Record Reviews

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

AMALGAM ~ ANOTHER TIME FMR 116 (Barcode: 649849981615) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1976 Released: 2003 5th album by the superb British Jazz / Improvised Music ensemble AmalgamFind albums by this artist, one of the precursors of British / European Free Jazz scene in the late 1960s and 1970s, founded by saxophonist Trevor WattsFind albums by this artist. On this album the lineup is a quartet, including guitarist Steve HaytonFind albums by this artist, bassist Pete CowlingFind albums by this artist and drummer Liam GenockeyFind albums by this artist, which marks the beginning of the second phase of Amalgam, which is characterized by the dual saxophone – guitar frontline. The music is written entirely by Watts, who after the departure of drummer John StevensFind albums by this artist became the group´s main composer. This album was originally released on the tiny German independent VinylFind albums on this label label, and was unavailable for many years, which is now rectified by this CD issue. With the guitar and electric bass the sound of the band changes completely, with a distinct Fusion feel, but the dexterity and obvious genius are still the same as always. This is probably the most accessible Amalgam album ever recorded and young listeners, ignorant of the band´s Improvised Music roots should be able to enjoy it immensely. This is still a classic, although a different cup of tea altogether. Brilliant stuff!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

AMALGAM ~ SAMANNA FMR 125 (Barcode: 649849981608) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1977 Released: 2003 6th album by the superb British Jazz / Improvised Music ensemble AmalgamFind albums by this artist, one of the precursors of British / European Free Jazz scene in the late 1960s and 1970s, founded by saxophonist Trevor WattsFind albums by this artist. On this album the lineup is a quintet, including guitarist Dave ColeFind albums by this artist, bassists Pete CowlingFind albums by this artist and Colin McKenzieFind albums by this artist and drummer Liam GenockeyFind albums by this artist, which marks an extension of the quartet that recorded the previous album at beginning of the second phase of Amalgam, characterized by the dual saxophone – guitar frontline. The music is written entirely by Watts. This album was originally released on the tiny German independent VinylFind albums on this label label, and was unavailable for many years, which is now rectified by this CD issue. With the guitar and double electric bass the sound of the band becomes even more close to Fusion, but the extended improvisations and the virtuosity of the performers are still the same as always. This is again quite an accessible Amalgam album ever and easily enjoyed both by Jazz and Fusion adventurous music fans. This is still a classic and brilliant stuff as always!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

AMALGAM ~ DEEP FMR 127 (Barcode: 649849981677) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1977 Released: 2003 7th album by the superb British Jazz / Improvised Music ensemble AmalgamFind albums by this artist, one of the precursors of British / European Free Jazz scene in the late 1960s and 1970s, founded by saxophonist Trevor WattsFind albums by this artist. On this album the lineup is a quartet, including guitarist Dave ColeFind albums by this artist, bassists Harry MillerFind albums by this artist and drummer Liam GenockeyFind albums by this artist, which marks the second phase of Amalgam, characterized by the dual saxophone – guitar frontline. The music is written entirely by Watts. This album was originally released on the tiny German independent VinylFind albums on this label label, and was unavailable for many years, which is now rectified by this CD issue. With the guitar and double electric bass the sound of the band becomes even more close to Fusion, but the extended improvisations and the virtuosity of the performers are still the same as always. This is again quite an accessible Amalgam album ever and easily enjoyed both by Jazz and Fusion adventurous music fans. This is still a classic and brilliant stuff as always!

CD-R 1 Recommend To A Friend