Record Reviews

KINKS ~ LOLA VERSUS POWERMAN AND THE MONEYGOROUND / PERCY (DELUXE EDITION) SANCTUARY 888430895928 (Barcode: 888430895928) ~ UK ~ Pop & Rock Recorded: 1970 Released: 2014 This is a reissue of the eighth and last great album by the British Pop / Rock legends The KinksFind albums by this artist, formed and led by brothers Ray DaviesFind albums by this artist and Dave DaviesFind albums by this artist. For this reissue it is coupled with the next, ninth album, which was a soundtrack of the movie of the same name. Placing the two albums together into one package makes perfect sense, as they were recorded only a couple of months apart and stylistically present almost inseparable musical ideas. As all the Deluxe editions, this one also includes a plethora of bonus material, most of it previously unreleased. These were the last two albums The Kinks recorded for the PyeFind albums on this label Records label and for their next album, the true swan song called "Muswell HillbilliesFind albums with this title", they´d switch to RCAFind albums on this label Records. Even if The Kinks were already past their creative apex at the time this music was recorded, they were still one of the best Pop / Rock bands and songwriting talents on the British scene and this music lost nothing of its quality and vitality over time. The songs from this album, which were released as singles, remain in the collective memory of the 1960s / 1970s generation as an integral part of its life´s soundtrack, your humble scribe included. For The Kinks enthusiasts this is an absolute must, for others, who still appreciate great music created before the collapse of Culture, definitely something worth investigating and remembering. This is a nice remaster and archival piece of history of the music that is no more.

Updated: 29/01/2019Posted:

CD 2 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

ZBIGNIEW NAMYSLOWSKI ~ LOLA GOWI 30 (Barcode: 786497164622) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1964 Released: 1996 This sensational album was the first Jazz recording made behind the Iron Curtain ever to be released in Western Europe. Considering all this happened in 1964 (with the Cold War raging between the West and the East) it was a truly momentous occasion. Saxophonist Zbigniew NamyslowskiFind albums by this artist, aged 25 at the time, as well as the other members of his quartet: pianist Wlodek GulgowskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Tadeusz WojcikFind albums by this artist and drummer Czeslaw BartkowskiFind albums by this artist (all three aged 21) were representatives of the first generation of post-WWII Polish Jazz, which was developing with at a feverish paste in spite of the serious limitations of personal and artistic freedom prevailing in their country. Against all adds Polish Jazz was rapidly becoming a force, which could not be ignored, creating some of the most interesting and revolutionary music ever. Led by the great pianist / composer Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist, the Godfather of modern Polish Jazz, the scene exploded with talent and extraordinary inventiveness, which is splendidly documented by this album, among others. Just a year after this album was recorded Namyslowski would record with Komeda, his Mentor, as a member of his quintet the album "AstigmaticFind albums with this title", probably the most important Eastern European Jazz album ever made. But back to this wonderful recording; Namyslowski composed five of the eight pieces on this album, Gulgowski composed two others and one is a standard. His compositions are brilliant in every respect, superbly melodic and often incorporating folkloristic motifs, which was quite prophetic at the time. The level of musicianship is simply stunning and highly inspired, with the overall atmosphere reminiscent of John Coltrane albums, which is hardly surprising considering he was of course Namyslowski´s biggest influence. Listening to this album it´s almost impossible to believe that it was made almost 50 years ago – this music is completely resistant to time. I still remember listening to it, being just 13 years of age, and I´m still deeply moved every time I hear it again. A masterpiece in every respect and an essential piece of music, forever! Side Note: This album was originally released in UK on the Decca label and went quickly out of print. Over the years it became an extremely rare and sought after collectors´ item, especially in Poland. This CD edition is therefore a blessing!

CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend