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General Information
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Artist...............: LUCIFER'S FRIEND
Album................: Banquet
Released.............: 1975
Genre................: Progressive Rock (Heavy)
Duration.............: 38:47
Number of Songs......: 5
Cover(s) Included....: Yes
Audio Format.........: MP3
Bitrate..............: CBR 192
Hz...................: 44,100
Channels.............: Joint Stereo
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Release Notes
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Track Listing:
01-Spanish Galleon-11:52
02-Thus Spoke Oberon-06:47
03-High Flying Lady, Goodbye-03:43
04-Sorrow-11:39
05-Dirty Old Town-04:46
Album Review:
On Banquet, Lucifer's Friend finally pulled together the many different elements
to their sound (prog, soul, jazz, hard rock) into one cohesive and totally
distinctive style. This time out, the primary focus of the album is epic prog
numbers with complex instrumentation that go through a variety of surprising and
ambitious changes in their arrangements. The standout example is the opening
track, "Spanish Galleon": this pirate-themed epic starts with a Latin-flavored
rock groove, that is given further power by the addition of horns, segues into a
lyrical, pirate-themed song section that climaxes with a rousing chorus, takes a
left turn into an instrumental portion studded with jazzy solos, and then
finishes with a stirring reprise of the song section. The other prog numbers
continue in a similar vein, reaching heights of almost orchestral complexity,
but working in enough hooks and solid songcraft into the compositions to keep
the listener hooked. Another standout in this arena is "Sorrow," a
keyboard-based epic that features a lovely midsection where a keyboard solo is
accompanied by a lush string arrangement. Banquet also balances out these epics
with a pair of shorter, poppier songs that still manage to show off the band's
firepower and complexity in their tighter format; the best is "Dirty Old Town,"
the closing ballad that builds to a jazzy, horn-powered chorus. All in all,
Banquet is a fine, underrated prog outing and is worthy of rediscovery by
art-rock fanatics. It's an ideal introduction to the sound of Lucifer's Friend.
- Donald A. Guarisco, All Music Guide
http://rapidshare.com/files/162101054/0461975.rar
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General Information
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Artist...............: Hawkwind
Album................: Warrior on the Edge of Time
Year.................: 1975
Genre................: Psychedelic/Space Rock
Source...............: CD
Number of Songs......: 12
Duration.............: 00:47:40 min
Audio Format.........: MP3
Bitrate..............: CBR 192 HQ
Channels.............: Stereo / 44,100 hz
Tags.................: ID3 v1.1, ID3 v2.3
Included.............: M3U, Covers
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Release Notes
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Track Listing:
01. "Assault & Battery" (Brock) - 5:36
02. "The Golden Void" (Brock) - 4:34
03. "The Wizard Blew His Horn" (poem) (House, King, Moorcock, Powell) - 1:46
04. "Opa-Loka" (King, Powell) - 5:10
05. "The Demented Man" ( Brock) - 3:58
06. "Magnu" (Brock) - 8:15
07. "Standing at the Edge" (poem) (House, King, Moorcock, Powell) - 2:43
08. "Spiral Galaxy 28948" (House) - 3:41
09. "Warriors" (poem) (House, King, Moorcock, Powell) - 2:03
10. "Dying Seas" (Turner) - 3:03
11. "Kings of Speed" (Brock, Moorcock) - 3:48
12. "Motorhead" (Kilmister) (acetate demo) - 3:03
Album Review:
Hawkwind's fifth studio album found the band enjoying a rare oasis of stability
after the multitudinous personnel shifts of the past five years. Only the recruitment
of a second drummer, Alan Powell, disturbed the equanimity of the lineup that created
the previous year's Hall of the Mountain Grill, although it would soon be time to
change again. By the end of the year, bassist Lemmy had departed, vocalist Robert
Calvert had rejoined, and the group's career-long relationship with United Artists
would be over. In the meantime, Warrior on the Edge of Time ensured that it was
brainstorming business as usual. Decorated with a magnificent sleeve that unfolded
into the shape of a shield, Warrior on the Edge of Time delivered some of Hawkwind's
best-loved future showstoppers -- Simon House's far-reaching "Spiral Galaxy 28948,"
the frenetic "Assault and Battery," and the monstrous "Magnu" all made their bow here,
while the accompanying "Kings of Speed" single was certainly a big hit in the youth
clubs of the day, even if it did steadfastly avoid the chart. Remarkable, too, is
"The Golden Void," a stately bolero set, indeed, on the edge of time and buffeted by
one of the band's most impressive ever instrumental performances. A handful of tracks
do betray their age. Michael Moorcock's echo- and effects-laden recitation of
"The Wizard Blew His Horn" is impossibly overwrought, although it's worth sitting
through simply for the segue into the throbbing "Opa-Loka"; in fact, the entire album
is presented with minimal breaks between tracks, to deliver a seamless treat that --
in the light of Hawkwind's next musical moves -- has since seen Warrior on the Edge
of Time described as the band's last true "classic." It isn't, but you can easily
see why people think it might be. [The CD reissue includes one bonus track, Lemmy's
valedictory "Motorhead," recorded during the album sessions but released only as the
B-side to "Kings of Speed."]
