Showing posts with label Vinyl Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vinyl Reviews. Show all posts

4/20/2024

Vinyl Review: Blue Oyster Cult-Ghost Stories

Release Date: April 12, 2024

Label: ‎Frontiers

Website

Source Link

Ghost Stories, possibly the Blue Oyster Cult swan song, is a nostalgic journey back to the band's prime. As the two remaining original members age, this album serves as a heartfelt tribute to their past, pulling out some gems for the longtime fans.

 

It stands out as a significant release, not just for its musical content but also for the long-awaited return of Albert and Joe Bouchard and the heartfelt tribute to the late Allan Lanier. These elements imbue the album with a historical depth, making it a compelling listen for longtime fans.

 

The vinyl edition of Ghost Stories is a visual treat. The artwork's intricate details (and hidden messages?) serve as a unique storytelling medium. It beautifully captures the essence of the tracks, which are like ghosts in the attic, now brought back to life and polished.

 

Side A starts with "Late Night Street Fight," a strong opener." "Cherry" is a classic old-school rock with a summertime AM radio station feel—mind you, this was the 1970s. One part of the song has a quiet interlude, then changes with the guitars cutting loose with fire. So, we are off to a good start two tracks in.

 

Then comes the longest track, "So Supernatural," which clocks in at 5:55. It is classic BOC with music and a theme all fans will recognize. It is one of the strongest compositions on the LP.

 

If you are familiar with The Animals (Eric Bourdon), you will love their version of "We Gotta Get Out of This Place." Eric Bloom does a great job with the vocals; the musicianship is spot on. It's a rock classic on steroids.

 

"Soul Jive" is probably the album's most out-of-their-comfort-zone song. It is very cool, though. A catchy beginning riff sets the tone with a more subdued guitar. The music is soft but well done, even if you like the rockers more. However, there are some things to appreciate.

 

"Gun" closes out side A. It's back to rockin' the house faster and another one of my favorites.

 

Side B opens with "Shot in the Dark." Picture the scene: a smokey bar room with a piano player. Eric starts talking and telling the story before the music and singing kick in. It is a fine opener with lots of high-energy BOC at work and an excellent lead guitar.

 

"The Only Thing" is Buck Dharma's perfect song. His voice is the spice that flavors the words and makes them believable. It's a slow-burner love song but features some fitting rockin' funky organ and bass. There is a good guitar break towards the end.

 

Do you remember, or are you familiar with MC5? Well, here it is, BOC style. "Kick Out the Jams," indeed! Wayne Kramer (RIP February this year) must be smiling down upon this one from his seat in rock 'n' roll heaven. It's another absolute favorite I could listen to daily.

 

"Money Machine" is a real toe-tapper. It has a great rhythm, accompanied by the piano tinkling as the guitars wail. Excellent!

 

"Don't Come Running to Me" features quick guitar bursts throughout, with passionate vocals making a point as they sing, "Don't come running to me if he breaks your heart." Well, you get the idea.

 

Would they end the album with some force and flex their rock muscles? Wrong! They cover The Beatles' song "If I Fell." What a mistake. It is horrendous. It's a very disappointing way to end a decent album from the archives.

 

It is undoubtedly not one of my favorite BOC albums, but it was a fun listen. It was nice to reminisce back when they were one of the hottest bands on earth. It is a sample of those times and a reminder of how talented this band was. 

 

If you're a BOC fan, you have to have it; an average rock fan, look to their early catalog of releases to find out how good they were. I recommend Agents of Fortune, Secret Treaties, Fire of Unknown Origin, and On Your Feet or On Your Knees (live).

 

If Ghost Stories is the curtain call for BOC studio work, then all things considered, it's a good exit strategy.

