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Welcome To The Show – Barclay James Harvest (2cd expanded edition)

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What does it sound like?:

This 1990 album is arguably the best of the latter period releases by BJH.

Now released as a remastered and expanded two cd set, the album was the first studio recording following a three year hiatus and was far more successful in Europe than in the UK market. The ‘Stand Up’ single from 1992 supplements the original album, while the second cd contains mostly unreleased live recordings from their 25th anniversary show.

What does it all *mean*?

Not a bad introduction to the band’s later work, although their golden run of albums in the 70’s was long behind them.

Goes well with…

As in the previous review, this is soft AOR really, but none the worse for that.

Might suit people who like…

Other BJH albums, but again this is probably one for the committed fan – newcomers should check out the band’s work in the seventies to hear them at their creative peak.

Caught In The Light – Barclay James Harvest (2CD expanded edition)

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What does it sound like?:

One of the last BJH albums, this 1993 recording is, it has to be said, not one of their finest moments.

The redeeming feature is maybe the closing ‘The Ballad of Denshaw Mill’, although this remastered and expanded version of the original album does also include the full length version of ‘Forever Yesterday’, previously only available on the cassette version of the album.

A second cd has unreleased live material from their 25th anniversary concert in 1992, mostly unreleased and featuring some classic pieces from the band’s heyday.

What does it all *mean*?

By this time, the two songwriters had such different approaches, it’s really like listening to two different bands at times.

Goes well with…

Soft easy listening rock really.

Might suit people who like…

Probably one for BJH completists rather han the casual fan or newcomer, who would be better investigating the ‘Welcome To The Show’ cd, which is probably the strongest of the band’s latter day output.

Anthony Phillips – Sides 3CD/DVD

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What does it sound like?:

The fourth solo album by the ex Genesis guitarist, originally released back in 1979, is the next in line for the deluxe reissue treatment comprising three cds plus a dvd in a clamshell box.

Produced by Rupert Hine, the album was originally intended to try and appeal to a more mainstream audience. In its original vinyl incarnation, side 1 showcased shorter poppier songs while side 2 concentrated on longer proggier pieces.

What you get here is a new 2016 stereo mix on the first cd, demos, outtakes and sundry odds n sods on the second cd, and a remastered version of the original stereo mix on cd 3. The DVD carries a 2016 5.1 surround mix of the album.

An illustrated booklet completes the package and contains interesting and revealing interviews with both artist and producer.

What does it all *mean*?

This is probably the most accessible album of Phillips’ catalogue, so even if you’re not already a fan you may find something you like here – it’s a pleasant rather than groundbreaking listen, and the extras on the second cd are interesting rather than being esspecially revealing.

Goes well with…

His other solo » Continue Reading.

The Other Side of Silence

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Author:Philip Kerr

The world-weary Bernie Gunther returns in this new novel in the series.

Set on the French Riviera in 1956, we find Gunther working under a false name as concierge in a luxury hotel.

Without giving away too much of the plot, Gunther inadvertently becomes embroiled in a ruthless blackmail plot involving the author Somerset Maugham, which in turn has huge implications for the British intelligence services. Throw into the mix a beautiful but mysterious woman with questionable motives, and you have all the ingredients for a cracking read.

I’m a bit dubious about involving real historical figures in works of fiction, but Kerr carries it off brilliantly in this case.

Length of Read:Medium

Might appeal to people who enjoyed…

If you’re already a fan of this series of books – this is the eleventh – then you will love this. If you’re a newcomer, this is a very good read and an ideal way to dip your toe into the water – you won’t be disappointed, and will soon be devouring the previous books !

One thing you’ve learned

Even better news – Gunther will return in a new novel next year.

1971 – Never A Dull Moment

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Author:David Hepworth

David Hepworth’s book, in which he postulates that 1971 was rock’s ‘golden year’, has already excited a lot of comment on this site (lights blue touchpaper, stands well back!) Having started life as a column in ‘The Word’ magazine, it takes a month-by-month look at the major events and significant releases of that year, concluding each month with a short playlist of recommended listening.

