Kiss - Hotter Than Hell [Japanese Ed.] (1974)

Year: October 22, 1974 (CD Apr 25, 1986)
Label: Polystar Records (Japan), P33C-20004
Style: Hard Rock, Arena Rock, Glam Rock
Country: New York City, U.S.
Time: 33:23
Format: Flac Tracks 16/44,1 kHz
Size: 196 Mb

01. Got To Choose is a hell of a tune to open the album with for it’s an attitude-infused mid-tempo groove-focus rock masterpiece. No, it isn’t one of KISS’ most popular tunes, but if the infectious melody doesn’t get you, Ace Frehley’s exceptional blues-infused guitar licks will.
02. Parasite is riff heaven and between Ace Frehley’s skilled writing and Gene Simmons’ raw and aggressive vocals, Parasite is not only one of the heavier tunes KISS ever recorded, but it’s one of the greatest rock numbers from the era.
03. Goin' Blind slows the album’s pace with a ballad-focused tune. Simmons knocks the vocals out of the park, but interestingly his vocal presentation differs from what we normally associate with him. The variance reminds me of Steven Tyler’s vocal delivery on Aerosmith’s self-titled debut. It isn’t bad, not by any means, but it is unique.
04. Hotter Than Hell exudes swagger and confidence, driven by gritty, distorted riffs and a stomping rhythm section, but isn’t quite the ideal title track. It works, yes, but it isn’t a standout. Part of my love/hate relationship with the tune is the chosen tempo. While I acknowledge that it was written with Free’s All Right Now in mind, I find it’s a little too slow and would like to have seen it sped up by a few beats per minute.
05. Let Me Go, Rock And Roll is a fast-paced number that embodies the rock and roll spirit of the era with its relentless rhythm and infectious energy. If nothing else, the driving bassline, dynamic guitar solos, and overall mix capture the rawness of KISS’ early, yet compelling, sound.
06. All The Way may be an album-only tune, one that is unknown to many who haven’t listened to the album, but despite being lesser known, All The Way delivers a punchy, straightforward rock feel with an edgy guitar sound that is KISS 101.
07. Watchin' You has an incredible introduction, for the dense layering of guitars and a powerful rhythm section enhance the tune and ensure the intensity of the record is maintained. The musical bed alone is such a standout that Simmons need not have written or recorded lyrics for Watchin’ You could have been instrumental gold, had it been recorded with that intent. It isn’t that the vocals detract from the song, however, it’s that the musical performance is so much stronger than Simmons’ vocal delivery.
08. Mainline shifts the tone as Peter Criss takes over vocal duties for the first time on the album. With a Southern rock influence, the laid-back vibe is a precursor to many of KISS’ most memorable tunes and this is no exception for the chorus and overall upbeat nature of Mainline will stay with you well after the album has played its final note.
09. Comin' Home, while not as heavy as many of the other tracks, does circle back to the band’s melodic roots and in that regard is a hidden gem. It is, unfortunately, one of the most sonically compromised recordings from the album and even though it’s thoroughly enjoyable, it could have been so much more had more spit and polish been applied during the recording and mixing of the song.
10. Strange Ways is an ideal closer with its slow and heavy pace that allows Criss’ vocals to shine. It also features Ace Frehley at his very best, as the band works through the track’s sludgy and psychedelic rhythm, leaving a lasting impression; one that will compel you to play the album again or sit in contemplation of the music that you’ve just heard.
(subjectivesounds.com/musicblog/kiss-hotter-than-hell-album-review)

Album recorded and mixed in the analog domain - AAD. That is, a minimum of digital processing.
A=Analog. D=digital. The first letter stands for how the music was recorded. The second letter for how it was mixed. The third letter stands for the format (all CD's will have D as the last letter).

01. Got To Choose (03:54)
02. Parasite (03:04)
03. Goin' Blind (03:39)
04. Hotter Than Hell (03:31)
05. Let Me Go, Rock 'N' Roll (02:16)
06. All The Way (03:18)
07. Watchin' You (03:45)
08. Mainline (03:52)
09. Comin' Home (02:40)
10. Strange Ways (03:21)

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Jon Lord With The Hoochie Coochie Men - Live In The Basement (2003)

Year: December 9, 2003 (CD 2007)
Label: Edel Entertaiment (Germany), 0186228ERE
Style: Blues Rock, Electric Blues
Country: Leicester, England (9 June 1941 - 16 July 2012)
Time: 39:33
Format: Flac Tracks 16/44,1 kHz
Size: 275 Mb