- Dave Thompson, All Music Guide
http://rapidshare.com/files/162099240/0451975.rar
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General Information
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Artist...............: ESPERANTO
Album................: Last Tango
Released.............: 1975
Genre................: Progressive Rock (Eclectic)
Duration.............: 38:46
Number of Songs......: 6
Cover(s) Included....: Yes
Audio Format.........: MP3
Bitrate..............: CBR 192
Hz...................: 44,100
Channels.............: Joint Stereo
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Release Notes
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Track Listing:
01-Eleanor Rigby-07:42
02-Still Life-07:27
03-Painted Lady-03:27
04-Obsession-04:36
05-Rape-12:05
06-Last Tango-03:29
Album Review:
The line-up of Esperanto changed considerably for the third album. Keith
Christmas had left for musical reasons and the band was looking for a more
energetic frontman. They met this time in London and published some ads in the
music press, including in the Melody Maker (Genesis had recruited Steve Hackett
through that channel). Esperanto auditioned and took on board their next singer
Roger Meakin. His special vocal timbre made him an ideal partner for Kim Moore,
female singer recruited in the same way, as their voices blended perfectly. The
recording of the third album took place partly in London and partly at the
famous chateau of Herouville near Paris where Jethro Tull, Elton John and many
others recorded in the seventies. The album Last Tango was produced by Robin
Geoffrey Cable (engineer and producer, notably for Queen, Genesis, Van Der Graaf
Generator, Elton John and Carly Simon). It was released in 1975.
The band's demise
Although the band seemed to have found its cruising speed and success was
obviously on the horizon (they were still in complete ignorance of sales
figures), A&M did not renew their contract. Esperanto band members were
flabbergasted as they knew their music had real appeal, particularly given the
growing success of their concerts. One of the negative factors was that
situation in England in 1973-1974. Following the oil crises, the cost of vinyl
manufacturing increased dramatically (note that the weight of records fell
substantially) and labels were tending not to sign new artists or take any risks
in this very unfavourable period.
Esperanto was probably also a victim of its formula as, even with a reduced
line-up on the last album, it still had eight musicians and large technical
staff who had to be housed, fed and watered. The cost of touring was very high
and the technical problems linked to this sophisticated musical genre
necessitated a lot of complex equipment for the era (difficulties of amplifying
strings mixed with electronic instruments, etc.). The band was thus expensive to
run and, as it is often the case, the law of immediate profits justified A&M’s
decision and overruled artistic quality.
http://rapidshare.com/files/162093454/0441975.rar
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General Information
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Artist...............: CHANGO
Album................: Chango
Released.............: 1975
Genre................: Latin Rock
Duration.............: 41:57
Number of Songs......: 9
Cover(s) Included....: Yes
Audio Format.........: MP3
Bitrate..............: CBR 320
Hz...................: 44,100
Channels.............: Joint Stereo
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Release Notes
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Track Listing:
01-Fire Over Water-05:34
02-Walk On Hell-08:05
03-Bollo-03:15
04-Caminando-05:51
05-Mira Pa 'ca-03:09
06-Bembe-00:50
07-Solid Karma-04:48
08-Sacapa-01:16
09-Chango-09:09
Album Review:
Of course, Chango's first LP is a rip-off of Santana's 1970s sound, and if you
want to dismiss it on the count of lack of originality, go ahead. What should
not be overlooked though is the fact that the group played some very hot salsa
jazz-rock. They did not do it better, but they sure did it well. Although not
Carlos Santana, George Tacktikos studied the guitarist's playing closely and
performs a few strong solos, especially on "Caminando" and "Chango." Thomas
Alletto plays a mean organ, and singer Pepe Gomez matches any Santana singer.
This first LP blends the raw energy of Abraxas and the subtleties of
Caravanserail (maybe with something of Chicago's early pop sensibilities too),
while delivering a more poppy and energy-driven charge than what Santana used to
do. Side one contains the fiery "Walk on Hell" and "Caminando," truly the
group's finest moment. The five songs on side two segue, alternating fast-paced
numbers and slow instrumentals in true Santana fashion. "Solid Karma" stands
out. This album was clearly well-produced and thought over, the song order being
just right. One could do without the love-making sighs at the end of the last
track. The god Chango, explain the liner notes, is "the representative of
unbridled sexuality" — the relentless rhythms of the previous 40 minutes were
proof enough. Recommended to fans of early Santana who don't mind plagiarism.