 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-MuzikMan.net Founder

April 18, 2024

Tracks:

Side A:

1. Late Night Street Fight

2. Cherry

3. So Supernatural

4. We Gotta Get Out of This Place

5. Soul Jive

6. Gun

Side B:

1. Shot in the Dark

2. The Only Thing

3. Kick Out the Jams

4. Money Machine

5. Don't Come Running to Me

6. If I Fell


6/14/2019

THE FINAL ON VINYL REVIEW: The Hallucinant Telepherique-Comes to Mind

The brothers Montoya are back with their sophomore release Comes To Mind. After the successful debut Absorbed By The Forest, which was a dynamic release, they are back stronger than ever with another prog instrumental gem. Once again, I get the vinyl platter to spin for the ultimate listening experience.

READ THE ENTIRE REVIEW NOW

Don't Want To Look At A Screen And Want To Listen To The Review? Then Click The Podcast!

10/12/2018

Blues Rock Vinyl Review: Kamchatka-Stone Cold Whiskey Bones/Midnight Charmer

Release Date: October 5, 2018
Label: H42
Kamchatka Is:
Per Wiberg – Bass & Vocals
Thomas Juneor Andersson – Guitar & Vocals
Tobias Strandvik – Drums

They are a powerful trio from Sweden that is highly influenced by 60s and 70s Blues Rock bands. And man do they ever make some noise! The two tracks on this 7” inch Beige and black swirl vinyl are killer examples of what kind of punch this band can pack. 

These men know how to crank out a tune. “Stone Cold Whiskey Bones” gets you in the mood and sets the atmosphere just right to set you up for “Midnight Charmer.” I really liked “Stone Cold Whiskey Bones” but “Midnight Charmer” is the track that really convinced me that I needed to hear more of this band. It is quite the rocker and bit more complex than its “A” Side counterpart.

I was unable to find any streams for either of the tracks so I am providing a video of “Tango Decadence” so you can get an idea of what they are capable of and seek out their music. This takes nothing away from the two tracks on the limited-edition vinyl, if anything it will compel you to buy the vinyl!

If you like Blues-Rock such as Hendrix. ZZ Top etc. you will gobble this up!
With 225 copies of this keeper available, you have to snag them up fast. There are still some available on eBay right now.

Specialty label H42 is the creator of the vinyl.
Production was of the following: 100 Black, 50 Beige, 50 Clear (approx. 12 are clear-smokey), 25 Whitelabel/Label Edt. with B7W one sheet cover numbered. 

If you go to the label site you will see them sold out so start your search now if you are interested in any of the colors.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
October 12, 2018

Founder of:

Review Provided By MuzikMan Reviews & News

Tracks: 
Side A: Stone Cold Shaky Bones
Side B: Midnight Charmer

 

10/06/2018

Rock-Prog-Pop Vinyl Review: ELO (Electric Light Orchestra)-The UK Singles Volume One 1972-1978

Release Date: September 21, 2018
Label: Sony

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!

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
October 5, 2018

Founder of:

Review Provided By MuzikMan Reviews & News


Tracks:

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)


Rock-Prog-Pop Vinyl Review: ELO (Electric Light Orchestra)-The UK Singles Volume One 1972-1978

Release Date: September 21, 2018
Label: Sony

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!

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
October 5, 2018

Founder of:

Review Provided By MuzikMan Reviews & News


Tracks:

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)


3/08/2018

Rock Vinyl Review: The Damnation of Adam Blessing-Self-Titled LP (180 Gram-Remastered From Original Source Tapes)

Release Date: March 30, 2018
Label: EXIT STENCIL RECORDINGS LLC

It was 17 years ago when I was introduced to The Damnation of Adam Blessing and their guitar player Jim Quinn. At that time their albums were reissued on the now defunct Akarma Records label. I remember how much I loved their sound. Little did I know that 17 years later I would be listening to the same music remastered from the original source tapes from the UMG vaults. The Akarma releases were recorded from the albums.

I have been staying in touch with Jim over the years. He came knocking on my door again with the good news. He told me these albums now sounded incredible! I am here to tell you he was speaking the truth.

Their self-titled release came out in 1969. If you sat down and listened to this album today you would never know that it was nearly 50 years ago that this music was recorded. Their sound was a blues-based rock with a definitive psychedelic twist. 

