5 comments about Stripped.

1. This is the best "UNPLUGGED", album of the 90's.......Period !!! It is also the best stones cd, since the 80's.....Period !!! I wish it was longer ( ADD BROWN SUGER, HIDE YOUR LOVE -which would be great, because it's a missing gem and a blues song ). Maybe on a remaster ???? Man this album is to good not to add a few more songs ( length is a little short ), and re-sell it again................" I know I would buy 4 of them ". Thanks STONES for the best album of the 90's....." at least with ROCK-in-ROLL ".



2. The only thing wrong with this great listening cd, is it's length. I wish the STONES would have added another old hit ( like "brown sugar" ), and a old blues, hard to find song ( like "hide your love" )........TO THIS VERY WONDERFUL CD. !!! To be truthfull, it's the best of all the unplugged cd's on the market....and frankly the best stones cd of the 90's. THERE REALLY NEEDS TO BE ANOTHER ONE.....just like this- old songs, hit songs, rare songs, blues songs-------------SO LISTEN-UP MICK. "This is some good stuff ". HECK !!! Go to the same places over again and record a SECOUND STRIPPED album.It's worth every dime, I paid for it. Thanks for makeing one of my favorite CD's of my LIFE.



3. The Stones are doing small theaters on the CD, as well as recording rehearsals and just messing around a bit. Since they usually are finely produced, this cd is a little peek behind the curtain. It is great fun.



4. There are interesting facts about the released of stripped:
   - Basically it is an "unpugged album" from the Stones.
   - It was the very first interactive cd.
   
   When I first bought this cd, it was the very first interactive multimedia record ever done (booklet came with instructions, intercative material, etc...also appears the very first Rolling stones site, by 1994 whe the internet was so new, the site shows only merchandise in just a few pages, all those years ago), it is very interesting looking and hearing "hidden tracks".
   Also, during the Voodoo Lounge tour, the Stones perform some "surprise gigs" in some cities.
   In the time of the Unplugged records, this is a testimony of great tracks recorded in a different way we used to hear the Stones.
   
   It is a great album, quite diferent, and of course "Like a Rolling Stones", a classic made a classic.



5. I own three live releases by the Rolling Stones. "Got Live (if you want it)", "Get Your Ya Ya's Out!" and "Stripped". As a musician who has been playing for over 40 years in various bands from reggae to rock to jazz I can tell you that Stripped is a far better set of performances than those on Get Your Ya Ya's Out and, to state the obvious, "Got Live...". For some reason, many people think Ya Ya's is the greatest live record of all time. That's highly debatable - see my "Get Your Ya Ya's Out" review that gives the reader an objective dose of reality (and people, I AM right about Get Your Ya Ya's Out). I'm pleased to tell you that Stripped has far better musicianship and the sound, while preserving that "loose" Stones feel, is much tighter that the performances on Get Your Ya Ya's Out. These guys used THIS release to strut their musicianship and it is excellent. Better than I'd thought, that's for sure.
   
   Most of the tracks on Stripped were recorded in front of a live audience but some are taken from rehearsals. This is basically an "unplugged" release (though there is plenty of electricity). In general, this release has an acoustic flavor to it though it's by no means a couple of guys strummin' guitars with Jagger singing.
   
   Some of the tracks on Stripped are actually better performances than the originals, Shine a Light for example. The version of Street Fighting Man is by far the best live rendition I've heard though no live version will ever remotely even approximate the original from Beggar's Banquet.
   
   In summary, there are no "stinker" tracks on Stripped, they are all very good and some I dare say are truly great (and I don't tend to like the Rolling Stones' live releases)! There's even some friendly word play among the performers between tunes and a humorous false start of "Love in Vain". Stripped is far more entertaining and enjoyable than Ya Ya's in my opinion - regardless of what all those Ya Ya's die hard fans might tell you. Ya Ya's is good but this is much better.

5 comments about Genesis Live: The Way We Walk, Vol. 1 (The Shorts).

1. ONLY COLLINS GETS INTO IT.
   
   As you probably know, there are two CD's released from the We Can't Dance concert tour, We Can't Dance, The Shorts and The Longs. Most of the songs from this tour came from the three previous albums, "Genesis", "Invisible Touch" and "We Can't Dance".
   
