Dark Horse [Import]

1. Hari's On Tour

2. Simply Shady

3. So Sad

4. Bye Bye, Love

5. Maya Love

6. Ding Dong, Ding Dong

7. Dark Horse

8. Far East Man

9. It Is "He"

Dark Horse,George Harrison,Toshiba EMI,Rock

Average customer rating:

Solid
Time to put the horse down...
Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Wild Honey
Best of 2007: My New Favorite Band!
Haunting a horse through a Dark meadow

The Besnard Lakes Are the Dark Horse
The Besnard Lakes
Manufacturer: Jagjaguwar
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Sound of Silver
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Mirrored
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We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank

ASIN: B000M06KCA
Release Date: 2007-02-20

Tracks:

Disaster
For Agent 13
And You Lied to Me
Devastation
Because Tonight
Rides the Rails
On Bedford and Grand
Cedric's War

Amazon.com

It's not too hard to imagine what the Besnard Lakes' record collection might look like after hearing the eight songs here--the Beach Boys and Spiritualized taking position somewhere near the front--but that doesn't break the tantalizing spell cast by the Montréal husband-and-wife team of Jace Lasek and Olga Goreas. A dreamy cocktail of West Coast harmonies, glum strings, and fuzzy psychedelic arrangements, the disc is something of a bleak masterpiece that takes after the Arcade Fire's Funeral. Songs like "Disaster" and "Devastation" (it's not too hard to detect a theme, either) rattle around on wobbly guitars and shimmering electronic effects until they spill over in a big rumpus, driven on by a six-person band and five-piece choir. The group's main attraction, however, is Goreas, who has a softly sensual voice pitched somewhere between Hope Sandoval and a wet, warm kiss behind the ear. --Aidin Vaziri

Customer Reviews:

Solid.......2007-07-11

OK, I never listened to much of the Beach Boys and still like to challenge their indie relevance a bit, but The Besnard Lakes Are The Dark Horse is not going to get through any review without a reference to the famed surfers. Like Brian Wilson leading an anthemic 70's rock band through an early 90's slowcore filter, The Besnard Lakes are a surprising revelation. After the first listen to BL's glistening guitars and pitch perfect harmonies I thought it was a little too polished and a bit too average for my taste. Somehow, though, after that initial listen, Besnard Lake's got their hooks in me and now, multiple listens later, the band has proved some unanticipated replay value. It is hazy music to be sure, disorienting you before you realize. This must be how they finally get their hooks in you so you can't let them go. There is something about the recordings that digs deep under your skin. A couple times there is even an air reminiscent of the score to The Labyrinth. If you're not a fan of that movie don't let it scar you. The Besnard Lakes are the real deal and a solid end of year contender for 2007.

Time to put the horse down..........2007-05-06

I came across The Besnard Lakes are the Dark Horse completely by accident at my local record store, and was immediately intrigued by the album art. Attached to the packaging was a little sticker which noted that this release shared many similarities with the epic work of Brian Wilson, Pink Floyd and all things psychedelic. Which caught my fancy, right off the bat.

Eager to give it a listen, I popped on my favorite pair of headphones, and gave it a listen in the dark. Expecting that it would be a headphone album (due to the stylistic techniques it overtly advertised and aligned itself with), I was severely disappointed by the lackluster production, musicianship and movement of the album. And here's why...

For those who enjoy all things connected to indie rock, this will be about as close as they'll get to the world of progressive rock. Technicality differences aside, TBL have detached prog elements and scattered them throughout; their wandering pieces that spend more time chasing their tales than being anything remotely close to prog - or psychedelic, for that matter. That's not to say fusion is bad, no, it's a great thing, but when it's linear and simplistic to the point of regurgitation... fill in the rest.

Comparisons could be made to Sigur Ros, minus the lush and layered soundscapes and textures. Minus the sonic exploration. Minus the creativity. Minus the talent. Minus any indication of musical communication amongst the group members. I feel dirty saying this, and listening to it. But as much as I respect musicians, this record is a lovely $15 coaster more than anything else.

So if you haven't heard of Sigur Ros (and the clone of bands that have followed suit), this may be a good introduction to the world of extended jams and sonic 'exploration'. But if you've spent more than ten minutes looking outside of Pitchfork Media's and Amazon's recommendations, you'll find there's a whole lot more that's worth considerable attention.

Not recommended. 1.5/5

Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Wild Honey.......2007-04-20

This album is weird and heavy. If Carl Wilson and the Wilderness or Black Mountain went into a room with filled with big, humming amps and a medicine cabinet full of codeine and oxycontin, it might sound like this. Probably the best thing I've heard all year.

Best of 2007: My New Favorite Band!.......2007-04-15

2007 has been so far as prolific of a year for music as 2005 was. But one of the most amazing releases of the year has been the latest release by The Besnard Lakes, titled "The Besnard Lakes Are the Dark Horse". This album blends in the talents of many of Canada's best indie artists to produce a musical jewel that will live forever.

The sound of the band presents harmonies not unlike Brian Wilson's, with a leap into more psychedelic territory, the kind of Spiritualized or early Pink Floyd. At times, other acts that come to mind are M83 and (musically) The Dears and even Godspeed! You Black Emperor. Both of these last two bands have members representing them in the lineup throughout the album, so the similarities are not coincidental.

In the end, this is one solid album that I can't stop playing and has turned The Besnard Lakes into my new favorite band.

Haunting a horse through a Dark meadow.......2007-03-31

I know that is a random statement, but it pretty much sums up the way I feel about The Besnard Lakes debut album. After reading the credentials of Jace Lasek one half of the husband and wife duo, I was expecting the kind of quirky indie rock that Canada has been churning out for years now. Instead I got a ethereal punch to the skull. This album shimmers like the brightest star while at the same time pulling you into a dark quicksand that loves you and your misery. This one is a hard one to put your finger on. It douses you in majesty while making you feel a little dirty. An album of infinite contradictions. So bite down on the horse bit and don't drown in this lake of secrets.

Average customer rating:

George Harrison was the best!
George Deserves Better!
A solid collection!
A review of George Harrison's underrated compilation album of 1989
Contains indispensible Dark Horse tracks, why wasn't it remastered?!

The Best of Dark Horse (1976-1989)
George Harrison
Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

The Best of George Harrison
Blast From Your Past
Dark Horse
Cloud Nine
All Things Must Pass [DIGI-PAK EDITION]

ASIN: B000002LEC
Release Date: 1989-10-03

Tracks:

Poor Little Girl
Blow Away
That's The Way It Goes
Cockamamie Business
Wake Up My Love
Life Itself
Got My Mind Set On You
Crackerbox Palace
Cloud 9
Here Comes The Moon
Gone Troppo
When We Was Fab
Love Comes To Everyone
All Those Years Ago
Cheer Down

Customer Reviews:

George Harrison was the best! .......2007-03-23

This is the only George Harrison cd I have , but I think it's great. If you're a fan , i definitly recommend it. All the songs are very good. I bought it for "All those Years Ago" and "Cheer Down" which are great of course , but i think the whole album is great , classic George Harrison. I really love "Cheer Down" , great song and the slide guitar on that track is outstanding! God Bless you George! You were one of great ones!

