Manzanera & MacKay

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Vintage Roxy Music Members Phil Manzanera and Andy Mackay Team Up to Produce a Highly Accomplished and Stunning CD. Originally Released in 1991, Now Released with Reworked Artwork and Remastered.

Manzanera & MacKay,Phil Manzanera & Andy MacKay,Blueprint UK,Album Rock,Ethnic Fusion,Pop,Popular Music,Prog-Rock/Art Rock,Rock

Manzanera & MacKay

Tracks:

No One Receiving
Backwater
Kurt's Rejoinder
Energy Fools The Magician
King's Lead Hat
Here He Comes
Julie With...
By This River
Through Hollow Lands (For Harold Budd)
Spider And I

Customer Reviews:

In These Metal Days.......2007-06-11

With this album, Brian Eno left behind pop songwriting to embark upon his "ambient music" period. B&AS makes a wonderful farewell to pop music and stands as his most complete pop album. Although the structure of the original album has been lost with the move to CD format, it is worth remembering that the first 5 songs appeared on side 1 of the album and the remainder on side 2. Viewed from this perspective, it is tempting to relate the title to the album structure: side 1 is wild and manic, while side 2 is calm and melodic. There are parallels in the number of songs and the number of instrumentals. Although Eno never considered hiself a musician, his underrated singing is put to great use on this album, and his songwriting skill is clearly in evidence. Others have given detailed descriptions of the songs, so I will restrict myself to the highlights: the typical lyrical silliness of "Backwater," hearing Kurt Schwitters's infamous "Ur Sonata" -- and more silly lyrics -- on "Kurt's Rejoinder" (presaging Eno's found music experiments of "My Life in the Bush of Ghosts") and the placid beauty of "Spider and I."

Fans of Eno's ambient music will find much to like here and fans who come by way of Roxy Music and/or "Here Come the Warm Jets" will find a quieter, more thoughful and complex album in "Before and After Science." This is music that rewards repeated listening and which, nearly 30 years after its debut, still seems timely and interesting.

four and one half stars........2007-02-25

quirky funk (no one receiving), fingerpoppin' pop (backwater), early leanings toward ambient sounds (energy fools the magician and through hollow lands), and a generous helping of gorgeous slow-tempo numbers have this album from 1977 jumping all over the place, which is fine with me. this is creative music that is easily accessible, completely listenable. "another green world" seems to be the eno album from his song-based (pre-ambient) period that most people latch onto as his masterpiece, but i would argue that "before and after science" gives that outstanding lp a run for its money. great art-rock. highly recommended.

A diamond in the rough of transition.......2006-06-03

Most reviewers have pointed out the presence of upbeat songs, ethereal lyrical explorations, and all out ambience on this album, and it's definitely full of gorgeous examples of all three. Although this is often classified as a transitional album because it houses so many varieties of songs, I think they work stunningly well together; While his first two solo albums are truly wonderful, the constant up-tempo pace was a bit relentless. "Another Green World" introduced the ambience to stunning effect, but I think the amalgamation of each style is fully realized on this album. The styles of song are interspersed just enough to balance the album out, and really "take you places". Plus, the songs in each style on this album can certainly rival the best of Eno's previous three albums: "Backwater" and "kurt's Rejoinder" match any highlight off "Warm Jets" or "Tiger Mountain", while "Here he Comes" and "Spider and I" easily match "Another Green World" in pure ethereal aesthetic. Moreover, everything on this album is quite catchy, and almost certainly mood-inducing. Just get it already!

Man in transition........2005-06-14

Brian Eno's "Before and After Science", his last song-based album until the about-to-be-released (June, 2005) "Another Day on Earth" is in many ways the album you would hope it would be, reflective of his past, pointing in some ways to the future, very much texture-oriented music. On the other hand, while it has its moments, it fails to capture the immediacy of "Here Come the Warm Jets" or the beauty of "Discreet Music", but its still a great listen.

The album is really two sides, the first being more energetic, the second being a bit more ambient in feel. On the first side, there are three things that immediately draw you in-- the first is an overt use of vocal harmonies-- Eno's vocals are almost always in a harmony form with two or three voices singing the line ("No One Receiving", melodic pop song "Here He Comes"). The second is bassist Percy Jones, whose playing on a few of the tracks, in particular "Kurt's Rejoinder", is nothing short of astonishing. The third is the use of space-- look no further than standout "Energy Fools the Magician", where the four piece (Eno, Jones, drummer Phil Collins back when he was a drummer and guitarist Fred Frith) manipulate space as a fifth instrument to amazing effect.

The second side is much more in line with the ambient work of Eno's most recent albums-- a overwhelming feel of haunted ambient with vocals dominates. The entire side is full of fantastic material, from the haunted "Julie With..." to the lyrically brilliant and dark "Spider and I".

