This live compilation from Percy Sledge is very good & satisfying to listen to. He sings songs like “Whiter Shade Of Pale” by Procol Harum, “My Girl”, “Bring It On Home To Me”, “When A Man Loves A Woman” & of course “Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay” with 2 versions of this song. His voice was wonderful, powerful, & very clear. The band was right on cue. I would rate this 4 out of 5 Music Guru stars.
This Power Prog Pop Super-group gives a thrilling sophomore release 13 years after their Debut album. I guess getting Pete Trawavas (Marillion), John Mitchell (It Bites, Frost*), John Beck (Keyboardist for It Bites & Fish), who is listed as special guest & Craig Blundell (Steven Wilson, Frost*), sitting in for Chris Maitland, now an official member together at the same time, must be hard for these musicians who are on the road all of the time. The first album (Picture) was a rare hit for a new band, soi much so, that they made a Remastered re-release of Picture. This new album (Radio Voltaire) certainly has that same great power prog pop feel to it & I think that you’ll really enjoy it. I’m guessing that the voices splattering throughout the album are supposed to be radio ramblings, but, I couldn’t really hear what was being said. The opening song, “Radio Voltaire”, definately gives you that proggy feel . While “I Don’t Know Why” is a throwback to some classic rock greats, it is definately Kino in some of their best form. I would rate this 4 out of 5 Music Guru Stars. There are moments that didn’t move me as much as others, but, with a few more listens, it may creep up to a 5. Listen to this & tell me your take.
This should have been an album, more than an EP. This is pure fun, along the lines of Hall & Oates in the 80’s. It’s got that kind of soul to it. Only 4 songs & I wish there were more. All of the songs have that poppy sound, which is so pleasing to the ears. The only song which is more of a ballad, although, not a love song, is the last track titled “I’m Not Your Cowboy”. My favorite track is “Operator”. You may know Roger from the band Jellyfish, but, if you don’t listen to this wonderful collection of music. I would rate this 5 out of 5 Music Guru stars.
If I didn’t know any better, I would think that this might be an AC/DC album. The music is solid, the voice sounds similar to AC/DC except I couldn’t quite understand what the vocalist was saying. That being said, half the time, I couldn’t understand what AC/DC were saying either. This sweden band, while not doing anything special, they play FUN music. I wish I could understand the lyrics. I did like this album. It’s a good driving album. Give it a try & let me know what you think. I rate this 3.5 out of 5 Music Guru stars.
This singer songwriter has been writing & putting out records since 1973. After listening to his music for the first time, I look forward to travel back & hear more. Although, not the greatest vocalist that I’ve heard, his music reminds me of Jackson Browne, if it was sung by Lou Reed. Some of the songs are cliche’, but some of them go far beyond the mark. The music is joyous to listen to & in some of the songs, his voice really fits. Give this one a try & tell me what you think. I rate this 4 out of 5 Music Guru stars, Tracks that I like are Blues Responsibility, the title track & many more, Once again, tell me what you think. This 1983 release is now re-mastered on 180 Gram vinyl for your ears to glow to.
French author, composer & singer has put together a great “soundtrack here, based upon the stars. Along with Alan Simon is Alan Stivell, John Holliwell from Supertramp on saxophones & clarinet, Marco Canepa on Keyboards, which seem to be most prominent on this album, Roberto Tiranti, Michael Sadler from Saga, & Alan Stivell on Lead vocals. There is not much vocals on this album however. Guido Carli on drums, Massimo Palermo on bass, Marco Fadda on percussion, Paolo Ballardini on guitar (electric) & Alan Simon on almost everything else. There is Celtic harp from Alan Stivell as well. There is also a choir & a kids choir. Not knowing anything about this album from the start, I was pleasantly surprised as I listened. It does sound like a soundtrack, but, what a beautiful soundtrack it is. Starting off with what sounds like astronauts talking with ground control & continuing on with the musical journey. I give this 4 out of 5 Music Guru Stars.
Another great example of why this band is so awesome. The first time I listened to this band, it brought me to a time when I first REALLY LISTENED to YES. This album, much in the same way that some of Yes’ albums were put together by each member, that is exactly what happens on this album as well. The band has changed a few times, but the core is still there. Ted Leonard, Alan Morse, Dave Meros and Ryo Okumoto are once again joined by drummer Nick D’Virgilio, who was an original member, who left in 2011. Also, there are violins along with a cello, a viola & a french horn. If you are a fan of great progressive rock, you will love this album. I do. I give this 5 out of 5 Music Guru Stars.