George Deserves Better!.......2006-11-23

I have always been a fan of George Harrison's solo work and I think its a shame that one of his hit singles, as well as other lesser known gems, are not included in this "Best of Dark Horse" collection.

The most obvious song missing from this collection is the single "This Song", from the record "33 1/3." It's a catchy pop song that charted quite successfully in 1976. Why they chose to include more obscure songs in this collection and omit this one, is baffling to me...

Also, two beautiful love songs, "Learning How to Love You" from the previously mentioned LP, as well as "Your Love is Forever" from the 1979 LP "George Harrison," deserved to have been included too. I honestly feel these are the two best love songs George Harrison ever wrote, as a solo artist.

I'm sure if you are a Harrison fan, you have other favorites that you wish were included in this collection too. This collection is far from complete and doesn't include all his best music for this period.

I hope one day that this CD, along with the "Best of George Harrison" collection, will be permanently deleted from the Harrison catalog. In their place they should release a comprehensive "Best of" double CD collection that spans his ENTIRE solo career from 1970-2000, including his two Traveling Wilburys records.

I think George Harrison deserves a much better "Best of" collection that truly showcases his talent as a musician, singer and songwriter.

A solid collection!.......2006-11-14

This is a solid collection of Harrison's work from 1976 to 1989 and is a nice compliment to "The Best Of George Harrison" (which covers his pre-1976 work). There is one major omission from this CD, "This Song" from the 33 1/3 album which was top 40 hit in 1976. Other than that, this CD contains all the highlights from the period.

However, Harrison's work deserves a new, comprehensive collection spanning his entire solo career with all his hits and important songs in a single collection! His work merits it and his fans deserve it!

A review of George Harrison's underrated compilation album of 1989 .......2006-11-01

By 1989 George Harrison hadb been recording his music on his own lable, Dark Horse Records, for 13 years. He had also experienced a comeback in the music industry, with his first solo album in nearly five years, Cloud Nine and a collaboration with various other clebrities called The Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1, so now, with age cathing up, it was seemingly the perefet time for a solid recap of the Dark Horse Records years. To this end Harrison, or perhapse because he really wanted to retire, he compiled and released George Harrsion: The Best of Dark Horse, 1976-1989. Read on for the review. George certaintly suceeded this time and all of the songs are top notch George material. Favorites of mine include: Gone Troppo (1982), Got My Mind Set on You (1987), Cheer Down (1989), That's The Way it Goes (1982) and more. But there are three tracks in particular that I wanted to mention as I feel that at least two of them don't get as much credit and recognition as they deserve. The three tracks to which I refer are all from the 1989 period and two of them have not seen album release outside of this compilation. First off is Cheer Down (1989, by the way all three of these tracks are from 1989). Ths song was first heard in the 1989 movie Lethal Weapon 2 (great move, especially in directors cut version) and was made available on the soundtrack album for the film. With that soundtrack album ( and this compilation) out of print, this song has become very hard to find in its studio version ( there is a live version on the Live In Japan CD George did in 1991.) It's great! The Harrison-Petty lyric is razors sharp in terms of humor, and it, combined with the thumping rythm and guitar work by George make it an all-around feel good song about being happy (yes as far as I can tell eternal optimism no matter what the circumstances is the song's on and only message!) Cheer Down is well-liked and respected by Harrison fans and pretty well known for an 80s movie song. 5/5 Next up is Cockamamie Businsess by George Harrison. This 1989 track seemes as though its George complaining about the stress of being in show biz, as it were. The lyric is classic later George, whith tipical wit and mild cynasism. Its a fine song that really brings home the hard bpart of being in the buisnes from the point of view a witty, slightyl grumpy experienced old artist. The final touches of bass backing vocals and wonderful guitar work make a could-be classic, a great track well-produced and very enjoable. 4/5. Finally, my favorite track from 1989 tied with 'Cheer Down' the amazing Poor Little Girl. Written by Harrison this tune which redefins pop, is about saddness and lonlines and how horrible it is to watch people who are sad and lonley go about daily life. Sad and terrible as it might seem, it has a great melody and lyrics ( bonus points for using the word "horny" in a pop song!) Plus, agian, the message hits home with the exlllent and ever-extending refrain. Overall, its a great song , spreading warm feelings about love and care and how humans should care for each other and not stand by watching others got through life lonley and sad. All in all, love is a univewrsal feeling and Poor Little Girl earns the full 5/5 -- thus says Mr. Kertis the younger.

Contains indispensible Dark Horse tracks, why wasn't it remastered?!.......2006-08-14

I really like this album, and I bought it when it was still a reasonable price. Cheer Down and Poor Little Girl are great, and Cockamamie Business is good too, the latter two are only available on this compilation.
The Dark Horse Box Set has two mysteries, IMHO. The first is, only Live in Japan is a hybrid SACD (why not all hybrid SACD?), the second is why weren't the three aforementioned tracks remastered and included with the box set?? (there are more tracks, too, like Lay His Head, that should have been included)
But should you pay an unreasonable price, if you have money to burn, go for it, even if you're just in it for the great music, they're not...

Average customer rating:

A pretty solid record
Great one from George.
Greatest Beatles 2nd Best
Dark Horse "Shows"
Some good songs

Dark Horse
George Harrison
Manufacturer: Emd/Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Extra Texture
Living in the Material World
Thirty Three & 1/3
George Harrison
Somewhere in England

ASIN: B000008GED
Release Date: 1992-01-28

Tracks:

Hari's On Tour (Express)
Simply Shady
So Sad
Bye Bye, Love
Maya Love
Ding Dong, Ding Dong
Dark Horse
Far East Man
It Is 'He' (Jai Sri Krishna)

Amazon.com

George Harrison Photos

More from George Harrison

The Best of George Harrison
The Concert for Bangladesh
Living in the Material World

All Things Must Pass
Dark Horse Years 1976-1992
The Concert for Bangladesh DVD

Customer Reviews:

A pretty solid record.......2007-07-06

While I'm not quite as enamoured of this album as I was when I originally got it, I still rather enjoy it and consider it a pretty solid and interesting effort. It's too bad that it got roundly panned when it first came out; it seems that a lot of times, the original critical praise or panning stays with an album, book, or movie, and people years later automatically repeat it as though it's set in stone, instead of actually taking the time to discover the product for themselves and come to their own independent conclusions about its worth and merits. And while it's no ATMP (what album ever could hold a candle to George's masterpiece?), it's still a nice album that's long overdue for some critical reevaluation.

The album starts with the instrumental "Hari's on Tour (Express)," and unlike the four interminable pointless meandering jam sessions rammed onto the end of ATMP, this instrumental actually belongs here, doesn't go on forever, is fun to listen to, and has a definite beginning, middle, and end. It also quite helps to set the mood for the songs to come. This instrumental is followed up by the rather nice, lovely, and underrated numbers "Simply Shady" and "So Sad." Unfortunately, as nice as these two songs are, they're kind of marred by George's cracking voice, which is a bit painful to have to listen to. Whatever possessed him to record an album when he was quite sick with laringytis?! "Bye Bye Love," a partial reworking of the old Everly Brothers' classic, is about the same topic as "So Sad," George's failing marriage and how Eric Clapton stole his wife. This song is probably hands-down the single worst song on here, not just because of the scratchy vocals, but because it just seems pointless, weak lyrically, and out of place here. It also seems to drone on a bit long. Side one closes with "Maya Love," a nice jazzy song, influenced by his interest in Indian mysticism and religion.

