4 comments about Live in Japan.

1. This is, quite simply, a live album from a great group who were at the pinnacle of their career. Other than the later release of Neverland, their best material is found in their first five albums (Dawn Patrol, Midnight Madness, 7 Wishes, Big Life, Man In Motion). There are some great songs that aren't on here, such as Sing Me Away, Eddie's Comin' Out Tonight, and Sentimental Street, but this is still a great live album full of great songs, so I recommend it. If you like any of their songs from the 80's, you should get Live In Japan.



2. LIVE IN JAPAN is a great live album from the 80s, and a refreshing change of pace for those who think that Night Ranger could only cut it in the studio. The album basically sounds like a copy of their studio records with an audience dubbed in, but there are intros and stuff that distinguish these versions from the better-known studio versions. Overall, this is a worthy addition to your Night Ranger library.



3. Anyone who has every seen Night Ranger in concert can testify that they are a great live band, and this CD shows it! Recorded in 1988, "Live in Japan" has highlights from Night Ranger's first 5 albums. There are some great hard rockers on this CD like "Don't Tell Me You Love Me" and "Rock in America", but my favorite songs are the acoustic set in the middle of the album -- "Let Him Run", "Goodbye", and "Reason to Be". These songs show the band members at their best, both vocally and instrumentally. Overall, this CD is a great sample of a Night Ranger concert, with great musicianship from beginning to end!



4. I am a fan of live albums and this is one of the best. This recording packages an energetic sound when the band was at its peak. The way the music flows and the way the boys work the crowd make you feel you're in the audience (especially if you are listening on headphones). The only drawback is that some key Night Ranger songs are missing (sing me away especially) and that only the first half of Let Him Run is performed. There are several songs on the album that I can't place from any NR album but these are pleasant surprises, Dont Stop Thinking, especially rocks.

5 comments about London Live '68.

1. This is one of the first ever live recordings of Fleetwood Mac, back when they were mainly the blues, along with Cream, Alexis Korner, early Black Sabbath, and John Mayall (Mac is basically a Bluesbreakers spinoff). It was a different animal from the lineup you can now hear on the oldies station. This album is mainly blues covers, including one of Elmore James, an early influence on Peter Green. Some of these were never done in the studio by the band, so this is one for the hardcore fans.
   The sound quality is not all that great, like the others said, but this was forty years ago, and they also probably didn't have a large budget for what would be hi-tech for that day. Maybe this was recorded for release but maybe Blue Horizon didn't think they were ready for their own live release (though they shared a couple with other blues acts).
   This album has been reissued a number of times, with different covers and names, and is usually a budget item like this. This is more of a gray area release. It's not a bootleg, yet it's apparently not an official release either approved by the band.



2. This is another Fleetwood Mac live set where the sound is really bad. I'd only get this if you, like me, need to get everything Peter Green recorded. Some nice playing, but it's hard for me to appreciate it, since the recording quality is so distracting. Get the Boston or Shrine sets first! Personally, I thnk the Shrine CD is Green at his absolute best with some super confident playing and singing.



3. I'm the kinda guy who listens to either lots of bootlegs, or compilations of old blues 78's from the 20's and 30's. Thus being the case the sound quality here doesn't really bother me so bad, but it is fairly atrocious. Sounds like it was recorded in the back of the room with a handheld mic and an elcheapo tape recorder, which probably isn't far from the truth. I really dig the fact that these historic recordings are making their way to commercially available CD's, providing a glimpse into a moment of rock and roll history.

   Now for the music. The set starts off with several Jeremy Spencer-led tunes with him doing his Elmore James inspired vocals and slide guitar work. His work seems to be an acquired taste as some folks find him hard to take after a couple tunes. I like it, but I wouldn't want to hear a whole album of it. Peter Green, on the other hand, is ON FIRE! His vocals are passionate, and his guitar work, although it's obviously B.B.King influenced, is just amazing here. This has been the album that I play for my guitar students when I want to give them an example of using space while soloing, instead of a million notes all over the place. Peter Green is a master at this kind of phrasing.

   I've seen Peter recently, and while his playing doesn't have nowhere near the fire of the old days, he's doing well and it's great to see him back out and trying.




4. This is among the best of Peter's live playing, in my opinion. All five of them rock, plus Peter's vocals are louder and harsher than usual. The sound quality isn't the best but on "Don't know which way to go" he's on fire.



5. This is among the best of Peter's live playing, in my opinion. All five of them rock, plus Peter's vocals are louder and harsher than usual. The sound quality isn't the best but on "Don't know which way to go" he's on fire.

No comments about Stage.

5 comments about Yesterday & Today.

