportunity to wake up. Essential brilliant music!
| | CD 2 Digipak Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | BRIAN WILSON ~ AT MY PIANO DECCA 602438500383 (Barcode: 602438500383) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 2021 Released: 2021
This is a solo piano album by American Pop / Rock songwriter Brian WilsonFind albums by this artist, which presents new interpretations of fifteen of his most famous songs composed over the years.
People familiar with Wilson’s brilliant songwriting will of course recognize these tunes immediately, while these new, very delicate and often subdued interpretations presents a somewhat nostalgic look at his impressive career, emphasizing his wonderful sense of melody.
The album offers a simple, room quality sound rather that a fancy concert hall ambience, which adds to the charm and intimacy of the whole affair. Obviously each listener will hear in parallel to these solo piano pieces his own memories as they were recorded by The Beach BoysFind albums by this artist, creating an individual mixture of reality and subconscious music memories.
Although it might seem a tad vain to play a tribute to himself, Wilson certainly deserves some slack and our respect and admiration for his contribution to music over the years, which had only a very few equals.
Overall, this is a wonderful trip down the memory lane, which inspires splendid memories of superb musical peaks Wilson deserves a credit for, in view of his unique talent as a songweaver of the highest order. Absolutely delightful!
| Updated: 18/02/2022Posted: 18/02/2022 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | BRIAN WILSON ~ NO PIER PRESSURE (DELUXE EDITION) CAPITOL 602547215239 (Barcode: 602547215239) ~ USA ~ Pop & Rock Recorded: 2014 Released: 2015
In 2012 The Beach BoysFind albums by this artist celebrated half a century of musical activity, but that does not seem to slow the band´s founder, leader and creative Genius Brian WilsonFind albums by this artist, who keeps a hectic schedule working on several new projects since. This album is a result of that activity, being his eleventh solo studio album. It comprises entirely of new original songs written by Wilson, which of course calls for a celebration. Several guest artists appear on this album, including Beach Boys cohorts Al JardineFind albums by this artist and David MarksFind albums by this artist, and several much younger artists. This Deluxe Edition adds five additional songs that do not appear on the standard edition.
Wilson proves again that he has very little competition as far as writing beautiful melodic songs and no competition whatsoever as far as singing vocal harmonies. This album is a celebration of melodic vocal music, which is simply perfect, and which lost absolutely nothing of its impact over time. Classic qualities are here to stay and Wilson is a Master of his trade, basically saying: here I am, listen and shut up, unless you can do better.
The album was severely criticized by quite a few "reviewers" in the American press, which simply means they know absolutely nothing about music values. True, some of the production techniques are perhaps somewhat commercial and one track is pretty bad, but honestly these songs are miles ahead of the infinite number of crappy songs offered by others on today´s shameless music market. The vocal parts are simply brilliant, with absolutely no competition anywhere in sight, which the critics simply miss completely.
Overall this is the good old Brian Wilson, with a slightly updated production coating, but keeping his basic qualities intact. Anybody who can appreciate a great vocal harmony and a superbly crafted tune will definitely love this album, as for the others, who cares…
| | CD 1 Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | BRIAN WILSON ~ REIMAGINES GERSHWIN DISNEY 5099990650024 (Barcode: 5099990650024) ~ USA ~ Pop & Rock Recorded: 2010 Released: 2010
This is the ninth solo studio album by The Beach BoysFind albums by this artist founder, leader and creative Genius Brian WilsonFind albums by this artist, who keeps producing great music as if the passing of time eluded him completely. This very special project presents Wilson´s homage / tribute to America´s greatest ever composer of songs, George GershwinFind albums by this artist, who´s musical heritage changed the face of popular music. Wilson arranged ten of Gershwin´s most popular songs in his very special way, using superb vocal harmonies and a big Orchestra. He also selected two unfinished Gershwin´s songs and completed them for the inclusion on this album. The twelve songs were bookended by a couple of arrangements of fragments taken from Gershwin´s "Rhapsody in Blue".
