Showing posts with label great album. Show all posts
Showing posts with label great album. Show all posts

Selling England By the Pound Review

Selling England By the Pound
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Are you looking to buy Selling England By the Pound? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Selling England By the Pound. Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Selling England By the Pound ReviewI listened to Genesis obsessively while in graduate school and this 1973 recording was always a favorite. For me, Selling England by the Pound represents everything about progressive rock that I hold near and dear: intricate ensemble work, virtuosic musicianship, cool synthesizer sounds (ARP Pro Soloist!), and "hummable" melodies. I know the "hummable" melodies thing will raise a few eyebrows, but they are nice to have around and there is no shortage of them on this recording.
There is a mixture of long and short pieces on Selling England by the Pound, which range from quiet acoustic pieces to full-blown, over the top, prog extravaganzas. The longer pieces include Dancing with the Moonlit Knight (8'03"), Firth of Fifth (9'37"), The Battle of Epping Forest (11'44"), and The Cinema Show/Aisle of Plenty (12'41"). Sandwiched in-between the longer pieces is the poppy I Know What I Like (in 1974, it reached #21 in England), More Fool Me, which is an acoustic piece with Phil Collins on vocals, and After the Ordeal, which is a short instrumental written by guitarist Steve Hackett. Each of the longer pieces are excellent examples of their highly disciplined ensemble approach to arrangements, which include pre-composed solos and display the use of a few carefully placed chords that make the transition between sections in different keys seamless. The transitional chords and mellow 12-string acoustic guitar parts, along with smooth synthesizer and guitar tones, a full Rickenbacker bass sound from Mike Rutherford, and the ability of excellent drummer Phil Collins to make even a 5/4 seem natural impart an unhurried, warm, and intimate feel to the whole recording.
Based on what I have read, writers block plagued Genesis during the recording period even though Selling England by the Pound is conceptually sound (it comments on English class structure) and it is only Firth of Fifth that suffers from a dodgy lyric. Furthermore, keyboardist Tony Banks expressed irritation with vocalist Peter Gabriel's decision to plaster lyrics over the entirety of the already busy The Battle of Epping Forest. So many lyrics in fact, that Peter reportedly ran out of breath during live performances of the song.
Although the sound quality of this 1994 remaster is not nearly as good as my old LP, it is still pretty good.
In spite of it all, the guys in Genesis came through with a remarkable recording of progressive rock - one that I return to again and again. Very highly recommended.Selling England By the Pound OverviewIf one had to pare the prog-rock story down to a handful ofessential albums, this would undoubtedly be one of them. SELLING ENGLAND BY THE POUND was the culmination of all that Genesis had been striving for since their late-'60s inception, the refinement of the vision that developed on TRESPASS, NURSERY CRYME, and FOXTROT (somewhere in the world, there's been a second-wave prog outfit named after every one of thesealbums). The fusion of a complex classical mind with an electrified rock heart and pastoral folk spirit defined Genesis' anatomy, and never more effectively than on SELLING ENGLAND.Peter Gabriel's startlingly unpretentious tale-spinning is at its best on "The Battle of Epping Forest". Tony Banks's elegant, sophisticated keyboard work is a vital element of nearly every tune, and the electric/acoustic guitar tapestry woven by Steve Hackett and Mike Rutherford is the perfect icing on the cake. Somewhat anomalous but entirely welcomeis the Gabriel-era band's catchiest, quirkiest song "I KnowWhat I Like (In Your Wardrobe)", the tale of a somewhat daft gardener. Phil Collins's lead vocal on the gorgeous acoustic ballad "More Fool Me" paints the shape of things to come.If you only buy one Genesis album, make it this one.

Want to learn more information about Selling England By the Pound?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now
Read More...

