Record Reviews
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  | AMAROK ~ AMAROK
ARS MUNDI 029 ~ POLAND ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2001 Released: 2002
This is the 1st album by Polish Prog group AmarokFind albums by this artist, which created quite a stir when it first arrived on the scene. The group is in fact multi-instrumentalist / composer Michal WojtasFind albums by this artist and a bunch of guest artists. Strongly influenced by Mike OldfieldFind albums by this artist and Pink FloydFind albums by this artist (among many others), Wojtas manages to compose some great new music, which is very melodic and original in spite of the influences. He also plays many instruments, including all guitars and keyboards on this album, and there are a lot of these. Overall this is typical Prog stuff, which many listeners enjoy immensely and is definitely worth investigating. Recommended!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | KEVIN AYERS ~ HYDE PARK FREE CONCERT 1970
REEL RECORDINGS 002 (Barcode: 641444015627) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2007
After leaving the Soft MachineFind albums by this artist (of which he was a founding member) and recording the debut solo album (Joy Of A ToyFind albums with this title), guitarist / singer / composer Kevin AyersFind albums by this artist formed the Whole WorldFind albums by this artist band to record his second album (Shooting At The MoonFind albums with this title) and support its release by touring. This live recording captures the performance of Ayers and his band at the legendary London’s Hyde Park free concert, which had on the bill the most famous bands of the time performing in front of a 100,000 strong public – a record attendance to a rock venue in UK up to that time. Pink FloydFind albums by this artist performed their Atom Heart MotherFind albums with this title suite for the first time at that concert. Ayers and his cahoots, including David BedfordFind albums by this artist on keyboards, Lol CoxhillFind albums by this artist on saxophones, Mike OldfieldFind albums by this artist on bass and Robert WyattFind albums by this artist on drums, storm through a bunch of Kevin’s song with vengeance, as appropriate for such eclectic gig, and the whole set is captured exactly as it happened – a true piece of rock history. Coxhill’s brilliant contributions were always my favorite part of that particular band. The sonic quality might not be perfect, but considering this was a “field recording” done 37 years ago – who gives a damn? Priceless stuff!
| | | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | ARTHUR BROWN ~ MONSTER`S BALL
CLEOPATRA 2214 (Barcode: 889466221422) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2022 Released: 2022
At the remarkable age of eighty (he was born in 1942), British vocalist / songwriter / bandleader Arthur BrownFind albums by this artist still makes music more exciting than all the musicians, half or quarter his age, seem to be able to come up with these days. Amazingly, this is his second release in 2022 and the unstoppable energy and creativity knows no borders.
This time Brown abandons his usual formula of recording his own songs, and ventures into an insane world of covers of some Rock classics, all related to Halloween-like show about hell, fire, mayhem, monsters, zombies, etc., with a wink of course. The album presents thirteen (what else) songs, only three of which were penned by Brown, including a new version of his mega-hit “Fire” from 1968, but include also songs by CreamFind albums by this artist, Pink FloydFind albums by this artist and many other iconic Rock groups.
Brown is accompanied by an incredible gathering of Rock superstars: Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist, Steve HillageFind albums by this artist, Carmine AppiceFind albums by this artist, Brian AugerFind albums by this artist, to mention but a few, all veterans of the scene who still prove they can kick a butt or two. The music rocks and is a great fun to listen to from start to finish, despite the potentially disastrous “various artists” gathering, which often fails miserably. Obviously Brown’s personality and incredible vocal power and producer Alan DaveyFind albums by this artist’s skills simply worked out.
Overall, this is an incredibly entertaining Classic Rock production, which works like magic and is able to offer quality music in the good old Rock idiom, which is almost completely absent from the scene these days. I really hope to be in Brown’s form when I get to be his age and in the meantime I can only recommend this great album to all of us geriatric people, who are the last survivors able to tell good music from trash.
| | Updated: 09/01/2023Posted: 09/01/2023 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | DJAM KARET ~ ASCENSION
HC PRODUCTIONS 012 (Barcode: 747014432020) ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2000 - 2001 Released: 2001
Ascension is a companion album to New Dark AgeFind albums with this title (subtitled New Dark Age Vol.2) and includes outtakes of the New Dark Age sessions, which were not included on the album. The concepts and musical ideas of the album are further explored and expanded here, with the entire range of Djam KaretFind albums by this artist’s technical vocabulary. The atmosphere is more ambient than on the original album, with many world music accents and long contemplative passages, making this an ideal late-night listening favorite. Pink FloydFind albums by this artist and Porcupine TreeFind albums by this artist fans should find this particularly interesting, although this music is slightly more demanding.