Overall, its a rewarding album that finds an artist caught in between forms, but even in transition, his brilliance shines through. Recommended.

Another Eno World.......2005-03-24

The last in Eno's series of quirky, unique albums from the 70's before he moved totally into ambient music and expored his "rock" side only through production of other artists.

Like the titles that came before, Before and After Science finds Eno stringing together a series of offbeat numbers ranging from rock to pop to ambient and everything in between. This record was sequenced with most of the more ambient numbers at the end, unlike Another Green World's free admixture of styles. I personally liked the AGW way better, but fortunately we have the option these days of programming the songs in any order we want, so problem solved.

Eno's star-studded array of collaborators had become as legendary as his skewed sense of pop by this point, with everyone from Phil Manzanera to Phil Collins to Robert Fripp sitting in on this one. They were Eno veterans, but Eno's concurrent interest in German art-rock brings Can's Jaki Liebzeit and Moebius and Roedelius from Cluster to the table on Before and After Science.

My favourite moments: The atmospheric but too-short "Energy Fools the Magician" with the Brand X rhythm section of Percy Jones and Collins, with Fred Frith. The frantic new wave single "King's Lead Hat" (an anagram of Talking Heads) with Fripp. And all of the old "side 2" especially the beautiful "By This River" with Cluster. The piano has haunted me since I first heard it way-back-when, and I enjoy playing it myself. The closing "Spider and I" summons up a massive wall of synths-n-bass, and Eno's resigned vocal is quite fitting as he was about to leave the rock world (as a performer) for a very, very long time.

I have the earlier CD edition and to tell you the truth I don't notice anything radically different about the remaster, so the cheaper original CD might be a good bargain unless you're a real audiophile.

Average customer rating:

Phil colors outside the lines....
Reminiscent and outside the lines
Phil Gets Down To Business !

50 Minutes Later
Phil Manzanera
Manufacturer: Hannibal
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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6pm
Vozero
Diamond Head
Black Acetate
Theatre Royal Drury Lane

ASIN: B000BEPLZO
Release Date: 2005-10-25

Tracks:

Revolution
Technicolor UFO
That's All I Know
50 Minutos Mas Tarde
Desaparecido
Dusza
One Step
Swimming
Bible Black
Till the End of the Line
Enotonik Bible Black [Mainstream Version][*]

Album Description

50 Minutes Later is the new album from Roxy Music legend Phil Manzanera. It transports the listener, including them in Manzanera's rock and roll journey, spanning psychedelic London to Buenos Aires and out into the stratosphere, embroidered within a musical context that is always full of invention. Manzanera's signature guitar style, at times richly textured and at times explosive, is very much in evidence and perfectly complements his storytelling vocals. 50 Minutes Later features contributions from fellow Roxy Music members Paul Thompson and Andy Mackay plus Robert Wyatt and Brian Eno.

Customer Reviews:

Phil colors outside the lines...........2005-12-30

....and this is a good thing. I almost always buy Phil's releases, part of my never-ending love of Roxy Music and it's spinoffs. However, Phil's releases have been spotty for my tastes: some are great, others just okay. This one, however, is a pleasant surprise. First off, let me add to the accolades here for "Enotonik Bible Black". This 10-minute song alone is worth the price. Phil has made a brilliant choice here: get the geniuses on board (Brian Eno, Robert Wyatt, Paul Thompson, etc.) and let them go nuts. Don't get me wrong, the other songs on this record are good and you will enjoy them, but that bonus track proves to me that Manzanera is--while not the best guitarist or songwriter in the world (and come on, hard-core fans....we must all admit this to be true)--a great collaborator and, on this record at least, the marvelous planet around which all these bright stars have chosen to orbit. In other words, this record is a wonderful achievement of which he should be proud.

Reminiscent and outside the lines.......2005-11-06

For those that know and love Phil Manzanera as the heart and strings of Roxy Music and those who appreciate new and exciting music as an art form...

50 Minutes Later is a work that draws you into a feverish rhythmic development with a complementary temporal experience.

"Revolution" invites the listener into the melodic and instrumental question of why - everything is at odds? The lyrics and guitar melody create a tension that challenges you to listen, get involved... and before you know it you are rocking to the rhythm one of many great guitar solos that lace this CD.

The next cut then flashes back to another time of happy psychedelia described in the story and rhythm of "Technicolor UFO".

The rhythm becomes a comfortable sense of woozy movement with the welcome intrusion of a rock beat. Throughout you are pleasantly surprised by Phil's style for painting vivid pictures.

"That's All I Know" has the warmth of a love song and is followed by the Latin beat of "50 Minutos Mas Tarde" and "Desparecido."

Phil takes you further into each development through the use of spoken language and sound effects that inject a visual experience of movement developing into rhythm.

50 Minutes Later transcends time, culture, and space. Phil's avant garde guitar style keeps the listener on edge. You can feel the instrument writhe. The lyrics are a contemporary reflection without being too nostalgic.