Although Gershwin´s songs have received endless interpretations by Jazz musicians, they are rarely seriously treated by Pop / Rock artists, certainly in recent years. Wilson creates an amalgam of Gershwin´s music with his vocal and orchestral arrangements that are his trademarks for the last half a century. The result is a beautiful melodic blend of classic Beach Boys / Wilson songbook that embraces Gershwin´s music tenderly, lovingly and most importantly respectfully.
Wilson was described by some "critics" as "competing" with Gershwin and using his fame to boost his own hype. That is obviously ridiculous to anybody seriously listening to this album, as it content emphasizes above anything else Wilson´s deep love for Gershwin´s music. There is perhaps nothing very extraordinary in these arrangements, but since they differ so much from the usually heard Jazzy interpretations, they are a breath of fresh air.
Wilson obviously contributes to cementing the position of Gershwin´s music as America´s cultural contribution to the world. His own contributions belong, of course, to the same category, without any need of competing for this status. The album is a great fun to listen to and "is here to stay" :)
| | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | BRIAN WILSON ~ THAT LUCKY OLD SUN (LIMITED EDITION) CAPITOL 5099923414228 (Barcode: 5099923414228) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
This is the seventh studio album by legendary American singer / pianist / songwriter Brian WilsonFind albums by this artist, recorded with a large group of musicians, including brass and string sections. Multi-instrumentalist / vocalist Scott BennettFind albums by this artist gets co-writing credits on most of the songs and Van Dyke ParksFind albums by this artist recites short narratives. The album presents seventeen tracks, four of which are narrations, dividing the rest of the tracks into five song cycles. The Limited Edition set adds a DVD with a documentary and live performances of two songs.
The music is everything one may expect from Wilson: brilliant melodies and exquisite vocal harmonies combined into the sunny California vibe, which makes this album the closest to Wilson’s Beach BoysFind albums by this artist sonic legacy.
This is perfect Pop / Rock music of its kind and Wilson remains a Master of the trade when it comes to composing and performing it. It is the 21st Century but the music remains completely valid and enjoyable despite the passing time. Whatever happened (or didn’t) in music in the meantime, a great melody and perfect harmonizing always works, at least for me.
Overall, as long as Wilson is able to produce such wonderful albums, I’ll be always happy to listen to them and enjoy them, being grateful for his talent. Every Beach Boys / Wilson follower should find this absolutely indispensable.
| Updated: 16/04/2022Posted: 16/04/2022 | CD+DVD 2 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | FRANK ZAPPA ~ ABSOLUTELY FREE ZAPPA 3835 (Barcode: 824302383520) ~ USA ~ Avant-Garde Rock Recorded: 1966 Released: 2012
This is a reissue / remaster of the 2nd album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist and his group The Mothers Of InventionFind albums by this artist, originally released in 1967. The album presents fifteen original songs, all by Zappa, two of which are bonus tracks not present on the original album and taken from a single also released at the time.
For this album The Mothers were expanded to an octet and included, in addition to Zappa who played guitar and sung, vocalist Ray CollinsFind albums by this artist, guitarist Jim FielderFind albums by this artist (uncredited as he left the band before the album was released), keyboardist Don PrestonFind albums by this artist, woodwinds player Bunk GardnerFind albums by this artist, bassist Roy EstradaFind albums by this artist and drummers Jimmy Carl BlackFind albums by this artist and Billy MundiFind albums by this artist. Ten other musicians took part in the recording adding string and brass section arrangements and other contributions.
