The Best of Alcatrazz
Track Listings
| 1. Island in the Sun |
| 2. General Hospital |
| 3. Hiroshima Mon Amour |
| 4. All Night Long [Live] |
| 5. Since You've Been Gone [Live] |
| 6. Night Games [Live] |
| 7. Stripper |
| 8. Painted Lover |
| 9. Sons and Lovers |
| 10. God Blessed Video |
| 11. Mercy |
| 12. It's My Life |
| 13. Dangerous Games |
| 14. Undercover |
| 15. No Imagination |
The Best of Alcatrazz,Alcatrazz,Renaissance,Hard Rock,Heavy Metal
Average customer rating: 
|
The Best of Alcatrazz
Alcatrazz Manufacturer: Renaissance ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD  General
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
General
| Hard Rock & Metal
| Styles
| Music
Hard Rock
| Hard Rock & Metal
| Styles
| Music
Pop Rock
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
Similar Items:
ASIN: B000007TU0 Release Date: 1998-10-13 |
Tracks:
Customer Reviews:
A semi famous vocalist and a tryptich of guitar heroes.......2006-07-26
Who picked these songs?.......2004-03-09
Since the original albums are available on cd only as very pricey imports, it would seem to me (and to casual fans or the curious I'm sure) a sensible move to pick up this domestic compilation. Well, it would have been if someone had chosen the right songs.
I can't really argue with the selections from "No Parole" or "Live Sentence", but "Disturbing The Peace" and "Dangerous Games" are completely misrepresented here. Somehow they managed to pick 9 songs from these two albums and still miss the highlights, especially on "Dangerous Games". Oh, well. May be the original albums will get reissued domestically someday.
Note: My comments are based on the quality of the songs chosen, not the quality of the playing of Mssrs. Malmsteen and Vai. If you are a total frethead may be these were the best tracks?
Dangerous Games- Alcatrazz's sadly overlooked swan opus.......2002-12-24
After collaborating with two of the arguably most technically proficient guitarists in rock- Yngwie and Steve Vai- at the time of their third album Alcatrazz was confronted with a formidable juncture: either to find another guitarist of comparable virtuosity- a meager prospect given their past alumni- or operate as a cohesive band emphasizing solid songwriting over flashy soloing. With the resultant product of Dangerous Games, Alcatrazz clearly chose the latter, a wise option which not only permitted the band to establish its own identity bereft of an axe god, but also enabled hitherto marginalized members like Gary Shea and Jimmy Waldo to rise to the forefront. While Vai's replacement Danny Johnson is a capable shredder in his own right- he had to be, as he had to pass what was then surely one of the toughest auditions in rock music- Alcatrazz undoubtedly must placed an interdict upon him not to overshadow the band like his stellar predecessors. Thus, it is no accident that Johnson's solos are short and concise, thereby granting breathing space to his bandmates. As this is intentionally Alcatrazz's least ostentatious output, the album acquires an understated appeal and modesty otherwise lacking in its predecessors. Unlike No Parole which instantly fascinated and enthralled the listener, Dangerous Games is a less immediate album which requires patience and several listenings to be fully appreciated. On a personal level, apart from the excellent- and most rocking- tracks "It's My Life," "Undercover," and "Tokyo," I was initially unimpressed with this album and was nostalgic for the unremitting assault of No Parole. However, after a few listens, I quickly came to respect this album in its own right as the overlooked coda to Alcatrazz's sadly short career.
Even still, "It's My Life" remains the finest track on the album, a fitting opener which instantly grabs the listener like No Parole through its powerful verses and anthemic chorus. Given the band's acute financial, label, and management problems which resulted in their dispersal shortly after this album's release, when Graham sings the opening verse, "It's a tough world to get by, all the good things are taken," we know he is not rehashing a rock cliche about tribulations long transcended
but speaking from contemporary experience. Unlike most acclaimed rock vocalists nearing forty who comfortably reminisce about their early hardships from the lofty porch of their mansions, Graham unfortunately not only lacked such affluence but was still struggling to find a secure band for himself. Thus, in addition to imbuding deeper insight in his lyrics, his comments are refreshingly sincere and genuine. Though the inclusion of a cover of Graham's old Marbles hit "Only One Woman" is an obvious illustration that Alcatrazz just barely had enough original songs to fill an album, overall the songwriting is competent, and at times, exceptional. "Undercover" and "Tokyo" both benefit from catchy choruses and Graham's frequently excellent studio vocals, in contrast to much of his inconsistent live performances. His delivery peaks on the all-too-short closing number "Night of the Shooting Star," where his a cappella harmony is impeccably recorded via multiple tracks, which proved what an outstanding vocalist he was when he sang in an comfortable middle register unconcerned with screaming his lungs out.