"Dusza," "One Step," and "Swimming" are a comfortable experience, when suddenly "Bible Black" wakes from an uneasy dream with more questions, challenges, and tension. And answers with "Till the End of the Line".

The crescendo and the "piéce de resistance" is "Enotonik Bible Black" which launches you into outer space and the culmination of the experimental and inspirational style threaded through the context of the entire work.

50 Minutes Later is recommended for those who appreciate Phil's work and ESPECIALLY for those who have never heard Phil's work. He is in a class of his own and has had the vision to organize a body of work with a team of musicians that will stand the test of time.

Phil Gets Down To Business !.......2005-10-28

This one is special! The third of a trio of recent CD's (following 'Vozero' and last year's '6PM'), this 7th solo work by Roxy Music's lead guitarist stands out. It is more moody, with more edge and more experimentation than he's done in awhile. It is also distinguished by a generous helping of guitar - Manzanera dishes out some tasty licks on this one. Still rooted in his formative years, London in the late 1960's, it evokes that period and more. The results are excellent.

Many of the musicians appeared on '6PM,' including Brian Eno and Robert Wyatt, plus Andy Mackay and Paul Thompson of Roxy Music. They are joined by several others (the mix of musicians again varies from song to song).

Given Manzanera's diverse background and experiences, you hear a variety of influences reflected throughout this project. Sometimes his solo work, sometimes Roxy, Beatles, Pink Floyd, and Soft Machine.

'Revolution' is a strong opening song, an in-your-face spirited rocker with Phil belting it out on guitar to Paul's strong drums. Great way to open the CD. 'Technicolor UFO' follows, and is a most catchy number that begs to be released as a single. Set to an energetic Roxy beat, Phil describes his `60's dream, making the scene, in which we find many of the personalities, places and things he was surrounded with at the time. It is a trip. 'That's All I Know' is a direct and sincere song about life, opening with acoustic guitar and ending electric. '50 Minutos Mas Tarde' is an ethereal mood piece, involving Eno, Wyatt on trumpet, plus grand piano, acoustic bass, various vocals and other sounds and treatments. 'Desaparecido' begins with footsteps leading into an Argentine club, music with a Latin influence, a rousing chorus, and an elegant vocal segment with Claire Singers (her singing supports nicely throughout the CD). 'Dusza' is a short moody transitional piece of various sounds leading into 'One Step.' 'One Step' is relaxed, featuring a singing guitar throughout, to a deliberate beat and vocals. 'Swimming' is a bouncy straightforward happy relationship song. 'Bible Black' opens with an eerie, ominous, deliberate feeling, with tension similar to Roxy's 'In Every Dream Home.' Then off it goes in a psychedelic trip evocative of Soft Machine. You wish it wouldn't end so soon, but they make up for that in the bonus track. 'Till The End Of The Line' is another slower paced number, with wonderful soaring guitar to wind down the CD.

'Enotonik Bible Black' is the bonus track, and what a track it is. While originating from the song above, this one is 10 minutes of abstracted music and rambling sounds orchestrated by Phil and Eno, with additional production by Bill MacCormick (DJ Bill Mac?). This piece is right out of the psychedelic 60's - it could easily have filled one side of a vinyl LP. All it needs is the light show.

The packaging of the CD is in keeping with the previous two in the trio - a trifold digipak case with diecut cover (a psychedelic swoopy "50") revealing a 12-page booklet with a narrative by Phil, complete lyrics, credits and some Phil/graffiti photos. The interior of the digipak itself features a colorful presentation of documents of the London music scene in the late `60's - posters, newspapers, graphics, and programs. Fun to look through.

This CD is a full hour long (50 minutes, plus bonus track). Another carefully crafted creative piece from Manzanera, it is getting critical acclaim in the media. Suffice it to say that Phil has taken more chances with the music here, and that's a good thing.

Average customer rating:

Great stuff
manzanera wyatt eno
Same Time Next Week
how long have I been waiting...
Holds Up Well

Diamond Head
Phil Manzanera
Manufacturer: E.G. Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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801 Live
K-Scope
6pm
Primitive Guitars
Listen Now

ASIN: B000003S0T
Release Date: 1990-09-26

Tracks:

Frontera
Diamond Head
Big Day
The Flex
Same Time Next Week
Miss Shapiro
East Of Echo
Lagrima
Alma

Album Description

Reissue of the Roxy Music guitarist's 1975 solo debut with 'Carhumba' added as an unmarked bonus track, for a total of 10 tracks. Robert Wyatt & Brian Eno both appear on the album. Also features the original cover art.

Album Details

Digitally remastered version of the Roxy Music guitarist's first solo album. Includes appearances by bandmates from 801 as well as Roxy (Eno and Andy Mackay) as well as various others and a previously uunreleased track.

