Record Reviews

RANDY NEWMAN ~ ORIGINAL ALBUM SERIES WARNER BROS. 081227975395 (Barcode: 081227975395) ~ USA ~ Pop & Rock Recorded: 1968 - 1977 Released: 2011 This Box Set collects reissues of first five studio albums by the iconic American singer / songwriter / pianist Randy NewmanFind albums by this artist, originally released on RepriseFind albums on this label Records. label between 1968 and 1977. They are: “Randy NewmanFind albums with this title” (1968), “12 SongsFind albums with this title” (1970), “Sail AwayFind albums with this title” (1972), “Good Old BoysFind albums with this title” (1974) and “Little CriminalsFind albums with this title” (1977). Newman wrote some of the most beautiful Pop songs, which exhibit his idiosyncratic sense of melody and humor, some of which were hits when performed by him but more often became huge hits when sung by other Pop / Rock artists. He achieved also a great success as composer of cinematic soundtrack, and over time he became one of the most awarded American Artist, with scores of Grammies, Academy awards and Golden Globe awards. Newman’s highly unusual vocal performances and theatrical delivery make him stand out as one of the most unique singer / songwriter artists of the 20th Century and a superb storyteller (usually with a moral). He continues, despite his age and at a slower paste, to write new music and songs to this very day. Overall, this is an incredible collection of his early work, which has but a few parallels and lost absolutely nothing of its beauty and depth over time, and in fact seasoned in time, standing out as a perfect example of what songwriting is all about. Side Note The "Original Album SeriesFind albums with this title" by Warner Bros.Find albums on this label, the "Original Album ClassicsFind albums with this title" by SonyFind albums on this label, the "5 Original AlbumsFind albums with this title" by UniversalFind albums on this label, the Box Sets by RhinoFind albums on this label and other similar releases are an archetypal example of how good intentions turn sour. Although these new editions often bring back to life some of the best music ever made on this planet, which in many cases has been lost in the tides of time and was unavailable on the market for ages, they suffer from an unforgivable disregard for the essence of cultural values and general sloppiness, contrary to human decency, which requires as to treat our Cultural Legacy with respect and loyalty. The Box Sets produced under these monikers have no discographical information whatsoever about the lineups, musician names, composers, lyricists, dates and places of recording, original release data and even basic copyright data (the last is strictly illegal BTW). Although the original LP sleeves are reproduced, they are often edited and information (which would be in most cases too small to be readable) is removed. Most importantly these Box Sets don't include any booklet offering a historical background and perspective about the Artists and the Music, which are extremely important and vital to the preservation of our Culture and passing the knowledge to the next generations. In short the fact that these Box Sets are meant to be inexpensive, does not mean that they have to be cheap. Considering the fact how many times this music has been sold over and over again by the labels, this is a crying shame!

Updated: 23/09/2021Posted: 23/09/2021

CD 5 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Recommend To A Friend

ALAN PRICE SET ~ THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT: THE COMPLETE 60S SESSIONS CASTLE 1098 (Barcode: 5050749410986) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1965 - 1969 Released: 2005 When Alan PriceFind albums by this artist decided to leave The AnimalsFind albums by this artist in 1965 at the pinnacle of their international success, his move seemed completely inexplicable. However, in retrospect his decision led to the formation of one of the most formidable UK Pop outfits – The Alan Price SetFind albums by this artist, which left a superb legacy of great tunes. Price felt limited in the Animals format of 12 bar blues and early Rhythm And Blues and since he felt much closer to Jazz it was only natural that his new group would include a horn section to add a significant jazzy feel to their sound. Between late 1965 and early 1969 The Alan Price set recorded a long series of singles, some of which became 60’s anthems (“Simon Smith & His Amazing Dancing Bear”, “The House That Jack Built”, “Don’t Stop The Carnival” and many more). Price proved to be an amazing tune craftsmen, a brilliant arranger and of course a great singer. In addition to writing his own songs Price loved deeply the songs of Randy NewmanFind albums by this artist, many of which he incorporated into his group’s repertoire. This incredible collection includes everything the group ever recorded, including BBC sessions never previously released. This is some of the best music recorded in the 1960’s and listening to this timeless material should bring enormous pleasure to any good music fan. I love every minute of it.

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted:

CD 2 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

NORMA WINSTONE ~ IT`S LATER THAN YOU THINK PROVOCATEUR 1037 (Barcode: 5038491103721) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2004 Released: 2006 British singer Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist has been my favorite Jazz singer for almost 40 years now, ever since I heard her performing in the late 1960s in the midst of the burgeoning British Jazz scene at the time. I always followed her extraordinary career closely and of course collected all her recordings, which in retrospect constitute a massive body of marvelous music. At the peak of the British Jazz scene in the late 1960s – 1970s she sang with the best: Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist, Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist, Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, John SurmanFind albums by this artist and many others, contributing not only her extraordinary vocal performances but also her talent as a lyricist. With the decline of the local scene she continued on the European scene, both as a soloist and with the trio AzimuthFind albums by this artist (with her husband, pianist John TaylorFind albums by this artist and trumpeter Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist). She is an enormously versatile performer, feeling at ease in any environment, from classic Jazz standards to Avant-Garde explorations. I always found her to be the most sensitive, highly musical and open-minded interpreter of both the music and the lyrics, which turn everything she touches into High Art. Happily for the music lovers, her talent and abilities seem to be untouched by time and she’s able to deliver her best up to this very day, which is well documented on this album as well. Accompanied by the splendid NDR Big BandFind albums by this artist (Northern German Radio Big Band resident in Hamburg), one of the best Jazz Big Bands in the world today, Norma delivers a wonderful set of songs, all brilliantly arranged by Colin TownsFind albums by this artist, who also conducted the band. The choice of material is fascinating and quite challenging as well, as Norma performs songs written by such dissimilar composers as Joni MitchellFind albums by this artist, Leonard CohenFind albums by this artist, Randy NewmanFind albums by this artist and Jaco PastoriusFind albums by this artist. Her highly personal delivery and the beautiful arrangements metamorphose these songs into completely new musical vistas, to the delight of any sensitive listener. The Big Band is used intelligently and skillfully, to serve as a perfect companion to her vocal delivery, without being overwhelming, in spite of its inherent might. The musicians are all virtuosi and highly experienced soloists, which is clearly evident from the instrumental solos, and include such renowned Jazz musicians as saxophonist Christof LauerFind albums by this artist and pianist (and my dear friend of Polish origin) Wladyslaw SendeckiFind albums by this artist. The recording and sound quality are stunning and resemble the sonic excellence of other European labels like ECMFind albums on this label Records. For me this is a great example of a perfect album – the music, the musicians and a voice of a Diva – what else can one ask for? Essential food for the soul.

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

CD 1 Essential Recommend To A Friend