Riding on the punk crest of the new wave movement, Roger C.
Reale & Rue Morgue released Radioactive,
A 12-track blitzkrieg providing enough octane to power a stock car. After
shaking up the lineup (G.E. Smith of SNL fame replaced by Mick Ronson of David
Bowie fame), the band began recording their second album, Reptiles in Motion.
Conflicts between the record company, the studio and the producer put the
sessions to rest. Some 40 years later, the recordings are finally seeing the
light of day. Combined with Radioactive,
this collection provides the ultimate Roger C. Reale & Rue Morgue
experience.
The sound borrows from the
Ramones and Johnny Thunders, yet adds enough texture and pop affectations to
make it more accessible to the masses. Think power punk mixed with power pop.
If Radioactive is
a blitzkrieg, then Reptiles
in Motion is a more deliberate and sustained attack. Make no
mistake, Roger C. Reale & Rue Morgue make the most of each song in this
collection. There is little time wasted on prolonged notes, extended verses or
spaces between stanzas — the 24 tracks average a modest 3:07 in duration. The blistering
guitar and angst-ridden lyrics impose their will with skill and brevity,
forcing the listener to react.
It's hard to believe that songs
like "Stop & Go" and "Please Believe Me" from Radioactive never hit
the mainstream in 1979. We'll leave this mystery up to the documentary makers,
but one could easily see these performances blending in between Graham Parker
and Cheap Trick on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert or becoming vanguard new wave
music videos. The same could be said for songs like "Radioactive" and
"No Secrets" on the follow-up, Reptiles in Motion which would have/should
have been released in 1980.
All in all, The Collection does not
disappoint, and despite 40 years between Radioactive and Reptiles in Motion, the
power still surges, leaving the listener revived and energized.
Key
Tracks Include:“Stop
& Go”, “Please Believe Me”, “Kill Me”, “Radioactive”, “No Secrets”, “Rock
it to the Kremlin”.
Tom
Endyke
September 22, 2019
Tracks: 01. High Society 02. Dear Dad 03. Stop and Go 04. Pain Killer 05. Rescue Me 06. Kill Me 07. Reach for the Sky 08. Madonna’s Last Stand 09. Please Believe Me 10. Close Inspection 11. Inside Outside 12. I Can’t Control Myself 13. She’s Older Now 14. Pros and Cons 15. Radioactive 16. One More Try 17. No Secrets 18. Debutante Ball 19. Make it be Over 20. I’m in Distress 21. Point Blank 22. Back it Up 23. Living in Anger 24. Rock it to the Kremlin
Premiering their debut
full-length album The Space Between Worlds, Howling Giant proves they have exactly what it
takes to go toe-to-toe with some of Rock N’ Roll’s or better yet, Metal’s
biggest contenders like Metallica, Smashing Pumpkins, or even Megadeath. Before
even reading what the album concept is, you can tell there is a theme that runs
through; as though someone is on a journey for victory.
As you
travel through the tracklist, “Ghosts In The Well” is a nice switch-up on the
record giving the song a more acoustic vibe, even if it is only temporary. The
band does a wonderful job conveying the message of a 9-track journey that
almost seems like a video game with some of the track titles. This album is not
for the faint of heart, however. It is most certainly is for the veteran Metal
lovers because of its heavy tones of vocals and drums.
The idea
of a concept album is great for their first full-length feature. A lot of newer
Rock bands have more of a Pop-friendly vibe to them to show themselves as
radio-friendly, and like something, the labels (especially the larger labels)
can market to the masses. This band revitalizes the
fresh-out-of-the-garage-band style that has been largely missed due to the
implementation of machines and quick fixes.
I have
little doubt that there wasn’t some technical editing going through the record,
as is with most other albums and genres today but, the record flows through the
ears like the adventure it tries to display through their sound.
Like me,
if you have never heard of Howling Giant, you would probably be interested
right of the bat because of their name. Though I am not the biggest Rock or
Metal fan of the world, I appreciate real Rock N’ Roll when I hear it. The
album is great if you are looking for inspiration with any type of music. If
you are trying to solve the latest bad day of your week, or you just need to
find an outlet to get oneself through the journey of the day, this record is
most definitely for you. Should you not be able to handle the heaviness and
emboldening sound of The Space Between Worlds, I suggest you either wake up, or head elsewhere to
find what you might deem as “good music."