Customer Reviews:

Great stuff.......2006-11-05

The whole album is excellent, mixing a sort of Pink Floyd-esque psychedelia with a bit of Eno-like weirdness. The bottom line for me is that Phil Manzanera is an incredible guitar player, and the virtuosity he displays here, particularly on the instrumental title track and the final track of the album, is a lot of fun to listen to. If you like Pink Floyd--or if you like Manzanera's work with Roxy Music but find Bryan Ferry's voice to get annoying, this is good stuff. (By the way, check out Manzanera's work on David Gilmour's solo album On An Island.)

manzanera wyatt eno.......2005-06-16

if these names mean anything to you, BUY THIS ALBUM. its high points are so high it is unbelieveable. the songs "frontera" "miss shapiro" and "big day" are as good as anything created by this camp of artists. "frontera" is the wayward, exotic cousin of "love is the drug." robert wyatt's vocal performance is beautiful and mesmerizing. "big day" is great sunny pop by manzanera and eno (don't underestimate). "miss shapiro" is a monster of a song. it starts with this layered manzanera guitar intro before dropping into a killer rock groove. eno's fragile vocals are at their best on this song. the song's arrangement is its biggest strength. this album is worth its price for these three songs. the only reason i do not give it five stars is because some of the instrumentals are kind of boring. they sound pretty good, but i feel they lack something (a vocal by bryan ferry, maybe...)

Same Time Next Week.......2004-07-07

Interesting, but I bought this album when it came out and Same Time Next Week is still my favorite track. I think it is a classic, "undiscovered" jem and I often now include it on prime cuts cds that I burn for friends. They almost always love the song and want to know "who is that"?

Now if you are focusing on the album for guitar technique, Same Time Next Week is perhaps Phil's greatest example of that, but I think it is a great song, nevertheless, and one I never get tired of listening to. Definitely NOT filler.

BTW, Phil, along with Brian Eno and all of the other original Roxy members, less Brian Ferry, are coming out with a new disk entitled "6 PM" due for release in Great Britain later this month....

how long have I been waiting..........2003-03-03

Last time I checked Phil's website, it was pending. I somehow decided to check ...and found it is out in CD. Oh, so how long I have been waiting for! It is the album of my life and I feel as if my life has another chance. Thank you, oh thank you.

Holds Up Well.......2002-03-22

This release has aged better than most of Phil Manzanera's solo ventures, with the exception of 801 Live. It contains some essential Eno tracks like Big Day and Miss Shapiro and showcases Manzanera as a top notch axeman, his notes drenched with sustain.

There are some throwaway tracks here (Alma, Same Time Next Week), but overall this release is pretty darn good. Frontera--with Robert Wyatt providing vocals in Spanish--is awesome, as are the instrumentals The Flex, East of Echo and the title song. Fans of Brian Eno's 'rock' phase should definitely have this one in their collection.

There rough edges and inconsistent tracks, but overall this is Manzanera's best solo effort. Many different styles coalecse into an organic whole.

You can find many of these songs in different incarnations on 801 Live and on the jazz rock fusion release Mainstream, by Quiet Sun, of which Manzanera was a member during the mid-70s. That release is worth seeking out.

Average customer rating:

What are they listening to?
A blue-ink kiss ain't here above
Timeless, Political Prog-Rock
The other reviewers have it right, but ...
Listen now, later, or whenever---just listen

Listen Now
Phil Manzanera , and 801
Manufacturer: E.G. Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000003S0Y
Release Date: 1993-05-14

Tracks:

Listen Now
Flight 19
Island
Law And Order
?QUE?
City of Light
Initial Speed
Postcard Love
That Falling Feeling

Customer Reviews:

What are they listening to?.......2006-06-20

I don't know what the other reviewers have been listening to but it can't be the cd I just got. It is a dreadful, limp, dated piece of prog-jazz fusion. While 801 Live is highly recommended you can best avoid this turkey.

A blue-ink kiss ain't here above.......2005-01-20

I'm lucky enough to have access to a large college record library. And I listened to this on the recommendation of Steve Maravetz, whom I ordinarily hate cause he's a Springsteen fan. The stand-out track is POSTCARD LOVE--which just might be the single greatest piece of music since ... oh ... I'd have to go back to Kenny Rogers in his prime. Bill MacCormick told me that he wrote the melody and that Manzanera wrote the backing track. One line goes: "Postcard scenes of sun and sand and smart hotels where palm trees grow, stretch out, and warm this tired old town." I love the cadence of that. My favorite part of POSTCARD LOVE is the final instrumental passage. A passage which is also heard near the beginning, right after the low-volume high-pitched spectral sonics of Phil's guitar. Said passage can't help but strike me as a musical metaphor for the brutal unstoppable lurch of time. There's one dud track. THAT FALLING FEELING contains a dull & ugly melody. With a dull & ham-fisted bit of harmonic singing.