The first side of the platter kicks off with the amazing “Cookbook.” The lead singer Adam Blessing (AKA William Constable) reminded me very strongly of how Burton Cummings sounded of the Guess Who. His vocals were robust with a resonating range that stays with you. Their version of “Morning Dew” was absolutely killer as well. Working from strength to strength, the band was a tight knit unit firing on all cylinders.

The second side kicks open the door with a rocking cover of The Monkees “Last Train To Clarksville.” I really appreciated it (purists be damned!). This particular track shined the light on their versatility. Speaking of that…the curtain closer “Lonely,” is filled with some very cool jazz riffs from Mr. Quinn. They took a step away from their defined sound and ventured into another realm - and the result was superb!

The Damnation of Adam Blessing was an excellent band recording an incredibly entertaining debut. If they arrived today their retro sound would have been welcomed with open arms. They would be superstars. The problem with showing up in 1969 was the competition. The other bands that were making it big back then are now legendary. 

Perhaps now is the time we all took notice of an incredible band that flew underneath the radar on a national scope. This newly remastered version on a fine slice of heavy vinyl will impress, I have no doubts.

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
March 7, 2018
Founder of:

Review Provided By MuzikMan's Reviews & News

Tracks:
 
Side A:

1. Cookbook
2. Morning Dew
3. Le' Voyage
4. You Don't Love Me
5. Strings and Things


Side B :
6. Last Train To Clarksville
7. Dreams
8. Hold On
9. Lonely

 

12/23/2016

Holiday Music Review: The Classic Big Band Christmas Album-Various Artists

Release Date: November 4, 2016
Label: Sony Legacy

The Classic Big Band Christmas Album is a special edition release from the massive archives under the direction of Sony/Legacy. The recordings were originally released in 1941. This is in the LP format to make it something more collectable and enjoyable, if you appreciate the warm sounds of vinyl coming through the speakers.

Some of the big band icons are part of the collection such as Glen Miller, Harry James and Benny Goodman and their orchestras.

What I think is special for folks like me is that I remember listening to this kind of music when I was a little boy. My parents had the old 78s and I thought “The Flight of the Bumblebee” was just the coolest thing.

This a holiday collection just in time to get you in the spirit and perhaps remember something special that you experienced during your life.  For some of us there is both happiness and sadness if you are old enough to have parents that have passed. This music will help relieve some of the hustle and bustle and overall stress related to getting ready for the big day.

If you are a fan of big band music and holiday music this is the recipe you want cooking in your kitchen this year along with the Holiday meal and goodies.
I appreciated the many aspects of this collection I previously mentioned along with the fact that there are some 78 transfers included with all the crackling sounds that Mom and Dad’s records had. People like originality, something that has all the qualities and imperfections that goes along with something well worn. As they say on American Pickers, it has some good patina (I am using it as a frame of reference we all know rust doesn’t form on LPs!). 

There is a lot to like here, well everything. This music will transport you back to a time long ago before computers, cell phones, the internet, political correctness and social media. It certainly was a less complicated world when this music was recorded. You can hear it all resonating from start to finish.

Give The Classic Big Band Christmas Album a spin and enter a world forgotten but one that can come to life by just listening. Thanks for bringing back all the memories Sony. Merry Christmas to all and happy listening!

4/5 Stars
 
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
December 23, 2016
Founder of:

Review Provided By Write A Music Review

1/22/2015

Progressive/Holiday Review: Trans-Siberian Orchestra-The Christmas Attic LP

Release Date: October 21, 2014
Label: Audio Fidelity

Trans-Siberian Orchestra or what I like to refer to simply as TSO, have been one of my favorite progressive rock bands over the years for their original and engaging stories and amazing live shows. I have had the privilege of seeing them live twice and realized that was the only way to really appreciate this great band. They have accumulated a nice catalog of releases over the years as well.

Their second album The Christmas Attic originally released in 1998 was made available for the first time on this stunning 2 LP 180 gram vinyl set late last year by Audio Fidelity. Last year was also the first time they brought their recording to their lavish stage sets across the globe. I am sure it was a magnificent thing to witness.