   This biggest problem with the CD set is the sound quality. Early CD's tended to have poor sound, but by 1992, when this was released, the sound quality had improved greatly.
   
   The problem with the sound is that it is muted with limited dynamic range. It is poorly mixed with the band sounding deep in the background. The only plus side is that the audience noise is kept to a minimum (although some people like to hear the screaming fans of the music and the whistles in the middle of a solo).
   
   The band does not sound like it is in it, but some of that may be to the poor mix. During the songs on The Shorts, no one in the band breaks out or does anything interesting. I think the studio versions are much better and much more alive than these tracks.
   
   The only one who does break out is Phil Collins. He really gets into a few of the songs. But, unfortunately, he gets little support (or that support is just mixed too far back to be heard).
   
   In the end, this comes out as a poor quality greatest hits CD.
   
   Compare this CD to the other live Genesis CD's, especially Seconds Out. On those CD's the music is alive and vibrant. I have other live tapes of Collins lead Genesis concerts that are sensational. Colins can be very entertaining and charismatic and the band can play some stunning music. None of that comes through on this CD.
   
   This CD might benefit greatly from remastering. Genesis has always had problems with sound quality on their releases. Their early LP's on the Charisma label always had defects and pops. I actually bought these on cassette, hoping for a better listening experience. Of course, there were no crackles and pops, but the sound quality was not up to LP standards. The release of their catalog had all the problems of the 1980's CD releases. The transfer to digital was poorly done and the sound was muted. Now many of them are available in a remastered version.



2. ...is how it reads, but the way it sounds is great. Own it. Love it.



3. Genesis' 18th album entitled The Way We Walk Volume One (The Shorts) was released in November of 1992.
   This live album was recorded on different dates on the band's Invisible Touch and We Can't Dance tours in 1986/87 and 1992 respectively.
   The first of this two-part series of live albums from the height of the band's peak of popularity as a three piece (lead singer/drummer Phil Collins, guitarist/bass player Mike Rutherford and keyboard player Tony Banks (plus help from drummer Chester Thompson and guitarist/bass player Daryl Stuermer in concert)) focuses on the band's hit singles from 1983-1992 and the songs are, in most cases, superior to their studio recording counterparts.
   We begin with a great version of "Land Of Confusion" which was recorded on the WCD tour. Next is an excellent version of "No Son Of Mine" which rivals its studio counterpart. We then follow with an excellent version of "Jesus He Knows Me" which features fiery guitar work from Stuermer and Phil's mocking of the evangelists towards song's end (shame that the full intro where he talked about the shadiness of preachers (and mocking of a few) was deleted). Next, we go back to the Invisible Touch tour for an excellent version of "Throwing It All Away" recorded at Wembley Stadium in 1987. Then we go forwards in time back to the We Can't Dance tour for a great reading of "I Can't Dance".
   We then go back to the Invisible Touch tour for "Mama" which is the same version as on the Wembley DVD. Then we head back to the WCD tour for "Hold On My Heart" which is a great version. The next two tracks come from the Invisible Touch tour. First is "That's All" recorded at Wembley Stadium. Then it's "In Too Deep" recorded in Los Angeles on the Invisible Touch tour (was dropped from the 1987 leg). We close with the medley of "Tonight, Tonight, Tonight" and "Invisible Touch" from the WCD tour which was a great closer before the "Turn It On Again" encore (which was not on either part of this live album series).
   The Way We Walk - The Shorts reached #35 in the US and became the last Genesis album to go Gold in the U.S. of A. (until the Turn It On Again - The Hits collection).
   Recommended for all Genesis fans!



4. This past year, we've seen a lot of reunions from some of Rock and Roll, and the influences that they've made. While most of the hype has been around The Police and the reunion of Sting, Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers, another trio had reunited for the first time in over 15 years, Genesis. With the hype of Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford and Tony Banks coming together, many had wondered if the group could really show that they still had the spark that made them a legacy for decades. While original members Peter Gabriel and Steve Hackett passed on the opportunity, the group showed themselves as a threesome, which was where the group showed their commercial diversity the broadest. That was also shown for what was the last time back in 1992 with this live set.
   
