Prog Rock, Vol. 1

Prog Rock, Vol. 1

Track Listings

1. Master of the Universe - Hawkwind

2. See My Way - Blodwyn Pig

3. Baby Lemonade - Syd Barrett

4. Flower King of Flies - The Nice

5. I Keep Singing That Same Old Song - Heavy Jelly

6. Shield - Deep Purple

7. Notting Hill Gate - Quintessence

8. Killer - Van Der Graaf Generator

9. Song for Jeffrey - Jethro Tull

10. Cherry Red - The Groundhogs

11. I Never Glid Before - Gong

12. Bad Scene - Ten Years After

13. Many Are Called But Few Get Up - Man

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 1: First Movement: Allegro Giojoso/Second Movement: - Keith Emerson, Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Lend Your Love to Me Tonight - Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Greg Lake
C'est La Vie - Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Greg Lake
Hallowed Be Thy Name - Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Greg Lake
Nobody Loves You Like I Do - Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Greg Lake
Closer to Believing - Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Greg Lake

Tracks:

Enemy God Dances with the Black Spirits - Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Carl Palmer
Nights - Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Carl Palmer
New Orleans - Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Carl Palmer
Two Part Invention in D Minor - Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Carl Palmer
Food for Your Soul - Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Carl Palmer
Tank - Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Carl Palmer
Fanfare for the Common Man - Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Pirates - Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Tank [Live][*] - Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Enemy God Dances with the Black Spirits [*] - Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Nutrocker [*] - Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Album Description

UK remastered reissue of the progressive rock supergroup's 1977 album with 3 live bonus tracks 'Tank', 'The Enemy God Dances With The Black Spirits' & 'Nutrocker'. 2001.

Customer Reviews:

This album makes you feel bad..........2006-09-30

... You question the Almighty: why didn't you give ME gifts like you gave these dudes? Why make me a mere mortal? The talent that's exhibited here, both in terms of composition and performance, is simply breath-taking and not a little inducive of life-cursing. Having "lost" this album for some time, I was glad to be able to revisit in the last week. It made me close my eyes and smile. There's some earth-shattering music here, despite what one ignorant (not to mention 'deaf') fellow reviewer would have you believe here in Amazon. For "M. Harris" to say that the Greg Lake side is "like Lucky Man 5-times over" is a mystery and downright unforgiveable ("M." must stand for "Moo"). Look: this may not be the best music that ever happened on the planet earth, but both the music and the lyrics are fresh and inviting. Dig the tasteful nostalgic turn on the accordion by Keith on C'est La Vie (accordion - French - get it?), or the urgency of Greg's delivery on Nobody Loves You Like I Do. How about the evocative mood set by I Believe In You? If this isn't good music, I'll just pack up and listen to bubble gum. And those who say this is "indulgent" - what does that mean? M. Harris didn't like Topographic Oceans either - that says a lot. There are those who haven't the time, or attention span, or intelligence to absorb and digest works of art. Oh well. If "indulgence" means showcasing your God-given ability, let me borrow Mr Lake's words, "Lead me to temptation..."

Details on this reissue here.......2006-02-20

This last great ELP project preceded their rapid decline but itself gets better with age. Emerson's Concerto proves what I always thought, that his compositions are perfectly suited for orchestra. Lake's songs are lovely and show off just how good a ballad singer he is (and what a pop star he is at heart!). Palmer's tracks take the longest to appreciate but are also the most rocking material on the album next to that last superb set of ELP performances, Fanfare... and Pirates. Comparisons to Floyd's Umma Gumma and the Beatles' White Album are fitting, as is the cliché that there's a terrific single album lost within the indulgences of most double albums. But all that's been said before, so my review will concern itself with the specific qualities of this re-issue (the Castle / Sanctuary / Phantom version).

Sound: There's no substantial sound improvement over the original Atlantic release, and though I can't be certain, I believe that this series uses the same remasters that came out on Leadclass / Rhino in the 90s.

Manufacture: Annoyingly, the Emerson Concerto is now burned as a single track, so you can no longer play the three movements separately (unlike on the original Atlantic issue). Worse yet, a glitch noticeable on headphones, also one not on the original version, now appears at the start of Nobody Loves You. Finally, the bonus tracks are good performances but of seriously bootleg quality. They're from the same 1978 US tour concerts as the live tracks on the Works 2 reissue but are much muddier sounding and offer nothing new musically except for a brief bluesy intro to Nutrocker.

Package: As in the rest of the Sanctuary series, the booklet has great pix and informative liner notes, but it no longer offers Peter Sinfield's lyrics or any musician credits at all, hence it's still maddeningly unclear who plays what. In a nutshell, don't buy this version if you already have an earlier release; it's great music in an inferior presentation.

ELP reaches the heights of self-indulgence (and it works).......2005-05-04

"Works, Volume 1" might be one of the most indulgent albums in history, but for my money Emerson, Lake and Palmer carry it off, both individually and collectively. On vinyl when this album came out in 1977 you had each of the progressive (nee classical) rock trio getting one side with the final side being a group effort:

Keith Emerson begins the self-aggrandizement on Disc 1 with his "Piano Concert No. 1," in three movements (I still do not know what Andante Molto Cantabile means, but I suspect I am not along in that regard). Since I have always preferred Emerson on piano rather than synthesizer/organ, I am inclined to like this solo jaunt into the classical realm. The third movement (Toccato con Fuoco) is the best, so there is a strong finish to the entire thing. I should also note that I have been waiting for "Piano Concert No. 2," but to date, no luck in that regard.

Since I have always wanted to have Greg Lake's voice in my rock and roll fantasies, I am gratified that his set of tracks are songs that feature his voice rather than musical pyrotechnics (granted, there are not a lot of opportunities for bass players to display their virtuosity with their instrument, although Chris Squires had some moments with Yes). These are orchestrated songs, rather than the acoustic approach inherent in his two hit singles "Lucky Man" and "Still You Turn Me On," and I think that Lake's vocals on "Lend Me Your Love Tonight," "C'Est Las Vie" and "Closer to Believing" are as fine as anything he has ever recorded, even though the lyrics are pretty inane.

Certainly the Carl Palmer tracks on the first half of Disc 2 feature his drumming skills more so than any previous ELP efforts, ranging from Bach's "Two Part Invention in D Minor" to the driving "The Enemy God Dances with the Black Spirits" to a remake of "Tank" that best represents the strong jazz influence on several of these tracks. Come to think of it, I do not know if I have really heard a drummer being featured like this since the glory days of Buddy Rich.

The two tracks that comprise the ELP section of the collection are a perfect combination of their best effort at presenting their own version of a classical work, in this case Aaron Copeland's "Fanfare for the Common Man," and what may well be their best "suite," the 13-minute "Pirates." Of their earlier attempts at such grandeur, "Pirates" is more reminiscent of "Karn Evil 9" than "Tarkus" or "Trilogy," and has what certainly seems to me to be a strong Copeland influence, which extends beyond the use of a symphonic orchestra. I find the track somewhat amazing simply because who else would ever think about writing something like this first person narrative about being a pirate? It is a very unique piece of work from ELP.

"Works, Volume 1" made it to #12 on the Billboard Pop Charts, which is not bad for something that is both indulgent and a double-album. Final note: "Works, Volume 2" is really just a collection of leftovers and not a continuation of the high standards set in Volume 1, although it does contain their classic holiday single, "I Believe in Father Christmas," which is sufficient justification to add it to your collection.