Limited Edition of 750 copies
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | EARTH AND FIRE ~ ATLANTIS
ESOTERIC 2148 (Barcode: 5013929724822) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1972 Released: 2009
3rd album by the legendary Dutch group Earth And FireFind albums by this artist, who were considered the "Continental" answer to Pink FloydFind albums by this artist and GenesisFind albums by this artist. The group creates here a full concept album (around the Atlantis myth), expanding further the Prog influence. Full of mellotron and some great guitar work, this is a typical symphonic Prog at its best. The female vocals fit the music perfectly and there is nothing else to do but to sit down, close ones eyes and dive deep into the music. A gem!
| | | CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | LEMMUS LEMMUS ~ CHAMELEON MOOD SWINGS
NAKED LEMMING 1001 (Barcode: 827912007251) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2002 - 2003 Released: 2004
1st album by a new Israeli group Lemmus LemmusFind albums by this artist, which mixes elements of Psychedelia and Prog and produces some truly spectacular effects. They use a vintage mellotron (previously owned by Pink FloydFind albums by this artist) and the music is heavily influenced by Psychedelic innovations of the late 1960`s, but the sound is crispy clear and modern. Combined with English vocals, this could be easily mistaken as originating in UK(?). This is a must for all Psychedelic freaks! Outstanding.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | LEMMUS LEMMUS ~ LEMMUS LEMMUS
NAKED LEMMING 1002 (Barcode: 788522959708) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2008 Released: 2008
2nd album by Israeli Prog band Lemmus LemmusFind albums by this artist, which is a direct continuation of the surprising approach, they demonstrated on their debut album four years earlier. The group’s lineup was expanded from the original trio that founded the group – Joel RonFind albums by this artist (guitars and vocals), Noam RapaportFind albums by this artist (keyboards) and lead singer Eddie RonFind albums by this artist – adding nine guest musicians on various instruments and vocals, creating a full-fledged group sound. The musical principle of creating retro Prog / Psychedelic music in the vein of early Pink FloydFind albums by this artist remains their trademark, and as some notable music critics have already observed, when reviewing the debut album, their output could be easily mistaken as an undiscovered Pink Floyd recording. This album is even more so, with the mellotron (the very same instrument that was used by Pink Floyd originally) and spacey guitar setting the overall tone. Loops and various other studio effects, eerie sounds and scrambled vocals, are all in here, which take us back some 40 years back, to the wonderful times of Psychedelics at their prime. Early Pink Floyd fans and enthusiasts of Psychedelic delights will hopefully be all over this albums, like files on sherbet. Definitely worth investigating!
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  | ORFEUS / HASSE WALLI & ZEUS ~ POP LIISA VOL. 15 & VOL. 16
SVART 088 (Barcode: 6430065583523) ~ FINLAND ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1972 - 1973 Released: 2017
The Finnish Rock band OrfeusFind albums by this artist, formed in 1971, followed the same path that many other similar bands also traveled on, starting as an impressive Progressive Rock outfit and by the mid 1970s switching gradually into more commercial, mainstream Rock oriented act. At the time this live radio broadcast was recorded, they were at the peak of their Prog period, as this performance undoubtedly proves. Organist Heikki HiekkalaFind albums by this artist, guitarist Jan OdnerFind albums by this artist, bassist Klaus StoltFind albums by this artist and drummer / vocalist Urpo LeppanenFind albums by this artist perform just four lengthy covers of highly ambitious material (The BandFind albums by this artist, Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist. Jack BruceFind albums by this artist and Pink FloydFind albums by this artist), which feature the heavenly sound of early 1970s, with heavy Hammond parts, screaming guitars solos and high-pitched vocals (in English) as appropriate for the Prog of the time. It is a great reminder what Prog was all about during its first reign, to which it sadly never managed to return again.
Guitarist Hasse WalliFind albums by this artist is rightly considered as the Godfather of modern Finnish Rock. He was the lead guitarist of Blues SectionFind albums by this artist, the band that started it all and spawned Tasavallan PresidenttiFind albums by this artist and WigwamFind albums by this artist. He formed the band Hasse Walli & ZeusFind albums by this artist in 1972 after a period of inactivity caused by an injury, joined by four excellent musicians: guitarist Tommy KnifFind albums by this artist, bassist Renne AngelvuoFind albums by this artist and drummer Ari ValtonenFind albums by this artist. The group existed for a brief period of time and didn´t manage to record an album, and this live radio broadcast is the only recorded evidence of their existence. They perform four extended pieces, three covers (Jimi HendrixFind albums by this artist, Frank Zappa, and Bob DylanFind albums by this artist) and one original by Walli. As with the Orfeus set, this is a wonderful reminder of what Classic Rock / Prog sounded at their best. This "Popstudio" broadcast is the earliest of those included in this wonderful series.