   Live: The Way We Walk - Volume 1 The Shorts, is a single disc compilation of Genesis during their tour for their We Can't Dance album. The songs here on this album don't show as much diversity for hard core fans, but mainly showcases a live set of their big songs from their 80's top of the game. the songs here show well from live performances of Invisible Touch, Throwing It All Away, the somber In Too Deep, as well as the deep and haunting Mama. The songs here were all captured well on the album. Sadly, the album though could've shown a little bit more to appeal to hard core fans. A lot of great tracks were not highlighted during this live record like Abacab, Follow You, Follow Me, Trick Of The Tail and Dutchess, that could've added great diversity, while some other songs like The Lamb Lies Down On broadway and Home By The Sea, were displayed on a second volume which felt a bit shorter to deliver to all fans.
   
   All in all, Live: The Way We Walk - Volume 1 The Shorts isn't as definitive for what should be the best of Genesis live, but deliver a decent group of songs performed nevertheless. While the collection isn't as diverse to appeal to all fans, as was the case with their 2007 Live Over Europe live reunion album, it still has a lot to appeal for those 80's fans of the group. They can sing, but here it isn't the eternal dance.
   
   Album Cover: B
   
   Songs: C+
   
   Price: C
   
   Mastering: B
   
   Overall: C 1/2+



5. This cd contains the "hits" from the band, under Phil Collins era, I have to say that I'm a bit tired of hearing these songs, but also, most of these live versions are "refreshing" to hear in a different version.
   I prefer these versions to the original ones. The sound is pretty good for a live release. That's All folks !

2 comments about Live in Montreux.

1. "Cross This Town" which is really a mistitle of "Crosscut Saw", "Double Trouble" and "All Your Love (I Miss Loving)" feature great interplay between Eric and Otis.

   "I'd Go Home" has Otis Rush as a guest. That may actually be Luther Allison doing that song. However, that is also the wrong title.

   The rest of the cd is decent live Clapton. However if you want better live Clapton get "24 Nights" or "One More Car, One More Rider." Also, the bootleg "Spiritual Home" has the best version of "I Shot the Sheriff" ever done.




2. his live show is a great one! the recoding is good and the play between Otis Rush and Eric is really good!

No comments about Past Times with Good Company.

3 comments about Night Watch.

1. But beware, you can only get the benefits of a HDCD if you have a HDCD capable cd player. Highly recomended!



2. To answer the other reviewer's question - yes, this is a HDCD release. The package material is the same as the American jewel case release (same insert), but the album is in the Japanese gate-fold. This is a cool show, and hopefully more shows can be released from the Crimson vaults (more with Muir!!). Also, hopefully a Jpn LP version of Young Person's Guide to King Crimson can be released.



3. THIS IS A GREAT CONCERT FROM THE WETTON-BRUFORD ERA. CAN ANY BUYER OF THIS 2004 EDITION (AS OPPOSED TO THE 1998 DOMESTIC RELEASE) TELL ME IF THIS IS A HDCD DISC?

5 comments about Alive in America.

1. Although surprises are few, this is an interesting album not only for Dan fans, but for beginners as well. The band is really good, and Donald Fagen's vocals are excellent. Walter Becker? Well, you can actually hear him singing on one song, Book of liars from his solo album. Not bad.
   
   
   
   So, what's the deal with Alive in America? Well, like any live album, it's kind of a greatest hits collection. But this time without quite a few of the expected ones. Among omitted songs are Do it again, Rikki don't lose that number and Doctor Wu, which for many fans rank among the top ten Steely Dan songs. These omissions pave the way for less salient songs to shine, such as Sign in stranger and the magical version of Third world man. It's done somewhat slower than on Gaucho, and Fagen's vocals are more intense.
   