Timeless, Political Prog-Rock.......2004-12-05

From the opening lines of this album, it prophetically breathes the current state of the nation. The title cut, "Listen Now" is peppered with lyrics that ring as true today as when penned in 1977.

Thunder rolling down out of dried-up skies
Every inch of earth crying out for water
Television man spelling out the price
Everywhere the sheep creeping the slaughter
Cold weather coming, people feel the fire
Living on Dead End Street with no desire

Is it any wonder you've got no power
When you pay a thief to keep it for you?
Is it a surprise that your wine is sour
When you let a liar choose the brew he pours you?
Talk on the wire about force and choice
It's uncomfortable to raise your voice

Everybody whispering behind their hand
Selling their despair to any stronger man
Don't have to listen now

Phil Manzanera, backed by a fine lineup of studio musicians, as noted elsewhere, turn this 8-minute cut alone into a classic prog-rock mini-opera.

In the 2000 U.S. prez election, Bush carried the nation with a popular vote of 50 million; in 2004, 60 million. Manzanera's next lyrics in Listen Now:

We taught ourselves to trust our heads
It's getting us nowhere
If fifty-five million hearts can't feel it
We'll never know where

If some of the lyrics of the remaining cuts trend toward standard prog-rock of the time, they can be forgiven, given the era. One instrumental cut, "Island" is warmly reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac's "Sunny Side of Heaven" from 1972. Other notable cuts include "City of Light" whose melody stuck in my head for 20 years, between first hearing it on vinyl and finding the CD, is presages lyrics from Genesis' "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway" which didn't release until 1974.

In the end, my mind returns to the closing verses from the title cut, continuing to resonate with today's headlines:

Polish up your silver and hide your gold
Send the lookout man down to every corner
Gather in the place where it's bought and sold
Next to where you once used to be a learner
Cold weather coming, people feel the fire
Living on Dead End Street with no desire
You gotta listen now

Is anybody listening......?

The other reviewers have it right, but ..........2004-03-26

I just can't help but add my two cents' worth on how important this recording is. If for no other reason than the stellar, open production of this classic, you should hear how someone who's definitely NOT a musical household name puts together a brilliant set of tunes with a brilliant set of musicians in brilliant arrangments and then records it brilliantly. Is this enough? Sure. Buy the record and hear for yourself one of the reasons why Roxy Music influenced so much of today's younger talent. Manzanera's playing is, to me, at its best on this album. Like Dizzy Gillespie said about Miles Davis, "Man, it's not about the notes he play, it's about the notes he DON'T play."

Listen now, later, or whenever---just listen.......2001-09-06

Any completist or progressive rock fan will want to investigate the "solo" recordings of Phil Manzanera, the sublime guitarist best known for his work with Roxy Music.

This recording, a bit dated now in some of its conventions, is still a good one either for focused listening via the headphones or for cranking up on solo trips. After his stunning solo debut "Diamond Head" snaked its way to the top of the British music charts, Manzanera assembled another all-star set of crack musicians to deliver this sometimes paranoid glimpse into a world gone mad.

"Listen Now," the title track, telegraphs the plotline of a sci-fi movie or novel against a sinister-sounding bass-drum line. "Flight 19" crackles with excitement as Manzanera proves again why he is one of the top ten rock guitarists. "Law and Order" recounts a world where freedom has been surrendered for safety, asking the same tough questions on many lips since September 11, 2001. "Island" and "Postcard Love" represent the more ethereal side of things.

Bill and Ian MacCormick provide solid support as both players and songwriters, Eno and his replacement in Roxy Music, Eddie Jobson, are both on-board, as are Tim Finn and Eddie Rayner from Spitz Enz, the great New Zealand band that later morphed into the superb Crowded House. Super session players like Simon Phillips and Dave Mattacks on drums, Frances Monkman on keyboards, and the ubiquitous Mel Collins on reeds plus Creme and Godley (former 10cc brain trust) and you have one stellar lineup.

6pm
Average customer rating:

Wonderful Return to Form

Breathtaking Culmination of a Stellar Career

Band: 5 stars, Songwriting: 3 stars.

Retro 70s music - appealing and inspiring

Good Music, Terrible Packaging

6pm
Phil Manzanera
Manufacturer: Hannibal
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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50 Minutes Later

Vozero

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ASIN: B0002IE4G6
Release Date: 2005-06-14

Tracks:

Broken Dreams
Green Spikey Cactus
Love Devotion
Wish You Well
6pm
Waiting for the Sun to Shine
Manzra
Cissbury Ring
Porlock
Shoreline
Always You
Sacred Days

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Return to Form.......2006-01-04

Phil mentions in the liner notes: "6PM is my sixth solo album but unconsciously it seems to be allied to my first 'Diamond Head' (1975). A lot of the same people play on it and the inspiration seems to come from the '60s."