In 2003 Jon also returned to his beloved R&B and blues heritage to record an album of standards in Sydney, with Australia's Jimmy Barnes, entitled Live in the Basement, by Jon Lord and the Hoochie Coochie Men. Lord was also happy to support the Sam Buxton Sunflower Jam Healing Trust and in September 2006, performed at a star-studded event to support the charity led by Ian Paice's wife, Jacky (twin sister of Lord's wife Vicky). Featured artists on stage with Lord included Paul Weller, Robert Plant, Phil Manzanera, Ian Paice and Bernie Marsden.
(en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jon_Lord#with_The_Hoochie_Coochie_Men)
First years of new Millennium Jon Lord met with his new low-profile band (of old guys, including bassist Bob Daisley) Hoochie Coochie Men. No jokes, they play blues standards, using vintage keyboards, in a traditions of British blues of late 60-s.
From band's name and cover art you can perfectly recognize, what kind of sound you will find inside. Guys play enthusiastic, but extremely simple classic blues tunes, with harmonica, some characteristic Lord's Hammond passages ( too much of cliche) and .... it's all.
Musically there are myriads of blues musicians, playing that music better. Even in rare moments, when band goes to heavier blues rock, the music sounds as played by good suburb pub band. Guest vocalist is terrible though.
(progarchives.com/album.asp?id=29232) Review by snobb. June 2, 2010

01. I Just Want to Make Love to You (04:05)
02. Six Strings Down (03:44)
03. 24-7 Blues (04:36)
04. Dallas (03:45)
05. The Walk (03:21)
06. Strange Brew (03:36)
07. She Whines (04:34)
08. Playin the Blues (03:38)
09. You Need Love (04:14)
10. New Old Lady Blues (03:57)

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The Who - Who's Next (1971)

Year: 2 August 1971 (CD Dec 17, 1984)
Label: MCA Records (US), MCAD-37217, DIDX-152
Style: Classic Rock, Rock, Pop Rock
Country: London, England
Time: 43:13
Format: Flac Tracks 16/44,1 kHz
Size: 269 Mb

Who's Next is the fifth studio album by English rock band the Who. It developed from the aborted Lifehouse project, a multi-media rock opera conceived by the group's guitarist Pete Townshend as a follow-up to the band's 1969 album Tommy. The project was cancelled owing to its complexity and to conflicts with Kit Lambert, the band's manager, but the group salvaged some of the songs, without the connecting story elements, to release as their next album. Eight of the nine songs on Who's Next were from Lifehouse, the lone exception being the John Entwistle-penned "My Wife". Ultimately, the remaining Lifehouse tracks would all be released on other albums throughout the next decade.
The Who recorded Who's Next with assistance from recording engineer Glyn Johns. After producing the song "Won't Get Fooled Again" in the Rolling Stones Mobile Studio, they relocated to Olympic Studios to record and mix most of the album's remaining songs. They made prominent use of synthesizer on the album, particularly on "Won't Get Fooled Again" and "Baba O'Riley", which were both released as singles. The cover photo was shot by Ethan Russell; it made reference to the monolith in the 1968 film 2001: A Space Odyssey, as it featured group members standing by a concrete piling protruding from a slag heap in Easington Colliery, County Durham, apparently having urinated against it.
The album was an immediate success when it was released on 14 August 1971. It has since been viewed by many critics as the Who's best album and one of the greatest albums of all time.
(1001albumsgenerator.com/albums/5MqyhhHbT13zsloD3uHhlQ/whos-next)

Album recorded and mixed in the analog domain - AAD. That is, a minimum of digital processing.
A=Analog. D=digital. The first letter stands for how the music was recorded. The second letter for how it was mixed. The third letter stands for the format (all CD's will have D as the last letter).

01. Baba O'Riley (04:58)
02. Bargain (05:31)
03. Love Ain't For Keepin' (02:10)
04. My Wife (03:33)
05. The Song Is Over (06:15)
06. Gettin' In Tune (04:48)
07. Going Mobile (03:41)
08. Behind Blue Eyes (03:41)
09. Won't Get Fooled Again (08:31)

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Procol Harum - The Well's On Fire (2003)

Year: 4 March 2003 (CD 2003)
Label: Eagle Records (US), ER 20006-2
Style: Progressive Rock, Classic Rock
Country: Southend-on-Sea, Essex, England
Time: 59:08
Format: Flac Tracks 16/44,1 kHz
Size: 399 Mb