It’s hard to put yourself back in that era now, when the whole back catalogue of recorded music wasn’t just a click away, when the only way of getting music news was the weekly copy of NME, when hours could be whiled away browsing the racks in the local record shop. Certainly the list of 100 albums that Hepworth presents at the book’s conclusion tends to support his theory, as such a high proportion of them went on to become regarded as classics in future years. However, there’s no real in depth dissection of their individual content, as he chooses to go with a more broad-brush approach in order to give an overall impression of the feel of the music scene, its major players and indeed society in general in that year.

Length » Continue Reading.

King Crimson – Live in Toronto

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What does it sound like?:

This first full concert release by the current seven piece line up of King Crimson now deservedly gets an official release

This two cd set captures the band in fine form last November, and features the recorded debut of new material such as Meltdown and Radical Action, together with the three drummer pieces Hell Hounds Of Krim and Banshee Legs Bell Hassle. As if that wasn’t enough, there is a very generous helping of classic material to hand as well – the version of LTIA here is one of the heaviest interpretations of the piece I’ve heard – and the closing section comprising Sailor’s Tale, Starless, Court of the Crimson King and 21st Century Schizoid Man is quite breathtaking

What does it all *mean*?

This makes an excellent companion to the Live At The Orpheum mini album released in 2014, although the mix is significantly improved on this release. An incendiary performance by a band at the top of their game.

Goes well with…

This is merely a taster for the band’s next release due in September. A comprehensive live release taking the best performances of each song in their ever changing and extensive » Continue Reading.

Kill ‘Em And Leave

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Author:James McBride

American author and musician James McBride attempts to dissect the career, legacy and myth of James Brown in this biography.

Abandoning the traditional linear structure of this type of book, McBride makes extensive use of anecdotes and vignettes to propel the story. Indeed there is surprisingly little discussion of Brown’s musical output as the book focuses on key moments in his life outside the spotlight, and on the people who surrounded him.

As far as the author is concerned, Brown’s tale is one in which money and greed played crucial roles, as evidenced by the inevitable and almost Dickensian legal wrangling over his $100 million dollar estate, which prevented those funds reaching their intended destination of the education of underprivileged children in the Deep South and left Brown’s body unburied for eight years.

The book also gives a telling insight into the racism and culture which both created and ultimately destroyed James Brown.

Length of Read:Medium

Might appeal to people who enjoyed…

Subtitled ‘Searching For The Real James Brown’, this will appeal to those who want to go beyond the well known anecdotes and learn about the ‘real person’ behind the myths and the masks.

One thing » Continue Reading.

Andy Bell – Torsten The Beautiful Libertine

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What does it sound like?:

Best known for his vocals in Erasure, Andy Bell returns with a sequel to his 2014 album and Edinburgh Fringe Show Torsten The Bareback Saint.

Forget the pop preconceptions of Erasure, because this is quite a different beast – a song cycle of a polysexual semi-immortal being outliving his numerous friends and lovers and ultimately living out a lonely existence.

The album overall has a theatrical feel, with many pieces having lush arrangements. Having said that, pop sensibilities are not entirely neglected and the cabaret style pieces are less in evidence than on its predecessor, as generally a more commercial approach has been taken. In fact there are a number of songs here that would pick up radio play were it not for the explicit lyrics.

What does it all *mean*?

This is certainly an intriguing piece of work, not at all what I was expecting. The live peformances would be well worth experiencing.

Goes well with…

Hard to say really, theatrical pieces such as Cabaret spring to mind, but with added Erasure style pop hooks!

Might suit people who like…

Put your preconceptions aside and give this a try.

A Mindfulness Guide For The Frazzled

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Author:Ruby Wax

Mindfulness is something of a buzzword at the moment – in this book the author attempts to explain what it means and why it’s important – and how to go about achieving it.

Writing with her usual humour and candour, Ruby Wax dips into her own experiences to illustrate how CBT helped her cope with her own depression and to make this complex subject easier to understand.

The book covers advice for parents, for teenagers and for relationships, and incorporates an excellent six week course (a few minutes daily) of ‘brain exercises’, based on her studies of Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy at Oxford University under the tutelage of Mark Williams, and put together with his help.

This is a thought provoking and well-written book which is also laced with humour. Well worth investigating if this is an area that interests you.

Length of Read:Medium

Might appeal to people who enjoyed…

Further reading – the author’s previous effort Sane New World covers similar ground but without too much overlap.