- Francois Couture, All Music Guide
http://rapidshare.com/files/162091192/0431975.rar
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General Information
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Artist...............: Budgie
Album................: Bandolier
Year.................: 1975
Genre................: Heavy Metal
Source...............: CD
Number of Songs......: 6
Duration.............: 00:33:59 min
Audio Format.........: MP3
Bitrate..............: CBR 192 HQ
Channels.............: Joint Stereo / 44,100 hz
Tags.................: ID3 v1.1, ID3 v2.3
Included.............: M3U, Covers
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Release Notes
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Track Listing:
01. "Breaking All The House Rules" 7:21
02. "Slipaway" 3:58
03. "Who Do You Want For Your Love?" 6:06
04. "I Can't See My Feelings" ***** 5:49
05. "I Ain't No Mountain" 3:32
06. "Napoleon Bona, Parts 1 & 2" 7:13
Credits:
Burke Shelley - Bass, Vocals
Tony Bourge - Guitar, Vocals
Steve Williams - Drums
Budgie - Producer
Richard Manwaring - Engineer
Pat Marran - Engineer
Ray Martinez - Engineer
John Pasche - Art Direction
Pete Vernon - Photography
Patrick Woodroffe - Cover Illustration
Album Review:
After four albums, Budgie had achieved moderate success in the U.K. with their unique
combination of Black Sabbath heaviness, progressive rock flashes, and bizarre sense
of humor. But 1975's Bandolier found the band pursuing a more conventional rock sound
with a noticeable funk influence. This is most apparent on the guitar-scratching
"I Can't See My Feelings" and the finger-snapping "Who Do You Want for Your Love?,"
featuring a slow groove topped with vocalist Burke Shelley's soulful wailing. While
the riff-heavy "Breaking All the House Rules" and the amusing "Napoleon Bona Part
One and Two" hearken back to the band's early days, change was on the horizon.
Budgie's creative spark was remarkably absent from subsequent releases for new label
A&M, marking Bandolier as the last album of the band's golden age.
- Ed Rivadavia, All Music Guide
http://rapidshare.com/files/162086952/0421975.rar
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General Information
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Artist...............: BOB DYLAN
Album................: Desire
Released.............: 5 January 1976
Styles...............: Folk-Rock, Singer/Songwriter, Rock & Roll
Duration.............: 56:09
Number of Songs......: 9
Cover(s) Included....: Yes (full)
Audio Format.........: Free Lossless Audio Codec (FLAC)
Ripper...............: EAC Secure mode (log included)
Encoder..............: FLAC v1.2.1
Bitrate..............: VBR 890 kbps
Reader...............: Plextor PX-712A
Source...............: CD
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Release Notes
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Track Listing:
01-Hurricane-08:32
02-Isis-06:58
03-Mozambique-03:01
04-One More Cup Of Coffee-03:46
05-Oh, Sister-04:04
06-Joey-11:05
07-Romance In Durango-05:43
08-Black Diamond Bay-07:30
09-Sara-05:30
Album Review:
If Blood on the Tracks was an unapologetically intimate affair, Desire is
unwieldy and messy, the deliberate work of a collective. And while Bob Dylan
directly addresses his crumbling relationship with his wife, Sara, on the final
track, Desire is hardly as personal as its predecessor, finding Dylan returning
to topical songwriting and folk tales for the core of the record. It's all over
the map, as far as songwriting goes, and so is it musically, capturing Dylan at
the beginning of the Rolling Thunder Revue era, which was more notable for its
chaos than its music. And, so it's only fitting that Desire fits that
description as well, as it careens between surging folk-rock, Mideastern dirges,
skipping pop, and epic narratives. It's little surprise that Desire doesn't
quite gel, yet it retains its own character -- really, there's no other place
where Dylan tried as many different styles, as many weird detours, as he does
here. And, there's something to be said for its rambling, sprawling character,
which has a charm of its own. Even so, the record would have been assisted by a
more consistent set of songs; there are some masterpieces here, though:
"Hurricane" is the best-known, but the effervescent "Mozambique" is Dylan at his
breeziest, "Sara" at his most nakedly emotional, and "Isis" is one of his very
best songs of the '70s, a hypnotic, contemporized spin on a classic fable. This
may not add up to a masterpiece, but it does result in one of his most
fascinating records of the '70s and '80s -- more intriguing, lyrically and
musically, than most of his latter-day affairs.
- Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
http://rapidshare.com/files/162071015/0401975.part1.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/162071017/0401975.part2.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/162078847/0401975.part3.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/162078918/0401975.part4.rar
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General Information
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Artist...............: AMERICA
Album................: History: America's Greatest Hits
Type.................: Compilation
Released.............: 1975
Genre................: Soft Rock
Duration.............: 38:17
Number of Songs......: 12
Cover(s) Included....: Yes
Audio Format.........: MP3
Bitrate..............: CBR 192
Hz...................: 44,100
Channels.............: Joint Stereo
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Release Notes
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Track Listing:
01-Sister Golden Hair-03:20
02-Tin Man-03:28
03-Don't Cross The River-02:31
04-Ventura Highway-03:22
05-Woman Tonight-02:22
06-A Horse With No Name-04:07
07-Daisy Jane-03:08
08-Sandman-04:08
09-Lonely People-02:28
10-Muskrat Love-03:06
11-I Need You-03:05
12-Only In Your Heart-03:12
Album Review:
Mirroring the cover art depiction of America's dual life in England and the
U.S., History: Greatest Hits perfectly spotlights both the polished and layered
production of British studio legend George Martin and the West Coast tones of
the band's folk-pop style. Featuring the group's many chart toppers from the
first half of the '70s, this definitive roundup includes Neil Young-style
acoustic sides like "Lonely People," the hippie MOR of "Muskrat Love," and
breezy acid rock like "Sandman." And even though Martin didn't produce the
entire lot of songs here, his sophisticated and mostly subtle way with strings,
keyboards, and multi-track guitars is in evidence throughout. Adding to the fun
are additional highlights like the updated surf cut "Sister Golden Hair" and
ingenious McCartney-esque pop like "Only in Your Heart" and "Daisy Jane." An
essential collection for fans who like their '70s folk with a pop sheen, loads
of hooks, and top-drawer arrangements.
- Stephen Cook, All Music Guide
http://rapidshare.com/files/162067923/0391975.rar
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General Information
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Artist...............: UFO
Album................: Phenomenon
Release Date.........: Aug 1974
Genre................: Hard Rock
Source...............: CD
Number of Songs......: 10
Duration.............: 00:39:33 min
Audio Format.........: MP3
Bitrate..............: CBR 192 HQ
Channels.............: Stereo / 44,100 hz
Tags.................: ID3 v1.1, ID3 v2.3
Included.............: M3U, Covers
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Release Notes
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Track Listing:
01. Oh My 2:27
02. Crystal Light 3:48
03. Doctor Doctor 4:12
04. Space Child 4:01
05. Rock Bottom 6:32
06. Too Young to Know 3:10
07. Time on My Hand 4:12
08. Built for Comfort 3:08
09. Lipstick Traces 2:20
10 Queen of the Deep 5:43
Album Review:
UFO is a legendary English band whose reputation has been leaking across the Atlantic
for what seems like an eternity. Renowned heavy-metal critics have always spoken glowingly
of them ("the ultimate killers" was a characterization once used by Mike Saunders)
but up until now American audiences have had no opportunity to judge the band that's
been the scourge of the English club scene for years.
Now that UFO finally has an American album it seems safe to predict that this band will
become a very big act in an extremely short time. To be blunt about it, Phenomenon is one
of the most exciting debut albums of the year - an artfully controlled disc lit with furious
bits of creative energy. Though this quarter plays loud, hard and frequently very fast,
their work is most notable for its diversity and instrumental tension, marking UFO as a group
to be dealt with in almost any musical genre they might choose.
Comparisons with Led Zeppelin will be unavoidable, if only because UFO guitarist
Michael Schenker closely parallels Jimmy Page in both style and overall sound.
Like Page, Schenker is his band's focal point, with incisive and exciting playing that's
guaranteed to make people sit up and take notice. Using a small amp cranked up to full
volume he makes his guitar notes almost sing, driving the rest of the band forward in
a way most reminiscent of Jeff Beck's Yardbirds.
The album's most impressive cuts are "Rock Bottom" and "Oh My," both furious exercises in
frenzied freneticism. On each, Schenker uses bristling power chords to lay down hard-chargin'
rhythm tracks; singer Phil Mogg then croons a bit, followed by wailing Schenker's lead workouts.
On the former cut Schenker elaborates at great length, pacing his solo so as to reach full
overdrive only at its conclusion; on the latter his machinegun fills almost literally explode
off the fretboard.
"Space Child" spotlights the creative instrumental tension that's so much of a weapon in this
band's arsenal. Achieving a sound not unlike that of the now-defunct Wild Turkey, UFO alternates
acoustic and electric guitars to great effect, with Schenker's incendiary lead building
the number to a gripping climax. UFO also finds time to do blues, Willie Dixon's "Built For Comfort"
in this case, which they render lowdown and funky, ZZ Top-style.
History has shown that bands like this are usually five times better onstage than they are
in the recording studio, so UFO is certainly a band to watch for when they come over on their
initial American tour. Their album is great, the cover one of the year's best, and if their American
vinyl debut is a truthful indication of their skills, UFO seems destined to become a phenomenon
of major proportions.
- Gordon Fletcher, Rolling Stone.
Bonus Review!
