5 comments about The Essential Journey.

1. I love Journey since Steve Perry joined them and no other singer can EVER take that mans place. NONE! His amazing vocals and stage savvy will never be forgotten. He did an amazing job on the Essential CD. Only wish for Steve to return someday and grace the microphone again. We all miss him and wish him well, but it would be a wonderful thing if he were to return.



2. so I ordered this 2 disc set and by all account it is very good classic and not so classic Journey. Here's my 1 and only major beef. Is it me or is disk 1 simply a copy of greatest hits? Now disk 2 I am very impressed with. The mixture is simply outstanding. And I am looking for someone who might have information on whether or not there are any other Journey DVD's out there. I have purchased the live in Houston, and the greatest hits sets. Extremely happy with both, but would like to find 1. more concert footage and 2. possibly a dvd set of more of their videos. My personal email is dalton1999@clearwire.net if anyone has any information. Anyway if you are someone looking for a good complete set of some very good Journey music you cant go wrong with this one. Thanks for reading.



3. Disk 1 is a veritable Greatest Hits Journey Album, containing most of the great ones, whereas with Disk 2 it's debatable as to whether all of the songs on it are "essential Journey" qualified (Line of Fire, Baby I'm a Leavin You? Uh, I question those selections). Songs arguably more "essential", like `Suzanne' and `Why Can't This Night Go On Forever' were left off. Nevertheless, Disk 2 is still a good one and has mostly worthy songs.
   
   It's my opinion that two of the most significant factors that made Journey the world-class band it was in the 80s was the voice of Perry in singing some of rock's greatest ballads - Open Arms, Who's Cryin' Now, Send Her My Love, to name a few - and Journey's capability to write heart-felt lyrics for those ballads, lyrics that most anyone who has ever loved, or loved and lost, can listen and relate to.
   
   I now realize that Journey's lyrics are timeless, their meanings changing only in their reference with life's experiences and advancing time, but never becoming outdated. Separate Ways (World's Apart) comes immediately to mind: those lyrics have much more relevance to me today then ever before, even after more than 20 years (True love won't desert you; You know I still love you; Though we touched and went our separate ways).
   
   Then there's the classic among classics, the ballad that knows no equal - Faithfully. Only Journey and Perry can do that song justice; only Perry can provide the vocal power that's necessary to convey the emotion of the song. Faithfully is a song that will live with me forever; the memories linked directly to it are unforgetable. Years ago someone dear to me once asked which song I might choose should there ever be a chance to share a dance together. At the time I couldn't answer the question directly but today I answer that it would be Faithfully.



4. For years now, I have listened to selected Journey songs, and felt it was time to get to know the band better. so I bought The Essential Journey; the selection looked varied, with some familiar pieces and a good few new (to me) songs. Disc 1 is definitely my favourite, it contains some of my all time favourites such as 'Faithfully' and 'Open Arms'. These songs resonate and touch deeper than many other things ever could. Perry's voice carries an uncommon power and impact. Among the new songs 'Separate Ways' is just a great song, a song of hope and strength, which seems to be a theme that runs throughout the material. Still working out some of the lyrics though, take "If we can't go on to survive the tide love divides" what exactly does that mean?
   The music on this compilation ranges from happy and sparky, to thoughtful, melancholy, angry, hopeful and back to happy. There is often a song there to just match or modify my mood.
   A regret I have about this selection, is that the accompanyng booklet contains no lyrics. As a language orientated person, I like to listen and read the poetry in the lyrics. Having the lyrics would have added an extra feature to the CDs.



5. This is, personally, my favorite Journey compilation (and god knows there's many of them to choose from). It pretty much gives you all the Perry-era hits you need but oddly some tracks on disc 2 seem slightly arbitrarily chosen. Don't get me wrong all the songs on here are great -- I just wished they saved room for some classic tracks that I feel are sorely absent.
   
   Those most notably missing are:
   
   Feeling That Way
   Dixie Highway
   Why Can't This Night Go On Forever
   Suzanne
   
   Otherwise, this is all the Journey you'd ever need if you're not a hardcore Journey fan and just want a great compilation of all their hits and a few noteworthy B sides.

5 comments about Ballbreaker.

1. this album is an often overlooked one in the ac/dc discography and why?for me this album is one of ac/dcs best of the last 25 years,every track is good hard rockin classic ac/dc. i love to put it on when i'm doing chores or any kind of work it just radites energy and power.i reccomend it to any of fan of ac/dc or rock in general.