Toto - Live in Amsterdam: 25th Anniversary (2006) Review

Toto - Live in Amsterdam: 25th Anniversary  (2006)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Are you looking to buy Toto - Live in Amsterdam: 25th Anniversary (2006)? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Toto - Live in Amsterdam: 25th Anniversary (2006). Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Toto - Live in Amsterdam: 25th Anniversary (2006) ReviewNot much to add to what has already been said at long and at large from this mega band. If you're here, you probably know a lot about them. Even so, I can only recommend you to get this DVD if you don't have it...
Why should I bother, would you say, if I already have several of their records (or even all of them) ? For lots of reasons. First, the sound is amazing. I played this on my system thinking that it would be fine. It's not, it's outstanding. Also, the filming is excellent. No blurry shots, no silly angles, no focus on who isn't playing. The production is irreproachable. Another reason you should get this is the incredible atmosphere surrounding the concert. I was trying to see the people in the crowd, and to my surprise, the people there range from 20 to 50 (and apparently a majority of 30ish). In the States, Toto doesn't get any airplay, doesn't perform much, and they seem to be viewed as fossils, remembrance of the west coast style of the 80's. Not so in Japan or Europe, where they are always welcome and fill in large theaters. Amazing, don't you think ?
On stage, you have Bobby Kimball with the rest of the band and two backup musicians. Bobby is like the rest of the regular members. With wrinkles, but in great shape. What a voice! Simon Phillips is probably second best to Jeff Porcaro, Paich shows he can play anything from classic to blues and funky (we already knew that), Mike Porcaro, even though he's not Verdine White, Stanley Clarke or Mark King, is very passionate in his playing, and Luke is... well, just in case you still wondered, the true leader of the band. Just look at how everyone is positioned. The lead singer is on a second row podium half of the concert and Luke is the one walking around. He even gets to play a piano solo with David Paich having fun watching him from behind. Yet, no doubt at who is the leader there... The two cover versions ("While my guitar..." and "Bhoddisatva") are examples of what covers should be. Majestic, incredible. And with special words from Luke to his brothers George and Jeff (to me, the best drummer ever). The band shows they master all styles, from Hard Rock to Jazz, Pop, Blues, Folk, you name it.
The only thing a bit annoying is the sometimes quick blending of some stellar tracks (99 deserves more than a few notes), but they have been doing this in concert lately. All the tracks are either blended or follow each other with almost no timeout. Be ready because you're in for a two hour visual and musical treat !!
Don't miss the two bisses : home of the brave and White sister. Good, old powerful rock'n roll. By the way, I've seen this dvd several times, and I just can't help getting goose bumps on two instances : when they play I won't hold you back, and when Bobby Kimball does his solo stuff. I don't know if that can get any better. What I do know is that I will do all I can to attend their next concert. I'm going to their website to check that out. In the meantime, let's enjoy this super dvd.
P.S. I really agree with three messages the fans in the crowd show during the concert : "never enough Toto", "I could sit here forever", and "Paich for president". Thanks for the music fellows !Toto - Live in Amsterdam: 25th Anniversary (2006) OverviewFilmed in High Definition in Amsterdam on TotoÂ's 25thAnniversary Tour in 2003, this stunning concert captures the band at theirvery best, reunited with original vocalist Bobby Kimball. The set combinesall their hits with tracks from their latest album Â"Through The LookingGlassÂ" and other live favorites, performed in front of a wildlyenthusiastic sell-out crowd.Tracklisting 1. Girl Goodbye / Goodbye Elenore / ChildÂ's Anthem / IÂ'll Supply the Love(medley) 2. Gift with a Golden Gun 3. While My Guitar Gently Weeps 4.Bodhisattva 5. Africa 6. Waiting for Your Love / Georgy Porgy / Lion /Hydra / English Eyes / Till the End (medley) 7. I WonÂ't Hold You Back 8.Rosanna 9. Afraid of Love 10. Hold the Line 11. Next to You 12. Home of theBrave 13. White Sister Bonus Features 35 minute Â"behind the scenesÂ" film following the band through variousstages of their world tour including footage from Japan, Thailand, SouthKorea and France.

Want to learn more information about Toto - Live in Amsterdam: 25th Anniversary (2006)?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now
Read More...

Thickfreakness Review

Thickfreakness
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Are you looking to buy Thickfreakness? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Thickfreakness. Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Thickfreakness ReviewThe Black Keys are two guys from the American mid-west, hard as it to believe that only two people make this thick, rich audio gumbo. They play the blues, post-modern blues with licks of psychedelia and rockabilly, white mid-west blues, punk blues. They write original music, even though you'll swear some of those songs have got to be fifty or sixty years old. Can two white kids from Akron, Ohio play the blues with anything like conviction? Oh, yeah.
Patrick Carney plays drums, and he plays them heavy, the kick-drum thuds into your stomach, the cymbals are muted like they're coated with years of cigarette smoke from greasy clubs and roadhouses. This guy ain't a showoff drummer, he's a hold down the groove until you find yourself breathing in time sort of drummer.
Dan Auerbach plays guitar like he's stringing barbed wire, through an old Ampeg amplifier that is one gig short of meltdown. And he sings like he's done time in Mississippi jails, impossible, this guy is in his early twenties, where did he get the chops to stream that kind of pain through his voice? Can he write a blues lyric? "She want to get out the car, in the middle of the road, her screamin' and hollerin', it's getting mighty old," yup, he can.
This album reeks of cigarette smoke and beer and gasoline fumes, the whole tone reminds me of Exile on Main Street, it's gritty and earthy, three a.m. blues when the band is past caring about the audience and just playing their pain away.
So, The Black Keys, with a guitarist who sounds like he's channeling Elmore James and a drummer who sounds like an idling Chevy 327 with bad lifters are now on Fat Possum records, the real deal. Their music is thick enough to chew, it tips its hat to all the right forefathers(...).Thickfreakness Overview2003 sophomore album from the acclaimed Alt-Rock/Blues duo.

