Record Reviews
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  | GARY BOYLE ~ THE DANCER
ESOTERIC 2307 (Barcode: 5013929430747) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1977 Released: 2012
This is the 1st solo album by the excellent British guitarist / composer Gary BoyleFind albums by this artist, recorded after his excellent group IsotopeFind albums by this artist disbanded. A brilliant guitarist, Boyle enjoyed success as a sideman both in the Prog and Jazz circles in UK, and the work with Isotope firmly established his reputation as a formidable Jazz-Rock Fusion player. This album, recorded with a dreamy team of superb players: keyboardists Zoe KronbergerFind albums by this artist (who also contributed two compositions), Dave MacRaeFind albums by this artist (ex-Matching MoleFind albums by this artist) and Rod ArgentFind albums by this artist (ex-ZombiesFind albums by this artist), bassist Doni HarveyFind albums by this artist, drummer Simon PhillipsFind albums by this artist and many others, is a classic example of the British Fusion, full of intricate melodies and virtuosic performances. There is not a dull moment here, from start to finish, and Fusion fans, who for some strange reason might have overlooked this treasure are about to discover a goldmine of pleasures. A must to any intelligent Fusion fan!
| | | CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | MATTHEW FISHER ~ MATTHEW FISHER / STRANGE DAYS
ANGEL AIR 510 (Barcode: 5055011705104) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1980 - 1981 Released: 2018
This is a reissue / remaster of the third and fourth albums by the British keyboardist / songwriter Matthew FisherFind albums by this artist, primarily known as one of the founders of the legendary British band Procol HarumFind albums by this artist and co-composer of one of the most iconic Rock songs of all time “A Whiter Shade Of Pale”.
The first album, recorded in 1980, is still very close in its concept to the classic Procol Harum sound and style, with beautiful ballads and intricate instrumental arrangements. Fisher’s ability to weave wonderful melodies is fully intact and although the material is more Rock / Pop oriented than the Prog attitude, which was dominant in the earlier work, it is still great Classic Rock material. Fisher wrote all the ten songs himself.
The second album, recorded just a year later, is somewhat more New Wave oriented, with a less elaborate instrumental support, but still remains as an excellent collection of songs, which sound great despite the time that passed since. Fisher co-wrote all but two of the ten songs with the ex-ZombiesFind albums by this artist bassist / vocalist Chris WhiteFind albums by this artist.
Overall, this is a nice reminder of the many talents that flooded the British Rock scene in its formative years, following their fate and work in later days. Perhaps not essential material, but definitely worthy being revisited with a nostalgic tear in the eye corner. They don’t write songs like that anymore!
| | Updated: 19/04/2023Posted: 19/04/2023 | CD 1 Remastered 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 |
  | ZOMBIES ~ BEGIN HERE
REPERTOIRE 4939 ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
1st album from 1965 by one of the greatest groups of all times, led by the composer and keyboard player Rod Argent. Some memorable songs, including the superb `She`s Not There`.
| | | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | ZOMBIES ~ DIFFERENT GAME
COOKING VINYL 889 (Barcode: 711297538922) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2022 Released: 2023
Yes, The ZombiesFind albums by this artist are back! The British Rock group, founded in 1961 (that is 62 years ago!) is still led by the two founding members: vocalist Colin BlunstoneFind albums by this artist and vocalist / keyboardist Rod ArgentFind albums by this artist, and now includes also guitarist Tom ToomeyFind albums by this artist, bassist Soren KochFind albums by this artist and drummer Steve RodfordFind albums by this artist. A string quartet plays some delicate arrangements on several tracks. The album presents ten original songs, nine of which were written by Argent and one by Blunstone. This is the seventh studio album by the group and it follows the 2015 album “Still Got That HungerFind albums with this title”.
The unmistakable sound of the electric piano and the vocal harmonies, which characterized the group’s sound since their debut single “She’s Not There” from 1964, are all here, and why not, since they still sound absolutely gorgeous. All the ten songs are if fact simply perfect, beautifully melodic and touching, as if the time of the Golden Decade was still here, standing in shrieking contrast to the cacophony that surrounds us dauntingly today.
Argent proves that his songwriting ability is completely intact and each and every one of his songs is a true gem. No pretentiousness, no BS, just great melodies, which grab the heart instantly. That is a great songwriting gift and we are lucky to be able and enjoy it once again, especially since almost nobody writes songs like these today. Blunstone’s vocals are as touching / heartbreaking, as they were decades ago.
Overall, this is a stunning piece of music, which took me completely by surprise. I admit that I was expecting to hear once again a geriatric effort by musicians trying to revive their glory days, but this album is nothing like that. It is an instant Rock classic, with great songs, wonderful vocals and elegant, heartfelt performances, which kicks the butt mercilessly, emphasizing how ridiculous contemporary Rock sounds most of the time. Welcome back, o ye heroes of grand times!
| | Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: 08/05/2023 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | ZOMBIES ~ ODESSEY AND ORACLE
REPERTOIRE 4940 ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
2nd album from 1968 by this seminal UK band, considered by many as one of the greatest psychedelic achievements of all times. The magnetic compositions of Rob Argent, including the all time classics `Time Of The Season` are more developed than on the debut album.
| | | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
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