29 April 2009

Camel - I Can See Your House From Here (1979)

Although released in 1979 this is actually the first eighties Camel release where Camel consisted of Andrew Latimer with hired hands. Hymn To Her remains one of my favourite Camel tracks and Ice is worth the price of admission alone...








Andrew Latimer - Guitar, Flute, Vocals
Kit Watkins - Keyboards
Jan Schelhaas - Keyboards
Colin Bass - Bass, Vocals
Andy Ward - Drums
with
Mel Collins - Saxophone
Phil Collins - Percussion
Rupert Hine - Vocals

"Wait" (Latimer, McBurnie) - 5:02
"Your Love Is Stranger Than Mine" (Bass, Latimer, Schelhaas, Ward) - 3:25
"Eye of the Storm" (Watkins) - 3:52
"Who We Are" (Latimer) - 7:51
"Survival" (Latimer) - 1:12
"Hymn to Her" (Latimer, Schelhaas) - 5:36
"Neon Magic" (Latimer, McAuliffe, Schelhaas) - 4:39
"Remote Romance" (Latimer, Watkins) - 4:07
"Ice" (Latimer) - 10:17

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Camel - The Single Factor (1982)

As a follow-up to the magnificent Nude (1981), this eighties Camel studio album could only disappoint. However, it is still a Camel! The instrumental Sasquatch has survived in various subsequent live renditions.









Andy Latimer / guitar, piano, vocal
Graham Jarvis / drums
Peter Bardens / organ, Mini moog
David Paton / bass, vocal
Chris Rainbow / vocal
Dave Mattacks / drums
Haydn Bendall / keyboard
Duncan Mackay / keyboard
Simon Phillips / drums
Francis Monkman / keyboard
Anthony Phillips / keyboards
Tristan Fry / glockenspeil
Jack Emblow / accordian

No Easy Answer (2:55)
You Are the One (5:20)
Heroes (4:47)
Selva (3:30)
Lullabye (0:55)
Sasquatch (4:40)
Manic (4:24)
Camelogue (3:41)
Today's Goodbye (4:04)
A Heart Desire / End Peace (4:00)

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Yes - Classic Yes (1981)

Classic Yes is the second compilation album by British progressive rock group Yes. While the first, Yesterdays, mainly centred on their formative period, Classic Yes is exactly what it promises, a summation of the best moments during Yes' initial run as a group.
Originally released as a single LP with a bonus 7-inch 33 1/3 RPM disc featuring live versions of "Roundabout" and "I've Seen All Good People" from 1978, everything has been compiled onto one handy CD. It was taken out of circulation by 2003.
Although it was initially not a strong seller, Classic Yes ultimately went platinum in the US and still remains the ideal entry point for Yes novices.

Toko notes: even though this is a compilation, tracks 8 and 9 are live and not available elsewhere. Link is for the Atlantic Remaster.

* Jon Anderson: Vocals
* Chris Squire: Bass guitar, vocals, compiler
* Steve Howe: Guitars, vocals
* Tony Kaye: Keyboards (on tracks 3 and 4)
* Rick Wakeman: Keyboards (everything else)
* Alan White: Drums, vocals (on tracks 2, 8, and 9)
* Bill Bruford: Drums, vocals (everything else)

1. "Heart of the Sunrise" (Jon Anderson/Chris Squire/Bill Bruford) – 10:35
2. "Wonderous Stories" (Jon Anderson) – 3:50
3. "Yours Is No Disgrace" (Jon Anderson/Chris Squire/Steve Howe/Tony Kaye/Bill Bruford) – 9:41
4. "Starship Trooper" – 9:25
"Life Seeker" (Jon Anderson)
"Disillusion" (Chris Squire)
"Würm" (Steve Howe)
5. "Long Distance Runaround" (Jon Anderson) – 3:30
6. "The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus)" (Chris Squire) – 2:37
7. "And You and I" (Jon Anderson; Themes by Bill Bruford/Steve Howe/Chris Squire) – 10:05
"Cord of Life"
"Eclipse"
"The Preacher the Teacher"
"Apocalypse"
8. "Roundabout" (Jon Anderson/Steve Howe) – 7:53
9. "I've Seen All Good People" – 7:29
"Your Move" (Jon Anderson)
"All Good People" (Chris Squire)

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28 April 2009

Robert Palmer - Addictions Volume 1 (1989)

Simply irresistable! Compilation of the works of Robert Palmer (1949-2003).










1. Bad Case Of Loving You (Doctor, Doctor)
2. Pride
3. Addicted To Love
4. Sweet Lies
5. Woke Up Laughing
6. Looking For Clues
7. Some Guys Have All The Luck
8. Some Like It Hot
9. What's It Take?
10. Every Kinda People
11. Johnny & Mary
12. Simply Irresistable
13. Style Kills

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25 April 2009

Joe Jackson - Jumpin' Jive (1981)

After three albums of punk-rock influenced music with the Joe Jackson Band, Joe surprised friends and enemies with an album of jazz/swing covers, alledgedly conceived during hospitalisation. The best way to describe this album is simply as "fun" and unless you have a (strong) distaste for jazz/swing you will enjoy it. After all, what's the use of getting sober when you're gonna get drunk again...






* Joe Jackson – Voice and vibraphone
* Dave Bitelli – Tenor saxophone and clarinet
* Graham Maby – Bass
* Raul Olivera – Trumpet
* Pete Thomas – Alto saxophone
* Larry Tolfree – Drums
* Nick Weldon – Piano
* All – Backing vocals

1. "Jumpin' with Symphony Sid" (Lester Young/King Pleasure) – 2:43
2. "Jack, You're Dead" (Richard Miles/Walter Bishop) – 2:46
3. "Is You Is or Is You Ain't My Baby" (Bill Austin/Louis Jordan) – 4:57
4. "We the Cats (Shall Hep Ya)" (Cab Calloway/Jack Palmer) – 3:19
5. "San Francisco Fan" (M. More) – 4:28
6. "Five Guys Named Moe" (Jerome Bresler/Larry Wynn) – 2:30
7. "Jumpin' Jive" (Calloway/Frank Froeba/Palmer) – 2:41
8. "You Run Your Mouth (and I'll Run My Business)" (Louis Armstrong) – 2:31
9. "What's the Use of Getting Sober (When You're Gonna Get Drunk Again)" (Meyers) – 3:46
10. "You're My Meat" (Skeets Tolbert) – 2:54
11. "Tuxedo Junction" (Erskine Hawkins/Buddy Feyne/William Johnson/Julian Dash) – 5:18
12. "How Long Must I Wait for You" (Paul Specht) – 4:06

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Dire Straits - On Every Street (1991)

The sixth and final studio album by Dire Straits.











* Mark Knopfler - vocals, guitar
* Alan Clark - keyboards, strings, conductor,
* Guy Fletcher - guitar, keyboards, background vocals
* John Illsley - bass
* Danny Cummings - percussion
* Paul Franklin - pedal steel
* Vince Gill - guitar, background vocals
* Manu Katché - percussion, drums
* George Martin - conductor
* Phil Palmer - guitar
* Jeff Porcaro - drums, percussion
* Chris White - flute, saxophone

1. "Calling Elvis" – 6:26
2. "On Every Street" – 5:04
3. "When It Comes to You" – 5:01
4. "Fade to Black" – 3:50
5. "The Bug" – 4:16
6. "You and Your Friend" – 5:59
7. "Heavy Fuel" – 5:10
8. "Iron Hand" – 3:09
9. "Ticket to Heaven" – 4:25
10. "My Parties" – 5:33
11. "Planet of New Orleans" – 7:48
12. "How Long" – 3:49

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24 April 2009

Ian Dury - The Best Of (1996)

Hit me! Compilation of the works of Ian Dury (1942-2000).