Gregg
Keniston-MuzikMan.net Staff
September 21, 2019 Tracks: 1. Comet Rider 2. Nomad 3. Ghosts in The Wall 4. The River Guide 5. Ice Castle 6. Cybermancer and The Doomsday Express 7. Everlight 8. The Orb 9. Stone Giant
If you are looking for that sound that gets you in the mood for
the Fall season,Bad Old World brings the transition to life. It is a great piece
to listen to on a cool, rainy day where you just sit back and relax through the
day. Maybe you’re reminiscing about years gone by, or planning for rest of the
year ahead but, whatever the case may be; the vibe is nothing short of a good
time.
The first couple of notes off the record, make the first track
sound like “Wake Me Up When September Ends” by Green Day. It sets the tone for
the rest of the album puts you in that Fall setting but, replacing punk-rock
with a Classic-Rock taste. Ian McDonald and Ted Zurkowski send us on a bit of
time travel, back to when looking up at
the stars on the girl next door’s rooftop, or the days of just cruising around
in your dad’s fixed-up pick-up truck, were the only social norms of that time,
rather than staring at a phone the whole time.
In
flowing through the tracklist, Bad Old World stays consistent and on a feel-good vibe.
“Dementia”, the last track of the album seems to be the only song where the
band misses the mark. From “The September Issue” to “Terry & Julie”, each
song feels not only sequential, which is necessary for all large bodies of
work, but, positive to a degree and as though I am listening to the artists
tell of their new journey 20 years later.
Throughout
the whole record, the duo emphasizes the importance of keeping their Classic-Rock
image with a modern tone. Unfortunately, if you did not grow up around bands
like Foreigner or The Allman Brothers, or your parent did not flood your ears
with 80s Rock, this concept may be lost to you. This is a great album for
anyone who is looking to see that real music and artistry has not gone by the
wayside. So much today, has been replaced with machines and auto-tune control,
when people, in reality, want raw and real talent. Who could be better to bring
talent to a head than original Rock artists like McDonald and Zurkowski?
Key Tracks Include: “The September Issue”, “Sylvia
Strange”, “California”, and “Terry & Julie”
Gregg Keniston-Contributor
September 13, 2019 Tracks: 1. The September Issue 2. Brand New Car 3. Bad Old World 4. She’s Not Your Life 5. Sylvia Strange 6. Generations Man 7. California 8. Sailing 9. A Girl Called Life
Jason Becker suffers from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). A fatal condition with a life expectancy of maybe five years. He was diagnosed in 1989 at 19 years old. He is still cranking out music to this day!
He was and still is a six-string slinger with plenty of energy to create music, his personal testament to the power of music and positive thinking. He never stopped working. I think that is the reason he is still with us today, he never gave up and feels empowered to make music on a very high level regardless of physical limitations.
The man also has a great sense of humor, he released a documentary on his life in 2017 titled I’m Not Dead Yet.In the video I have provided, which runs over 9 minutes, gives a good overview of how people in the music business feel about Becker. Everyone is filled with respect and admiration for this man and for good reason. I actually interviewed Jason in 2001 in regards to the tribute album Warmth In The Wilderness II on Lion Records. At that time, I had asked what he would like to do next and he said “I haven't thought about it lately, but it would either be a symphony or funky and possibly devotional stuff. Whatever there would be lots of guitar on it.” So here we are in 2018 and we are on the heels of the new release Triumphant Hearts. It looks as though those thoughts and expectations have been realized with the new release. It is pretty cool that I go that far back with Jason and I had the opportunity to interview him.
So, guitar fans get ready for one amazing onslaught of guitar magic on Triumphant Hearts. The first song to be released from the album is the 9 minute and 5 second instrumental “Valley of Fire” (check out the video provided). The song features The Magnificent 13 – Steve Vai, Joe Bonamassa, Paul Gilbert, Neal Schon, Marty Friedman, Michael Lee Firkins, Mattias IA Eklundh, Greg Howe, Jeff Loomis, Richie Kotzen, Gus G, Steve Hunter, and Ben Woods. That is one phenomenal line up to put together on one track! It works very well for having that many guitar players contribute. Actually, I am surprised it did not go any longer than 9 minutes and 5 seconds and I am sure it could have with all that talent available.