For TSO it’s all about the visuals that go with music, or the visuals that dance to the music if you will. After growing up in the age of vinyl and seeing the digital world take over its meaning has become more important to many people including an entirely new generation ready to embrace the format. It’s is a nice thing to see happening. This is a gorgeous set with 2 sturdy 180 gram vinyl LPs remastered beautifully with a stunning and colorful 12 page booklet with all the lyrics and artwork housed in gatefold sleeves. Rock, progressive, and classical all intersect with a powerful punch throughout this release.

I think this band has reached its goal of providing a rock opera with progressive music many times over. By the time The Christmas Attic (the second of a trilogy) was released they had a successful formula that has grown and developed over the years into something far beyond what they could have imagined or hoped for.
Wherever you may reside on this planet you cannot help but feel the joy and wonderment of the Holiday season when you listen to music like this. If you are a fan of concept albums and interesting rock music you will simply love TSO and what they have to offer.

Packages like this are a treasure to behold in this day and age of multimedia and digitized delivery systems. You can hold it in your hand, admire it, and listen to the clean and warm purity of music set to a vinyl disc. I suppose it does help to be a fan of their music but you cannot deny the essence and meaning when it is presented this way. Audio Fidelity knows how to get it all right and they appreciate the best ways in which to release a classic album. Each and every track is important and they all fit together like a musical storybook should.

The Christmas Attic will hold you spellbound with its ebbing and flowing tides of energy, across the board you get all the atmospheres that could possibly be associated with such a story. Don’t miss out on this special numbered and limited edition release!

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: ALL

Tracks:
Disc One

SIDE ONE:
1. The Ghosts Of Christmas Eve           
2. Boughs Of Holly               
3. The World That She Sees           
4. The World That He Sees           
5. Midnight Christmas Eve           

SIDE TWO:
1. The March Of The Kings/Hark The Herald Angel   
2. The Three Kings And I (What Really Happened)   
3. Christmas Canon               
4. Joy/Angels We Have Heard On High       

Disc Two


SIDE ONE:
1. Find Our Way Home           
2. Appalachian Snowfall           
3. The Music Box               
4. The Snow Came Down           

SIDE TWO:
1. Christmas In The Air           
2. Dream Child (A Christmas Dream)       
3. An Angel's Share         


Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Prog Rock Music Talk Founder
January 22, 2015

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk



Progressive/Holiday Review: Trans-Siberian Orchestra-The Christmas Attic LP

Release Date: October 21, 2014
Label: Audio Fidelity

Trans-Siberian Orchestra or what I like to refer to simply as TSO, have been one of my favorite progressive rock bands over the years for their original and engaging stories and amazing live shows. I have had the privilege of seeing them live twice and realized that was the only way to really appreciate this great band. They have accumulated a nice catalog of releases over the years as well.

Their second album The Christmas Attic originally released in 1998 was made available for the first time on this stunning 2 LP 180 gram vinyl set late last year by Audio Fidelity. Last year was also the first time they brought their recording to their lavish stage sets across the globe. I am sure it was a magnificent thing to witness.

For TSO it’s all about the visuals that go with music, or the visuals that dance to the music if you will. After growing up in the age of vinyl and seeing the digital world take over its meaning has become more important to many people including an entirely new generation ready to embrace the format. It’s is a nice thing to see happening. This is a gorgeous set with 2 sturdy 180 gram vinyl LPs remastered beautifully with a stunning and colorful 12 page booklet with all the lyrics and artwork housed in gatefold sleeves. Rock, progressive, and classical all intersect with a powerful punch throughout this release.

I think this band has reached its goal of providing a rock opera with progressive music many times over. By the time The Christmas Attic (the second of a trilogy) was released they had a successful formula that has grown and developed over the years into something far beyond what they could have imagined or hoped for.
Wherever you may reside on this planet you cannot help but feel the joy and wonderment of the Holiday season when you listen to music like this. If you are a fan of concept albums and interesting rock music you will simply love TSO and what they have to offer.