In order to fully understand the significance of this album, one would have to take a time travel trip back fifty-five years and compare the Pop / Rock albums that were released in 1967, for example “Sgt. Pepper`s Lonely Hearts Club BandFind albums with this title” by The BeatlesFind albums by this artist, “Between The ButtonsFind albums with this title” by The Rolling StonesFind albums by this artist or “Smiley SmileFind albums with this title” by the Beach BoysFind albums by this artist, and see that already on his sophomore album Zappa was light-years ahead of the time, writing a brilliant pastiche about the music business and American politics, which was not only hilarious but more importantly shockingly perceptive, whereas his contemporaries (with a few exceptions) were still writing love songs.
Zappa shows on this album that he is able to write Pop songs in any style he wants, with results as god or better than anybody else at the time. His guitar playing and the elaborate arrangements he wrote for the songs are equal to none and he appears as the first “total musician” on the Pop / Rock scene, a status he was able to hold till the day he died. From day one his extravagant personality and brilliant intelligence marked him as an outsider, a fate shared by most geniuses.
Zappa, who followed the Jazz scene closely, was of course aware of the Free Jazz scene reaching its peak at this time, and he prophetically tried to move the conceptual musical freedom also into Rock, to which the title of this album obviously hints.
Overall, although over fifty-five years passed since this music was recorded, this album remains an absolute Classic in every respect, which stands proudly as an icon of superb music, which still shines brighter than almost anything else recorded since. Zappa’s genius, not only as a musician, but also as a visionary and a brilliant observer of the human condition and American folly and deceit, remain completely relevant and are even more actual today than ever. Side Note Frank Zappa created a vast recorded legacy during his lifetime, which is continuously being expanded using music recorded and stored in his extensive vault. The albums officially released and approved by Zappa are numbered sequentially in the "Official Release" series, from #001 to the last release so far #126. The albums between #001 to #062 were released during Zappa's lifetime and all the others were released posthumously. There are countless unofficial / bootleg releases on the market as well.
Zappa's catalogue was remastered for CD release twice: in 1995 for the RykodiscFind albums on this label releases and again in 2012 for the ZappaFind albums on this label Records / UniversalFind albums on this label releases. The Zappa / Universal program includes 60 releases, which cover the entire catalog released during his lifetime (62 releases, except #013 "200 Motels" and the three Box Sets #043, #046 and #049 called "The Old Masters vol.I / II / III"), and 6 posthumous releases (#064, #065, #067, #068, #093 and #094), which were also included.
| Updated: 22/09/2022Posted: 25/03/2022 | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | FRANK ZAPPA ~ FREAK OUT! ZAPPA 3834 (Barcode: 824302383421) ~ USA ~ Avant-Garde Rock Recorded: 1966 Released: 2012
This is a reissue / remaster of the 1st album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist and his group The Mothers Of InventionFind albums by this artist, originally released in 1966. The album presents fifteen original songs, all by Zappa. It was one of the first 2LP Pop / Rock albums ever released and the first debut 2LP album.
The Mothers were a quintet and included, in addition to Zappa who played guitar and sung, vocalist Ray CollinsFind albums by this artist, guitarist Elliot IngberFind albums by this artist, bassist Roy EstradaFind albums by this artist and drummer Jimmy Carl BlackFind albums by this artist. At least two dozen other musicians took part in the recording adding string and brass section arrangements and other contributions. The recording took just four days, which at the time was considered as “almost unlimited” studio time.
In order to fully understand the significance of this album, one would have to take a time travel trip back fifty-five years and compare the Pop / Rock albums that were released in 1966, for example “RevolverFind albums with this title” by The BeatlesFind albums by this artist, “AftermathFind albums with this title” by The Rolling StonesFind albums by this artist or “Pet SoundsFind albums with this title” by the Beach BoysFind albums by this artist, and see that already on his debut Zappa was light-years ahead of the time, writing a brilliant pastiche about the music business and American politics, which was not only hilarious but more importantly shockingly perceptive, whereas his contemporaries (with a few exceptions) were still writing love songs. The album also included a twelve minutes long track with completely Avant-Garde Rock music at the time.