While "Ding Dong, Ding Dong," the opening track on side two, is hardly one of the standouts of his solo career, it is a fun upbeat peppy song, and also quite original in its focus. Just about everyone out there has done an Xmas record at some point, but how many artists have actually done a song about the New Year? The next song, "Dark Horse," is possibly the best song on here, and for once George's hoarse voice seems to add to instead of subtract from it. It's really beautiful, deep, and introspective. "Far East Man" is a rather touching song about always being there for a friend who needs and counts on you. The album closes with "It Is 'He' (Jai Sri Krishna)," and as a welcome change, the vocals seem normal again. It's a really beautiful chant to Krishna and his main consort Radha. But then again, I'm deeply interested in Indian religion, in particular the Krishna movement, so I'm admittedly a bit biased in my love of this song.

Overall, this isn't the album to recommend to someone just getting into George's solo work, but it does have some very fine moments and isn't nearly the awful record it's been made out to be for decades. And if nothing else, it does have pretty awesome cover art.

Great one from George........2007-05-16

This is a fabulous album, even though it was critically panned when it first came out. Sure, it's not "All Things Must Pass" or "Taxman", but then, if you were expecting that from George, you missed the message in this album's title track! Great songs on here, especially "Simply Shady", "So Sad", and his post-Pattie venting in his cover of "Bye Bye Love". It took me awhile at first to appreciate it, simply because I was more accustomed to earlier George works, but I'm so glad that I purchased this CD.

Greatest Beatles 2nd Best.......2007-02-22

All us George Harrison fans know we cannot pass by All Things Must Pass as George's probably best post Beatles work. But for this Beatlenut the treasure album of my George collection is this CD Dark Horse. So Sad and Bye Bye Love are particular twists of peculiar fondness by me but the albums classic is the S/T Dark Horse.All George fans alike need to have this gem in their collection.

Dark Horse "Shows".......2007-01-09

While not the best album by Mr. Harrison (hey, ya gotta show some respect), it certainly makes more since to me now than it did when I first listened to it while in high school. I'm glad I bought the album on CD and gave it another listen, as it is worth the time and dough. Go for it.

Some good songs.......2006-11-15

This wasn't one of the best of George's releases, but still has some good songs on it, and is well worth buying.

Average customer rating:

George Harrison: The Pilgrim
A Long Time Coming....
Light of the Dark-Horse Years
dark horse sheds a shadow on the sun
It's a lot of bang for the buck , it's a keeper!

The Dark Horse Years 1976-1992
George Harrison
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Living in the Material World (CD+DVD)
Extra Texture
Dark Horse
Brainwashed (Special Edition with Bonus DVD)
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ASIN: B0001ADB8C
Release Date: 2004-02-24

Tracks:

Woman Don't You Cry for Me
Dear One
Beautiful Girl
This Song
See Youself
It's What You Value
True Love
Pure Smokey
Crackerbox Palace
Learning How to Love You
Tears of the World

Tracks:

Love Comes to Everyone
Not Guilty
Here Comes the Moon
Soft-Hearted Hana
Blow Away
Faster
Dark Sweet Lady
Your Love Is Forever
Soft Touch
If You Believe
Here Comes the Moon (Demo Version)

Tracks:

Blood from a Clone
Unconsciousness Rules
Life Itself
All Those Years Ago
Baltimore Oriole
Teardrops
That Which I Have Lost
Writing's on the Wall
Hong Kong Blues
Save the World
Save the World (Demo Version)

Tracks:

Wake Up My Love
That's the Way It Goes
I Really Love You
Greece (Instrumental)
Gone Troppo
Mystical One
Unknown Delight
Baby Don't Run Away
Dream Away
Circles
Mystical One (Demo Version)

Tracks:

Cloud Nine
That's What It Takes
Fish On The Sand
Just For Today
This Is Love
When We Was Fab
Devil's Radio
Someplace Else
Wreck Of The Hesperus
Breath Away From Heaven
Breath Away From Heaven
Shanghai Surprise (Bonus track)
Zig Zag (Bonus track)

Tracks:

I Want To Tell You (live)
Old Brown Shoe (live)
Taxman (live)
Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth) (live)
If I Needed Someone (live)
Something (live)
What Is Life (live)
Dark Horse (live)
Piggies (live)
Got My Mind Set On You (live)
Cloud Nine (live)
Here Comes The Sun (live)
Here Comes The Sun (live)
Here Comes The Sun (live)
Here Comes The Sun (live)
Devil's Radio (live)
Isn't It A Pity (live)
While My Guitar Gently Weeps (live)
While My Guitar Gently Weeps (live)

Amazon.com

George Harrison forged the most idiosyncratic, artistically stubborn career of any ex-Beatle. After the spectacular success of All Things Must Pass (whose glorious, Spectorized production Harrison all but disowned in later years), The Concert for Bangla Desh and some tepid follow-ups on the Fabs' Apple label, Harrison released the half-dozen albums contained in this remastered box set on his Dark Horse imprint. Frequently out-of-print and ever under-appreciated, they remain in many ways his truest musical legacy. Powered by a deceptively breezy compositional sense and impeccably tasteful soloing (his fluid slide work remains some of rock's most lyrically distinctive), Harrison variously mixes biting humor ("This Song" answers his "My Sweet Lord" plagiarism suit with sarcastic jabs), a love of pop history (his Motown tribute "Pure Smokey," covers of Cole Porter's "True Love" and Rudy Clark's obscure "Got My Mind Set On You," which became an unlikely late '80s hit), and ever-present spiritual meditations into an often jazzy musical tack that veered sharply away from his Beatles past. And while that laconic sense occasionally goes unfocused (as on "Gone Troppo"), it came to warm fruition on the triumphant Jeff Lynne collaboration "Cloud Nine." Harrison's past glories are revisited on that album's "When We Was Fab" and elsewhere on unused Beatle-era songs ("Not Guilty," "See Yourself"), as well as his tribute to the fallen John Lennon, "All Those Years Ago," but crucially they are always part of a larger, more forceful perspective. His double-live album from a 1991 tour of Japan with Eric Clapton encapsulates that sense, and is featured here in the SACD format with 5.1 surround sound. Also included is a DVD exclusive to this set, featuring highlight footage from those concerts, interviews, and a slate of Harrison videos. --Jerry McCulley

Amazon.com

Box set includes six CDs: Thirty Three & 1/3, George Harrison, Somewhere In England, Gone Troppo, Cloud Nine, and Live In Japan (SACD). Also includes The Dark Horse Years exclusive DVD, available only as part of this set. Includes 24 page booklet.

DVD running time: 89 minutes, includes Dark Horse Feature, promo videos, previously unreleased live footage, and selections from the movie "Shanghai Surprise."

Sound: Stereo except four concert pieces which are in 5.1 surround sound, in both Dolby Digital and DTS formats.