You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore - Vol. 1

Average customer rating:

A Good Place To Start.
Zappa does the Grateful Dead thing, only better.
absolute greatness
Send in the diseased musicians
You'll like it

You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore - Vol. 1
Frank Zappa
Manufacturer: Zappa Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore - Vol. 2
You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore - Vol. 3
You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore - Vol. 4
You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore - Vol. 6
You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore - Vol. 5

ASIN: B0000009TN
Release Date: 1995-05-16

Tracks:

The Florida Airport Tape
Once Upon A Time
Sofa #1
The Mammy Anthem
You Didn't Try To Call Me
Diseases Of The Band
Tryin To Grow A Chin
Let's Make The Water Turn Black/Harry, You're A Beast/The Orange County Lumber Truck
The Groupie Routine
Ruthie-Ruthie
Babbette
I'm The Slime
Big Swifty
Don't Eat The Yellow Snow

Tracks:

Plastic People
The Torture Never Stops
Fine Girl
Zomby Woof
Sweet Leilani
Oh No
Be In My Video
The Deathless Horsie
The Dangerous Kitchen
Dumb All Over
Heavenly Bank Account
Suicide Chump
Tell Me You Love Me
Sofa #2

Customer Reviews:

A Good Place To Start........2006-02-02

In the late 1980's Frank Zappa went into his vault, and began work on a mammoth retrospective of every phase of his professional career, from the early recordings of the scandalous Mothers Of Invention, all the way through to what would be his final touring ensemble, the 11-piece backing band that, due to infighting, wound up disbanding before the tour was completed. There is a lot, and I mean A LOT of music in this series. Every line-up has something to offer, and this volume, the first in the series, gives the listener twenty-eight tracks, all live, recorded on different stages all over the world. The opening number, "The Florida Airport Tape," is a candid recording Zappa made on his portable tape recorder, of Mark Volman telling the other guys in the Mothers, circa 1970, that he had vomited on stage ("puked onstage," in his words), and wanted to know if anybody else had noticed this. Of course, poor-taste jokes follow, and this segues to a 1971 performance of the band, with most of the guys from the 1970 Florida tape, playing part of a forgotten suite,"Once Upon A Time," that leads into an early version of "Sofa (sung in German)." This leads right into a recording of the 1982 band playing an instrumental version of what would, with lyrics, appear on "Thing-Fish," two years later, as "The Mammy Anthem." And so forth, all through this disc, ending with a 1979 performance of "Don't Eat The Yellow Snow." FZ himself referred to this as a "totally stupid" song, but the version included here, is a first-class live performance, and worth buying the disc for. It depicts the band, in top form, recreating the music from the original as heard on "Apostrophe'," but with a lot added, most notably, the unreleased "Rollo."

Disc Two follows the same format, starting with the original Mothers Of Invention playing in a bar in the Bronx, New York, Spring tour, 1969, replete with stage announcements by Frank Zappa, telling the owner of a green Chevy, that his car needs to be moved, and the listener is transported through time and space, from the 1960's, through the 1970's, and into the 1980's, ending with the 1981 band's MTV special, before MTV turned into what it is now; it actually had MUSIC, played by MUSICIANS back then, and to give this volume a sense of beginning, main body, end, it closes with the MTV special's clip of the 1981 band playing an instrumental version of "Sofa," the track near the beginning of the first disc that had Howard Kaylan and Mark Volman singing in German.

Bottom line, this is a THOROUGHLY enjoyable cross-section of Frank Zappa's music, all live, and an excellent first volume of the series. In time, I aim to write reviews of all six volumes.

Zappa does the Grateful Dead thing, only better........2005-10-23

This is the first of six volumes of two disks per volume of live material done by various Zappa bands, including the original 'Mothers of Invention', the augmented band including former Turtles, Mark Volman and Howard Kaylen, and later groups simply performing under Zappa's name.

The material in the whole series covers twenty years of performing, and the notes say that great care was taken to select the best version of each piece.

I have so far only heard this first volume and as a long time Zappa fan, I believe this material is as good or better than what you will find in many of the earlier albums done by the original 'Mothers' group. The tracks include a rather large amount of Frank and other band members interacting with the audience and relatively few purely instrumental tracks. This is just fine with me. If you want instrumental, get 'Hot Rats' or 'Shut Up 'n Play Yer Guitar'.

There is a fair amount of overlap with some well-known albums such as the 'Filmore East, June, 1971' album but most of the material, unlike so many Grateful Dead live albums, is different enough to make the comparison interesting.

Great value for Zappa fans, except that it makes us miss Frank all the more!

absolute greatness.......2005-10-10

This compilation of live tracks from 1969-1984 represents almost every style zappa did. It has just so much good. It has the Flo&Eddie 1971 band play "Sofa #1", "Once Upon A Time" is a prelude to it, and "The Groupie Routine" which is almost the same thing as "Do You Like My New Car?" from "Fillmore East, June 1971". There's also a conversation where someone talks about puking on stage called "The Florida Airport Tape". The Roxy band here plays "Big Swifty", "I'm The Slime", "Babette", "Ruthie-Ruthie". The 1969 Mothers of Invention have a great medley "Let's Make the Water Turn Black/Harry You're A Beast/Orange County Lumber Truck". As well as an absolutely awesome version of "Oh No", and "Plastic People" played in the riff of "Louie, Louie". "Ruthie-Ruthie" is also played like that. The M.O.I also play "Sweet Leilani", a cover of some old folk tune and then break into avant-garde. The 1976 band plays "The Torture Never Stops" which is good, but it's too long (15 minutes). There's also the 1982 band playing "Fine Girl", and "Zomby Woof" where mosquitos kept on biting them. Also "The Mammy Anthem", "Tell Me You Love Me" and "Sofa #2". The 1981 band plays 3 songs, "Dumb All Over", "Heavenly Bank Account", and "Suicide chump" which are great. They're all from "You Are what You Is". The '84 band plays "Be In My Video" which is better than the studio version, and "The Dangerous Kitchen", and "The Deathless Horsie". The 1979 band plays "Don't Eat The Yellow Snow" which goes on for 20 minutes because they also play "Nanook Rubs It", "St. Alfonzo's Pancake Breakfast", and "Father O'Blivion" and there's another song which I don't know, and crowd participation. He also called the yellow snow lyrics stupid. The 1979 band also has "You Didn't Try to Call me", "Diseases of the Band" where FZ talks about how some band members are sick, and "Tryin' To Grow A Chin" which is very catchy, and it's sung by Denny Walley, because Terry Bozzio was no longer in the band. That's all the songs. The previously unreleased titles are "The Florida Airport Tape", "Once Upon A Time", "Diseases Of The Band", "The Groupie Routine", "Babette", "Ruthie-Rithie", and "Sweet Leilani". This without any doubts for me is the best of the series of YCDTOSA. Definetly highly recommended.

Send in the diseased musicians.......2002-11-05

I have still yet to hear Vol. 5. However, I risk saying that besides the special case of Vol. 2 (a single concert by the much beloved '74 Mothers), this one is probably the most successfull installment of the series. Read, something for everyone. No matter how you may dislike some Zappa line-up or other, it is unlikely that no part of this double CD at all won't give you immense listening pleasure (if you enjoy Zappa's music, of course). I am tremendously thrilled by the Roxy band (1973) version of "Big Swifty", one of the hottest pieces of jazz-rock music I have ever heard, anywhere... very different from the original studio version. Three words: GEORGE DUKE SMOKES! (And we all know that if Duke smokes, then so will the Zapper!) Spend the dough for this ditty alone, and listen to 'em go... It is that good! I am also fond of the lovely minuet groove of "Once Upon a Time" (a prelude to "Sofa"), with Jim "The Lord" Pons' nasal bass voice that is so funny... The London 1978, 20 minute version of "Don't Eat the Yellow Snow" includes an otherwise unavailable "classical" composition called "Rollo", that features striking 12-tone style vocals by Tommy Mars, and an overall impressive performance by an eight-piece band, half of whom were affected with various road diseases and ailments... That is quite historical and has "MC" Zappa giving one rather snide shot at the English people's eating habits (though one cannot help but question here the American composer's own notorious Wiener-based diet...) and having punters come on stage to recite poetry. Which is... enlightening!... Lastly, I will second the "molten metal" metaphor by the other reviewer with regard to the instrumental "Mammy Anthem", performed as it is in Palermo ('82). That was recorded in the middle of an actual riot in the audience, complete with tear gas bombs (which can be overheard here), that says quite a lot about the band leader's guts and work ethics! One other beautiful tune!