There is a lot of orchestrations in the tracks which makes the listening experience rich and full. Jason composed all the music and he gets his work done by controlling a computer with his eyes. The technology that is available today is truly amazing and because of that we still have the opportunity to hear this amazing artist and his creations.
For all of the rockers out there, be patient when popping the CD in because the first track may give you the wrong idea of what you are about to hear. It is classical music but just wait, things really getting rolling after that. The mix of instrumentals, mainly guitar parts, and tracks with vocals, is just what the doctor ordered for my music tastes. There is a boatload of ear candy on the longer tracks like the aforementioned “Valley of Fire” and “River of Longing” and “Taking Me Back.” There actually is only one track under 4 minutes on the entire album, the curtain closer “You Do It,” which last 55 seconds.
If you are in the mood for some six-string fireworks and want to hear some of the best guitar players in the world on one release, then Triumphant Hearts is your one-way ticket to musical bliss. Hell, you may be so inspired after hearing this music that you will pick up your own guitar and start playing, and if you don’t have one, go out and buy one!
Jason Becker is an incredible human being with a very talented musical mind. Triumphant Hearts is an amazing event that every music fan needs to hear. The man and his music will make an impression on you one way or another, I can promise you that.
Tracks: 01. Triumphant Heart (feat. Marty Friedman, Glauco Bertagnin, Hiyori Okuda) 02. Hold On To Love (feat. Codany Holiday) 07:27 03. Fantasy Weaver (feat. Jake Shimabukuro) 04. Once Upon A Melody 05. We Are One (feat. Steve Knight) 06. Magic Woman (feat. Uli Jon Roth & Chris Broderick) 07. Blowin' in the Wind 08. River of Longing (feat. Joe Satriani, Aleks Sever, Guthrie Govan, Steve Morse) 09. Valley of Fire (feat. Michael Lee Firkins, Steve Vai, Joe Bonamassa, Paul Gilbert, Neal Schon, Mattias IA Eklundh, Marty Friedman, Greg Howe, Jeff Loomis, Richie Kotzen, Gus G., Steve Hunter, Ben Woods) 10. River of Longing (feat. Trevor Rabin) 11. Taking Me Back 12. Tell Me No Lies 13. Hold On To Love (feat. Codany Holiday) [Chuck Zwicky Remix] 14. You Do It
Brother & The Holding Company with iconic lead singer Janis Joplin, had a sophomore album titled Cheap Thrills that would catapult them to stardom and introduced the world to Joplin. Sex, Dope & Cheap Thrills is a risqué title for an album and it was 1968 so as one can imagine, that title was nixed by the label for fear of public retribution which would equal poor sales. This was a typical reaction from label brass at the time. I think the album would have found just as much popularity regardless of any title it had. This double CD set restores the band’s original intent for that blockbuster release.
Within this set, there is an essential new collection of 30 rare performances including 29 studio outtakes and 25 previously unreleased tracks from the mythic 1968 sessions that generated Big Brother & The Holding Company's Cheap Thrills. This also debuts a previously unreleased live performance of a smokin’ hot “Ball and Chain," recorded live at Winterland Ballroom on April 12, 1968.
As far as I am concerned, Janis Joplin was one of the greatest blues singers that ever graced a stage or studio. I think this set will reaffirm that statement and younger fans will come aboard the Big Brother and Holding Company train after hearing this music. Joplin’s emotion-soaked vocals and painful releases of those emotions can be heard in her vocals and the accompanying music. One listen to “Turtle Blues (Take #4)” tells the story of her mastery over the blues.
What I found extremely interesting was reading the CD booklet included with this set. Some history I was unaware of was brought to light. The notes from Dave Getz and Grace Slick were certainly a great addition to this set. The picture of a very young and beautiful Slick and Joplin gets your mind reeling and wondering what was going on in that particular moment in time. If we only could look at a picture of the past and just step in to check it out real time, that would be amazing. Alas, we can dream of moments such as this and realistically get everything we possibly can from the music, words, and pictures provided.