Excellent rock effort, featuring the vocals of Phil Mogg who may well be one of the best
straight rock singers to come out of Britain since the initial musical invasion a decade
ago and a solid backup that is basic but full of quality. Band has put together what amounts
to 10 potential singles, with all but one self-penned. Little if any overdubbing here,
as the band sticks to a live style sound. First English band to come along in some time
that seems to be able to handle rock without succumbing to the most outrageous commercialism.
Best cuts: "Too Young To Know," "Doctor Doctor," "Time On My Hands," "Oh My."
- Billboard, 1974.
http://rapidshare.com/files/161990741/0381974.rar
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General Information
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Artist...............: Rush
Album................: Rush
Release Date.........: Mar 1974
Genre................: Progressive Rock (Heavy)
Number of Songs......: 8
Duration.............: 00:40:17 min
Audio Format.........: MP3
Bitrate..............: CBR 320 HQ
Channels.............: Joint Stereo / 44,100 hz
Tags.................: ID3 v1.1, ID3 v2.3
Included.............: M3U, Covers
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Release Notes
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Track Listing:
01. Finding My Way (5:07)
02. Need Some Love (2:21)
03. Take A Friend (4:27)
04. Here Again (7:36)
05. What You're Doing (4:24)
06. In the Mood (3:36)
07. Before and After (5:36)
08. Working Man (7:10)
Album Review:
Rush's self-titled debut is about as uncharacteristic of their renowned heavy progressive rock
(perfected on such future releases as Hemispheres, Moving Pictures, etc.) as you can get.
Instead of complex arrangements and thoughtful lyrics, Rush sounds almost identical to Led Zeppelin
throughout - bluesy riffs merged with "baby, baby" lyrics. The main reason for the album's different
sound and direction is that their lyricist/drummer, Neil Peart, was not in the band yet, skinsman
John Rutsey rounds out the original line-up, also consisting of Geddy Lee (bass/vocals) and Alex
Lifeson (guitar). It's nearly impossible to hear the anthemic "Finding My Way" and not picture Robert
Plant shrieking away, or Jimmy Page riffing on the jamfest "Working Man," but Rush was still in their
formative stages. There's no denying that Lee and Lifeson were already strong instrumentalists, but
such predictable compositions as "In the Mood" and "What You're Doing" prove that Peart was undoubtedly
the missing piece to the puzzle. While longtime Rush fans can appreciate their debut because they never
returned to this style, newcomers should stick with their classics from later years.
Greg Prato, All Music Guide.
http://rapidshare.com/files/161989061/0371974.rar
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General Information
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Artist...............: PETER HAMMILL
Album................: In Camera
Released.............: 1974
Genre................: Progressive Rock (Eclectic)
Duration.............: 47:14
Number of Songs......: 7
Cover(s) Included....: Yes
Audio Format.........: MP3
Bitrate..............: CBR 192
Hz...................: 44,100
Channels.............: Joint Stereo
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Release Notes
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Track Listing:
01-Ferret And Featherbird-03:36
02-(No More) The Sub-Mariner-05:42
03-Tapeworm-04:18
04-Again-03:36
05-Faint-Heart And The Sermon-06:40
06-The Comet, The Course, The Tail-05:59
07-Gog Magog (In Bromine Chambers)-17:23
Album Review:
In Camera was the fourth solo album from the English singer-songwriter Peter
Hammill. It was released in 1974. Much of the material was recorded in Hammill's
home studio on simple four-track equipment. He then took the tapes to Trident
Studios, where additional elements such as drumming from Van der Graaf Generator
colleague Guy Evans, and layers of ARP 2600 analogue synthesizer were added. The
album has a dark, gothic, claustrophic feel, with the lyrics laced with
apocalyptic, religious and existential imagery. "Gog" is a particularly intense
and demonic song, featuring (even by Hammill's standards) strident and
aggressive vocals, grandiose harmonium chords, and powerful drumming. This
segues into "Magog", which is virtually a musique concrete piece of sinister
drones, percussive noises, and including a ring modulated spoken vocal.
Wikipedia
With the exception of the final track ("Magog"), this is a very good example of
early Hammill solo work, ably assisted by David Jackson's haunting sax.
"Tapeworm" is a rocky, powerful number while "Again" is an evocative, sad love
song. "Magog" is a succession of bizzare, echoing, dark sounds, totally
unrepresentative of Hammill's work, probably recorded with a good sprinkling of
humour and tongue pushed firmly into cheek.