DVD TRACKLISTINGS: 1. Dark Horse Feature 2. This Song 3. Crackerbox Palace 4. Faster 5. Got My Mind Set On You - Version I 6. Got My Mind Set On You - Version II 7. When We Was Fab 8. This Is Love 9. Taxman (from Live In Japan) 10. Cloud 9 (from Live In Japan) 11. Devil's Radio (from Live In Japan) 12. Cheer Down (from Live In Japan) 13. Shanghai Surprise 14. Someplace Else 15. Hottest Gong In Town

George Harrison Photos

More from George Harrison

The Best of George Harrison
The Concert for Bangladesh
Living in the Material World

Cloud Nine
Dark Horse Years 1976-1992
The Concert for Bangladesh DVD

Customer Reviews:

George Harrison: The Pilgrim.......2006-08-10

First of all, I really appreciate George Harrison. By all accounts, he was always trying to live, do and be right. His music is a testimony to this. Few other real rock stars are singing songs about life in God (or god...he sings about both).

The Dark Horse Years is a great way to find out who George was within his music. Honestly, much of this music is plagued with an 80's sound...but that doesn't, for me at least, negate the songs lyrically or musically. In spite the 80's sound, George Harrison's rarely acknowleged talent comes bursting through on every song. "Gone Troppo" is my favorite of the albums within this set. George sounds like he feels good on this album. You can hear it. All other albums in this set are very enjoyable. The videos are good,too, and you get to hear George discuss how some of his songs came about.

The "Live in Japan" cd is excellent and fresh. Eric Clapton and George Harrison are a truly powerful duo. You also get to witness some of this on the video.

If you are a die-hard Beatle fan, The Dark Horse Years is for you. Ringo is on many songs, too.

One of the best things about this set of music is that it is the actual albums for these years. Songs are presented on each album in the order they were originally meant to be heard or in the order we are used to hearing them. Why aren't more artist compilations like this?

2 other albums that are essential to round out the George Harrison collection: "All Things Must Pass" and "Living In a Material World."

A Long Time Coming...........2006-08-05

This is a 5 star (and more)investment. A must for fans of Harrison and all fans of music....everywhere

It seems as if nothing else in the world can bind 7 continents of peeps, except music, and so Mr. Harrison actually lives, lives on through his music, most of which I actually heard for the first time.

In 1974, I walked away from Harrison's music. I didn't get it. Now I do, and the only thing wrong with Harrison (tongue in cheek) is that he was way to old when he was so young. Perhaps we have all caught up with him now, and so now we have Amazon to provide us with Harrison's treasure chest of gems, spanning the years of his musical journey. This collection is a jewel in the crown of a musician who unfortunately left us too soon. With the Dark Horse Years collection, every time we play the music, George is very much here with us....

RIP, Our Sweet George.

From the Blonde Rocker.

Light of the Dark-Horse Years.......2006-05-18

George Harrison intended Dark Horse Records to be part of Herb Alpert's A&M Records family. He produced at least two records, on the Dark Horse label, and through A&M, they were: Splinter and Ravi Shankar Family and Friends. George was a prominent musician on both works, as well as producer. He took all the musicians who appeared on Family and Friends, and toured the US. It was promoted as the Dark Horse tour. After about three or four performances, George's voice was thrashed. He came down with jaundice. The tour was in two parts: first an Indian music program, and then rock and roll. It was panned generally. I believe at one point George actually admonished his audience: "I don't know about you, but you seem pretty dead from up here." There is a picture of George posing with President Gerald Ford, his son Jack, and Ravi Shankar, at the White House. ALso, according to George's autobiography, he got into drinking heavily, his marriage broke up, he met Olivia, had a son, got married again.
The last George Harrison album to be produced by EMI was Extra Texture. The first George harrison album to be produced on Dark Horse was Thirty Three and a Third, which has, like the Beatle's Revolver, multi-meanings: George's age was 33, an LP plays at 33 and 1/3 RPMs. The difference, musically, spiritually, is most significant. Extra Texture had songs that were like a funeral. Dark, life at its ebb. Suicidal. Thirty Three and a Third bursts with life from the first track. And so on until Cloud Nine. George would announce he had "retired" between each Dark Horse record. His reasoning for doing "George Harrison", for example, was that racing car drivers had asked him if he was still recording. SO he wrote "Faster" for them, and a fine, beautiful LP along with it. Love songs, old Beatle songs. It is a wonderful record.
Even Gone Troppo has a sense of lazy, sun on your face, I'm lying here on the beach of Hawaii and now let's go into the studio and do a song, eh chaps? He was doing things at HIS pace. When He wanted. Not when MR. RECORD COMPANY EXECUTIVE WANTED. Actually George had a very good relation with the president of Warner Brothers Records, who originally released all of George's Dark Horse works. He even convinced him to use recycled paper for LP covers, etc.
And it is interesting to note that, for all his complaining about The Beatles era, of all the solo Beatle record releases, George's sound most like the traditional "Beatle sound". It has to do with his guitar playing. That was the heart and soul of the "Beatle sound." Try as they may, none of the other Beatles were ever able to get a lead guitarist who could come close to measuring up to George. SO, this is what you get from The Dark Horse Years: George, doing his music, as he wanted to, without any pressure, and when he was pressured, he wrote songs like "Blood From A Clone". It is a unique set of pop music, and singularly personal.

dark horse sheds a shadow on the sun .......2005-11-12

george the creative genius who made two classic album in 1971 "all things must pass" and 1973 "living in the material world" then in the late 70's i think george set up his own record label "dark horse" with the great artwork george really set himself up..
this boxset being a wonderful edition for fans and die hard completists yeah you may have them..but i would just buy it just for the box itself..well i didn't i got it last christmas and i have no of the albums so it was a real treasure to discover some of george's high's that i'd never known about..
featuring his smash comeback album "cloud 9" which features guitar blues god eric clapton
my other favorite album is "gone troppo" i was shocked to hear this has been voted george's worst album by the critics it's a fantastic entertaining album that's one of his best and the demo version of mystical one" were you hear the rain fall is beautiful while he tries to gather paper to write the song

my other favorite album is "thirty three and a third" featuring the classic single "crackerbox palace"
"somewhere in england" and "george harrison" aren't my favorite albums but that's not to say there bad..just not my favorite but someone might love them it's just my opipion

all in all a fantastic box..from a legendary genius who's solo efforts are out-shined by the big MACCA shame really because george's done far better things than macca could ever think of,

oh yeah the dvd is excellent too with all his video's great little humourus interview comments and some great live performances
god bless you george harrison we miss you..
"all things must pass away"
the love you give is the love you make

It's a lot of bang for the buck , it's a keeper!.......2005-10-12

The 6 original CD releases are nicely remastered and beefed up a bit with one or two bonus tracks.
There are some real gems on each one of these CD's with the possible exception of "Somewhere in England" in my humble opinion. Since I never bought these when they first came out (I had only heard a few of the more well known tracks) I was most pleased with what I was listening to. It makes my wonder how some of these might well have been Beatle classics if they had been penned back at that time. But of course there's a time and a place for everything and George wrote and recorded them when he was at the appropriate stage in life and career.
The DVD is great fun. To see Mr. Harrison as a younger man having a blast in some of the videos is highly entertaining. The more mature Harrison tastefully narrates the DVD with the use of a low-key and not seen interviewer. His wit, wisdom and humor sparkle through reminding us why he has always been such a humble and endearing superstar in his own right. His post Beatle work is easily the highest quality and most rewarding of any of the Fab Four. Who knows where John Lennon would have gone? He would've been Harrison's close rival in this respect. No slighting to either Ringo or Paul in the least. Well worth the cash....