“Oh, Sweet Mary” is an excellent track (7) on the first disc. The band and Joplin are just cranking it out with the pedal to the metal. I really appreciated her vocals when she sang and didn’t scream but I do realize that was part of how she conveyed the raw emotions of the songs to her audience. “Piece of My Heart” (Take 6) is so convincing. It sounds like Joplin is singing right from her toes directly to her heart. She always did sound that way regardless of what song she sang. “Catch Me Daddy (Take 1)” gets off to an interesting start as the sound engineer tells the band “Keep playing if you fuck up, I want to get something down.” Well, it doesn’t get any more realistic than that!
The second disc opens with “Flower in The Sun.” The track has a clean sound and the musicianship is spot on of course. Joplin matches that fine playing with her typically emotive singing style. She was “the” blues mama of her day, there is no doubt about that fact. The track is above average and a different take on their style and output of the day. Being a slight step away from what their audience was accustomed to was likely looked at as taking chance, but now we get to hear the more experimental side of the band. “Oh, Sweet Mary” continues on with that method and it takes on a different style and approach than what you heard on disc one and one that I really appreciated. The extended guitar solo is excellent and it really shows just how tight the rhythm section was. This was one amazing band and this particular track proves just how good they were and could be if given the chance to cut loose free-form style in the studio.
Janis Joplin and Big Brother and The Holding Company were the real deal and it simply does not get any more down and dirtier than some of these cuts. This is the way blues rock was meant to sound like, filled with emotion, blood, sweat, and tears. And that is exactly why Joplin showed up at the right time for the band, she was the final piece of the puzzle that made it all happen. Hearing all this archival material is a great way for any music fan to turn back the hands of time and relive the sessions for the first time.
Note From Columbia/Legacy: Of the 30 tracks showcased on the 2-CD edition of Sex, Dope & Cheap Thrills, only five have been previously released: “Summertime (Take 2)” (on a 1993 Joplin compilation); “Roadblock (Take 1)” (on the 1999 Cheap Thrills reissue); “It’s A Deal (Take 1)” and “Easy Once You Know How (Take 1)” (both on the 1999 “Rare Pearls” disc in the Box of Pearls set); and “Magic Of Love (Take 1)” (from the Columbia/Legacy Record Store Day release, Move Over!).
1. Combination Of The Two (Take 3) 2. I Need A Man To Love (Take 4) 3. Summertime (Take 2) * 4. Piece Of My Heart (Take 6) 5. Harry (Take 10) 6. Turtle Blues (Take 4) 7. Oh, Sweet Mary 8. Ball And Chain (live, The Winterland Ballroom, April 12, 1968) 9. Roadblock (Take 1) * 10. Catch Me Daddy (Take 1) 11. It’s A Deal (Take 1) * 12. Easy Once You Know How (Take 1) * 13. How Many Times Blues Jam 14. Farewell Song (Take 7) Disc Two:
1. Flower In The Sun (Take 3) 2. Oh Sweet Mary 3. Summertime (Take 1) 4. Piece of My Heart (Take 4) 5. Catch Me Daddy (Take 9) 6. Catch Me Daddy (Take 10) 7. I Need A Man To Love (Take 3) 8. Harry (Take 9) 9. Farewell Song (Take 4) 10. Misery’n (Takes 2 & 3) 11. Misery’n (Take 4) 12. Magic Of Love (Take 1) * 13. Turtle Blues (Take 9) 14. Turtle Blues (last verse Takes 1-3) 15. Piece Of My Heart (Take 3) 16. Farewell Song (Take 5)
The limited-edition vinyl release of The Rolling Stones Beggars Banquet 50th Anniversary Deluxe LP set features a gatefold jacket, 180-gram stereo vinyl, a bonus vinyl 12" "Sympathy For the Devil" single in mono (backed with an etching of the original release's "toilet" cover), and a replica of the Japanese bonus flexi disc featuring a 1968 phone interview with Mick Jagger is also included. This edition is wrapped in the "RSVP" cover art.How is that for music fans, especially Stones enthusiast? It is quite a beautiful package to enjoy.