What a waste!
Reasons to be cheerful (part 3)
Wake up and make love with me
There ain't half been some clever bastards
Hit me with your rhythm stick
Razzle in my pocket
Sex & drugs & rock & roll
Inbetweenies
Common as muck
Sweet Gene Vincent
I want to be straight
You'll see glimpses

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Foreigner - Foreigner (1977)

Foreigner is a hard rock band formed in New York City in 1976 by veteran musicians Mick Jones and ex-King Crimson member Ian McDonald, along with then unknown vocalist Lou Gramm (Louis Grammatico). Foreigner has sold more than 50 million albums worldwide (including over 30 million in the USA alone). This is their debut album from 1977.







* Dennis Elliott - drums, vocals
* Ed Gagliardi - bass, vocals
* Lou Gramm - Lead vocals, percussion
* Alan Greenwood - keyboard, synthesizer,
* Mick Jones - guitar, keyboard, vocals
* Ian McDonald - guitar, drums, horn, keyboard, vocals

"Feels Like the First Time" (Jones) – 3:49
"Cold As Ice" (Gramm, Jones) – 3:19
"Starrider" (Greenwood, Jones) – 4:01
"Headknocker" (Gramm, Jones) – 2:58
"The Damage Is Done" (Gramm, Jones) – 4:15
"Long, Long Way from Home" (Gramm, Jones, McDonald) – 2:53
"Woman Oh Woman" (Jones) – 3:49
"At War With the World" (Jones) – 4:18
"Fool for You Anyway" (Jones) – 4:15
"I Need You" (Gramm, Jones) – 5:09

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23 April 2009

Flash - In The Can (1972)

"Founded by ex-Yes guitarist Peter Banks, Flash showed how Yes also could have become, if Banks hadn't been replaced by Steve Howe (and Tony Kaye by Rick Wakeman). (See my review about their first album, 'Flash'.) The music has a more ballad-like atmosphere, Colin Carter is no Jon Anderson, and Peter Banks has a more jazzy style. On 'In the Can', Tony Kaye (also fired from Yes after two albums!) isn't contributing anymore (on their first album he appeared as a guest!), and that makes this album a keyboardless alternative for Yes, dominated by Banks' great guitar playing. Like my collegue Progbear said: guitar-oriented epic prog, or Yes minus keyboards." - Paul de Graaf-ProgArchives


- Peter Banks / guitar, Arp synth, backing vocals
- Ray Bennett / bass, backing vocals
- Colin Carter / lead vocals
- Michael Hough / drums, percussion

1. Lifetime (10:05)
2. Monday morning eyes (5:03)
3. Black and white (12:04)
4. Stop that banging (1:50)
5. There no more (11:35)

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Wishbone Ash - Wishbone Four (1973)

"This album was the follow up to Argus and showcases the band in a more mature light. If you are looking for Argus mark 2 then stay away, the progressive influences are still there but not so noticeable and the medieval fantasy element has gone. I guess it alienated a lot of fans when it first came out because it is such a large departure from Argus. Don’t let this put you off, the song writing is excellent and they still have that experimentation with different guitar sounds from electric and slide to acoustic which give the songs much more depth.." - jimpetrie2000-ProgArchives




- Martin Turner / vocals, bass
- Andy Powell / guitars, vocals
- Ted Turner / guitars, vocals
- Steve Upton / drums

1. So Many Things To Say (5:00)
2. Ballad Of The Beacon (4:58)
3. No Easy Road (3:40)
4. Everybody Needs A Friend (8:27)
5. Doctor (5:48)
6. Sorrel (5:02)
7. Sing Out The Song (4:21)
8. Rock’n Roll Widow (5:41)

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Birth Control - Hoodoo Man (1972)

"Although a bit simpled structured, the songs are verty varied and convey the very essence of the true progressive rock, which means, to me heavy rock Hammond stabbing (Gamma Ray, Hoodoo Man), powerful rhythms (Get Downh to your Fate), and yet beautyful and almost "dancing" solos (Suicide). The organ's sound is great, and the fact that is not followed in strength by the sometimes annoying guitar makes me think that this band could be a great ELP-like powertrio. Buy without thinking twice!" - heltonbiker-ProgArchives




- Bruno Frenzel / guitar, vocals
- Bernd Koschmidder / bass
- Wolfgang Neuser / keyboards, vibraphone
- Bernd Noske / drums, percussion, vocals

1. Buy! (7:10)
2. Suicide (6:16)
3. Get down to your fate (7:58)
4. Gamma ray (9:44)
5. Hoodoo man (8:25)
6. Klaustoss (2:40)

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22 April 2009

Joni Mitchell - Shadows And Light (1980)

Shadows and Light is Joni Mitchell's 1980 live album, recorded at the Santa Barbara County Bowl in September 1979 on the Mingus tour. Joni's band lineup at the time included Jaco Pastorius, Pat Metheny, Lyle Mays, Don Alias and Michael Brecker. The Persuasions provide vocal backing on "Why Do Fools Fall in Love." The concert was also released on DVD.







"Introduction" – 1:51
"In France They Kiss On Main Street" – 4:14
"Edith And The Kingpin" – 4:10
"Coyote" – 4:58
"Goodbye Pork Pie Hat" – 6:02
"The Dry Cleaner From Des Moines" – 4:37
"Amelia" – 6:40
"Pat's Solo" – 3:09
"Hejira" – 7:42
"Dreamland" – 4:40
"Band Introduction" – 0:52
"Furry Sings The Blues" – 5:14
"Why Do Fools Fall in Love" – 2:53
"Shadows and Light" – 5:23
"God Must Be A Boogie Man" – 5:02
"Woodstock" – 5:08

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Toto - Hydra (1979)

Toto's underrated second album is one of my personal favourites with a mix of sympho, pop and heavy rock. Do you love me, white sister...










Bobby Kimball - Vocals
Steve Lukather - Guitars, Vocals
David Paich - Keyboards and Vocals
David Hungate - Bass
Steve Porcaro - Keyboards and Vocals
Jeff Porcaro - Drums

1. "Hydra" – 7:31
2. "St. George and the Dragon" – 4:45
3. "99" – 5:16
4. "Lorraine" – 4:46
5. "All Us Boys" – 5:03
6. "Mama" – 5:14
7. "White Sister" – 5:39
8. "A Secret Love" – 3:07

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21 April 2009

Joni Mitchell - Hejira (1976)

Hejira is a 1976 folk/rock/jazz album by Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell. It features the single "Coyote". The album title refers to a journey, specifically as a transliteration of the Arabic word hijra referring to the prophet Muhammad's and his followers' escape to Medina in 622. The songs on the album were largely written by Mitchell on a trip by car from Maine back to Los Angeles, California. Prominent imagery includes highways, small towns and snow.
Many people consider this to be the third of Mitchell's three great albums, after Blue and Court and Spark. Dominated by Mitchell's guitar and Jaco Pastorius's distinctive fretless bass, it drew on a range of influences but was more cohesive and accessible than some of her later more jazz-oriented work. "Coyote", "Amelia" and "Hejira" all became concert staples shortly after Hejira's release, especially after being featured on the live album Shadows and Light alongside "Furry Sings the Blues" and "Black Crow".
Though "Coyote" and "Black Crow" are fast-strummed folksy numbers, the rest of Hejira is slow and often languid, notably the epic "Song for Sharon", which deals with the conflict between freedom and marriage faced by a woman and is interspered with images of New York City. "Amelia" is about the famous aviator Amelia Earhart who died during a flight over the Pacific Ocean.
Commercially, the album did not do as well as its two predecessors, only reaching #13 on the Billboard Top 200 and failing to get significant airplay on commercial radio. Critically, the album was at the time not well received but has since been generally recognised as one of the high-water marks in Mitchell's career. In 2000 German Spex magazine critics voted it the 55th greatest album of the 20th century, calling it "a self-confident, coolly elegant design".