The Well's On Fire is a very laid-back record. The band isn't obviously trying to break any new ground here, but the music is good, and gets better with each listen. At this point Procol Harum has long since established its own sound and style, and is definitely sticking to its guns. Gary Brooker sounds as good as ever. It's his voice that really makes this album shine, but that's the case with any Brooker/Procol release for this writer.
Besides Gary's pipes, Matthew Fisher's organ is another great feature. He definitely has a sound that is irreplaceable, and very original. Just try to imagine the basic sound of Whiter Shade Of Pale and you'll know what I mean. Fisher, however, plays very gently, and doesn't abuse his presence on the album. In other words, he appears where he's needed.
Procol Harum's music these days can be considered an adult contemporary, as it has a very peaceful flow. I tend to call it night music. You know, when the lights are dim, you're drinking wine, and listen to something gentle, yet very rhythm-oriented. That's where this album fits in. I wonder how this material will work live. It certainly has a potential to develop into interesting set. On the other hand, Procol Harum has so many great songs to choose from that it will be difficult to knock down the classics in favor of the new songs.
The question is, was this the album everyone was waiting for the last ten years? It's hard to answer that, and you can look at it from both angles. On the positive side, it is a very good music played by a band with definite feel, and great amount of professionalism. And on the negative angle, it doesn't really bring anything new to the band's already established norms. I prefer to stick with the first view, as I thoroughly enjoy this album.
(procolharum.com/phalbum12-vault-rev.htm)

01. An Old English Dream (04:41)
02. Shadow Boxed (03:34)
03. A Robe Of Silk (02:43)
04. The Blink Of An Eye (04:42)
05. The Vip Room (04:55)
06. The Question (05:01)
07. This World Is Rich (05:20)
08. Fellow Travellors (04:47)
09. Wall Street Blues (04:26)
10. The Emperor's New Clothes (04:17)
11. So Far Behind (03:51)
12. Every Dog Will Have His Day (05:20)
13. Weisselklenzenacht (05:24)

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The Rolling Stones - England's Newest Hit Makers [Hybrid SACD] (1964)

Year: 17 April 1964 (CD Oct 21, 2002)
Label: ABKCO Records (Europe), 8822872
Style: Rhythm and Blues, Rock and Roll
Country: London, England
Time: 31:19
Format: Flac Tracks 16/44,1 kHz
Size: 183 Mb

The American edition of the debut LP.
The British version of the Stones' first album has a nearly identical cover to its American equivalent, issued six weeks later, but a slightly different song lineup. Among these 12 songs, absent is "Not Fade Away," which was a hit single in England (where singles and LPs were usually kept separate), and in its place is the Stones' cover of Bo Diddley's "Mona (I Need You Baby)" (credited here as "I Need You Baby"), which had to wait until Rolling Stones Now!, a year later, for its U.S. release. It's not a big switch, a Bo Diddley-style cover of a Buddy Holly song bumping an actual Bo Diddley cover on the U.S. version. Otherwise, the main difference lies in the version of "Tell Me" included here, which sounds about two generations hotter than any edition of the song ever released in the U.S. -- it's the long version, with the break that was cut from the single, but the British LP and the original late-'80s Decca U.K. compact disc (820 047-2) both contain a version without any fade, running the better part of a minute longer than the U.S. release of the song, until the band literally stops playing.
(allmusic.com/album/the-rolling-stones-englands-newest-hit-makers-mw0000195499)

01. Not Fade Away (01:48)
02. Route 66 (02:21)
03. I Just Want to Make Love to You (02:18)
04. Honest I Do (02:10)
05. Now I've Got a Witness (02:32)
06. Little by Little (02:40)
07. I'm a King Bee (02:37)
08. Carol (02:34)
09. Tell Me (04:05)
10. Can I Get a Witness (02:56)
11. You Can Make It If You Try (02:02)
12. Walking the Dog (03:09)

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The Rolling Stones - The Rolling Stones [Japanese Ed.] (1964)

Year: 17 April 1964 (CD Apr 25, 1989)
Label: London Records (Japan), P25L 25031
Style: Rhythm and Blues, Rock and Roll
Country: London, England
Time: 33:16
Format: Flac Tracks 16/44,1 kHz
Size: 185 Mb