You'll like it.......2002-02-16

You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore (Part 1) is the first of six double CD's that include 28 tracks of live performances. The quality of the sound engineering is quite impressive. I was particularly impressed with the bass on "One Upon a Time." In addition, I believe that Zappa fans will not be able to find the following tracks in any other location (at least Zappa didn't authorize such productions) "One Upon a Time," "Ruthie-Ruthie," "Babbette," and "Sweet Leilani." I listened to these four tracks with great fascination. If there are other copies, I doubt they could achieve the same level of quality found on this CD. Excluding these four, the other tracks can be found on various CDs and LPs. However, the renditions on this CD are live and offer a different interpretation of the music. I enjoyed listening to familiar music executed in a different manner. I think all Zappa fans will enjoy this CD and the others in the set.

Average customer rating:

I am in heaven
Imperfect but essential for serious fans - 4 1/2 stars really!
Incredible...
Simply amazing
For die hard Gabriel-era Genesis fans only

Genesis Archive, Vol. 1: 1967-1975
Genesis
Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Genesis Archive #2 1976-1992
Live
Trespass
Nursery Cryme
Seconds Out

ASIN: B000007RU1
Release Date: 1998-06-16

Tracks:

The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway
Fly On A Windshield
Broadway Melody Of 1974
Cuckoo Cocoon
In The Cage
The Grand Parade Of Lifeless Packaging
Back In N.Y.C.
Hairless Heart
Counting Out Time
Carpet Crawlers
The Chamber Of 32 Doors

Tracks:

Lilywhite Lilith
The Waiting Room
Anyway
Here Comes The Supernatural Anaesthetist
The Lamia
Silent Sorrow In Empty Boats
The Colony Of Slippermen (Arrival. A Visit To The Doktor, Raven)
Ravine
The Light Dies Down On Broadway
Riding The Scree
In The Rapids
It

Tracks:

Dancing With The Moonlit Knight
Firth Of Fifth
More Fool Me
Suppers Ready
I Know What I Like
Stagnation
Twilight Alehouse
Happy The Man
Watcher Of The Skies (Remix)

Tracks:

In The Wilderness
Shepherd
Pacidy
Let Us Now Make Love
Going Out To Get You
Dusk
Build Me A Mountain
Image Blown Out
One Day
Where The Sour Turns To Sweet
In The Beginning
The Magic Of Time
Hey!
Hidden In The World Of Dawn
Sea Bee
The Mystery Of The Flannan Isle Lighthouse
Hair On The Arms And Legs
She Is Beautiful
Try A Little Sadness
Patricia

Amazon.com

The Who needed two rock operas to reach their apex, but Genesis climaxed first time out with The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway. On the live version which takes up half of this four-CD box, the Peter Gabriel-fronted incarnation goes out with a bang, dressing up its art rock in black leather and brass knuckles. Disc 3's live renditions of "Supper's Ready" and "Dancing with the Moonlit Knight" are nearly as powerful, while Disc 4's demos from the embryonic late-'60s lineup offer a pleasing glimpse into the group's folk and psychedelic roots. Expansive yet muscular, this compelling set shows Gabriel and company paving the way for a generation of pop explorers right up through Radiohead. All nostalgia should sound this vital. --Billy Grenier

Customer Reviews:

I am in heaven.......2007-02-19

This 4 cd pack give us "The lamb lies down on Broadway" Live with a impressive sound quality. I prefer this version than the original.
The third cd contains real classic in Live version like "Dancing with the Moonlit Knight", "Firth of Fifth" and "Supper's Ready" and some others plus other studio cuts.
The fourth cd is for die hard fan, and contains early demos in the 1966-1970 period. Again, "The lamb.." is simply amazing.

Imperfect but essential for serious fans - 4 1/2 stars really! .......2007-01-11

I'll give them 5 stars for finally releasing this material, but there are some flaws with this collection that bump it down to a 4 star (4.5 really) rating.

On the plus side:
Prior to this release, the only official live set from the Gabriel-era Genesis was "Genesis Live", a 1 LP album covering material up to "Foxtrot". The glaring omission was "Supper's Ready". Fans like myself, who consider the stuff with Gabriel to be infinitely superior, had to settle for "Seconds Out" (more like "Sloppy Seconds"), with Phil Collins singing the vocals. Phil Collins did a mostly decent job at covering them, but it wasn't the real deal! This box set corrects this.

The performances are all very good, and they include some of Peter Gabriel's stories in between. There is no repetition with "Genesis Live", so they are very complementary and fans will want both.

The collection includes two songs previously not on any album, "Twilight Alehouse" and "Happy the Man". "Happy the Man" doesn't thrill me, but "Twilight Alehouse" is great, and apparently an early concert favorite.

On the minus side:
Disk 4 is entirely material dating from before "Trespass", before Genesis really found their "classic" style. I am not a fan of their first album "From Genesis to Revelations". To me this CD is of interest only as a curiosity. It is very interesting, for instance, that Peter Gabriel already had that distinctive raspy quality to his voice in 1967, when he was 17 years old! Some of the material is decent, some is rather weak. Still, I won't be playing this disk very often.

Another partial downer is that Gabriel and Hackett re-recorded some of their parts on the live "Lamb..." on the first two disks. In some spots it's quite obvious because, as with any singer, Peter Gabriel's voice changed in the 23 years since. Still this is nitpicking really. It's great to have the complete live performance.

One further bit of nitpicking on the choice of material. I really don't mean to bash on Phil Collins, but do we really need a live version of "More Fool Me"? This song really was filler material. Meanwhile two glaring omissions from the collection are "Cinema Show", and especially "Fountain of Salmacis".

Despite some imperfections, serious fans of the "real" Genesis need this collection. Neophytes should get the 4 classic studio albums, "Nursery Cryme", "Foxtrot", "Selling England by the Pound", and "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway" first, and then get this box set plus "Genesis Live". After that they should also get "Trespass" and "Trick of the Tale", which are not as good, but still very worthwhile. Skip the rest, in my (perhaps not so) humble opinion.

One complaint I have is that the booklet, while it has great photos and is fun to read, is very flimsy and is begining to fall apart after one reading. Boo!

Incredible..........2006-12-10

Classic era Genesis. As always, the musicianship is top notch.
Phil Collins plays the drums like they owe him money!

If you like Genesis LIVE, you'll love this. Worth the price!

Simply amazing.......2006-06-22

I was always a fan of Genesis during the Peter Gabriel era, but did not particularly like 'The Lamb' for it's over produced synthetic sound. For me the live version is like a completely new work. The amazing musical/narative quality of this work is finnaly getting out of it's electronic shell. I cannot reccomend this collection highly enough. I haven't even listened to the other 2 CD's but this collection is worth buying just for the 'The Lamb'.

Without all the dated electronic artifacts from the studio version, this work becomes modern again and a classic that will be enjoyed, I am sure, by many generations to come.