Joni Mitchell - Guitar, vocals
Jaco Pastorius - Bass
Larry Carlton - Guitar
John Guerin - Drums

1. "Coyote" – 5:01
2. " Amelia" – 6:01
3. "Furry Sings the Blues" – 5:07
4. "A Strange Boy" – 4:15
5. "Hejira" – 6:42
6. "Song for Sharon" [2] – 8:40
7. "Black Crow" – 4:22
8. "Blue Motel Room" – 5:04
9. "Refuge of the Roads" – 6:42

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Joni Mitchell - Court And Spark (1974)

Court and Spark is Joni Mitchell's January 1974 full-length release. Her most commercially successful album, Court and Spark reached #2 on the Billboard 200 charts, and infused her folk-rock style with jazz inflections. Three singles were generated from the album: "Help Me" (her biggest commercial hit, reaching #7 on the Billboard Hot 100), "Free Man in Paris" (about David Geffen, with whom she shared a house around the time of the album),[1] and "Raised on Robbery". It was voted as the best album of the year in The Village Voice Pazz & Jop critics poll. In 2003, the album was ranked number 111 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. In 2006, the album was included in 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.

* Joni Mitchell - Vocals, including background; acoustic guitar; piano; clavinet on "Down to You"
* John Guerin - Drums and percussion
* Wilton Felder - Bass
* Max Bennett - Bass on "Trouble Child"
* Jim Hughart - Bass on "People's Parties" and "Free Man in Paris"
* Milt Holland - Chimes on "Court and Spark"
* Tom Scott - Woodwinds and reeds
* Chuck Findley - Trumpet on "Twisted" and "Trouble Child"
* Joe Sample - Electric piano, clavinet on "Raised on Robbery".
* David Crosby - Background vocals on "Free Man in Paris" and "Down to You"
* Graham Nash - Background vocals on "Free Man in Paris"
* Susan Webb - Background vocals on "Down to You"
* Larry Carlton - Electric guitar
* Wayne Perkins - Electric guitar on "Car on a Hill"
* Dennis Budimir - Electric guitar on "Trouble Child"
* Robbie Robertson - Electric guitar on "Raised on Robbery"
* Jose Feliciano - Electric guitar on "Free Man in Paris"
* Cheech Marin - Background voice on "Twisted"
* Tommy Chong - Background voice on "Twisted"

"Court and Spark" – 2:46
"Help Me" – 3:22
"Free Man in Paris" – 3:02
"People's Parties" – 2:15
"Same Situation" – 2:57
"Car on a Hill" – 3:02
"Down to You" – 5:38
"Just Like this Train" – 4:24
"Raised on Robbery" – 3:06
"Trouble Child" – 4:00
"Twisted" – 2:21

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Steve Hackett - The Unauthorised Biography (1992)

Good overview of Steve's solo career upto 1992 for those who don't want it all. However, for those who DO want it all, there are two "previously unreleased" tracks, tracks 3 and 11.









1. Narnia
2. Hackett To Pieces
3. Don't Fall Away From Me
4. Spectral Mornings
5. Steppes
6. Virgin And The Gypsy
7. Air Conditioned Nightmare
8. Cell 151
9. Siogans
10. Icarus Ascending
11. Prayers & Dreams
12. Star Of Sirius
13. Hammer In The Sand
14. Ace Of Wands
15. Hoping Love Will Last

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20 April 2009

Tribal Tech - Illicit (1992)

Tribal Tech is a progressive fusion band, originally formed in 1984 by guitarist Scott Henderson and bass player Gary Willis. The band includes Scott Kinsey on keyboard and Kirk Covington on drums, and has produced nine albums that stretch the borders between blues, jazz, and rock. The band is widely regarded for the prodigious talents of its individual members and for its importance to the modern fusion music scene but has dissolved following the release of 2000's Rocket Science, with the various members pursuing solo careers. "Illicit" is the fifth album by Tribal Tech and possibly the strongest.



* Scott Henderson - Guitar
* Gary Willis - Bass
* Scott Kinsey - Keyboards
* Kirk Covington - Drums

1. The Big Wave (6:31)
2. Stoopid (5:47)
3. Black Cherry (6:42)
4. Torque (6:02)
5. Slidin' into Charlisa (7:32)
6. Root Food (8:13)
7. Riot (6:58)
8. Paha-Sapa (3:24)
9. Babylon (5:26)
10. Aftermath (7:03)

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19 April 2009

Yellowjackets - Yellowjackets (1981)

This debut Yellowjackets album is solid from start to finish. Ferrante, Haslip and Lawson perform well together as the tight core, while the stellar cast of musicians assisting them is the icing on the cake. Robben Ford was a member of the group in its formative stages, and his guitar work is evident throughout. The early Yellowjackets sound is a seamless melding of jazz, fusion, rock and rhythm & blues influences. The bop-ish "Imperial Strut" gives everone ample room to improvise over a busy rhythmic figure, while "Sittin' In It" is light funk jazz. "Rush Hour" is a high point, featuring a lot of interplay between Ferrante and Ford. Overall, the music may be fusion, but the impressive songwriting and tight instrumentals made the album stand out from its contemporaries of the day.

Russell Ferrante, keyboards
Jimmy Haslip, bass
Ricky Lawson, drums.
With:
Robben Ford, guitar
Lenny Castro, percussion
Paulinho Da Costa, percussion
Bobby Lyle, acoustic piano on "Sittin' In It"
Roland Bautista, guitar on "Sittin' In It"
Larry Williams, tenor sax and flutes
Jerry Hey, trumpet and flugelhorn (flugelhorn solo on "The Hornet")
Ernie Watts, tenor sax on "Matinee Idol"
Bill Reichenbach, trombones
Gary Herbig, tenor sax and flute
Kim Hutchcroft, tenor and baritone sax.

1. Matinee Idol {Russell Ferrante} [5:08]
2. Imperial Strut {Russell Ferrante} [5:25]
3. Sittin' In It {Ricky Lawson/Bobby Lyle} [5:06]
4. Rush Hour {Russell Ferrante/Robben Ford} [5:13]
5. The Hornet {Jimmy Haslip/Russell Ferrante} [5:29]
6. Priscilla {Jimmy Haslip/Robben Ford/Chris Palmaro} [5:11]
7. It's Almost Gone {Russell Ferrante} [6:00]

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Steve Morse Band - Stressfest (1996)

The fourth and last of the nineties Steve Morse Band albums.












Steve Morse - guitars
Dave LaRue - electric bass
Van Romaine - drums and percussion

1. StressFest (3:44)
2. Rising Power (3:55)
3. Eyes Of A Child (4:29)
4. Nightwalk (4:23)
5. Brave New World (4:20)
6. 4 Minutes To Live (3:50)
7. The Easy Way (5:17)
8. Glad To Be (4:32)
9. Delicate Balance (2:30)
10. Live To Ride (5:47)

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ZZ Top - Eliminator (1983)

Eliminator is the eighth studio album by American blues-rock band ZZ Top, released in 1983. It was the band's most successful album, going platinum ten times. The album is a successful blend of blues rock and analog synthesizers.









* Frank Beard – drums
* Billy Gibbons – guitar, vocals
* Dusty Hill – bass, keyboards, vocals

1. "Gimme All Your Lovin'" – 3:59
2. "Got Me Under Pressure" – 4:00
3. "Sharp Dressed Man" – 4:14
4. "I Need You Tonight" – 6:14
5. "I Got the Six" – 2:52
6. "Legs" – 4:31
7. "Thug" – 4:18
8. "TV Dinners" – 3:50
9. "Dirty Dog" – 4:05
10. "If I Could Only Flag Her Down" – 3:41
11. "Bad Girl" – 3:17

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Al Di Meola - Casino (1978)

Al's third solo album shows him at his best. Being smoother, tighter and with better compositions, this is many-a-fan's favourite. And that includes me.









Al Di Meola: Guitars, mandolin, percussion, hand claps.
Anthony Jackson: Bass guitar.
Barry Miles: Keyboards, percussion, synthesizer.
Steve Gadd: Drums.
Mingo Lewis: Percussion
Eddie Colon: Percussion.