Professor Mark Williams best-selling ‘Mindfulness: A Practical Guide To Finding Peace In A Frantic World’ is one of the leading and most accessible books in this genre (and very usefully » Continue Reading.

My Life In Houses

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Bargepole has recently finished reading Margaret Forster’s ‘My Life In Houses’, a book that sort of tells her life story in terms of the places she lived – a very good read. Where have you lived over the years – and was there a favourite?

The Life Changing Magic of Not Giving a F**k

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Author:Sarah Knight

Despite the title being a parody of Marie Kondo’s ‘The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up’, this actually is a genuine attempt at a self-help/personal development book, taken from a slightly different angle.

Whereas Kondo’s book dealt with removing physical clutter from your life, this concentrates on removing mental clutter, and sets little tasks along the way to help you eradicate from your life those responsibilities, tasks, and indeed people, you don’t care about and that don’t ‘bring you joy’.

There is a lot of solid sensible advice in here, despite the light hearted approach, although some of it is really just common sense – as far as you can, do less of what annoys or stresses you and more of what brings you pleasure!

To a British reader, the book is very American in its language and colloquialisms, which can be a bit wearing at times. However, the overall concept is a good one, and this is cerainly well worth a read.

Length of Read:Medium

Might appeal to people who enjoyed…

If you’re looking for a big serious self-help volume then this probably isn’t what you need – but it is funny and does have some » Continue Reading.

Tony Banks – A Curious Feeling (CD/DVD)

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What does it sound like?:

This CD/DVD reissue of what is Banks’ strongest solo release is basically the same as the 2009 reissue – a new stereo mix of the album on the CD, 5.1 surround mix on the DVD – with the addition of a 96/24 mix on the DVD. Two promo videos also appear on the DVD.

Based loosely on Daniel Keyes novel ‘Flowers For Algernon’, the album was first released back in 1979, Banks wisely let someone else (Kim Beacon in this case) handle the singing, while he concentrated on the keyboards – a good decision as this album showcases some of the finest examples of his technical playing abilities.

Nice booklet too, with some interesting observations by TB.

What does it all *mean*?

Powerful complex songs – check, top notch keyboard playing – check, abstract soundscapes – check, thematically linked lyrics – check. If you only buy one Banks solo album, this is the one to go for.

Goes well with…

Other Banks albums, Mike Rutherford’s ‘Smallcreep’s Day’, other prog-lite stuff.

Might suit people who like…

Fans of Genesis around the ‘Wind and Wuthering’ era.

The Complete Pink Floyd

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Author:Glenn Povey

When you think of the definitive books on the Floyd, three spring to mind – Nicholas Schaffner’s ‘Saucerful of Secrets’, Nick Mason’s ‘Inside Out’ and Glenn Povey’s ‘Echoes’. It is that third book that has been used as the basis of this new volume, but it has been extensively expanded and updated into the most comprehensive factual work by far on the band. Every year has a narrative summary about the band’s activities, accompanied by a day by day run down of recording sessions, concerts etc. The author has been given access for the first time to the studio records maintained at Abbey Road, so that not only each session can be identified, but also what individual songs were worked on and what that work entailed. Each single and album release is also analysed down to the level of what individual takes were used on the final recordings. Lavishly illustrated with many rare photographs, the book also covers each band member’s solo work in similar detail. The only downside is that when recording sessions moved away from Abbey Road for albums from ‘Animals’ onwards, the same level of detail on recording sessions is not available, but this is » Continue Reading.

Tony Banks – The Fugitive (CD/DVD expanded edition)

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What does it sound like?:

A two disc reissue of this 1983 solo release from the Genesis keyboard player – disc one has a new stereo remix of the album, with two bonus tracks added, while the second disc is a DVD carrying a 5.1 surround mix of the same material, together with a rarely seen promo video for ‘This Is Love’.

Perhaps not the strongest album of Banks’ solo career, it does feature a strong cast of supporting players, and is reminiscent of the more poppy/MOR sound that Genesis favoured in this era.

Nicely packaged in hardback book format with some interesting notes from the man himself.

What does it all *mean*?

Banks took the plunge on this album by taking over all vocal duties himself – sometimes to better effect than others. In many ways the instrumental pieces are the strongest material on offer. There’s nothing to dislike here, but nothing that really leaps out at the listener either.