2. I just love ac/dc very much and every single song that they sing are really great in my opinion.



3. AC/DC really impressed with with the 2005 release "Ballbreaker" Now, not to say that they havent released some good albums in the Brian Johnson era, but the only four(Johnson Era) that I have thought were Excellent were 1980's "Back in Back", 1981's"For those about to rock", "1983's "Flick of the Switch" and 1990's "The Razors Edge" The others. Medicore to Average. The band has an above average release with "Stiff Upper Lip" but still failed to grab me like the AC/DC of old. "Ballbreaker" shows that AC/DC can still rock, and whats even more impressive, is that they didnt change over to Nu Metal, or rapcore, or any other type of music that was "Popular" They keep it simple with their own sound, and give us a very good album. Its sleezy, its metal, its rock, its everything you want from a band that you have had such high-hopes from, just hoping they could build on 1990's "The Razors Edge" and this proves they did. Its not perfect, with a few tracks that I could pass on, but the eight songs that I love on this album, return back to AC/DC's form (of the Johnson era) Considering the price is dirt cheap, dont hesitate to pick this up. It night not be one of their best, but its so impressive to get a release this strong, considering the type of garbage "pop" music that is surrounding the airwaves of today, and that the band has been around for over Thirty Years. ENJOY



4. AC/DC playing like a blues with powerful hard rock. Five stars.



5. A pretty good "comeback" album after 5 years off, the 1980 Back In Black line-up playing up to their musical chops and writing songs that sound like some actual effort was put into their creation. As per normal, the much-loved (or much-hated as there is no middle ground in this debate) sleazy sex-obsessed lyrics are here in full-force (enough so to make Bon Scott smile). Regardless, this album rocked pretty hard during my junior year of high school and is still quite entertaining today. Excellent production by the great knob-twister (take that whichever way you want) Rick Rubin.

5 comments about Even More Dazed And Confused (1993 Film Dazed And Confused).

1. So, as far as being fourteen goes, I think everyone owes it to themselves to pick up the ORIGINAL Dazed and Confused soundtrack, because it is without a doubt essential listening. If you are a fan of the first, then you will probably want this one, as a companion to the first, and a way to stretch out what comes out the boombox, while you slug a few of the beers you stole from your parents fridge out behind the local town moon tower.
   
   I don't like it as much as the first volume, and always thought that maybe the title should have been... "A little Less Dazed And Confused..." but thats only because it has less songs, and two of them are Peter Frampton songs... back to back?!
   
   I still give it five stars though. Mix it up with volume one, ...perhaps find your own copy of Sweet Emotion and Dylans Hurricane, and you can have yourself a sweet bender, maaan. Plus, this disc still learned me a nice handful of gems just like the first one did... would I have ever rocked out to the following without my Even More Dazed soundtrack?...FREE RIDE, LIVING IN THE USA, BALINESE,RIGHT PLACE WRONG TIME, Foghat's MAKE LOVE TO YOU!!!(smokes!), plus the other stuff is good too.., but basically its the leftovers that didn't fit on the first disc, and the label still couldn't clear the rights with Aerosmith or Dylan. That shouldn't matter much though.
   I hope that theres a new crop of Freshman chicks rocking out to this stuff this summer man. You- know- I- do, man. ROCK



2. If you loved the Dazed and Confused soundtrack, you'll love this one too. It contains all those songs that they couldn't fit on the first soundtrack. Great CD.



3. This soundtrack is absolutly amazing...
   I just have one question abou it...
   Where is "Hurricane" by Bob Dylan?



4. I actually like this one better than the first release. It's a great, eclectic mix of FM radio hits from the golden age of FM radio. (I was 15 in the summer of 1976, so maybe I'm a little biased.)
   
   All of these songs were part of the soundtrack of my life, played at suburban basement make-out parties and blasted from the windows of gas-guzzling old American cars. How I wished I could have grown a mustache like the ones sported by Foghat!



5. "Dazed and Confused" is a film that unfortunately bombed at the box office when it was in theatres. Fortunately, it has since become a cult classic, and one of the definitive "party" flicks. It helped jump start the careers of the film's soon-to-be stars, such as: Ben Affleck, Parker Posey, Matthew McConaughey, Rory Cochrane, Jason London, and Milla Jovovich, to name a few. I first saw "Dazed" when I was 15. I heard how great of a film it was, so of course I decided to check it out. By the end of my first viewing, I was hooked. I became obsessed with the movie, and have seen it so many times that I've lost count, and it's still fresh and hilarious with every viewing (which is rare for a film)! It has become one of my favorite movies of all time, as well.
   