Zappa shows on this album that he is able to write Pop songs in any style he wants, with results as god or better than anybody else at the time. His guitar playing and the elaborate arrangements he wrote for the songs are equal to none and he appears as the first “total musician” on the Pop / Rock scene, a status he was able to hold till the day he died. From day one his extravagant personality and brilliant intelligence marked him as an outsider, a fate shared by most geniuses.
Overall, although almost fifty-five years passed since this music was recorded, this album remains an absolute Classic in every respect, which stands proudly as an icon of superb music, which still shines brighter than almost anything else recorded since. Zappa’s genius, not only as a musician, but also as a visionary and a brilliant observer of the human condition and American folly and deceit, remain completely relevant and are even more actual today than ever. Side Note Frank Zappa created a vast recorded legacy during his lifetime, which is continuously being expanded using music recorded and stored in his extensive vault. The albums officially released and approved by Zappa are numbered sequentially in the "Official Release" series, from #001 to the last release so far #126. The albums between #001 to #062 were released during Zappa's lifetime and all the others were released posthumously. There are countless unofficial / bootleg releases on the market as well.
Zappa's catalogue was remastered for CD release twice: in 1995 for the RykodiscFind albums on this label releases and again in 2012 for the ZappaFind albums on this label Records / UniversalFind albums on this label releases. The Zappa / Universal program includes 60 releases, which cover the entire catalog released during his lifetime (62 releases, except #013 "200 Motels" and the three Box Sets #043, #046 and #049 called "The Old Masters vol.I / II / III"), and 6 posthumous releases (#064, #065, #067, #068, #093 and #094), which were also included.
| Updated: 14/07/2022Posted: 03/12/2021 | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | FRANK ZAPPA ~ MOFO (2CD EDITION) ZAPPA 20005 (Barcode: 824302000526) ~ USA ~ Avant-Garde Rock Recorded: 1966 Released: 2006
This is the 78th album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, released posthumously in 2006, This album is also the 1st release in the Project/Object Audio Documentary series, which reexamines / expands original Zappa albums with previously unreleased material, in this case the “Freak Out!Find albums with this title” album originally released in 1966. The Project/Object series also includes the following albums: “The Lumpy MoneyFind albums with this title” (2009), “Greasy Love SongsFind albums with this title” (2010), “The Crux Of The BiscuitFind albums with this title” (2016) and “Meat LightFind albums with this title” (2016).
The “Freak Out!” album was recorded in March 1966. The lineup of The Mothers Of Invention that recorded the album includes Zappa on guitar and vocals, vocalist Ray CollinsFind albums by this artist, drummer Jimmy Carl BlackFind albums by this artist, bassist Roy EstradaFind albums by this artist and guitarist Elliot IngberFind albums by this artist. At least two dozen other musicians took part in the recording adding string and brass section arrangements and other contributions. The recording took just four days, which at the time was considered as “almost unlimited” studio time.
This 2CD edition of the “MOFOFind albums with this title” album includes the original stereo mix of the album (fifteen tracks) on CD1 and seventeen bonus tracks on CD2, mostly previously unissued. Seven of the bonus tracks are unique to this release and do not appear on the 4CD edition of the “MOFO” album, which includes more bonus tracks from the recording sessions of the “Freak Out!” album and earlier recordings.
In order to fully understand the significance of this album, one would have to take a time travel trip back fifty-five years and compare the Pop / Rock albums that were released in 1966, for example “RevolverFind albums with this title” by The BeatlesFind albums by this artist, “AftermathFind albums with this title” by The Rolling StonesFind albums by this artist or “Pet SoundsFind albums with this title” by the Beach BoysFind albums by this artist, and see that already on his debut Zappa was light-years ahead of the time, writing a brilliant pastiche about the music business and American politics, which was not only hilarious but more importantly shockingly perceptive, whereas his contemporaries (with a few exceptions) were still writing love songs. The album also included a twelve minutes long track with completely Avant-Garde Rock music at the time.