"Double Man" features additional contemplative lyrics in the tradition of "Starcarr Lane," albeit in a darker vein as Graham incisively describes an encounter with his sinister doppelganger. However, the most intriguing cut is Witchwood, a song whose supernatural themes are augmented by the melodic, restrained, and ethereal colorings by keyboardist Jimmy Waldo. Although not a virtuoso (at least not revealed during his Alcatrazz tenure) and primarily inclined towards rhythmic embellishments, Waldo here amply illustrates his strong songwriting with the regulation of Johnson allowing his capabilities to finally be appreciated in their own right throughout Dangerous Games. Clearly he was the unsung hero of the band, as his contributions were undoubtedly decisive in molding "Island in the Sun," "General Hospital," "Kree Nakoorie," and "Starcarr Lane" into fantastic tracks possessing a unique potency and inspiration never quite recaptured on Yngwie's solo albums. Unfortunately, due to Yngwie's brilliant neo-classical frenzy and Vai's kinetic jazz-metal axework, Waldo's contributions were easily minimized, especially live. However, his invigorated performance on Dangerous Games underscore that Waldo was indispensable, even if on a collective level, in providing elements of the magic that graced Alcatrazz's catalogue.
Although the undeniable stylistic changes of Alcatrazz's studio output have prompted unfair conclusions that the guitar heroes were decisive in writing the music, these contentions are inaccurate in neglecting the elements which were continuous throughout the band's existence- Graham's powerful voice, insightful lyrics, and Waldo's restrained keyboard- which gave Alcatrazz a unique identity of its own separate from Yngwie and Vai. Assisted by a sharp, crisp production- the best of all its albums- Dangerous Games comes closest to exhibiting Alcatrazz as a balanced band with the bass and drums clearly audible. This album's commerical failure and the band's subsequent demise were both products of unfortunate financial woes and lacklustre label support, yet within a mere three years Alcatrazz produced a formidable, diverse catalogue which will not be easily forgotten and prompts hopes that a reunion will somedy materialize whereby the band will obtain long overdue success and artistic recognition.
Get It For Yngwie.......2001-04-25
Vai Kills Yngwie.......1999-11-03
Average customer rating: 
|
Best of Alcatrazz
Alcatrazz Manufacturer: Tokuma ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
| Hard Rock & Metal
| Styles
| Music
ASIN: B000O5B0MI Release Date: 2007-06-04 |
Average customer rating:
|
The Best of Alcatrazz
Manufacturer: Renaissance ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
| Hard Rock & Metal
| Styles
| Music
Similar Items:
ASIN: B000005NMQ Release Date: 1996-11-19 |
Customer Reviews:
A semi famous vocalist and a tryptich of guitar heroes.......2006-07-26
Who picked these songs?.......2004-03-09
Since the original albums are available on cd only as very pricey imports, it would seem to me (and to casual fans or the curious I'm sure) a sensible move to pick up this domestic compilation. Well, it would have been if someone had chosen the right songs.
I can't really argue with the selections from "No Parole" or "Live Sentence", but "Disturbing The Peace" and "Dangerous Games" are completely misrepresented here. Somehow they managed to pick 9 songs from these two albums and still miss the highlights, especially on "Dangerous Games". Oh, well. May be the original albums will get reissued domestically someday.
Note: My comments are based on the quality of the songs chosen, not the quality of the playing of Mssrs. Malmsteen and Vai. If you are a total frethead may be these were the best tracks?
Dangerous Games- Alcatrazz's sadly overlooked swan opus.......2002-12-24
After collaborating with two of the arguably most technically proficient guitarists in rock- Yngwie and Steve Vai- at the time of their third album Alcatrazz was confronted with a formidable juncture: either to find another guitarist of comparable virtuosity- a meager prospect given their past alumni- or operate as a cohesive band emphasizing solid songwriting over flashy soloing. With the resultant product of Dangerous Games, Alcatrazz clearly chose the latter, a wise option which not only permitted the band to establish its own identity bereft of an axe god, but also enabled hitherto marginalized members like Gary Shea and Jimmy Waldo to rise to the forefront. While Vai's replacement Danny Johnson is a capable shredder in his own right- he had to be, as he had to pass what was then surely one of the toughest auditions in rock music- Alcatrazz undoubtedly must placed an interdict upon him not to overshadow the band like his stellar predecessors. Thus, it is no accident that Johnson's solos are short and concise, thereby granting breathing space to his bandmates. As this is intentionally Alcatrazz's least ostentatious output, the album acquires an understated appeal and modesty otherwise lacking in its predecessors. Unlike No Parole which instantly fascinated and enthralled the listener, Dangerous Games is a less immediate album which requires patience and several listenings to be fully appreciated. On a personal level, apart from the excellent- and most rocking- tracks "It's My Life," "Undercover," and "Tokyo," I was initially unimpressed with this album and was nostalgic for the unremitting assault of No Parole. However, after a few listens, I quickly came to respect this album in its own right as the overlooked coda to Alcatrazz's sadly short career.