   Anyway, just like the film's first soundtrack (simply titled "Dazed And Confused"), this soundtrack has excellent songs, but to me, the standouts are: "No More Mr. Nice Guy" by Alice Cooper (awesome hard rocker, which is excellently used in the film), "Do You Feel Like We Do?" by Peter Frampton (an awesome rocker that features the infamous "talkbox"), "I Just Want To Make Love To You" by Foghat (a cool rocker that you'll want to bang your head to), and "Free Ride" by The Edgar Winter Group (definitely a song to crank while cruising with your friends). As I said in my review for the film's other soundtrack, the film's opening track, "Sweet Emotion" by Aerosmith, and Bob Dylan's "Hurricane" are nowhere to be found on either of the film's soundtracks.

5 comments about Styx - Return to Paradise.

1. I always thought that the Eagles were the American Beatles. However, I now think that Styx is battling them for that title. Three great songwriters and singers, great musicians all, diverse music and lyrics - I'm really impressed with these guys - Tommy Shaw and Dennis DeYoung, in particular. Too bad they split up. I hope they have a reuinion tour sometime soon.



2. good concert, they played all the big ones, and did a decent job of it.



3. YOU MUST BUY THIS DVD IF YOU EVEN REMOTELY ENJOY THE ORIGINAL STYX. IT WILL NOT DISAPPOINT YOU !!!
   I attended the Omaha, NE portion of this tour in 1996, which was the last tour with all of the original remaining members of Styx - DeYoung, Shaw, Young, & Chuck Panozzo (John Panozzo had passed away only two weeks prior; their emotional tribute to him was overwhelming). This DVD has become almost an homage to the band that my husband and I had grown up listening to. This is the REAL Styx!!! We attended the newly put together band with the current lead singer, and it just isn't the same without DeYoung. You can't take someone THAT legendary and replace them and still call it STYX (i.e. Journey minus Steve Perry!!). This is the STYX for us diehard fans out there and is THE closest you will be to enjoying them live without being there. I truly hope they can bring this DVD to Blu-Ray as that would be the only thing that could improve this concert. Instead of seeing the current, or what we refer to as "PseudoStyx", we catch Dennis DeYoung in concert as much as we can. For a man who is now in his early 60s, he still has the pipes he had as a young man - just with gray hair now (but so do any of us who grew up with them!)
   Thanks for taking the time to read my rambling review! P.S. If you get the chance to see DeYoung in concert, TAKE IT - he usually performs most of the better known Styx songs with the local orchestra - it is phenomenal!! We met him May 3rd in Omaha with our 8-year old daughter (gotta pass down the good music to the next generation!) and he is everything you would want him to be. God Bless!



4. If the Caught in the act was great, this one is even better. Excellent sound.



5. I've been a Styx fan for probably over a decade, which compared to some of the other reviewers here is not saying much, but when I first started listening to Styx, all I had to go by were the radio hits that get played all the time such as: Come Sail Away, Renegade, Lady, Babe, etc. For many years those were the only songs I listened to on my greatest hits cd of Styx. Later I began to appreciate songs like Suite Madame Blue and Crystal Ball. This concert was the first time I ever heard Snowblind and the first time I ever listened to the whole of Grand Illusion, both of which I now find to be excellent songs.
   
   As for the DVD, it has excellent camera angles, a decent amount of special features, excellent video, and superb sound. The concert itself is great, all the vocals are excellent and although they don't sound the same as a studio recording, one would almost prefer some of these renditions to the studio versions. I rented this DVD first to see if it was worth buying and it definetely is.

5 comments about Peter Frampton - Live in Detroit.

1. if you like peter frampton you will love this dvd. good energy, typical frampton live having fun w/ the crowd.we need a more recent dvd, can't wait



2. I have nothing to add to the other reviews. If you like Frampton you must have this DVD.



3. I have never been what you call a HUGE Frampton fan, but I, as millions of others, loved "Comes Alive". I saw this show a couple of years ago on PBS, I think it was, and just bought the DVD. I was floored from the opening song. That is what you call a tight band. WOW!!! Frampton is simply one of the best guitarist alive right now. He just shredded those solos. I was also very impressed with Bob Mayo. Is there anything that guy can't do??? If you like good quality music, good production, bur overall excellent guitar work, then buy this DVD. Fortunately, I got to watch and listen on a 52" HDTV with 1200W surround sound. Breathtaking!!!!!



4. Peter Frampton, who made a big name for himself in the early 1970s, especially with one album, is still alive and kicking and doing quite well, thank you. Like a lot of his compatriots from that, especially the British rockers, he's still doing his thing entertaining with good rock 'n roll.
   
   His long locks are a thing of the past and that's fine: he looks his age. More importantly, he can still sing and play the guitar well. He may not be a star these days, but he looks happy in what he's doing and his fans sure are pleased. He seems to have an especially-enthusiastic fan base in Detroit, Michigan, where this event takes place. He even acknowledges that during the concert.
   
