Record Reviews

EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER ~ WORKS VOLUME 1 SONY 784863 (Barcode: 886978486325) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1976 Released: 2011 This is the 7th album by the supergroup Emerson, Lake & PalmerFind albums by this artist, which was definitely one of the most important, innovative and revolutionary groups to emerge on the Rock scene as leaders of the Progressive / Art Rock genre by the early 1970s. It marks the beginning of the second phase in the group´s career, which is often dismissed as extravagant and exhibitionist by critics and fans alike, but in retrospect produced some remarkable music overall. This album, which was originally released as a double LP, spotlights the three individual musicians, giving each of them a separate vinyl side with only the last 4th side included music made by the trio. Keith EmersonFind albums by this artist, as usually obsessed with Classical music, presents his "Piano Concerto No. 1", Greg LakeFind albums by this artist the "romantic dreamer" produces several great ballads with lyrics written by ex-King CrimsonFind albums by this artist cohort Peter SinfieldFind albums by this artist and Carl PalmerFind albums by this artist comes up with more incredible drum pyrotechnics on his side. The trio side features more of the trio´s familiar mixture of Classical and Rock. Overall, excessive or not, this is still great music, any way wants to look at it (or listen to it), and the heck with the critics.

CD 2 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER ~ WORKS VOLUME 2 SONY 784864 (Barcode: 886978486424) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1976 Released: 2011 This is the 8th album by the supergroup Emerson, Lake & PalmerFind albums by this artist, which was definitely one of the most important, innovative and revolutionary groups to emerge on the Rock scene as leaders of the Progressive / Art Rock genre by the early 1970s. It marks the beginning of the second phase in the group´s career, which is often dismissed as extravagant and exhibitionist by critics and fans alike, but in retrospect produced some remarkable music overall. This album presents the "leftovers" from the 1976 sessions, which produced the massive "Works Volume 1Find albums with this title", but of course its contents has nothing to do with leftovers musically, as all of this material is still very strong. Ex-King CrimsonFind albums by this artist cohort Peter SinfieldFind albums by this artist provides the lyrics for most of the songs. Overall, excessive or not, this is still great music, any way wants to look at it (or listen to it), and the heck with the critics.

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

KING CRIMSON ~ IN THE COURT OF THE CRIMSON KING (ORIGINAL MASTER EDITION) DGM 0501 (Barcode: 633367050120) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1969 Released: 2005 1st album by the legendary Prog band King CrimsonFind albums by this artist and the most important Prog album of all times. There is no other example of recorded music in existence, which defines a complete genre (and all its sub-genres) so comprehensibly as this album and becomes a reference point for generations to follow. Every Prog album recorded since anywhere on earth bears the genetic imprint created by this album. Everything that is defined as Prog can be found on this album: intricate compositions, shifting rhythms, extended jazzy improvisations, mystic lyrics - in short the canon of the genre. No other album ever achieved the same revolutionary effect this masterpiece had on generations of listeners since its release. At the time of the recording the band consisted of the following members: Robert FrippFind albums by this artist – guitar, Ian McDonaldFind albums by this artist – reeds, woodwind, vibes, keyboards, mellotron & vocals, Greg LakeFind albums by this artist – bass & lead vocals and Michael GilesFind albums by this artist - drums, percussion & vocals. Peter SinfieldFind albums by this artist, who was considered a band member as well, wrote the lyrics. This remastered edition, which is based on the original master tapes of the album for the first time, renders all previous releases obsolete and for the first time the listener can truly enjoy the beautiful sound as well. Absolutely essential!

CD 1 HDCD Oversampling Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

KING CRIMSON ~ IN THE WAKE OF POSEIDON (30TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION + BONUS TRACKS) DGM 0502 (Barcode: 633367050229) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1970 Released: 2005 2nd album by King CrimsonFind albums by this artist and one of the most eagerly awaited follow ups in the history of Prog. Honestly how does one follow up a masterpiece such as the debut In The Court Of The Crimson KingFind albums with this title, which was almost instantly elevated to the status of a genre-defining masterpiece. Adding to the challenge ahead the band at the time of the recording seemed to be in a shaky state, following the exhausting touring schedule and dramatic personnel changes: Ian McDonaldFind albums by this artist, who’s mellotron and flute parts were one of the most prominent features of the debut album, left the band in the midst of their US tour. Michael GilesFind albums by this artist and Greg LakeFind albums by this artist announced their departure soon after, and although they took part in the recording sessions for this album they were practically out. All this turmoil seemed to have little influence on Robert FrippFind albums by this artist, who used his resilience and what was to become his legendary survival instinct, to reorganize the band and move on. Mel CollinsFind albums by this artist joined the band to take over the flute and saxophones department. Michael’s brother bassist Peter GilesFind albums by this artist joined to provide the full force of the Giles & Giles rhythm section, which was second to none on the scene. Fripp also turned to his friends from the burgeoning (at the time) London Avant-Garde Rock and Jazz scene and enlisted the wonderful pianist Keith TippetFind albums by this artist, who adds many brilliant piano trinkets on the album. Singer Gordon HaskellFind albums by this artist joined in on one song to provide his contribution. Fripp, in addition to composing all of the music (to the lyrics penned by Peter SinfieldFind albums by this artist) and playing the guitar parts, also took over the mellotron chair, maintaining the instrument’s supremacy in the overall band’s sound. Against all odds, this album is as strong, if not stronger then its predecessor. The compositions are better developed and the playing, enforced by the presence of the new members, is richer and better organized. Amazing stuff and absolutely essential. This new edition expands the original 30th Anniversary Edition from 1999 by adding two bonus tracks – the two sides of the King Crimson single released to promote the album. This is the first time any additional material is added to the original studio albums by the band.

