EktorasClub

James Ingram – Forever More (Love Songs, Hits & Duets) (HDCD)

2012-01-22T10:18:00.000-08:00

EC1005

Biography:
James Ingram (born February 16, 1952 in Akron, Ohio) is a Music icon, Multi Grammy award-winner and back-to-back Oscar nominee who inspires and touches the hearts of millions of listeners worldwide through his abundant gifts as a singer, performer, songwriter, composer, arranger and producer.

In early 2009 Ingram returns to his roots with the release of his first complete inspirational CD, the much-anticipated Stand (in the Light). Inspired by the plight of the Hurricane Katrina victims, Stand features new works and “Yah Mo Be There” — his legendary, Grammy award-winning 1983 collaboration with Michael McDonald — and is the natural advancement in a career grounded in faith; blessed with the influence and mentorship of some of the seminal forces in American music history including Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway and Stevie Wonder; and shaped and molded by Quincy Jones.

From funk to soul to R&B to pop to adult contemporary to inspirational, James Ingram’s multi-faceted talents have dazzled the American music scene since the early ’80s. The Akron, Ohio, native went from playing local bars with Revelation Funk to Los Angeles, where he landed the types of gigs that most aspiring musicians only dream about: singing background vocals and playing piano for Ray Charles’ recording studio sessions; recording studio sessions and playing keyboards behind the Coasters for Dick Clark; and recording background vocals for his mentor, Marvin Gaye.

Then fate brought Ingram together with Quincy Jones and to a pivotal breakthrough in his career. Up to this point, Ingram had not yet surfaced as a solo artist, but after a chance listen to Ingram’s demo of “Just Once” — which had been recorded for the sum of $50 — Jones immediately recognized the man, the voice and the music as the musical triumvirate that would both captivate listeners and command the music industry’s attention.

Jones quickly chose Ingram to perform both “Just Once” and “One Hundred Ways” on Jones’ upcoming album, The Dude. Released in 1980, The Dude was a multi-platinum international success and resulted in three Grammy nominations for Ingram: Best New Artist, Best Pop Male Vocal, and Best R&B Vocal for “One Hundred Ways,” for which he won his first Grammy. Ingram also made Grammy history when — in his first live performance ever as a singer — he performed “Just Once” as the telecast’s opening act and became the first artist to open a Grammy ceremony with a ballad and the only artist to win a Grammy without having his own album in release. The Dude remains the most Grammy-nominated album in history and marked the first of 15 nominations Ingram has received to date (see attached award list and discography for complete information).

After this stunning debut, Ingram’s much-anticipated 1983 solo album, It’s Your Night, surpassed industry expectations. The album was the debut for the Michael McDonald collaboration “Yah Mo Be There,” (Ingram’s 2nd Grammy) which was honored with the Grammy for Best R&B Performance for a Group or Duo, and “There’s No Easy Way” was considered one of the year’s stand-out ballads. It’s Your Night sold nearly one million copies; secured an unprecedented achievement by appearing simultaneously on both The Top 20 Pop and The Top 5 R&B Charts. Ultimately, “Yah Mo Be There” became the most-played song of the year.

Ingram’s talents as a songwriter and performer were tapped by some of the most celebrated artists of the era, most prominent was his “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)” for Michael Jackson’s Thriller (1982), which sold more than 50 million units,. He performed “Baby Come To Me,” with Patti Austin (1984) on her debut album, which went on to become a No. 1 Pop record. Other chart-topping, Top 10 collaborations include “The Secret Garden,” the No.1 hit with Barry White, Al B. Sure and El Debarge on Quincy Jones’ multi-platinum Back on the Block album, (1990). James, as a song writer is timeless he received Grammy recognition for his participation on the song entitled “Good Life”, in the “Best Rap Song” category, performed by Kanye West (featuring T-Pain) in 2007.

Hollywood soon called for Ingram’s wide-ranging songwriting and vocal abilities and several hit singles for blockbuster motion and animated pictures followed. “How Do You Keep The Music Playing” — a songwriting collaboration between Michel Legrand and Marilyn and Alan Bergman, performed by Ingram and Patti Austin — was featured in Best Friends (1982) and received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group as well as an Academy Award nomination in the Original Song category.

Other important contributions to feature films include “Don’t Make Me No Never Mind,” co-written with Quincy Jones and Roy Gaines for Steven Spielberg’s The Color Purple (1985), and Ingram’s duet with Anita Baker, “When You Love Someone,” by Bryan Adams, for Forget Paris (1995). “Somewhere Out There,” performed by Ingram and Linda Ronstadt for Steven Spielberg’s animated American Tail (1986) also received a Grammy for Song of the Year. Then 1993 and 1994 brought Ingram back-to-back Academy Award nominations. His duets with Dolly Parton, “The Day I Fall in Love,” featured in Beethoven 2 (1993), and Anita Baker, “Look What Love Has Done,” the theme song from Junior (1994), were songwriting collaborations with Carole Bayer Sager and recognized in Oscar’s Original Song category.

The ’90s were a fruitful decade for Ingram, who began it by co-producing “I Don’t Have the Heart” with Thom Bell — the first and only time Bell has co-produced on any project — and taking it to No. 1 in 1990. In 1999, Ingram released Forever More: The Best of James Ingram, which included some of his biggest hits as well as new material

Worldwide acclaim has led to concert tours in the U.S. and abroad, where he continues to play before sold-out stadiums in The Philippines, Japan, Singapore, Dubai, Brunei, Indonesia and Hong Kong. Fans at home have been able to see Ingram perform live everywhere from Compton to The White House.

The blessings of success also have allowed Ingram to pursue two of his personal passions: humanitarian work and composition for live theater. In 1987, Ingram was hand-picked by Quincy Jones to perform in “We are the World,” the universal gift and legendary singing and fund-raising effort from the recording industry, which raised more than $100 million in aid for those suffering from famine in Africa. Ingram also continues to work with long-time collaborator, choreographer/producer Debbie Allen on a number of musical projects. Most recently, they partnered on Stand (In the Light) and several musical theater works including “Brothers of the Night, “The Legend” and “Alex in Wonderland.”

Faith and family are Ingram’s main sources of inspiration, driving his industry achievements; legendary collaborations with revered mentors and peers; humanitarian work; and celebrated performances at some of the most-high-profile events of our time, including The Oscars, The Grammy Awards and The Super Bowl. The son of a Deacon, Ingram is one of six children and a self-taught musician, adept at piano, guitar, bass, drums and synthesizer. Today, he makes his home in Los Angeles with Debbie, his wife of 36 years, and their six children.

Review:
James Ingram never became a superstar, but he racked up a respectable number of adult contemporary and urban soul hits during the ’80s and early ’90s, many of which were duets. Forever More (Love Songs, Hits & Duets) collects 14 highlights from his career, including the hits “Just Once,” “One Hundred Ways,” “Baby, Come to Me,” “Yah Mo Be There,” “Somewhere Out There,” and “I Don’t Have the Heart.” The remaining songs may not be as recognizable as the singles, but they’re in the same vein and should please the casual fans who were lured in by the well-known hits. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Artist: James Ingram
Title : Forever More (Love Songs, Hits & Duets) (HDCD)
==========================================
01 – Forever More (I’ll Be The One)
02 – I Believe I Can Fly
03 – Baby Come To Me
04 – I Believe In Those Love Songs
05 – Everything Must Change
06 – Yah Mo Be There
07 – No Need To Say Goodbye
08 – Just Once (New Version)
09 – Wish You Were Here
10 – One Hundred Ways (New Version)
11 – My Funny Valentine
12 – Somewhere Out There
13 – I Don’t Have The Heart (New Version)
14 – The Day I Fall In Love
Total Time: 00:59:08

All tracks have been digitally mastered using HDCD technology.

Engineers include: Ross Palone, Bruce Swedien, Allen Sides.
Recording information: 57 Variet; Jam Shack Recording; Little Big Room Studios, Stockholm, Sweden; Rumbo Recorders; Westlake Audio, LA, CA.
Personnel includes: James Ingram (vocals); John Tesh (vocals, piano, synthesizer); Linda Ronstadt, Patti Austin, Quincy Jones, Anita Baker, Michael McDonald (vocals); Walter (Juni) Morrison (various instruments).
Producers include: Walter (Juni) Morrison, James Ingram, Quincy Jones, John Tesh, Peter Asher.

Fashiøn – Twilight Of Idols

2012-01-16T12:15:00.000-08:00

EC1004

Biography:
Fashiøn were a British New Wave band consisting of Dee Harris, Al ‘Luke Sky’ James, Alan Darby, John Mulligan, Marlon Recchi, and Dik Davis.
The band had two or three eras. The first, from 1978 to 1980, was part of the underground music of the 1970s, while punk was making their last hits in Britain, when the band, named Fashion Music, released experimental post-punk rock and like-reggae/ska oriented songs; and was also characterized by the presence of lead vocalist and guitarist Luke Sky, who left in 1980, ending with that first era.
Fashiøn was formed originally as Fashion Music, in Birmingham, England, in 1978, and consisted of John Mulligan (bass, synthesizer), Dik Davis (drums), and Al James (lead vocals, guitar). James became known as Luke Sky, or simply Luke or Luke, short for ‘Luke Skyscraper’ a pun on Star Wars and the fact that James was tall and thin.While John Mulligan was known simply as Mulligan and Davis as Dik. At that time, they also founded their own Fashion Music label, and they released their first three singles: Steady Eddie Steady, Citinite, and The Innocent.
Their sound was varied, playing punk, post-punk and indie repertoire, although Mulligan at that time also had a synthesizer which later characterized the future electro and new romantic years of the band (sounding like rock bands of the day, as Magazine, The Cure, and Joy Division).
After releasing three singles on their own label, they signed to I.R.S., for whom in 1979 they recorded and released their first album, Product Perfect.
Between 1978 and 1980, they played shows with many bands who later became well known. A then recently formed Duran Duran opened their shows, they toured the UK with U2, UK and USA with The Police, and opened for The B-52′s on their first British tour.
In March 1980, Fashiøn Music released their Silver Blades single. In 1980 they also released one more song, “Let Go”, on a Birmingham bands compilation called Bouncing In The Red (EMI).
In June 1980, after a last gig in London with U2, Luke James left the band and moved to United States. He now resides in the San Francisco Bay Area of California, and recently re-formed Fashion.
In different articles and webs, it has been announced Fashion Music recorded a number of demos during 1978-1979/80, but only three of them are online on the official band’s Myspace created by Luke James, “Fashiøn” (later re-recorded for Product Perfect), “Fiction Factory”, and “I Don’t Take Drugs” (recently dropped).
A line-up contained Dik and Mulligan from the original line along with Tony Dial (former singer with the Neon Hearts) and bass player Ian Moore. Sessions were recorded for BRMB and this line up supported The Human League. They were based at the Holy City Zoo club in Birmingham during this period.
There is, however, now a CD available through Luke’s Myspace and Fashiøn web pages that has all of the singles, as well as the unreleased demos of “Fiction Factory”, “Let Go”, “Bad Move”, and a 1980 re-recording of the band’s first single “Steady Eddie Steady”.
Their most notable album, Fabrique (1982), saw a significant change in line-up, with James having left the band and Harris and Recchi joining. Fabrique, produced by Zeus B. Held, contained the singles “Move On” and “Love Shadow”, among others. It was later re-issued with additional material as Height of Fashiøn (1990), (2004). One of Harris’ last gigs with Fashion occurred at the Botanical Gardens, Birmingham, England. Harris left Fashiøn before a proposed world tour of Fabrique and the third release, later recording an album with Richard Wright, keyboardist of Pink Floyd, as Zee. Harris was replaced by Troy Tate and guitarist Al Darby. Though Troy Tate did not record any studio material with Fashion, he performed his own songs with the band live. During Tate’s period, Alan Darby showed off his immense talent for the guitar by modifying De Harris’ guitar parts and even soloing in different modal ways. Songs during Tate’s period include, “Love Is” and “What You Gonna Do Next.” Tate was subsequently fired, with Darby left to perform leading vocals.
In 1984, Fashiøn released an album entitled Twilight Of Idols.
Later, gigs with the new singer, songwriter, and guitar player Darby took place in Dunsbury, England. According to a web response, Mulligan has recorded material with Nick Beggs of Kajagoogoo.
29 years after the first Fashiøn album, Product Perfect (1979), original singer/guitarist James has re-released the first album on CD. In addition, James is finishing a book entitled [Stairway to Nowhere] and has recently completed an album of the same title. Released in February 2009, the [Stairway to Nowhere] album features James on vocals and various instruments, Vuk Pavlovic of Nature’s Pocket providing drums for 3 tracks, and Balcony as the mastering and technical guru.

Album Notes:
Twilight of Idols was Fashiøn’s 1984 album produced by Zeus B. Held and their only to feature singer/songwriter Alan Darby.
The track “Eye Talk” was released as a UK single, reaching No. 69 in February 1984 having been preceded in the charts by Fashiøn’s earlier single releases: “Streetplayer (Mechanik)” and “Love Shadow”.
The album was reissued on CD for the first time in March 2009 by Cherry Red Records, featuring 4 bonus tracks.

Artist: Fashiøn
Title : Twilight Of Idols
==========================================
01 – Eye Talk
02 – Dreaming
03 – Hit Girl
04 – Trader
05 – You In The Night
06 – Delirious
07 – Hurricane
08 – Too Much Too Soon
09 – Slow Down
10 – Twilight Of Idols
11 – Eye Talk (Mutant Version)*
12 – Dreaming (Extended Version)*
13 – White Line Flyer (Extended Version)*
14 – You In The Night (Extended Version)*
Total Time: 01:07:55
Tracks marked with an asterisk (*) only appear on the CD reissue.

Personnel
Alan Darby – vocals, guitar
Mulligan – synthesizer, vocals
Marlon Recchi – bass guitar, vocals
Dik Davis – drums and percussion, vocals

Singles
“Steady Eddie Steady” – (November 1978)
“Citinite” – (June 1979)
“The Innocent” – (September 28, 1979)
“Silver Blades” – (March 1980)
“Move On” – (1981)
“You Only Left Your Picture” – (1982)
“Streetplayer (Mechanik)” – (1982) UK #46
“Something in Your Picture” – (1982)
“Love Shadow” – (1982) UK #51
“Eye Talk” – (1984) UK #69
“Dreaming” – (1984)
“You in the Night” – (1984)
“Eye Talk” – (1986) – re-release
“Something in Your Picture” – (1987) – re-release
“Dressed to Kill” – (1987)

Albums (with chart position)
Product Perfect (17 September 1979)
Fabrique (1982) – later re-released as The Height Of Fashiøn (2004) UK #10
Twilight of Idols (1984) UK #69
Stairway to Nowhere (2009)

Happy New Year!

2012-01-16T00:00:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

I returned after a long time and I have prepared many good albums for uploading.
Stay connected and will begin soon….

Dexys Midnight Runners – Too-Rye-Ay

2011-11-30T13:26:00.001-08:00

EC1002

Biography:

Dexys Midnight Runners are a British pop group with soul influences, who achieved their major success in the early to mid 1980s. They are best known for their songs “Come On Eileen” and “Geno”, both of which went No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart.

1978–1980: Foundation and first singles

Kevin Rowland (vocals, guitar, at the time going under the pseudonym Carlo Rolan) and Kevin “Al” Archer (vocals, guitar), both previously of The Killjoys, founded the band in 1978 in Birmingham, England, naming the band after Dexedrine, a brand of dextroamphetamine popularly used as a recreational drug among Northern Soul fans at the time. The “midnight runners” referred to the energy the Dexedrine gave, enabling one to dance all night. “Big” Jim Paterson (trombone), Geoff “JB” Blythe (saxophone, previously of Geno Washington’s Ram Jam Band), Steve “Babyface” Spooner (alto saxophone), Pete Saunders (keyboard), Pete Williams (bass) and Bobby “Jnr” Ward (drums) formed the first line-up of the band to record a single, “Dance Stance” (1979).The song was released on the independent Oddball Records, was named “single of the week” by Sounds, and reached number 40 in the British charts, but the next single, “Geno” – about Geno Washington, and released on EMI – was a British Number One in 1980. It featured the band’s newest recruits, Andy Leek (keyboards) and Andy “Stoker” Growcott (drums). At age 11, Rowland had been taken by his brother to see Washington perform live. The success of the song prompted Washington to make a return to live performance, and also saw the departure of Leek, who himself cited the “Top of the Pops thing … people wanting your autograph and that just because you are in the band” The band at this time dressed in donkey jackets or leather coats and woolly hats, and had a look described as “straight out of DeNiro’s Mean Streets”. Rowland said of the band’s sound and look in January 1980: “we didn’t want to become part of anyone else’s movement. We’d rather be our own movement”. Image was very important to the group, with Rowland commenting “We wanted to be a group that looked like something…a formed group, a project, not just random”.

1980–1982: Searching for the Young Soul Rebels
The band’s debut LP, Searching for the Young Soul Rebels, was released in July 1980. The album’s sleeve featured a photograph of a Belfast Catholic boy carrying his belongings after being forced from his home in the sectarian clearances of 1969, the Irish-descended Rowland explaining “I wanted a picture of unrest. It could have been from anywhere but I was secretly glad that it was from Ireland”. Of the album’s title, Rowland said “I don’t know…I just liked the sound of it, really”. After the next single, “There, There, My Dear”, was a hit, Rowland insisted on choosing the uncommercial “Keep It Part Two (Inferiority Part One)” for the following single. It was a failure, and most of the band members quit, angered over continual personality problems with Rowland, including Rowland’s policy of not speaking to the music press (Rowland imposed a press embargo in July 1980, and would instead take out ads in the music papers explaining the band’s position). This was a response to some less than complimentary opinions from some music press writers; The NME’s Mark Cordery accused the band of “emotional fascism” and described their music as a perversion of soul music with “no tenderness, no sex, no wit, no laughter”.
Archer eventually formed The Blue Ox Babes, while Blythe, Spooner, Williams, Stoker and Mick Talbot (ex-The Merton Parkas, who had recently joined on keyboards) left to form The Bureau. Paterson stayed with Rowland, who added Billy Adams (guitar/banjo), Seb Shelton (drums, formerly of Secret Affair), Micky Billingham (keyboard), Brian Maurice (alto saxophone), Paul Speare (tenor saxophone) and Steve Wynne (bass), releasing a handful of singles in 1980 and 1981, and adopting a new look that included hooded tops, boxing boots, and pony tails. Along with the new image, Rowland brought in a fitness regime, which included working out together and running as a group, Rowland commenting “The togetherness of running along together just gets…that fighting spirit going”. The group would also take part in group exercise sessions before performances, and drinking before shows was strictly forbidden.
By the time “Plan B” was released, the band were in dispute with EMI, claiming that as their contract option had not been picked up by the company, they were no longer under contract, and they asked, without success, that EMI not release the single. In March 1981, an ad appeared in which Rowland stated that the previous members of the band had “hatched a plot to throw Kevin out and still carry on under the same name”. It also cited Rowland’s suggestion that “they might learn new instruments” as a reason for their displeasure. The ad announced that Dexys had been working on a new live venture, “The Midnight Runners Projected Passion Revue”. “Show Me” was released in summer 1981 and reached No. 16 in the UK. It was followed by a session for Richard Skinner’s BBC Radio 1 show in which the band previewed tracks that would be reworked later on Too-Rye-Ay. “Liars A to E” was released in October 1981, after which Rowland took the band in a new direction.

1982–1985: Too-Rye-Ay
Rowland then recruited fiddle players Helen O’Hara (from Archer’s new group, The Blue Ox Babes), Steve Brennan and Roger MacDuff, known collectively as “The Emerald Express”. With the addition of new bass player, Giorgio Kilkenny, this line-up recorded Too-Rye-Ay in 1982, a hybrid of soul and Celtic folk, the new sound accompanied by a new look, with the band attired in dungarees, scarves, leather waistcoats, and what was described as “a generally scruffy right-off-the-farm look”, or “a raggle-taggle mixture of gypsy, rural Irish and Steinbeck Okie”. Rowland said of the new image: “These are my best clothes. Again it just feels right for the music. Everybody else is dressing up sort of straight-laced and we come in wearing these and it’s like, y’know here we are, a bit of hoedowning is even possible”.
The first single, “The Celtic Soul Brothers,” was mildly successful but the follow-up, “Come On Eileen,” became a Number One hit not only in the UK, but also in the United States, where it became the biggest-selling single of 1982. Sales in the UK alone amounted to over 1.2 million copies.
The follow-up “Jackie Wilson Said (I’m in Heaven When You Smile)”, a cover of a Van Morrison tune, also reached the top 5 in the UK singles chart. The band sang this song on the UK comedy The Young Ones. When the band performed this single on the BBC TV music show Top of the Pops, instead of a picture of Jackie Wilson, the American soul singer, the band performed in front of a photo of Jocky Wilson, the Scottish darts player.
Feeling that their role in the group had diminished following the arrival of the fiddles, the brass section of Paterson, Speare and Maurice left to form The TKO Horns and recorded an album in 1985 with Howard Jones, while Kilkenny was replaced by John “Rhino” Edwards on bass and Billingham left to join General Public. The group continued to tour until 1983 with a nucleus of Rowland, Adams, O’Hara and Shelton augmented by other musicians.

1985–1986: Don’t Stand Me Down and break up
After a two-year break, Dexys returned in 1985 with the album, Don’t Stand Me Down, featuring Rowland, Adams, O’Hara and Nicky Gatfield together with various seasoned performers including Vincent Crane (ex-Atomic Rooster), Julian Littman and Tim Dancy (who had been Al Green’s drummer). In an interview with HitQuarters Gatfield later described the recording process as “very long and painful”. The new album brought another new look, with the band pictured on the sleeve wearing ties, pin-striped suits, and with neatly combed hair, what Rowland described as “so clean and simple; it’s a much more adult approach now”. Some reviewers were highly critical, yet writing in the Melody Maker, Colin Irwin described it as “quite the most challenging, absorbing, moving, uplifting and ultimately triumphant album of the year”. Rowland at first refused to issue any singles from the album, and by the time a 3 minute edit of the 12 minute “This Is What She’s Like” was released, it was too late to save the album from commercial failure. The group disbanded the following year after a brief return to the charts with the single “Because Of You” (which was used as the theme tune to a British sitcom, Brush Strokes).

1986–2003: Rowland solo and failed reunions
Rowland became a solo singer with the release of 1988′s poorly-received album, The Wanderer. Despite spending much of the 1990s suffering from financial problems and drug addiction, Rowland made plans to reform Dexys together with Big Jim Paterson, although these resulted in no more than a solitary TV performance in 1993. Returning once more as a solo performer, Rowland signed to Creation Records, releasing an album of interpretations of “classic” songs called My Beauty in 1999, which received virtually no radio airplay and sold poorly. The demise of Creation Records, shortly after the album’s release, meant that the planned follow-up album, which would have featured Dexys, was never made. In March 2010 Rowland said that signing to Creation was “definitely a mistake”.