- Ali Sinclair, All Music Guide
http://rapidshare.com/files/161986862/0361974.rar
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General Information
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Artist...............: PAVLO'S DOG
Album................: Pampered Menial
Released.............: 1974
Genre................: Progressive Rock
Duration.............: 33:50
Number of Songs......: 9
Cover(s) Included....: Yes
Audio Format.........: MP3
Bitrate..............: VBR -V2 192
Hz...................: 44,100
Channels.............: Joint Stereo
Source...............: CD
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Release Notes
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Track Listing:
01 - Julia - 03:11
02 - Late November - 03:14
03 - Song Dance - 05:01
04 - Fast Gun - 03:05
05 - Natchez Trace - 03:43
06 - Theme from Subway Sue - 04:27
07 - Episode - 04:04
08 - Preludin - 01:38
09 - Of Once and Future Kings - 05:27
Album Review:
Pampered Menial was the first album from Pavlov's Dog, a band produced by Murray Krugman and Sandy Pearlman, the duo behind Blue Oyster Cult. The seven men in this group are revealed in the gatefold holding "Horace," a dog, while three engravings from 1849 by artist Robert Vernon make up the front, back and inside cover. Those paintings are striking, and though the music, mostly written by vocalist David Surkamp, tries hard, it just isn't as captivating as the package which surrounds it. Surkamp sounds like a chick singer, something that wasn't quite in vogue yet — Journey and the Mickey Thomas Starship wouldn't happen for another four years, not until 1979, and even Thomas' hit with the Elvin Bishop Group was a year away, male vocalists were singing in lower registers at this point. With song titles like "Theme From Subway Sue" and "Of Once And Future Kings" the identity that a Blue Oyster Cult maintained was missing here. "Subway Sue" sounding very much like the 80s version of Mott, the band after Ian Hunter took his leave. If you thought Mott's high pitched vocals were out of place and annoying, check out Surkamp's strange warbling. The band itself isn't half bad. "Episode's mellotron, courtesy of Doug Rayburn and Siegfried Carver's violin, provide more than adequate sounds. Carver's sole composition, "Preludin," comes off as one of the best tracks, perhaps because it is an instrumental version of progressive rock that Triumvirat and early Journey were exploring, But when David Surkamp's vocals kick in again on the next tune, like Pavlov's experiments, it makes the listener want to break things, including this record. "Julia" is a mediocre lyric and ok melody, just destroyed by the vocalist who composed it. If this were an instrumental group, the music would be much easier to take. The band provides elegant rock, majestic drums by Mike Safron, additional keyboards by David Hamilton augmenting Rayburn's mellotron and flute, and solid 70s production from Krugman and Pearlman. Lead guitarist Steve Scorfina co-writes a beautiful piece with vocalist Surkamp in "Late November," but its perfection is marred by the whining sounds of the frontman. It is really sad, as there seems to be much potential here, drummer Michael Safron's "Song Dance" another highly creative number. A & R man Mark Spector had some kind of ears, what he was thinking here is anyone's guess. The solid riffs, the wonderful blend of sounds, all destroyed by David Surkamp's forced vocals which sound like some experiment by Pavlov gone awry. The Mott band from Shouting & Pointing infamy should have been put on a stage with Pavlov's Dog to see which act could clear the room first. "Fast Gun" is another solid progressive tune, but without the polish of a Brad Delp or Steve Perry, it just didn't stand a chance. Columbia Records should re-issue an instrumental version of this disc via their Legacy series, the music deserves it.
- Joe Viglione, All Music Guide
http://rapidshare.com/files/161986203/0351974.rar
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General Information
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Artist...............: Hawkwind
Album................: Hall Of The Mountain Grill
Year.................: 1974
Genre................: Psychedelic/Space Rock
Number of Songs......: 9
Duration.............: 00:41:30 min
Audio Format.........: MP3
Bitrate..............: CBR 192 HQ
Channels.............: Stereo / 44,100 hz
Tags.................: ID3 v1.1, ID3 v2.3
Included.............: M3U, Covers
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Release Notes
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Track Listing:
01. "The Psychedelic Warlords (Disappear in Smoke)" - 7:21
02. "Wind of Change" - 4:36
03. "D-Rider" (Nik Turner) - 6:14
04. "Web Weaver" - 3:10
05. "You'd Better Believe It" - 7:15
06. "Hall of the Mountain Grill" (Simon House) - 2:24
07. "Lost Johnny" (Lemmy Kilmister / Mick Farren) - 3:28
08. "Goat Willow" (Del Dettmar) - 1:37
09. "Paradox" - 5:25
Album Review:
The band's best studio album, coming off of the success of Space Ritual. The group's
rock roots are juxtaposed effectively with the swelling synthesizer flourishes and
pretentious song ideas, creating the quintessential guitar-oriented space rock record.
The highlight was the live recording of "You'd Better Believe It," with its crunchy
guitars, but nobody minded keyboardman Simon House's languid synthesizer-laden
"Hall of the Mountain Grill" (especially as it was followed by the Lemmy-sung
"Lost Johnny," a great all-out rocker). The sound, especially the mix of ballsy
high-volume guitar playing and soaring electronic keyboards ("The Psychedelic Warlords,"
"D-Rider"), would later get co-opted by outfits such as Blue Oyster Cult ("(Don't Fear)
The Reaper") and Kansas. Overall, this is the sound and imagery that the punkier kids
and druggies who went to shows like Laserium were looking for, and if the producers of
Laserium had devised something hooked around this record, it could have run 20 years
or better.