   
   
   in general, though, the songs sound much like the original studio versions. The three concluding albums from the original Dan run dominate, with two songs from Gaucho, three from Aja, and three from The royal scam. These are the most conceptual, held-together albums, and possibly the ones Fagen and Becker are the most satisfied with. So Alive in America could be seen as their own choice of great Steely Dan songs, which differs in several ways from collections like Gold or A decade. This makes the album well worth owning, not only for long-time fans, but definitely for newcomers too.



2. Read the reviews some not so great.They were wrong. Great album. The guitar solo on Peg one of the best.I think even better than Larry Carlton on Kid Charlemane from the Royal Scam album.Also usually not a big drum fan but the drums on the album really nice.



3. This CD captures the skill and talent of Steely Dan and the band members in their mastery of their instruments. Very entertaining to listen to and compare with their studio works. The only reason I gave it a 4 star is not enough songs. They could have added more since it was a compilation of their live performance over a period of time.



4. I was looking around in a used music shop for some Donald Fagan albums a couple of months ago when I happened upon this little gem. Being a devoted Steely Dan fan, I decided to give it a try, and boy am I glad I did. I've now listened to it a number of times and it just gets better every time I hear it. That cool, jazzy sound that is inevitably Steely Dan is wonderfully accomodating for a live album such as this, with subtle variations on old favorites like "Reelin' In The Years", and a delightfully spontaneous drum solo in "Josie". Steely Dan generates a cool energy for this live album, and Walter Becker proves that Fagen is not the only one who can tear the roof off the sucker in his vocal performance of "Book Of Liars", my personal favorite.
   This album is not just for the hardcore Steely Dan listeners. I would recomend it to anyone brand new to the funky, arcanic world of Steely Dan. And for those who already own every album, well, you can never have too much Steely Dan. A welcome new addition to any collection



5. Having listened to the music of Steely Dan for some 30-plus years since their first commercial releases back in the early 1970's; I found the numerous reviews of the "Alive In America" CD most interesting as fans express their reactions(both 'pro' and 'con')to live versions of some of the songs presented during their 'reunion' tour that began in 1993 and extended into 1994. I never had the opportunity to meet up with them during my years of working in the music industry; but having listened to and read numerous interviews they've acquiesced to over the years; I found their personal observations from one particular magazine interview that 'previewed' that 1993/94 reunion tour most fascinating and quite insightful; especially in comparison with reviews of this post-tour CD which documents some of the 'highlights' of their first live outing in almost 19 years. Although Steely Dan began as an actual band built around the musical compositions of Walter Becker & Donald Fagen; it wasn't until they became fed up with the grind of live touring and performing that they finally settled into their most creative musical period and produced what critics(and fans)consider the pinnacle of their work. Before they decided to once again take their show 'on the road' the obvious questions were put to them: 1)Why tour now after so long a lapse? Their true answer: Because live touring finally had become sophisticated enough so as to actually make it enjoyable instead of a torturous ordeal. 2)Is this really a reunion of sorts? The answer: Not really. The tour was conceived to coincide with Donald Fagen's second solo album 'Kamakiriad'; produced by Becker and released early in 1993. But manager Irv Azoff convinced them it could be promoted a lot better as 'An Evening With Steely Dan'. 3)Who were the players going to be(since Steely Dan pretty much ceased to be a band after the 'Pretzel Logic' release)? Their answer: Basically; who was available - that we could get, on such short notice(Dennis Chambers was one of their first considerations for the drummer's chair at the outset but he was already committed that year to a Brecker Brothers tour if I remember correctly - they were able to get him in '94). But Peter Erskine's name came up and it just so happened that he wasn't already booked with anyone for that year. Plus Warren Bernhardt(piano/keys)had worked with Erskine in Steps Ahead so they were already tight musically. And they had Drew Zingg from the NYR&S Review; who pulled off an amazing feat - recreating the sound and 'feel' of Larry Carlton & Steve Khan's studio work on the live stage! Then, for me; the crowning touch was Bill Ware on vibes and percussion; adding the 'spice' they got from the late Victor Feldman in the studio! So that '93 tour group was without a doubt the best of all the packages they were able to assemble through the years. I saw their live shows - in '93(along with my wife); with my brother in '94; plus the '96, 2000 & 2006 shows that all featured different lineups of players(I made crib notes on each gig). I also was handed a bootleg of one of the tour nights from 1993 that has nearly the entire show on it(boy, what a deal,eh?)! As far as the song selections that went on the final CD; it essentially came down to their favorite choices from everything that was available to pick from. I was told by a buddy of mine who knew one of the road crew members that Roger Nichols recorded virtually every night and that the musical arrangements for certain songs were actually modified as the tour continued. So, they were progressively tightening things up musically, as they went along. On some of the earliest dates; particularly with the '93 tour there were some serious flubs by Fagen and Becker as well as other players(you'll hear them on the bootlegs)and that's the reason why certain tunes didn't make it to the final CD. The live version of 'Aja' that closes the 'album' out was taken from the second night of two dates they played at Irvine, California in 1994 - the show my brother and I attended together(we're unofficially on the 'record'- in the 'applause' during the turnaround section - screaming - before they go back to the 'top' of the arrangement)! But actually, they opened that show(surprising almost everyone)performing 'Aja' right after the warmup instrumental overture, which contained snippetts from "Here At The Western World"(which I thought was kind of appropos for the Cali shows)! The previous night though; I was told; they did close with 'Aja' - but they sounded a little 'flat'. So they likely chose to move it up to the front on the next night - while they were fresh. And my brother and I both agreed - they were 'on' it that night! Given their penchant for perfection in times past - should we have expected anything different here? And as far as fans reactions to their live presentations of their past works - they fully anticipated that there might be some backlash since those studio concoctions are so highly revered and treasured among 'Danheads'. But they felt no real constraint to have to live up to anyones' preconceived notions in their concerts - especially since most of their repertoire had never been performed live anyway prior to that time. So they resolved to take it all in stride and I'm fairly certain they managed to enjoy themselves in the process and to continue laughing together 'all the way to the bank!' And that's "Steely Dan" - you gotta' love 'em!!!