2003 reunion
In April 2003, a new incarnation of the group announced that they would be embarking on a tour. A greatest hits album, Let’s Make This Precious, was released in September 2003, and a successful tour took place in October and November. Two newly recorded songs, “Manhood” and “My Life in England,” appeared on the album and were touted as new singles. Despite airplay on national radio, neither was officially released as a commercial single.
During a June 2005 interview on BBC Radio 2, Kevin Rowland announced that Dexys were “back in the studio” and seeking a record deal for a new album. A new track, “It’s OK Johanna”, appeared on the band’s MySpace site in 2007, and in January, 2008, Rowland told Uncut Magazine further details about the album, saying in part: “I’m in the process of demo-ing the songs … I don’t know when it will be ready or who will play on the record. I want to get everything 100 percent right, and know that it’s the best I can do and every note is there for a reason … The only way I can be satisfied is to make the record I’m hearing in my head on my own terms.”

Awards
1983 BRIT Awards – Best British single (for “Come On Eileen”) ~en.wikipedia.org

Album Review
Thought of as one-hit wonders in the US for “Come on Eileen,” Dexy’s Midnight Runners were already stars in Europe (especially their homeland, Britain) before that 1982 single topped charts worldwide. Their influential 1980 debut, SEARCHING FOR THE YOUNG SOUL REBELS, was an uncommonly heartfelt blend of punk and soul sensibilities. However, disagreement over musical direction led to the departure of much of the band, leaving only vocalist Kevin Rowland and trombonist Big Jim Paterson. The duo carried on with new recruits, and the result was TOO-RYE-AY, an album that infuses the group’s prior sound with Celtic elements, creating a working-class vibe made explicit by the ensemble’s Depression-era street-urchin clothes.
Musically, the record shows an obvious maturation, with songs that demonstrate less concern with urgency and anger than romance and nostalgia. “Come on Eileen,” a joyous evocation of adolescent lust, became the band’s signature song, but the other riches here are plentiful. The rollicking opener, “The Celtic Soul Brothers,” is essentially an explanation of their new image, while “Let’s Make This Precious” could be seen as a statement of purpose. They even pump considerable fire into Van Morrison’s ebullient “Jackie Wilson Said.” This strong, career-defining album would remain one of the key statements in 1980s pop music.
Digitally remastered 1996 reissue on Mercury of their 1983 album for the label featuring the #1 smash ‘Come On Eileen’ and eight bonus tracks: ‘The Celtic Souls Brothers’ (USMix), ‘Marguerita Time’, ‘Dubious’, ‘T.S.O.P.’, ‘Love Part2′ and live versions of ‘Come On Eileen’, ‘Jackie WilsonSaid’ & ‘Respect’. 18 tracks total. Total playing time of 77:15.~cduniverse.com

Includes liner notes by Ted Kessler.
All tracks have been digitally remastered.
Producers: Clive Langer, Alan Winstanley, Kevin Rowland.
Reissue producers: Tim Chacksfield, Bill Levenson.

Artist: Dexys Midnight Runners
Title : Too-Rye-Ay
==========================================
01 – The Celtic Soul Brothers
02 – Let’s Make This Precious
03 – All In All (This One Last Wild Waltz)
04 – Jackie Wilson Said (I’m In Heaven When You Smile)
05 – Old
06 – Plan B
07 – I’ll Show You
08 – Liars A To E
09 – Until I Believe In My Soul
10 – Come On Eileen
11 – The Celtic Soul Brothers (Us Mix)
12 – Jackie Wilson Said (I’m In Heaven When You Smile) (Live)
13 – Come On Eileen (Live)
14 – Marguerita Time
15 – Respect (Live)
16 – Dubious
17 – Love, Part 2
18 – T.S.O.P. (The Sound Of Philadelphia)

Additional personnel includes: Helen O’Hara, Steve Brennan (fiddle); The Sisters Of Scarlett (background vocals).

Personnel: Kevin Rowland (vocals, guitar, piano); Sisters of Scarlet, Katie Kissoon, Sam Brown, Carol Kenyon (vocals); Billy Adams (guitar, banjo); Steve Brennan, Helen O’Hara (violin, fiddle); Emerald Express (fiddle); Paul Speare (flute, saxophone); Mickey Billingham (accordion, piano, organ, keyboards); Maurice Brian, Brian Morris (saxophone); Jimmy Paterson (horns); Giorgio Kilkenny (bass guitar); Seb Shelton (drums).
Audio Remasterer: Roger Wake.Q (p.114) – 4 stars out of 5 — “[The songs] were hallmarked by Rowland’s passionate wail and his intense lyrical vision.”

Q (11/00, p.130) – 4 stars out of 5 – “…An inspired set of blue-eyed soul celebrationals, topped by Rowland’s yodelling, hyper-passionate vocals. Fabulous stuff…”
Uncut (p.110) – 3 stars out of 5 — “This might convince you Dexys were at their best when they were at their most impure — at their most insecure, lustful, ambitious….A pop triumph…”
Melody Maker (4/6/96, p.38) – Bloody Essential – “…That a man so brave should have channelled such raw humanity into [one of] the greatest soul albums ever made is something for which we should all feel privileged….the kind of band that could sigificantly change your life…”
NME (Magazine) (12/30/00, p.79) – Ranked #4 in NME’s “Top 5 Reissues Of The Year”.
NME (Magazine) (9/16/00, p.36) – 7 out of 10 – “…An attractive raggle-taggle, dungareed take on urban soul…”

Socrates (Drank The Conium) with Vangelis Papathanasiou – Phos

2011-11-07T15:23:00.000-08:00

Socrates Drank the Conium is a Greek progressive/blues rock band that formed in 1969 and was active in the early 1970s. Their sound was reminiscent of other such bands of the approximate period like the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Led Zeppelin, Cream, Jeff Beck and some of the more progressive, experimental works of Black Sabbath. Their categorization as “progressive” can be attributed mainly to their abundant use of less-than-conventional time signatures. The group would go through many lineup changes throughout the years, but the two core members have remained: guitarist Yannis Spathas and bassist/singer Antonis Tourkogiorgis.

History

Socrates (as the somewhat ponderous name is often abbreviated) began its career in the clubs of Athens. Most prominent of these was the popular Kyttaro. They were present at a number of other locations in and around Victoria Square in Athens. Apart from playing many original songs at gigs, Socrates often covered Jimi Hendrix songs, none of which were featured on any studio releases. However, a thirteen-minute cover of “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” by the Rolling Stones found its way onto their 1972 album Taste of Conium. The guitarist, Yannis Spathas, favored two sunburst Fender Stratocasters, a Candy Apple Red Roland GR-505 guitar synthesizer, a black Gibson Les Paul Custom and a cherry sunburst Les Paul Standard as his instruments, Antonis Tourkogiorgis played a mid-1970s natural ash-bodied Fender Jazz Bass, a Warwick Corvette Double Buck bass and sang, while several drummers were used throughout the live shows and recording sessions. As a whole, the three-piece outfit resembled that of Cream: counterparts Spathas and Clapton, singer/bassists Tourkogiorgis and Bruce and drummers Boukouvalas and Baker.
In 1975, Socrates went through a change in stylistic direction with Phos which released in 1976 and was produced by Vangelis and featured his contribution on many tracks. Phos was mostly reworkings of older songs by Socrates. Both LPs On the Wings and Phos were issued in the USA via Neil Kempfer-Stocker’s Prog imprint Cosmos.

During 2002 Socrates reunited in an extended form (featuring keyboards and a second singer) to do several shows around Greece.

The Album Notes:

In 1975 Vangelis worked with the Greek rock band Socrates on their third album “Phos”. The band consists of three members at the time, Antonis Tourkogiorgis, John Spathas and George Tradalidis. Their cooperation with Vangelis lasts only for this one album, he is credited for producing the album, playing keyboards and percussion and also for composing one of the songs.

Before and after this album Socrates made a number of other albums, sometimes under the imaginative name ‘Socrates drank the conium’…

Review

Greek band Socrates (without Vangelis) sound like a standard seventies rhythm’n'blues-outfit with a lead-vocalist/bass player, lead-guitarist and drummer, somewhat akin to early Fleetwood Mac, Free and other bluesy bands like those. But they also remind you of some of the livelier moments of Aphrodite’s Child – in fact, Antonis Tourkogiorgis’ voice is not dissimilar to that of the younger Demis Roussos, and likewise the guitar-work of John Spadas compared to that of Silver Koulouris. But they lack some of the melancholy and weirdness of their illustrious predecessors, which is where Vangelis comes in for this 1976 album “Phos”.

Socrates, like Aphrodite’s Child, recorded for Vertigo/Polygram which is probably how they got in touch with Vangelis, who in turn might have relished the chance to work with some fellow Greeks again, in a rather uncomplicated style far removed from his own at the time (e.g. “Albedo 0.39″, “Spiral”).

Describing the album track by track, focusing on Vangelis’ input:
“Starvation” alternates between the vocal line (duplicated on guitar) and a nice keyboard-riff played by Vangelis using his typical organ-sounds. A tough heavy rock-song, plenty of guitars, well executed.

“Queen Of The Universe” is a hybrid cosmic blues-song, with Vangelis simply marking the beat in the bluesy parts, but really taking over in the mysterious “cosmic” interludes: three beautiful reminders of “Albedo 0.39″ and also “Cosmos”.

The instrumental “Every Dream Comes To An End” is co-credited to Vangelis but, as he gives the song its structure through his main piano-part, it’s probably his composition with the others figuring out their contributions on acoustic guitar, bass and drums and a few dramatic electric guitar solos. Apart from the only occurrence of the piano on this album, a flexible high CS-80-type sound is also heard throughout. During the beautiful long coda, it’s Vangelis completely on his own, and the piece ends with a clock ticking, another theme from “Albedo 0.39″.

The highlight of this album, naturally, for Vangelis fans.

“The Bride” is a ballad, Socrates-style, with a low and a high (slightly out of tune) vocal singing the same melody-line as played by the acoustic & electric guitar. Vangelis’ input is slight, a high CS-80-type sound and a few bass-sounds make up his contribution here.

“Killer” is a short, complicated blues-song with no discernible contribution from Vangelis, or it must be percussion, for which he’s also credited on this album Vangelis reappears on “A Day In Heaven” however, along with a mystery female vocal. Could this be Mariangela, who also recorded an album at Orange Studios in London with Vangelis ? Who knows, anyway, it adds a nice touch to this slow rock-song. Vangelis simply plays his organ-part, no pyrotechnics here, apart from a few thrills at the end.

The same description applies to “Time Of Pain” as did earlier to “Killer”, plenty of complicated intertwined guitar-parts, the only Vangelis input possibly being some strange “painful” noises at 2.35.

Longest track “Mountains” at first repeats the Fleetwood Mac trick on “Oh Well” of the lead-singer several times singing on his own followed by a guitar-riff. Then it all stops, and Vangelis joins in to accompany a long difficult acoustic guitar-part in the best seventies guitar-freakery tradition. This plus some weird percussion creates a slightly “666″ atmosphere to end this album.

“Phos” is not a masterpiece of an album (but certainly the better for Vangelis’ contribution) and Socrates as a band would have remained highly obscure and of interest to blues specialists only, were it not for their involvement with the much better-known Vangelis. For him, it was probably just an opportunity to “let his hair down”, have some fun and help out a few fellow Greeks. The result is enjoyable enough to listen to once in a while, as simply another oddity in the long Vangelis canon. ~Review by Ivar de Vries

Artist: Socrates
Title: Phos
==========================================
01 – Starvation
02 – Queen Of The Universe
03 – Every Dream Comes To An End
04 – The Bridge
05 – Killer
06 – A Day In Heaven
07 – Time Of Pain
08 – Mountains

Discography
Although recorded in 1975, an LP was first issued in 1976 in Greece and the USA, the last one which was later withdrawn. The USA print had a yellow cover with a statue-head picture, where as the Greek printed a different cover, with a collage of pictures from the three band members. No singles were released. The first cd was issued in Greece in 1993 by Vertigo, which was later re-issued in South Korea by Si-Wan records. Both have the collage cover. In 1998 Vertigo re-released a remastered edition of the album, with the statue head cover. Apparently also a single was released from the album in Greece…

LP
1976 Vertigo 6331 950 Greece
1976 Peters International PILPS 9013 USA

CD
1993 Vertigo 518 738 2 Greece
1995 Si-Wan Records 518 527 2 South Korea
1998 Vertigo 518 738 2 Greece (Remastered)

Recording studio

As his own studio was still being built up, Vangelis booked recording time Orange Studios, a small but centrally located studio. There he met Keith Spencer-Allen, sound engineer at Orange Studios at the time, who would be his assistant at Nemo during the remaining part of the seventies. Not only did Vangelis record this album at Orange Studios, but also an album with Greek singer Mariangela. Actually the female backing vocal in “A day in heaven” is Mariangela.

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Belinda Carlisle – A Woman & A Man [DTS 5.1]

2011-11-07T10:30:00.000-08:00

Belinda Carlisle – A Woman And A Man (DTS CD) (New Rip-Fix errors)
EAC Rip | Included: EAC Log + CUE + Flac + Covers | Size: 384 MB | RAR files
Source: Belinda Carlisle – A Woman And A Man (DTS CD)
Release: Jan 01, 1997 | Label: Chrysalis Record/DTS Entertainment | Number: 7102151012-2-4
Style: Pop/Rock | Mono/Stereo: Multi Channel | FileServe.com

WARNING!!!

Audio Format: Digital Surround DTS 5.1
To play DTS CDs you need to have equipment that supports DTS and a surround sound system that is capable of decoding the DTS signal. Don’t play this on equipment that isn’t compatible because you’ll only hear static!

Album Notes

Everyone’s favorite Go-Go is back with another solo effort, and her fans shouldn’t be disappointed. Carlisle still has the vocal qualities that have always defined her as something special; the shaky vibrato on those long notes, the strong, husky tone, and a knack for finding catchy melodies. A WOMAN AND A MAN showcases those qualities, as well as staking out some new ground for this talented singer.
Carlisle has expanded her sound on this disc. Where she formerly adhered to somewhat predictable arrangements and production, here she uses a broader sonic pallette. “California” is a dark-tinted, mid-tempo ballad with ’60s-bubble-gum background vocals. But Carlisle’s forte is still big, sweeping pop songs like the title track, where she builds upon a solid pop foundation to explode into a truly inspirational, foot-stomping chorus.

This is a DTS CD, which features DTS 5.1 Surround Sound technology and is playable on a DTS-capable 5.1 Surround Sound system.

Personnel includes: Belinda Carlisle (vocals); Brian Wilson, Per Gessle, Susannah Hoffs, Seattle Symphony Orchestra.
Personnel: Belinda Carlisle (vocals); Louis Metoyer (guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Phil Grande (guitar); Jonas Isacsson, Steve Farris (acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Per Gessle (electric guitar, background vocals); Davey Johnstone (mandolin); Rory Kaplan (piano, keyboards, drum programming); Clarence Ofwerman (keyboards, programming); Andres Herlin (bass guitar, programming); Steve Wren (drums); Paulinho Da Costa (percussion); Ellen Shipley, Maria Vidal, Brian Wilson (background vocals).
Audio Mixers: Randy Wine; David Tickle; Brian Lapin.
Recording information: The Journey Room, Malibu, CA.
Photographers: Lorenzo Agius; Ellen Von Unwerth.

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Deep Purple – Machine Head [HSACD (PCM & DSD Stereo)]

2011-10-30T06:21:00.000-07:00

Review:

Led Zeppelin’s fourth album, Black Sabbath’s Paranoid, and Deep Purple’s Machine Head have stood the test of time as the Holy Trinity of English hard rock and heavy metal, serving as the fundamental blueprints followed by virtually every heavy rock & roll band since the early ’70s. And, though it is probably the least celebrated of the three, Machine Head contains the “mother of all guitar riffs” — and one of the first learned by every beginning guitarist — in “Smoke on the Water.”
Inspired by real-life events in Montreux, Switzerland, where Deep Purple were recording the album when the Montreux Casino was burned to the ground during a Frank Zappa concert, neither the song, nor its timeless riff, should need any further description. However, Machine Head was anything but a one-trick pony, introducing the bona fide classic opener “Highway Star,” which epitomized all of Deep Purple’s intensity and versatility while featuring perhaps the greatest soloing duel ever between guitarist Ritchie Blackmore and organist Jon Lord.

Also in top form was singer Ian Gillan, who crooned and exploded with amazing power and range throughout to establish himself once and for all as one of the finest voices of his generation, bar none. Yes, the plodding shuffle of “Maybe I’m a Leo” shows some signs of age, but punchy singles “Pictures of Home” and “Never Before” remain as vital as ever, displaying Purple at their melodic best. And finally, the spectacular “Space Truckin’” drove Machine Head home with yet another tremendous Blackmore riff, providing a fitting conclusion to one of the essential hard rock albums of all time. ~allmusic.com

Artist: Deep Purple
Title: Machine Head [HSACD (PCM & DSD Stereo)]
==========================================
01 – Highway Star
02 – Maybe I’m A Leo
03 – Picture Of Home
04 – Never Before
05 – Smoke On The Water
06 – Lazy
07 – Space Truckin’
Total Time: 00:37:45

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Queen – A Night At The Opera (DTS CD)

2011-10-28T16:37:00.000-07:00

Queen – A Night At The Opera (DTS CD) (New Rip)
EAC Rip | Included: EAC Log + CUE + Flac + Covers | Size: 405 MB | RAR files
Source: A Night At The Opera (DVD) [30th ANNIVERSARY COLLECTORS EDITION CD & DVD]
Release: 2005 | Label: EMI/Parlophone | Number: 00946 3 38457 2 5
Style: Classic Rock | Mono/Stereo: Multi Channel | FileServe.com

WARNING!!!
Audio Format: Digital Surround DTS 5.1
To play DTS CDs you need to have equipment that supports DTS and a surround sound system that is capable of decoding the DTS signal. Don’t play this on equipment that isn’t compatible because you’ll only hear static!

Biography:

English rock band Queen are one of the most popular bands in the world, and have sold an estimated 300 million records internationally. Known for their theatrical style, and the flamboyant showmanship of lead singer Freddie Mercury, the band built a reputation through the 1970s & 1980s with million-selling albums and emphatic live performances.
Their breakthrough was the 1974 album Queen II, which hit No.5 in the British charts and included a Top 10 single, Seven Seas of Rhye. Third album Sheer Heart Attack (1974) was the first Queen record to win over critics as well as fans, and is often regarded as their first true classic. They embarked on a world tour and won the hearts of every crowd they played to.
A Night at the Opera (1975) was, at the time, the most expensive album ever recorded, but it proved to be worth the cost. It spent more than a year in both the UK and US charts, eventually selling over three million copies in the US. A Night at the Opera is often regarded as Queen’s magnum opus, and features on many critics’ lists of great albums. It also featured their signature song, “Bohemian Rhapsody”, which topped the UK charts for nine weeks and is one of Britain’s biggest-selling singles ever. It is also regularly voted as one of the greatest singles ever, and its video is considered to be a landmark in the history of music promotion – after “Bohemian Rhapsody”, every band demanded videos for their singles.
Now one of the biggest bands in the world, Queen continued to enjoy incredible commercial success with A Day At The Races (1976) and News Of The World (1977), containing the massive hits “Somebody to Love”, “We Will Rock You” and “We are the Champions”. In 1976 they performed a free concert in Hyde Park, London, in front of a crowd estimated at close to 200,000. 1978′s Jazz was an eclectic album that went nowhere near jazz, while the band achieved their first US No.1s at the turn of the decade with “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” and “Another one Bites the Dust”.
The band continued to tour in stadiums and set attendance records on a South American tour, playing to hundreds-of-thousands of fans every night. “Under Pressure” (with David Bowie) was another huge hit, as were “Radio Ga Ga” and “I Want to Break Free”. 1985 was a pivotal year for the band: they broke more attendance records by twice performing in front of 325,000 fans in Rio, before their blockbusting set at Live Aid. Watched by a worldwide TV audience of over a billion, it was recently voted ‘The Greatest Live Performance Ever’ by a BBC poll. In 1988 Queen stopped performing live and concentrated on their studio work, which continued to yield million-selling albums.
In 1991, lead singer Freddie Mercury issued a statement admitting that he had AIDS. He died the next day, at the age of 45.
The following year a massive fundraising event – The Freddie Mercury Tribute concert took place in London, featuring stars like Bowie, Robert Plant, Elton John, Guns n’ Roses and Metallica. It was broadcast to over a billion viewers worldwide and raised over £20 million for AIDS charities. Later, “Bohemian Rhapsody” was featured prominently in the film Wayne’s World, leading to a renaissance in the song’s popularity among a new generation of fans. An album called Made in Heaven was released in 1995 comprising finished versions of tracks started with Mercury in the studio several years earlier.
The band and well-known English comedian/writer Ben Elton created We Will Rock You (The Musical), which opened in London’s West End in May, 2002. It has become one of the most successful musicals ever in London and has spawned multiple productions all around the world.
In 2005, guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor commenced touring again with Paul Rodgers, known together as Queen + Paul Rodgers.

Reviews
Nothing succeeds like excess–at least that’s the case with Queen’s breakthrough classic, A Night at the Opera. On one level, the title is a reference to the band’s operatic pretensions, best in evidence here on the classic “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which was championed by headbangers a generation before being revived by the Wayne’s World set. Of course, A Night at the Opera was also the title of a Marx Brothers movie, and the reference isn’t lost on Queen, who seldom scaled the heights of pomprock without a knowing wink. The album is remembered for its meticulously produced bombast, but the truth is that there’s a wide variety of material here, from the gorgeous piano-based “You’re My Best Friend” and the McCartneyesque “39″ to the music-hall-style “Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon” and the pedal-to-the-metal rockers “Death on Two Legs” and “I’m in Love with My Car.” A Night at the Opera is viewed by most as the quintessential Queen album, and justifiably so. ~Daniel Durchholz

Product Description
A landmark release, this special edition features both the new CD and DVD formats of the album completely restored from original analogue tapes and digitally re-mastered by Bob Ludwig, in both stereo and 5.1 surround sound. As well as the original 1975 videos for ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and ‘You’re My Best Friend’, the DVD also contains brand new video footage for the other 10 tracks, along with archive audio commentary from all four members of Queen, including the late Freddie Mercury.
As Queen guitarist Brian May explains in the new liner notes: “Months of craftsmanship by true perfectionists have gone into wringing every ounce out of the original master recordings and into this hitherto unequalled ‘high definition’ domain. Never has the recording been so carefully balanced, so carefully cleansed of clicks and pops from so many sources, some of which were even present on the original mix master tapes. In the stereo sound on this DVD, every nuance of the analogue character of these human-made mixes is more faithfully reproduced here than ever before. In addition, for the surround track, a whole set of 5.1 mixes has been created from microscopically accurate digital sound files, mirroring the original multitrack tapes. For the first time this includes a new surround mix of the final track ‘God Save the Queen’, and some improvements to the surround mixes previously issued to a small audience on the DTS DVD-Audio release.”
May continues: “This DVD also features for the first time visuals for every track on the album some, like the original ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ video, carefully digitally restored and re-graded, and some, like the stunning new video for ‘Good Company’, created especially for this release. There are also some special commentaries, ancient and modern, from all four Queen members on facets of the tracks, and… yes, this is quite simply the best ‘Night At The Opera’ ever produced. I doubt if it can ever be bettered!” ~Amazon.com

Artist: Queen
Title: A Night At The Opera (DTS CD)
==========================================
01 – Death On Two Legs (Dedicated To……
02 – Lazing On A Sunday Afternoon
03 – I’m In Love With My Car
04 – You’re My Best Friend
05 – ’39
06 – Sweet Lady
07 – Seaside Rendezvous
08 – The Prophet’s Song
09 – Love Of My Life
10 – Good Company
11 – Bohemian Rhapsody
12 – God Save The Queen

SOURCE
============
A Night At The Opera (DVD) [30th ANNIVERSARY COLLECTORS EDITION CD & DVD]

SOFTWARE USED
=============
DVD DeCrypter
Foobar2000
Adobe Audition CS5.5
DTS HD Encoder Suite v.2.50.20
Exact Audio Copy

Covers
=============
Artwork scanned at 600 dpi BMP format, redesigned and resized to PNG format for posting.
ACDSee Pro 3.0
ACDSee Photo Editor 2008

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Deep Purple - Machine Head [SACD - DTS 5.1]

2011-10-21T22:00:00.000-07:00

WARNING!!!