The British edition of the debut LP.
Much is said about comparing The Beatles with The Rolling Stones, even hinting at a certain rivalry between the two bands. “Yesterday”, during a very interesting conversation, we concluded that comparing The Beatles to The Stones is like comparing apples to oranges. While one focused on creating the foundations for Pop, the other aimed to design a rebellious sound, both rooted in Rock.
The reality of this matter (at least in the beginning) is that The Beatles themselves propelled The Stones to fame, especially George Harrison, who persuaded Decca Records to sign them... and that’s exactly what happened. It is even said that The Beatles frequented the ‘Crawdaddy Club’ in Richmond, London, to watch The Stones, where they gained a significant fan base.
In 1964, The Rolling Stones debuted with their eponymous album, featuring 12 songs, of which only one is original, ‘Tell Me (You’re Coming Back)’, composed by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.
We can hear a sound inspired by R&B and, of course, Rock & Roll. Practically, it is a cover album. However, The Rolling Stones refreshed all these songs and added that touch of rebellion that the generation needed to break conventional music and societal stereotypes.
Mick Jagger’s voice became the band’s hallmark from this album. Despite not possessing vocal virtuosity, he proposed something entirely different that would serve as a strong foundation for Rock in general, with a message of ‘You don’t have to be perfect to be in a band’. This influence, especially for Punk, was tremendous, as can be heard on albums like “Never Mind The Bollocks” (1977) by Sex Pistols.
The album was recorded in an express manner, in just 5 days! Consequently, it’s not perfect, which gives it a nostalgic sound and provides context regarding the technology of the time. Speaking of production, it contributes to the album sounding “heavy” for its era, maintaining the distortion peaks that are sometimes heard in the vocals.
It’s not just about Keith Richards‘ and Brian Jones‘ guitars, Bill Wyman‘s bass, and Charlie Watts‘ drums. Mick Jagger himself played the harmonica, and we can even hear a completely instrumental track, “Now I’ve Got A Witness”, where Ian Stewart played the organ. Stewart was part of the band but unofficially, as the band’s manager did not see him fit as a permanent member due to his marketing conception.
Certainly, the blues is present in songs like “I’m a King Bee”... a white version of the genre that began to hint at something more, a revolution that would soon scare the conservatives and liberate the rebels through art. Yes, we are talking about the official birth of Rock, with an audience that would gradually demand more.
And yes, dancing in Rock has always been, in one way or another, essential, the need to move the body and release that beautiful energy caused by our dopamine... The Rolling Stones add variety to the album with tracks like “Carol” or “Can I Get a Witness”, songs designed for fast and uncomplicated Rock N’ Roll dancing, with a very good display of guitars between Richards and Jones.
It’s impressive how, after so many years, we have the opportunity to listen to such an important part of music history. This album is entirely groundbreaking; it represents the desire of five individuals to leave a mark on the world, to do things differently, and at the same time, serve. They set an example, as their song “You Can Make It If You Try” says... that nobody can limit you. You can do anything you want as long as you manifest it and work on it.
(therockreview.net/the-rolling-stones-the-rolling-stones-eng/)

01. Route 66 (02:22)
02. I Just Want To Make Love To You (02:19)
03. Honest I Do (02:11)
04. Mona (I Need You Baby) (03:36)
05. Now I've Got A Witness (02:31)
06. Little By Little (02:41)
07. I'm King Bee (02:37)
08. Carol (02:36)
09. Tell Me (04:08)
10. Can I Get A Witness (02:58)
11. You Can Make It If You Try (02:03)
12. Walking The Dog (03:10)

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Livin' Blues - Ram Jam Josey (1973)

Year: 1973 (CD 1997)