The thing bands like the Stones and Zeppelin did with the blues is what made them so popular. Taking rudimentary blues songs and turning them into delicious morsels of rock, literally owning the song within their own framework and interpretation. This is something that is still going on to this day but not at that level. For the Stones, how could they possibly top the apex of their career Their Satanic Majesties Request? I do not think it was a matter of toping the first release, it was more important for the band to come up with something different than their last release to keep it fresh. And more importantly, feature their creativity and hold on to their prospective audience. Well, they always managed to do that and Beggars Banquet was no exception. On the copy of the Japanese flexi disc Jagger responds to the question from the interviewer if the album is going sound similar to the last release. He retorts “It is different than the last album, it’s supposed to sound different.”It is a bit difficult to make out what Jagger is saying at times because the telephone lines were not as advanced and clear as they are today. With that said, it is a nice addition to the set just the same.
Beggars Banquet was a superb album, one of the many classics the Stones would record during their career. This (for me anyway) has to be in the top five of their greatest achievements. The additional things that make this set so special will surely make all music fans appreciative. The record labels have become very innovative with the packaging of vinyl releases such as this. If there is not enough room to fill one side of vinyl, what is the option? Some cool etchings that’s what! It really is a bonus to see that kind of space utilized smartly particularly in this case where the original releases toilet cover is featured. I personally appreciate any kind of art related to the music and if it comes in one package that is just the icing on the cake.
The sound on vinyl is amazing, of course, what else would I say right? Everything sounds great on vinyl and for all those years I thought CDs were the bomb and they could never come up with a cleaner sound, wrong! We have come full circle, even with all the streaming services available and device options to listen to music, you simply cannot challenge the “complete” musical experience that vinyl can offer. This is one great example of how to celebrate an iconic album and I am sure we will see many more to come.
Stereo or Mono is always good, I do prefer stereo. Listening to “Sympathy For The Devil” in mono is different of course, but that being my favorite track, it sounded just as wonderful hearing it again after listening to the original stereo version. Having one track on an LP side harkens back to the days of 78 wax.
“Street Fighting Man” was another incredible track that stands up well today. The Stones created music that is timeless just like their UK friends The Beatles. Their music was so different that there really could not be a rivalry for the same audience. Some love the Stones and vice-a-versa and there is no argument. Myself, I love both bands and appreciate all their contributions to modern music.
“Stray Cat Blues” is a great track that gets back to their earlier blues roots but is more polished and defined then what you would hear on their first few releases. They certainly had their own sound and Jagger’s vocals were unique. The maturity of the band comes flowing through with ease on this album.
Besides having such a wonderful package to hold in your hands and spin on your turntable, you get a limited-edition release with all the trimmings. I think Beggars Banquet has stood the test of time and so will vinyl during this second resurgence. Like Yogi Berra quipped “Its déjà vu all over again.”But isn’t it sweet to do again with all the extras? I think so.
Tracks: 01. Sympathy For The Devil 02. No Expectations 03. Dear Doctor 04. Parachute Woman 05. Jig - Saw Puzzle 06. Street Fighting Man 07. Prodigal Son 08. Stray Cat Blues 09. Factory Girl 10. Salt of the Earth
The limited-edition vinyl release of The Rolling Stones Beggars Banquet 50th Anniversary Deluxe LP set features a gatefold jacket, 180-gram stereo vinyl, a bonus vinyl 12" "Sympathy For the Devil" single in mono (backed with an etching of the original release's "toilet" cover), and a replica of the Japanese bonus flexi disc featuring a 1968 phone interview with Mick Jagger is also included. This edition is wrapped in the "RSVP" cover art.How is that for music fans, especially Stones enthusiast? It is quite a beautiful package to enjoy.