- Bruce Eder, All Music Guide
http://rapidshare.com/files/161982919/0341974.rar
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General Information
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Artist...............: BAD COMPANY
Album................: Bad Company
Released.............: 1974
Genre................: Hard Rock
Duration.............: 34:48
Number of Songs......: 8
Cover(s) Included....: Yes
Audio Format.........: MP3
Bitrate..............: VBR -V2 192
Hz...................: 44,100
Channels.............: Joint Stereo
Source...............: CD
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Release Notes
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Track Listing:
01-Can't Get Enough-04:16
02-Rock Steady*****-03:47
03-Ready For Love*****-05:02
04-Don't Let Me Down-04:21
05-Bad Company-04:50
06-The Way I Choose-05:05
07-Movin' On-03:24
08-Seagull-04:03
Album Review:
Bad Company's 1974 self-titled release stands as one of the most important and
accomplished debut hard rock albums from the '70s. Though hardly visionary, it
was one of the most successful steps in the continuing evolution of rock & roll,
riding on the coattails of achievement from artists like the Eagles and Crosby,
Stills, Nash and Young. From the simple electric guitar lick on "Can't Get
Enough" to the haunting bassline in "Bad Company" and the fast beats of "Movin'
On," Bad Company exemplified raw rock & roll at its best. Erupting out of an
experimental period created by the likes of Pink Floyd, Bad Company signified a
return to more primal, stripped-down rock & roll. Even while labelmates Led
Zeppelin's Houses of the Holy and IV featured highly acclaimed, colorful album
artwork, Bad Company's austere black and white record cover stood out in stark
contrast. Six years later, AC/DC used the same idea on their smash Back in
Black. Throughout the 35-minute album, Paul Rodgers' mesmerizing and gritty
vocals hardly vary in tonal quality, offering a perfect complement to Mick
Ralphs' blues-based guitar work. Several songs include three-chord verses offset
by unembellished, distorted choruses, filled rich with Rodgers' cries. Bad
Company is an essential addition to the rock & roll library; clearly influential
to '70s and '80s hard rock bands like Tom Petty, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Boston.
- Gautam Baksi, All Music Guide
http://rapidshare.com/files/161982917/0331974.rar
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General Information
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Artist...............: URIAH HEEP
Album................: The Magician's Birthday
Released.............: 1973
Genre................: Heavy Prog
Duration.............: 45:34
Number of Songs......: 10
Cover(s) Included....: Yes
Audio Format.........: MP3
Bitrate..............: VBR -V2 192
Hz...................: 44,100
Channels.............: Joint Stereo
Source...............: CD
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Release Notes
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Track Listing:
01-Sunrise - 04:05
02-Spider Woman - 02:28
03-Blind Eye- 03:33
04-Echoes In The Dark - 04:51
05-Rain - 04:00
06-Sweet Lorraine - 04:15
07-Tales - 04:08
08-The Magician's Birthday - 10:23
Bonus Tracks:
09-Silver White Man (Previously Unreleased Version) - 03:43
10-Crystal Ball (Previously Unreleased) - 04:08
Album Review:
After reaching an international level of success with Demons and Wizards, Uriah
Heep continued to build their fan base by knocking out another album of
prog-like metal before the year's end. The end result, The Magician's Birthday,
is not as consistent or cohesive as Demons and Wizards but stills offers plenty
of highlights. It starts dramatically with "Sunrise," a spooky power ballad that
alternates quiet organ-led verses with an emotional chorus and guitar-fuelled
instrumental breaks topped off by David Byron's operatic wail. The remainder of
the album divides its time between punchy rockers and spacy balladry before
climaxing with another prog-inflected epic. Highlights in the rock arena include
"Blind Eye," an acoustic-flavored rocker whose galloping pace is firmly anchored
by Gary Thain's melodic bassline, and "Sweet Lorraine," a stomping good-time
rocker that adds extra texture to its guitar-driven sound with some spacy
synthesizer lines. As for the quieter moments, "Rain" is a lovely piano ballad
that makes surprising and impressive use of a xylophone in its sound and "Echoes
in the Dark" is an eerie mid-tempo song that alternates stark piano-led verses
with an emotional chorus cemented by Mick Box's searing guitar leads. There is
also another multi-part epic in the title track, a prog-ish piece with fantasy
themes. It lacks a strong structure (it feels more like three songs grafted
together than a true multi-part composition) and succumbs to a bit of aimless
jamming in the middle, but it is redeemed by strong hooks in the opening and a
spirited performance from the band on its space rock finale. All in all, The
Magician's Birthday never quite hits the consistent heights of Look at Yourself
or Demons and Wizards but remains a solid listen for Uriah Heep fans.