1. Egyptian Danza (Al Di Meola) – 5:58
2. Chasin' The Voodoo (Mingo Lewis) – 5:05
3. Dark Eye Tango (Al Di Meola) – 5:24
4. Señor Mouse (Chick Corea) – 7:19
5. Fantasia Suite (Al Di Meola) – 5:12
6. Casino (Al Di Meola) – 9:33

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Robben Ford - The Inside Story (1979)

Early solo album, recorded with members of the Yellowjackets.











Robben Ford - Guitars, Vocal
Jimmy Haslip - Bass
Ricky Lawson - Drums
Russell Ferrante - Keyboards

1. Magic Sam
2. For the One I Love
3. North Carolina
4. There's No One Else
5. Inside Story
6. Need Somebody
7. Far Away
8. Tee Time for Eric

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Planet P Project - Planet P Project (1983)

This is my favourite (prog)rock album of all time and if any album on the SilveRaiN deserves toko's personal recommendation it is this masterpiece by Tony Carey.









Tony Carey - Vocals, keyboards, bass, acoustic guitars, Roland Rhythm Composer programs
David Thomas - Lead Vocal on "Only You and Me"
Guitars: Johan Daansen, Robert Musenpichler, Helmut Bibl
Drums and percussion: Hartmut Pfannmueller, Frits Matzka, Peter Hauke

1. Static
2. King For A Day
3. I Won't Wake Up
4. Top Of The World
5. Armageddon
6. Tranquility Base
7. Why Me?
8. Power Tools
9. Send It In A Letter
10. Adam And Eve
11. Only You And Me
12. Ruby

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18 April 2009

Zakarrias - Zakarrias (1971)

"Zakarrias has a rather enigmatic approach to rockin': He does it without the typical lead guitar breaks, or loud, crunchy electric rhythm guitar one would normally find on a rock LP of this era. Instead, his approach is all about the tension and release built by using his reedy vocals together with acoustic piano and guitar, and an excellent rhythm section. The electric guitar and Hammond organ are both used but are mixed in subtly..."






Zakarrias : Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Kazoo
Don Gould : String Arrangements, Piano (6)
Peter Robinson : Keyboards
Geoff Leigh : Sax, Flute
Martin Harrison : Drums

1. Country Out Of Reach - 4.03
2. Who Gave You Love - 3.58
3. Never Reachin´ - 4.55
4. he Unknown Years - 6.59
5. Sunny Side - 3.39
6. Spring Of Fate - 3.17
7. Let Us Change - 3.50
8. Don´t Cry - 4.11
9. Cosmic Bridge - 5.59

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Tibet - Tibet (1979)

"Jürgen Krutszch formed TIBET in 1972, having been inspired by the Eastern experimentation of groups such as the BEATLES and THIRD EAR BAND. Krutszch had spent the latter part of the sixties in cover bands (FINE ART, NOSTRADAMUS), and was interested in putting together a group that played native Tibetan instruments such as the tabla, violin, zither, and flute. He quickly abandoned this idea after recruiting former band mates Karl-Heinz Hamann (FINE ART, TESKE) and Dieter Kumpakischkis (NOSTRADAMUS), as well as drummer Fred Teske and vocalist Kalus Werthmann, but the band did retain a certain pseudo-mystic feel to their music during their nine year existence.." - ProgArchives


- Kalus Werthmann / lead vocals
- Deff Ballin / keyboards, percussion
- Dieter Kumpakischkis / keyboards
- Karl Heinz Hamann / bass, percussion
- Fred Teske / drums
- Jürgen Grutzsch / guitars, percussion

1. Fight Back (4:59)
2. City By The Sea (4:24)
3. White Ships And Icebergs (6:15)
4. Seaside Evening (4:13)
5. Take What's Yours (7:23)
6. Eagles (6:05)
7. No More Time (5:30)

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Kin Ping Meh - No.2 (1972)

"Kin Ping Meh's second album, the wittily-titled No.2, is not so much KRAUTROCK as late-period PSYCH/PROG, with a guitar-driven jamming sound that was rapidly falling out of favour at the time. This isn't to denigrate the album, as it's actually fairly good, with a driving rhythm section and good playing throughout, although it now sounds very dated, as with many contemporary lesser outfits. The CD version adds five tracks from non-LP singles, and while none of them are bad, neither are any of them very exciting, and actually drag the album into 'boredom' territory, although I'm in general agreement with the 'make everything available' lobby.
There isn't actually an awful lot of Frieder Schmitt's Mellotron work, with some flutes on Sometime, and a good strings part on My Dove, one of the album's best tracks. If you hear the CD version, the single version of Too Many People has some flutes and strings, too. As a result, despite a handful of 'Tron tracks, I can only really recommend this to enthusiasts of the country/era."

- Kalle Weber / drums & percussion
- Torsten Herzog / bass, vocals
- Frieder Schmidt / keyboards, vocals
- Willie Wagner / guitar, vocals
- Werner Stephan / lead vocals, acoustic guitar, percussion
- Uli Gross / electric & fingerstyle guitar
- Gerhard Mrozeck / guitar

1. Come Down to the Riverside (3:13)
2. Don't Force Your Horse (3:46)
3. Come Together (6:00)
4. Together Jam (4:55)
5. Liveable Ways (8:00)
6. Day Dreams (7:56)
7. Very Long Ago (2:54)
8. I Wanna Be Lazy (2:58)

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Genesis - Trespass (1970)

"TRESPASS is more pastoral and low-key than the Genesis albums that followed it. The interplay between guitarist Anthony Phillips and bassist Mike Rutherford finds the group at its folkiest and most subdued. Tony Banks hadn't yet turned to the synthesizer. Peter Gabriel had not yet reached the heights of poetic socio-political broadside that would mark such albums as FOXTROT. The anomaly here is "The Knife," a gloriously bombastic track full of classical motifs, thundering riffs and rhythms, and a strong anti-war message. It would become one of the most-loved early Genesis tunes. Drummer John Mayhew might be the Pete Best of prog-rock, as he was Genesis's original drummer, ultimately replaced by future bandleader Phil Collins. On this, Mayhew's final recording with Genesis, he shows taste and restraint, laying out for long sections while the sonic tapestries of the guitars and keyboards unfold. Though not an essential pick in the Genesis catalogue, TRESPASS is a satisfying snapshot of this important band's formative development." - Genesis Trespass CD Notes

Peter Gabriel (vocals, flute, accordion, bass drum, tambourine)
Anthony Banks (guitar, piano, organ, Mellotron)
Anthony Phillips (acoustic 12-string guitar, electric guitar, dulcimer)
Michael Rutherford (acoustic 12-string guitar, nylon-string guitar, cello, bass instrument)
John Mayhew (drums, percussion)

1. Looking For Someone
2. White Mountain
3. Visions Of Angels
4. Stagnation
5. Dusk
6. The Knife

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Aphrodite's Child - It's Five O'Clock (1969)

"...Their first two releases "End of the World" (which includes two hit singles, "Rain and Tears" and "I Want To Live", the last one reached N° 1 in most Europe) and "It's Five O'Clock" showed a commercial oriented band with a very peculiar sound, but it’s not until 1970, when they start to record the brilliant and adventurous "666" that they get a place in progressive Rock history even when the relation inside the band was at the lowest point, mostly because VANGELIS wanted to do more serious music than Lucas Sideras and Roussos..." - Iván Melgar Morey-ProgArchives



- Vangelis Papathanasiou / orgue, keyboards
- Demis Roussos / vocals, bass, guitar
- Lucas Sideras / drums

1. It's Five O'Clock (3:29)
2. Wake Up (4:05)
3. Take Your Time (2:40)
4. Annabella (3:55)
5. Let Me Love, Let Me Live (4:42)
6. Funky Mary (4:11)
7. Good Time So Fine (2:44)
8. Marie Jolie (4:47)
9. Such A Funny Night (4:33)