Audio Format: Digital Surround DTS 5.1

To play DTS CDs you need to have equipment that supports DTS and a surround sound system that is capable of decoding the DTS signal. Don't play this on equipment that isn't compatible because you'll only hear static!

Album Notes

Machine Head is the sixth Deep Purple studio album. It was recorded at the Grand Hotel Montreux, Switzerland in December 1971 with the Rolling Stones Mobile Studio, and released in May 1.

The album is often cited as being very influential in the development of the heavy metal music genre. It is Deep Purple's most successful recording, topping the charts in several countries following its release. In 2001 Q magazine named it as one of the 50 Heaviest Albums of All Time.

Machine Head is the subject of one of the Classic Albums series of documentaries about the making of famous albums. Machine Head was released on the multichannel formats Super Audio CD (2003) and DVD-Audio (2001). ---Wikipedia

Led Zeppelin's fourth album, Black Sabbath's Paranoid, and Deep Purple's Machine Head have stood the test of time as the Holy Trinity of English hard rock and heavy metal, serving as the fundamental blueprints followed by virtually every heavy rock & roll band since the early '70s. And, though it is probably the least celebrated of the three, Machine Head contains the "mother of all guitar riffs" -- and one of the first learned by every beginning guitarist -- in "Smoke on the Water." Inspired by real life events in Montreux, Switzerland, where Deep Purple were recording the album when the Grand Hotel was burned to the ground during a Frank Zappa concert, neither the song, nor its timeless riff, should need any further description. However, Machine Head was anything but a one-trick pony, introducing the bona fide classic opener "Highway Star," which epitomized all of Deep Purple's intensity and versatility while featuring perhaps the greatest soloing duel ever between guitarist Ritchie Blackmore and organist Jon Lord. Also in top form was singer Ian Gillan, who crooned and exploded with amazing power and range throughout to establish himself once and for all as one of the finest voices of his generation, bar none. Yes, the plodding shuffle of "Maybe I'm a Leo" shows some signs of age, but punchy singles "Pictures of Home" and "Never Before" remain as vital as ever, displaying Purple at their melodic best. And finally, the spectacular "Space Truckin'" drove Machine Head home with yet another tremendous Blackmore riff, providing a fitting conclusion to one of the essential hard rock albums of all time. by Eduardo Rivadavia, ---Allmusic Guide

Artist: Deep Purple
Title: Machine Head [SACD to DTS 5.1]
==========================================

1. Highway Star2. Maybe I'm a Leo
3. Pictures of Home
4. Never Before
5. Smoke on the Water
6. Lazy
7. Space Truckin'
8. Maybe I'm A Leo (alternate mix)
9. Lazy (alternate mix)
10. When A Blind Man Cries
Time Total: 53:22

Tracks 1-7 are the original Quadrophonic mixes from 1972.

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———————————————————

Important!

Only for your information.

Please delete it from your HDD after listening to.

If you like the music, buy the CD.

———————————————————

VA - Time-Life AM Gold - #1 Hits Of The '70s ('70-'74)

2011-10-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

In the early 1970s, tile hippie generation began burning out on the long, loud, improvisational rock songs of the psychedelic era. Musicians and fans alike sought new directions. The dominant trend was toward confessional, folk-based songs, while the nostalgia movement that produced Sha Na Na reflected the yearning for a simpler time and music. ~Don McLean’s

Artist: Various
Title: Time-Life Am Gold - #1 Hits Of The '70S ('70-'74)

==========================================

01 - Three Dog Night - Joy To The World
02 - The Guess Who - American Woman
03 - Edwin Starr - War
04 - The Shocking Blue - Venus
05 - Three Dog Night - Mama Told Me (Not To Come)
06 - Charlie Rich - The Most Beautiful Girl
07 - Helen Reddy - I Am Woman
08 - Stories - Brother Louie
09 - Ray Stevens - The Streak
10 - George Mccrae - Rock Your Baby
11 - The O'jays - Love Train
12 - Isaac Hayes - Theme From Shaft
13 - Carl Douglas - Kung Fu Fighting
14 - Billy Preston - Will It Go Round In Circles
15 - Love Unlimiited Orchestra - Love's Theme
16 - Vicki Lawrence - The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia
17 - Harry Chapin - Cat's In The Cradle
18 - Jim Croce - Time In A Bottle
19 - John Denver - Sunshine On My Shoulders
20 - Don Mclean - American Pie

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Bolland & Bolland – The Domino Theory

2011-10-15T13:28:00.000-07:00

Biography:

Bolland & Bolland are two Dutch music producers – the brothers Rob and Ferdi Bolland (born in Port Elizabeth in South Africa, Rob on April 17, 1955, and Ferdi on August 5, 1956).
They produced and wrote for artists like Falco (including the No.1 hit “Rock Me Amadeus”), Samantha Fox (“Love House”), and wrote the Status Quo hit “In the Army Now” – which they released under their own name in 1981 and which was also recorded by Gerard Joling. As musicians in their own right they released their first eponymous album in 1975.
Their hit singles career however started as early as 1972 with Wait for the sun in an folky a cappella-style following the success of Simon and Garfunkel and their Dutch equivalents Greenfield and Cook. When in 1976 their success started to wane, they turned towards a more electronic sound, an early example of which can be heard in Spaceman, a 1978 hit in the Netherlands.
Outside the Netherlands they shortened their name to Bolland and established their name internationally with the release of the concept album The Domino Theory. The edgy, tuneful album is a critical look at war and US intervention in foreign conflicts from the viewpoint of the foot soldier. It contains the single “In the Army Now”, which became a small hit. In South Africa, the land of their birth, the single peaked at number 9 in May 1982, sales largely boosted by the fact that South Africa had a conscription army at the time. Francis Rossi, lead singer of Status Quo, is quoted widely as having heard the song while on the Autobahn in Germany. He eventually persuaded Quo to record it, and the single reached number 2 in the UK in Autumn 1986. However, the song is best understood as part of the original Bolland album.
They are the owners of Bolland Studios, located in Blaricum, the Dutch countryside. It was one of the first studios in The Netherlands to host an SSL SL4040 E Series.
In 1984 they released the album “Silent Partners”. The biggest hit from this album was called “Ten American Girls”. Subsequent albums followed through the 1990s.
In 1997 the Bolland brothers wrote, played and produced an album under the moniker Daniella’s Daze on the heavy metal label Roadrunner Records. The electronic rock album was called “Sluτ” and featured an uncredited female singer. The only single “100% Jesus” received good radio airplay in Australia, but no further CDs were released by the collective.

Artist: Bolland & Bolland
Title: The Domino Theory
==========================================
01 – Ouverture
02 – You’re In The Army Now
03 – The Dogs Of War
04 – Heart Of Darkness
05 – Cambodia Moon
06 – Heaven Can Wait
07 – To The Battleground
08 – Long Day’s Journey Into The Night
09 – Let’s Help A*R*Vi*N Out
10 – Rendez-Vous With Radiation
11 – Finale
12 – You’re In The Army Now (Extended Version)
13 – Heaven Can Wait (Extended Version)
Playing Time………: 48:22

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———————————————————

Important!
Only for your information.
Please delete it from your HDD after listening to.
If you like the music, buy the CD.
———————————————————

Thompson Twins – A Product Of … Participation + Set [Deluxe Edition] (2CD)

2011-10-14T12:59:00.000-07:00

Album Notes

“A Product Of…Participation”, originally released in June 1981, was released on the Twins’ own T Records label, when the group featured six members, led by founder Tom Bailey. Second album “Set” was issued in February 1982 with seven members in the line-up, which now included Joe Leeway and Alannah Currie. The album commenced with the huge UK and US hit “In The Name Of Love”. This 2 CD release features nineteen bonus tracks added to the two albums, including their earliest singles as well as non-album singles sides and 12″ extended versions, on CD for the first time.

by Damian Thomas

“This is turning out to be the best year for Thompson Twins releases, so far. We are truly being spoiled “, declares a discussion site hosted by a fan. The fan is talking about the first three Thompson Twins re-issues released on the Edsel label in 2008. These deluxe 2 CD sets of the Twins’ three biggest albums certainly jogged a few memories (including my own), lifted some spirits and caused Thompson Twins fans to re-emerge from their hiding places. This time we go way back to the very beginning of the Thompson Twins story.

Actually, it’s rather like the Star Wars saga. If “Quick Step & Side Kick” is Star Wars- A New Hope, “Into The Gap” is Empire Strikes Back, and “Here’s To Future Days” is Return Of The Jedi, then the two albums here “A Product of … Participation” and “Set” is the part George Lucas kept us all waiting for when in 1999 he took us back to the beginning to tell us the story of the early Jedi days in Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace!

Thompson Twins Episode 1:

The Early Days

So let’s go back to the beginning, to a long, long time ago in a galaxy far, far away from the big-haired 80s pop-techno trio that became international mega-stars. In 1985 they performed at Uve Aid, were packing out huge arenas and racecourses across North America and employing a robot called Tin Twin (C3PO of ‘Star Wars’ perhaps!) to play keyboards. The Thompson Twins began life in 1977 as a scruffy ex-student (Jedi) do-ityourself outfit, initially four young men from Chesterfield fronted by Tom Bailey and taking their name from a pair of clumsy detectives in Herge’s Adventures of Tintin, finding their feet touring small venues and clubs in Northern England and South London.

Trained as a classical pianist and music teacher, Bailey was responsible for bass and vocals. Making up the rest of the band were Pete Dodd on guitar and vocals, John Roog on guitar and Jon Podgorski (also known as ‘ Pod’) on drums. By ’79 they had ditched their day jobs in a post-punk fashion and moved to South London. They shacked up as squatters in a run-down and rickety house in Lillieshall Road, Clapham, finding similar minded artists, musicians and performers. Alannah Currie, who would later join the group, and was then playing crazy, wailing sax in an all-girl dreaded punk group called The Unfuckables, was squatting in another house in the same street.

In May 1980, after failing to be signed by any major label, the Thompson Twins released their first single ‘Squares And Triangles’ on their own independent label, Dirty Discs. The pop song received positive responses from UK music journalists and the NME said of a live show at the ICA, London that the “highlight of their set is the attractive, vaguely XTC-ish single “Squares And Triangles”. They managed to sell 1,500 copies of the single and it peaked at number eight in the NME indies chart at the same time as Joy Division’s “Love Will Tear Us Apart” occupied the number one spot.

The song appears here in the bonus tracks section on disc one along with the original version of “Could Be Her…Could Be You” which appeared on the flip side. Also included are two experimental B side tracks “Weather Station” and “Modern Plumbing’ which appeared on the B-side of the “Squares And Triangles” single that was later included free with the album “Set” but recorded in this period. According to the sleevenote (written in 1982) of the single, “”Weather Station” (credited to Tom Bailey alone) was recorded by Tom when he did the music soundtrack for an independent film called “The Onlooker” was recorded for a total of 60 pence in late 1979 by an enthusiastic group called The Blankets (Tom Bailey, John Hade & Traci) using very basic equipment and only three conventional instruments (bass and acoustic guitar and wasp). The rest was done with a saw, plantrot, bottle and various bits of wood…. We used this track as the intro tape to the live set for our first year or two in London.” At this point the Thompson Twins were beginning to get notice for their gigs in South London at the 101 Club in Chapham and the Old Queen’s Head in Stockwell.

Their second single was released in November 1980 on an independent label called Latent, run by two journalists. ‘She’s In Love With Mystery,’ and the B-side tracks “Fast Food” and “Food Style” are also featured in the bonus section on disc one. Influential UK music paper, Melody Maker said at the time that “The Twins have all the potential of being a consistently sparkling pop band and their new single, ‘She’s In Love With Mystery’, is a more than adequate example of their tight, imaginative songs.” The single topped the UK independent charts and was followed by a tour supporting The Teardrop Explodes. Joe Leeway was not yet a full member of the band but was persuaded by Bailey to join them on this tour as a roadie. At the time an actor in between auditions, he was already taking some responsibility for stage atmospherics, a role that he would later take on when the band reduced to a trio. Leeway would attack the audience’s senses by burning sticks of incense out of hubcaps before Torn Bailey would appear on stage in his scruffy mac. Bailey was developing a theatrical stage presence: when asked by their publicist why he wore the mac, he said he liked the effect it gave when the coat flared out when he turned around on stage. These exciting, spontaneous shows became known as the “Thompson Twins rituals”. Audiences were encouraged to participate by clambering onstage to play on homemade percussion instruments. It was on this tour that Joe Leeway actually made it on stage to play with the Twins with a new set of bongos. Alannah Currie would also join them on stage with her wailing saxophone and lively energy. The group’s personnel eventually rose to as many as eleven members when gigging and they began to acquire a following, as well as interest from the press for their exciting live gigs.

“A Product of … Participation” By 1981, the recording line-up was Bailey, Dodd, Roog and three new members: Chris Bell on drums, Joe Leeway on congas and percussion, and Jane Shorter on saxophone (who replaced Currie while she went back to New Zealand for three months). This sextet recorded the first album “A Product of … Participation”, released in June 1981 on their own T Records imprint and featured on disc one in its entirety. This release also features eleven bonus tracks, including the previously mentioned earliest singles as well as non-album singles B-sides and 12′ extended versions, on CD for the versions, on CD for the first time. Currie sang and played on the album, but was not yet a full member. The original intention was for reggae guitarist and record producer Dennis Bovell (who had worked with the likes of 1-Roy, Sharon Shannon, The Slits and Madness) to produce the album, but only four tracks were recorded before the group chose to continue with Tom Bailey and manager John Hade at the helm. “A Product of … Participation” is full of African rhythms, chanting and has a rough, punk feel. Instead of writing new material for the album, the band tried to re-create the energy of their live shows. The NME said that “Everywhere the accent is on riddum, with an appealing you- can–all-join-in indiscipline dancing round the central axis”, but the album received mixed reactions; mostly the press thought it lacked the energy that typified their live shows. Some of the key album tracks are “When I See You” (containing the rough and ready lyrics “When I see you it’s like taking some drugs”) and “Slave Trade” which experiments with tribal rhythms and heavy use of percussion. Several singles were taken from the album. “Perfect Game” was the first to appear in January 1981 and was produced by Mike Howlett (late of Gong), as was its b-side “Politics”. This was followed by “Oumma Aularesso (Animal Laugh)”, a traditional song from Sierra Leone, and “Make Believe (Let’s Pretend)” which featured an Indian sitar intro possibly inspired by Bailey and Roog’s trip to India after finishing college. The 12-inch extended versions of these singles are included, along with their 8-sides.

“Set”

In the wake of the first album, there were more changes to the band’s personnel. Currie replaced Jane Shorter on saxophone and percussion and Matthew Seligman, previously a member of The Soft Boys, came in on bass. Tom Bailey took on lead vocals and keyboards, and Joe Leeway joined on vocals and percussion. Their second album “Set” saw Bailey writing the majority of songs, but the songs weren’t coming easily. At this point, Bailey bought a synthesizer in the belief that he would be able to create something exciting from this new box of tricks. It was with this piece of kit that they created their first real hit, “In The Name Of Love” which was released as a single in January 1982. Although it did not make much of a dent in the UK charts, the multi-tiered funk dance track was extremely successful in the US particularly in the gay and black Manhattan discos. Rolling Stone magazine praised the Twins on their American debut “In The Name Of Love”, saying that they were “a welcome alternative to the arch synth-pop then rolling across the Atlantic….working with a bubbly, salsa inflected bounce instead of the usual electronic angst.” The single went straight to number one in the Billboard dance charts, remaining there for five weeks. This release of the album features nine bonus tracks including the B-side tracks that appeared on the flip to the single, “In The Beginning” and additionally on the 12 inch, “Coastline”. The US chart position led to the band signing to the Arista label and the “Set” album being issued in the States with the title “In The Name Of Love”. As well as the album track, this release contains the original 12-inch “Dance Extension” version, and perhaps more importantly the ‘Big Value Version” (also labelled “Super Synthesized Version” on the tape box). The story goes that after ‘ Set” had been released On February), Bailey returned to the studio alone (in April) and mixed an entirely different version of “In The Name Of Love”. He added heavier synth elements and lowered the level of the guitars and all the other instruments. This version marks a pivotal point in the Twins’ history in as much as it is likely that Tom Bailey created this mix as a template for the new direction that he wanted to take the group. This new sound dramatically changed the course of his musical life and the lives of the other band members. When he played it to John Hade and Alannah Currie they encouraged him to play it to the other members of the band. The other members were not keen on the sound, apart from Currie and Leeway.

“Set” has a more polished sound than its predecessor and was produced by Steve lillywhite, who in the early 80s was producing Peter Gabriel, XTC, The Psychedelic Furs debut album as well as U2′s debut album “Boy”. Thomas Dolby who had contributed the keyboard hook to Foreigner’s Christmas ’81 hit “Waiting For A Girl Like You”, and who was beginning to make waves in the UK and the US in 1982 with his debut album “The Golden Age Of Wireless”, assisted on keyboards on three tracks. “Set” received mixed reactions from the British music press, some being positive with the NME still comparing them to XTC. The album spawned a further single in May 1982 in “Runaway•. Included here is the 12 inch version plus the related B-side tracks “Open Your Eye” and “Bouncing (like A Ball)”. Strong album tracks include “living In Europe” with its edgy live sound, manic keys and jangly guitar. It was this song that the Twins performed on the BBC 1V music programme the Old Grey Whistle Test. In this performance, with dynamic redhead Bailey at the forefront, and Currie and Leeway firmly at either side in their percussion stage positions, it is clear to see that a change of direction was imminent for the Twins. The bonus section of this disc ends with a live version of “living In Europe”. This track (and a live version of “Make Believe”, omitted here due to CD running time restrictions) was featured on a special double 7 inch single (in a gatefold sleeve) release of “Runaway” and was recorded at the Hammersmith Palais in April 1982, their last-ever gig as a seven piece. This final show completely sold out and was a tremendous success.

After “Set”: The Saga Continues…

Widespread commercial success beckoned but the current seven piece line-up seemed unwieldy. A major shake-up was needed. The band needed a new identity that would move them away from the hippy persona that they had acquired from the British press. Bailey was ambitious and with the persistence of their manager John Hade it was decided they would whittle the band down to a three-piece consisting of Bailey, Currie and Leeway. The slimmed down trio drafted a new manifesto: Bailey was in charge of the music, Currie’s role was to look after their image and would later take care of promotional videos and lyrics; and Leeway was responsible for the live shows.

With their debut album as a three-piece, 1983′s “Quick Step & Side Kick”, they began to receive real international recognition. They replaced guitars with synthesizers and percussion. Singles from the album made the charts with “Love On Your Side” reaching number 9 in the UK. After the huge success of “Quick Step & Side Kick”, which spent fifty-six weeks in the UK album charts, they began working on a follow-up, entitled “Into The Gap”. The first single taken from it, “Hold Me Now”, released just before Christmas 1983 amongst serious seasonal competition, achieved a number four position in the UK charts, sold in excess of three quarters of a million units and stayed in the Top Ten for ten weeks. “Into The Gap” was a tremendous success and went straight into the UK album charts at number one in February 1984. Selling five million units worldwide, it reached number ten in the US and charted throughout Europe. “Into The Gap” spawned four hit singles all of which reached the UK Top Five. The band also embarked on an extensive world tour in support of the album and by the summer of 1984 they had a huge following in the US.

After “Into The Gap”, The Thompson Twins returned with the follow-up album “Here’s To Future Days”. During the making of this album Bailey suffered a nervous breakdown and Nile Rodgers was brought in to help finish the recording. The album was released in 1985 and reached the US Top 10 and climbed to number 22 in the UK charts, but by this point the Twins had reached their peak. On finishing the world tour in 1986, Joe Leeway left the group to pursue a solo career. The remaining duo, Bailey and Currie continued to make music for another seven years, releasing a further three Thompson Twins albums, and two as Babble. ~ Damian Thomas, September 2008

Artist: Thompson Twins
Title: A Product Of … Participation (Cd1)
==========================================
01 – When I See You
02 – Politics
03 – Slave Trade
04 – Could Be Her … Could Be You
05 – Make Believe (Let’s Pretend)
06 – Don’t Go Away
07 – The Price
08 – Oumma Aularesso (Animal Laugh)
09 – Anything Is Good Enough
10 – A Product Of …
11 – Perfect Game
12 – Vendredi Saint
13 – Squares And Triangles
14 – Could Be Her … Could Be You [Original Version]
15 – Weather Station
16 – Modern Plumbing
17 – She’s In Love With Mystery
18 – Fast Food
19 – Food Style
20 – Oumma Aularesso (Animal Laugh) [Special Re-Mixed Extended Version]
21 – A Dub Product
22 – Make Believe (Let’s Pretend) [Extended Version]
23 – Lama Sabach Tani

Title: Set (Cd2)
==========================================
01 – In The Name Of Love
02 – Living In Europe
03 – Bouncing
04 – Tok Tok
05 – Good Gosh
06 – The Rowe
07 – Runaway
08 – Another Fantasy
09 – Fool’s Gold
10 – Crazy Dog
11 – Blind
12 – In The Name Of Love (12Inch Dance Extension Version)
13 – In The Beginning
14 – Coastline
15 – Open Your Eye
16 – Runaway (Extended Remix)
17 – Bouncing (Extended Remix)
18 – In The Name Of Love (Big Value Version – New Super Synthesized Version)
19 – Living In Europe (Live Version)

usmnFS

Project co-ordination – Val Jennings

Project consultants – Damian Thomas and Norm Authier

Original album and singles sleeves – Damian Thomas

Very special thanks to Norm Authier

CD package – Jools at mac.concept

CD mastering – Alchemy Soho

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Important!
Only for your information.
Please delete it from your HDD after listening to.
If you like the music, buy the CD.
———————————————————

Bad Company - Bad Company [HDCD Audio Fidelity 24KT Gold]

2011-10-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

The Album Notes

Mastered for this Compact Disc by STEVE HOFFMAN

Bad Company is the eponymous debut album by hard rock band Bad Company. The album was recorded at a mansion known as Headley Grange with The Ronnie Lane Mobile Truck in November of 1973. The album peaked at #1 on the Billboard's Pop Albums chart (North America). The singles "Can't Get Enough" and "Movin' On" peaked at #9 and #14 respectively.
In 2006 a limited edition CD of 24K Gold was released. It had taken over a year to find the original master tapes then the analog masters were put through proprietary A/D converter which adds true "breath of life" to the music.