Average customer rating:

Powerful Expressiveness
the best of mary
Believe...
One of Mary Black's Best
A heartbreakingly beautiful CD

By the Time It Gets Dark
Mary Black
Manufacturer: Gift Horse
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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No Frontiers
The Holy Ground
Circus
Babes in the Wood
Song for Ireland

ASIN: B000000LX7
Release Date: 1994-09-15

Tracks:

By The Time It Gets Dark
School Days Over
Once In A Very Blue Moon
Farewell Farewell
Sparks Might Fly
Katie
Leaving The Land
There Is A Time
Jamie
Leaboys Lassie
Trying To Get The Balance Right
Moon River
Don't Explain

Amazon.com essential recording

While other of her albums spanning the mid '80s to the middle of the following decade are marred by cheesy or tinny-sounding overproduction and a breakaway from the acoustic-based accompaniment that suits her most truthfully, By the Time It Gets Dark presents Mary Black, folk vocal stylist, at her best. Less dark than Sandy Denny, less twee than Nanci Griffith, yet coming from a similar tradition and approach, Black's vocals are warm, earthy, and expressive. Her live version of "Moon River" is sweet, pure, and sublimely lovely. And she's near about perfect on such well-chosen gems as Richard Thompson's "Farewell, Farewell" or (more popularly rendered by Griffith) "Once in a Very Blue Moon." By the Time It Gets Dark is thereby the most logical and pleasant step toward Black's more recent work of the new millennium. --Paige La Grone

Customer Reviews:

Powerful Expressiveness.......2003-01-31

This was the album that got me hooked on Mary Black. I'd already purchased some of her others because music fans I trust had told me her music's worth spending some time with. But I didn't really get sold on her until this album.

SPARKS MIGHT FLY was the first song that really won me over. With a lovely, gentle piano playing in the background, her voice really rings out strong and expressive. You can feel every word she belts out so that individual lines really get to you. Lines that don't sound so powerful on paper like, "I see my brother's face grow dark with care," then "Don't call him a misfit!" just hit you in the gut and resonate.

She really is just so expressive throughout this album. There's a subtle power to it that makes her voice more interesting than it would otherwise be. And it makes some of the songs which might not be so spectacular on their own really reach your heart. Like DON'T EXPLAIN is a song I normally wouldn't like because the singer is forgiving a man who cheats ... which is something that goes against my personal beliefs. But ... the way she sings it is so expressive and raw that I'm "with her" and on her side for the duration of the song. Now, that's talent when you can make someone who disagrees with you empathize as you sing.

I recommend BY THE TIME IT GETS DARK for anyone curious about why Mary Black is a favorite of so many music conniseurs. Listen to it several times. It won't be long before it starts to get to you.

the best of mary.......2002-10-09

Having bought all of Mary Black's records and having seen her live countless times, I think it is this album that most truly reflects what is special about her-even the cover is evocative! She has said elsewhere that with this record she and Declan Sinnott felt they were near to achieving the sound and direction they wanted.
Perhaps they feel that they really found it on the next album 'No Frontiers'-a fine record. But it is this record that I constantly go back to, where the arrangements are perfect; Pat Crowley's piano is terrific. The choice of material reflects a kind of sadness, which is beautifully evoked by the purest of voices. I don't think her wonderful voice sounds better than this on any other recording. It's a great balance of folky tunes such as 'Leaboys Lassie' and 'Schooldays Over' to the complex Noel Brazil song (what a loss was his recent death) 'Sparks Might Fly'. In essence this record, first issued in 1987, is the start of Mary Black's classic period upto 'Babes in the Wood' and captured on the great compilation 'The Collection'. A wonderful time it was to see her in concert-although she is still great live. One of the best records of its kind ,'By the Time it Gets Dark' will never date and Mary Black will forever stay young. Beautiful.

Believe..........2001-03-29

Believe the others. This is truly the most fully realized collection of some of the best songs, arrangements and volcals of any of her collections. Her singling is always bordering on perfection, but often her purest subtleties become clouded in overproduction. Not Here!

Listen with care to three of the best things she's ever done.

"Once in a Very Blue Moon" presents us with a borderless pop gem. Not Irish, Not American, simply universal pop. "Farewell, Farewell" is perhaps the prettiest "Celtic" inflected song she's ever blessed with her voice. "Katie", upon first listen, sounds like a good old fashioned pop ditty, that on closer inspection demonstrates just what can happen with a perfect hybrid of Celtic/American Folk/Pop.

These are only three, but all teh songs will be welcome in your ears many times over.

If you are unfamiliar with the seemingly limitless talent of Mary Black, this is a great disk to begin what will surely be a lifelong appreciation of this highly under-purchased artist.

Warning: Much of her later music, with the possible exception of her last "Speaking with the Angels", is mostly overproduced pop. There's nothing here to muck up the beautiful mix. Buy it, if only for the lovliest version of "Moon River" you'll ever hear.

One of Mary Black's Best.......2000-03-15

This is one of my favorite CDs. Tinged with sadness, this CD is about people in transition, from travellers (Farewell, Farewell), to young men going to work at the mines (Schoolday's Over). Listen to this when you are in a contemplative mood, trying to figure out what to do next.

A heartbreakingly beautiful CD.......1999-10-15

For those who will allow themselves to be vulnerable, this is an incredibly heartfelt recording. Richard Thompson's "Farewell, Farewell" alone is worth three times the price. Mary makes you feel every meaning. Declan Sinnott's guitar playing is an absolute joy, and the guitar sounds are delicious. This is one of those CDs that you want to listen to alone.

Average customer rating:

More Horseflies ...
"i've got magic and stitches in my heart for you"

Birds Fly Backwards

Manufacturer: Left Ear
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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In The Dance Tent
Gravity Dance
40 Days
The Crane Wife
Taking The Long Way

ASIN: B00029XHPY
Release Date: 2004-04-20

Tracks:

Sometimes
Plastic Raincoat
Out Into the Empty
Boxers
Birds Fly Backwards
Wait For Me
In the Poppies
Glasses
Basement
People Go Under
Red Sparrow Bridge
In the Rain

Album Description

Indie rock with quirky, poetic lyrics -- dark, artful music, sometimes edgy and sometimes hauntingly beautiful -- new music with twisted Americana roots.

Customer Reviews:

More Horseflies ..........2006-12-29

I bought this CD following a "and if you liked these you should try this ..." link. Imagine my absolute delight when the CD came and the band line-up included Jeff Claus and Judy Hyman from the Horseflies. In fact, this is very much a Horseflies album, a little bit upbeat and a touch more electric, but exhibiting the style and innovation that has caused me to seek out as much of their original music as possible. All tracks on this album are very, very good. If you want to hear what an innovative blend of country and bluegrass can sound like, this is it. Buy it.