   I heard great things about this concert so I purchased it but, frankly, I was a bit disappointed. It was okay, but not as special as I had been led to believe, nothing I would be enthusiastic about playing more than once or twice. What I did like was Frampton's attitude. He seems to appreciate what he has.



5. This is a vry well done music DVD. I have lots of concerts and this is one of my favoites. A must have for any person who loves live shows but not the crowds. Enjoy!!!!!

No comments about BUDOKAN!(30th Anniversary DVD+3CDs).

5 comments about 1984.

1. 1984 finds Van Halen changing their direction in music again though not as radical a change as Fair Warning. 1984 is synthesizer laden though it's not the first time that one had appeared in their recordings. This was their sixth studio album & the final one with David Lee Roth (not counting his guest appearance on a couple of newly recorded songs). 1984 peaked at #2 on the album charts. There were four singles released from it that made the charts: "Hot for Teacher" (#34 Mainstream Rock, #56 Hot 100), "I'll Wait" (#13 Hot 100), "Jump" (#13 Dance/Club, #1 Hot 100) & "Panama (#13 Hot 100). I know a few people that became totally turned off to the group because Eddie did so much synthesizer work on the album. After all, Eddie is a guitar god, what's he doing playing a synthesizer? Well, it was the eighties & a lot of bands were incorporating synthesizers into their music & drum machines (gasp!) and/or electronic drums. Z Z Top did the same thing in the eighties & sold more records than they had ever sold. It was just a sign of the times. I didn't particularly desire it but it happened. I thought it was good to have an occasional change & an album full of it didn't turn me off. 1984 isn't Van Halen' best album (many will disagree) but it's WAY better than Diver Down! Every band grows & matures, they can't remain stagnant. Look how much the Beatles changed from 1963 to 1970. Van Halen was no different in that regard, sometimes we like the changes, sometimes we don't.
   
   The album opens with "1984", a short synthesizer instrumental that's the intro for the next song, "Jump". "Jump" was written & recorded with MTV in mind. It also gave Diamond Dave a great reason to perform certain stunts on stage while touring. "Jump" is a classic piece of pop blended with Van Halen's rock abilities. "Panama" is a return to form, Eddie playing a driving rhythm on guitar with licks & riffs all over the place. Who doesn't like a song about a fast car? "Top Jimmy" has Eddie playing around with harmonics on guitar but in a league all by himself. It's a fast tempo song that they would do at least one of on most albums. "Drop Dead Legs" has Diamond Dave doing his best male fantasy routine. I love Eddie's lead that closes out the song. "Hot for Teacher" was another song that was written with MTV in mind. Wasn't Waldo a gas in the video? What male couldn't resist the male fantasy of a teacher that hot? "I got my pencil! Give me something to write on!" Diamond Dave's personality is the overwhelming presence in the song. This song, more than almost any other Van Halen song, exudes the party-hearty atmosphere that they were so famous for. It shouldn't have come as a surprise when Diamond Dave departed that he'd be singing about California girls & gigolos. "I don't feel tardy." "I'll Wait" was co-written with Michael McDonald (Doobie Bros., mach II). It was one of the more unique songs in their catalog & one of their best. Eddie proved to be more than adequate on keyboards with this song; his guitar solo is one of his most restrained on any song. "Girl Gone Bad" is the closest thing to filler on the album. Most bands would love to be able to say a song of this quality is the weakest song on the album. But Eddie has a way of elevating the listener's interest when he bursts out with a solo like he does on this one. The final song is "House of Pain" which reminds of some of the songs from Fair Warning. It's a dark, dangerous song that would have fit well on Fair Warning.
   
   1984 was a great closing of the David Lee Roth era of Van Halen. I hated to see him go & never have thought that Sammy Hagar was an adequate replacement. Hagar never had the personality of Diamond Dave &, maybe, that was the whole idea, anyway. How do you replace a Diamond Dave? You can't. I did, kind of, anticipate the new Van Halen with Hagar. I thought it would give Eddie more time with keyboards or fleshing out his leads more (like he really needed to do that, huh?). But the new Van Halen didn't quite take the direction that I thought they would take.