Oh what a band it is, too -- Brian Eno, Robert Wyatt, Bill MacCormick, Andy Mackay, Chrissie Hynde, Paul Thompson, Jamie Johnson... plus David Gilmour! Like, wow.

As with 'Diamond Head' the songs are hummable and intelligent, accessible but challenging, very accomplished without becoming overproduced. There is a loose fluidity to most of them which only comes from true masters at ease with their craft. In the 30 years between "Diamond Head' and '6PM' these musicians have lost nothing and remain at the top of their game.

In a perfect world the radio would beam pop music of this calibre -- and Phil & his mates wouldn't be heard from so damn infrequently!!

Breathtaking Culmination of a Stellar Career.......2005-04-12

Hearing Diamond Head 30 years back was a revelation - here we go again! 6PM shows how serious musicians grow, develop and then transcend genres. This is not 'prog rock' but where rock is (or should be). These people have had a relentless pursuit of rock & roll perfection for their entire careers, and it shows. The playing is, of course, superb. The writing is very mature - concise, insightful lyrics that say more and have more effect on the emotions than many paragraphs (kind of like a Miles Davis solo - less notes, more feeling). I find no flaw with this offering, and am more convinced of that with every listen. To be fair, I don't know if a lifelong pursuit of Phil M, Eno, et al makes a difference. So I played it for my astute 15 year old daughter who found it immediately accessible and worth a further listen - says a lot considering the state of popular music! The packaging is what you should get for the money and only serves to make the album a complete whole - kind of a 'mini installation' for those of us who see this as art. If you were to buy only one CD this year, this it. And oh yeah - like us lifelong fans, these guys are getting old. You'll love the photos!

Band: 5 stars, Songwriting: 3 stars........2005-03-15

Honesty demands an admission right up front: Phil Manzanera's many strengths do not include his songwriting. The songs here, if performed by any other band, would make for a 2- or 3-star, ho-hum disc. However, Manzanera's creative guitar work and this incredible band make this CD noteworthy. He gets extra credit for having David Gilmour on the album: how many guitarists' egos are so well in check that they would allow their playing to stand next to Gilmour's? Also Brian Eno, Paul Thompson, Chrissie Hynde, Bill MacCormick, Andy MacKay, Robert Wyatt....I mean, this is the best of Roxy Music brought back together, with extras thrown in on top! So while these songs will never stack up against those on Eno's wonderful "Here Come the Warm Jets" or "Another Green World", it is a very good disc nonetheless, and I consider this to be money well-spent.

Retro 70s music - appealing and inspiring.......2005-03-02

Phil Manzanera, a master performer who as already accomplished a legacy of work, demonstrates a retro excitement in composition and performance. A world class work augmented by world class performers. The magnificence of each piece is each more impressive as you go. A work of art that deserves more recognition than it will ever get in today's commercialized music industry.

Good Music, Terrible Packaging.......2005-03-01

Am I the only person who throws away the plastic case, saves the booklet and stores the CD in a binder?

Why is the inside booklet on this CD a good half inch wider than it should be? Why did they plaster a sticker directly on the outside?

Someone obviously went to a lot of effort here-- die cuts, lots of pictures, lyrics.

Is that why this CD cost so much? I'd prefer a plainer design and cheaper price.

Oh yeah, the music is quite good...Phil's best since K-Scope. I was suspicious, having been disappointed with later releases. They are all well played but they are too polite, taking no chances. But this is the real deal...

One last thing: who are all those old men pictured on the inside?!

Average customer rating:

Awesome doesn't come close

Mato Grosso
Phil Manzanera & Sergio Dias
Manufacturer: Black Sun Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Primitive Guitars

ASIN: B000003P0W
Release Date: 1993-11-19

Tracks:

Mato Grosso
The Mission
Pink Dolphin
Brazillia
Floresta
Espiritu

Album Description

Driven by the dynamic force of Phil Manzanera (Roxy Music) and Sergio Dias (Flora Purim/Airto Moreira), Mato Grosso charts a course of inspiration from the rainforests of Brazil to the urban contemporary scene. In Mato Grosso, masterful guitar and keyboard tracks by Manzanera and Dias are laid on top of the massive percussive thrust that propels this recording. The compositions in form and content showcase the paradoxes of modern life. Serving as a metaphor for the conflict between development and tradition, Mato Grosso is a compelling reflection of issues especially pertinent to the future of the rainforest which inspired this recording. Characterized by clean production values, the recording is quintessentially modern, even as it pays tribute to the retro yearnings of the 90s and the critical need for a balanced perspective on world affairs, both musical and political. With keen awareness, Mato Grosso links musical styles with visionary zeal and an impeccably contemporary sensitivity.

Customer Reviews:

Awesome doesn't come close.......2001-06-05

An amazing collection of spellbinding grooves. From track one to the last of side two - whatever you're doing - it just gets better. Whew!