Zappa shows on this album that he is able to write Pop songs in any style he wants, with results as god or better than anybody else at the time. His guitar playing and the elaborate arrangements he wrote for the songs are equal to none and he appears as the first “total musician” on the Pop / Rock scene, a status he was able to hold till the day he died. From day one his extravagant personality and brilliant intelligence marked him as an outsider, a fate shared by most geniuses.
Overall, although fifty-five years passed since this music was recorded, this album remains an absolute Classic in every respect, which stands proudly as an icon of superb music, which still shines brighter than almost anything else recorded since. Zappa’s genius, not only as a musician, but also as a visionary and a brilliant observer of the human condition and American folly and deceit, remain completely relevant and are even more actual today than ever.
| Updated: 13/01/2025Posted: 14/07/2022 | CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | FRANK ZAPPA ~ MOFO (4CD EDITION) ZAPPA 20004 (Barcode: 824302000427) ~ USA ~ Avant-Garde Rock Recorded: 1966 Released: 2006
This is the 77th album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, released posthumously in 2006, This album is also the 1st release in the Project/Object Audio Documentary series, which reexamines / expands original Zappa albums with previously unreleased material, in this case the “Freak Out!Find albums with this title” album originally released in 1966. The Project/Object series also includes the following albums: “The Lumpy MoneyFind albums with this title” (2009), “Greasy Love SongsFind albums with this title” (2010), “The Crux Of The BiscuitFind albums with this title” (2016) and “Meat LightFind albums with this title” (2016).
The “Freak Out!” album was recorded in March 1966. The lineup of The Mothers Of InventionFind albums by this artist that recorded the album includes Zappa on guitar and vocals, vocalist Ray CollinsFind albums by this artist, drummer Jimmy Carl BlackFind albums by this artist, bassist Roy EstradaFind albums by this artist and guitarist Elliot IngberFind albums by this artist. At least two dozen other musicians took part in the recording adding string and brass section arrangements and other contributions. The recording took just four days, which at the time was considered as “almost unlimited” studio time.
This 4CD edition of the “MOFOFind albums with this title” album includes the original stereo mix of the album (fifteen tracks) on CD1, nineteen bonus tracks on CD2, fourteen bonus tracks on CD3 and twenty-four bonus tracks on CD4. These bonus track include a plethora of studio outtakes and alternate takes, radio interviews, live performances, and other goodies, which shed light on the atmosphere and circumstances surrounding the recording of the epic debut album.
In order to fully understand the significance of this album, one would have to take a time travel trip back fifty-five years and compare the Pop / Rock albums that were released in 1966, for example “RevolverFind albums with this title” by The BeatlesFind albums by this artist, “AftermathFind albums with this title” by The Rolling StonesFind albums by this artist or “Pet SoundsFind albums with this title” by the Beach BoysFind albums by this artist, and see that already on his debut Zappa was light-years ahead of the time, writing a brilliant pastiche about the music business and American politics, which was not only hilarious but more importantly shockingly perceptive, whereas his contemporaries (with a few exceptions) were still writing love songs. The album also included a twelve minutes long track with completely Avant-Garde Rock music at the time.
Zappa shows on this album that he is able to write Pop songs in any style he wants, with results as god or better than anybody else at the time. His guitar playing and the elaborate arrangements he wrote for the songs are equal to none and he appears as the first “total musician” on the Pop / Rock scene, a status he was able to hold till the day he died. From day one his extravagant personality and brilliant intelligence marked him as an outsider, a fate shared by most geniuses.
Overall, although almost sixty years passed since this music was recorded, this album remains an absolute Classic in every respect, which stands proudly as an icon of superb music, which still shines brighter than almost anything else recorded since. Zappa’s genius, not only as a musician, but also as a visionary and a brilliant observer of the human condition and American folly and deceit, remain completely relevant and are even more actual today than ever.
| Updated: 13/01/2025Posted: 13/01/2025 | CD 4 Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
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