2. In the 80s there wasnt that much good music besides Heavy Metal/Hard Rock and in 1983-1984 everyone was into Michael Jackson Thriller crap, but Van Halen's 1984 is one of the few good albums from that era. Its a really good rock album that anyone should own like the debut 1984 is probaly Van Halen's best album and when Van Halen was huge. Containing the AM/FM radio staple too this day that still gets constant airplay, Jump. But there is many other good songs on here like, Panama, Hot For Teacher, House of Pain, and really every song on the album. Hot for Teacher probaly has the best drumming on any Van Halen song around. 1984 also marked the end of an era the last album recorded with orignal lead singer, David Lee Roth. After 1984 came out Van Halen kind of sold out and there genre changed completly when Sammy Hagar came in. When they recorded 5150 Van Halen were stlll good but they lost that sound they had with David Lee Roth. And then in 1988 OU812 came out and it sucked and still sucks to this day. By the 90s Van Halen or the orignal Van Halen was dead albums like Unawful Carnal Of Knowledge and Balance dont compare too the debut album and 1984. gReat album buy today



3. Van Halen's classic album, filled up with plenty of risky and innovative guitar riffs (signed of course by, what else?, guitar virtuoso and experimental Eddie Van Halen) which defined the essence of hard rock sound during the 80's.
   
   The subtle blend between hard rock and keyboards worked really well, just for this record and its era, keeping in mind the New Wave movement invaded almost everything then. Much more of it would become tedious...
   
   Excellent vocals, amazing guitar riffs and a few hooking songs made this one of the decade's music exponent, still good enough to enjoy almost after thirty years. However, not all of the songs are as catchy as Jump or Panama, so listener may not expect much more beyond that, but not a bad album anyway with more than a half of good songs.
   
   Some drum sounds on a couple cuts eventually reminds Bonzo's on Led Zeppelin IV.
   
   A must in any 80's collection.



4. Giving you the rundown of where I stand, I really enjoyed "Van Halen I" and "Van Halen II." "Women and Children First" was a good record. I did enjoy parts of "Fair Warning." I know a lot of people knocked "Diver Down," but actually, I kind of liked that record. That brings us to the subject at hand. While I don't feel "1984" is quite the record "Van Halen I" is, one could easily argue that "1984" is the closest they came to repeating the magic of "Van Halen I." '1984' is a brief but interesting keyboard piece. 'Jump' is a energetic song that starts the record on a high note. 'Panama' really rocks. 'Top Jimmy' was not my favorite, but I understand it was really popular. 'Drop Dead Legs' had its style. 'Hot For the Teacher' kind of goes against my nature, but I understand it was a major hit. 'I'll Wait' is different with a more relaxed tone, but it is still good. 'Girl Gone Bad' is alright. 'House of Pain' ends the record on a pretty good note. While "Van Halen I" will always be my favorite, "1984" is a really good record and should be in the collection of any Van Halen fan. It is also great to know that Eddie Van Halen and David Lee Roth are FINALLY back together.



5. Doing far more damage than their mega-selling debut, "1984" helped launch the mainstream explosion of the West Coast hair metal assault by proving that smooth pop hooks and synthesizers could be applied for plenty of crossover appeal without losing the so-called "edge" (though most of these bands were about as sharp as a dulled butter knife). By giving license to this sort of exercise in neon-washed mummer acting, this album can take a greater share of the blame than nearly any other.
   
   There's no denying the guilty pleasure appeal of a hit like "Panama," but "Hot For Teacher" is medicore even for a dunderheaded slab of energetic sleaze rock and "Jump" is sabotaged by their new found adoration for the synthesizer (the energetic performance is in stark contrast to the mechanical musical makeup). "I'll Wait" falls somewhere in between, sounding like a cross between "Jump" and their 1991 megahit, "Right Now." The filler between the radio wonders, though, are pretty tame. "Top Jimmy" has a pretty bad vocal performance (and a rather dull punk-ish melody), "Drop Dead Legs" drags where it tries to strut, and the mediocre leftover from their early days, "House of Pain," simply stumbles. Only "Girl Gone Bad" is worth hearing, but by then, you'll probably be too sick of this album to care anymore.
   
   Best cuts: "Panama," "Girl Gone Bad," "I'll Wait"

5 comments about Led Zeppelin.

1. my husband was very satified with this product and it made the perfect father's day gift.



2. This is a very good collection of Led Zeppelin tunes, and the remastering by Jimmy Page highlights the guitars (surprise surprise). An outstanding collection for those who don't want or need the full albums. But beware, Atlantic Records is releasing a new compilation, "Mothership" in November 2007. Overall, this set is much more comprehensive with its four CDs than Mothership's two CDs. Mothership will also be available in an edition with a bonus DVD, but according to news reports that will also just be recycled material from the earlier issued Led Zeppelin DVD. This set, along with the full DVD, is probably better, because you get more Zep. But very casual fans may find "Mothership" adequate.