Artist: Bad Company
Title: Bad Company (AFZ 024)
==========================================
1. Can't Get Enough
2. Rock Steady
3. Ready For Love
4. Don't Let Me Down
5. Bad Company
6. The Way I Choose
7. Movin' On
8. Seagull

Personnel
Mick Ralphs– guitar, keyboards
Boz Burrell – bass
Paul Rodgers – guitar, piano, accordion, vocals
Simon Kirke – drums
Additional personnel
Sue & Sunny (Sue Glover & Sunny Leslie) – backing vocals
Mel Collins – saxophone

usmnFS

———————————————————
Important!
Only for your information.
Please delete it from your HDD after listening to.
If you like the music, buy the CD.
———————————————————

Bryan Adams – Reckless [Gold - UDCD 544]

2011-10-10T12:11:00.000-07:00

Code=EC1000

Album Notes

Reckless is the fourth studio album by the Canadian rock artist Bryan Adams. Co-produced by Adams and Bob Clearmountain, it was one of Adams’ most successful albums. Released on October 29, 1984 through A&M Records, the album was a huge international hit, selling over 5 million units in the United States alone. It was the first Canadian album to sell more than one million units within Canada. The album peaked at number 1 on the Billboard 200 and reached high positions in charts worldwide. The album has sold more than 13 million copies internationally to date.
Six singles were released from the album: “Run to You,” “Somebody,” “Heaven,” “Summer of ’69,” “One Night Love Affair,” and “It’s Only Love.” All six singles made the top 15 on the US Billboard Hot 100, a feat that at the time had been accomplished previously only by Michael Jackson’s Thriller. The album was ranked #49 on Kerrang!’s “100 Greatest Heavy Metal Albums Of All Time” and was named the #12 Greatest Canadian Album of All Time by Bob Mersereau in his book The Top 100 Canadian Albums. The album was recorded at Little Mountain Sound Studios, Vancouver, Canada. On December 12, 2009 the syndicated radio program In the Studio celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the album.
In March 1984, recording for Reckless began after extensive touring for the support of Cuts Like a Knife. However, unhappy with the recording process, Adams decided to take a month off. In August Adams headed back to the studio with Tina Turner for the track “It’s Only Love”; he also returned with more new songs and started re-recording songs which would lead to the development of such tracks as “Run to You”, Summer of ’69″, and “Heaven”.

“Run to You” was recorded after a tour in Asia. The recording for “Run to You” started on the March 27, 1984 and went through the summer at Little Mountain Sound Studios, Vancouver. It was mixed in New York by Bob Clearmountain, with mixing of the song completed on September 21. The recording of “Heaven”, co-written by Adams and Jim Vallance, started on June 6 and lasted only two days, ending on June 7. The song was recorded for the film A Night in Heaven, and was mixed by Bob Clearmountain on June 16, 1984 . “Summer of ’69″ was written on January 25, 1984 with Jim Vallance. The recording took place at Little Mountain Sound Studios where the song was recorded three times over the winter. It was mixed in New York by Bob Clearmountain on November 22, 1984.
“Run to You” was released as the debut single from Reckless on October 18, 1984 in Canada and the U.S. and became one of the most successful songs from the album on the American rock charts; it would become arguably one of Adams most recognizable and popular songs. The song reached the top ten on the Mainstream Rock Tracks and was Adams’ first number one hit on the Mainstream Rock Tracks and number six on the Billboard Hot 100. It reached the top twenty on the Canadian singles chart and remained in the top twenty for seven weeks. With “Run to You”, Adams reached the highest Canadian chart position in his career to that time; it was his second top twenty hit single in Canada. “Run to You” was released in November 1984 in Europe where it peaked at the top ten in Ireland at number 8 and reached number eleven on the UK Singles Chart; it was his second single to chart in Europe.

“Somebody” was released in the winter of 1985 and became one of the most successful songs from Reckless on the American rock charts. The song reached the top five on the Mainstream Rock Tracks and was Adams second number one hit on the Mainstream Rock Tracks. It reached number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was in the top twenty on the Canadian singles chart where it remained for six weeks. “Somebody” was Adams third top twenty hit on the Canadian chart. “Somebody” was released the following month in Europe and peaked at the top twenty in Ireland at number 20 and reached the top forty on the UK Singles Chart at 35; it was his third single to chart in Europe.
“Heaven” was the third single from Reckless. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart and peaked at number 9 on the Billboard mainstream rock tracks. The song has appeared on all of Adams’ compilation albums with the exception of The Best of Me. The single was certified Gold in Canada in 1985.

“Summer of ’69″ was officially released to US radio in 1984 and it appeared on the Billboard magazine’s Hot 100 chart at 5 and 40 on the mainstream rock tracks. In Canada, “Summer of ’69″ was officially released to radio on November, 1984. The song reached the top twenty on the Canadian Singles Chart and remained in the top twenty for another month. “Summer of ’69″ was the highest charting single from Reckless with “Heaven”.
The song was released in Australia, Europe and New Zealand in 1985. “Heaven” reached the UK top forty, while “Summer of ’69″ peaked at the top forty. “Summer of ’69″ continued the trend of higher-charting singles when it debuted and peaked at top twenty in most of the European countries it charted. Adams’ previous singles had charted much weaker in Europe and “Summer of ’69″ would be Adams’ second single to chart in mainland Europe.
Although “Summer of ’69″ reached the top ten in Norway and then the top twenty in the Austria, Ireland and Sweden, it was a moderate top hundred success in Germany where it peaked at 62.

In 2008, Adams was quoted as saying:
“‘Summer of ’69′ – I think it’s timeless because it’s about making love in the summertime. There is a slight misconception it’s about a year, but it’s not. ’69′ has nothing to do about a year, it has to do with a sexual position … At the end of the song the lyric says that it’s me and my baby in a 69. You’d have to be pretty thick in the ears if you couldn’t get that lyric.”
Co-writer Jim Vallance has always gone for the more conventional interpretation of the title being a reference to a year. He notes Jackson Browne’s “Running on Empty”, which contains references to 1965 and 1969, as his own influence, and recalls that Adams cited the film Summer of ’42 as his.

Although “One Night Love Affair” was officially released to US radio in 1985, it appeared on the Billboard magazine’s Hot 100 chart at 13 and 7 on the mainstream rock tracks. In Canada, “One Night Love Affair” was officially released to radio on February 1985. The song reached the top twenty on the Canadian Singles Chart and remained in the top twenty for another month. “One Night Love Affair” was the lowest charting single from Reckless.

Artist: Bryan Adams
Title: Reckless [Gold - UDCD 544]
==========================================
01 – One Night Love Affair
02 – She’s Only Happy When She’s Dancin’
03 – Run To You
04 – Heaven
05 – Somebody
06 – Summer Of ’69
07 – Kids Wanna Rock
08 – It’s Only Love
09 – Long Gone
10 – Ain’t Gonna Cry

Personnel

Bryan Adams – rhythm guitars, handclaps, lead vocals, lead guitars, piano, harmonica, co-producer
Keith Scott – lead guitars, rhythm guitars, background vocals
Jim Vallance – percussion, associate producer
Dave Taylor – bass guitar
Pat Steward – drums and background vocals
Tommy Mandel – keyboards
Jody Perpick – backgrounds sounds and vocals
Mickey Curry – drums
Tina Turner – lead vocals on “It’s Only Love”
Steve Smith – drums on “Heaven”
Mike Fraser, Michael Sauvage – Engineering, Mixing
Bob Ludwig – Mastering

Bill Withers – Best Of The Best [Limited Gold Edition]

2011-10-02T15:05:00.000-07:00

Biography
William Harrison “Bill” Withers, Jr. (born July 4, 1938) is an American singer-songwriter and musician who performed and recorded from 1970 until 1985. Some of his best-known songs are “Lean on Me”, “Ain’t No Sunshine”, “Use Me”, “Just the Two of Us”, “Lovely Day”, and “Grandma’s Hands”. His life was recently the subject of the documentary film Still Bill.
During early 1970, Withers’ demonstration tape was audited favorably by Clarence Avant of Sussex Records. Avant signed Withers to a record deal and assigned Booker T. Jones to produce Withers’ first album. Four three-hour studio sessions were planned to record the album, but funding caused the album to be recorded in three sessions with a six-month break between the second and final sessions. Just as I Am was released in 1971 with the tracks “Ain’t No Sunshine” and “Grandma’s Hands” as singles. The album features Stephen Stills playing lead guitar.
The album was a success and Withers began touring with a band assembled from members of The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band: drummer James Gadson, guitarist Benorce Blackmon, keyboardist Ray Jackson, and bassist Melvin Dunlap.
At the 14th annual Grammy Awards on Tuesday, March 14, 1972, Withers won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song for “Ain’t No Sunshine.” The track had already sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc by the R.I.A.A. in September 1971.
During a hiatus from touring, Withers recorded his second album, Still Bill. The single “Lean on Me” went to number one the week of July 8, 1972. It was Withers’ second gold disc awarded track with confirmed sales in excess of three million. His single “Use Me” released in August 1972, became his third million seller, with the R.I.A.A. gold disc award taking place on October 12, 1972. A Friday, October 6, 1972 performance on a rainy night was recorded for the live album Bill Withers, Live at Carnegie Hall released November 30, 1972. In 1974 Withers recorded the album +’Justments. But he became involved in a legal dispute with the Sussex company and was unable to record thereafter.
During this time, he wrote and produced two songs on the Gladys Knight & the Pips record I Feel a Song, and in October 1974 performed in concert together with James Brown, Etta James, and B. B. King at the historic Rumble in the Jungle fight between Foreman and Ali in Zaire. Footage of his performance was included in the 1996 documentary film, When We Were Kings, and he is heard on the accompanying soundtrack.
Withers signed with Columbia Records in 1975. His first release with the label, Making Music, Making Friends, included the single “She’s Lonely” which was featured in the film Looking for Mr. Goodbar. During the next three years he released an album each year with Naked & Warm (1976), Menagerie (1977, containing the successful Lovely Day) and Bout Love (1978) and Get On Down, the latter song was also on Looking for Mr. Goodbar soundtrack.
Due to problems with Columbia, he concentrated on joint projects between 1977 and 1985, including the successful “Just the Two of Us”, with jazz saxophonist Grover Washington, Jr., which was released during June 1980. It won a Grammy on February 24, 1982. Withers next did Soul Shadows with The Crusaders, and In the Name of Love with Ralph MacDonald, the latter being nominated for a Grammy for vocal performance.
In 1985 came Watching You, Watching Me, which featured the Top 40 rated Rhythm&Blues single “Oh Yeah”. Withers ended his business association with Columbia Records after this release, which as of 2010 is his last studio album.
In 1988, a new version of “Lovely Day” from the 1977 Menagerie album, titled “Lovely Day (Sunshine Mix)” and remixed by Ben Liebrand, reached the Top 10 in the United Kingdom, leading to Withers’ performance on the long-running Top of the Pops that year. The original release had scored #2 in the UK in 1973, and the re-release scored to #1.
In 1987, he received his ninth Grammy award nomination and on March 2, 1988 his third Grammy for Best Rhythm and Blues Song as songwriter for the re-recording of Lean On Me by Club Nouveau on their debut album Life, Love and Pain, released in 1986 on Warner Bros. Records.
In 1996, a portion of his song “Grandma’s Hands” was sampled in the song “No Diggity” by BLACKstreet, featuring Dr. Dre. The single went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and sold 1.6 million copies and won a Grammy in 1999 for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
Withers contributed two songs to Jimmy Buffett’s July 13, 2004 release License To Chill. Following the reissues of Still Bill on January 28, 2003 and Just As I Am on March 8, 2005, there was speculation of previously unreleased material being issued as a new album. In 2006, Sony gave back to Withers his previously unreleased tapes.
In 2007, “Lean On Me” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. –wikipedia

Reviews
European only release pressed on a Gold Disc and housed in a die-cut slipcase, exposing the gold CD. Bill Withers has written two bona fide classics (“Ain’t No Sunshine” and “Lean on Me”), recorded a slew of memorable hits, and had songs covered by everyone from Joe Cocker to Isaac Hayes to Kiss. Still, he’s underappreciated. His voice is smooth, his singing is subtle, and his songs move along over sinuous, sexy grooves. It’s all so effortless that it’s easy to overlook how substantial Withers’s work really is. Never flashy, his best songs burn with a heat that lingers long after the last note has been played. This slender 10-track collection brings together a few songs from his remarkable early-’70s Sussex albums, including such hits and near hits as “Grandma’s Hands,” “Who Is He? (And What Is He to You?),” and the seriously funky “Use Me,” as well as some gems from the later ’70s (including “Lovely Day”). Greatest Hits is a nice, succinct introduction to Withers’s work, but fans would be better off with the more complete Lean on Me career overview. –amazon.com

Artist: Bill Withers
Title: Best Of The Best [Limited Gold Edition]
==========================================
01 – Just The Two Of Us
02 – Use Me
03 – Ain’t No Sunshine
04 – Lovely Day
05 – I Want To Spend The Night
06 – Soul Shadows
07 – Lean On Me
08 – Grandma’s Hands
09 – Hello Like Before
10 – Who Is He What Is He To You

usmnRS | usmnFS

The Beatles - Love [DTS 5.1]

2011-09-30T14:50:00.000-07:00

The Beatles – Love [DTS 5.1]
EAC Rip | Included: EAC + CUE + Wav + Covers | Size : 889 MB
Release Date : Nov 21, 2006 | Genre : Pop/Rock
Mono/Stereo: Multi Channel | RapidShare.com FileServe.com
Remastered by Tim Young at Metropolis Mastering
The Beatles as never before!!!!

WARNING!!!
Audio Format: Digital Surround DTS 5.1

To play DTS CDs you need to have equipment that supports DTS and a surround sound system that is capable of decoding the DTS signal. Don’t play this on equipment that isn’t compatible because you’ll only hear static!

The Album Notes

From Amazon.co.uk
It begins with a twittering of birdsong lifted from “Across the Universe.” And once the triple-tracked a capella harmonies of “Because” enter, followed by snatches from “A Hard Day’s Night” and “The End,” leading into a fired-up “Get Back,” it becomes obvious that this is far more than just another Beatles compilation. This is Love, conceived by the Fabs’ former producer George Martin and son Giles as a stageshow soundtrack to Cirque de Soleil’s Las Vegas spectacular of the same name, but appears to have taken on a life of its own. Whereas the Beatles’ last release, 1, delivered the (over?) familiar hits in a nice, simple package, Love is a mélange of the familiar and obscure, all literally mixed together in one 78-minute audio collage which succeeds in reminding the listener just why the Beatles truly are, as Lennon put it, “toppermost of the poppermost.” There’s no new Beatles material per se, but the songs are all approached differently–some are cut together in a flawlessly mixed medley (check out “Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!/I Want You/Helter Skelter”), some reassemble different backing tracks and vocal performances to create new spins on old classics; but all the songs are revitalized considerably. Even in its weakest moments (which probably work better in the context of the show itself), Love is still a formidable prospect, and one has to admire Martin’s willingness to go out on a limb with such a project. While purists may complain that the cut ‘n’ paste nature of the project is simply tampering with perfection, at the very least it’ll make them reach for the originals and enjoy them all over again. For newcomers and everyone else, it makes a fine listen, both in its sonic clarity (the actual tracks are the best they’ve sounded on CD) and audacious nature. –Thom Allott

From Wikipedia

Love is a Grammy Award-winning soundtrack compilation album of music recorded by The Beatles, released in November 2006. It features music compiled and remixed for the Cirque du Soleil show of the same name. The album was produced by George Martin, who worked as the producer of almost all of The Beatles’ records and even played piano on some Beatle tracks, and his son Giles Martin, who said, “What people will be hearing on the album is a new experience, a way of re-living the whole Beatles musical lifespan in a very condensed period.”

Release history

George Martin and his son Giles began work on Love after getting permission from Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono, and Olivia Harrison (the latter two representing John Lennon and George Harrison, respectively). In discussing the project, Giles Martin noted that elements were utilized from recordings in The Beatles catalogue, “the original four tracks, eight tracks and two tracks and used this palette of sounds and music to create a soundbed.”[1] George Martin also promised a prize to those who could crack a “code” found in the album.
Giles Martin said in an interview that he was afraid they wouldn’t get the green light to do the project, so he started by making digital back-ups of the original multi-track recordings just to get started on the project. He also said that he and his father mixed more music than was eventually released, including “She’s Leaving Home” and a version of “Girl” that he was particularly fond of.
Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, the two surviving members of The Beatles, have responded very positively to the album. McCartney noted that “This album puts The Beatles back together again, because suddenly there’s John and George with me and Ringo”. Starr commended George and Giles Martin for the album and said that the album is “really powerful for me and I even heard things I’d forgotten we’d recorded.”
The album was first played publicly on Virgin Radio’s The Geoff Show. Virgin Radio DJ Geoff Lloyd, a self-proclaimed fan of The Beatles, chose to play the entire album uninterrupted to allow younger fans to experience an album premiere.
Love placed at #3 in the UK Albums Chart during its first week of release, trailing Westlife’s The Love Album and Oasis’ Stop the Clocks compilation. It was also successful in the United States, debuting at #4 in the Billboard 200, where it was certified Platinum in late 2006.
Love debuted at #1 in the United World Chart selling 721,000 copies in its first week and knocked off the top spot six new big releases that occupied other positions of the Top 10. With a leap of 26,000 copies, Jay-Z’s Kingdom Come debuted at #2 and with 300,000 copies less than Love, U2′s U218 Singles placed at #3. The following week, the album continued occupying the top spot, this time with a respectable 436,000 copies sold. Despite a sales increase of 467,000 copies in its third week, Love slipped down to #2 knocked by Il Divo’s Siempre, which only sold 5,000 more. However, the following week Love returned to #1 and the same time reached Platinum certification in the United World Chart for 2 million copies sold.
Sales increased again during the next week due to the Christmas period and spent a total of six weeks at the top. It was finally displaced by U2 in late January 2007. After that, Love fell quickly in the chart and only achieved 15 weeks inside the Top 40. With only four weeks out in stores during 2006, Love became the fifteenth best-selling album of the year worldwide with 2,849,000 copies sold. During the following six months the album continued to sell steadily, at an average rate of 25,000 copies sold worldwide per week. It did so particularly in the United States, where it is still in the charts after 60 weeks.
At the 50th annual Grammy awards on February 10th, 2008, the album won Grammys in two categories – Best Compilation Soundtrack Album and Best Surround Sound Album.

Release details

The album was released in three versions — a standard CD version, a two-disc CD and DVD-Audio package and a two-disc vinyl package. The DVD-Audio disc contains a 5.1-channel surround sound mix (96 kHz 24-bit MLP), downmixable to 2-channel. For backwards compatibility it also contains separate audio-only DVD-Video content with 2-channel stereo (48 kHz 16-bit PCM) and 5.1-channel surround (448 kbit/s Dolby Digital and 754 kbit/s DTS).

Tracklisting:

The DVD has longer versions of “Revolution” and “Back in the USSR”, increasing the total running time by nearly two minutes.
The track listing for both discs is as follows:
All tracks written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, except where noted.

01. Because
02. Get Back
03. Glass Onion
04. Eleanor Rigby/Julia (Transition)
05. I Am The Walrus
06. I Want To Hold Your Hand
07. Drive My Car/The Word/What You’re Doing
08. Gnik Nus
09. Something/Blue Jay Way (Transition)
10. Being For The Benefit of Mr. Kite!/I Want You (She’s So Heavy) /Helter Skelter
11. Help!
12. Blackbird/Yesterday
13. Strawberry Fields Forever
14. Within You Without You/Tomorrow Never Knows
15. Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds
16. Octopus’s Garden
17. Lady Madonna
18. Here Comes The Sun/The Inner Light (Transition)
19. Come Together/Dear Prudence/Cry Baby Cry (Transition)
20. Revolution
21. Back In The U.S.S.R.
22. While My Guitar Gently Weeps
23. A Day In The Life
24. Hey Jude
25. Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)
26. All You Need Is Love

Total Time: 00:80:38

Track elements

Love contains elements from 130 individual recordings of The Beatles. While a complete list has not been disclosed, highlights of how the elements were mixed have been noted by the press.
* “Because” – An interview in Entertainment Weekly revealed that the opening track includes the bird sounds used in the World Wildlife Fund version of “Across the Universe”. In addition, a new recording of a Wood Pigeon was implemented “to make it more British,” according to George Martin.
* “Get Back” – As reported, the track utilizes the opening guitar from “A Hard Day’s Night”, the drum and guitar solos from “The End”, percussion from “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)”, and the orchestral swell from “A Day in the Life”.
* “I Want to Hold Your Hand” – An interview with George and Giles Martin stated that elements from both the studio recording and the Hollywood Bowl live performance were mixed to create this version.
* “Drive My Car / The Word / What You’re Doing” – As reported, the medley features the guitar solo from “Taxman” and the horns section from “Savoy Truffle”.
* “Gnik Nus” – As suggested in its title, the track contains the vocal arrangement of “Sun King” played in reverse.
* “Something / Blue Jay Way (transition)” – The track contains vocal elements from “Nowhere Man”.
* “Strawberry Fields Forever” – A review of the album noted that this version builds from an acoustic demo. It includes the orchestral section from “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”, the solo piano from “In My Life”, the brass included in “Penny Lane”, the cello and harpsicord arrangement from “Piggies” and the coda of “Hello, Goodbye”.
* “Within You Without You / Tomorrow Never Knows” – This track is noted as providing the most effective form of mashup in the album. It combines the vocals from “Within You Without You” with the bass and drums from “Tomorrow Never Knows.”
* “Octopus’s Garden” – According to USA Today and PopMatters, this track contains the string arrangement from “Good Night”, sound effects used in “Yellow Submarine” and elements from “Lovely Rita” and “Helter Skelter”.
* “Lady Madonna” – As noted by the Miami Herald, the track includes the guitar riff from “Hey Bulldog”.
* “Here Comes the Sun / The Inner Light (transition)” – As mentioned by Giles Martin, the track includes backing vocals from “Oh! Darling” and a bass line from “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)”.
* “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” – A BBC article reported that George Martin chose to use an early version of the recording for the album and wrote a new orchestral backing for the track. This was also stated in the fifth chapter of The Beatles ‘LOVE’ Podcast.

——————————————————–
Important!
Only for your information.
Please delete it from your HDD after listening to.
If you like the music, buy the CD.
———————————————————

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VA – Time-Life Am Gold – The Early ’70s

2011-09-30T13:23:00.000-07:00

In 1970, Smokey Robinson was ready to leave the Miracles and spend more time writing and producing and raising his young children. The “The tears of a clown”, from the group’s 1967 album “Make It Happen”, unexpectedly became their biggest-selling single. Smokey stayed with the Miracles two more years to exploit the song’s popularity.

Another Motown act, the Jackson 5, topped the soul and pop charts with their first four releases, “I Want You Back”, “ABC”, “The Love You Save” and “I’ll Be There”. The first tree were written and produced by the Corporation, a collective pseudonym for Freddie Perren, Deke Richards, Fonce Mizell and Berry Gordy Jr. They filled the void created by the departure of Eddie Holland, Lamont Dozier and Brian Holland from Motown.