Packages like this are a treasure to behold in this day and age of multimedia and digitized delivery systems. You can hold it in your hand, admire it, and listen to the clean and warm purity of music set to a vinyl disc. I suppose it does help to be a fan of their music but you cannot deny the essence and meaning when it is presented this way. Audio Fidelity knows how to get it all right and they appreciate the best ways in which to release a classic album. Each and every track is important and they all fit together like a musical storybook should.

The Christmas Attic will hold you spellbound with its ebbing and flowing tides of energy, across the board you get all the atmospheres that could possibly be associated with such a story. Don’t miss out on this special numbered and limited edition release!

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: ALL

Tracks:
Disc One

SIDE ONE:
1. The Ghosts Of Christmas Eve           
2. Boughs Of Holly               
3. The World That She Sees           
4. The World That He Sees           
5. Midnight Christmas Eve           

SIDE TWO:
1. The March Of The Kings/Hark The Herald Angel   
2. The Three Kings And I (What Really Happened)   
3. Christmas Canon               
4. Joy/Angels We Have Heard On High       

Disc Two


SIDE ONE:
1. Find Our Way Home           
2. Appalachian Snowfall           
3. The Music Box               
4. The Snow Came Down           

SIDE TWO:
1. Christmas In The Air           
2. Dream Child (A Christmas Dream)       
3. An Angel's Share         


Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Prog Rock Music Talk Founder
January 22, 2015

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk



1/18/2015

Rock Fusion Review: Dave Matthews Band-Recently – Two 10” 180 Gram Vinyl EPs

Release Date: November 28, 2014
Label: Legacy

For the vinyl lovers of Earth, Record Store Day is an amazing time filled with limited edition vinyl releases from some of our favorite bands. And not only do we get one day in April, but we get a second day on Black Friday. The Dave Matthews Band has been a part of Record Store Day for a few years now, releasing their Live Trax series in chronological order. However, on Black Friday 2014, DMB rolled out a very special 10” 180 gram vinyl edition of their first EP Recently, along with a second disc containing the hard to find “Pumpkin Recently” Promo EP. It comes in a gatefold jacket with the two different covers, and you will find a download code on the inside so you can get MP3 version of the music as well. A nice little surprise, considering this may be one of the only ways fans will get the Promo EP in any form.

Although many of the songs found on the EP can be heard on their debut album Remember Two Things, there is still plenty to be enjoyed from here from fans and collectors alike. For instance, there are two different edits of the title track. There is a radio edit of “Tripping Billies” that chops nearly 4 minutes off the Remember Two Things version, but still retains what I would consider essential listening material, including Carter Beauford’s phenomenal drum skills. Intimate acoustic versions of “Warehouse” and “Dancing Nancies” show these tracks in some of their earliest incarnations before making the big time on DMB’s major label release Under the Table and Dreaming. Finally, explosive versions of “All Along the Watchtower” and “Halloween” showcase the raw talent of the band even in their earliest days.

Aside from being a cool collector’s item (and the easiest way to snatch up the rare Promo EP), DMB’s vinyl release of Recently is an incredible value. Two 180 gram 10” records, a nice gatefold jacket, an MP3 download code, and over 40 minutes of breathtaking music make this an item fans shouldn’t miss. The price may seem a bit steep, but it is well worth it.

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Halloween, Tripping Billies,  Warehouse

Tracks:
Original EP
01.Recently (Edit 2)
02.Dancing Nancies
03.Warehouse
04.All Along the Watchtower
05.Halloween

Tracks 2 and 3 are live acoustic versions performed by Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds.

Promo EP
01.Recently (Radio Edit)
02.Ants Marching (Radio Edit)
03.Tripping Billies (Remember Two Things Radio Edit)
04.The Song That Jane Likes (Radio Edit)

 
Austin Hannaleck-Write A Music Review Contributor
January 18, 2015

Review Provided By Write A Music