"i've got magic and stitches in my heart for you".......2005-07-09

Boy With A Fish play introspective, atmospheric music that falls somewhere between folk-rock and alt.country. Their music is moody and intensely low-key, their lyrics off-kilter and at times superb: the title track is especially brilliant. I would think that those who like Freakwater, Hazeldine, or the Handsome Family would enjoy this as well.

Average customer rating:

Keep Your Eyes Open
Achilles - Rochester, NY's finest

The Dark Horse
Achilles
Manufacturer: Hex Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Engineer/Achilles
Reproach

ASIN: B0009A1B6S
Release Date: 2005-05-24

Tracks:

Every Hour Wounds, The Last One Kills
Ivory
Over Our Heads
Dark Horse
In Lights
(Reprise)
Wake Me When It Thunders
Rushmore
Talons
)))

Customer Reviews:

Keep Your Eyes Open.......2007-04-04

This is a classic. Keep your eyes open for the new Achilles record "Hospice" coming out on HEX Records this spring. I saw a few songs from the record performed live and all I can say is "wow." If you own this disc, please keep supporting these guys. They're staying true to hardcore and putting out stuff worth supporting. And if you're like me, it's worth memorizing every last lyric and screaming at every show. If you haven't heard them yet, please buy this now.

Achilles - Rochester, NY's finest.......2006-02-28

Achilles...what can I say? Solid, precise, in-you-face, intense, emotional, biting hardcore from the Roc, NY. "The Dark Horse" is unrelenting in its commitment to true hardcore, not the sugary sweet sound that mallrats bang their heads to...this is the real deal...take a listen for yourselves...you'll have a hard time getting this disc OUT of your player.

Average customer rating:

As soloists, Paul was more successful, but George made the best albums
His best work since All Things Must Pass
CLOUD NINE
Cloud Nine is Harrison's Number One!
Excellent George Harrison

Cloud Nine
George Harrison
Manufacturer: Dark Horse
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Brainwashed
Time Takes Time
The Best of George Harrison
Driving Rain
Somewhere in England

ASIN: B000002LCU
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Cloud Nine
That's What It Takes
Fish On The Sand
Just For Today
This is Love
When We Was Fab
Devil's Radio
Someplace Else
Wreck Of The Hesperus
Breath Away From Heaven
Got My Mind Set On You

Album Details

1987 Release with the Hit "Got My Mind Set on You". One of George's Finest Releases. Guests Include Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr and Jeff Lynne.

Customer Reviews:

As soloists, Paul was more successful, but George made the best albums.......2007-01-18

17 years after the dissolution of The Beatles, George Harrison made this album, which is still probably the best thing any former Beatle has ever made. From the smash hit "Got My Mind Set On You" to the gorgeous guitar pop of "Fish On The Sand", George Harrison turns out an album that sounds as at home in the 80s as the Beatles did in the 60s.

His best work since All Things Must Pass.......2004-06-03

Cloud Nine (1987.) George Harrison's ninth solo album.

Following the release of his 1982 album, Gone Troppo, George Harrison took an extended vacation from recording albums for a while. During his leave of absence, he recorded a track for the Porky's Revenge soundtrack, which was nothing short of excellent - and a premonition of what was to come. In 1987, Harrison teamed up with Electric Light Orchestra (E.L.O.) frontman Jeff Lynne, for some help with his upcoming ninth studio album. And in 1987, Cloud Nine was released. This was Harrison's most popular release in nearly fifteen years! Does it live up to the hype, or is it just an overrated and subpar effort? Read on for my review.

Is this album overrated? Yes it is. Does it deserve to be overrated? Yes it does. This is George Harrison's first true five-star album since 1970's All Things Must Pass. No, this album doesn't quite top that one, but it's a very close second best. On this album, Harrison serves up masterpiece after masterpiece. The big hits to be found on this album are Got My Mind Set On You and When We Was Fab. Got My Mind Set On You is a cover of a song written by Rudy Clark. Harrison's take on the song hit number one on the pop charts. The other fairly popular track featured on this album is When We Was Fab, Harrison's ode to his Beatle days. Because of Jeff Lynne's assistance on this album, many tracks on the album greatly resemble Electric Light Orchestra - and this is the closest thing on the album to one of their songs. But, the big hits aren't the only good songs on this album! In addition to Jeff Lynne, Harrison recruited an assortment of all-star musicians for these sessions. The album's title track even featured Eric Clapton on guitars! While My Guitar Gently Weeps from the classic Beatles self-titled "White" album demonstrated beautifully that the two could function well as a unit, and this track helps to further establish that claim. Even seventies pop star Gary Wright appears on a few tracks (Wright was best known for his seventies hits, Dream Weaver and Love Is Alive.) Wright has appeared on a number of Harrison's solo recordings, and why not? He does an excellent job contributing to Harrison's work. There are a number of masterpieces to be found on this album, and it really must be heard to be appreciated. The album has often been called the most "Beatles-sounding" of the former Beatle solo recordings, and that's a good thing.

Recently, all of the George Harrison studio albums and the live album from the Dark Horse years have been remastered and rereleased, and in some cases even gotten bonus tracks. On Cloud Nine, as far as bonus tracks go, you get the underrated tunes Shanghai Surprise and Zig Zag. Unfortunately though, the record company wasted a huge opportunity here. There were a ton more songs that should have been bonus tracks on here, but weren't included. Among these are Handle With Care, a big hit from Harrison's Traveling Wilburys days, I Won't Back Down, a Tom Petty song that George helped out with, Cheer Down, the song that Harrison recorded for the Lethal Weapon 2 soundtrack, and the infamous studio rarities, Poor Little Girl and Cockamamie Business. The latter three songs are available on Best Of Dark Horse, but the record company DID NOT reissue that compilation! Putting those songs on the rereleased Cloud Nine would have been extremely smart, but no. Now fans are going to have to hunt down an out of print compilation, just for the sake of three songs.

Cloud Nine is George Harrison's finest work in a very long time. All of his solo albums are excellent, but this one, along with All Things Must Pass, are in a league all their own. No fan of George Harrison, casual or die-hard, should be without Cloud Nine. This is a masterpiece just waiting to be added to your collection.

CLOUD NINE.......2004-01-02

CLOUD NINE IS GEORGE HARRISON'S BEST ALBUM IN MY APIGON I THINK IT'S BETTER THEN ALL THIGS MUST PASS I LIKE THE SON WHEN WE WAS FAB THIS IS A GOOD ALBUM TO GET ERIC CLAPTON AND RINGO SARR AND JEFF LYNE WERE GOOD ON THE ALBUM TO THANK YOU GEOGE FOR THIS GREAT ALBUM

Cloud Nine is Harrison's Number One!.......2003-11-27

CLOUD NINE was released in 1987,six years after SOMEWHERE IN ENGLAND. In '87 many "oldies" were being covered and on this album ex-Beatle George Harrison covered the 1961 Rudy Clark hit GOT MY MIND SET ON YOU. Later the music of the song would be recycled by "Weird Al" Yankovic for THIS SONG'S JUST(SIX WORDS LONG). The lyrics to the latter song were written by Yankovic. This album was produced by Harrison and his longtime friend Jeff Lynne of the Electric Light Orchestra. This album also is the intitial project for the pair. In addition to Lynne,guest artists include Elton John,Harrison's fellow ex-Beatle Ringo Starr and Gary Wright who wrote and recorded the hit song DREAM WEAVER in the seventies. WHEN WE WAS FAB was another hit from this album. I suppose it tells about Harrison's(and Starr's) Beatles era. It's just like ALL THOSE YEARS AGO from SOMEWHERE IN ENGLAND which was a tribute to fellow ex-Beatle John Lennon who was fatally shot in December 1980. All the other songs are cool. THIS IS LOVE was another hit from the album. After this album,Harrison and Lynne would team up with Bob Dylan,Tom Petty and Roy Orbison to form the Traveling Wilburys with their own aliases.