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Argent - All Together Now (1972)

"With "ALL TOGETHER NOW" I discovered ARGENT. This collection has some magic and mistery i still can not explain. It has a perfect combination of two completely opposite talents: ROD ARGENT vs RUSS BALLARD. One is the progresive master and the other one, favored rock. It is an inteligent combination and you can feel there were two bands inside ARGENT, This situation was similar only with THE WHO. John Entwistle s' songs were different in text and sound to Pete Townshend s' or the other members tastes (Keith Monn flavored surf music and Roger Daltrey, R&B). Also similar were The Kinks, a band with two brothers as song writers. Also the Beatles...and so on. "ALL TOGETHER NOW" is simply a great album with great songs. There is a version with Russ Ballard, "Closer to Heaven", the Stones flavored "B" side to Hold Your Head Up." - luile3-ProgArchives

- Rod Argent / keyboards, vocals
- Russ Ballard / lead vocals, guitar
- Bob Henrit / drums
- Jim Rodford / bass

1. Hold Your Head Up (6:20)
2. Keep On Rollin' (4:34)
3. Tragedy (4:50)
4. I Am The Dance Of Ages (3:46)
5. Be My Lover, Be My Friend (5:22)
6. He's A Dynamo (3:50)
7. Pure Love (13:00)
... a) Fantasia
... b) Prelude
... c) Pure Love
... d) Finale

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Area - Crac! (1975)

"The third work "Crac" released in 1974. One AREA hight period to which powerful performance explodes. This work is the highest masterpiece of AREA. It is a content outstanding also on a progressive rock history. All works overflow in energy. It is a work that was able to be the wonderful balance. Masterpiece which latin orient jazz-rock greatly becomes."







- Giulio Capiozzo / drums and percussion
-Patrizio Fariselli / electric & acoustic pianos, bass clarinet, percussion, synths
- Demetrio Stratos / vocals, organ, percussion
- Ares Tavolazzi / electric & acoustic basses, trombone
- Paolo Tofani / electric guitar, synths, flute

1. L'elefante bianco (4:33)
2. La mela di Odessa (6:27)
3. Megalopoli (7:53)
4. Nervi scoperti (6:35)
5. Gioia e rivoluzione (4:40)
6. Implosion (5:00)
7. Area 5 (2:09)

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Wishbone Ash - Argus (1972)

"No need to add any word as almost everything has already been said about this album. Clearly a masterpiece of rock. The mark of what 1970s must've been like (I wish I remembered that time...).
This album is a guideline about how a prog album should be recorded, but also a flawless manifestation of WA's harmony guitars - the thing that helped them make their way into history of music. Argus is in my mind one of the best albums ever recorded."





- Martin Turner / vocals, bass
- Andy Powell / guitar, vocals
- Ted Turner / guitar, vocals
- Steve Upton / drums

1. Time Was (9:42)
2. Sometime World (6:55)
3. Blowin’ Free (5:18)
4. The King Will Come (7:06)
5. Leaf and Stream (3:55)
6. Warrior (5:53)
7. Throw Down The Sword (5:55)

BONUS
8. Jail Bait [Live] (4:57)
9. The Pilgrim [Live] (10:10)
10. Phoenix [Live] (17:06)

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Joe Jackson - Beat Crazy (1980)

The third album by Joe Jackson.











Joe Jackson – vocals, keyboards, melodica
Graham Maby – bass, vocals, lead vocal on 1
Gary Sanford – guitars
David Houghton – drums, vocals

1. "Beat Crazy" – 4:15
2. "One to One" – 3:22
3. "In Every Dream Home (A Nightmare)" – 4:30
4. "The Evil Eye" – 3:46
5. "Mad at You" – 6:02
6. "Crime Don't Pay" – 4:25
7. "Someone Up There" – 3:47
8. "Battleground" – 2:33
9. "Biology" – 4:31
10. "Pretty Boys" – 3:41
11. "Fit" – 4:43

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Lee Ritenour - First Course (1976)

First Course is the first studio album released by jazz guitarist Lee Ritenour. The album was made at the time that Ritenour was still a session musician, perhaps considered the best of the time in Los Angeles, California next to Larry Carlton. He drafted friends and peers from Dante's and the Baked Potato club in Studio City, Los Angeles, California to record this "artifact of the early L.A. jazz/funk sound" Ritenour was worried about creating the album, as he has stated "I was still thinking as a "studio musician", and I was very worried about having my own identity on the guitar, because up until that time my job as a studio musician had been to be a "chameleon" ... it wasn’t until several years later that I felt more comfortable with who I was stylistically." Financially, there were issues with the album, since the "sound perplexed studio executives" who were mainly looking for the next Bitches Brew or Return to Forever. This was melodic rhythm and blues-based jazz that didn't find a home until new wave-type radio stations became mainstream over a decade later.

* Lee Ritenour — synthesizer, electric guitar, vocals, classical guitar
* Bill Dickinson, Louis Johnson, Chuck Rainey — bass
* Chuck Findley — trumpet
* Dave Green, Ian Underwood — synthesizer
* Ed Greene, Harvey Mason, Sr. — drums
* Dave Grusin — organ, synthesizer, piano, clavinet
* Larry Nash, Michael Omartian, Jerry Peters, Patrice Rushen — keyboards, clavinet
* Jerome Richardson — saxophone (baritone)
* Frank Rosolino — trombone
* Tom Scott — saxophone (tenor), lyricon
* Jerry Steinholtz — percussion, conga
* Ernie Watts — saxophone (tenor)

1. "Little Bit of This and a Little Bit of That" (Ritenour) — 6:16
2. "Sweet Syncopation" (Ritenour) — 4:47
3. "Theme from Three Days of the Condor" (Grusin) — 4:08
4. "Fatback" (Ritenour) — 4:18
5. "Memories Past" (Ritenour) — 1:51
6. "Caterpillar" (Grusin) — 4:21
7. "Canticle for the Universe" (Peters) — 6:12
8. "Wild Rice" (Ritenour) — 5:32
9. "Ohla Maria (Amparo)" (Jobim) — 3:50

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17 April 2009

Starship - Knee Deep In The Hoopla (1985)

Knee Deep In The Hoopla is the first release by Starship in 1985, the successor band to Jefferson Airplane and later Jefferson Starship. It went platinum, and is best remembered for spawning the #1 hits "We Built This City" and "Sara", which were also the first such hits from any incarnation of Jefferson Airplane. "We Built This City" was written by Bernie Taupin, Martin Page, Dennis Lambert, and Peter Wolf, and inspired by Bay Area power rock station KSAN-FM.





Donny Baldwin - Drums
Grace Slick - Vocals
Mickey Thomas - Vocals
Craig Chaquico - Guitars
Pete Sears - Bass

1. "We Built This City"
2. "Sara"
3. "Tomorrow Doesn't Matter Tonight"
4. "Rock Myself To Sleep"
5. "Desperate Heart"
6. "Private Room"
7. "Before I Go"
8. "Hearts Of The World"
9. "Love Rusts"

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Richard Page - Shelter Me (1996)

Together with his friend Steve George, Richard Page backed up as vocalists a lot of west coast music artists on their albums. They also were a team as songwriters and wrote many hits for different artists. they formed the group Pages and released three albums. In 1982, they formed a new band, Mr. Mister, together with guitarist Steve Farris and drummer Pat Mastelotto, and Mr. Mister recorded its debut album, I Wear the Face, in 1984. Welcome to the Real World was the band's big break, however; "Broken Wings" and "Kyrie" both hit number one and were followed by the Top Ten "Is It Love." After one more album, Go On, Mr. Mister stopped as a group. After that, Richard Page was offered to become the leadsinger in Toto and Chicago, but he stepped back from the music business, until 1996, when he came back with the great album "Shelter Me".