Average customer rating:

Like Roxy Music? You'll Like This.

K-Scope
Phil Manzanera
Manufacturer: Polydor
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Listen Now
Diamond Head
Primitive Guitars
6pm
801 Live

ASIN: B000053GTM
Release Date: 2001-02-12

Tracks:

K-Scope
Remote Control
Cuban Crisis
Hot Spot
Numbers
Slow Motion TV
Gone Flying
N-Shift
Walking Through Heaven's Door
You Are Here

Album Description

1978 album digitally remastered now with 3 previously unreleased bonus tracks: 'Remote Control' (live1977), 'It Don't Matter' (demo) and 'Out Of The Blue' (Live 1977).

Album Details

Digitally Remastered Old Studio Tapes from the Former Roxy Music Member

Customer Reviews:

Like Roxy Music? You'll Like This........2006-03-02

This is effectively a solo effort (with lots of help from 801 and King Crimson and Roxy alums) from Roxy Music guitarist Phil Manzanera. Is it his best? No-- that's "801 Live." But this album (along with "Listen Now") is close behind, and the two stand-out tracks (Walking Through Heaven's Door & Gone Flying) are among the best stuff ever out of the whole Roxy/Ferry/Eno/Manzanera 70s club. Well worth checking out.

Average customer rating:

Listen now, later, or whenever---just listen

Listen Now
Phil Manzanera , and 801
Manufacturer: Polygram
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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K-Scope
Diamond Head
Primitive Guitars
801 Live
6pm

ASIN: B000053GTN
Release Date: 2000-12-18

Tracks:

Listen Now
Flight 19
Island
Law and Order
Que?
City of Light
Initial Speed
Postcard Love
That Falling Feeling

Album Description

1977 album now digitally remastered with 3 bonus tracks, 2 previously unreleased. Additional artists include, Brian Eno, Eddie Jobson and Paul Thompson (Roxy Music), Dave Mattacks (Fairport Convention) and Godley and Creme (10CC).

Album Details

Digitally Remastered for Your Further Enjoyment and Three Bonus Tracks to Boot.

Customer Reviews:

Listen now, later, or whenever---just listen.......2007-06-01

Any completist or progressive rock fan will want to investigate the "solo" recordings of Phil Manzanera, the sublime guitarist best known for his work with Roxy Music.

This recording, a bit dated now in some of its conventions, is still a good one either for focused listening via the headphones or for cranking up on solo trips. After his stunning solo debut "Diamond Head" snaked its way to the top of the British music charts, Manzanera assembled another all-star set of crack musicians to deliver this sometimes paranoid glimpse into a world gone mad.

"Listen Now," the title track, telegraphs the plotline of a sci-fi movie or novel against a sinister-sounding bass-drum line. "Flight 19" crackles with excitement as Manzanera proves again why he is one of the top ten rock guitarists. "Law and Order" recounts a world where freedom has been surrendered for safety, asking the same tough questions on many lips since September 11, 2001. "Island" and "Postcard Love" represent the more ethereal side of things.

Bill and Ian MacCormick provide solid support as both players and songwriters, Eno and his replacement in Roxy Music, Eddie Jobson, are both on-board, as are Tim Finn and Eddie Rayner from Spitz Enz, the great New Zealand band that later morphed into the superb Crowded House. Super session players like Simon Phillips and Dave Mattacks on drums, Frances Monkman on keyboards, and the ubiquitous Mel Collins on reeds plus Creme and Godley (former 10cc brain trust) and you have one stellar lineup.

Average customer rating:

More Stars...........Please

Vozero
Phil Manzanera
Manufacturer: Hannibal
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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50 Minutes Later
6pm
Primitive Guitars
K-Scope
Diamond Head

ASIN: B0009G01B8
Release Date: 2005-06-14

Tracks:

Vozero
Mystic Moon
Verdadero
Tuesday
Rayo de Bala
Art of Conversation
Vida
Golden Sun
Mundo Con Paz
Hymn
Vida Moderna

Album Description

Vozero was originally released, in the UK only, in 1999 and was Phil Manzanera's first solo album in 10 years. All 12 tracks were written by Manzanera, and besides Phil's distinctive and eclectic guitar work, Vozero also prominently features Robert Wyatt and also ex-Roxy Music sax player Andy Mackay along with a cast of musicians and singers who make up the album's wide-ranging, multi-cultural sound.