Artist: Various
Title: Time-Life AM Gold – The Early ’70s
==========================================
01 – Rod Stewart – Maggie May
02 – The Doobie Brothers – Listen To The Music
03 – Jim Croce – Time In A Bottle
04 – Bill Withers – Ain’t No Sunshine
05 – The Partridge Family – I Woke Up In Love This Morning
06 – Smokey Robinson & The Miracles – The Tears Of A Clown
07 – The Chairmen Of The Board – Give Me Just A Little More Time
08 – The O’jays – Love Train
09 – Albert Hammond – It Never Rains In Southern California
10 – Delany And Bonnie & Friends – Never Ending Song Of Love
11 – Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes – If You Don’t Know Me By Now
12 – The Grass Roots – Sooner Or Later
13 – Al Green – Let’s Stay Together
14 – Bread – If
15 – James Taylor – Fire And Rain
16 – The Friends Of Distinction – Love Or Let Me Be Lonely
17 – America – Ventura Highway
18 – The Buoys – Timothy
19 – Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose – Too Late To Turn Back Now
20 – The Jackson 5 – The Love You Save
21 – Rick Springfield – Speak To The Sky
22 – Don Mclean – Vincent

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VA – Love Rocks (4CD Box)

2011-09-28T15:40:00.000-07:00

gs: Classic Rock, Various Artist

1 Vote

Album Notes
Passionate acoustic guitars, keyboards subtly, gently electric riffs, resounding tempo, lyric lyrics, rhythmic tunes, sensitive ballads, sentimental orchestrations, quality productions, legendary love songs with dynamic performances from bands explosive and sexy, tender and fiery vocals.
All these together in a comprehensive and unique sonic pleasure.
The collection of “LOVE ROCKS” on 4 CD with 47 top love songs to classical, original and authentic performances signed by a wide range of artists from the rock scene.
Unique recordings with breathtaking performances in praise of love that were timeless hits, won for weeks on top of the charts and sold millions of copies worldwide.
Travel back in time with Berlins, Patti Smith, Culture Club, Kansas, Pavlov’s Dog, Manfred Man, Roxy Music, REO Speedway, Alice Cooper, Santana, Roy Orbinson, Elvis Presley, Harry Nilson, Al Martino, Steve Harley & Cockney Rebels, Pacific Gas & Electric, Fleetwood Mac, Talking Heads, The Stranglers and many more!!!

Track Listing:
Artist: Various
Title: Love Rocks (CD1)
==========================================
01 – Berlin – Take My Breath Away
02 – Pavlov’s Dog – Julia
03 – Bonnie Tyler – Total Eclipse Of The Heart
04 – Fleetwood Mac – Need Your Love So Bad
05 – The Bangles – Eternal Flame
06 – Europe – Carrie
07 – Warrant – Heaven
08 – Boston – Amanda
09 – Air Supply – All Out Of Love
10 – Mr. Mister – Broken Wings
11 – Alice Cooper – Poison
12 – REO Speedwagon – Keep On Loving You
Artist: Various
Title: Love Rocks (CD2)
==========================================
01 – Marillion – Kayleigh
02 – Bobby Goldsboro – Honey (1991- Remastered)
03 – Al Stewart – On The Border
04 – Saxon – I Can’t Wait Anymore
05 – Climie Fisher – Love Like A River
06 – The Hollies – The Air That I Breathe
07 – Talking Heads – Sax And Violins
08 – Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel – Here Comes The Sun
09 – The Quireboys – Hey You (Live)
10 – Boy George – Everything I Own
11 – Feargal Sharkey – A Good Heart
12 – Tasmin Archer – Sleeping Satellite
Artist: Various
Title: Love Rocks (CD3)
==========================================
01 – Elvis Presley – Heartbreak Hotel
02 – Pacific gas & Electric – When A Man Loves A Woman
03 – Patti Smith – Because The Night
04 – Kansas – Dust In The Wind
05 – The Stranglers – Midnight Summer Dream
06 – Van Morrison – Brown Eyed Girl
07 – Santana – Europe
08 – Roy Orbison – Only The Lonely
09 – Harry Nilson – Without You
10 – Love Affair – The First Cut Is The Deepest
11 – Bobby Vinton – Mr. Lonely
12 – Christine Perfect – I’m On My Way
Artist: Various
Title: Love Rocks (CD4)
==========================================
01 – Talk Talk – It’s My Life
02 – Babe Ruth – The Mexican
03 – Manfread Mann – I Put On Spell On You (1998 Digital Remaster)
04 – Barclay James Harvest – Medicine Man (1999 Remaster)
05 – The Stranglers – Peaches
06 – Roxy Music – Same Old Scene
07 – Al Stewart – Midnight Rocks
08 – Al Martino – Spanish Eyes (1992 Digital Remaster)
09 – Culture Club – Do You Really Want To Hurt Me
10 – River City People – Carry The Blame
11 – Hot Chocolate – No Doubt About It

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Pink Floyd - The Dark Side Of The Moon [30th Anniversary Edition (SACD-DTS 5.1)]

2011-09-24T18:00:00.000-07:00

WARNING!!!

Audio Format: Digital Surround DTS 5.1

To play DTS CDs you need to have equipment that supports DTS and a surround sound system that is capable of decoding the DTS signal. Don't play this on equipment that isn't compatible because you'll only hear static!

Super Audio CD (SACD)

The Super Audio CD (SACD) features two disc layers. One layer contains a standard version of the album that works on any CD player. The other layer includes high-resolution stereo and a 5.1 surround version of the recording that works on SACD-compatible DVD players and home theater systems. Both layers employ SACD's Direct Stream Digital (DSD) encoding process that samples the music 64 times faster than CD for unprecedented fidelity.

Album Notes
---------------------------------------------------------

Dark Side of the Moon, originally released in 1973, is one of those albums that is discovered anew by each generation of rock listeners. This complex, often psychedelic music works very well because Pink Floyd doesn't rush anything; the songs are mainly slow to mid-tempo, with attention paid throughout to musical texture and mood. The sound effects on songs like "On the Run," "Time" and especially "Money" (with sampled sounds of clinking coins and cash registers turned into rhythmic accompaniment) are impressive, especially when we remember that 1973 was before the advent of digital recording techniques. This is probably Pink Floyd's best-known work, and it's an excellent place to start if you're new to the band.
Genevieve Williams
The Dark Side of the Moon (titled in the 1993 CD release as Dark Side of the Moon) is a 1973 concept album by Pink Floyd. It explores the nature of the human experience, with themes such as birth, time, greed, conflict, travel, mental illness, and death.
It is considered by many fans and critics to be the band's magnum opus, and is generally hailed as the record that defined their sound. It was a landmark in rock music, featuring radio-suitable songs such as Money, Time, Us and Them, and Brain Damage/Eclipse that also incorporate ethereal concrete sound techniques. Some critics use the album as a point of reference between classic blues rock and the then-new genre of electronic music. However, the work's softer touches of lyrical and musical nuance are what make Dark Side stand apart from its peers. All four of the band members participated in the writing and production: David Gilmour, Nick Mason, Roger Waters, and Richard Wright. It is the first Pink Floyd album with all lyrics credited to Roger Waters. It is the third bestselling album of all time and stayed longer on the US Billboard Top 200 chart than any other album in history (741+ weeks).

Tracklisting:
01. Speak To Me
02. Breathe
03. On The Run
04. Time
05. Great Gig In The Sky
06. Money
07. Us And Them
08. Any Colour You Like
09. Brain Damage
10. Eclipse

Total Time: 42:59

Details

5.1 Surround mix by James Guthrie

Assistant engineer Joel Plante

5.1 and stereo mastering by Doug Sax and James Guthrie

Assisted by Joel Plante and Gus Skinas

Mixed and mastered at das boot recording

DSD authoring for SACD by Gus Skinas

Line-Up:
- David Gilmour / guitars, vocals, VCS3
- Nick Mason / drums, percussion, tape effects
- Roger Waters / bass, vocals, VCS3, tape effects
- Richard Wright / keyboards, vocals, VCS3
With:
- Dick Parry / saxophone (6-7)
- Clare Torry / lead vocals (5)
- Leslie Duncan / backing vocals
- Lisa Strike / backing vocals
- Barry St. John / backing vocals
- Doris Troy / backing vocals

usmnFS

---------------------------------------------------------

Important!
Only for your information.
Please delete it from your HDD after listening to.
If you like the music, buy the CD.
---------------------------------------------------------

Compact Disc Club - Rock Ballads Forever (4CD Box)

2011-09-24T11:52:00.000-07:00

Album Notes

Includes 64 great rock ballads that will always move and enjoy. The charm of Kate Bush coexists with the sensitivity of Cockney Rebel, the dynamism of the UFO, the explosivity of Deep Purple, the lyricism of Al Stewart and the folklore element of Jethro Tull. The casket accompanied by an insert with the lyrics of many songs in the collection.

Tracklisting:
Rock Ballads Forever (CD1)
==========================================
01 - Deep Purple - Soldier Of Fortune
02 - Jethro Tull - Thick As A Brick
03 - M.S.G. - Nightmare
04 - Pat Benatar - Love Is A Battlefield
05 - Don McLean - American Pie
06 - The Band - The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down
07 - Cockney Rebel - Sebastian
08 - Joshua Kadison - Jessie
09 - Marilion - Sympathy
10 - Concrete Blonde - Joey (Acoustic Version)
11 - Barclay James Harvest - Mocking Bird
12 - Manfred Man - I Put A Spell On You
13 - The Animals - Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood
14 - Ike & Tina Turner - I've Been Loving You
15 - Canned Heat - On The Road Again
Total Time: 01:12:47

Rock Ballads Forever (CD2)
==========================================
01 - Scorpions - Still Loving You
02 - Poison - Every Rose Has Its Thorn
03 - Richard Marx - Right There Waiting
04 - Kate Bush - Running Up That Hill
05 - Bob Welch - The Ghost Of Flight 401
06 - Dr. Hook - I Gave Her Comfort
07 - Maggie Reilly - To France
08 - John Waite - Missing You
09 - Al Stewart - On The Border
10 - Adrian Gurvitz - Classic
11 - Don McLean - Vincent
12 - Alias - More Than Words Can Say
13 - Horse - Careful
14 - Taking Heads - Sax And Violins
15 - Mink De Ville - Heaven Stood Still
16 - Ultravox - Vienna
17 - Wishbone Ash - Witness To Wonder
Total Time: 01:11:33

Rock Ballads Forever (CD3)
==========================================
01 - Marillion - Kayleigh
02 - U.F.O. - Bella Donna
03 - Thunder - Low Life In High Places
04 - Deep Purple - When A Blind Man Cries
05 - Scorpions - Always Somewhere
06 - Vixen - Cryin'
07 - Billy Idol - Sweet Sixteen
08 - The Stranglers - Golden Brown
09 - Spandau Ballet - True
10 - Kim Carnes - Bette Davis Eyes
11 - The Hollies - The Air That I Breathe
12 - Richard Marx - Hazard
13 - Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel - Mr. Soft
14 - Kate Bush - Wuthering Heights
15 - Oscar Benton - Bensonhurst Blues
16 - Tasmin Archer - Sleeping Satellite
17 - Lee Clayton - A Little Cocaine
Total Time: 01:12:26

Rock Ballads Forever (CD4)
==========================================
01 - Crowded House - Don't Dream It's Over
02 - Sinead O' Conor - Nothing Compares To You
03 - The Connels - '74-'75
04 - The Stranglers - Strange Little Girl
05 - (Acoustic Live Version) Mc Auley Shenker Group - Doctor, Doctor (Acoustic Live Version)
06 - Jethro Tull - Too Old To Rock'n'Roll:Too Young To Die
07 - Ten Years After - Love Like A Man
08 - U.F.O. - Profession Of Violence
09 - Baby Ruth - The Mexican
10 - The Animals - The House Of The Rising Sun
11 - Al Stewart - Year Of The Cat
12 - Vixen - Love Is A Killer
13 - Deep Purple - You Keep On Movin'
14 - Great White - House Of Broken Love
15 - Huey Lewis And The News - Power Of Love
Total Time: 01:11:36

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Compact Disc Club - The Rock Party (4CD Box)

2011-09-24T11:00:00.000-07:00

Album notes

Fast rythms, loud guitars, big successes, are the components of The Rock Party collection. Enjoy hearing it loud! Because, successes as: Sweet home Alabama of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Passenger of Iggy Pop, Somebody the Love of Jefferson Airplane, American woman of Guess Who, Poison of Alice Cooper, All of you zombies of Hooters wants high intensity!

Track Listing:
The Rock Party (Disc1)
==========================================
01 - Lynyrd Skynyrd - Sweet Home Alabama
02 - Βoston - More Than A Feeling
03 - Europe - Final Countdown
04 - Blue Oyster Cult - The Reaper
05 - Ram Jam - Black Betty
06 - Loverboy - Turn Me Loose
07 - Asia - Heat Of The Moment
08 - Alice Cooper - Bed Of Nails
09 - Gary Moore - Back On The Streets
10 - Quiet Riot - Mama Weer All Grazee Now
11 - Argent - Hold Your Haead Up Now
12 - Tony Carey - A Fine Fine Day
13 - Alan Parsons Project - Eye In The Sky
14 - Eurythmics - Missionary Man
15 - Lou Reed - I Am Waiting For The Man
16 - Edgar Winter - Frankenstein
Total Time: 01:13:07

The Rock Party (Disc2)
==========================================
01 - Alice Cooper - Poison
02 - Deep Purple - Highway Star
03 - Scorpions - Steamrock Fever
04 - Kansas - Carry On Wayward Son
05 - Charlie Daniels Band - The Devil Went Down To Georgia
06 - Guess Who - American Woman
07 - Jefferson Airplane - Somebody To Love
08 - R.E.O. Speedwagon - Can't Fight This Feeling
09 - Toto - Hold The Line
10 - Heart - Barracuda
11 - Lynyrd Skynyrd - Saturday Night Special
12 - Wishbone Ash - Blowin Free
13 - Hooters - All You Zombies
14 - Blood, Sweat And Tears - Spinning Wheel
15 - Gary Moore - Still Got The Blues
16 - Fleetwood Mac - Black Magic Woman
Total Time: 01:13:37

The Rock Party (Disc3)
==========================================
01 - Madness - One Step Beyond
02 - Stranglers - All Day And All Of The Night
03 - Godfathers - Birth School Work Death
04 - Iggy Pop - The Passenger
05 - Devo - Whip It
06 - Heaven 17 - This Fascist Groove Thang
07 - Silencers - Number One Friend
08 - Keziah Jones - Rythm Of Love
09 - Cutting Crew - I Just Died In Your Arms
10 - Hall And Oates - Maneate
11 - Alan Parsons Project - Games People Play
12 - Flash And The Pan - Waiting For A Train
13 - Electric Light Orchestra - Evil Woman
14 - Starship - Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now
15 - Romantics - Talking In Your Sleep
16 - Shakin' Stevens And Bonnie Tyler - A Rockin' Good Way
17 - Smokie - Living Next Door To Alice
Total Time: 01:06:13

The Rock Party (Disc4)
==========================================
01 - David Essex - Rock On
02 - Lou Reed - Vicious
03 - Foreigner - White Lie
04 - Warrant - We Will Rock You
05 - Lita Ford - Back On The Cave
06 - Mott The Hoopie - All The Way From Memphis
07 - Pavlov's Dog - Late November
08 - Rick Springfield - Don't Talk To Strangers
09 - Men At Work - Who Can It Be Now
10 - Starship - We Built This City
11 - Divinyls - I Touch Myself
12 - Santana - What Does It Take
13 - Bangles - Hazy Shade Of Winter
14 - Electric Light Orchestra - Last Train To London
15 - Clarence Clemons - You 're A Friend Of Mine
16 - Colin James - Why 'd You Lie
17 - Clannad And Bono - In A Lifetime
Total Time: 01:03:44

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Compact Disc Club - Dreams (4CD Box)

2011-09-24T03:30:00.000-07:00

Album Notes
67 beautiful melodies, long-lasting, 67 great songs that became hits ...

Selected 67 beautiful melodies, long-lasting, 67 great songs that became hits performed by such names as Eric Burdon and the Animals, Moody Blues, Toto, Scorpions, Black, Rainbow, Santana, Joe Cocker / Jennifer Warnes, Michael Jackson, Heart, Paul Young and others. The casket accompanied by insert with lyrics of many songs in the collection.

Track Listing:

Dreams (CD1)
==========================================
01 - Moody Blues - Nights In White Satin
02 - Eric Carmen - All By My Self
03 - Chris De Burgh - The Lady In Red
04 - Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes - Up Where We Belong
05 - Robin Beck - First Time
06 - Eurythmics - Here Comes The Rain Again
07 - Air Suply - Lost In Love
08 - Rick Astley - Cry For Help
09 - Barclay James Harvest - Hymn
10 - Cyndi Lauper - Time After Time
11 - Ten Sharp - You
12 - @#!*% Robin - When Your Heart Is Weak
13 - Albert Hammond - It Never Rains In Southern California
14 - Dan Hill & Vonda Sheppard - Can't We Try
15 - Will To Power - I'm Not In Love
16 - Francis Lai - Theme From Love Story
17 - Candy Dulfer & Dave Stewart - Lily Was Here
Total Time: 01:11:59

Dreams (CD2)
==========================================
01 - Berlin - Take My Breath Away
02 - Bonnie Tyler - Total Eclipse Of The Heart
03 - Paul Young - Love Will Tear Us Apart
04 - Lise Stanfield - All Woman
05 - Toni Braxton - Another Sad Love Song
06 - Marvin Gaye - Sexual Healing
07 - Michael Jackson - Ben
08 - Gregory Abbott - Shake You Down
09 - Mtume - Juicy Fruit
10 - Shai - If I Ever Fall In Love
11 - London Beat - 9 AM
12 - Dee C. Lee - See The Day
13 - Carmel - Sally
14 - Kool And The Gang - Cherish
15 - The Christians - Words
16 - Stylistics - You Make Me Feel Brand New
17 - Barry White - Love Serenade
Total Time: 01:15:43

Dreams (CD3)
==========================================
01 - Scorpions - Wind Of Change
02 - Rainbow - Temple Of The King
03 - Europe - Carrie
04 - Kansas - Dust In The Wind
05 - Styx - Babe
06 - Eric Burdon And The Animals - San Franciscan Nights
07 - Lou Reed - Satelite Of Love
08 - Procol Harum - A Whiter Shade Of Pale [Live]
09 - Heart - Dog & Butterfly
10 - Toto - I'll Be Over You
11 - R.E.O. Speedwagon - Can't Fight This Feeling
12 - Santana - Europa
13 - Dan Fogelberg - Rythm Of The Rain
14 - Slade - Everyday
15 - The Alan Parsons Project - Don't Let It Show
16 - Robin Beck - Save Up All Your Tears
Total Time: 01:10:02

Dreams (CD4)
==========================================
01 - Mort Shuman - Sorrow
02 - Eros Ramazzotti - Un Altra Te
03 - Lucio Dalla - Caruso
04 - Demis Roussos - My Friend The Wind
05 - Dusty Springfield - You Don't Have To Say You Love Me
06 - Righteous Brothers - Unchained Melody
07 - Dianna Ross & Lionel Richie - Endless Love
08 - Jennifer Rush - The Power Of Love
09 - Bertie Higgins - Casablanca
10 - Johnny Logan - Hold Me Now
11 - Black - Wonderful Life
12 - Daryl Hall & John Oates - One On One
13 - Paul Young - Wherever I Lay My Hat
14 - Joe Cocker - Many Rivers To Cross
15 - Leonard Cohen - Suzanne
16 - Night Ark - You've Got A Friend
17 - Sidney Bechet - Petit Fleur
Total Time: 01:13:04
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VA - Nights And Days Vol. II [ANTENNA Radio 97,5] (1994)

2011-09-23T09:32:00.000-07:00

This is the second compilation by popular Greek radio-station of Thessaloniki “ANTENNA Radio 97,5”.
Compiled by Vasilis Skouros and Vasilis Galanos

Artist: Various
Title: Antenna Radio Nights And Days Vol.II
==========================================
01 – Peabo Bryson – If Ever You’re In My Arms Again
02 – Rose Royce – Wishing On A Star
03 – Randy Newman – You Can Leave Your Hat On
04 – Eric Carmen – Make Me Loose Control
05 – England Dan And John Ford Coley – I’d Really Love To See You Again
06 – Boy Meets Girl – Waiting For A Star To Fall
07 – Andy Taylor – Night Train
08 – Steve Jones – Mercy
09 – Quarterflash – Harden My Heart
10 – Sarah Jane Morris – Can’t Get To Sleep Without You
11 – Gerard Joling – I Can Only Give You Everything
12 – Michael Sembello – Summer Lovers
13 – The Doobie Brothers – What A Fool Believes
14 – Christopher Cross – All Right
15 – Dan Hartman – Name Of The Game
16 – Tony Carey – Fine Fine Day
Total Time: 01:08:26

usmnRS | usmnFS

———————————————————
Important!
Only for your information.
Please delete it from your HDD after listening to.
If you like the music, buy the CD.
Please… Don’t post mirrors
———————————————————

Asia - Anthologia - The 20th Anniversary Geffen Years Collection 1982-1990

2011-09-22T15:11:00.000-07:00

Asia – Anthologia

EAC Rip | Included: EAC Log + CUE + Flac + Full Covers

Release: 2002 | Label: Geffen Records | Made: USA | Number: 60949325428
Genre: Progressive Rock | Mono/Stereo: 2 Channel

Size: 1,12 GB | RAR files | FileServe.com

The Album Notes

Review by Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide

This is a set for the dedicated -- the fans who will indeed be celebrating the 20th anniversary of Asia's formation by seeking out the double-disc set, Anthologia: 20th Anniversary Geffen Years Collection 1982-90. This collection is no mere anthology; it is a complete recorded works, containing everything the band recorded for Geffen in the '80s, from full albums (Asia, Alpha, Astra), to B-sides and a handful of rarities. Asia had a brief moment as one of the biggest-selling acts in rock, just before MTV came along, and their debut album still holds up as a great moment in post-prog, ambitious, and accessible arena rock, while moments of Alpha are nearly as captivating, but the drop on their third album was steep. Because of this, it's hard to recommend this set, as exhaustive and well-packaged as it is, to anybody outside of the collectors, since its very best moments are found on Asia, as well as more succinct hits collections. But for the fans and collectors who want all of Asia's recordings in one package, this delivers what it promises, and more.