For die hard Gabriel-era Genesis fans only.......2006-03-04

The fact that this boxed-set has been out since 1998 and I have only just acquired it should attest to the fact that I am not a huge fan of the packaged fluff record companies throw at the public to continue making money off of old material. However, the fact that I was willing to spend a fairly significant chunk of change for this should indicate that I am I great fan of Genesis. I am not one of those "Gabriel vs. Collins" types, however. Genesis was a band that offered its listeners (particularly pre-"Duke") sophisticated compositions with superior instrumental technique; it mattered not whether Gabriel was fronting the band or Collins (although I will admit a preference for Gabriel's voice).

"Genesis Archive 1967-75" offers several delicious tidbits from the Gabriel era. The live version of "The Lamb" (discs 1&2) has some very fine moments. The overdubbing of new vocals by Gabriel is both fascinating and a distraction as the obviously mature Gabriel vocals mix in with the poorer quality (sound-wise) of a live mix 1975 Genesis. The final track from this bit, "It", is the real tease though. As mentioned elsewhere, it was, out of necessity, a studio track, but it packs more power than most of the other tracks from this live Lamb. It made me wish they had just re-recorded the entire album in the studio.

Disc 3 is the gem here. The live recordings of much of "Selling England" are high quality and high energy. The older pieces, "Twilight Ale House", "Stagnation", and "Happy the Man" are nice choices that demonstrate what Genesis was to evolve from, while "Watcher in the Sky" captures that powerful potential nicely. Unfortunately, this "Watcher" is badly recorded and suffers from distorted vocals. I have saved mention of "Supper's Ready" for last, because without its presence in the boxed set, I would not have purchased it. "Supper's Ready", to me, is the quintessential Genesis piece. Their story-telling ability, their composition skill, and their technical expertise, all fall into place in this incredible piece of music. I always felt that the studio version from "Foxtrot" was a bit flat, especially compared to the stunning job done post-Gabriel on the live "Seconds Out". I had great hopes that the live version on "Genesis Archive" would give the power of the "Seconds Out" version only with Gabriel on vocals. I don't believe it does. It is not a question of Gabriel vs. Collins, but a matter of the overall quality of the recording. The mix of Supper's Ready on "Seconds Out" is far superior in my opinion, and the performance itself is much tighter and cleaner.

Disc 4 of "Genesis Archive" is a collection of very early work, before the real Genesis style had developed. It is a curiosity at best and left me wishing someone had taken the time to track down additional live cuts of later songs (perhaps from Nursery Cryme).

If you have no live Genesis recordings, I would point you in the direction of "Seconds Out". It contains samplings of the majority of the best years of this band and the overall recording is of better quality than "Archives". If you're just not happy unless Gabriel's at the mic, then perhaps this compilation is right for you. For me, it just doesn't offer enough special moments to justify the price tag.

Average customer rating:

Fripp's love / hate relationship with the "USA" album continues
An excellent view of the live power of this version of KC
Some of the finest live Crim
Excellent Concerts
Superb shows, but frustrating purchase.

The Collectable King Crimson, Vol. 1
King Crimson
Manufacturer: Discipline Us
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Night Watch
USA: 30th Anniversary Edition
Starless and Bible Black - 30th Anniversary Edition Remastered
Larks Tongues in Aspic - 30th Anniversary Edition Remastered

ASIN: B0007KVREG
Release Date: 2006-11-07

Tracks:

Walk On...No Pussyfooting
Larks' Tongues In Aspic: Part II
Lament
Exiles
Asbury Park
Easy Money
Fracture
Starless
21st Century Schizoid Man

Tracks:

Improv: The Savage
Dr. Diamond
Improv: Arabica
Exiles
Improv: Atria
The Night Watch
Starless
Lament
Improv: Trio
Easy Money

Customer Reviews:

Fripp's love / hate relationship with the "USA" album continues.......2007-05-08

The box set "Great Deceiver" (essential concert material from the Wetton-Bruford years) was intended, in part, to stand as proof that "USA" wasn't the "best" or "only" live document from that era. The set from Providence, especially the bombastic take on "Easy Money," made "Deceiver" an instant classic. That said, it didn't diminish the core KC fan appetite for "USA" one bit. Fripp ultimately relented during the 30th Anniversary "miniature cardboard sleeves" era of Crimson reissues on CD. Bonus tracks were added, but it was still the edited gig...just as it appeared on the original vinyl release. The Asbury Park CD from "Collectible KC Vol 1" presents the show as it happened...no edits on "Asbury Park" or "Easy Money," no Eddie Jobson overdubs. It doesn't matter if the potential consumer is a King Crimson purist or a casual fan. The Fripp-Wetton-Bruford-Cross KC was one snarling beast...less calculatingly eccentric and precise than the Belew rebirth and more like four virtuoso musicians in a take-no-prisoners battle to death for the spotlight. The 1974 tour resulted in the band's breakup and the posthumous assembly and tweaking of the "USA" tapes, but this new release allows you to put yourself in that Asbury Park audience...the next best thing to being there. If you have "Great Deceiver" and "Night Watch," you'll want this.

An excellent view of the live power of this version of KC.......2007-02-28

If you are interested in the Wtton/Bruford/Cross/Fripp version of Crimson, this is a good choice. Excellent recordings of the full concerts. Some of this material was used on other recordings, but it's nice to get the context of the original concert.

Funny enough, my copy had the disc labels crossed, so I was sort of surprised when I put the first disc in!

Some of the finest live Crim.......2007-01-18

I think this period in the band's evolution has produced some of its best live material and improvisations. This album captures a time when the quartet of Wetton, Fripp, Cross and Bruford had their synergy at its peak. Best "Night Watch" version I have heard live from all the other performances I've listened to.

Excellent Concerts.......2007-01-07

This concerts are part of the hiden tapes of the band, the sound is really awsome, the clear versions of EXILES and THE NIGHT WATCH, are definitly better of other live versions, in fact i think that is a good option if you don`t have the official box THE GREAT DECEIVER, i think that this one is a good optional item, for have something of that tour.

For all the Crimsons Fans, surely this most be one of the best live material of the band in the days of DAVID CROSS and the legendary JOHN WETTON.

Superb shows, but frustrating purchase........2007-01-06

First off, I highly recommend this package to anyone interested in King Crimson. The band are simply superb here and the two shows, recorded almost exactly three months apart show how the songs/improvs developed in that time frame. There wasn't another band quite like this one back in 1974 and there certainly hasn't been one like them in the past 30+ years. I have absolutely zero complaints about the shows, the sound, the packaging, the performances, anything.
What irritates me is the way they were released. I bought the Mainz show included in this package from the KC website as part of the Collector's Club series. I was under the impression that was the only way to get them.
I bought it as the perfect companion to the remastered "USA" live album, which was originally released in 1975 after the band broke up. The problem with "USA", which was recorded in Asbury Park, was there were studio overdubs done later and there were severe edits on several tracks. For years, the Holy Grail of Crimheads was the original unedited show.
Then I read that the Asbury Park show was to be released in its unedited form, but only as a download from the KC site. According to the liner notes included with this package, it's the single most popular download since Fripp authorized the downloads to begin.
So my questions are this; Why? Why make fans pay $9.99 to download it, only to then release it as a factory pressed disc? Then, why package it with another show that most fans have already bought as a stand alone title from the KC store? Basically I have purchased "USA" on vinyl, on cassette, on CD and now again, in a re-mixed and unedited form. To have to repurchase Mainz again just makes it all seem a little too slick and a bit underhanded.
However, if you do NOT already own any live Crimson from this era, then by all means, run to your nearest retailer or friendly computer and order it. This music is so intense it could cause sterility at volume, take the paint off a wall at 20 feet and destroy brain cells from across the street. Buy it and see.......