3 comments about Live in NYC - 1975: Red Patent Leather.

1. Red Patent Leather was recorded during the band's final
   phase of their short careers. The songs the band performs were supposed to be on their third album (before drugs and malaise forced Mercury to dump the band). Malcolm McLaren tried to relaunch the band by giving them a new look and attittude. They would come out on stage in red vinyl with a red hammer and sickle flag in the background.
   This backfired due to Americans not getting a joke and it horrified many of their old fans.
   
   The music on the disc is great. Too bad they would never record the music in the studio. After their short stint in New York City, the band hit the road for Florida. That failed as well because the band was back to their old habits. Jerry and Johnny left for good. Soon Arthur woulkd leave as well.
   The Dolls would later reform (with Sylvain and Johansen) but it was never the same. No record deal put and end to them as well. But Johnny and Jerry would find sucess with The Heartbreakers.
   
   Strongly recommended.



2. The New York Dolls: Red Patent Leather

   The New York Dolls' live release, Red Patent Leather, that humbly marked the end of their career (at the time being, at least), is an excellent live album, to be put lightly. For connoisseurs of unblemished sound, you must overlook your pickiness! This is absolutely worth it, even aside from the subdued quality. On tracks such as Pirate Love, the steady flow of Nolan's drums paired with choppy, vibrant piano work from Sylvain makes for an amazing sound. "Pills" is executed almost as flawlessly as a studio song. These are not, however, the only admirable songs on the album, only the ones on the B side (believe me, the A side is just as great), which I have chosen to critique. Teenage News is beautifully performed, and to be followed by the much anticipated Personality Crisis just makes the record all the better. "When I say I'm in luv, you best believe I'm in luv, L-U-V." unexpectedly states Johansen as Looking for a Kiss rumbles to an introduction. To conclude this review, I advise that you pick up this album-FAST.




3. While I had heard of the Dolls prior to experiencing them, I had no idea what I was in for until I checked some of thir CDs out of the library after three people told me that this band changed their entire outlook on music. Upon hearing this CD, I must say that not only am I now listening to it compulsively and struggling to concentrarte on this review as I do so, I also find myself wondering why in the world they are not more widly-known. The music in itself is difficult to describe so I will not attempt to pigeon hole it with any labeling, and instead just say that if you are at all openminded and especially if you call yourself a music lover of any kind, then you must at least try them on for size. My one complaint about this particular recording is that it is a bit muffled and as a result difficult to discern all the nuances present in the music.