Track Listing:

Disc 1

1. Heat Of The Moment

2. Only Time Will Tell

3. Sole Survivor

4. One Step Closer

5. Time Again

6. Wildest Dreams

7. Without You

8. Cutting It Fine

9. Here Comes The Feeling

10. Ride Easy

11. Don't Cry

12. The Smile Has Left Your Eyes

13. Never In A Million Years

14. My Own Time (I'll Do What I Want)

15. The Heat Goes On

16. Eye To Eye

17. The Last To Know

18. True Colors

Disc 2

1. Midnight Sun

2. Open Your Eyes

3. Daylight

4. Lyin' To Yourself

5. Go

6. Voice Of America

7. Hard On Me

8. Wishing

9. Rock And Roll Dream

10. Countdown To Zero

11. Love Now Till Eternity

12. Too Late

13. Suspicion

14. After The War

15. Am I In Love

16. Summer (Can't Last Too Long)

17. Prayin' 4 A Miracle

18. Days Like These

Artist List:

- John Wetton - bass, vocals

- Geoff Downes - keyboards

- Steve Howe - guitar

- Steve Lukather - guitar

- Ron Komie - guitar

- Mandy Meyer - guitar

- Scott Gorham - guitar

- Carl Palmer - drums

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Important!
Only for your information.
Please delete it from your HDD after listening to.
If you like the music, buy the CD.
---------------------------------------------------------

VA - Even More Treasures [StarFM 97.1]

2011-09-22T15:10:00.000-07:00

“Even More Treasures” is the third compilation by popular Greek radio-station of Thessaloniki “StarFM 97.1″ with 14 Songs Treasures.
Compiled by Akis Touronis and Nana Karathanou

Artist: Various
Title: Even More Treasures
==========================================
01 – Jim Steinman – Rock And Roll Dreams Come True
02 – Santana – What Does It Take
03 – Dan Fogelberg – Seeing You Again
04 – Pretty Maids – Please Don’t Leave Me
05 – Jimmy Harnen – Where Are You Now
06 – Jimmy Jimmy – Silence
07 – Bertie Higgins – Casablanca
08 – Dan Hill & Vonda Sheppard – Can’t We Try
09 – Miami Sound Machine – Love Me
10 – Freiheit – Every Time
11 – Romantics – Talking In Your Sleep
12 – Sherbet – Howzat
13 – Philip Bailey – Woman
14 – Phoebe Cats – Paradise
Total Time: 01:01:08

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VA - More Treasures [StarFM 97.1] (1993)

2011-09-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

This is the second compilation by popular Greek radio-station of Thessaloniki “StarFM 97.1" with 14 Songs Treasures.

Artist: Various
Title: More Treasures
==========================================
01 - Benny Mardones - Into The Night
02 - Santa Esmeralda - You're My Everything
03 - Gloria Gaynor - I Will Survive
04 - Player - Baby Come Back
05 - Michael Jackson - One Day In Your Life
06 - Yello & Shirley Bassey - The Rhythm Divine
07 - Sweet - Love Like Oxygen
08 - Gary Brooker - Echoes In The Night
09 - Giant - I'll See You In My Dreams
10 - 10 Cc - Dreadlock Holiday
11 - Thirty Eight Special - Secont Chance
12 - Jim Diamond - I Should Have Known Better
13 - Double - Captain Of Her Heart
14 - Dennis De Young - Desert MoonTotal Time: 00:60:55
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Important!
Only for your information.
Please delete it from your HDD after listening to.
If you like the music, buy the CD.
---------------------------------------------------------

Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel - The Best Of

2011-09-14T13:30:00.001-07:00

Biography

Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel are an English rock band from the early 1970s. Their music covers a range of styles from pop to progressive rock. Over the years they have had five albums in the UK Albums Chart and twelve singles in the UK Singles Chart.
Steve Harley (born Stephen Malcolm Ronald Nice, 27 February 1951, Deptford, London), grew up in London's New Cross area and attended Haberdashers' Aske's Hatcham College. His musical career began in the late 1960s when he was busking (with John Crocker aka Jean-Paul Crocker) and performing his own songs, some of which were later recorded by him and the band. After an initial stint as a music journalist, the original Cockney Rebel was formed when Harley hooked up with his former folk music partner, Crocker (fiddle / mandolin / guitar) in 1972. They auditioned drummer Stuart Elliott, bassist Paul Jeffreys, and keyboardist Milton Reame-James. They were signed to EMI after playing five gigs. Their first single, "Sebastian", was an immediate success in Europe, although it failed to score in the UK Singles Chart. Their debut album, The Human Menagerie, was released in 1973. Although not a commercial success they did attract a growing following in London.
Harley managed to irritate a significant segment of the music press with his self-aggrandisement, even as their music was getting rave reviews and gaining a wide audience. It was becoming clear that Harley regarded the band as little more than accompaniment to his own agenda, and already there were signs that things would not last, despite having a big hit with their second single, "Judy Teen". In May 1974, the British music magazine, NME reported that Cockney Rebel were to undertake their first British tour, with the highlight of the itinerary being a gig at London's Victoria Palace Theatre on 23 June. There then followed the album The Psychomodo. A session for BBC Radio 1 disc jockey John Peel, subsequently released on the Live at the BBC album, offered up further evidence of the band's inventiveness. A second single from the album, "Mr. Soft", was also a hit. By this time the problems within the band had already reached a head, and all the musicians, with the exception of Elliott, quit at the end of a successful UK tour. Of his erstwhile bandmates, Crocker returned to his acoustic and bluegrass roots to quietly hone his songwriting skills, recording and occasionally performing (with younger brother David) in The Crocker Brothers; whilst Jeffreys and Reame-James were briefly members of Be-Bop Deluxe, before forming their own band, Chartreuse, in 1976.
Harley's next appearance on BBC Television's Top of the Pops was supported by session musicians drafted in for the show. Only Elliot survived from the original line-up, with Curved Air's Francis Monkman, and B. A. Robertson completing the impromptu band. Autumn 1974 brought the release of the group's next single, "Big Big Deal", presumably a taster for their proposed third album. No sooner was the record released, however, than it was withdrawn.
From then on, the band was a band in name only, being more or less a Harley solo project. In 1974, a further album, The Best Years of Our Lives was released, produced by The Beatles' recording engineer, Alan Parsons. This included the track "Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)" which would go on to be a UK number one single in February 1975, and the band's biggest selling hit. It sold over one million copies globally. Amongst the backing vocalists on the act's only #1 was the future chart-topper, Tina Charles. Changing the band name from Cockney Rebel to Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel for the #1 hit, the degeneration was rapid. In a television interview recorded in 2002, Harley described how the lyrics are vindictively directed at the former band members, whom he felt had abandoned him – a fact not obvious in the apparently happy chorus.
One more single from the album, "Mr. Raffles (Man It Was Mean)" made the Top 20, but then Cockney Rebel disbanded. After 1975, Harley struggled to match that success and faded from fame, although he provided vocals on The Alan Parsons Project song, "The Voice" on 1977's I Robot. Harley also had a surprise Top 10 in the summer of 1976 with a cover version of "Here Comes the Sun". He made a minor comeback in 1979 as a solo artist in the UK Singles Chart with "Freedom's Prisoner". After a brief appearance in the 1980s with a song from Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera, Harley began touring again with his old Cockney Rebel songs in the late 1980s and 1990s.
Cockney Rebel's original bassist, Paul Jeffreys, was one of those who died on Pan Am Flight 103 in 1988. He was with his bride on their honeymoon. In April 1990, Harley and several ex-Cockney Rebel members reformed as Raffles United, and played four consecutive nights in a pub in Sudbury, London.
Harley has released several solo albums since – Yes You Can in 1992, Poetic Justice in 1996, and most recently, The Quality of Mercy in 2005, the first since the 1970s to be released with the Cockney Rebel name. He has dubbed his current touring band 'Cockney Rebel Mark III' – although the band contains only two original members in Harley and Elliott.
Two of the bigger hits appeared in UK television advertisements in the 1990s: "Make Me Smile" for Carlsberg Lager in 1995, prompting the track's return to the UK Top 40; and "Mr Soft" for Trebor Softmints in 1988. "Make Me Smile" was used again in a 2005 advertisement for Marks & Spencer. It was also used on the soundtrack of the 1997 film, The Full Monty and the 1998 glam rock film Velvet Goldmine, in the latter's case being used in the end credits.
From 1999 to 2008, Harley presented a show on BBC Radio 2 called Sounds of the 70s.
In 2006, EMI released a CD box set compilation album spanning Harley's Cockney Rebel and solo work.
On 25 July 2007 they performed in Warsaw, Poland and on 28 July 2007 in Saint Petersburg, Russia, in both cases opening The Rolling Stones' concerts.
In 2007, the song Make Me Smile was used by the Norwegian national lottery Norsk Tipping in a popular TV commercial in Norway.
Original keyboardist, Reame-James, has since joined with James Staddon, Phil Beer and Robbie Johnson to create 'Banana Rebel', who have released a CD Top Banana, available from their website.
In 2010, Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel begin tourring again setting concert dates for England, Ireland, and Northern Ireland.

Track Listings

==========================================
1. Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me)
2. Judy Teen
3. Here Comes The Sun
4. I Believe Love's A Prima Donna
5. Best Years Of Our Lives
6. Another Journey
7. Freedom's Prisoner
8. Tumbling Down
9. Mr Raffles (Man It Was Mean)
10. Roll The Dice
11. Psychomodo
12. Mr Soft
13. White White Dove
14. Sebastian
15. Love Compared With You
16. I Can't Even Touch You
Total Time: 01:09:27
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Time-Life Am Gold - #1 Hits Of The '70s ('75-'79)

2011-09-14T13:30:00.000-07:00

Album Notes

Disco dominate pop music in the latter half of the ‘70s, but there was still room on the charts and the airwaves for all shots of unlikely gems: one-shorts, comebacks, Tex-Mex weepers and fiddle-happy foot-stompers, smoldering old-school R&B duets, the rousing theme from a boxing movie and even a surprise cameo from Ludwig van Beethoven. Best-selling instrumentals in every genre-from Sleep Walk to surf rave-ups, from Henry Mancini to Herb Albert-were nothing new. Even classical great Johann Sebastian Bach had been plundered twice: in Lover’s Concerto by ‘60s girl group the Toys and for Apollo 100’s Joy in 1972…

Artist: Various
Title: Time-Life Am Gold - #1 Hits Of The '70S ('75-'79)
==========================================
01 - Frankie Valli - Grease
02 - Chic - Le Freak
03 - The Emotions - Best Of My Love
04 - Thelma Houston - Don't Leave Me This Way
05 - Gloria Gaynor - I Will Survive
06 - Walter Murphy & The Big Apple Band - A Fifth Of Beethoven
07 - Andy Gibb - I Just Want To Be Your Everything
08 - Olivia Newton-John - Have You Never Been Mellow
09 - Bellamy Brothers - Let Your Love Flow
10 - John Denver - Thank God I'm A Country Boy
11 - Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Blinded By The Light
12 - Bill Conti - Gonna Fly Now (Theme From Rocky)
13 - Neil Sedaka - Laughter In The Rain
14 - Mary Macgregor - Torn Between Two Lovers
15 - Leo Sayer - When I Need You
16 - Freddy Fender - Before The Next Teardrop Falls
17 - Shaun Cassidy - Da Doo Ron Ron
18 - Herb Alpert - Rise
19 - Peaches & Herb - Reunited
20 - Johnny Mathis & Deniece Williams - Too Much, Too Little, Too Late
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VA – Time-Life Music – AM Gold 1979

2011-09-14T13:13:00.000-07:00

Album Notes

While the nose-thumbing 1970s musical (or anti-musical, as its detractors deemed it) movement called punk rock never quite managed to upset the world-conquering way its safety-pinned revolutionaries hoped it would, punk did nonetheless have a significant impact on pop music. If nothing else, the back-to basics, do-it-yourself attitude of punk gave many musicians the inspiration to try to make their own kind of music, regardless of whether it “fit in” anywhere or not.
By 1979, punk’s nonconformist approach had helped create a number of sub-genres that, while not as overtly threatening as punk was perceived to be, nonetheless signaled the emergence of fresh musical perspectives.

Artist: Various
Title: Time-Life AM Gold - 1979
==========================================
01 - Knack - My Sharona
02 - Toto - Hold The Line
03 - Babys - Every Time I Think Of You
04 - Little River Band - Lonesome Loser
05 - Dr. Hook - Sharing The Night Together
06 - David Naughton - Makin' It
07 - Leif Garrett - I Was Made For Dancin'
08 - Robert John - Sad Eyes
09 - Randy Vanwarmer - Just When I Needed You Most
10 - Earth, Wind & Fire - After The Love Has Gone
11 - Blondie - Heart Of Glass
12 - Chic - Good Times
13 - Doobie Brothers - What A Fool Believes
14 - Suzi Quatro & Chris Norman - Stumblin' In
15 - Rupert Holmes - Escape (The Pina Colada Song)
16 - John Stewart - Gold
17 - Nicolette Larson - Lotta Love
18 - Commodores - Still
19 - Dionne Warwick - I'll Never Love This Way Again
20 - Rex Smith - You Take My Breath Away
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VA – Time-Life Music – AM Gold 1978

2011-09-14T12:55:00.000-07:00

Album Notes

This series started out in 1990 as Super Hits, with each issue having a cartoonish photo/drawing as cover art. There were 20 volumes in the original Super Hits series. In 1995, the series was renamed AM Gold. The first four volumes were reissued using the new series title and a modified version of the cover art work from SUD-05, but that was soon replaced with a second AM Gold cover design that featured a gold record. The Super Hits series used the SUD- prefix, while the AM Gold series used the AM1- prefix. In the late 1990s, the AM1- prefix was replaced with the R834- prefix, but the volumes continued as before. Two AM Gold budget box sets were introduced in the late 1990s, with 12 tracks instead of the usual 18-24. These were meant for retail sales, unlike the normal subscription CDs.

Perhaps it was something in the water, or the shrimp on the barbie, or maybe some secret ingredient in those Vegemite sandwiches so popular in the land down under. Whatever the reason, 1978 certainly was a year in which songs from Australia, or performed by Australians, or having some connection to Australia, had pretty good chances of being hits. And if the connection had anything to do with a Gibb-as in the brothers Gibb, otherwise known as Brisbane, Australia's, Bee Gees-well, everyone involved could probably start heading straight for the bank, because they'd just struck AM Gold.

Artist: Various
Title: Time-Life AM Gold - 1978
==========================================
01 - Nick Gilder - Hot Child In The City
02 - Sweet - Love Is Like Oxygen
03 - Boston - Don't Look Back
04 - John Paul Young - Love Is In The Air
05 - Bob Welch - Sentimental Lady
06 - Little River Band - Reminiscing
07 - Player - Baby Come Back
08 - Pablo Cruise - Love Will Find A Way
09 - Chuck Mangione - Feels So Good
10 - Commodores - Three Times A Lady
11 - Andy Gibb - Shadow Dancing
12 - Yvonne Elliman - If I Can't Have You
13 - Chic - Le Freak
14 - Exile - Kiss You All Over
15 - O'Jays, The - Use Ta Be My Girl
16 - Dolly Parton - Here You Come Again
17 - Jay Ferguson - Thunder Island
18 - Gino Vannelli - I Just Wanna Stop
19 - Al Stewart - Time Passages
20 - Ambrosia - How Much I Feel
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C. Robin - Best Ballads

2011-09-13T22:58:00.000-07:00

C. Robin - Best Ballads

Biography:

C. Robin is a U.S. pop-rock band, mostly popular in the 1980s, particularly in Europe where they were to become famous. The band was founded by singer-songwriter Peter Kingsbery in 1982, split up in 1990, and was reformed in 2006.

Named after a 17th century story titled "The Marriage of C. Robin and Jenny Wren", the band formed in California and was signed to CBS Records. C. Robin's first, self-titled album was produced by Steve Hillage and, although largely ignored in their native country, as with the majority of their output, was an overnight success in Europe, especially in France, Germany, Italy, Portugal and the Netherlands, where the singles "When Your Heart Is Weak", "The Promise You Made" and "Thought You Were on My Side" became big hits, and the album itself a chart-topper. "When Your Heart Is Weak" was the band's only chart single in the U.S., where it reached #35 in the late summer of 1985. It also became a Top 20 hit and radio favorite in South Africa in early 1985.

In 1987, the band, reduced from the original quartet to the duo of Peter Kingsbery and Anna LaCazio, released their second album, After Here Through Midland, produced by Don Gehman, who had previously worked with John Mellencamp, among others. As with their debut, C. Robin's second album attracted much attention in continental Europe where the LP entered the Top 5 and scored hits with the singles "Just Around the Corner", "The Biggest Fool of All", and "El Norte".

Two years later, in 1989, the band released their third, and, to many critics, most successful album, First Love Last Rites, with Roxy Music veteran Rhett Davies in the role of producer. As with their previous releases, the LP fared well in mainland Europe, but, due to poor management and promotion, failed to make an impact stateside. The duo would go their separate ways shortly following the release of the album, with Kingsbery releasing a string of solo projects in France, most notably a hit single "Only the Very Best", recorded for the Jean Luc Plomondon concept musical album "Tycoon", in 1992.

The band was reformed in 2006, releasing the fourth album ”I Don’t Want To Save The World”, much to the joy of a loyal following of fans.

In 2009, the band is coming back with a new album, a live recording of the 2006 Chalons-en-Champagne concert, and a tour in France, the Netherlands and Switzerland.

Artist: Various
Title: Time-Life Am Gold - #1 Hits Of The '70S ('75-'79)

==========================================

1. For Experience Sake

2. Promise You Made, The

3. Just Around the Corner

4. Thought You Were on My Side

5. Another Story

6. When You Heart is Weak

7. The Biggest Fool of All

8. El Norte

9. Worlds Apart

10. Stumble And Fall

11. After Here Through Midland

12. It's Only Make Believed

13. A Little Innocence

14. The Part That I Miss

15. Win Or Lose

Total Time: 01:16:15

Band Members

Core members

* Peter Kingsbery: lead vocals, keyboards, bass, guitar

* Anna LaCazio: lead vocals, keyboards

(Clive Wright) guitars (Lou Molino) drums, percussion, backing vocals.

Other members

* Pat Mastelotto: drums, percussions

* Tris Imboden: drums

* Corky James: guitars

* John Pierce: bass

* Lise Dickerson: keyboards, backing vocals

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VA – Time-Life Music – AM Gold 1977

2011-06-27T12:18:00.000-07:00

Album Notes
This series started out in 1990 as Super Hits, with each issue having a cartoonish photo/drawing as cover art. There were 20 volumes in the original Super Hits series. In 1995, the series was renamed AM Gold. The first four volumes were reissued using the new series title and a modified version of the cover art work from SUD-05, but that was soon replaced with a second AM Gold cover design that featured a gold record. The Super Hits series used the SUD- prefix, while the AM Gold series used the AM1- prefix. In the late 1990s, the AM1- prefix was replaced with the R834- prefix, but the volumes continued as before. Two AM Gold budget box sets were introduced in the late 1990s, with 12 tracks instead of the usual 18-24. These were meant for retail sales, unlike the normal subscription CDs.

Like Luke Skywalker battling Darth Vader, musician Meco Monardo certainly had the Force with him in 1977-and with a disco beat, no less. Before his dance-oriented arrangements for records such as Gloria Gaynor's Never Can Say Goodbye and Carol Douglas's Doctor's Orders made him one of early disco's hotters producters, the Pennsylvania-born trombone and keyboard player was known in the industry mainly for behind-the-scenes work on commercial jingles. Monardo was so hot, in fact, that after seeing the film Star Wars he called Casablanca/Millennium Records chief Neil Bogart, pichesd him an idea for dressing up the movie's music in mirror-ball-ready disco clothes, and was immediately inked to a deal-without Bogart's hearing even a single note. Faster than you could say "Obi-Wan Kenobi", Meco's STAR WARS THEME/CANTINA BAND skyrocketed to th top of the charts. Another big movie that spawned a No1 hit in 1977 was Car Wash, the sudsy comedy starring Richard Pryor. ....

Artist: Various
Title: Time-Life AM Gold 1977
==========================================
01 - Fleetwood Mac - Don't Stop
02 - Linda Ronstadt - It's So Easy
03 - Daryl Hall And John Oates - Rich Girl
04 - Climax Blues Band - Couldn't Get It Right
05 - Al Stewart - Year Of The Cat
06 - Commadores - Easy
07 - Andrew Gold - Lonely Boy
08 - 10Cc - The Things We Do For Love
09 - Dave Mason - We Just Disagree
10 - David Soul - Don't Give Up On Us
11 - Meco - Star Wars Theme~Cantina Band
12 - Rose Royce - Car Wash
13 - Kc And The Sunshine Band - I'm Your Boogie Man
14 - Marilyn Mccoo And Billy Davis Jr. - You Don't Have To Be A Star (To Be In My Show)
15 - Atlanta Rhythm Section - So In To You
16 - Alan O'day - Undercover Angel
17 - Shaun Cassidy - That's Rock 'N' Roll
18 - Kenny Nolan - I Like Dreamin'
19 - Glen Campbell - Southern Nights
20 - Firefall - Just Remember I Love You
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VA – Time-Life Music – AM Gold 1976

2011-06-27T12:13:00.000-07:00

Album Notes

This series started out in 1990 as Super Hits, with each issue having a cartoonish photo/drawing as cover art. There were 20 volumes in the original Super Hits series. In 1995, the series was renamed AM Gold. The first four volumes were reissued using the new series title and a modified version of the cover art work from SUD-05, but that was soon replaced with a second AM Gold cover design that featured a gold record. The Super Hits series used the SUD- prefix, while the AM Gold series used the AM1- prefix. In the late 1990s, the AM1- prefix was replaced with the R834- prefix, but the volumes continued as before. Two AM Gold budget box sets were introduced in the late 1990s, with 12 tracks instead of the usual 18-24. These were meant for retail sales, unlike the normal subscription CDs.

Pop music history is filled with stories of groups who got their names by simply flipping open a dictionary, closing their eyes and pointing - letting their fingers christen them at random. But when a bunch of youngsters from Edinburgh, Scotland, formed a band in the early '70s and couldn't decide what to call themselves, they looked to a rather interesting source for inspiration. Arbitrarily sticking a pin in a map of the United States - where none of them had ever been - they landed on the small town of Bay City, Michigan. And thus were born the Bay City Rollers.
With their patriotic tartan-accented outfits, the Scottish quinter became teeny-bopper idols throughout Great Britain, and for a few frenzied moments in 1975 they were even heralded as the new Beatles - especially when they finally broke through in the U.S. that winter with the cherry sing - along SATERDAY NIGHT....

Artist: Various
Title: Time-Life Am Gold - 1976
==========================================
01 - Pratt And Mcclain With Brother Love - Happy Days
02 - Bay City Rollers - Saturday Night
03 - Peter Frampton - Show Me The Way
04 - Orleans - Still The One
05 - Frankie Valli And The Four Seasons - December, 1963 (Oh, What A Night)
06 - Lou Rawls - You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine
07 - Elvin Bishop - Fooled Around And Fell In Love
08 - Starbuck - Moonlight Feels Right
09 - England Dan And John Ford Coley - I'd Really Love To See You Tonight
10 - Gary Wright - Dream Weaver
11 - Eric Carmen - All By Myself
12 - Kc And The Sunshine Band - (Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty
13 - Maxine Nightingale - Right Back Where We Started From
14 - Fleetwood Mac - Say You Love Me
15 - Henry Gross - Shannon
16 - Firefall - You Are The Woman
17 - Darryl Hall & John Oates - Sara Smile
18 - Starland Vocal Band - Afternoon Delight
19 - John Sebastian - Welcome Back
20 - Captain And Tennille - Muskrat Love
21 - Seals And Crofts - Get Closer
22 - The Manhattans - Kiss And Say Goodbye
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VA – Time-Life Music – AM Gold 1975

2011-06-11T08:28:00.000-07:00

Album Notes

If Minnie Piperton and Phoebe Snow are often remembered together by '70s AM radio listeners, it is probably because both had the only top-40 pop hits of their careers on the charts at the same time. In fact, in the week of April 12, 1975, their respective songs were nestled nearly side by side in Billboard’s top five. In retrospect, it seems somehow fitting that they should have been together. Both singers had remarkably impressive voices, and both met adversity head on, with equally impressive courage and dignity....