The thing bands like the Stones and Zeppelin did with the blues is what made them so popular. Taking rudimentary blues songs and turning them into delicious morsels of rock, literally owning the song within their own framework and interpretation. This is something that is still going on to this day but not at that level. For the Stones, how could they possibly top the apex of their career Their Satanic Majesties Request? I do not think it was a matter of toping the first release, it was more important for the band to come up with something different than their last release to keep it fresh. And more importantly, feature their creativity and hold on to their prospective audience. Well, they always managed to do that and Beggars Banquet was no exception. On the copy of the Japanese flexi disc Jagger responds to the question from the interviewer if the album is going sound similar to the last release. He retorts “It is different than the last album, it’s supposed to sound different.”It is a bit difficult to make out what Jagger is saying at times because the telephone lines were not as advanced and clear as they are today. With that said, it is a nice addition to the set just the same.
Beggars Banquet was a superb album, one of the many classics the Stones would record during their career. This (for me anyway) has to be in the top five of their greatest achievements. The additional things that make this set so special will surely make all music fans appreciative. The record labels have become very innovative with the packaging of vinyl releases such as this. If there is not enough room to fill one side of vinyl, what is the option? Some cool etchings that’s what! It really is a bonus to see that kind of space utilized smartly particularly in this case where the original releases toilet cover is featured. I personally appreciate any kind of art related to the music and if it comes in one package that is just the icing on the cake.
The sound on vinyl is amazing, of course, what else would I say right? Everything sounds great on vinyl and for all those years I thought CDs were the bomb and they could never come up with a cleaner sound, wrong! We have come full circle, even with all the streaming services available and device options to listen to music, you simply cannot challenge the “complete” musical experience that vinyl can offer. This is one great example of how to celebrate an iconic album and I am sure we will see many more to come.
Stereo or Mono is always good, I do prefer stereo. Listening to “Sympathy For The Devil” in mono is different of course, but that being my favorite track, it sounded just as wonderful hearing it again after listening to the original stereo version. Having one track on an LP side harkens back to the days of 78 wax.
“Street Fighting Man” was another incredible track that stands up well today. The Stones created music that is timeless just like their UK friends The Beatles. Their music was so different that there really could not be a rivalry for the same audience. Some love the Stones and vice-a-versa and there is no argument. Myself, I love both bands and appreciate all their contributions to modern music.
“Stray Cat Blues” is a great track that gets back to their earlier blues roots but is more polished and defined then what you would hear on their first few releases. They certainly had their own sound and Jagger’s vocals were unique. The maturity of the band comes flowing through with ease on this album.
Besides having such a wonderful package to hold in your hands and spin on your turntable, you get a limited-edition release with all the trimmings. I think Beggars Banquet has stood the test of time and so will vinyl during this second resurgence. Like Yogi Berra quipped “Its déjà vu all over again.”But isn’t it sweet to do again with all the extras? I think so.
Tracks: 01. Sympathy For The Devil 02. No Expectations 03. Dear Doctor 04. Parachute Woman 05. Jig - Saw Puzzle 06. Street Fighting Man 07. Prodigal Son 08. Stray Cat Blues 09. Factory Girl 10. Salt of the Earth
Electric Light Orchestra, better known as ELO for brevity purposes, has a large body of work dating back to the 70s. The first album I ever bought was Eldorado. I remember how different that album sounded the first time I heard it. At that time, I enjoyed it but not as much as I do now. With the passing of time, great music reaches a different level as heard through the ears of a more mature listener (like everything it is a matter of time).
Over the last few years, I have immersed myself in purchasing and listening to all kinds of vinyl, actually a lot of it is what I used to own and subsequently got rid of in my foolish youth.
So along comes The UK Singles Volume One 1972-1978 offering an opportunity to reminisce and hear all those big hits and tracks that were previously only available in the UK.
For this listener, it was a complete joy to hear all this music and watch it spin around on my turntable. That whole experience of having the vinyl to hold in your hand with the artwork for each individual 45, is what it is all about. The sound is incredible, vinyl has CDs beat by a long shot. The sound of vinyl is more natural and warmer - take away the digitizing, downloading and iTunes and what do you have? Not only something physical but music as it was meant to be heard. This was remastered from the analog source tapes. That fact should get audiophiles salivating.