Excellent George Harrison.......2003-10-05

On his 1987 release "Cloud Nine", often considered a comeback album for the ex-Beatle, George Harrison again thrust himself into the collective musical consciousness with a set of 11 well-crafted and slickly produced (thanks to fellow ex-Wilbury Jeff Lynne) songs. Often compared to "All Things Must Pass" in terms of quality, it lacks ATMP's sheer scope and vision, but is overall probably an easier recording to listen to and enjoy.

Most people recall the radio hit "Got My Mind Set On You", but the album has so much more to offer. From the introductory guitar riffs of the title track to the music's finale, George's wit and humor permeate the album. Other standout tracks would have to include "Fish on the Sand", "Devil's Radio", "When We Was Fab", "That's What it Takes", and "Just For Today".

Tracks:

Bird's Lament
Pigmy Pig
Viking I
Dog Trot
High on a Rocky Ledge
Log in B
Marimba Mondo 2
Paris
In Vienna
Eec Lied
Fujiyama 2
Heimdall Fanfare
Sea Horse
Single Foot
Do Your Thing
Bumbo
Dark Eyes
Logrundr XII
I'm This I'm That
Frost Flower
Message
Introduction & Overtone Continuum

Tracks:

Jazz Book: No. 2
Carnival
Elf Dance
From Jazz Book: No. 4
Fiesta
From Jazz Book: No. 3
Chaconne in a Minor
3 Couplets
Prelude and Fugue in a Minor
From Art of the Canon, Book I: No. 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20,
From Art of the Canon, Book I: No. 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20,
From Art of the Canon, Book I: No. 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20,
From Art of the Canon, Book I: No. 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20,
From Art of the Canon, Book I: No. 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20,
From Art of the Canon, Book I: No. 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20,
From Art of the Canon, Book I: No. 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20,
From Art of the Canon, Book I: No. 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20,
From Art of the Canon, Book I: No. 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20,
From Art of the Canon, Book I: No. 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20,
From Art of the Canon, Book I: No. 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20,
From Art of the Canon, Book II: No. 6, 9, 22, 23
From Art of the Canon, Book II: No. 6, 9, 22, 23
From Art of the Canon, Book II: No. 6, 9, 22, 23
From Art of the Canon, Book II: No. 6, 9, 22, 23
Sea Horse
From Jazz Book: No. 1
From Jazz Book: No. 5
3 Couplets
From Art of the Canon, Book V, No. 9
Mood Montreux: 1st Movement
Mood Montreux: 2nd Movement
Mood Montreux: 3rd Movement
Santa F
Barn Dance

Album Description

Beautifully packaged two CD compilation consisting of recordings from the last 20 years of Moondog's life, when he resided and recorded in Germany. Disc One consists of studio recordings from 1977-99 and features 'High On A Rocky Ledge', 'Do Your Thing', 'I'm This, I'm That', 'Heimdall Fanfare', 'Fujiyama 2 (Lovesong)' and more. Disc Two is his last live performance, recorded a month before his death, and is wonderfully recorded, sounding as well-produced as the studio tracks on the first disc. The packaging includes 44 pages of liner notes featuring essays, interviews, photographs and other information, all packaged in a hard cardboard sleeve, creating a virtual work of art.

Album Details

Includes Material from 1977 Thru 199, plus Moondog's Last Live Concert with Dominique Ponty, Previously Unreleased.

Customer Reviews:

Missed opportunity (but still essential).......2005-10-25

Why are there so many tracks on disc 1 that are readily available on the Sax Pax for a Sax CD? It's too bad more of the impossible to find recordings from this period couldn't have been included instead.

Otherwise, it is great to finally hear some of this material and the disc 2 live concert is a treasure. All things considered, a bargain and a must for Moondog devotees.

Also note the packaging is very attractive -- but unfortunately on my copy, the binding/glue is already falling apart so the CD trays have seperated from the cover... sometimes plastic is a better way to go...

Moondog's last concert!.......2005-10-12

This is a professional production of an official double disc set that was released in 2004 (5 years after Hardin's death.) It looks good and has 44 enclosed pages of valuable information about Moondog, such as a detailed biography, discography, Moondog's own words about the recordings, personnel listings, lyrics, pictures and a poem that Leonard Bernstein wrote to and about Moondog.
Also seeing quotes of Benny Goodman and Frank Zappa praising Moondog's music is particularly exhilarating for a Zappa fan like myself (I had no idea.)

The first disc consists of already released material, most of which I already owned when I bought this set. This disappointed me a bit, as I'd expected additional versions of these titles provided on the back.
The set is called "The German Years," but includes 5 tracks that are taken from "Sax Pax for a Sax" - an album that was recorded in England and performed by English musicians, and consists mainly of material that was written while Moondog lived in New York. Other albums that songs have been taken from are "H'art Songs" (4 tracks,) "In Europe" (4 tracks,) "Elpmas" (4 tracks,) "A New Sound of an Old Instrument" (3 tracks,) "Big Band" (1 track) and "Bracelli" (1 track.)

The 56 minute long disc #2 is the essential music in this set as it consists of only previously unreleased material. It is Moondog's last concert, which was recorded in France on August 1st, 1999 (less than 6 weeks prior to his passing.)
The concert, which consisted of both rare and recent material, was performed on solo piano by Dominique Ponty. At times Moondog joins in on bass drum, and here and there he recites a few couplets - a nice treat. But as always, when it comes to live recordings of solo piano performances, we have to deal with intruding sounds; aside from applause we get a few hundred coughs, a squeaking door that repeatedly opens and closes, at one point the barking of a distant dog, at one point the sirens of an ambulance driving by the recording location, and believe it or not - audience members trying to clap along to one of the solo piano canons! ...but overall the sound quality is very good and clear.

I'd recommend "The German Years 1977-1999" to Moondog fans (who haven't heard his last concert,) but to people who aren't familiar with his work, this might not be the optimal place to start.

Late Moondog.......2005-04-27

When Louis Hardin moved to Europe in 1974, he was received as visiting royalty -- unlike his home country who treated him as some sort of one-joke street-performer. For the next 25 years, until his passing in 1999, he produced an astonishing variety of music for organ, brass band, voice, piano, percussion, small chamber ensemble, and string quartet.

Disc one of this collection contains an anthology of his German recordings, and presents a clear advantage over the originals in that every track is on a different instrument. The listener never gets a chance to grow weary of any one style, allowing you instead to concentrate on the commonalities running through all of Hardin's music. As a sampler of the work done in his senior years (ages 61-83) it's a remarkable collection showing verve, inventiveness and playful iconoclasty.