Customer Reviews:

More Stars...........Please.......2006-09-06

O.K..............so I am as biased as hell, having followed Phils' career since I first saw Roxy Music perform "Virginia Plain" on Top Of The Pops, but, I know good music and this cd is a masterpiece. Funnily enough, I purchased his triology backwards but like 6pm and 50 Minutes Later, Vozero, is full of wonderful twists and turns. It's a shame that Phils' music is not considered "Radio Friendly" (isn't that the case with most innovative, groundbreaking artists....?) but then again, maybe that's a good thing. Artists who seek commercialism usually end up selling out and compromising their values and ideas. In Phils' case, it quite clear that he is a man of principle, writing from the heart and staying true to his ideals. There isn't one weak track on the cd. It's seamless, meandering through glorious soundscapes that lift your heart and soul to unbelievable heights. The added bonus, in addition to the amazing guitar playing............Phil's vocals. If you love really good, innovative music, you will love Vozero. Trust me............

Average customer rating:

Quaint
Nor bad for 1978...
A Kaleidoscope Of Sound
badly dated record
The last of a strong phase in Manzanera's career.

K-Scope
Phil Manzanera
Manufacturer: E.G. Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000003S13
Release Date: 1993-05-14

Tracks:

K-Scope
Remote Control
Cuban Crisis
Hot Spot
Numbers
Slow Motion TV
Gone Flying
N-Shift
Walking Through Heavens Door
You Are Here

Customer Reviews:

Quaint.......2001-06-21

Phil Manzanera defined British rock in the 70s, releasing several albums--most of them very good--while maintaining his status as Roxy Music guitarist. 801 Live and Diamond Head are his high water marks. On K-Scope, the slide that ended with the thankfully short-lived Explorers begins. All the pieces are there (although I was never fond of Tim Finn's voice). There is just no soul. Polite guitar rock by top flight musicians. Perhaps it is the Creme and Godley influence. That said, K Scope isn't all bad. The instrumentals soar, and the songs without Finn as the vocalist are fine...especially Walkin' Through Heaven's Door. Even John Wetton sounds good. That is no small accomplishment.

Nor bad for 1978..........2000-11-17

Amidst the disco fad and hype it was refreshing to know that some artists were not afraid to try other venues of style or experiment outside of the norm. Case in point is Phil Manzanera from Roxy Music fame. This solo-side project reflects some interesting styles from pop-rock,pre-new wave to one particular track having an almost ska-like life of it's own (pre-dating the sound of the group Sublime). While Remote Control may have less than well thought out lyrics or music,K-Scope, Cuban Crisis, Hot Spot,and others more than make up for it.Do not expect any Love Is The Drug or Avalon musings;this is strictly Phil's turf and time. There is an almost subliminal early Police (Sting) nuance to this project but not enough to garner the award for rip-off.While not a blockbuster it is a more subtle approach and acquired taste that may take a few plays to get used to. Once you like it you will appreciate it more.It's like an intermediate wine;it may take a few sips before it hits (in a good 'ol fashion partying way).

A Kaleidoscope Of Sound.......2000-05-16

Sadly for Roxy Music fans, Manzanera was pretty much relegated to the role of second banana by the time Avalon hit shelves in the early eighties. Gone were the looping, edgy guitar runs that marked key Roxy tracks like "Both Ends Burning" or "Editions Of You". On this, his third solo disc (fourth if you count 801 LIVE), Manzanera took all sorts of chances and came up with an inventive prog-rock album that sounded fun and varied. From "Walking Through Heaven's Door" (with its "Kashmir"-like construction) to the cheesy Farfisa organ runs on the instrumental title track, the album has a little bit of everything for fans who've come to love the man's guitar work. Simon Phillips' intense drumming on the wistful "Gone Flying" is to-die-for while guest vocalists Tim and Neil Finn add the right amoount of pop fizz. Easily one of his finest and a find for Roxy Music fans with a fondness for cuts like "Out Of The Blue" and "Mother Of Pearl". Recommended!

badly dated record.......2000-02-17

If you want good pre-Avalon Manzanera get Diamond-Head and stay away from this record unless you like simplistic adolescent lyrics ('slow motion tv') and overly self-serious Geddy Lee-esque vocals (with lyrics triter than Peart's worst). Tim Finn of 'Split Enz' fame (infamy-?-) sings on many of the tracks and is painful to hear. John Wetton contributes one of his trademark Greg Lake vocal impersonations on 'numbers'. Really, the only listenable songs on the record are the instrumentals, 'k-scope' and 'n-shift'. The ultra cheesy production duo Godley and Creme make contributions to several tracks, and the fact that they are invisible here leads one to realize that most of the album is just as cheesy as they are; gorgonzola just can't compete with limberger, can it? In layman's terms, this album sucks; ignore any praise it may receive from essentialist rock critics who got their copies for free and don't care if you blow 14 clams on this slicked-out wank fest.

The last of a strong phase in Manzanera's career........1999-06-21

This recording was preceeded by Diamond Head, Listen Now and 801 Live, wonderful recordings all. This is the last of that era before Manzanera assumed a different, more instrumentally focused direction. Many of the same musicians present in some of those earlier discs offer support in this fine recording. As a result, the performances are consistently strong. Well worth having. Highly recommended...Simon

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