3. Let me make clear at the outset that this review is NOT intended to be critical of Led Zeppelin as a musical group, and hopefully avoid some terrible comments and negative feedback. I like Led Zeppelin. I have every song they ever recorded. Wonderful band. Unfortunately, no matter how great of a band they are, that can't save this boxed set from being truly awful.
   
   Honestly, I can't begin to understand the inspiration behind this collection. It's four discs of music containing almost - but not quite - everything the band ever recorded, including some off-album tracks that can be harder to get. Certainly, this set collects the majority of the desirable Led Zeppelin tracks, but unfortunately, it also collects a large amount of other detritus that will only be of interest to the dedicated fan and will most likely be skipped over by the casual listener. I don't know what the audience of this boxed set is supposed to be, but the odds are you aren't it.
   
   Aside from being a somewhat scrambled set, this box carefully avoids collecting all of the tracks from even one of Led Zeppelin's original studio albums, no doubt in a ploy to force listeners to purchase another CD or 10. The completist will be dissatisfied with the fact that there are gaping holes in this collection, while the casual fan or an individual just looking for radio hits, in addition to finding a couple of notables missing, will find much, much more material here than he could ever want. For a short while, the Led Zeppelin Boxed Set Volume 2 2-CD set served to complete the box and turn it into a complete collection of studio recordings, but that box has long since gone out of production, forcing anybody who finds that they like the majority of the music on these 4 discs to either lay out for the 10-CD boxed set or buy the CDs individually, and in both cases utterly invalidates their purchase of this set.
   
   I can't recommend this set to anybody. Led Zeppelin is a terrific band - II, IV, Houses of the Holy, and still more are all classic rock recordings - but this boxed set has an audience of exactly nobody. For dedicated fans, I recommend that you go out and get the 10-CD complete recording set, and for casual fans, I would recommend one of the many other 1 and 2 CD greatest hits compilations, or just going straight to the original recordings to get a taste of what the group is all about. This box, however, will ultimately satisfy nobody.



4. I bought both Vol.1&2 Box sets and I really regret doing that, the songs are in no particular order and growing up hearing Zep songs your used to certain songs running together such as "Heartbreaker" into "Living loving maid" or "you shook me" into "dazed and confused" you get none of that classic line up on here. Led Zeppelin were an ALBUM band and their Classic music should be listened to as they intended it to be heard, one album at a time. I plan in the future to buy all of the individual albums.
   I highly recommend anyone else to go that direction also.



5. The order arrived 5 days late, and my emails to inquire about it went unanswered. So when it did arrive, I was a little upset. The packaging of this collection is exactly like that of an old LP collection, and I immediately thought "Oh great, they sent the wrong media!". But it turned out to be right. There are some minor flaws with the CDs (this is not their fault either) in that they play correctly, but iTunes could not convert 3 songs on 2 different discs. To get around the problem, I had to use another program to rip the songs to hard disk, then import them.

5 comments about Leftoverture.

1. Leftoverture starts off with a pure classic but then seems somewhat lacking for the next few tracks only picking up toward the end with the promise of things yet to come. Not as consistent as the real breakthrough down here in Oz - Point of Know Return - but still a must for any Kansas fan's library. Anyway by today's standards it's a breath of much needed fresh air for us old 70s rockers decaying away in middle age. And yes the remastering is very good!!!



2. Maybe the most influential Kansas album ever, Leftoveture, was recommended by my friend. Usually I don't like so much about progressive rock but this album is very good! Although some of the songs are quite long and there is many solos, it isn't boring at all. The songs like "Carry on Wayward Son", "The Wall", and "Cheyenne Anthem" are progressive rock as it best. I even like the vocalist's voice. My friend said that this reminds him of old Genesis, and I cannot argue with that - I have to agree! The keyboard solos are amazing - if you don't believe me - maybe you should hear the song "Magnum Opus" which is almost instrumental.
   Stars: Carry on Warward Son, Cheyenne Anthem, What's on My Mind