Artist: Various
Title: Time-Life Am Gold - 1975
==========================================
01 - Kc And The Sunshine Band - That's The Way (I Like It)
02 - Leo Sayer - Long Tall Glasses (I Can Dance)
03 - Labelle - Lady Marmalade
04 - Pilot - Magic
05 - Sweet - Ballroom Blitz
06 - Ozark Mountain Daredevils - Jackie Blue
07 - Michael Martin Murphey - Wildfire
08 - Phoebe Snow - Poetry Man
09 - Orleans - Dance With Me
10 - Jessi Colter - I'm Not Lisa
11 - Frankie Valli - My Eyes Adored You
12 - Linda Ronstadt - You're No Good
13 - Earth, Wind And Fire - Shining Star
14 - War - Why Can't We Be Friends
15 - Captain And Tennille - Love Will Keep Us Together
16 - B.J. Thomas - (Hey Won't You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song
17 - Glen Campbell - Rhinestone Cowboy
18 - America - Sister Golden Hair
19 - The Doobie Brothers - Black Water
20 - 10Cc - I'm Not In Love
21 - Jigsaw - Sky High
22 - Minnie Riperton - Lovin' You
Total Time: 01:16:34
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VA – Time-Life Music – AM Gold 1974

2011-06-11T08:22:00.000-07:00

Album Notes

This series started out in 1990 as Super Hits, with each issue having a cartoonish photo/drawing as cover art. There were 20 volumes in the original Super Hits series. In 1995, the series was renamed AM Gold. The first four volumes were reissued using the new series title and a modified version of the cover art work from SUD-05, but that was soon replaced with a second AM Gold cover design that featured a gold record. The Super Hits series used the SUD- prefix, while the AM Gold series used the AM1- prefix. In the late 1990s, the AM1- prefix was replaced with the R834- prefix, but the volumes continued as before. Two AM Gold budget box sets were introduced in the late 1990s, with 12 tracks instead of the usual 18-24. These were meant for retail sales, unlike the normal subscription CDs.

In 1964, the Beatles, The Rolling Stones and so many other now legendary English groups conquered America's AM airwaves in the musical attack known as the British Invasion. In 1974, a few unsung heroes of that movement market its tenth anniversary by playing important roles in several of the year's biggest U.S. hits.
As young rock 'n' roll songwriter in the early 1960s, Mitch Murray authored a host of hugely succesful songs, most notably the very first Merseybeat song to top the British charts, How Do You Do It? by the Beatles' Liverpool mates Gerry and the Pacemakers. A decade later, Murray proved his pop instincts had not left him when he and song-writing partner Peter Callander (another '60s veteran who had placed hits with the likes oj Cliff Richard and Tom Jones) penlled No.1 hits in the summer of 1974- together they wrote Bo DOnaldon and the Heywoods' BILLY, DON'T BE A HERO, and Callander co-authored Paper Lace's THE NIGHT CHICAGO DIED. ...

Artist: Various
Title: Time-Life AM Gold - 1974
==========================================
01 - Billy Swan - I Can Help
02 - Carly Simon And James Taylor - Mockingbird
03 - Dionne Warwick And The Spinners - Then Came You
04 - Redbone - Come And Get Your Love
05 - Maria Muldaur - Midnight At The Oasis
06 - The Hollies - The Air That I Breathe
07 - America - Tin Man
08 - Bo Donaldson And The Heywoods - Billy, Don't Be A Hero
09 - Paper Lace - The Night Chicago Died
10 - Al Wilson - Show And Tell
11 - Gladys Knight And The Pips - Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me
12 - Mfsb Featuring The Three Degrees - Tsop (The Sound Of Philadelphia)
13 - The Hues Corporation - Rock The Boat
14 - The Three Degrees - When Will I See You Again
15 - First Class - Beach Baby
16 - Terry Jacks - Seasons In The Sun
17 - Andy Kim - Rock Me Gently
18 - David Essex - Rock On
19 - Three Dog Night - The Show Must Go On
20 - Marvin Hamlisch - The Entertainer
21 - Helen Reddy - Angie Baby
22 - Dave Loggins - Please Come To Boston
Total Time: 01:19:35
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Important!
Change in the cue file (line 7)
from "FILE "Various - Time-Life AM Gold - 1974.wav" WAVE"
to "FILE "Various - Time-Life AM Gold - 1974.flac" WAVE"

VA – Time-Life Music – AM Gold 1973

2011-06-05T00:47:00.000-07:00

Album Notes

This series started out in 1990 as Super Hits, with each issue having a cartoonish photo/drawing as cover art. There were 20 volumes in the original Super Hits series. In 1995, the series was renamed AM Gold. The first four volumes were reissued using the new series title and a modified version of the cover art work from SUD-05, but that was soon replaced with a second AM Gold cover design that featured a gold record. The Super Hits series used the SUD- prefix, while the AM Gold series used the AM1- prefix. In the late 1990s, the AM1- prefix was replaced with the R834- prefix, but the volumes continued as before. Two AM Gold budget box sets were introduced in the late 1990s, with 12 tracks instead of the usual 18-24. These were meant for retail sales, unlike the normal subscription CDs.

The year that saw the agony of United Stales troop involvement in Vietnam end-only to be replaced by the anguish of the Watergate scandal - also saw developments that affected the course of popular music. In 1973 for the first time, car radios were required by law to receive FM, and the first oil embargo drove up the price of vinyl.
The music itself was changing, with soul music receding in popularity. Stax still fielded occasional crossover hits with the Staples and Johnnie Taylor, but only Al Green Charted consistenly with the once-mighty Memphis sound. He reached the top 10twice in 1973, with "Call Me" (Come Back Home) and "Here I Am" (Come and Take Me).
Even Aretha Franklin was having trouble in the pop market until she clicked at year's and with Stevie Wonder's "Until You Come Back To Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)....

Artist: Various
Title: Time-Life Am Gold - 1973
==========================================
01 - Helen Reddy - Delta Dawn
02 - Jim Croce - Bad, Bad Leroy Brown
03 - Dawn Featuring Tony Orlando - Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Ole Oak Tree
04 - Three Dog Night - Shambala
05 - Dobie Gray - Drift Away
06 - Al Green - Call Me (Come Back Home)
07 - James Taylor - Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight
08 - Aretha Franklin - Until You Come Back To Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)
09 - Carly Simon - You're So Vain
10 - Todd Rundgren - Hello It's Me
11 - Maureen Mcgovern - The Morning After
12 - Four Tops - Ain't No Woman (Like The One I've Got)
13 - Stealers Wheel - Stuck In The Middle With You
14 - Spinners, The - Could It Be I'm Falling In Love
15 - Gladys Knight And The Pips - Midnight Train To Georgia
16 - Seals And Crofts - Diamond Girl
17 - Diana Ross - Touch Me In The Morning
18 - Dr. Hook And The Medicine Show - The Cover Of 'Rolling Stone'
19 - B.W. Stevenson - My Maria
20 - Skylark - Wildflower
21 - Art Garfunkel - All I Know
Total Time: 01:12:19
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VA – Time-Life Music – AM Gold 1972

2011-06-05T00:46:00.000-07:00

Album Notes

Artist: Various
Title: Time-Life Am Gold - 1973
==========================================
01 - Three Dog Night - Black And White
02 - Jim Croce - You Don't Mess Around With Jim
03 - Johnny Nash - I Can See Clearly Now
04 - Al Green - I'm Still In Love With You
05 - Gilbert O'sullivan - Alone Again (Naturally)
06 - 5Th Dimension, The - (Last Night) I Didn't Get To Sleep At All
07 - Gallery - Nice To Be With You / Gallery / Nice To Be With You
08 - Ricky Nelson And The Stone Canyon Band - Garden Party
09 - Seals And Crofts - Summer Breeze
10 - Lobo - I'd Love You To Want Me
11 - Climax - Precious And Few
12 - America - A Horse With No Name
13 - Looking Glass - Brandy (You're A Fine Girl)
14 - Main Ingredient, The - Everybody Plays The Fool
15 - Dr. Hook And The Medicine Show - Sylvia's Mother
16 - Chi-Lites, The - Oh Girl / Chi-Lites, The / Oh Girl
17 - Danny O'keefe - Good Time Charlie's Got The Blues
18 - Billy Paul - Me And Mrs. Jones
19 - Mac Davis - Baby Don't Get Hooked On Me
20 - Nilsson - Without You
21 - Moody Blues - Nights In White Satin
Total Time: 01:12:31
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The Police - Greatest Hits

2011-05-30T12:40:00.000-07:00

The Police were an English rock band formed in London in 1977. For the vast majority of their history, the band consisted of Sting (lead vocals, bass), Andy Summers (guitars) and Stewart Copeland (drums). The Police became globally popular in the late 1970s and are generally regarded as one of the first New Wave groups to achieve mainstream success, playing a style of rock that was influenced by punk, reggae, and jazz. Their 1983 album, Synchronicity, was number one on both the UK Album Chart and the US Billboard 200, and sold over 8,000,000 copies in the US. The group disbanded in 1984, but reunited in early 2007 for a one-off world tour lasting until August 2008. The Police have sold more than 50 million albums worldwide, and were the world's highest-earning musicians in 2008, thanks to their reunion tour.

Album Notes
Greatest Hits is a compilation album of songs by The Police, released in 1992. It reached number 10 on the UK Album Charts. This is a superb collection of Police singles, from the early days of Roxanne and Can't Stand Losing You - both of which were considered controversial songs because of their subject matter. The Police very successfully integrated reggae rhythms into their sound, as demonstrated by the aforementioned and by later smashes like Message In A Bottle and Don't Stand So Close To Me. My other favourites include Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic, Spirits In The Material World and Every Breath You Take. Not everything here has stood the test of time well - De Do Do Do is one those irritating novelty numbers that I skip when listening to this album. These songs, although mostly simple and catchy, are a cut above simple pop because of their clever lyrics that often contain a twist or two, innovative rhythmic patterns and the band's professionalism. This greatest hits album is perfect for the casual listener although hardcore fans might want to get all the band's output on CD. There is also the 1997 collection The Best Of Sting And The Police with a slightly different track listing, containing more of Sting's ballads.

Artist: The Police
Title: Greatest Hits
==========================================
01. Roxanne
02. Can't Stand Losing You
03. So Lonely
04. Message In A Bottle
05. Walking On The Moon
06. The Bed's Too Big Without You
07. Don't Stand So Close To Me
08. De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da
09. Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic
10. Invisible Sun
11. Spirits In The Material World
12. Synchronicity II
13. Every Breath You Take
14. King Of Pain
15. Wrapped Around Your Finger
16. Tea In the Sahara
Total Time: 01:07:56
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Credits
    Co-producer – Hugh Padgham (tracks: 9 to 11)
    Design – Stylorouge
    Engineer – Hugh Padgham (tracks: 9 to 11)
    Photography [Main Front Cover] – Duane Michals
    Producer – Hugh Padgham (tracks: 12 to 16), Nigel Gray (tracks: 4 to 8), Police, The
    Written-By – Sting

Claςςix Νοuvεαux - The Very Best

2011-05-29T14:44:00.000-07:00

Biography

Claςςix Νοuvεαux were an English 1980s new wave band. They had number one hits in Poland, Portugal, the former Yugoslavia, Israel, Iceland, and other countries. In the UK they had various Top 50 successes, but only one Top 20 hit with "Is It A Dream", which peaked at #11 on the UK Singles Chart in April 1982.

The break up of X-Ray Spex triggered an advertisement placed in Melody Maker, searching for a new lead singer. Sal Solo (formerly with The News) answered the advertisement. Jak Airport and B.P. Hurding left X-Ray Spex to form Claςςix Νοuvεαux with Mik Sweeney and Sal Solo. Their first gig was on 25 August 1979 at Camden Palace. With publicity growing for the band, their dramatic and heavily made-up image quickly helped associate them with the New Romantic movement, alongside bands such as Japan and Ultravox. In 1980, the band recorded a four track session for Capital Radio and one track, "Robots Dance", was played regularly by DJ Nicky Horne. This got the interest of A&R at United Artists, but as negotiations dragged on Classix decided to release the track as their debut single on their own ESP label. "Rοbοt's Dance" was released on 29 August and, when negotiations with UA were finalised, by EMI. They also performed for the first time on television on Thames TV in London. "Robot's Dance" spent eleven weeks on the UK Indie Chart, reaching #22, and became a popular alternative dance floor track. The group's second single, "Nasty Little Green Men", followed on 10 November 1980.-- Wikipedia

One Saturday in 1980, the billboard of Birmingham's Cedar Ballroom read Claςςix Νοuvεαux with Duran Duran. After the show, Duran's manager stuck his head into the Claςςix dressing room to enquire about this 'New Romantic' thing started in London. In fact, Claςςix rose from the ashes of a punk group - X Ray Spex - when singer Polystyrene left and drummer BP Hurding and guitarist Jak Airport sought a new singer songwriter. Although only BP stayed the course with Claςςix, the band had a significant punk following right through those New Romantic years.

Also distinct from other New Romantics, Claςςix was always more a guitar than synth band, with a long history of live gigs. I remember one Swedish TV host asking Tell us about this synth trend from England' and I replied' We don't have a synth in the band!'. Foreign appearances were very much a way of life for a band that toured 30 countries from India to Iceland! Rumour had it the first Claςςix number one was in Bolivia. The band's first silver disc was from Yugoslavia. In 1982 Claςςix had the number one single, album and video in Portugal and Poland, after a whole fistful of massive hits. CN is still a legend!

Funny to think at the time, everyone wanted to be associated with the New Romantics. Country singer Kim Carnes had a hit with 'Betty Davis Eyes' and having named Claςςix among her favourites, her video turned out to be an almost exact replica of our 'Guilty' video. Which incidentally, Boy George, at the t ime unknown outside the club scene, was supposed to appear in, but got up too late! 'Guilty' reached number 43 in the charts, then the BBC electricians went on strike and there was no Top Of The Pops for six weeks. With little other pop TV in those days, that single never quite got the exposure it might have.

The big break for Claςςix in the UK actually came as a result of singing live on Tis Was (remember that strange Chris Tarrant/Lenny Henry partnership!). 'Is It A Dream' entered the charts high the following week. The other singles never did so well, but the band had such a loyal following that they always entered the Top 100 the week of release.

In the music press, journalists either loved or hated Claςςix. Some thought it was all pose and no substance. Perhaps they were right? As you listen back to this compilation, you can decide for yourself. As we get older and wiser, we can all say if we'd known what we know now, we'd have done it different and I certainly would. But at least we 'did it'; many did not! By the modern wonder of e-mail, I've begun to receive CN enquiries from around the world. One American tells me his whole town was infiuenced by the band! Hard to imagine if we listen now, but then maybe pop music is not so much about how it sounds, but what it means to those who listen? -- Sal Solo

Artist: Claςςix Νοuvεαux
Title: The Very Best Of
==========================================
01. Is It A Dream (Extended Version)
02. Guilty (New Version)
03. Never Never Comes
04. Inside Outside
05. Forever And A Day (Extended Version)
06. No Sympathy, No Violins
07. Never Again (The Days Time Erased)
08. No Other Way
09. Soldier
10. La Verite
11. The End...Or The Beginning
12. Where To Go
13. The Robots Dance (New Version)
14. Nasty Little Green Men
15. Tokyo
16. Because You're Young
Total Time: 01:06:07
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Player - Best Of Player

2011-05-29T14:23:00.000-07:00

Album Notes
Player is an American rock band during the late 1970s. Their #1 hit, "Baby Come Back" was written by Peter Beckett and J.C. Crowley. Player first came together in Los Angeles, California. The original members included Peter Beckett (lead vocals, guitar), John Charles "J.C." Crowley (vocals, keyboards, guitar), Ronn Moss (bass, vocals) and John Friesen (drums). Beckett, a transplanted Englishman, had been in a group called Skyband with Australian Steve Kipner (who'd also played with the popular Aussie act Tin Tin). After Skyband broke up in 1975, Beckett was in LA and met Crowley at a party. He and Crowley teamed up in a new band called Riff Raff, which soon changed its name to Bandana and released a single, "Jukebox Saturday Night", on Dennis Lambert & Brian Potter's Haven label. When Haven folded soon after, Lambert & Potter brought the guys over to RSO Records in 1977 and Beckett & Crowley started anew with Moss & Friesen as Player. Wayne Cook, a keyboardist/session player and former member of Steppenwolf, was an additional bandmember for its live performances; he is the curly-haired keyboardist in the band's videos from the 1970s.

Player gained popularity as a live act during the heyday of the 1970s stadium rock era. They began to develop a distinctive, edgy and melodic rock style. Their biggest hit, "Baby Come Back", rose to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1978 and was a chart success in other countries. Their follow up single, "This Time I'm In It For Love", also peaked at No. 10 the same year. Among several notable accolades, Player was named Billboard's Best New Singles Artist of 1978. Eric Clapton became so impressed with Player that he invited them to open for him during his 1978 North American tour. This further fueled their popularity. At this point, keyboardist Cook left and was replaced by Bob Wooley (formerly of Paul Revere and the Raiders). Eventually, the band began to headline their own events.

Player released three albums during their active touring years: Player (RSO Records), Danger Zone (RSO Records), and Room With A View (Casablanca Records). J.C. Crowley left the band in 1979 prior to recording of the last of these first three albums.

Miles Joseph (vocals, guitar) and Gabriel Katona (keyboards) played on the group's third album, Room With a View (1980). But Ronn Moss left Player in 1981 to pursue a full-time acting career. (He continues to play the role of Ridge Forrester on the soap opera, The Bold and the Beautiful.) After Moss left, Beckett kept the band going with Friesen, Joseph, Katona and Rusty Buchanan (vocals, bass) and the band released their fourth album, Spies of Life, on RCA in late 1981. The band continued until 1982 and played on the music series Solid Gold that same year with the new lineup.

Peter Beckett was a member of Little River Band from 1989 to 1997 in its latter stages as a club/festival band and played "Baby Come Back" at its performances.

J.C. Crowley (who still occasionally wrote with Beckett) became a Nashville performer and songwriter, recording his only solo album "Beneath The Texas Moon" in 1988. In 1989, he had country hits with "Paint the Town and Hang the Moon Tonight" (No. 13) and "I Know What I've Got" (No. 21), and was named "Best New Male Country Performer". He wrote a number of songs recorded by Nashville artists including Johnny Cash and The Oak Ridge Boys. He also won a battle with cancer in the late 1990s and now lives in Topanga, California.

Although Player officially retired as a touring band, Moss and Beckett have partnered on occasion. The duo recorded an additional studio album as Player, released in Japan in 1995 entitled Electric Shadows, which was renamed Lost In Reality when put out on River North Records in the U.S. in 1996. On December 16, 1997, Player played live for the first time in years at the L.A. Music Awards at the Hollywood Palladium with a lineup consisting of Beckett, Moss, Elliot Easton (of The Cars) on guitar, Burleigh Drummond of Ambrosia on drums and Tony Sciuto of Little River Band on keyboards. A compilation album, Best of Player, was released in 1998.

The response to the group's reunion show was so enthusiastic that they had several offers for more concert dates. Unfortunately, River North Records dropped the band and Player tried to buy back the rights to the Lost in Reality CD, but were not successful.

Player hit the road in the spring of 1998 with a lineup of Beckett, Moss, Sciuto, Drummond, guitarist Steve Farris (formerly of Mr. Mister) and percussionist Ron Green---with guitarist Dave Amato (from REO Speedwagon) and drummer Ron Wikso (formerly of Foreigner) filling in as needed, depending on the schedules of the others. A 2000 lineup of Player included drummer Craig Pilo, Michael Hakes (guitar), Ron Green, Tony Sciuto, Ronn Moss and Peter playing more shows across the United States. Michael Hakes died on November 19, 2003, from complications of leukemia. After the death of Hakes, the band stopped touring and concentrated on other projects.

In 2007 Player reunited once again with a lineup of: Beckett, Moss, Craig Pilo, Ron Green, Ricky Zacharaides(guitar) and Ed Roth(keyboards).

By 2009 Rob Math (guitar) and Johnny English(keyboards) had come in to replace Zacharaides and Roth.

Artist: Player
Title: Best Of Player
==========================================
01. Baby Come Back
02. Givin It All
03. I Just Wanna Be With You
04. Let Me Down Easy
05. I've Been Thinking
06. Tryin To Write A Hit Song
07. This Time I'm In It For Love
08. It's For You
09. Bad News Travels Fast
10. Who Do You Think You Are
11. Uoside Down Again
12. Prisoner Of Your Love
13. Wait Until Tomorrow
14. Every Which Way
15. Silver Lining
Total Time: 01:08:15
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ECFTHS

2011-05-27T13:39:00.000-07:00

Release: 1998 | Label: East West | Number: 3984-23479-2 | Genre: Pop | Stereo

EAC Rip | Included: EAC Log + AccurateRip Log + CUE + Flac + Covers

RAR files | 483 MB | RS.com

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ECBAS

2011-05-27T13:34:00.000-07:00

Genre: Synth-pop, New Wave | Mono/Stereo: 2 Channel | FileServe.com
(very rare cd)

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London Symphony Orchestra - Classic Rock II (The Movie Collection)

2011-05-27T13:17:00.000-07:00

The London Symphony Orchestra is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading orchestras.
Its many activities include an energetic and ground-breaking education and community programme LSO Discovery, a record company LSO Live, a music education centre LSO St Luke's and pioneering work in the field of digital music.
Since its formation in 1904 it has always attracted excellent players from all over the world, many of whom have flourishing solo, chamber music and teaching careers alongside their orchestral work. The LSO draws on an enviable roster of soloists and conductors, including Principal Conductor Valery Gergiev, LSO President Sir Colin Davis, and Principal Guest Conductors Daniel Harding and Michael Tilson Thomas.
Continuing the Orchestra’s long association with film music, the LSO has recently recorded soundtracks for Twilight: New Moon, Tamara Drewe and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 1). The orchestra also features on radio, TV, computer games and in-flight music programmes, and has launched the YouTube Symphony Orchestra, the world’s first-ever online orchestra.
LSO has recorded a series of "Classic Rock albums" with arrangements of some rock/pop classics.