Goes well with…

The songs are well crafted and impeccably played, but there’s nothing to compare to his strongest pieces for Genesis such as Afterglow, One For The Vine and The Lady Lies.

Might suit people » Continue Reading.

Hawkwind

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The new album ‘The Machine Stops’, based on EM Forsters’s dystopian sci-fi novel, is available for review if anyone fancies it. (released mid-April) Interested parties please message Bargepole for more info. (First come etc…)

Tangerine Dream – Official Bootleg Series – Vol 2

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What does it sound like?:

A four cd set comprising two full vintage concerts. The first, and lesser known, of these – Paris 1978 – is a good quality recording, possibly by a fan(?), and will surprise casual listeners expecting the usual ethereal ambient sounds as this features a more hard edged line up of the band, which was sadly short lived. The second concert, Berlin 1980, is better known, sections having been released on the live albums Quichotte and Pergamon – this however is the full unedited performace from that gig. Accompanied by a good illustrated booklet, this is a fine addition to the TD canon.

What does it all *mean*?

This is the next release in an ongoing series of TD Official Bootlegs – volume 1 is also well worth investigating.

Goes well with…

If you like ambient/elecronica then this box set showcases the prime exponents of the genre in fine form.

Might suit people who like…

A nicely packaged and well put together set. Well worth adding to the collection for any TD fans out there!

Anthony Phillips – Wise After The Event (box set)

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What does it sound like?:

A deluxe reissue of the ex-Genesis man’s second solo album. Originally released in 1978, this box set comprises three cds – the original album remastered, a disc of outtakes and demos, and a new stereo mix of the original album – plus a dvd containing a 5.1 mix of the album. The tone of the album is mainly acoustic, and is a mixture of instrumental music and conventional songs. The whole thing comes beautifully presented in a clamshell box with a very informative illustrated booklet.

What does it all *mean*?

For someone who always seemed to lack confidence in his singing voice, Phillips acquits himself very well on this defintive edition of a long overlooked prog album.

Goes well with…

Prog lovers will enjoy this, as will Genesis fans of course.

Might suit people who like…

If you’ve never heard this album before, check it out, you may be pleasantly surprised – if you know it from years gone by, then this package is the ideal time to renew your acquaintance with it.

The Complete Beatles Songs

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Author:Steve Turner

I suppose this hefty volume is best described as a coffee table book, to be dipped into at random, rather than being read cover to cover. This lavishly illustrated book contains lyrics to all the Beatles songs, together with background information about their composition, recording, etc. Although it’s hard to imagine there are any new facts left to uncover, this does a decent job of compiling and summarising the history of the group’s recordings from first to last.

Length of Read:Long

Might appeal to people who enjoyed…

Beatles fans in general, although the hardcore will probably find nothing they didn’t already know here – perhaps more one for the casual fan then.

One thing you’ve learned

Music just poured out of this band in a seemingly unstoppable torrent.

Von Hertzen Brothers

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Attention prog fans – an opportunity has arisen to attend one of the March gigs and possibly also interview the band. Any takers – the show would need to be reviewed on here of course, and the interview likewise would need to appear as well.

4 1/2 – Steven Wilson

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What does it sound like?:

At just 37 minutes long, this album is something of a palette cleanser between Wilson’s fourth album and the as yet unrecorded fifth.

The six tracks on offer include three instrumental pieces, and the album is bookended by two long pieces, both of which comprise a mixture of studio and live performance.

Four of the songs are offcuts from the Hand.Cannot.Erase sessions, while one dates back to the sessions for The Raven That Refused To Sing album. The remaining track, Don’t Hate Me, is a reworking from the 2015 tour of the song on the 1998 Porcupine Tree album Stupid Dream, but performed as a duet with Ninet Tayeb.

The Blu ray version adds various alternate versions, instrumentals and the 2015 version of Lazarus.

What does it all *mean*?

Having listened to this album a good deal over the past couple of months, it is certainly a worthwhile purchase for Wilson fans. Obviously, being effectively an expanded EP, it is not a complete and cohesive work of the type he usually offers up, but nevertheless there is much to enjoy here.

Goes well with…

Other Wilson solo albums or Porcupine Tree albums.

Might suit » Continue Reading.