The Best Thing
My Oxygen
Even The Pain
Shelter Me
Let Me Down Easy
A Simple Life
Dependence
Just To Love You
If All Else Fails
Heaven Is 10 Zillion Years Away

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16 April 2009

Steely Dan - Two Against Nature (2000)

Two Against Nature is an album by Steely Dan, released in 2000. The album won the group four Grammy Awards, and marked the first major collaboration between Walter Becker and Donald Fagen since the album Gaucho, released 20 years earlier.








* Walter Becker - bass, guitar
* Tom Barney - bass
* Donald Fagen - organ, piano, Fender Rhodes, Wurlitzer, Vocals
* Ted Baker - piano, Fender Rhodes
* Jon Herington - acoustic guitar, rhythm guitar
* Paul Jackson Jr. - guitar
* Hugh McCracken - guitar
* Dean Parks - guitar
* Lawrence Feldman - clarinet, tenor saxophone
* Amy Helm - whistle
* Michael Hitchcock - trumpet
* Michael Leonhart - trumpet, conductor, wurlitzer
* Lou Marini - alto saxophone
* Chris Potter - alto saxophone, tenor saxophone
* Jim Pugh - trombone
* Roger Rosenberg - bass clarinet, baritone saxophone
* David Tofani - saxophone
* Keith Carlock - drums
* Leroy Clouden - drums
* Vinnie Colaiuta - drums
* Sonny Emory - drums
* Ricky Lawson - drums
* Michael White - drums
* Gordon Gottlieb - percussion
* Will Lee - percussion
* Daniel Sadownick - percussion, timbales
* David Schenk - vibraphone
* Steve Shapiro - vibraphone
* Cynthia Calhoun - background vocals
* Mike Harvey - background vocals
* Carolyn Leonhart - background vocals

1. "Gaslighting Abbie" – 5:53
2. "What a Shame About Me" – 5:17
3. "Two Against Nature" – 6:17
4. "Janie Runaway" – 4:09
5. "Almost Gothic" – 4:09
6. "Jack of Speed" – 6:17
7. "Cousin Dupree" – 5:28
8. "Negative Girl" – 5:34
9. "West of Hollywood" – 8:21

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Alan Parsons - A Valid Path (2004)

A Valid Path is the fourth solo album that Alan Parsons made after the split of his previous group The Alan Parsons Project. The gap between this and his previous album, The Time Machine, was the second greatest period between two consecutive albums, second only to the time between the split of the Project and his first solo work. A leap into the world of computers and electronic music, A Valid Path is filled with polyrhythmic drumbeats and soaring guitar solos (provided in part by Pink Floyd's David Gilmour), and sees a number of fascinating new collaborations, including The Crystal Method, Shpongle, Jeremy Parsons, Uberzone, The Nortec Collective and PJ Olsson, who also now sings with the Alan Parsons Live Project. In time-honored Alan Parsons style, A Valid Path merges cultures, sensibilities, instrumentation, and artists in a unique but completely natural blend. Dance loops and heavily processed vocals fuse with stylish chord progressions. Experienced players with young guns. Acoustic instrumental lines with computer-generated algorithms.

* Alan Parsons – vocals, guitar, keyboards, vocoder
* Jeremy Parsons - guitar
* P.J. Olsson – vocals, programming
* Michele Adamson, Lisa Parsons – vocals
* John Cleese, Orson Welles – spoken vocals
* David Gilmour - guitar on "Return to Tunguska"
* Alastair Greene – guitar
* Scott Kirkland – keyboards, programming
* Ken Jordan, Simon Posford – programming

1. "Return to Tunguska" – 8:48
2. "More Lost Without You" – 3:20
3. "Mammagamma '04" – 5:06
4. "We Play the Game" – 5:33
5. "Tijuaniac" – 5:21
6. "L'Arc en Ciel" – 5:26
7. "A Recurring Dream Within a Dream" – 4:36
8. "You Can Run" – 3:51
9. "Chomolungma" – 6:35

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Delaney & Bonnie & Friends - On Tour With Eric Clapton (1970)

On Tour with Eric Clapton is the third release of the husband and wife team of Delaney & Bonnie Bramlett. Released in June of 1970, this album features Eric Clapton, Jim Gordon, Carl Radle, Bobby Whitlock, Dave Mason and many other performers. Many of the players on this album would later go on to work with Eric Clapton on his solo debut and again with Derek and the Dominos on Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs.





Bonnie Bramlett: Vocals.
Delaney Bramlett: Guitars, vocals.
Dave Mason: Guitars.
Eric Clapton: Guitars, vocals.
Carl Radle: Bass guitar.
Bobby Whitlock: Organ, Keyboards, Vocals.
Rita Coolidge: Backing vocals.
Jim Gordon: Drums, percussion.
Tex Johnson: Percussion.
Bobby Keys: Saxophones
Jim Price: Trombone, Trumpet, Horns.

"Things Get Better" (Cropper, Floyd, Wayne) – 4:20
"Poor Elijah - Tribute to Johnson Medley" (Bramlett, Ford, Russell) – 5:00
"Only You Know and I Know" (Mason) – 4:10
"I Don't Want to Discuss It" (Beatty, Cooper, Shelby) – 4:55
"That's What My Man Is For" (Griffin) – 4:30
"Where There's a Will There's a Way" (Bramlett, Whitlock) – 4:57
"Comin' Home" (Bramlett, Clapton) – 5:30
"Little Richard Medley: Tutti-Frutti/The Girl Can't Help It/Long Tall Sally/Jenny Jenny" (Little Richard, Trout) – 5:45

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Boston - Walk On (1994)

Boston is an American rock band that achieved its most notable successes during the 1970s and 1980s. Centered on guitarist, songwriter, and producer Tom Scholz, the band is a staple of classic rock radio playlists. Walk On is their fourth album, released in 1994. (Boston finally got organ-ized again). It is the first and only Boston album to lack Brad Delp as vocalist. Delp was replaced by Orion the Hunter singer Fran Cosmo. Delp left the band in 1990 to join original Boston guitarist Barry Goudreau in forming RTZ. He returned to Boston for the Walk On tour and for the Corporate America album.



Matt Belyea - handclapping
Bob Cedro - rhythm guitar, special effects, handclapping
Fran Cosmo - vocals
Tommy Funderburk - vocals
Doug Huffman - drums
Gary Pihl - guitar, rhythm guitar, handclapping
Tom Scholz - organ, guitar, piano, strings, drums, bass, rhythm guitar, keyboards, clavinet, handclapping
David Sikes - bass, vocals

"I Need Your Love" (F. Sampson, T. Scholz) – 5:33
"Surrender to Me" (B. Laquidara, T. Scholz, D. Sikes) – 5:34
"Livin' for You" (T. Scholz) – 4:58
"Walkin' at Night" (T. Scholz) – 2:02
"Walk On" (B. Delp, T. Scholz, D. Sikes) – 2:58
"Get Organ-ized" (T. Scholz) – 4:28
"Walk On (Some More)" (B. Delp, T. Scholz, D. Sikes) – 2:55
"What's Your Name" (T. Scholz) – 4:28
"Magdalene" (G.T. Foulke, T. Scholz, D. Sikes) – 5:58
"We Can Make It" (B. Cedro, T. Scholz, D. Sikes) – 5:30

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Don Henley - I Can't Stand Still (1982)

Donald Hugh "Don" Henley (born July 22, 1947 in Gilmer, Texas) is an American rock musician who is the drummer and one of the lead singers and songwriters of the band Eagles. He has since become a successful solo artist and has played a founding role in several environmental and political causes. I Can't Stand Still is his first solo album, released in 1982. In 2005, the song "Dirty Laundry" was covered by Lisa Marie Presley.