Disc two presents his last concert, previously unreleased, from Arles France on August 1st 1999, just five weeks before his death. Pianist Dominique Ponty, who I believe is the daughter of famed violinist Jean-Luc Ponty, plays 34 of his pieces for piano or arranged for piano. Louis 'Moondog' Hardin himself accompanies her on tambour, a big skin drum, on several of the tunes, and recites six couplets in his rich ageless baritone.

Also included, a 44-page booklet of photos, notes, lyrics and critical comment. This is a first-class production for one of the last century's most enduring and original composers.

Average customer rating:

Musically Unsatisfying
True electro-goth to scare away poseurs!!!
Horse Rotorvator
Killed to keep the world turning
If he'd just stop singing

Horse Rotorvator
Coil
Manufacturer: Some Bizzare
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Scatology
The Ape of Naples
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How to Destroy Angels
Musick to Play in the Dark 2

ASIN: B00000I24J
Release Date: 2003-12-02

Tracks:

The Anal Staircase
Slur
Babylero
Ostia(The Death Of Pasolini)
Herald
Penetralia
Circles Of Mania
Blood From The Air
Who By Fire
The Golden Section
The First Five Minutes After Death
Ravenous

Album Description

Originally released in January 1987. Contains 12 tracks in all. Eleven original and a cover of Leonard Cohen's 'Who By Fire'. Marc Almond sings backing vocals on 'Who By Fire' & 'Slur'.

Album Details

Reissue of 1987 Release. 12-track CD. Marc Almond Sings Backing Vocals on Two Songs.

Customer Reviews:

Musically Unsatisfying.......2006-10-27

I got this at the recommendation of somebody, and I must say it's not what I expected. Maybe I just can't appreciate this album, since I lean more towards Metal-Industrial, but I just didn't find it pleasing to listen to. Interesting and creative, yes, but not pleasing; it reminds me of Skinny Puppy, another Industrial band that I couldn't really get into either. It's just not my cup of tea, and I suspect that most people probably won't (or perhaps can't) appreciate it either. There's nothing wrong with it, but it just something I can't enjoy, so I'm giving it 3 stars.

True electro-goth to scare away poseurs!!!.......2006-09-24

I first heard this CD sometime around 1988; a local DJ in Birmingham, AL. would host "Horse Rotorvator Parties" at midnight about once or twice a year. Obviously, the station was not known at the time for spinning New Kids on the Block or Poison or Paula Abdul or whatever. Anyhow, this CD became a much sought-after collectible in the local record stores and I remember paying big bucks back then for my import copy. Aaaahhh, from the opening track to the bitter end, this CD had me enthralled---rather "spellbound" if you don't mind cliches.

I certainly wouldn't call this music "GOTH" by the standards as they were at the time, but it definitely has a dark and menacing quality to it. In fact, I really don't think Bauhaus, the Sisters of Mercy, Fields of the Nephilim, or Joy Division ever came this close to the pleasing cacaphony found here. Those who relish electronics will certainly find nirvana here, but its not electronics in the fashion of Depeche Mode or New Order. Rather, the electronics herein are used to create a complete soundscape, as opposed to providing an upfront rhythm. This is not to suggest that "Horse Rotorvator" is completely driven by synths, however. In fact, there is even some rather unique flamenco-style guitar featured on this album. "Horse Rotorvator" is comprised mostly of originals, but does feature a fantastic cover of Leonard Cohen's "Who by Fire." While this disc contains no recognizable singles, "The Anal Staircase" was released as a 12-inch back in the day.

Few of Coil's releases measure up to this one, and the ones that come close usually aren't as dark and sinister as this one. While I do possess a rather large Coil collection, I easily consider this to be their swan song. If you buy it and like it, you'll definitily want to check out some of their other stuff. You also might find something vaguely familiar to this in Click Click's "Bent Massive" and Tangerine Dream's "The Sorcerer."

Horse Rotorvator.......2006-04-20

Horse Rotorvator was an experiment by Coil. If this was released today, it would probably fall comfortably into the industrial genre. However, Coil were one of the original innovators of the industrial genre. Long before Trent Reznor even had aspirations of forming a group, Coil was churning out great records like this... Purely experimental, not trying to be anything specific. And that is what is great about this kind of music. It doesn't try to fit into any category or genre; it doesn't try to sound one way or another. Not to sound cliche, but this is music from the heart. It focuses on being original rather than another carbon copy.

Some people may think that this music sounds outdated, but I would take it over any of the electro Goth groups of today. Nowadays, bands seem to try too hard to fit into a specific category, as if their music is only made for a particular subgroup of people.

The music of Coil is very diverse and artistic. Just when you think you know what this band is all about they turn and go into a completely different direction.

Highly recommended for people interested in experimental music.

Killed to keep the world turning.......2006-03-09

I seriously doubt that I will ever tire of 'Horse Rotovator'. In my opinion, any 'fan' of industrial music who does not appreciate this masterpiece (or worse, does not own it) is merely a sad, uninformed and tragic waste of Hot Topic couture. I like to call them 'Hot Topic Nihilists'.
Every song on this album (and yes, i am reviewing the VINYL copy, because I am old and was actually around to buy it way back when) pulsates with a vital, thrumming creativity. From the opening strains of "The Anal Staircase" to the diminishing chaos at the tail end of "Ravenous", everything fits, it all works, and it is all tragically compelling.
In fact, during the first hours of the 9/11 fiasco, i was at work trying to get things done, but i couldn't do a thing when i was listening to NPR, so i finally turned to Coil and Godspeed You! Black Emporer in the hopes of getting some perspective. "Horse Rotovator" and "Symbol symbol symbol symbol" (erm, you know, that one...) by Godspeed were the only things that made any sense as everyone else was running lost and adrift. I was adrift, too, but at least i had a soundtrack.

If he'd just stop singing.......2006-02-24

My first experience with Coil was ELpH vs Coil. I really love that disk. Then I tried a couple of the Unnatural History albums, OK. But how do you get from ELpH vs Coil to something like Horse Rotervator? The problem is the same as on Unnatural History III, with Lost Rivers of London, and Scatology. Whenever that guy sings I hate his voice, and on Horse Rotervator he sings ALLOT. It sounds like he's doing a bad impression of Johnny Rotten. It ruins the album for me. If he would just shut up the music itself is pretty good. In any case I consider this the worst Coil album I've heard. On the upside the longer I hold onto it the more it is worth for resale. This is perhaps the only thing I like about this album.

Christian Music:

Christian Music

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Christian Music

Only You Pt.1 [CD-single] [Import]

Symphony 1 / Ostacoli [Import]

The Legendary Hungerford [Box set]

Music CD: Ladrón en Concierto [Live]

Tuck Everlasting [Soundtrack]

Transcend the Rubicon

The Times They Are A-Changin'

The Crocodile and the Chihuahua

The Pride of Italy

These You Have Loved 2

Todo Bossa [Import]

Tres Diamantes Los Vol I, Exitos De Oro, Usted - Corazon - Mil Violines

Undaground Railroad

4 + Four

Mysterious Skin

The Best of George Harrison	The Concert for Bangladesh	Living in the Material World
All Things Must Pass	Dark Horse Years 1976-1992	The Concert for Bangladesh DVD