3. Kansas bred progressive rockers simply called Kansas' fourth album Leftoverture was released in October of 1976.
   By 1976, Kansas had three albums under their belt. Their 1974 debut which went nowhere (but had memorable songs like Can I Tell You and Lonely Wind), their early 1975 effort Song For America (with the title cut and Down the Road) showed promise and growth but their third album released later in 1975 Masque (with Icarus and The Pinnacle) sold less and Kansas were faced with being dropped from Kirshner Records (a label distributed by CBS Records (now Sony BMG) which was owned by rock impressario Don Kirshner who helped shape the career of The Monkees and launched the TV series Don Kirshner's Rock Concert).
   As a result, singer/keyboard player Steve Walsh, guitarist/keyboard player Kerry Livgren, guitarist Rich Williams, bass player Dave Hope, violinist/vocalist Robbie Steinhardt and drummer Phil Ehart went to Studio in the Country in Louisiana (the studio was so named as it was in the middle of a swamp) to record their fourth album with producer Jeff Glixman. At the time, Walsh suffered writers block so it was up to Livgren to write the material and boy did he deliver.
   We open the album with Kansas' first US Top 20 hit, the rocker "Carry On Wayward Son". The song was composed at the last minute after the rest of the album was written. This was the song that put Kansas on the map and I can see why as it is a guitar and keyboard driven rocker. This song is being played right now on some radio station (in its 1984 remix form but this is the original mix on Leftoverture). Next is the philosophical piece and a great song called "The Wall" which was Livgren's piece about man's place on Earth and where does God play a role. Ironically, Livgren plus Hope would become Born-Again Christians in 1979. Next is another great rocker called "What's On My Mind" which is just an awesome song and why Livgren was not ever picked to be one of rock's greatest axe slingers aside WIlliams remains a mystery. The album's first side ended with the epic "Miracles Out Of Nowhere". This epic has Walsh and Steinhardt on lead vocals and reminds me of Yes, ELP, Genesis and Pink Floyd musically with its changes in dynamics, tempo changes and so forth, especially the end where it goes fast then ends with violin, organ, tympani and the inevitable gong.
   The album's second half starts with "Opus Insert" which is another great piece. It goes from fast to slow then to a carousel organ-type middle section with synthesizers before going back to the music for verse and chorus then has a reprise of the intro and the bridge to end this song. Next is another great piece called "Questions Of My Childhood" which is driven by synthesizers and acoustic guitars and is a great song. Next is my second favorite on the album called "Cheyenne Anthem" which speaks about the fall of the American Indian tribes and the struggles to adapt to change. The music is amazing, acoustic and slow for the verses then goes to a fast middle section with synthesizers, organs, drums and violins. Then back to acoustic intro before ending with full band. Awesome song! We close the album with the fittingly titled "Magnum Opus" which is an eight and a half minute epic. The first 2:30 is nice and relaxing, especially the Howling at the Moon part but then we go all throttle fast for a few minutes before slowing down then speed up again before ending in a majestic way. Shame musicians can't play like this anymore.
   Leftoverture was the album that made Kansas a household name and reached #5 on the Billboard album chart and sold four million copies in the US alone and made them the top American progressive rock band out there.
   The album was re-released as a remastered CD for its 25th Anniversary in May of 2001 and sounds amazing. Also, it has extra songs which were a spirited live version of Carry On Wayward Son which buries the Two For The Show version by a longshot. Next is an awesome version of the epic Cheyenne Anthem from December, 1977 and rivals its studio counterpart.
   Leftoverture still sounds competent and fresh today and has aged better than any disco trash record.
   RECOMMENDED!



4. KANSAS - Leftoverture (1976) (*****) 10 tracks - (55:23)
   
   Leftoverture, KANSAS's fourth album, released in 1976, is almost universally accepted as a Classic Rock Masterpiece, just as it's full 5-star rating shows! It is also considered the band's top progressive album, just above Song For America. Although there are not as many epic-length songs, the ones presented are highly arranged and orchestrated. Kerry Livgren (guitar/keyboards) wrote many of the songs on his own, a few more with Steve Walsh (vocals/ keyboards), and collaborated with the whole band on Magnum Opus. In fact Livgren was on quite a roll during the recording sessions for Leftoverture.
   
   The album was the band's most successful effort up to that point, and kind of took them by surprise when it moved into the top five on the album charts. The band soon went from an "opening act" to their first headlining tour. Much of the bands success came on the heels of Carry On Wayward Son, which peaked at #11 and eventually became an FM Rock radio staple. It is easily one of my personal favorite songs of all time. Whenever someone tries to pick my brain on music trivia and eventually asks me what I think is the greatest rock song of all time; I'm quick to say, "Kansas - Carry On Wayward Son". It's got everything a good rock song needs: Great vocals, a punchy drum beat, good keyboards, and searing guitars all wrapped into one.
   
   There is simply not a weak song on the whole album. Start to finish, it just keeps on delivering. From great Rock, to progressive masterpieces like Miracles Out of Nowhere, Cheyenne Anthem, and the epic-length Magnum Opus. If you don't own any KANSAS albums, this is definitely a good place to start.
   
   ***** Highly Recommended *****
   
   This 2001 EPIC/Legacy remaster has two added bonus tracks. Carry On Wayward Son and Cheyenne Anthem "Live", both previously unreleased. These are nice additions to the original album that can one day be merged into a complete 2-disc set of Live Kansas when Two For The Show is eventually remastered.
   