Flickering Flame: The Solo Years, Vol. 1

Average customer rating:

A real Classic!
Flickering Flame- Simply Top Notch
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

Flickering Flame: The Solo Years, Vol. 1
Roger Waters
Manufacturer: Sony/Columbia
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Amused to Death
The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking
When the Wind Blows
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Ça Ira

ASIN: B000065CGS
Release Date: 2001-04-10

Tracks:

Knockin' On Heaven's Door
Too Much Rope
The Tide Is Turning
Perfect Sense Part I & II
Three Wishes
5.06 AM (Every Stranger's Eyes)
Who Needs Information
Each Small Candle
Flickering Flame (New Demo)
Towers Of Faith
Radio Waves
Lost Boys Calling (Original Demo)

Album Details

A Definitive Retrospective Covering Rogers Solo Career Encompassing Songs from his Three Solo Albums and his Live Album. Features a Unique, Unreleased Cover of Dylan' 'knockin on Heaven' Door'plus Two Tracks Performed Live and a Remixes of 'who Needs Information'

Customer Reviews:

A real Classic!.......2007-03-10

A must have for a real Waters fan. It touches on a little of everything from his solo years.

Flickering Flame- Simply Top Notch.......2006-10-09

I have all the works of Pink Floyd and all of Rog's solo albums. I would rate this one as the best for two reasons. First of all the recordings in this album are of near perfect quality, and second the three new songs reveal more of this great musicians heart. His concert tour this fall 2006 showed he is just getting better. We hope the tour will be offered in DVD and CD soon. The only negative is that you can not play Flickering Flame on your computer, to try to slow the ripping of the songs I guess.
Gary Thurber

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?.......2004-11-24

NOBODY HAS TAKEN THE TIME TO RATE THIS JOYOUS EVENT? ANY RELEASE BY ROG IS AN EVENT. IF YOU ARE JUST LEARNING ROG, BUY THIS CD. IT'S A GREAT COLLECTION. BUT I SUGGEST YOU BUY ALL ROGER WATERS SOLO MATERIAL. I WOULDN'T RUSH TO GET "THE BODY", BUT ANYTHING ELSE IS A WINNER. HEADPHONES OR REAL, REAL LOUD IS A PLUS. PEACE

Average customer rating:

Music's Best Kept Secret!
The best Various Artists compilation disc ever made
Couldn't be better!
Buy it!
a must have

Bridge School Concerts, Vol. 1
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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VH1 Storytellers

ASIN: B000002NJ9
Release Date: 1997-11-18

Tracks:

I Am A Child - Neil Young
Shadow Of A Doubt (A Complex Kid) - Tom Petty
All That You Have Is Your Soul - Tracy Chapman
Sense Of Purpose - Pretenders With The Duke String Quartet
It's All In Your Mind - Beck
The Road's My Middle Name - Bonnie Raitt
Yes It Is - Don Henley
Friend Of The Devil - Ministry
America - Simon & Garfunkel
Heroes - David Bowie
Nothingman - Pearl Jam
Battle Of Evermore - Lovemongers
Believe - Nils Lofgren
Alison - Elvis Costello
People Have The Power - Patti Smith

Customer Reviews:

Music's Best Kept Secret!.......2007-07-26

Unless you know what the Bridge School is, you'd foolishly pass this work of art by... The Bridge School is a 'Stellar' school for handicapped children, located near Stanford University in CA. The concerts at the Bridge School are like having the likes of David Bowie, Edward Veddward and Neil Young playing their hearts out in your backyard, for you (apologies to EV), because you are such a wonderful person. The Lovemongers (I think are Ann and Nancy Wilson of HEART) version of Led Zepelin's (sp) Battle of Evermore is 'jaw dropping'. This CD is, simply put, Music's Best Kept Secret... Buy it

The best Various Artists compilation disc ever made.......2007-02-15

Compilation discs are a dime a dozen and many are quite good but many more are a waste of time. My review title is not hyperbole. First, all of the artists who appear seem to ratchet up their performances because they are playing for such a terrific cause established by one of contemporary music's most respected stars. Even though the artists all donate their talent to the Bridge School Concerts, one can surmise that getting a call from Neil and Pegi Young to appear is a thrill.
Naturally, all of the performances are excellent since they have been carefully chosen from many shows, but my favorite tracks are the five in a row from Simon and Garfunkel, David Bowie, Pearl Jam, the Love Mongers (the Wilson sisters from Heart), and Nils Lofgren.
Bowie's complete set here has been widely bootlegged and it's easy to see why. Likewise, Vedder's vocal is brilliant, but the Wilson sisters cover of Zeppelin's Battle of Evermore is uncanny.
The fact that all of the performances are unplugged is an added treat since most of these songs are electric in their original incarnations.

Please do yourself and the Bridge School a favor and buy this c.d.

Couldn't be better!.......2004-02-07

This CD brings me to (good) tears every time I hear it! The music is beautiful in its simplicity. These are true legends at their finest. The fact that their hearts are open to this wonderful cause only adds to their talent and the strength of the music.

Buy it!.......2000-06-08

First. It helps if you like acoustic guitar. Second. Even if you don't you won't be able to find any other CD that even comes close to capturing the raw talent of some of today's legends. I can't help thinking that Neil Young tells all of the performers to "keep it simple". Vocals and a guitar work wonders with these kids. Tom Petty's guitar work is astounding, Chrissie Hynde (Pretenders) vocals are pure, Simon & Garfunkel...wow, Pearl Jam...I'm now a fan, listen closely and Neil say's it best..."Elvis (Costello) you're a genius!", the best song in my opinion is Nils Lofgren. It's simply elegant. I came here to write this because I love music and this is the best album I have EVER purchased! Please Neil...MORE! I'll be sending a donation.

a must have.......1999-11-07

after seeing neil young's 1999 bridge school concert, i listened to this CD and immediately felt like sending $1,000 to the bridge school (if only i could afford it!). seriously, this album is the most excellent collection of artists and their songs that i have heard. most collections are unlistenable after the first listening, but this album can be listened to over and over!

Average customer rating:

Strictly for Progressive Rock aficionados
GREAT COMPILATION OF RENAISSANCE!
Excellent 70s Prog Rock!
"Novella" is not represented;but also Ashes are burning ...
your going to love this !

Tales of 1001 Nights, Vol. 1
Renaissance
Manufacturer: Sire / London/Rhino
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Tales of 1001 Nights, Vol. 2
Scheherazade & Other Stories
Novella
Ashes Are Burning
Turn of the Cards

ASIN: B000002LKN
Release Date: 1990-03-16

Tracks:

Prologue
Can You Understand
Carpet Of The Sun
Running Hard
I Think Of You
Black Flame
Mother Russia
Ocean Gypsy
Trip To The Fair
The Vultures Fly High
The Young Prince And Princess As Told By Scheherazade

Amazon.com

Like a prog-rock Pentangle, Renaissance served up a pleasing melange of classical, Celtic, pop, and rock influences that reached its peak during the mid-'70s recordings anthologized here. Live renditions of "Can You Understand" and "Carpet of the Sun" prove the band was as technically proficient (and long-winded!) on stage as they were in the studio. Annie Haslam's sweetly operatic vocals are complemented by orchestral-strength rock arrangements, including that obligatory Rickenbacker bass sound. With the inclusion of "Running Hard" and "Mother Russia," this collection features most of the band's best-known songs, although "Ashes Are Burning" is conspicuously absent. (Had to save something for volume two.) --Billy Grenier

Customer Reviews:

Strictly for Progressive Rock aficionados.......2005-10-08

If one's musical inclination lies in the fusion of folk, rock and classical music, then "Tales of 1001 Nights -- Vols. I & II" by Renaissance should resonate comfortably with you.

