What does it sound like?:

So, a five cd box set from the epitome of good time seventies rock bands, The Faces.

A few years ago we had the Ian MacLagan curated set, Five Guys Walk Into A Bar, which gave a good account of the bands career with selected highlights from throughout their catalogue.

However this box set is even more comprehensive. It comprises the band’s four studio albums, each augmented with bonus tracks. A fifth disc collects various non-album singles (You Can Make Me Dance, Pool Hall Richard, Cindy Incidentally etc.) and their respective B sides, plus the long lost track Dishevelment Blues that appeared as an NME flexidisc back in the day. (Sadly the Overtures and Beginners live album is not included in the box)

This is the first time I’ve heard these albums for a good few years, and it is both surprising and pleasing to hear how well they have stood the test of time. The studio material brings back many memories of days long gone, but it is the live cuts that really stand out, catching the vibrancy of the band in their early seventies prime.

The bonus tracks on the individual albums » Continue Reading.

What does it sound like?:

What is this found nestling in Bargepole’s inbox the other morning – a download of the self-titled debut album by the previously unknown band Crossfire Dreams. On closer inspection, it is revealed as the new Maiden album in all its pseudonymous glory. And what an album it is – easily their best effort since the mid 80s. As a double album running 90 odd minutes, you might expect there to be a bit of filler on it, but remarkably there is none. The quality is sustained throughout. Steve Harris seems to have been in a fertile writing period as he is on fire on this album, but Bruce Dickinson’s closing epic Empire Of The Clouds matches him every step of the way.

What does it all *mean*?

After a rather patchy run of albums, the band are back with a vengeance. If this should by any chance turn out to be their swansong then they have certainly gone out with a bang and not a whimper.

Goes well with…

Shows Maiden are back at the top of their game, and are still THE force to be reckoned with in the metal world. It also » Continue Reading.

What does it sound like?:

Richie Blackmore and Candice Night’s renaissance inspired band return with their tenth studio album, the follow up to 2013’s Dancer and the Moon.

This is an album which showcases influences of traditional and folk music and folklore from throughout Europe.If there is a theme, it is of living in the present while looking forward to the future while being enriched by our past heritage..

It is a diverse collection, which includes the stand out instrumentals Queen’s Lament, Allan yn y Fan and most exceptionally The Darker Shade of Black.

Stand out vocal performances appear on the title track, the supernatural themed Will O’The Wisp and Where Are we Going From Here.

As well as showcasing the bands own writing talents, the album features cover versions of Linda Ronstadt’s hit Long Long Time, a lovely version of Mike Oldfield’s Moonlight Shadow and Sonny & Cher’s I Got You Babe.

What does it all *mean*?

This band have had huge success in mainland Europe and this is an album which deserves to be heard with an open mind – no it’s not Deep Purple or Rainbow, but it is music that Richie Blackmore » Continue Reading.

What does it sound like?:

This is a three sided vinyl compilation (with download code) covering songs from the period 2003-2015.The album has been personally curated by Steven Wilson to cover the more accessible side of his work, and as such, concentrates on shorter, more song based material. Among the material chosen is two songs from ‘The Raven’ and three from this year’s ‘Hand Cannot Erase’, plus a cover of Alanis Morrisette’s ‘Thank You’ from his covers album. Some of these are specially produced edits/single versions, although the single version of ‘Transience’, is actually longer than the album track. Probably the centre piece of the album is a new version of Porcupine Tree’s ‘Lazarus’ based on a 2015 live recording with subsequent studio overdubs.

What does it all *mean*?

Three sided vinyl is a slightly odd and indeed quirky way to introduce yourself to new fans – the fourth side is an etching of lyrics – but there is a download code as well.

Goes well with…

Fans who like prog that isn’t too difficult to get into and is easy on the ear should try this and then dig deeper into his solo albums plus his work with » Continue Reading.

What does it sound like?:

After a long gestation period, this James Guthrie remix of Waters’ classic 1992 album finally emerges blinking into the daylight. Judging by Guthrie’s recent interviews this has been a labour of love collating the original master tapes recorded in numerous different formats over the years. However the effort has been well worth it on the evidence of what is on offer here. Of all the reissues reviewed here over the past few years by the likes of Yes, Crimson,Tull et al , this is the one where the difference between the original and new versions is most marked. The effect is like wiping a cloth over a dusty old heirloom and restoring it once more to its former pristine glory.

What does it all *mean*?

This is a remix that needs to be approached you would a new album, as the sound is so much crisper and clearer – vocals, instruments, sound effects are stand out so much more than on the 1992 version. Some overdubbing and rerecording have been done in addition to the remixing, most noticeably on Bravery of Being Out of Range, Perfect Sense and It’s A Miracle. Waters’ afficiandos will » Continue Reading.