   Best Tracks: They're All Good!



5. Along with Masque, I believe Leftoverture to be Kansas' finest work. This compilation offers a wide variety of soundscapes and textures. If you like lush keyboards, wonderful vocal harmonies, busy-yet-tight bass lines, drumming that is technical, yet not-overdone, finely-played violin, and the vocal talents of not one but three, you cannot go wrong by purchasing Leftoverture. Those of you in your forties and fifties probably already know this. Those of you who are quite a bit younger, trust me, please.

5 comments about Hold Your Fire.

1. The CD arrived in immaculate condition. One of Rush's more ambitious albums but still good none the less.



2. This is a great album. The lyrics are phenomenal (as usual). It is probably their most under-rated.



3. Let's just say this Album is far to underated and deserved more then merely becoming a Gold Recored. This may be the most synth-driven collection of songs in Rush's Repitore but it is still very entertaining & complex music.
   
   Force Ten- The opener of the cd start's off with Jack-Hammer drums and a recording of Aimmee mann's Laughter. ***** rating
   
   Time Stand Still- The only true hit off of the Cd that featured Aimmee on backup vocals. The song is catchy and leaves a soul with a positive vibe while listening. **** rating
   
   Open Secerts- Now this song is what a music critic would call an underated gem. The Track is very rich with sound and it has lot emotion too it especially in the guitar solo. ***** rating
   
   Second Nature- "Folks are basically decent as conventional wisdow would say" The lyrics are the most powerul ingreadient of this layed back song and the music is not the most memorable, yet nonetheless it still worth giving a chance. **** rating
   
   Prime Mover- " The Point of the journey is not to arrive anything can happen". Very motivating song and it features one of Geddy Lee's busiest and ear capturing basslines". Deserves a five star rating *****
   
   Lock & Key- This song is what call a forgotten hit it hit the charts but is rarely mentioned in the twenty years after it's release. I'll might mention that it would have to neil's finest drumming on the record listen to outro of the song and the listener will see what I mean.
   
   ***** rating.
   
   Mission- "Hold Your Fire keep it burning bright hold the flame til the dream ignites spirit with a vision is dream with a mission". Another insirational song that was played live this year on the 2007 "Snakes & Arrows Tour. ***** rating
   
   Turn the Page- Wow what a lively song with a bit of a slower pace than Force Ten. The song was played on the Hold your fire Tour. ***** ratings
   
   Tai Shan- The shortest song on the CD and probably the most difficult to appreciate. Nonetheless it is still very unique and its amazing how much you feel like you are in China while listening. *** rating
   
   High Water- A song that is takes repeated listening but can be rewarding if given a chance. Makes you feel like you are swimming in an ocean.
   ***
   
   I must say that this recording has been put in my CD player more than any other Rush album for good reason.



4. There are a few memorable tracks here, including "Time Stood Still," and "Mission," but this album suffers from weak melodies and dated production.
   
   Nobody plays the drums better than Peart, but his over-reliance on electronic drums, coupled with Geddy's overuse of the synthesizer on too many tracks, date this record immediately. Unfortunately, the guitar is too often buried in the background as a result.
   
   What you are left with is a record that screams 1987, and it shows. I'll take Grace Under Pressure over this one every time.



5. Canadian power trio Rush released its 14th album Hold Your Fire in September of 1987.
   The album was the end of their third phase and their last studio for Mercury before the band left amicably for Atlantic Records as the relationship with Mercury had run its course.
   This album was the start of Rush slowly doing away with the synthesizers that dominated the last four studio efforts. Also, this was the last album the band would co-produce with Peter Collins until 1993's Counterparts.
   I did not hear this album until Christmas of 1990 when my father bought me this on cassette. I got the remastered CD in 1997 (superbly done by Bob Ludwig) and it is stunning.
   The album kicks off with the rocking "Force Ten" which was a huge hit on rock radio. The mammoth hit "Time Stand Still" follows and features 'Til Tuesday bass player/vocalist Aimee Mann singing backing vocals as she does on Tai Shan. Bass player/singer/keyboard player Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson and drummer Neil Peart just play like men possessed and on fire on this album.
   Other standouts include "Lock and Key", "Mission", "Open Secrets" and the closing "High Water". The other tracks "Second Nature", "Prime Mover", "Mission" and "Turn the Page" are all great songs yet people either ignored them or just disliked them.
   Despite a #12 placing and Gold sales, this album was considered a failure both creatively and commercially as it was overlooked at a time of bad hair metal like Bon Jovi and Cinderella permiating the music scene but still sounds better than many of the albums of the time twenty years down the road.
   Hold Your Fire is highly recommended!