Similar in musicality to Mannheim Steam Roller, but interwoven with thoughtful lyrics from Cornish poetess Betty Thatcher, many of the masterpieces which brought international acclaim to this seventies 'art rock' group are faithfully represented here, both in their Carnegie Hall and studio recordings between 1971 and 1979.

While the inclusion of "Rajah Khan", "The Flood at Lyons" and "Sisters" would have been nice additions to either of these albums (or perhaps another album a la "Tales of 1001 Nights -- Vol. 3"), it is nonetheless an absolute delight to hear many of Michael Dunford's skillfully crafted compositions, Annie Haslam's soaring vocals, Terry Sullivan's classical interpretations on keyboard, Jon Camp's lead bass and John Tout's percussion preserved on two CDs for future generations.

Though critics often label Renaissance a 'pretentious' progressive rock band, one should consider their musical repertoire in the context of instruments available and musical styles other bands had covered up to this time, in which case one will then realise the innovation and intelligence of these meistersingers.

GREAT COMPILATION OF RENAISSANCE!.......2005-05-26

This CD is well worth owning - especially if you can only have ONE Renaissance CD in a "limited collection". Although a CD it should whet your appetite for more Renaissance - perhaps in other formats. The song "I Think of You" which in some ways sounds like it belongs in a romantic film is, to put it mildly, simply captivating. Annie Haslam's sexy and dream-like vocals carries you to the past and back again. Carpet of the Sun demostrates that the band did actually come across quite well LIVE and did not rely on studio "gimmicks" to project imagery, fantasy, and imagination. I prefer this CD to the "VOL II" version which contains mostly later songs.

Excellent 70s Prog Rock!.......2003-04-05

The liner notes to this compilation say it all - there are two kind of people: those who've never heard of Renaissance and those that have and LOVE THEM.

For those who are new to Renaissance, this collection of their songs is a great place to start; this and "volume two." Think of Yes with an opera-trained female singer and you're kinda close to the Renaissance sound: progressive time and tempo changes, ambitious lyrical themes, the use of orchestral instruments, and the Rickenbacker electric bass! Jon Camp plays his Rickenbacker in the same manner as Chris Squire (Yes), approaching the bass guitar as though it were a melody instrument.

This first volume of their two-volume "best of" CDs begins with an "instrumental" that appeared on their first album, although this disc uses a live version. It's MOSTLY instrumental - a reworking of themes used in Russian classical music - though it also contains a vocalise from the angel-voiced Annie Haslam.

The CD continues with two more songs from the band's live Carnegie Hall album, including one of my favorite Renaissance songs, "Carpet of the Sun." (I'd have prefered the studio version of the song, from the "Ashes are Burning" album.) If you've only heard ONE Renaissance song in your life, it was probably this beautiful acoustic song; it was the closest the band ever came to a "hit."

More classic Renaissance songs follow, and one begins to hear the similarities between this band and that other 70s Progressive Rock band from England, Yes. But as wonderful as Jon Anderson's voice was (and still is, all these years later), Renaissance has the added advantage of vocalist Annie Haslam, who was trained by a world-reknowned opera singer and reportedly has an 8-octave range! Some may find this "opera" style of singing a little too much to bear, but it's the voice of the band and the reason so many fans love them!

If you like Yes and other Progressive Rock bands, check out this CD.

"Novella" is not represented;but also Ashes are burning ..........2003-03-25

Well the album "Novella" is not represented here, but also "Ashes are burning" is almost completely absent (except on the tracks "Carpet of the sun" and "Can you understand"). Usually I don't like such collections, even though I must admit that instead both "Turn of the cards" and "Scheherazade" are well included within; and moreover the ouput is quite excellent for a novice, such a good representation of their remarkable career.Otherwise I can't feel to recommend this anthology- as a perfect place to start-to every one who wants to know the best Renaissance stuff;in fact despite of containing some of the best pieces of music art,regarding their most famous and probably best albums, you don't find here some other jewels (I think also of the splendid title track within the album "A song for all season's, which is probably their best symphonic prog mini-suite, or "Can you hear me" from "Novella" -another must-have- which unfortunately have not been included here.)

Remarkable,even though not completely essential,collection by Renaissance...

your going to love this !.......2003-01-03

What a treat this CD turned out to be infact after playing it just once I ordered VOL 2. First of all the sound quality is remarkable considering this material comes largely from the early 70`s. This is a band thats not frightened to challenge conventional progressive boundaries, not only that they get big results . For me Renaissance are like a more restraint version of all the older progressive bands, they include odd timing meters and loads of classical orientation. Perhaps the big plus to Renaissance apart from there fantastic musical composisions is Annie Haslam, WOW what a great voice she has (beautiful) yet also dynamic, and the keyboard work of John Tout will surely not go unoticed on this CD. To sum it up it runs for over 70 minutes and in all of that time I cant say there is a bad song on it. When they compiled this CD they must have really thought long and hard about it because I have listened to many progressive bands and rarely before have i heard such beauty.
I guess for me this was a perfect selection (being new to Renaissance) I plan to get every one of there CD`s but this was a great place to start . I hope you like Renaissance as much as I do, if you like prog with classical influences your going to love this !

Average customer rating:

Some good ones, some bad also
excellent compilation but.......
Mercury Does it again....
Great collection though now inferior as Rush Gold is out now and this disc appears on it
Retrospective I, A Good Rush Collection

Retrospective, Vol. 1 (1974-1980)
Rush
Manufacturer: Island / Mercury
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Retrospective, Vol. 2 (1981-1987)
Test for Echo
Different Stages: Live
All The World's A Stage
Gold

ASIN: B000001EVB
Release Date: 1997-05-06

Tracks:

The Spirit Of The Radio
The Trees
Something For Nothing
Freewill
Xanadu
Bastille Day
By-Tor And The Snow Dog
Anthem
Closer To The Heart
2112 Overture
The Temples Of Syrinx
La Villa Strangiato
Fly By Night
Finding My Way

Amazon.com

These two discs offer a fine overview of the band's work, breaking it roughly into the earlier, more complex period ("Bastille Day," "Anthem") and the later, "poppier" era ("Red Barchetta," "Subdivisions"). I prefer the former-listen to a little of "The Temples of Syrinx" and you'll see why-but it really depends on where you came into the Rush story. (And yeah, Geddy Lee did sound like Donald Duck on helium back then, but that was part of the charm.) As for those of you who may think recent Rush or Primus (ack!) are really where it's at, well, you need these discs more. Jim Derogatis

Customer Reviews:

Some good ones, some bad also.......2007-04-15

I am not a great fan from the early years, I prefer what the band has become after this period. Even so, there is some great stuff on this cd.
There is 8 tracks out of 14 that I really like, here they are :
Spirit of Radio, The Trees, Freewill, Xanadu, Closer to the heart,
2112 Overture, The temple of Syrinx and finally, La Villa Strangiato.
The other track, most of them from 1974-1975 are less attractive to me.
Overall, it is a good cd but not a great one.

excellent compilation but..............2006-07-28

Retrospective 1 is a an amazing compilation, i got it with Retrospective 2 and i was impressed. obviously this is better compilation compared to their single disc greatest hits cd Spirit of the radio. It's got songs like my two personnal favorites from fly by night Anthem and By-tor and the Snowdog
And it also includes the 11 minute Xanadu which is a great song from their 1977 album A farewell to kings plus other great songs from 1974 to 1980. But i can't help noticing that they're are other songs missing like Jacob's Ladder,Natuaral Science,Lessons,Different strings,Cygnus X-1 Book 2:Hemispheres,Twilight zone,Circumstances,In the mood,Before and After,Lakeside Park and of course Working Man. Although they don't have these songs that i just mentioned on here it doesen't make this an awful compilation, but you're better off getting the retrospective collections than Spirit of the radio or Chronicles. I'd like to also add that if you have this and you want to get more rush gems that weren't on here then get Hemispheres,Permenent waves or their self titled debut album. You may get the same songs but you will have plenty of underrated gems to fit in Retrospectives.Rock on and enjoy!