Overall this is some of the most staggering music created in Europe in the early to mid 1970s that one is able to hear and for Classic Rock and Prog-heads this is an absolute must have!
Side Note
The Finnish independent label SvartFind albums on this label Records released an unprecedented series of albums called Pop Liisa and Jazz Liisa, which present priceless historical recordings of Finnish Rock, Progressive Rock, Jazz-Rock Fusion and Jazz music, recorded live and broadcasted from the Liisankatu Studios in Helsinki under the "Popstudio" and "Jazzstudio" monikers between 1972 and 1977. The studios were owned by the YLE (Finnish Broadcasting Company), a public broadcasting service, which not only allowed the burgeoning Finnish music scene at the time to be exposed but also carefully archived the recordings for future generations. All this incredible music was previously unissued and collectively is probably the most important document of Finnish music from that period ever assembled.
The music was released on 36 LPs (Pop Liisa Vol. 01 to Vol. 18 and Jazz Liisa Vol. 01 to Vol. 18) and on 18 CDs with every two consecutive volumes combined on one CD.
The sound quality is absolutely superb, often better than the sound quality on the LPs released by these artists at the time. Many of the groups appearing on these albums never managed to record an album and these recordings are the only recorded legacy in existence of their activity. The released are accompanied by well researched and intelligent liner notes.
This archival project is an outstanding example of how Cultural Legacy should be treated as well as of exemplary dedication to record producing professionalism.
| | Updated: 14/05/2020Posted: 14/05/2020 | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | ALAN PARSONS PROJECT ~ THE COMPLETE ALBUMS COLLECTION
SONY 886978905529 (Barcode: 886978905529) ~ UK ~ Pop & Rock
Recorded: 1976 - 1986 Released: 2014
This Box Set collects the ten albums recorded between 1976 and 1986 by the British producer / sound engineer (Pink FloydFind albums by this artist´s "The Dark Side Of The MoonFind albums with this title" and many others) / keyboardist / composer Alan ParsonsFind albums by this artist and his ensemble called The Alan Parsons ProjectFind albums by this artist. In addition it also includes the previously unreleased instrumental album "The Sicilian DefenseFind albums with this title" recorded in 1979, which was shelved at the time and never saw the light of day until now.
Although the ensemble was named after Parsons, in fact it was basically a duo project, which combined the talents of Parsons and keyboardist / songwriter / composer Eric WoolfsonFind albums by this artist (who died in 2009). The other members of the ensemble changed frequently over time and only a few of them appeared on a more permanent basis. Over the years the ensemble was fronted by many different lead vocalists, often several of which appeared on the same album, which was quite a unique concept at the time. Some of the less expected names include Arthur BrownFind albums by this artist, Gary BrookerFind albums by this artist or Colin BlunstoneFind albums by this artist. Another unusual fact about the ensemble is that it never performed live during the original period of their existence.
The music of the ensemble moved through several shifts over the years. Initially it was considered a Prog act, with their early album being more or less concept related. Later on the music became more Pop / Rock oriented and much less ambitious. One of the strongest characteristics of the music was the use of extensive orchestral arrangements, which always gave the music a strong European flavor, connected to the Classical Romantic tradition.
The Alan Parsons Project is remembered by some remarkable songs, which are evergreens and the unique musical and sound production, which of course was Parson´s main area of interest. The typically British sense of humor and delicate, intricate, cultural hints portray the music at its best moments, although the overall output is rather unequal. Definitely worth revisiting!