* Don Henley - drums, keyboards, vocals, background vocals, gut string guitar
* Ras Baboo - percussion, timbales
* Derek Bell - harp
* Kenny Edwards - bass, guitar, electric guitar
* Steve Foreman - percussion
* Bob Glaub - bass
* Louise Goffin - vocals, gut string guitar
* Andrew Gold - keyboards
* Max Gronenthal - vocals, gut string guitar
* George Gruel - vocals, background vocals
* Garth Hudson - synthesizer
* Maren Jensen - vocals, gut string guitar
* Danny "Kootch" Kortchmar - synthesizer, bass, guitar, electric guitar, rhythm guitar, keyboards, background vocals, baritone guitar
* Russ Kunkel - drums
* Steve Lukather - guitar
* Paddy Moloney - whistle, Uillean pipes
* Jeff Porcaro - drums, maracas
* Steve Porcaro - synthesizer
* Timothy B. Schmit - bass guitar, vocals, background vocals, gut string guitar
* Leland Sklar - bass
* J.D. Souther - acoustic guitar, vocals, gut string guitar
* Benmont Tench - keyboards
* Richard Wachtel - vocals
* Waddy Wachtel - electric guitar
* Ian Wallace - drums
* Joe Walsh - lead guitar
* Mark Williams - drums
* Bill Withers - vocals, gut string guitar
* Warren Zevon - vocals, gut string guitar

1. "I Can't Stand Still" (Henley, Danny Kortchmar) – 3:33
2. "You Better Hang Up" (Kortchmar) – 3:21
3. "Long Way Home" (Henley, Kortchmar) – 5:28
4. "Nobody's Business" (Henley, Bob Seger, J.D. Souther) – 3:43
5. "Talking to the Moon" (Henley, Souther) – 4:39
6. "Dirty Laundry" (Henley, Kortchmar) – 5:26
7. "Johnny Can't Read" (Henley, Kortchmar) – 3:22
8. "Them and Us" (Henley, Kortchmar) – 4:01
9. "La Eile" (Moloney) – 0:52
10. "Lilah" (Henley) – 4:09
11. "The Unclouded Day" (Henley, Kortchmar) – 3:36

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15 April 2009

Brand X - Livestock (1977)

"Excellent live album, though only two of the songs are from their studio albums ("Euthanasia Waltz" from 'Unorthodox Behaviour' and "Malaga Virgen" from 'Moroccan Roll') . The rest is new material, but is equally as good as the two tracks i just mentioned. Performances are faultless and sound quality is excellent. The drumming is split between Phil Collins and Kenwood Dennard, and both does a great job on this album. This is a very varied, but still even album and the compositions are all excellent! A burst of energy and fire!.." - Bj 1-ProgArchives




- John Goodsall / guitar
- Percy Jones / bass
- Robin Lumley / keyboards
- Morris Pert / percussion
- Phil Collins / drums (2, 3 & 6)
- Kenwood Dennard / drums (1,4-5)

1. Nightmare Patrol (7:50)
2. Ish (8:20)
3. Euthanasia Waltz (5:30)
4. Isis Mourning (part one) (5:30)
5. Isis Mourning (part two) (4:45)
6. Malaga Virgen (9:35)

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Split Enz - Conflicting Emotions (1983)

Split Enz was a successful New Zealand band during the late 1970s and the early 1980s featuring brothers Tim Finn and Neil Finn. They achieved success with the music charts in New Zealand, Australia and Canada during the early 1980s and built a cult following elsewhere. Their musical style was eclectic and original, incorporating influences from art rock, vaudeville, swing, punk, rock, New Wave and pop. "Conflicting Emotions" is their 1983 album. When released as the album's second single in February 1984, Message to My Girl was the big hit the album had needed upon release. It returned the band to the Australian Top 10, reaching #6, and is now one of their most beloved songs. It would prove to be the band's swansong in the Australian charts.

Neil Finn - vocals, guitar, piano
Tim Finn - vocals, guitar, piano, keyboards
Noel Crombie - vocals, percussion
Nigel Griggs - vocals, bass
Eddie Rayner - keyboards and machines
Ricky Fataar - drums on "Message to My Girl"

"Strait Old Line"
"Bullet Brain and Cactus Head" (N. Finn, Tim Finn)
"Message to My Girl"
"Working Up an Appetite" (T. Finn)
"Our Day"
"No Mischief"
"The Devil You Know"
"I Wake Up Every Night" (T. Finn)
"Conflicting Emotions" (T. Finn)
"Bon Voyage" (T. Finn)

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Europe - 1982-1992 (1993)

Europe is a Swedish hard rock band originally assembled as a progressive rock group; they later added keyboards to their sound in order to soften it. Europe is one of the most successful Swedish bands of all time, having sold more than 15 million albums worldwide. 1982-1992 is a compilation album, released in 1993. Vocalist Joey Tempest chose the songs for this album. This album contains some rarities, such as "On Broken Wings", which was the B-side for the "Final Countdown" single, and two songs from the Prisoners in Paradise sessions: "Sweet Love Child" and "Yesterday's News".



"In the Future to Come" (Tempest) – 5:00
"Seven Doors Hotel" (Tempest) – 5:15
"Stormwind" (Tempest) – 4:23
"Open Your Heart" (Tempest) – 4:01
"Scream of Anger" (Tempest, Jacob) – 4:04
"Dreamer" (Tempest) – 4:19
"The Final Countdown" (Tempest) – 5:09
"On Broken Wings" (Tempest) – 3:43
"Rock the Night" (Tempest) – 4:04
"Carrie" (Tempest, Michaeli) – 4:30
"Cherokee" (Tempest) – 4:12
"Superstitious" (Tempest) – 4:33
"Ready or Not" (Tempest) – 4:03
"Prisoners in Paradise" [edit] (Tempest) – 4:29
"I'll Cry for You" [acoustic] (Tempest, Graham) – 3:58
"Sweet Love Child" (Tempest, Marcello, Michaeli) – 4:57
"Yesterday's News" (Tempest, Marcello, Levén, Haugland, Michaeli) – 5:27

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14 April 2009

Steve Morse Band - Stand Up (1985)

"Stand Up" is the second album of the first incarnation of the Steve Morse Band. In an attempt for more "commercial appeal" no less than four guest vocalists were added, not, however, to the detriment of the music. With the added vocal variety and instrumental prowes as strong as ever "Stand Up" has in fact become one of my favourite SMB albums.







Rod Morgenstein (left) - drums, percussion, piano
Steve Morse (center) - guitars
Jerry Peek (right) - bass
With:
Peter Frampton - guitar on "Stand Up"
Eric Johnson - vocals and guitar on "Distant Star"
T. Lavitz - piano on "Unity Gain"
Albert Lee - vocals and guitar on "Rockin' Guitars"
Alex Ligertwood - vocals on "Stand Up"
Mark O'Connor - violin on "Pick Your Poison"
Van Temple - vocals on "Book Of Dreams"

1. Book Of Dreams (3:30)
2. English Rancher (4:28)
3. Rockin' Guitars (4:23)
4. Distant Star (3:58)
5. Pick Your Poison (3:30)
6. Stand Up (3:44)
7. Travels Of Marco Polo (6:02)
8. Golden Quest (4:16)
9. Unity Gain (5:32)

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Steely Dan - Can't Buy A Thrill (1972)

Steely Dan is a Grammy-Award winning American rock band centered on core members Walter Becker and Donald Fagen. The band's peak of popularity was in the 1970s, when it released six albums that blended together elements of jazz, rock, funk, R&B, and pop. Their music is characterized by complex jazz-influenced structures and harmonies, literate but sometimes obscure or ambiguous lyrics filled with dark sarcasm, and their adroit musicianship and studio perfectionism. Can't Buy A Thrill is their first album. Originally released in 1972, the album was a huge success



Donald Fagen - piano, electric piano, plastic organ, vocals
Walter Becker - electric bass, vocals
Jeff "Skunk" Baxter - guitar, pedal steel guitar
Denny Dias - guitar, electric sitar
Elliott Randall - guitar
Jerome Richardson - tenor saxophone
Snooky Young - flugelhorn
Jim Hodder - drums, percussion, vocals
Victor Feldman - percussion
David Palmer - vocals
Venetta Fields - background vocals on "Brooklyn" and "Kings"
Clydie King - background vocals on "Brooklyn" and "Kings"
Shirley Matthews - background vocals on "Brooklyn" and "Kings"