1. Styx was at their peak in the 1970s and early 1980s. Their music was simply incredible. From Dennis DeYoung's roaring keyboards and powerful vocals to Tommy Shaw's great guitar lines and vocals, they were really popular back in the day.
   
   This CD, however, isn't what you may think it is. Previous reviewers have pointed out that the 'Yesterday' songs were recorded live pretty recently. Yeah, the versions are pretty good, but it's not one of their best efforts.
   
   The studio tracks are the 'Now' years. The highlight, to me is 'Best New Face,' a nice pop-rock track with the old Styx style mixed with sort of the modern day sound.
   
   So, if you like Styx and are a big fan, than add this to your collection. If your starting out, '20th Century Masters,' 'Greatest Hits,' or RCA's early years collection 'The Best of Styx' are all great starting places. This isn't the best place to start. But, it's enjoyable, nonetheless.



2. It could've been a lot worse i'll tell you that right now they could've used a couple more songs but that's why I'm not in the band. These guys really are aloud to do whatever they want. They are he greatest band of all-time. 5 consecutive multi-platinum albums. Top Ten Hits in the 70s, 80s, 90s, and 2000's. I think they were just trying to help promote Lawrence Gowan when they put this together. He does do a good job but he definetly isn't no Dennis DeYoung.



3. OK, I do admit, I wouldn't actually buy this album for myself, since I have the three that structure it, but it's not that bad. Like any other compilation in the world, this is not built up for the big time fan. Think about it, would you give a Led Zeppelin box set a bad rating because you have half of it on vinyl? No, this is an album more fore somebody who's heard Styx, or doesn't have "Return to Paradise", "Brave New World", or "Arch Allies" anyway. Jeez, people need to lighten up.



4. First of all, this cd has one glaring misrepresentation; saying that the songs were recorded live. Only "The Grand Illusion", "Edge of the Century", and "Fooling Yourself" are "live" tracks. The remaining songs are studio versions. Tommy Shaw sings all of the songs except for Lawrence Gowan's version of "The Grand Illusion", while Glenn Burtnik sings "Edge of the Century" (at least he actually wrote that song himself). James Young has no songs on the disc.
   
   Styx has been in a state of steady decline since Dennis DeYoung left the group in 1999. Lawrence Gowan is no match for Dennis, as evidenced by is weak performance on "Grand Illusion". Tommy Shaw still manages to hold his own, and this disc even includes one of my favorite Shaw songs; "On My Way". "Fooling Yourself", a Shaw staple, is included as well, and it always sounds good with Shaw's melodic 12-string acoustic playing in the background.
   
   The rest of the disc is mainly filler material from the "Brave New World" cd. This disc is ok, but be wary of the "recorded live" tag line on the cover.



5. The powers to be at this label, BMG, are trying to take your money, by fooling you again, into thinking that this is a "new" STYX cd. Just like they did before,on EXTENED VERSIONS, BMG has lied about this cd, saying recorded live. Some songs are, but they are taken form the STYX/REO live cd ARCH ALLIES, released a year earlier. Rest of the songs are studio versions, that all ready appear on RETURN TO PARADISE, and BRAVE NEW WORLD. So if already own these three cds, you are simply adding to you collection as a STYX fan, or wasting your money, thinking your getting something different.
   But as far as the songs go, Glenn's Edge of the Century and Dennis' The Grand Illusion, as song by Lawarence, are the only non Tommy songs. JY has no songs on this cd. Hopefully, Tommy will remember that STYX is a group effort, not just one person, after all, wasn't that what he and Dennis were into it about?

1 comments about Vesikansi.

1. Once again these wide eyed Finnish forest freaks crawl out from under their mossy stones, from inside their firelit caves, out of their huts made of pine needles and sticks and twigs, set up around a campfire, under a full moon, dressed only in fur and animal bones, and conjure up the woodland spirits with their tribal free folk juju. Okay, so maybe it's actually just a bunch of music nerds like you or me with killer record collections and a bunch of old amps and guitars, but to me, it sure sounds like the glorious din these folks whip up could only be the product of some drug fueled ancient forest ritual.
   
   Which is precisely why I love Avarus and their Finnish underground rock brethren (and sistren!). The music they make sound not of this world. And I don't mean "Oh Finland's like a whole other world!" I mean, space, or an alternate dimension or even that huge hollow area at the center of the earth. The music of Avarus is that unique and that strange, exactly what I picture one might hear, stepping off of an interstellar transport, realizing for the first time that the atmosphere is breathable, and the vegetation is strangely lush and very Earth-like, that sound, "like music?" that lures us and our team deep into the alien forest. Or in the heart of South America, at an archaeological dig, strange markings on the rocks I've been unearthing from the very lowest levels of the lost temple, finally there's some sort of portal, a huge iron door, and... wait, is that... music? But what is it? It's like nothing I've ever heard, those sound like guitars, and voices, but so... strange....
   