Want to learn more information about Thickfreakness?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now
Read More...

Live in Paris Review

Live in Paris
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Are you looking to buy Live in Paris? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Live in Paris. Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Live in Paris ReviewI know diana Krall gets her share of record company hype, but in the case of the DVD and CD here, it's actually deserved -- and therefore it really isn't "hype".
"The Look of Love" from 2001, was a bad stumble, and I guess Diana and her cohorts realized it. So they set out to redeem and recapture their stature and reputations. Just for the record, they succeeded -- the recovery is magnificent. I'm not sure if this is the same band with which she toured Asia in 2001 (a stellar performance on May 7, 2001 in Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR --if anyone else reading this caught it, then you know). But the jazz musicianship here is outstanding.
The strings and studio-generated mush is gone, and so are the producer efforts to make Diana Krall sound like "[insert top pop-chick's name] for adults". There are several elements that make this a worthwhile purchase even if you own several Krall studio CD's. In the case of the DVD, there's the added bonus of the visuals, an expanded song selection, and lots of off stage and 'behind the scenes' footage. But as if to make sure that fans buy both, the CD features songs not on the DVD. THe mix is more jazz and less pop than the studio recordings. As a consequence, Diana Krall's piano playing is featured more prominently. Songs that really fell flat on "Look of Love" are also brought to life by the presence of a drummer and vibraharpist (who is curiously not credited--probably due to some matter involving lawyers).
This performance is a return to classic form for jazz fans. The arrangements are excellent, the crowd is quiet during the songs -- but clearly thrilled by the performance. But what really makes this memorable is the song selection. That is strong enought here that I think this CD will still be listened to (and selling) decades from now.
A few surprises are "Just The Way You Are", from Billy Joel's mid-1970's album "The Stranger", and "A Case Of You", an obscure Joni Mitchell song from "Blue". The jazz versions actually outdoo the originals in some respects, and suggest that great songs will be Diana Krall's main focus in future releases. That impression is reinforced by her rendition of "Fly Me To The Moon", originally a hit for Frank Sinatra.
While she missed being on the soundtrack to the movie "Space Cowboys", Krall has had other collaborations with Clint Eastwood. Eastwood (along with Willie Nelson and a few other old warhorses) seems to be looking for cool new talent and apparently Diana Krall fits that mold. So, I think we can all expect some really exceptional releases and movie soundtrack work from Diana and her fellow musicians in the next few years.
By refusing to go the pop route and doing what some brain dead VP at a record company wanted, Diana Krall has avoided the fate of Cheryl Crow and others who desparately chase celebrity and try to be part of the IN CROWD. With this release she has crossed a threshold to become one of the IN CROWD on her own terms.
This CD has the earmarks of a defining piece of work. Probably the first classic Jazz release of the 21st century.Live in Paris OverviewCanadian version of 2002 live release includes oneexclusive bonus track, 'Charmed Life' & the U.S. bonustrack, 'Just The Way You Are' (Studio Version/Billy Joelcover). The first-ever live concert recording from Grammywinning vocalist/pianist Diana Krall, recorded at the Paris Olympia Theatre winter 2002. Here finally, captured inamazing audio quality, is an album showcasing the magic ofKrall's concert performances. Krall & her band - performsome of the tunes from Krall's studio recordings, such as'East of the Sun (West of the Moon)' & 'Devil May Care'.Joined by special guests John Pisano (acoustic guitar) &Paulinho DaCosta (percussion) for several tracks, including the Gershwin's 'S'wonderful'. The Orchestre SymphoniqueEuropean, conducted by Alan Broadbent with special guestconductor Claus Ogerman, is featured on the upbeat 'Let'sFall in Love' & a haunting interpretation of 'I've Got You

Want to learn more information about Live in Paris?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now
Read More...

Night Song Review

Night Song
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Are you looking to buy Night Song? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Night Song. Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Night Song ReviewI am writing a review of Night Music because I feel that Nusrat's music is very important to rock and roll. This Pakistani singer, who sadly passed away a few years back, had the power to touch the soul with his singing. Though I can't understand a word he said, Night Music's feelings are well received. I like to think of Nusrat's music as mesmerizing and hypnotic as well as emotionally raw. Michael Brook just enhances Nusrat's ideas, making this recording a haunting, painfully sweet listen. This is a must have for any rock collector. Thank you to Peter Gabriel for creating his RealWorld label in which we get to hear such fine musicians from other countries of the world.Night Song Overview

Want to learn more information about Night Song?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now
Read More...

Songs About Jane Review

Songs About Jane
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Are you looking to buy Songs About Jane? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Songs About Jane. Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Songs About Jane ReviewStill one of the best Pop Album that I got... I bought another copy because the first 2 that I've owned was borrowed by my cousin and friend but was never returned... I love Maroon 5's music!!!Songs About Jane Overview

Want to learn more information about Songs About Jane?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now
Read More...