Jeff Lynn has been and always will be the main cog in the wheel that keeps ELO rolling along. In fact, they are going on tour for the first time in 30 years as Jeff Lynn’s ELO. The music stands on its own. Well put together packages like The U.K. Singles Volume One: 1972-1978 do not come around on a regular basis so it immediately becomes a treasure trove of delights for any vinyl junkie or ELO fan. Check off both boxes for me in regards to those two points.
The Beatles influence in the ELO cannon has always been obvious and their leader has always acknowledged that influence. For my ears, that works just fine as I love the Fab Four without question and I can spot their influence in anything I hear. Make no mistake about it, this band proved unequivocally that you could rock and add orchestra related instruments to the mix and it all would sound killer if done well. It goes without saying that Jeff and his band really had that formula down straight away. It has taken some years to really appreciate this music more as I mentioned earlier but you cannot deny the string of radio-friendly hits that were blaring out of the radio back in the 70s. I was there and heard it all which makes getting this set that much sweeter and more memorable.
Some of the highlights in a box set jammed with them were “538 Overture b/w First Movement (Jumping Biz) * (1972 – U.K. No. 9),” which reminded me fondly of the great instrumental from the 60s titled “Classical Gas.” There are some riffs in that track that sounded unmistakable as far as my ears were concerned. This is not unusual at all it just made me smile inside to feel that recognition so quickly.
“Showdown b/w In Old England Town (Instrumental) (1973 – U.K. No. 12)” was so good to hear again on vinyl and “Old England Town (Instrumental)” was an odd bird but certainly quite original and a step away from the ELO norm. It is one track I will not forget.
“Can't Get It Out Of My Head b/w Illusions In G Major (1974)” features a great rocker on the B side “Illusions In G Major,” so don’t be fooled by the track titles that may imply you are going hear something complex and progressive, you may hear a flat-out rocker like this one.
Of course, there is the all-time classic “Evil Woman,” no doubt one of their most recognized hit singles. To sweeten the pie, it is backed with “10538 Overture (live) (1974 – U.K. No. 10),” which is excellent.
On to the surprises I found in the set…All along I was thinking it was standard black vinyl. “Livin Thing” and “Mr. Blue Sky,” turn out to be that beautiful translucent blue vinyl. That was the icing on the cake for this collector/music freak.
When all is said and done The UK Singles Volume One 1972-1978 is a must-have for any ELO fan or music fan for that matter. So, snag it up and put under the tree this year for the music lover you know, that is if you can stand waiting that long to crack the seal and give it an ear yourself!
Electric Light Orchestra The U.K. Singles Volume One: 1972-1978
Disc 1: 10538 Overture b/w First Movement (Jumping Biz)* (1972 – U.K. No. 9) Disc 2: Roll Over Beethoven** b/w Queen Of The Hours (1973 – U.K. No. 6) Disc 3: Showdown b/w In Old England Town (Instrumental) (1973 – U.K. No. 12) Disc 4: Ma-Ma-Ma Belle b/w Oh No Not Susan (1974 – U.K. No. 22) Disc 5: Can't Get It Out Of My Head b/w Illusions In G Major (1974) Disc 6: Evil Woman b/w 10538 Overture (live) (1974 – U.K. No. 10) Disc 7: Nightrider b/w Daybreaker (live)(1976) Disc 8: Strange Magic b/w Showdown (live) (1976 – U.K. No. 38) Disc 9: Livin' Thing b/w Fire On High (1976 – U.K. No. 4) Disc 10: Rockaria! b/w Poker (1976 – U.K. No. 9) Disc 11: Telephone Line b/w Poor Boy (The Greenwood) / King Of The Universe (1977 – U.K. No. 8) Disc 12: Turn To Stone b/w Mister Kingdom (1977 – U.K. No. 18) Disc 13: Mr. Blue Sky b/w One Summer Dream (1978 – U.K. No. 6) Disc 14: Wild West Hero b/w Eldorado (1978 – U.K. No. 6) Disc 15: Sweet Talkin' Woman b/w Bluebird Is Dead (1978 – U.K. No. 6) Disc 16: The ELO EP: Can't Get It Out Of My Head / Strange Magic b/w Ma-Ma-Ma Belle / Evil Woman (1978 – U.K. No. 34)