Label: Pseudonym Records (Europe), CDP 1042 DD

Style: Blues Rock, Rock

Country: Netherlands

Time: 50:27

Format: Flac Tracks 16/44,1 kHz

Size: 269 Mb

Livin’ Blues was one of the best Dutch blues bands. Many people think the band's name came from the American magazine called Living Blues, but that wasn't established until 1970. Former members of the band claim it was based on the name of an American theatre group called Living Theatre.
They evolved in 1967 from Andy Star & the Stripes with Ted Oberg (g) and Ruud Franssen (b) and then added Bjorn Pool (v) and Niek Dijkhuis (d). In 1968, they took on board the blues duo Indiscrimination with John Lagrand (blues harp) and Nicko Christiansen (v, s), the latter replacing Pool. During the same year, Gerard Strotbaum replaced Franssen and Cesar Zuiderwijk (ex-Hu & the Hilltops, to Golden Earring) came in on drums. The band started getting more and more attention, resulting in a record contract with the mighty Phonogram (who distributed labels like Decca and Philips). They opened a show for Fleetwood Mac during a small winter tour of 1969.
After they had recorded two unsuccessful singles, Strotbaum was replaced by Henk Smitskamp (ex-Motions, to Sandy Coast). The line-up of Oberg, Lagrand, Christiansen, Zuiderwijk and Smitskamp recorded the highly acclaimed album, "Hell’s Session" in 1969, the first production of former Golden Earrings drummer Jaap Eggermont (later world-famous through his Stars On 45 productions), for a new label, Red Bullet (owned by Willem van Kooten a.k.a. DJ Joost den Draaijer).
In 1970, Smitskamp was replaced by Ruud van Buuren (ex-Groep 1850, to Long Tall Ernie & the Shakers). When Zuiderwijk joined Golden Earring, Dick Beekman (ex-Cuby + Blizzards and Ro-d-ys) was next in the long line of drummers to join the band. Livin’ Blues seemed to change drummers on a yearly basis. After "Wang Dang Doodle" became an international hit, the band started touring Europe, one highlight being their appearance at the Palermo Pop Festival in Sicily. Then John Le Jeune (ex-Island) took over the drum stool, but he also lasted for just one album. The band had another international hit with "LB Boogie" and made their first visit to Poland, where they'd become one of the most successful bands ever.
Le Jeune left for the Schick Band and was replaced by Arjan Kamminga, who was forced to quit not long after the release of "Rockin’ At The Tweedmill" (recorded in England and produced by Mike Vernon) due to back problems. He would later resurface in Mark Foggo & Secret Meeting. In 1973, Englishman Kenny Lamb became the last drummer of the first era of Livin’ Blues. The album "Ram Jam Josey" was again produced by Mike Vernon who'd also recommended Lamb (ex-Jellybread, a British blues band recording for Vernon's Blue Horizon label).
In 1974, “Mark I” Livin’ Blues fell apart. John Lagrand joined Water, Nicko Cristiansen formed Himalaya, Kenny Lamb returned to England and Ruud van Buuren joined Long Tall Ernie & the Shakers. Ted Oberg had to continue with Livin’ Blues because their manager (Ted's mother!) had signed new contracts with Ariola and Grandad Music. John Fredriksz (ex-George Cash and Q’65, the singer who always seemed to come in when a band's heyday was over) became the new vocalist. They also took on board Paul Vink (kb, ex-Finch, to Limousine), but he only lasted a few months. The line-up was completed by the returning Henk Smitskamp (b, from Shocking Blue), Ronnie Meyjes (g, ex-Brainbox) and Michel Driesten (d) and had a disco hit with "Boogie Woogie Woman", a far cry from the earlier blues-rock sound. By the time the album "Live ’75" was recorded, Meyes and Driesten had disappeared and Cor van de Beek (also from Shocking Blue) was the drummer.
The 1976 line-up was: Ted, Johnny, Andre Reynen (bass, ex-Sympathy and Brainbox) and Jacob van Heiningen (drums, ex-Galaxis, replaced by Ed Molenwijk, ex-Dizzy Daisy, to Casino). In spite of the internationally successful album, "Blue Breeze" (1977), the band were without a recording contract by 1978. Jan Piet Visser (h, ex-Houseband) joined in 1979, but a year after that the core of "Mark I" Livin’ Blues reunited for the 1980 Haagse Beatnach: Oberg, Lagrand and Christiansen were joined by Evert Willemstijn (b) and Boris (Bo, Beau) Wassenbergh (dr, ex¬Cashmere, to The Zoo). That line-up started touring again, but due to the lack of interest in the blues music, Livin’ Blues slowly ground to a halt in the first half of the 1980s. In the meantime, Johnny Frederiksz, Andre Reynen and Jan Piet Visser formed Nitehawk. When that band also turned out to be unsuccessful, Ted Oberg formed the J&T Band (Johnny & Ted) with Frederiksz, adding ex-Finch members Peter Vink (b) and Fred van Vloten (d).
In 1986, John Lagrand and Nicko Christiansen reformed Livin’ Blues and, for the first time since 1967, Ted Oberg was not present. Other members were: Joop van Nimwegen (g, ex-Q’65 and Finch), Willem van de Wall (g, ex-Himalaya), Aad van Pijlen (b, ex-Freelance Band and Himalaya) and Art Bausch (d, ex-Barrelhouse, ex-Oscar Benton, and founder member of Blue Planet). After one unsuccessful album, "Now", Lagrand left to join the Muskee Gang and Christiansen got a new line-up together. However, the rights to the name Livin’ Blues were owned by Ted Oberg's mother and Christiansen had to call the band New Livin’ Blues. Just like all preceding line-ups, New Livin’ Blues went through many changes, which are impossible to document (mainly due to the lack of press coverage and record releases). On the CD "Out Of The Blue" (1995), the line-up was: Christiansen, Loek van der Knaap (g), Frank Buschman (b) and Elout Smit (d).
In 1996, John Lagrand joined the reformed Cuby + Blizzards and two years later, Nicko Christiansen formed the Nicko C Band, keeping Loek van der Knaap on board. In 1998, Ted Oberg formed his own band Oberg with Jan Scherpenzeel (v, h), Frank Schaafsma (b) and Ramon Rambeaux (d, ex-Wild Romance, replaced by Ronald Oor, ex-Diesel and I’ve Got The Bullets). At the end of that year, Nicko Christiansen and John Lagrand toured with guitarist Eelco Gelling (ex-Cuby + Blizzards) as Nederblues Summit.
In 2003, Christiansen and Lagrand wanted to start performing again as Livin’ Blues, but Oberg objected. The new band was then named Blues A- Livin’ instead. Oberg reappeared the following year, touring with Simone Roerade (v), Rob Geboers (kb, ex-Flavlum). Marco Oonincx (b, ex- Ana Popovic Band) and drummer Arie Verhaar (ex-Tom Principato and Tino Gonzales), as Grand Slam.
On 30th June, 2005, John Lagrand died at the age of 55 from emphysema. Christiansen continued as The Livin’ Blues Experience with Loek van der Knaap (g), Yaroon Vanniele (bas), Kees van Krugten (d) and Francois Spannenburg (blues harp). In 2009, Livin’ Blues was voted as the "best international blues band" by readers of the Two Blues magazine in Poland. Ted Oberg has called his band Oberg once again, although it is now fronted by female singer Liane Hoogeveen. The other members are: Mick Hup (g, replaced Will Sophie), Nico Heilijgers (b) and Paul Damen (d).
(alexgitlin.com/livin.htm)