   For those of you who need more musical references, imagine a little Dead C, a little No Neck Blues Band, some Sunburned Hand Of The Man, Faust, Can, The Wickerman, all sorts of tribal musics, Parson Sound, Tower Recordings, Taj Mahal Travellers, even fellow countrymen Circle, Keukhot, Uton, Tivol and of course lots of drugs and lots and lots of space. This newest Avarus is a bit heavier on the guitar than previous outings, almost like they dug up a couple ancient fuzzboxes and ran their dang whole freaked out jam through 'em. There are lots of creepy krautrock bits, some blown out near noise parts, and lots of fuzzy disembodied psych, gurgling synths, splattery percussion, thick washes of feedback, primitive electronics, and loads of grungey guitar grit, it's all woven together into a crazy perfect psychedelic patchwork.
   
   More crazy random collage artwork, this time no Garfield, but plenty of walruses, a map and an octopus. Half the record was recorded live in Dublin with Tara Burke of Fursaxa as a special guest!

5 comments about E.C. Was Here.

1. Well, back in the day-when this record came out- you were trying to keep your records dust free and watching the tracking weight of the turntable tone arm. And looking for scratches!
   That was the era. Cream, Hendrix, Joplin, Jim Morrison and the Doors, The Beatles (and soon Elvis and Lennon in tragedy) were all gone!
   
   The '70's was a downright bummer trip and a prozac ride, before prozac was invented. The Eagles, came along with Linda Ronstadt and helped us get thru the decade, but with the white powder flooding the country and AIDS around the corner-the landscape was... shaky.
   And so is this album. Edit splices improved the product as usual. Liner notes would have been nice. Eric was then and is today, a legend in his own mind. Incredibly popular and likeable, he can get away with the most horrific behavior by simply turning into his guitar solos, his prayers and the power of his own consciousness. He has a survival guide. Somewhere.
   
   But these are good shows. Not as good as Cream's "Wheels of Fire LP" circa 1967-but our guitar god here is trying his best, re-inventing himself. His life mission it seems is to leave behind the 'success scars of Cream and Blind Faith' and the type casting that comes with it.
   He was still hung up on Layla aka Patty Harrison. And in "Have You Ever Loved A Woman" he yells out: "Did I mention any names?" (after Harrison inspired lyric-- "your very best friend..")
   It is ironic that after George Harrision's death in 2001, Eric would produce and lead the tribute concert: "A Song For George" with all the principal characters, except for Layla -Patty Harrison-Clapton would would not attend the show, and dealt with her own feelings of ending her marriage with George for Eric.
   Well under rated and forgotton is melodic and minimalist bassist Carl Radle who would soon die of a kidney infection from his own heroin use-at the age of 38. The sound was getting sloppy with all the drugs and alcohol, so EC fired everyone... by telegram. Carl was heart broken, strung out and Eric aware of his condition, turned a cold business decision into the kill zone.
   
   Eric was a wildman. Drinking heavily-smoking 3 packs a day. Finally bedding fantasy "Layla" aka Patty Harrison-he goes on tour and immediately has an affair with back-up vocalist Yvonne Elliman. Having learned to play from the heart, he is doing exactly that-but the self abuse is crippling and it will be decades before he actually settles down and finds wisdom. "The road of excess leads to the palace of wisdom," writes poet William Blake and for Eric he will count the costs later. Holy Mother. He's wasted and he can't find his way home. No rest for the Bluesman. Not yet.



2. Missed this CD in my E.C. collection.
   Astonished to hear wellknown numbers in a different way.
   This live performence is pure blues, cool performed.
   Refreshing duet with Yvonne Elliman.



3. I'm 55 yrs young and have enjoyed his music since I can remember. I purchased this LP when it was released and still do not regret it. What a talent and songwriter. Does anyone remember the Yardbirds and so forth ? It is a must for any blues fan ? of course it is . Just sit down , shut up and listen .