Artist: London Symphony Orchestra
Title: Classic Rock II (The Movie Collection)
==========================================
01. Don't Cry For Me Argentina
02. Chariots Of Fire
03. Eye Of The Tiger
04. Cavalleria Rusticana Intermezzo
05. Unchained Melody
06. Fame
07. Bright Eyes
08. Flying
09. For Your Eyes Only
10. (Everything I do) I Do It For You
11. Against All Odds
Total Time: 00:49:15
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VA - Time-Life Music - AM Gold 1971

2011-05-27T13:02:00.000-07:00

Album Notes

Artist: Various
Title: Time-Life AM Gold - 1971
==========================================
01 - Tom Jones - She's A Lady
02 - Dawn - Knock Three Times
03 - Tommy James - Draggin' The Line
04 - Jonathan Edwards - Sunshine
05 - Carly Simon - That's The Way I've Always Heard It Should Be
06 - Melanie - Brand New Key
07 - Five Man Electrical Band - Signs
08 - Hamilton, Joe Frank And Reynolds - Don't Pull Your Love
09 - Jackson 5, The - Never Can Say Goodbye
10 - Temptations, The - Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)
11 - Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, The - Mr. Bojangles
12 - Honey Cone, The - Want Ads
13 - Three Dog Night - An Old Fashioned Love Song
14 - Brewer And Shipley - One Toke Over The Line
15 - Joan Baez - The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down
16 - Ocean - Put Your Hand In The Hand
17 - Raiders - Indian Reservation (The Lament Of The Cherokee Reservation Indian)
18 - Grass Roots, The - Temptation Eyes
19 - Aretha Franklin - Spanish Harlem
20 - Bread - Baby I'm-A Want You
21 - Gladys Knight And The Pips - If I Were Your Woman
22 - Chi-Lites, The - Have You Seen Her
Total Time: 01:10:11
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ERCDTE

2011-03-07T14:06:00.000-08:00

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VA - Time-Life Music - AM Gold 1970

2011-03-03T15:18:00.000-08:00

VA - Time-Life Music - AM Gold 1970

Album Notes

Artist: Various
Title: Time-Life AM Gold - 1970
==========================================
01 - Diana Ross - Ain't No Mountain High Enough
02 - Sugarloaf - Green-Eyed Lady
03 - Bread - Make It With You
04 - Elton John - Your Song
05 - Melanie - Lay Down (Candles In The Rain)
06 - Partridge Family, The - I Think I Love You
07 - 5 Stairsteps, The - O-O-H Child
08 - Edison Lighthouse - Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)
09 - Brian Hyland - Gypsy Woman
10 - Eddie Holman - Hey There Lonely Girl
11 - Brook Benton - Rainy Night In Georgia
12 - Mungo Jerry - In The Summertime
13 - Guess Who, The - Share The Land
14 - Dawn - Candida
15 - R. Dean Taylor - Indiana Wants Me
16 - Tee Set, The - Ma Belle Amie
17 - 5Th Dimension, The - One Less Bell To Answer
18 - Ray Stevens - Everything Is Beautiful
19 - Anne Murray - Snowbird
20 - Clarence Carter - Patches
21 - Dionne Warwick - I'll Never Fall In Love Again
22 - Jackson Five, The - I'll Be There

Total Time: 01:13:54

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ENTCH06

2011-03-01T15:38:00.000-08:00

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ERCOOS6

2011-03-01T15:34:00.000-08:00

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ERCRB01SHM

2011-02-27T09:49:00.000-08:00

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EB01JCHEI3EE1

2011-02-27T09:19:00.000-08:00

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80U90TB2

2011-01-24T06:45:00.000-08:00

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Styloo - Pretty Face

2011-01-20T12:56:00.000-08:00

Biography:
1982/83 - The band was officially formed by: Alberto Signorini (nickname Kid) - lead vocal, keyboards, programming, Tullio Colombo (nickname David) - vocals, guitars, keyboards, programming, Maurizio Lucci - vocals, drums, programming.
1983 - Maurizio Lucci left the band and the dj Ryn'o is the new member. The first single PRETTY FACE is released (in September) with the production of Roberto Turatti and Micky Chieregato, same producers as Den Harrow and Tom Hooker.
1984 - Band worked around an album called RAIDERS OF THE LOST CHARTS! never released. In the meantime MISS YOU is the second single. On the b/side, a live version of Pretty Face, recorded during a Rai Tv show in Potenza. It's the last single together: Ryn'o left the band.
1986 - Time Records published the Styloo third single, WHY?. On the b/side, the strange Alberto Signorini-Tullio Colombo's composition THE GHOST IN ME.
1988 - Discomagic published the single PRETTY FACE RE-EDIT, a remix version by the Factory team Mauro Farina and Giuliano Crivellente. On the b/side a new composition called RADIOGAME, probably the originally a/side of this record.
1991 - Discomagic celebrating the italo-disco era and published this 2 GOLDEN HITS with the original versions of Pretty Face and Miss You.
1992 - MY DREAMS is the new single. No original Styloo member appeared in this record.
1993 - PRETTY FACE '93 REMIX is another Pretty Face remix. On the b/side a new composition called NO WORDS.

Track Listing:
==========================================
01. Pretty Face
02. Radiogame
03. Why
04. Miss You
05. Dream Of Me
06. My Dreams
07. Never Can Change My Mind
08. Stop Me Baby
09. Why (Dub Mix)
10. Pretty Face (Live)
11. The Ghost In Me
12. Just Over The Time (Bonus)
13. Innosent (Bonus-Medley)
14. Tell It To Your Heart (Bonus- Medley)
Total Time: 01:07:27
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Quarterflash - Quarterflash

2011-01-16T01:18:00.000-08:00

Biography:
Quarterflash was an American rock group formed in 1980 in Portland, Oregon. The band was made up of lead singer and saxophonist Rindy Ross, her husband, guitarist Marv Ross, guitarist Jack Charles, keyboardist Rick DiGiallonardo, bassist Rich Gooch and drummer Brian David Willis.

The group was formed by merging two popular Oregon bands, Seafood Mama and Pilot. They originally released the single "Harden My Heart" in spring 1980. It was a big hit on Portland radio stations, and got the band a one-hour TV special, Seafood Mama In Concert, on KOIN on June 5, 1980. "Harden My Heart" would later be rerecorded by the band after they renamed themselves Quarterflash. The name came from an Australian slang description of new immigrants as "one quarter flash and three parts foolish", which the Rosses found in a book at producer John Boylan's house.

Quarterflash signed to Geffen Records and released their self-titled debut album Quarterflash in 1981. It reached #8 on Billboard's Top LPs & Tapes list, and sold over a million copies, earning RIAA gold certification on February 5, 1982, and platinum status on June 29, 1982. The album contained the new version of "Harden My Heart", which became their biggest single. It reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 (it also reached the Top 20 in France). Their follow-up single off the album, "Find Another Fool", reached #16. A second one-hour Portland television special, Quarterflash In Concert, was broadcast on KOIN on October 22, 1981, and simulcast on KGON. This concert was taped at the Paramount Theatre on October 15, 1981.

Quarterflash released their second album, Take Another Picture, in 1983. It reached #34 in Billboard, and scored the single "Take Me to Heart", which reached #14. The group released their final album, Back Into Blue, in 1985. It peaked at #150 in Billboard. The group later disbanded after getting dropped from their record label.

In 1990, Quarterflash reunited, hiring session musicians, including bassist–vocalist Sandin Wilson, drummer Greg Williams, guitarist Doug Fraser, and Mel Kubik on saxophone and keyboards. The group released Girl in the Wind on Epic Records. In 1991, Rindy and Marv Ross founded the historic music ensemble The Trail Band, which was formed at the request of the Oregon Trail Advisory Council to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Oregon Trail.

In June 2008, Marv and Rindy Ross released a new Quarterflash CD, Goodbye Uncle Buzz. (wikipedia.org)

Review by Daniel J. Hamlow:
Quarterflash is one of those 80's groups that were short-lived and only had a few singles to their name. What's generally overlooked is their sound, a unique brand of 80's new-wave, snarling guitar rock, a great vocalist/sax player, and synths that became more prominent with the last album.

From the opening wailing sax and upbeat pace, and the snarling guitars that come late in the song, "Harden My Heart" was Quarterflash's first big hit, and some say only, though given the fact I have all three of their albums, I take issue with that. OK, so it was their only Top Ten hit, but since when do chart positions alone determine greatness? Rindy Ross delivers of those bittersweet lyrics with great aplomb. She reminds me of Cyndi Lauper without the gooniness, more polished, and with a higher range.

With its breakneck bass and drums, with jangling electric guitar, slamming riffs, "Find Another Fool" rivals Pat Benatar's "Heartbreaker." Yet another song of being let down and disappointed, and Rindy's upper register is pretty to listen to. Bruce Sweetman has a violin solo accompanied by that fierce guitar, adding to the exoticness of Q's sound.

"Critical Times" proved the template for future sad introspective Styx-like ballads backed with string synths like "Eye To Eye" and "It All Becomes Clear." Like those two, this is sung by Jack Charles. The sense of insecurity of a fading love is highlighted here. "you lose all track of yourself when you're feeling that way/you can always hide yourself in a corner/worrying about the miserable pain/but everyone seems to swim in it/it makes the world go round."

"Valerie" is Cyndi Lauper type new wave with jangling guitar riffs, and no, it's not the Frankie Valli or Steve Winwood song. This could've been a single easy.

"Try To Make It True" could be a Journey song if it weren't for Rindy's sax and characteristic guitars.

"Love Should Be So Kind" is another slow ballad with quiet keyboards and guitar that demonstrates Rindy Ross's vocal talent.

The near eight minute jam "Williams Avenue," where there's a big night life, where "the wine is red and the song is blue," combines 70's disco synths with funky brass section and Rindy's sax. Bruce Sweetman's violins come in during the slow sections of the song.

After this, they would do a song for Fast Times At Ridgemont High before coming out with the one of the first albums I bought--Take Another Picture. The irony is that I picked this one last, but it doesn't detract from my appreciation of them. Now, if they'd do like the Go-Go's and Bangles for one last hurrah, because their sound softens my heart. (amazon.com)

Track Listing:
==========================================
01. Harden My Heart
02. Find Another Fool
03. Critical Times
04. Valerie
05. Try To Make It True
06. Right Kind Of Love
07. Crusin' With The Deuce
08. Love Should Be So Kind
09. Williams Avenue
Total Time:00:40:53
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Personnel

    * Rindy Ross: Vocals, Saxophone
    * Marv Ross: Guitars
    * Jack Charles: Guitars
    * Rick DiGiallonardo: Keyboards
    * Rich Gooch: Bass
    * Brian David Willis: Drums, Percussion

Additional personnel

    * Paulinho DaCosta: Percussion
    * Bruce Sweetman: Violin
    * John Boylan: Additional Vocals
    * Timothy B. Schmit: Additional Vocals

Production

    * John Boylan: Producer
    * Paul Grupp: Engineer
    * Phil Jamtaas: Assistan Engineer
    * Erik Zobler: Assistant Engineer

2010-12-30T14:55:00.000-08:00

Wishing you a very

Happy New Year!

***********************

********2011********
***********************

KECTBOK

2010-12-30T14:31:00.000-08:00

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BMECTGSOS

2010-12-30T13:59:00.000-08:00

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Howard Jones - The Best Of

2010-12-30T13:03:00.000-08:00

Album Notes:
The Best of Howard Jones is a compilation album by the British pop musician Howard Jones. It compiles key hits and album tracks from 1983-1992 during Jones's tenure on the Warner music label, plus one new track, a cover of Donald Fagen's "I.G.Y. (What a Beautiful World)".

Review by L.A. Scene (Amazon.com)
When the name Howard Jones comes up, many people immediately will associate two terms with him: 1) Synth-Pop; 2) Keyboards. These terms are completely justified because this is essentially what makes up the core of Howard Jones' music. But one thing that isn't fair is to lump Howard with many of the other Synth-Pop artists of the 1980s. Howard's music might have been very much in the 80s mold, but his music would also provide some terrific lyrics. It's also worth noting that Howard's music isn't all keyboards. Howard has been known to integrate horns into his music - and at times takes on the piano instead of the Synthesizer (this was especially evident on his 1992 effort, "In the Running". All of these features are evident in Howard Jones' compilation "The Best of Howard Jones". This collection contains 18 songs (17 'hits' plus 1 new release) and covers material from Howard's peak of popularity - 1983 through 1993.

Five of Howard's albums are represented on this collection: "Human's Lib" ("What is Love?", "Pearl in a Shell", "New Song", "Hide and Seek"); "Dream Into Action" ("Things Can Only Get Better", "Life in One Day", "No One is to Blame", "Look Mama", "Like to Get to Know You Well"); "One to One" ("You Know I Love You.. Don't You", "No One is to Blame" - also found on this collection); "Cross that Line" ("The Prisoner", "Everlasting Love"); and "In the Running" ("Lift Me Up", "Tears to Tell", "Two Souls", "City Song"). Finally, Howard includes a new release that is unique to this collection - a cover of Donald Fagen's classic "I.G.Y". This was a song that Howard loved to perform live, so he does it justice by including it on this collection.

There are other Howard Jones compilations that are available. In addition to "The Best of Howard Jones", there are three other main compilations to consider:

- "The Essentials": This is a 2002 release that contains 12 songs. All 12 songs on this particular collection are found on "The Best of Howard Jones".

- "Greatest Hits": For the most part, this particular collection covers the same period as "The Best of Howard Jones". This was also released in 2002. It contains only 10 songs - of which 8 are found on "The Best of Howard Jones". This collection also contains the song "All I Want" that was on Howard's 1986 album "One to One". It also contains a song from the post "The Best of Howard Jones" period - "Let the People Have their Say" (from 1998's "People" album).

- "The Very Best of Howard Jones": This is a 2 CD set that was released in 2003.. The second CD actually contains 18 "B" side songs (including 2 unreleased songs). The first CD also contains 18 songs. It contains the songs "Blue" (from "Working in the Backroom"); "Let the People Have their Say" and "Someone You Need" (from "People"); "Tomorrow is Now" (from "Pefawm"); and a new song - "Revolution of the Heart". Most notably missing from this particular ("The Very Best..") collection that are found on "The Best of Howard Jones" are "Pearl in a Shell", "Look Mama", and "Tears to Tell". Also missing is "I.G.Y." The nice thing about "The Best of Howard Jones" vs. "The Very Best of Howard Jones" is that there are songs that not found on the other collection. This makes both collections desirable.

With greatest hits collections, I usually prefer the songs to be ordered chronologically. This allows me to see how the artist has progressed over time. In a general sense - looking at this collection from a high level, "The Best of Howard Jones" does this - but it's not perfect. For example, I'm not sure why "Hide and Seek" is included with the songs from "Dream Into Action". The new song "I.G.Y" should really have been the last song - instead it is sandwiched with the songs from "In the Running". It wouldn't have taken much of an effort to fix this and make the ordering in a time-ordered sequence.

I think one thing that Howard Jones deserves credit for is changing with the times. As the 1980s progressed, Synth-Pop suddenly was disappearing from the music scene. Howard was able to make the appropriate adjustments. If you listen to the music from his 1992 album - "In the Running", you will notice a change to a more "mature" style of music. Howard is even able to incorporate some piano into his music. As mentioned above, there is a general sense for how Howard has progressed over time. Therefore, even though the songs aren't ordered 100%, this collection still will give you a feel for how Howard's style matured over time. I think it is this mature style that really helped him pull off the cover of Donald Fagen's "I.G.Y.". Howard's cover of it does complete justice to the original by Fagen. Howard's vocals show a terrific crooning style. In addition, the use of horns in "I.G.Y" is nothing new to Howard - we've heard the use of horns in some of his earlier work such as "Things Can Only Get Better" and even on "Pearl in a Shell".

The liner notes do not contain any of the lyrics (with Greatest Hits albums, this is typically the case). They do list each of the 18 tracks contained on the collection - along with the songwriting and producer credits. Although the copyright dates are included, I am disappointed that the corresponding albums for which each of the songs are contained on aren't included. There is a terrific 3-page writeup on Howard's career. I am a bit disappointed the musician credits aren't listed for each song - in particular for the new song "I.G.Y.". Despite the larger collection, "The Very Best of Howard Jones" - I feel this collection still has value (at the time of this writing). For the new fans looking to discover Howard, I'd highly recommend this collection.

Track Listing:
==========================================
01. What Is Love?
02. New Song
03. Pearl In The Shell
04. Always Asking Questions
05. Things Can Only Get Better
06. Like To Get To Know You Well
07. Life In One Day
08. You Know I Love You...Don't You?
09. Hide And Seek
10. No One Is To Blame
11. Look Mama
12. The Prisoner
13. Everlasting Love
14. Lift Me Up
15. Tears To Tell
16. Two Souls
17. I.G.Y. (What A Beautiful World)
18. City Song
Total Time: 01:18:21

Audio Mixers:   Mike Roarty; Greg Jackman; Hugh Padgham; Kevin Killen; Stephen W. Tayler; Bob Clearmountain.
Recording information:   The Shed, Maidenhead, England.
Photographer:   Simon Fowler.Q (7/93, p.109) - 3 Stars - Good - "...full of well-crafted, perfectly enjoyable pop songs..."
Producer:   Chris Hughes; Colin Thurston; Howard Jones; Hugh Padgham; Ian Stanley; Andy Ross Orchestra; Phil Collins; Ross Cullum; Rupert Hine; Arif Mardin
Engineer:   Chris Hughes; Colin Thurston; Hugh Padgham; Ian Stanley; Kevin Killen; Ross Cullum; Stephen W. Tayler
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Alphaville - First Harvest: The Best Of Alphaville 1984-1992

2010-12-28T15:18:00.000-08:00

Biography:

Alphaville was born in early 1982, when Marian Gold and Bernhard Lloyd met each other at the music project Nelson Community. Some months later, Frank Mertens joined the project. Together the three wrote Forever Young and recorded their first demo of the same name. In 1984, the newly-renamed Alphaville released their debut single, "Big in Japan", which Gold wrote in 1979 after hearing the music of Holly Johnson's band Big in Japan. In autumn 1984, they released their debut album, Forever Young. Despite its success, Frank Mertens left the band that year and was replaced in January 1985 by Ricky Echolette (born Wolfgang Neuhaus, in Cologne on 7 August 1960), who was credited on the Forever Young album.

"Big In Japan" was Alphaville's biggest hit, topping the charts in Germany, Greece, Switzerland, Sweden, Venezuela and the U.S. Billboard Dance Chart (the group's only Top 10 on any Billboard chart). The single also reached the Top Five in Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Austria, Ireland and South Africa. It became the group's only Top 20 single in the UK, peaking at #8.

The band's next two singles, "Sounds Like a Melody" and "Forever Young," were also both European Top 5 successes, although the former track failed to make an impression on the American charts.

Amid reports that pop star Laura Branigan was featuring the song on her next album, Hold Me, Alphaville's "Forever Young" was re-released as a single in the US, but it did not prove to be massively popular. Branigan's version, though promoted on stickers adorning the album, subsequently remained an album cut in the US. She would go on to perform the song as an encore at nearly every concert she performed, until her death in 2004. The Alphaville version was released a third time in the US in 1988, to promote Alphaville: The Singles Collection, and peaked at #65, their highest charting (and also last) single on the Billboard Hot 100. International re-releases of Alphaville's "Forever Young" followed in 1989, 1993, 1996, 1999, 2001, 2005 and 2009. Several covers have been recorded featuring male or female vocalists often erroneously attributed to be Alphaville's Marian Gold or Laura Branigan.

In 1986, their second album, Afternoons in Utopia, was released and its first single "Dance With Me" was a Top 20 hit in Germany, France, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, South Africa and in remix form on the US Hot Maxi Singles chart, and reached the Top 30 in Austria, Italy and in the US Club Play chart. The album's second single was "Universal Daddy". For their third single, the band released "Jerusalem" in Germany only, while they went with "Sensations" for Austria, France, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. The final single from Afternoons in Utopia was "Red Rose", in 1987.

The LP was followed up in 1989 with The Breathtaking Blue, including the acclaimed (if not so successful) singles "Romeos" and "Mysteries of Love". The album was released as a CD+G, including black & white stills with original lyrics and German translation. As an alternative to individual music videos, the band enlisted nine directors, among them Godfrey Reggio (Koyaanisqatsi), to create a film entitled Songlines based on the album's tracks.
The next album, Prostitute, was not released until 1994. The first single released was "Fools", followed by the second and last single from the album, "The Impossible Dream". In 1996, Ricky Echolette left the band.
Salvation, a back-to-the-roots opus, followed in 1997.
Stark Naked and Absolutely Live was released in 2000.
In 2001, they released both their remix album Forever Pop and a DVD entitled Little America, which documented two concerts performed in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Bernhard Lloyd did not contribute to the 2003 album CrazyShow, and shortly after its release on March 18 2003, he officially left the group. The current core stage members of Alphaville are Marian Gold (vocals), Martin Lister (keyboards), David Goodes (guitars) and Jakob Kiersch (drums).

The album "Catching Rays On Giant", the first commercial studio album in 13 years, was released on November 19th, 2010. It is available in two formats, one as a 12-track CD and the other a deluxe edition with CD plus 4 bonus tracks and DVD. It is also available digitally from various download platforms. The DVD in the deluxe package includes the video to the first single and a documentary titled "Audiovision" which is there in a normal version and also in a 3D version. The package contains 3D glasses to enable the viewer to enjoy this. The band held an album release party, where they played a short unplugged set, at the Quasimodo Club in Berlin on the evening of 18th November, 2010 to which their closest fans and friends were invited. The album uniquely features band member Martin Lister on lead vocals on the track "Call Me Down".

Track Listing:
==========================================
01. Big In Japan
02. Sounds Like A Melody
03. Sensations
04. The Mysteries Of Love
05. Lassie Come Home
06. Jerusalem
07. Dance With Me
08. For A Million
09. A Victory Of Love
10. The Jet Set
11. Red Rose
12. Romeos
13. Summer Rain
14. Forever Young
15. Big In Japan (Culture Mix)
Total Time:01:08:21
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Simply Red - Blue

2010-11-28T10:50:00.000-08:00

Album Notes
Blue is the sixth studio album by Simply Red, released on East West Records on May 19, 1998.
The album includes five cover versions: "Mellow My Mind" from the 1975 Neil Young album Tonight's the Night; two versions of the frequently-covered "The Air That I Breathe" written by Albert Hammond and Mike Hazelwood; the Gregory Isaacs hit "Night Nurse"; and "Ghetto Girl" by Dennis Brown, from whom the band would cover another song in 2003. New versions of previously recorded Simply Red songs also appear here: "Come Get Me Angel" is a re-written version of the 1996 single "Angel", and "Broken Man" was first released as a B-side in 1987.
"The Air That I Breathe Reprise" samples "Jack and Diane" by John Mellencamp.
"So Jungiful", found on the Japanese edition of the album, is a jungle remix of "So Beautiful" from the band's previous album, Life.

Track Listing:
==========================================
01. Mellow My Mind
02. Blue
03. Say You Love Me
04. To Be Free
05. The Air That I Breathe
06. Someday In My Life
07. The Air That I Breathe (Reprise)
08. Night Nurse
09. Broken Man
10. Come Get Me Angel
11. Ghetto Girl
12. Love Has Said Goodbye Again
13. High Fives
Total Time: 00:50:33
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Personnel
* Vocals: Mick Hucknall
* Backing vocals: Dee Johnson, Sarah Brown & Mick Hucknall
* Guitars: Mark Jaimes, Tony Remy, Kenji Jammer, Gitsy Wills & Bub Roberts
* Bass: CJ Taylor, Robbie Shakespeare & Steve Lewinson
* Keyboards: Tim Vine, Paul Carrack, Alan Clark & Robert Lyn
* Drums: Gota Yashiki, Velroy Bailey, Sly Dunbar & Geoff Holroyde
* DJ: Dom T
* Brass: Ian Kirkham saxophones, John Johnson trombone, Mike Greenwood trumpet and flugelhorn & Demo Morselli trumpet
* Orchestra: Pro Arte Orchestra of London. Arranged and conducted by David Sinclair Whitaker