Mercury Does it again...........2006-05-04

I think what previous reviewers are missing with Retrospective I and II (As well as Gold, just released) is that it is not Rush or their manager milking anyone... It's Mercury/Polygram. That being said, this is a very respectable collection of songs, and well worth a listen for anyone who enjoys Rush.

Anything post "A Show of Hands" was on Atlantic records, hence owned by a different company and not included. I agree, you want to REALLY experience Rush, go buy the full albums. However, if you are just learning (or trying to collect everything, like me) then I say buy whatever albums you enjoy!

Great collection though now inferior as Rush Gold is out now and this disc appears on it.......2006-04-27

Rush Retrospective I 1974-1980 was originally released in May of 1997 to coincide with the release of the band's back catalog in remastered state. with a slightly amended track listing.
This compilation and its offshoot Retrospective II were released as alternatives to the expensive Rush Chronicles collection but now both Retrospectives are now part of Rush Gold.
Here is the track list of Retrospective 1/Gold Disc One:
The band's 1974 self-titled debut is represented by Finding My Way. The band had original drummer John Rutsey here but the song picked from their debut on Retrospective I was Finding My Way but Working Man strangely was missing from Retrospective I but it was thankfully restored on Rush Gold.
The band's first album with drummer Neil Peart, 1975's Fly By Night is represented by its title song, Anthem and the album favorite By-Tor And The Snow Dog. Great choices for representing the album especially with By-Tor which was inexcusably absent from Chronicles.
The band's third album, September of 1975's Caress Of Steel is represented by the great rocker Bastille Day. The album is often forgotten on compilations but Bastille Day, the great rocking opener is rightfully included.
The band's first US Top 100 charting effort, 1976's 2112 is represented by the title suite's first two parts Overture and The Temples Of Syrinx plus Something For Nothing is included(although it is deleted on Rush Gold) but c'est la vie and gives one a reason to own the 2112 album.
The band's first US Gold selling and second Top 40 effort, 1977's A Farewell To Kings is represented by the 11 minute epic Xanadu and the rock radio staple Closer To The Heart. Good choices for this set IMHO!
The 1978 follow-up Hemispheres is represented by the rock radio hit The Trees and the nine and a half minute epic La Villa Strangiato. Since the album had four songs, they represented it by putting the two long-standing fan favorites on here.
The 1980 US Top 5 charting Permanent Waves is represented by that album's two opening cuts and rock radio staples The Spirit Of Radio and Freewill. These two songs are a must on any Rush collection.
If you just want Retrospective I go for it but Rush Gold is your better bet!

Retrospective I, A Good Rush Collection.......2005-11-09

Retrospective I was Rush's 2nd Greatest Hits collection which was released in May of 1997. Together with Retrospective II, this CD makes a great collection of classic Rush songs. The songs on this album are from the years 1974-1980. Here are those songs:

1. The Spirit Of Radio) From the album Permanent Waves (1980), The Spirit Of Radio is one of Rush's best songs. It contains one of the most recognizable guitar riffs in Rock N' Roll history. This song has great lyrics too.
2. The Trees) From the album Hemispheres (1978), The Trees is not Rush's best song on the album, but still is a very good song. The song starts off slowly, but speeds up and with Neil Peart's awesome lyrics, it turns into a great song.
3. Something For Nothing) From the album 2112 (1976), Something For Nothing is a great song thanks to Geddy Lee's awesome vocals. The song also has some good guitar work by Alex.
4. Freewill) From the album Permanent Waves (1980), Freewill is another Rush classic. Alex does a great job on the guitar on this song and keeps the song moving very quickly.
5. Xanadu) From the album A Farewell To Kings (1977), Xanadu is 11 minutes long. The first five minutes are instrumental and the next six are vocal. Very good song.
6. Bastille Day) From the album Caress Of Steel (1975), Bastille Day is a great song just because of the guitar work.
7. By-Tor And The Snow Dog) From The album Fly By Night (1975), By-Tor And The Snow Dog is an eight minute, fast moving, classic Rush song. Very good lyrics by Peart and great work by Alex.
8. Anthem) From the album Fly By Night (1975), Anthem has very, very good percussion by Peart. The song also has lyrics that only Neil Peart could create.
9. Closer To The Heart) From the album A Farewell To Kings (1977), Closer To The Heart was Rush's first big single. This is because it's only three minutes and it has a great rhythm.
10. 2112 Overture) From the album 2112 (1976), the 2112 Overture is the first part of the 20-minute song 2112. The overture is all instrumental and it has great guitar work by Alex.
11. The Temple Of Syrinx) From the album 2112 (1976), The Temple Of Syrinx is the second part of the 20-minute song 2112. On this song Geddy Lee sings as high pitched as you will ever hear him sing. Great Song
12. La Villa Strangiato) From the album Hemispheres (1978), La Villa Strangiato is a nine minute instrumental song. Great piece of instrumental work by Rush.
13. Fly By Night) From the album Fly By Night (1975), Fly By Night is great song with great guitar work. This song is another song that is played on the radio a lot because of the song's short time length.
14. Finding My Way) From the album Rush (1974), Finding My Way doesn't have Neil Peart on the drums. For that reason it's not my favorite song, but it's still better than most of the other songs on that album

This is a great CD if your a Rush fan. The only bad part about the CD is that it is missing some good songs. Here they are:
1) "In The Mood" from Rush (1974)
2) "Working Man" from Rush (1974)
3) "A Passage To Bangkok" from 2112 (1976)
4) "A Farewell To Kings" from A Farewell To Kings (1977)

Other than the missing songs, this is an excellent Greatest Hits album. 5 Stars!

Brazil Classics, Vol. 1: Beleza Tropical

Average customer rating:

Prepare to Be Mesmerized
still love it after 15+ years
This disc introduced me to Brazil
Not a New CD
one of my desert island CDs

Brazil Classics, Vol. 1: Beleza Tropical
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Luaka Bop
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Beleza Tropical 2: Novo! Mais! Melhor!, Compiled By David Byrne
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Pure Brazil: Caipirinha
Samba Brasil
Putumayo Presents: Acoustic Brazil

ASIN: B0000DB51P
Release Date: 2005-03-22

Tracks:

Ponta de LanAfricano (Umbabarauma) - Jorge Ben
Sonho Meu - Maria Betha, Gal Costa, ,
Sero Um XodGilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso
Um Canto de Afoxara O Cloco de IlIly- Caetano Veloso
O Leinho - Caetano Veloso
Caa - Chico Buarque
Calice - Chico Buarque, Milton Nascimento
Equatorial - Lrges, , Borgues
San Vicente - Milton Nascimento
Quilombo, O el Dorado Negro - Gilberto Gil
Caramba! ... Galileu da Galil - Jorge Ben
Caixa de Sol - Nazare Pereira
Maculele - Nazare Pereira
Queixa - Caetano Veloso
Andar Com Fe (To Walk With Faith) - Gilberto Gil
Fio Maravilha - Jorge Ben
Anima - Milton Nascimento
Terra - Caetano Veloso

Customer Reviews:

Prepare to Be Mesmerized .......2006-09-23

I was given this album by a friend. I'm not a connoisseur of international music, but I must say I was instantly captivated by this musical compilation. The songs have a catchy, relaxing quality to them.

still love it after 15+ years.......2006-03-29

I bought the original about 15 years ago in cassette tape form
(yeah, I am getting older:). Even though I agree that Byrnes should have updated it with younger and more current artists, these classic songs still move me.