Even still, "It's My Life" remains the finest track on the album, a fitting opener which instantly grabs the listener like No Parole through its powerful verses and anthemic chorus. Given the band's acute financial, label, and management problems which resulted in their dispersal shortly after this album's release, when Graham sings the opening verse, "It's a tough world to get by, all the good things are taken," we know he is not rehashing a rock cliche about tribulations long transcended
but speaking from contemporary experience. Unlike most acclaimed rock vocalists nearing forty who comfortably reminisce about their early hardships from the lofty porch of their mansions, Graham unfortunately not only lacked such affluence but was still struggling to find a secure band for himself. Thus, in addition to imbuding deeper insight in his lyrics, his comments are refreshingly sincere and genuine. Though the inclusion of a cover of Graham's old Marbles hit "Only One Woman" is an obvious illustration that Alcatrazz just barely had enough original songs to fill an album, overall the songwriting is competent, and at times, exceptional. "Undercover" and "Tokyo" both benefit from catchy choruses and Graham's frequently excellent studio vocals, in contrast to much of his inconsistent live performances. His delivery peaks on the all-too-short closing number "Night of the Shooting Star," where his a cappella harmony is impeccably recorded via multiple tracks, which proved what an outstanding vocalist he was when he sang in an comfortable middle register unconcerned with screaming his lungs out.
"Double Man" features additional contemplative lyrics in the tradition of "Starcarr Lane," albeit in a darker vein as Graham incisively describes an encounter with his sinister doppelganger. However, the most intriguing cut is Witchwood, a song whose supernatural themes are augmented by the melodic, restrained, and ethereal colorings by keyboardist Jimmy Waldo. Although not a virtuoso (at least not revealed during his Alcatrazz tenure) and primarily inclined towards rhythmic embellishments, Waldo here amply illustrates his strong songwriting with the regulation of Johnson allowing his capabilities to finally be appreciated in their own right throughout Dangerous Games. Clearly he was the unsung hero of the band, as his contributions were undoubtedly decisive in molding "Island in the Sun," "General Hospital," "Kree Nakoorie," and "Starcarr Lane" into fantastic tracks possessing a unique potency and inspiration never quite recaptured on Yngwie's solo albums. Unfortunately, due to Yngwie's brilliant neo-classical frenzy and Vai's kinetic jazz-metal axework, Waldo's contributions were easily minimized, especially live. However, his invigorated performance on Dangerous Games underscore that Waldo was indispensable, even if on a collective level, in providing elements of the magic that graced Alcatrazz's catalogue.
Although the undeniable stylistic changes of Alcatrazz's studio output have prompted unfair conclusions that the guitar heroes were decisive in writing the music, these contentions are inaccurate in neglecting the elements which were continuous throughout the band's existence- Graham's powerful voice, insightful lyrics, and Waldo's restrained keyboard- which gave Alcatrazz a unique identity of its own separate from Yngwie and Vai. Assisted by a sharp, crisp production- the best of all its albums- Dangerous Games comes closest to exhibiting Alcatrazz as a balanced band with the bass and drums clearly audible. This album's commerical failure and the band's subsequent demise were both products of unfortunate financial woes and lacklustre label support, yet within a mere three years Alcatrazz produced a formidable, diverse catalogue which will not be easily forgotten and prompts hopes that a reunion will somedy materialize whereby the band will obtain long overdue success and artistic recognition.
Get It For Yngwie.......2001-04-25
Vai Kills Yngwie.......1999-11-03
Average customer rating: 
|
The Best of Alcatrazz
Alcatrazz ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
General
| Hard Rock & Metal
| Styles
| Music
Hard Rock
| Hard Rock & Metal
| Styles
| Music
Pop Rock
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
ASIN: B0000087XC Release Date: 1998-03-09 |
Tracks:
Album Description
UK release. Finally the re-issue of this long unavailable CD has arrived! This disc features vocals from Graham Bonnett (recorded as a solo artist as well as with Rainbow, Michawl Schenker Group and Forcefield), guitar by Steve Vai (recorded as a solo artist as well as with Frank Zappa and David Lee Roth), guitar from Yngwie Malsteen (recorded as a solo artist and with Stealer and Rising Force, drums by Jan Uvena (who has recorded with Alice Cooper and The Paley Brothers), keys by Gary Shea Bass and Jimmy Waldo (members of New England), and guitar by Danny Johnson (who has recorded with Axis, Alice Cooper, Rick Derringer and Rod Stewart). Dream Catcher Records. 2006.Customer Reviews:
Great compilation -- but do yourself a favor and purchase the albums........2006-10-11
Guitarist's Dream.......2001-09-27
Music Info:
Recommended Music:
Attack in Japan - Live [Import]
Enescu: Octet for Strings/Dectet for Winds
R&B Music: #1 R&B Hits, Vol. 2
Hummel: Piano Concerto in B minor, Op. 89 / Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 85