01. Dizzy Buizy Bluesman (04:32)
02. I'm Walking (02:50)
03. Ram Jam Josey (03:44)
04. Gamble On (03:15)
05. Poinsetta Petal (04:04)
06. Isabella (03:16)
07. Hobo Joe (04:40)
08. I'm Coming Home (06:41)
09. The Great Grandfather (02:48)
10. Empty Glasses (01:55)
11. Back Stage (Bonus track) (05:43)
12. Crazy Joe (Bonus track) (04:06)
13. Lazy Lisa (Bonus track) (02:47)

Listen. Full Album: Livin' Blues - Ram Jam Josey (1973)



 

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Robert Wyatt (Soft Machine) - Ruth Is Stranger Than Richard (1975)

Year: May 1975 (CD 1998)
Label: Hannibal Records (France), HNCD 1427
Style: Jazz Rock, Avant-garde, Progressive Rock
Country: Lydden, Kent, England (28 January 1945)
Time: 39:11
Format: Flac Tracks 16/44,1 kHz
Size: 220 Mb

The follow-up to Rock Bottom, for which Wyatt had written all of the music and lyrics, Ruth... consisted of Wyatt's adaptations and arrangements of other people's music (either friends – Phil Manzanera, Fred Frith, Mongezi Feza, former Wilde Flowers bandmate Brian Hopper – or influences – Charlie Haden) with Wyatt adding his own lyrics in much the same way as he had done on Matching Mole's Little Red Record. Apart from "Sonia", recorded for the shelved "Yesterday Man" single in October 1974 (again with Nick Mason as producer), the entire album was recorded and mixed at Virgin's The Manor Studio with Wyatt himself handling production duties. Much of the album features Wyatt (on lead vocals and keyboards) backed by a "band" consisting of bassist Bill MacCormick, drummer Laurie Allan and saxophonists George Khan and Gary Windo, with Brian Eno adding his own idiosyncratic "anti-jazz" touch.
Two years earlier Wyatt had provided the hypnotic soundtrack to the experimental film Solar Flares by Arthur Johns. The nine-minute film, "a personal essay on colour effects", had been produced by Nick Mason and recorded at his home studio. Wyatt had been involved at an early stage and his music was central to the project. The music itself would reappear on his 1975 album "in a more 'digestible' form".
(en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_Is_Stranger_Than_Richard)

01. Muddy Mouse (a) (00:49)
02. Solar Flares (05:36)
03. Muddy Mouse (b) (00:50)
04. 5 Black Notes and 1 White Note (05:00)
05. Muddy Mouse (c) (06:15)
06. Soup Song (04:03)
07. Sonia (04:18)
08. Team Spirit (08:33)
09. Song for Che (03:42)

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Benny Anderssons Orkester (ABBA) - Benny Anderssons Orkester (2001)

Year: 28 June 2001 (CD 2001)
Label: Mono Music (Sweden), MMCD 017
Style: Folk Pop, Classical, Jazz, Instrumental
Country: Stockholm, Sweden (16 December 1946)
Time: 47:21
Format: Flac Tracks 16/44,1 kHz
Size: 255 Mb