This disc introduced me to Brazil.......2006-03-16

What a great CD. I have all of Byrnes Brazilian discs and wish he would issue more. He really captured what makes Brazilian music great with his first three discs in this series. Still, this one is really special. The fourth and fifth disc in this series are dedicated to the artist Tom Ze who is brilliant in his own weird way. This first disc makes you just want to dance all over your living room. I wish Byrne would release more. Of course I now have a lot of the cds by the original artists, but this is the one that hooked me. Buy and enjoy.

Not a New CD.......2005-03-29

Why continue to recycle a CD that is now roughly sixteen years out of date? Yes, it is a great compilation, or, at least, it was in 1989, but times have changed. Maybe somebody should talk Byrne into updating this CD once again, as he did in 1999, with a new compilation or two or six. There are about a score of styles and literally dozens of artists in Brazil who deserve recognition for the music that they are making now. And it is somehow odd that while there is not exactly a shortage of Brazilian compilations out there, most of those efforts have a regretable tendency to recycle yesterday's headliners. How about a fresh compilation that includes such diverse artists as Djavan, Cibelle, Autoramas, Silvia Torres, Monica Salmaso, Carlinhos Brown, Vinicius Cantuaria, Helena, Trio Da Paz, Charlie Brown Jr, Rita Ribeiro, Fernanda Porto, Seu Jorge, and about, oh, fifty others. All are interesting artists making incredible music, and all are making that great music in the 21st century.

one of my desert island CDs.......2004-10-12

I've owned this CD for over ten years and it remains one of my favorites. The Brazilian music featured here manages to be both instantly accessable and yet at the same time exotic and new, from the stripped-down funkiness of "Ponta de Lança Africano" to the majestic "Equatorial" to the melancholy harmonies on "Fio Maravilha." I suppose the reason for this is the fact that these artists grew up immersed in their rich musical traditions, but at the same time they were exposed to the music of the Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel, James Brown, etc. I don't like most of what falls under the "world music" umbrella, but this collection really hits the spot for me.

Also worth mentioning are the excellent liner notes and bilingual lyrics. Honestly, my only complaint is that this CD inspired me to go out and look for more Brazilian music but I've been unable to find anything else that I loved as much as this.

Average customer rating:

Perfect For Non-Experts
Great Artists...Just Not Their Best Songs.
A great CD
Almost worth replacing
Why ONLY 5 stars?

Brazil Classics, Vol. 1: Beleza Tropical
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Post-Punk | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Brazil | South & Central America | International | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

Samba | Latin Music | International | Styles | Music

Afro Brazilian | Latin Music | International | Styles | Music

General | Latin Music | Styles | Music

Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music

Bossa Nova | Latin Music | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Latin Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Beleza Tropical 2: Novo! Mais! Melhor!, Compiled By David Byrne
Brazil Classics, Vol. 2: O Samba
Ile Aiye (The House of Life) - A Film by David Byrne
Brazil Classics, Vol. 3: Forro, Etc.
Clube da Esquina

ASIN: B000002LG3
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Ponta de Lanca Africano (Umbabarauma) - Jorge Ben
Sonho Meu - Maria Bethania E Gal Costa
So Quero Um Xodo - Gilberto Gil
Um Canto de Afoxe Para O Bloco do lle (Ile Aye) - Caetano Veloso
O Leaozinho - Caetano Veloso
Cacada - Chico Buarqe
Calice - Chico Buarqe/Milton Nascimento
Equatorial - Lo Borges
San Vicente - Milton Nascimento
Quilomba, o el Dorado Negro - Gilberto Gil
Caramba!... Galileu Da Galileia - Jorge Ben
Caixa de Sol - Nazare Pereira
Maculele - Nazare Pereira
Queixa - Caetano Veloso
Andar Com Fe - Gilberto Gil
Fio Maravilha - Jorge Ben
Anima - Milton Nascimento
Terra - Caetano Veloso

Amazon.com

Compiled by former Talking Head David Byrne and released in 1989, with liner notes and translations by Arto Lindsay, Beleza Tropical documents a New York hipster's first infatuation with the rich, deep, and varied spectrum of Brazilian popular music from the rebellious '70s. There are better Brazilian anthologies, but none so clearly assembled in order to counter the received opinion of Brazilian music as lightweight bachelor-pad fluff (although Milton Nascimento, with his beautiful high tenor, sometimes comes close). Caetano Veloso (whose magnificent "Terra" is itself worth the price of admission) and Gilberto Gil are remarkable lyricists whose music is influenced as much by the Afro-Brazilian rhythms of northern Brazil as by the Beatles. Jorge Ben contributes a pair of highfalutin yet funky soccer songs, Chico Buarque is at his most uncompromisingly poetic, and Nazare Pereira taps deep into Brazilian folklore. --Richard Gehr

Customer Reviews:

Perfect For Non-Experts.......2007-04-10

Back in the '80s when this came out, US pop stars like David Byrne and Paul Simon won great praise for discovering "world music." Of course, this was the height of arrogance because this music has been around forever, just not known to many in the US. This Brazilian sampler is certainly melodious, though some think it doesn't contain the best work of the great Brazilian artists featured. So what? If you don't know this music very well, this CD makes a fabulous introduction. The lilting rhythms and irresistible melodies will grab any ears on first hearing and not let go.

Great Artists...Just Not Their Best Songs........2003-11-04

I was definitely a little dissapointed in this CD. I originally bought it because it had a lot of my favorite artists on it (Jorge Ben, Milton Nascimento, Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso, Chico Buarque, etc.), however this CD does not showcase these artists best songs or work.

A great CD.......2000-01-19

I've had this CD for nearly 10 years now, and I still love it. It is a great introduction to Brazilian music. Like many compilations featuring various artists, there is a wide variety of styles; some songs I don't like as much, while others are just incredible, and that's why it ranks as a five-star CD. I would rank the best songs on "Brazil Classics I: Beleza Tropical" with songs by the Beatles or Simon & Garfunkel. It's hard to describe-- the music is a little bit familiar and accessable to my American ears, and at the same time very different than anything I had heard before. I gave a copy as gift to a friend, and he loved it. Then he promptly went out and bought two copies to give as gifts to other friends. It's definitely the kind of CD you want to share with your friends and spread the word about. The liner notes are quite good, too.

Almost worth replacing.......2000-01-08

I owned this CD until recently. Basically, I wore it out by playing certain cuts over, and over, and over ... mostly at grad school parties where friends would always ask "What's this! " About 70% of this material is as good as any music I've ever heard, Beatles included. It's the other 30% that grates. Such are the slings & arrows of any very good, challenging compilation by more than one artist. Continuity can be a problem. Worth owning once as a fine (and historically important) intro to Brasilian music, but not worth replacing. There's better musica brasileira to be had - once you know what you like. Therein lies the value of this CD.

Why ONLY 5 stars?.......1999-12-01

This is one of the best compilations (not only of brazilian music, but of any kind) i've ever had the luck to listen to, even though i think it's not the best David Byrne's compilation (i think Samba is). It's great from beginning to end, it doesn't have a flaw, it offers you some of the best creations of some of the best MPB musicians of any time. This is a must (IMHO) not only for all the MPB fans (including myself) but all music fans out there, you can't go wrong with this. Thanx David Byrne for such compilation, and even more thanx to the musicians that in any way were part of the process of creating such marvelous music. thanx again!

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