- Donald A. Guarisco, All Music Guide
http://rapidshare.com/files/161910377/0321973.rar
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General Information
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Artist...............: The Doobie Brothers
Album................: The Captain and Me
Release Date.........: Mar 1973
Genre................: Rock
Source...............: CD
Number of Songs......: 12
Duration.............: 00:42:03 min
Audio Format.........: MP3
Bitrate..............: CBR 192 HQ
Channels.............: Stereo / 44,100 hz
Tags.................: ID3 v1.1, ID3 v2.3
Included.............: Covers
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Release Notes
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Track Listing:
01. "Natural Thing" (Johnston) 3:19
02. "Long Train Runnin" ***** (Johnston) 3:27
03. "China Grove" (Johnston) 3:17
04. "Dark Eyed Cajun Woman" (Johnston) 4:14
05. "Clear as the Driven Snow" (Simmons) 5:19
06. "Without You" (Hartman, Hossack, Johnston, Porter, Simmons) 5:01
07. "South City Midnight Lady" (Simmons) 5:29
08. "Evil Woman" (Simmons) 3:20
09. "Busted Down Around O'Connelly Corners" (Luft) 0:48
10. "Ukiah" (Johnston) 3:01
11. "The Captain and Me" (Johnston) 4:48
Album Review:
The Doobie Brothers' third long-player was the charm, their most substantial and
consistent album to date, and one that rode the charts for a year. It was also
a study in contrasts, Tom Johnston's harder-edged, bolder rocking numbers balanced
by Patrick Simmons' more laid-back country-rock ballad style. The leadoff track,
Johnston's "Natural Thing," melded the two, opening with interlocking guitars and
showcasing the band's exquisite soaring harmonies around a beautiful melody, all
wrapped up in a midtempo beat - the result was somewhere midway between Allman
Brothers-style virtuosity and Eagles/Crosby & Nash-type lyricism, which defined
this period in the Doobies' history and gave them a well-deserved lock on the top
of the charts. Next up was the punchy, catchy "Long Train Runnin'," a piece they'd
been playing for years as an instrumental - a reluctant Johnston was persuaded by
producer Ted Templeman to write lyrics to it and record the song, and the resulting
track became the group's next hit. The slashing, fast-tempo "China Grove" and
"Without You" represented the harder side of the Doobies' sound, and were juxtaposed
with Simmons' romantic country-rock ballads "Dark Eyed Cajun Woman," "Clear as the
Driven Snow," and "South City Midnight Lady." Simmons also showed off his louder
side with "Evil Woman," while Johnston showed his more reflective side with "Ukiah"
and "The Captain and Me" - the latter, a soaring rocker clocking in at nearly five
minutes, features radiant guitars and harmonies, soaring ever higher and faster to
a triumphant finish.
Bruce Eder, All Music Guide.
http://rapidshare.com/files/161904943/0311973.rar
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General Information
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Artist...............: ROXY MUSIC
Album................: For Your Pleasure
Year.................: 1973
Genre................: Prog Related
Duration.............: 41:55
Number of Songs......: 8
Cover(s) Included....: Yes
Audio Format.........: MP3
Bitrate..............: 128 (CBR)
Hz...................: 44,100
Channels.............: Joint Stereo
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Release Notes
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Track Listing:
01 - "Do the Strand" – 4:03
02 - "Beauty Queen" – 4:36
03 - "Strictly Confidential" – 3:45
04 - "Editions of You" – 3:47
05 - "In Every Dream Home a Heartache" – 5:25
06 - "The Bogus Man" ***– 9:20
07 - "Grey Lagoons" – 4:10
08 - "For Your Pleasure" – 6:49
Album Review:
On Roxy Music's debut, the tensions between Brian Eno and Bryan Ferry propelled their music to great, unexpected heights, and for most of the group's second album, For Your Pleasure, the band equals, if not surpasses, those expectations. However, there are a handful of moments where those tensions become unbearable, as when Eno wants to move toward texture and Ferry wants to stay in more conventional rock territory; the nine-minute "The Bogus Man" captures such creative tensions perfectly, and it's easy to see why Eno left the group after the album was completed. Still, those differences result in yet another extraordinary record from Roxy Music, one that demonstrates even more clearly than the debut how avant-garde ideas can flourish in a pop setting. This is especially evident in the driving singles "Do the Strand" and "Editions of You," which pulsate with raw energy and jarring melodic structures. Roxy also illuminate the slower numbers, such as the eerie "In Every Dream Home a Heartache," with atonal, shimmering synthesizers, textures that were unexpected and innovative at the time of its release. Similarly, all of For Your Pleasure walks the tightrope between the experimental and the accessible, creating a new vocabulary for rock bands, and one that was exploited heavily in the ensuing decade.
- Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
http://rapidshare.com/files/161901296/0301973.rar