Charts: SWE #1; Time in weeks: 55; Gold (26 September 2001), Platinum (29 January 2002).
Benny Anderssons orkester, a folk music group founded in 2001 by former ABBA member Benny Andersson, follows the style of Andersson's two solo albums from the 1980s, Klinga mina klockor and November 1989. The album combines traditional Swedish folk music with classical, pop und jazz influences. Out of the 14 tracks on the album, 12 are instrumentals and two ("Var sista dans" and "Latt som en sommarfjaril") feature vocals by Helen Sjoholm, who played the role of Kristina in the musical Kristina fran Duvemala, written by Andersson and former ABBA colleague Bjorn Ulvaeus. Ulvaeus is credited on this album as well, writing the lyrics for the two aforementioned tracks. All music is composed by Benny Andersson, who also produced the album.
The album was recorded on two weekends in the spring of 2001 at Atlantis Studios in Stockholm. This studio, formerly known as Metronome Studio, was the location of many recording sessions for ABBA up until 1976. According to Andersson (the "Kapellmastaren", as he calls himself in the booklet), the recording of the album was "live", which means that all the instruments (including Helen Sjoholm's vocals) were recorded at the same time, in one session. Only slight changes were made afterwards, when the album was finally mixed at Andersson's Mono Music Studios.
Various recordings from this album have also been included on film soundtracks. The film Sanger fran andra vaningen by Roy Andersson includes "Sang fran andra vaningen", "Laureen" and "Tosabiten", and the film Nu ar pappa trott igen by Marie-Louise Ekman features "Cirkus finemang" and "P.S.".
The song "Briggens blaogda blonda kapten" is a tribute to Gorel Hanser (the "blue-eyed, blonde captain", as the title puts it), who has worked together with Andersson and ABBA since the 1970s. To this day, she is responsible for the business aspects of many of Andersson's productions. One of the largest, "Briggenteater Produktion", is responsible for Andersson and Ulvaeus's three musical theatre projects Kristina fran Duvemala, Chess and Mamma Mia!.
The album's opening track, "Hardangervidda", is named after the famous Hardangervidda mountain plateau in Norway. Both vocal tracks on the album were later re-recorded with English lyrics.
(en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benny_Anderssons_orkester_(album))

01. Hardangervidda (04:09)
02. Snedseglarn (02:46)
03. Cirkus Finemang (04:19)
04. Var Sista Dans (04:49)
05. Briggens Blaogda Blonda Kapten (03:52)
06. Knasluvan (01:56)
07. Anitas Polska (03:17)
08. Schottis I Tyrolen (02:56)
09. Sang Fran Andra Vaningen (03:46)
10. Lauren (04:28)
11. Tosabiten (03:08)
12. Nya Manvalsen (03:06)
13. Latt Som En Sommarfjaril (03:41)
14. P.S. (01:02)

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Faces (Rod Stewart) - Ooh La La (1973)

Year: March 1973 (CD Sep 14, 1993)
Label: Warner Bros. Records (US), 2665-2
Style: Rock, Rock and Roll
Country: London, England
Time: 30:30
Format: Flac Tracks 16/44,1 kHz
Size: 195 Mb

Ooh La La is the fourth studio album by the English rock band Faces, released in March 1973. It reached number one in the UK Albums Chart in the week of 28 April 1973.
The cover of the album was designed by Jim Ladwig, around a stylised photograph of "Gastone", a stage character of 1920s Italian comedian Ettore Petrolini. The original LP's Art Deco-inspired cover was constructed in such a way that when the top edge of the sleeve was pressed down, a concealed die-cut design element would descend that made Gastone's eyes appear to discolour and move to the side, and his jaw would appear to drop into a leering smile. The back cover also featured art deco-inspired design elements, and detailed song information and album credits alongside tinted individual photographic portraits of the band members. The original gatefold sleeve's inner design depicted a large stylised photomontage of the band in typical 'laddish' pose, admiring the charms of a can-can dancer (referencing the lyric of the title track).
(en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ooh_La_La_(Faces_album))

01. Silicone Grown (03:06)
02. Cindy Incidentally (02:38)
03. Flags And Banners (02:02)
04. My Fault (03:07)
05. Borstal Boys (02:55)
06. Fly In The Ointment (03:50)
07. If I'm On The Late Side (02:38)
08. Glad And Sorry (03:07)
09. Just Another Honky (03:33)
10. Ooh La La (03:30)

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Procol Harum - Broken Barricades [MFSL-CD] (1971)

Year: April 1971 (CD 1987)
Label: Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab (US, Japan, West Germany),  MFCD 846
Style: Progressive Rock, Classic Rock
Country: Southend-on-Sea, Essex, England
Time: 35:10
Format: Flac Tracks 16/44,1 kHz
Size: 200 Mb