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 11 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | PINK FLOYD ~ A SAUCERFUL OF SECRETS
EMI 829751 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
2nd album from 1968. This is a transitional album marking several dramatic chenges for the band. The influence of Syd Barrett on the music is much less significant then on the debut album, as he was loosing his grip on the group (and apparently reality as well) and contributed only 1 song here. This leads to a change of style with the music moving away from psychedelia and into the ambient / electronic genre, which was to dominate several of their following releases.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | PINK FLOYD ~ THE PINK FLOYD AND SYD BARRETT STORY
VOICEPRINT 473 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
The legendary 2001 BBC documentary by John Edginton about early Pink Floyd days created a major stirr among PF fans as it was one of the best ever documetaries about the band with lots of previously unavailable footage and a great insight. Now in the DVD version, with still more never previously seen footage and enhanced quality. This is an absolute must to any PF / Barrett fan and a great document of the period. Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, 74 minutes.
| | | DVD 1 Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | PINK FLOYD ~ THE PIPER AT THE GATES OF DAWN
EMI 831261 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
1st album from 1967 by this legendary band. This is often considered as one of the pivotal albums of popular music in the 20th centry and one that gave birth to psychedelia, space rock, Prog and alternative rock. Although strongly based in the British pop roots, it mixes for the first time elements of electronics and sound effects in a way never previously attempted. At that time the dominant figure in the group was of course Syd Barrett, whose Avant-Garde approach pushed popular music as known at that stage to its limits. A classic!
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | PINK FLOYD ~ THE PIPER AT THE GATES OF DAWN (40TH ANNIVERSARY DELUXE EDITION)
EMI 503919 (Barcode: 5099950391929) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1967 Released: 2007
1st album by Pink Floyd and generally considered as the ultimate and pioneering psychedelic release, which basically defines the genre. Syd BarrettFind albums by this artist, Nick MasonFind albums by this artist, Richard WrightFind albums by this artist and Roger WatersFind albums by this artist collectively created some amazingly advanced music, although Barrett’s influence over the group’s output was decisively dominant as long as he was a part of it (his sad fate is generally well known and no need to go into it here). As there have been endless write-ups about this music I don’t need to expand on the subject, other that say that this fabulous new edition is a dream come true for all the numerous fans of the group (of all ages), as it contains not only the stereo and mono versions of the entire album (which are quite different sonically) but also a 3rd CD of bonus material with singles, studio outtakes and other rarities. Packaged in a hardcover book format, this labor of love is surely to become a most wanted collector’s item almost immediately. Absolutely Essential!
| | | CD 3 Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | ROCKFOUR ~ MEMORIES OF THE NEVER HAPPENED
ANOVA 002 (Barcode: 7290011799021) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2005 - 2006 Released: 2007
Israeli group RockfourFind albums by this artist has been the dominating force on the local scene since the early-1990s. Although basically an Alternative Rock outfit, they have changed styles and genres with every one of their albums released over the years, moving between Psychedelica, Prog, Classic Rock, Retro and even Avant-Garde. The sound of the group is completely unique and all their albums sound as if a British band recorded them in the late 1960s (nobody hearing their stuff would ever guess these are Israeli musicians recording in the 1990s or 2000s). Although the band performs and records predominantly their own music, they have often included in their shows (and sometimes recorded) their interpretations of classic 1960s material by their favorite groups like LoveFind albums by this artist, ZombiesFind albums by this artist and especially Pink FloydFind albums by this artist (see Side Note). This album presents the three core members of the band: Baruch Ben IzhakFind albums by this artist (lead vocals and guitars), Marc LazareFind albums by this artist (bass) and Issar TennenbaumFind albums by this artist (drums) with Yaki GaniFind albums by this artist (keyboards) and some guest musicians performing a set of new songs sung in English (they have been using English lyrics for several years now), recorded partly in the US and partly in Tel Aviv. The result is an outstanding album sounding like a lost treasure from the 1970s, full of beautiful songs and excellent instrumental work. It is quite certain that this album will achieve the same international acclaim as the last few Rockfour albums, which have been praised by top music critics like Ritchie Utenberger and others. Absolutely deserving wider recognition, I hope this album will open new gates all over the world for this great group.
Side Note: Rockfour have always had a soft spot for early Pink Floyd and they recently won the Arnold Lane Contest organized by David GilmoreFind albums by this artist, in which bands from all over the world submitted their versions of the Syd BarrettFind albums by this artist’s song (see Gilmore’s web site for details).
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend |
  | SOLAR PROJECT ~ CHROMAGNITUDE
MUSEA 4715 (Barcode: 3426300047151) ~ GERMANY ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2004 - 2007 Released: 2007
7th album by the German Prog band Solar ProjectFind albums by this artist, led by Robert ValetFind albums by this artist (keyboards) and Peter TerhoevenFind albums by this artist (guitars). The band uses an ad hoc lineup for each of its releases, this time adding three members and creating a powerful sound. The band bases its music on the work of the legendary Pink FloydFind albums by this artist, but they are not a typical tribute band. They did contribute some Pink Floyd tracks to various tribute albums, but their own albums include original music only, obviously inspired by their mentors. This album is a concept album dealing (as the title suggests) with the meaning of colors. The music is interesting and the long tracks (one being over 15 minutes) have plenty of space to develop and feature extended instrumental solos. The overall atmosphere is very Pink Floyd influenced, but definitely not to the extent of being plagiarist. People who love Pink Floyd will find this right up their alley, others might just like them for what they are.