"Do It Again" – 5:56
"Dirty Work" – 3:08
"Kings" – 3:45
"Midnight Cruiser" – 4:08
"Only a Fool Would Say That" – 2:57
"Reelin' in the Years" – 4:37
"Fire in the Hole" – 3:28
"Brooklyn (Owes the Charmer Under Me)" – 4:21
"Change of the Guard" – 3:39
"Turn That Heartbeat Over Again" – 4:58

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Pat Benatar - True Love (1991)

After seven albums' worth of radio-friendly, album-oriented rock and a lengthy hiatus, Pat Benatar returns here with a straight-up blues album cut in the company of the purist Roomful of Blues. "True Love" is an unpretentious romp through a set of jump blues, and Benatar has enough of an aptitude for the form to know not to overdo it. She's always sung sassily, but the way she wraps her voice around a song like Bloodshot Eyes -- assisted by a solid shot of reverb -- is a minor revelation. Benatar and guitarist/producer/husband Neil Giraldo swing hard in the company of the five Roomful of Blues horns; her phrasing is spot-on throughout, and Giraldo does justice to his mentors. They rip through numbers by two Kings -- B.B. (Payin' The Cost to be the Boss and I've Got Papers on You) and Albert (I Get Evil). In the middle, they sprint through three originals, including a fast one led by a stride piano (I Feel Lucky) and the slow-burning title track, which comes within a few degrees of Peggy Lee's Fever. "True Love" is a pleasurable comeback album for Pat Benatar, who may have hit us with her best shot when we least expected it.

Bloodshot Eyes
Payin' the Cost to be the Boss
So Long
I've Got Papers on You
I Feel Lucky
True Love
The Good Life
Evening
I Get Evil
Don't Happen No More
Please Come Home for Christmas

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Crowded House - Temple Of Low Men (1988)

Temple of Low Men is Crowded House's second studio album, released in 1988. The album's lead single, "Better Be Home Soon," hinted at a much darker tone than the debut album. Although it was critically acclaimed, the album did not sell as well in the U.S. as the debut. The album did better in Australia and New Zealand.







Neil Finn - vocals, guitar
Nick Seymour - bass, backing vocals
Paul Hester - drums, backing vocals
With:
Tim Finn - Backing Vocals
Richard Thompson - Guitar Solo on "Sister Madly"
Alex Acuña - Percussion
Heart Attack - Horns
Mitchell Froom - Keyboards

"I Feel Possessed" – 3:47
"Kill Eye" – 3:10
"Into Temptation" – 4:32*
"Mansion in the Slums" – 3:46
"When You Come" – 4:45
"Never Be the Same" – 4:27
"Love this Life" – 3:35
"Sister Madly" – 2:52
"In the Lowlands" – 3:57
"Better Be Home Soon" – 3:07

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13 April 2009

Dixie Dregs - Full Circle (1994)

(On Request) Still the last Dixie Dregs studio album to date.











Steve Morse - guitar
Rod Morgenstein - drums, percussion
T Lavitz - keyboards
Dave LaRue - electric bass
Jerry Goodman - violin

1. Aftershock (3:42)
2. Perpetual Reality (5:31)
3. Calcutta (5:26)
4. Goin' To Town (3:37)
5. Pompous Circumstances (3:21)
6. Shapes Of Things (3:46) *
7. Sleeveless In Seattle (4:05)
8. Good Intentions (3:58)
9. Yeolde (2:17)
10. Ionized (4:00)

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Anthony Phillips - Private Parts & Pieces (1979)

Private Parts and Pieces is officially the fourth (though technically the third) solo album from guitarist Anthony Phillips. Unlike his previous releases, this one was assembled as a collection of instrumental music, rather than as an explicit attempt at a commercial album. It was first released in the U.S. and Canada in January 1979. The April 1979, UK release was a limited edition sold with the first 5,000 copies of Sides. Although the album itself came at an awkward time for Phillips, whose contract with Arista had run its course, the non-commercial Private Parts and Pieces format proved successful or useful enough to him to become a series of albums in its own right. While Phillips had previously credited a good deal of his non-guitar work under pseudonyms, on this album the credits were straightforward. Peter Cross did the artwork for the album. The 1990 CD reissue of Private Parts and Pieces included two new, solo recordings of material that dates from Phillips' time in Genesis.

* Anthony Phillips: 12 String Guitar, Classical Guitar, Piano, Electric Guitar, Pin Piano, Harmonium, Vocals
* Harry Williamson: "Graphics" on 3

1. "Beauty and the Beast" – 4:08
2. "Field of Eternity" (Anthony Phillips/Mike Rutherford) – 5:10
3. "Tibetan Yak-Music" – 6:09
4. "Lullaby — Old Father Time" – 1:15
5. "Harmonium in the Dust" – 2:29
6. "Tregrenna Afternoons" – 7:49
7. "Stranger" – 6:08
8. "Reaper" – 7:38
9. "Autumnal" – 5:57
10. "Flamingo" – 11:06
11. "Seven Long Years" – 2:58
12. "Silver Song" (demo) (Anthony Phillips/Mike Rutherford) – 3:19

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Alan Parsons - On Air (1996)

On Air is the second solo release by Alan Parsons following the split of The Alan Parsons Project. However, the album's chief creative force was the Project's long-time guitarist, Ian Bairnson. The album follows the history of airborne exploration, from the mythological flight of Daedalus and Icarus to escape the labyrinth of the minotaur in "Too Close To The Sun", through Leonardo da Vinci's search to design a flying machine, or ornithopter, in long-time Project drummer Stuart Elliott's "One Day To Fly", until finally mankind's aspirations for space exploration placed on the shoulders of a single astronaut in "So Far Away" and the subsequent superpower race to put a man on the moon in "Apollo", a track backed by John F. Kennedy's famous speech of May 25, 1961. While the ode to hot air ballooning "Blown By The Wind" and following instrumental "Cloudbreak" are arguably the finest guitar work Bairnson has ever recorded, the creative catalyst for this album is the beautiful, albeit melancholy, ballad "Brother Up In Heaven". The song's lyrics remember Ian's deceased cousin Erik Mounsey who was killed in a friendly fire incident above Iraq in 1994. The death of this young helicopter pilot is made even more haunting by the fact that he was an unarmed peacekeeper.

Alan Parsons – keyboards, mixing, engineering
Eric Stewart – lead vocals (tracks 1, 3, 11)
Neil Lockwood – lead vocals (tracks 2, 5, 6)
Steve Overland – lead vocals (track 7)
Christopher Cross – lead vocals (track 9)
Graham Dye – lead vocals (track 10)
Peter Beckett – backing vocals (track 6)
Ian Bairnson – guitars, bass guitar, synthesizer
John Giblin – bass guitar
Richard Cottle – saxophone
Stuart Elliott – percussion, drums
Gary Sanctuary – keyboards

1. "Blue Blue Sky" – 1:38 (Ian Bairnson)
2. "Too Close To The Sun" – (Alan Parsons, Ian Bairnson, Stuart Elliot)
3. "Blown By The Wind" – 5:25 (Bairnson)
4. "Cloudbreak" (instrumental) – 4:39 (Bairnson, Parsons, Elliot)
5. "Can't Look Down" – 4:37 (Bairnson)
6. "Brother Up In Heaven" – 4:02 (Bairnson)
7. "Fall Free" – 4:21 (Bairnson, Elliot, Parsons)
8. "Apollo" (instrumental) – 6:06 (Elliot, Parsons, Bairnson)
9. "So Far Away" – 4:07 (Bairnson)
10. "One Day To Fly" (Stuart Elliott, Scott English)
11. "Blue Blue Sky" – 4:24 (Bairnson)

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