5 comments about Raisin' Hell.

1. This CD was rated highly by other Amazon customers and I purchased it based on their recomendations. I was not disapointed. I loved it from the
   first track on! I played it on my car CD player while traveling with a friend, and he immediately remarked that he loved it. He said he had grown up listening to those songs. I now have several Elvin Bishop's CD's
   in my collection and have ordered two more. I can't wait for them to arrive, which should be this week. This is the best of his releases that
   I have listened to so far! Buy this one, you will not be disappointed!



2. This live record does what all good live records should do, it captures an artist at his peak. These live recordings came on the heels of his only big radio hit "Fooled Around And Fell In Love". Bishop took a full strength band on tour that included the "Tower Of Power" horn section, his full band that had been with him for years, great backup singers, and future Jefferson Starship singer Mickey Thomas. The result is a finely tuned live show, and a version of the previously mentioned hit that may be better than the original (Mickey Thomas's voice is phenomenal). Elvin Bishop has a great voice as well and gets highlighted on some of the old favorites. The sound quality is great, and so is this saved moment in time.



3. I've had the good fortune of seeing Elvin Bishop live several times and the man definitely knows how to rock the house. He mixes his own style of Blues with lots of humor. His guitar playing is genuine and influenced by the Chicago Blues style. He has played in great bands like Buffalo Springfield, but he is definitely his own man. I don't care who you are, if you want to feel good, check out Elvin Bishop. His lyrics are funny and he always jokes around with the audience and his band. This live recording demonstrates a lot of that. The only reason I gave this CD a four star is because, as good as it is, I think some of his other CD's like "Ace in the Hole" are my personal favorites. Still, you really can't go wrong. Check it out!



4. Thirty years ago this was one of my favorite albums. A week ago I ordered it from here and it's been in my dashboard ever since. It sounded great then and it sounds excellent now.
   
   There are many highly rated live albums. What sets this apart from all the rest? It's just unabaited joyous FUN from beginning to end.



5. Vintage Elvin. If you're going to own any of his music, this is the one.

1 comments about Live!: Extended Versions.

1. This is a really good, solid live album, guaranteed to warm the heart of any Billy Squier fan. It's undoubtedly a recording from the "Emotions In Motion" tour, with plenty of gems from "Don't Say No" and "Emotions In Motion". The set list for this performance also includes some of his early rarities, like "Rich Kid", "Young Girls", and "You Should Be My Love". Excellent!
   
   I actually prefer this particular live recording to Billy's King Biscuit Flower Hour concert cd. If it stands up to a King Biscuit Flower Hour recording, then you know we're talking about quality.
   
   If you're a fan of live albums and of Billy Squier you can't go wrong with this cd...
   
   Quick note: Don't be misled by the "Extended Versions" label. The "Extended Versions" label is an extensive series of affordable LIVE recordings, NOT remixes or extended versions. If you know that, you're all set. If not, you're going to get a shock...
   
   Lastly: Billy Squier's first solo album, the long out of print "TALE OF THE TAPE" (yes, there was an album before "Don't Say No") has been re-issued on cd at last on the BGO label!! BGO has packaged "Tale of the Tape" & "Don't Say No" together on one cd. Nicely done. Even better considering that up until now used "Tale of the Tape" cds have been ultra rare and commanding prices of up to $100 on ebay. Thank you BGO! Now if only the Piper (Billy's old band before he went solo) albums would be released on cd too...

1 comments about Extended Versions.

1. These guys must have been made for live performances. their album stuff was great, but hearing them rocking out in live concerts on this disc is a whole other animal. they really have the audience in a frenzy on this disc, especially how they involve the audience, and the extended versions of the songs flat out rock in a way the originals well...didnt. The songs sound much more full of life here, and roll with the changes and riding the storm out just completely rock out. all in all, this set of 10 songs is a definite recommendation!
   157 riverside avenue is really catchy too.