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  | SOM NOSSO DE CADA DIA ~ A PROCURA DA ESSÊNCIA: AU VIVO 1975-1976
EDITIO PRINCEPS 04 (Barcode: 7898901556046) ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1975 - 1976 Released: 2004
These live recordings are the only available document of the legendary Brazilian 1970s Prog / Fusion band Som Nosso De Cada DiaFind albums by this artist. Following the release of their debut album SnegsFind albums by this artist in 1974, the band embarked upon intensive touring and performances, but the lack of commercial success, lack of interest from record labels, etc. (the usual hardships of 1970s Prog artists) led to internal frictions and four years after the band was formed it disbanded and disappeared from the scene. The band recorded their 2nd legendary album AmazôniaFind albums by this artist in 1975, which was picked by CBSFind albums on this label Brazil, but released only two years as Som NossoFind albums with this title with intensive overdubs and remix, completely changing the original masterpiece into a commercial funk album. These live recordings present the group in its full glory playing their great material, including the full original version of the “Amazônia” suite. Most of the tracks are extensive instrumental improvisations, mostly over 10 minutes long and one over 17 minutes long, which show the virtuosity of the players. The double keyboards line and exceptional spacey lead guitar offer endless peaks of energy floating somewhere between early Pink FloydFind albums by this artist and Weather ReportFind albums by this artist. This is fantastic music and in spite of the technical flaws of the recording every fan of good music should be grateful this is available for us to enjoy. Most warmly recommended!
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  | TYRANNOSAURUS REX ~ MY PEOPLE WERE FAIR AND HAD SKY IN THEIR HAIR… (DELUXE EDITION)
A&M 600753538876 (Barcode: 600753538876) ~ UK ~ Pop & Rock
Recorded: 1968 Released: 2014
This is the debut album by the British duo Tyrannosaurus RexFind albums by this artist, founded and led by singer / guitarist / songwriter / poet Marc BolanFind albums by this artist, which also included percussionist Steve Peregrin TookFind albums by this artist. Bolan was one of Britain´s most idiosyncratic and prophetic Pop stars and his short stay on this earth (he died tragically in a car accident a couple of weeks before his thirtieth birthday) was comparable to a comet passing us by.
Blessed by a highly unusual voice Bolan was involved in music since his early school days, first coming to wider attention as a member of the short-lived group John`s ChildrenFind albums by this artist. After the group fell apart Bolan formed Tyrannosaurus Rex, a duo playing and singing a weird mixture of Folk and Psychedelia, which was completely unique and Avant-Garde, even for the Flower Power era. "Adopted" by the American (who just moved to England) producer Tony ViscontiFind albums by this artist, who encouraged Bolan and produced almost all his albums, the duo recorded four sensational albums before shortening their name to T. RexFind albums by this artist, which later became one of the pioneers of British Glam Rock and brought Bolan fame and fortune.
The fact that albums such as this one were released by a major record label and even managed to achieve chart success is a wonderful document of the short period of time, when anything could happen on the music scene and of course the incredible musical creativity that flourished at the time. Some critics see in this album the last part of the great Psychedelic Trilogy, which started with DonovanFind albums by this artist´s "A Gift From A Flower To A GardenFind albums with this title" and continued with Pink FloydFind albums by this artist´s "The Piper At The Gates Of DawnFind albums with this title". This might be a little exaggerated, but the days when such Avant-Garde music, which featured bizarre vocals, chanting, gibberish, associative poetry and a full blown Psychedelic aura was accepted as "normal" by the majority of listeners were definitely miraculous and sadly very short-lived.
Because of its uniqueness the music on this album is completely timeless and lost absolutely nothing of its effectiveness and beauty over time. Of course if it was released today, the number of people ready to give it an ear would probably be infinitesimal.
This Deluxe Edition includes a plethora of bonus material, almost quadrupling the original album´s contents, including BBC sessions recorded before the debut album was recorded and other BBC material, stereo version of the original mono album, home demos etc. The accompanying booklet includes an essay by Boland´s biographer Mark PaytressFind albums by this artist, the album´s songs lyrics and a many wonderful photographs, justifying the reissue effort in full.
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
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