And so the evolution of Robin Trower's importance to Procol Harum reaches its peak (and, unfortunately, finale). Apparently the band came to the conclusion that Trower's guitar was indeed the saving grace of Home, so they took the next logical step and based this album almost completely around that particular strength. A good half of the album can easily fall into the hard-rock category, and the tracks that aren't (with one exception) still feature Trower prominently. I can see where, possibly, those who fell in love with the band with Shine on Brightly could be disappointed, as the album, while still more than a bit 'artsy,' gets away from the basic 'group sound' established on that album.
The album does have some tracks that don't quite cut the mustard for me, but not any more than on a typical Procol Harum album, so I'm not particularly bothered. Of these, the title track is a low point – it's uncharacteristically built around an unimpressive synth loop, with nothing great in the vocal melody or lyrics to redeem it (not to mention no guitar work), and at 3:11 it's easily a good minute-and-a-half overlong. I'm also not that fond of Luskus Delph – it wants so much to get by just on 'oh, isn't that pretty,' but aside from the OK vocal melody, there's simply too little substance (strings and all) to make it so. And again, what is it with this sudden need on Brooker's part to use a synth to try and create 'beauty' when he'd already shown his great skill at using 'traditional' keyboard instruments to do so perfectly well?
The other six tracks, however, are all aces – they won't fit one's traditional conception of PH, but they're great nonetheless. Simple Sister gets the album off to a terrific start, with a great guitar riff serving as the foundation while Brooker yells his head off (he isn't the most convincing rocker in the world, but he tries), and a great instrumental chunk in the middle based around a different bass/piano riff while Trower first builds the tension with his riffage and then does a bunch of totally effective and efficient solos, with strings and horns gradually popping up to remind that this is, in fact, still Procol Harum you're listening to. It's a weird combination of materials, definitely, but then I'm all for weirdness when it's a synonym for originality, and I'd definitely be more than a bit surprised if there were any other rock songs that quite resembled this little ditty.
Other high quality hard rock tunes on this album include Memorial Drive, a great riff-driven groove (with semi-bombastic lyrics that sound oddly out-of-place but don't hurt anything), Power Failure, with a neat rolling piano riff augmented by power chords (and some random 'live' cheering in the middle, for whatever reason), and the closing Trower-sung Poor Mohammed, which rocks so well that I find myself desperately wishing that the band could have included more tracks along these lines and made the album longer. The main riff is just killer, especially that little slide thing at the end of each iteration, and I haven't even mentioned the crunchy soloing at the end. Go Robin go!
(full version: procolharum.com/99/mcferrin_rev-brok-barr.htm)

01. Simple Sister (05:52)
02. Broken Barricades (03:14)
03. Memorial Drive (03:48)
04. Luskus Delph (03:48)
05. Power Failure (04:33)
06. Song For A Dreamer (05:41)
07. Playmate Of The Mouth (05:06)
08. Poor Mohammed (03:05)

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Soft Machine - Seven (1973)

Year: October 1973 (CD 2007)
Label: Sony BMG Music Entertainment (Europe), 82876872922
Style: Jazz Rock, Progressive Rock, Canterbury Scene
Country: Canterbury, England
Time: 43:15
Format: Flac Tracks 16/44,1 kHz
Size: 263 Mb

This was the first Soft Machine album I bought and nearly the last. Not that it isn’t soothing in a sleepy sort of way, but it wasn’t at all the madcap sonic adventure I was expecting. With time, of course, I understood that the original quest changed after the departures of Kevin Ayers and Robert Wyatt, with Mike Ratledge leading the band into jazzier terrain much as Gong did under the stewardship of Pierre Moerlen. From the perspective of Six, little had changed—or needed to, really. The mesmerizing keyboard patterns, mutated saxophone/oboe solos, superlative drumming and steady bass shift every few minutes like an audio kaleidoscope, which is pleasant enough. It’s generally a calmer and more peaceful record than most jazz fusion albums from the period, and there’s little difference between the songs written by Ratledge and Karl Jenkins, giving Seven a consistent feel from beginning to end. Is it the first Soft Machine album you need to own? In my experience, obviously not (they did number these for a reason). If you’re going to buy seven Soft Machine albums, however, here you are. Highlights (to my ears) include Tarabos, Down the Road and the combination of Snodland and Penny Hitch (the songs tend to merge into one another). Carol Ann is also very pretty. That said, the album doesn’t really have standout sections; it’s conceived as an organic whole that flows from the shared musical sensibilities of its four members. It’s not their best album, but it might be their softest so far.
(progrography.com/soft-machine/review-soft-machine-seven-1973/)

01. Nettle Bed (04:51)
02. Carol Ann (03:45)
03. Day's Eye (05:03)
04. Bone Fire (00:35)
05. Tarabos (04:27)
06. D.I.S. (03:04)
07. Snodland (01:51)
08. Penny Hitch (06:38)
09. Block (04:18)
10. Down The Road (05:44)
11. The German Lesson (01:51)
12. The French Lesson (01:03)

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