4. Flash back to mid-1970's, where record companies began releasing live albums regardless of the quality, a problem that would get worse after the unforeseen success of 'Frampton Comes Alive'. At this time Clapton had covered a reggae song, Bob Marley's "I Shot The Sheriff". Similarly, he had recorded what can best be described as laid-back versions of songs such as Dylan's "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" and the traditional "Swing Low Sweet Chariot". So the powers that be decide that since he is (some would argue "was") first and foremost a blues guitarist, Clapton needed to release a live recording to burnish his blues credentials. So far, so good. Unfortunately the concert that was picked for this release, a 1974 summer stop in Long Beach, California, was very weak. In his autobiography, Clapton himself said that he would have preferred to have played small venues on this tour, which as others have noted was his first tour after 2-3 years of a serious drug addiction, but his management had committed him to an arena tour instead. Clapton's singing voice is weak, in fact I don't understand why others have lauded the inclusion of two Blind Faith songs ("Can't Find My Way Home" and "Presence Of The Lord") on this disc since they are basically sung by Yvonne Elliman. Now don't get me wrong Elliman is a good singer with a fine voice but we're paying for Eric Clapton here, right? Clapton is better on the slow blues numbers such "Driftin' Blues" and "Ramblin' On My Mind". "Further On Up The Road" is also a good song for Clapton's vocal style, but there are three other versions available from 1976-77 (one on the 'Crossroads' box set, another on 'Crossroads 2', and the third on the 2-CD compilation 'Blues') that are all superior to the version on 'E.C. Was Here'. In fact Clapton is in much better form in the late 1974 London leg of this tour and in 1975 -- in hindsight these are the shows that should have originally been released in '75 instead of this disc. If you want to hear Clapton live, 'Just One Night', '24 Nights' or even the live Derek and the Dominoes disc are better choices. There is also a complete concert from December, 1974 on the Deluxe Edition of '461 Ocean Boulevard'. These are all much better alternatives.



5. Even though I read a bunch of reviews before investing in Eric Clapton's 1975 live album, I wasn't sure whether the sound and style would be closer to late 70's Clapton (the softer, more commercialized period of his career) or the heavy bluesy jamming days with Derek and the Dominos (which rules). Turns out the album overall is closer to the early days. Good!
   
   I'm a big fan of Clapton's guitar playing. I think he's able to take a guitar solo and elevate it to a whole other world. He just has that special something that makes his playing unique and adventurous. Thankfully, this album is loaded with plenty of guitar jamming.
   
   The version I have is the one released in 1990. The sound quality, despite not being remastered or anything, is pretty fantastic. By 1975, the sound of live rock music was starting to get better anyway (thanks to recording technology). Not just Clapton, I mean everyone. This is simply a really good live album if you like Clapton's guitar style.
   
   "Have You Ever Loved a Woman" opens the live set. It's a slow, bluesy type song. Normally these kind of songs are boring, but guess what? Clapton's talent for taking guitar solos to extraordinary heights drastically improves what would otherwise be a typical, forgettable song. That's what makes this song probably the best song on the entire album.
   
   "Presence of the Lord" features both the softest AND the hardest moment on the entire disc. What I do mean, you ask? The 2 minute vocals that open the song are really soft and delicately beautiful. And then, BAM, the song turns into a borderline heavy metal jam for a few minutes. It's a surprisingly enjoyable twist.
   
   "Driftin' Blues" will make you drift, alright. It's an 11 minute and 30 second blues jam, for the most part. Yes, I believe all versions of this song are over 11 minutes long (in case you're worried you might be getting the shortened version). I say the song will make you drift because the guitar jams slowly and beautifully catch your attention, similar to the Allman Brothers and their famous jam titled "Dreams". The two songs are sort of alike.
   
   This version of "Can't Find My Way Home" is probably the best one I've ever heard. Clapton doesn't sing the vocals alone- he has a female partner with him (Yvonne Elliman). Together, they not only maintain the spiritual atmosphere of the original, but they might even surpass the old Blind Faith classic.
   
   "Ramblin' On My Mind" and "Further On Up The Road" are more enjoyable blues tunes with excellent guitar soloing scattered neatly throughout each song. They are probably the weakest songs here, but it's not really a problem seeing as how the entire live performance adds up to one great listening experience.
   
   A must own for Clapton fans.

No comments about Extended Versions.

3 comments about Frampton Comes Alive!.

1. the sound is perfect in every detail.better than the 1996 and hdcd remaster on aluminium disc.it was amazing to hear how crisp the sound was.if you dont have it.get it used or new.



2. Perhaps you are Frampton fan who is denying the past. Perhaps you are unwilling to deny the past. In either case, this Original Master Recording by the now out-of-business Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab does rightful justice to one of the most popular and exciting live recordings ever. This particular MFSL release utilzes the company's Ultra Disc II, The Gain System, process of mastering directly from the original master tape and finalizing on a 24-karat gold CD. The resulting gain in fidelity proves very noticable when compared to a standard CD release of the same material. Even if you own other copies, this is the own to own while it is still available.



3. Nobody does it better than this classic live 70's album! The energy and unique style cannot be copied, only admired! If you want to capture the essence of the 1970's music scene this is the one for yoU!

No comments about Somebody to Love & Other Great Hits.

No comments about Live from OSA.