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

CD 1 HDCD Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

PFM ~ PHOTOS OF GHOSTS (EXPANDED EDITION) ESOTERIC / MANTICORE 1006 (Barcode: 5013929380622) ~ ITALY ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1973 Released: 2010 Italian Prog Giants PFMFind albums by this artist (Premiata Forneria Marconi) was among the very few non-UK European Prog groups to actively pursue international exposure outside of their native country. An incidental meeting between the band and Greg LakeFind albums by this artist led to the signing of PFM to the ManticoreFind albums on this label label owned by Emerson, Lake & PalmerFind albums by this artist, which started to issue English language version of the band´s albums in UK (and US), in parallel to the release of the Italian language versions released in Italy. As a result, several of PFM albums exist in two different versions (and with different titles), creating quite a confusion among record collectors. This album is the first of these "twofold" releases and the band´s 1st album released in UK. It is almost identical to the band´s 2nd album "Per Un AmicoFind albums with this title", re-recorded with English lyrics written by Peter SinfieldFind albums by this artist, who also produced the album. PFM consisted of keyboardist Flavio PremoliFind albums by this artist, guitarist Franco MussidaFind albums by this artist, violinist / flautist Mauro PaganiFind albums by this artist, bassist Giorgio PiazzaFind albums by this artist and drummer Franz Di CioccioFind albums by this artist. Among them they possessed incredible instrumental powers, compositional ability and vocal delivery and harmony, which was almost unparallel with any other Prog group at the time. Long and complex instrumental passages, performed mostly on keyboards, quiet contemplative moments of gentle flute and deeply melodic and harmonic compositions and arrangements turned their albums into Prog heaven. This expanded edition solves the sound quality issues of the earlier releases and adds a massive amount of bonus material. Essential music for body and soul!

Updated: 16/01/2022Posted:

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

PFM ~ THE WORLD BECAME THE WORLD (EXPANDED EDITION) ESOTERIC / MANTICORE 1005 (Barcode: 5013929380523) ~ ITALY ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1973 - 1974 Released: 2010 Italian Prog Giants PFMFind albums by this artist (Premiata Forneria Marconi) was among the very few non-UK European Prog groups to actively pursue international exposure outside of their native country. An incidental meeting between the band and Greg LakeFind albums by this artist led to the signing of PFM to the ManticoreFind albums on this label label owned by Emerson, Lake & PalmerFind albums by this artist, which started to issue English language version of the band´s albums in UK (and US), in parallel to the release of the Italian language versions released in Italy. As a result, several of PFM albums exist in two different versions (and with different titles), creating quite a confusion among record collectors. This album is the second of these "twofold" releases and the band´s 2nd album released in UK. It is almost identical to the band´s 3rd album "L`Isola Di NienteFind albums with this title", re-recorded with English lyrics written by Peter SinfieldFind albums by this artist, who also produced the album. PFM consisted of keyboardist Flavio PremoliFind albums by this artist, guitarist Franco MussidaFind albums by this artist, violinist / flautist Mauro PaganiFind albums by this artist, bassist Patrick DjivasFind albums by this artist and drummer Franz Di CioccioFind albums by this artist. Among them they possessed incredible instrumental powers, compositional ability and vocal delivery and harmony, which was almost unparallel with any other Prog group at the time. Long and complex instrumental passages, performed mostly on keyboards, quiet contemplative moments of gentle flute and deeply melodic and harmonic compositions and arrangements turned their albums into Prog heaven. This expanded edition solves the sound quality issues of the earlier releases and adds a massive amount of bonus material. Essential music for body and soul!

Updated: 16/01/2022Posted:

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

PETER SINFIELD ~ STILL (EXPANDED EDITION) ESOTERIC / MANTICORE 1003 (Barcode: 5013929380325) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1972 - 1973 Released: 2009 Only album by legendary lyricist / producer Peter SinfieldFind albums by this artist, the man behind the first four landmark King CrimsonFind albums by this artist albums, where he lurked in the shadows as an informal virtual member of the band. His lyrics and production were an integral part of the magic of these milestone Prog recordings. Once Sinfield and King Crimson terminated their cooperation, he turned into a successful producer for other bands and finally found time to record his only album, which in many ways is a continuation of the work done by King Crimson Mk I. Supported by an assemblage of Prog and Jazz stars, Sinfield created another masterpiece, which although initially callously received by fans and critics alike, in retrospect sounds great today and does not lose ground to the King Crimson recordings. The supporting musicians include Greg LakeFind albums by this artist, Mel CollinsFind albums by this artist, John WettonFind albums by this artist, Ian WallaceFind albums by this artist, Keith TippetFind albums by this artist and numerous other illustrious musicians. The material is often atmospheric and introspective, but some heavier moments are also present. The original album was released on the ManticoreFind albums on this label label, owned by Emerson, Lake & PalmerFind albums by this artist, and the new edition adds a plethora of previously unheard alternate tracks and mixes, obviously to the delight of the fans. A must for all Prog-heads!

CD 2 Slipcase Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

	PETER SINFIELD ~ STILLUSION BLUEPRINT 152 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock This one needs little introduction! Sinfield is of course the man behind the lyrics of all early King Crimson albums and this one from 1973 is his only solo effort. Basically this is another KC album, with all members playing here as well as a plethora of distinguished guests. An absolutely essential Prog masterpiece.
	CD 1 Recommend To A Friend