Casino - casino (1992)

Casino  - S/T, SI Music

   Casino was the one time album released from legendary lyricist Geoff Mann and keyboard giant Clive Nolan. Casino is a concept album drawing parallels between the addiction of gambling with life! For those who love deep meaningful lyrics behind their music will love the vocals and pointed tongue he writes. With Nolan in the house you just know the keyboards will be excellent as is the case....in fact I told him one time that off the albums he did Casino was my favourite......and he said "me too". In a very Eerie foreshadowing way Mann sings "deal me death......deliver me".... RIP my friend.......this gambler of life thanks you for the music!!!!

Fripp and Eno - No Pussyfooting (1973)

Fripp and Eno - No Pussyfooting  2 CD Remaster

   With Robert Fripp (King Crimson) and keyboard ambient master Brian Eno at the helm no wonder this album is still amazes me. This IS the album that took the big dive into ambient space and launched a whole new genre of music. This album is a study in tape looks and reverb effects which is accomplished over 2 epic tracks......side one features "The Heavenly Music Corporation" with Eno's tape loop and soundscapes in full effect to which Fripp layers over some excellent reverb guitar. The whole song is really a journey into space and remains one of my favourite ambient songs of all time. Side 2 features another space tape looped epic ditty called "Swastika Girls" which ticks in at almost 20 minutes and is another great track. This remastered 2-CD edition includes the complete original album plus the entire album played in reverse and a half-speed version of the opening track "The Heavenly Music Corporation". The reversed and half-speed versions of these tracks give the music a new dimension and offers a completely new listening perspective.

Moon Safari - The Gettysburg Address (2011)

Moon Safari - The Gettysburg Address

   Everyone should listen to this band........and this may be the best place to start for those who don't know these kids! Recorded very well live in concert at 2011's Rites of Spring Festival this stunning 2 CD set captures the creative energy and power of this Swedish band. They cover some of their best tracks too with a great version of Moonwalk, Yasgur's Farm and my fav The World's best dreamers. Moon Safari will remind you of YES and Marillion with a bit of CSNY and neo Prog bands like Spock's Beard and the flower kings. These guys when all singing can do some of the best vocal harmonies I have ever heard a rock band do !

Corte dei Miracoli

Corte dei Miracoli  - S/T

   I was spoiled about 15 years ago there was a specialty CD store in toronto that specialized in progressive rock and sold the SI-WAN label releases. Corte dei Miracoli was one of the albums I got to sample and immediately bought! What makes this album remain such a fav of mine is the great song writing and dual keyboards which really draw you in. This band create a wild space ride with heavy orbital analogue keys and amazing vocal harmonies. Like many of the classic ITAL-Prog bands they blend piano with a suite of drums, bass, guitars and synths with huge vocals and epic tracks.

Sam Cooke - Portrait of a Legend 1951-1964

Sam Cooke - Portrait of a Legend 1951-1964 SACD

  Sam Cooke had the voice ! Sam Cooke had the soul ! Brought to you by the same label that brought you those great Rolling Stones sacd and Herman's Hermits ABKCO. And just like those other sacds this one offers wonderful clean sound and excellent speaker separation. Sam's voice is so pure and just. Full of soul....... I have never heard him sound like this before. " (What a) Wonderful World" is one of the great songs of all time......... This disc is full of many great other songs.....Cupid, Chain Gang, Summertime.".. Highly recommended

Utopia - Adventures In Utopia

Utopia - Adventures in Utopia

   Oops! Wrong Planet was the dawn of what has been noted as Utopia Mach II but it was Adventures album where it really all came to light IMHO. Rundgren is at his best here with a fine collection of quirky power-pop songs that have what most of us recognize as theor signature sound. Utopia leaves behind both the 70's and the more progressive rock aspects of their music. This does not mean though that the album is less interesting just stands out as departure. "You make me crazy" is THE prototypical great track off this album with great harmonies and an excellent song. Adventures is a consistent album with other memorable songs too "Second Nature," "Set Me Free (which hit the charts at the time) and "The Very Last Time". .......it's second nature to me now.".........

Mandrill - Composite Truth

Mandrill - Composite Truth

    Funk lovers take note.......this album is grooooooovy! With songs like "Hang Loose" and "Fencewalk" on the same album you know you got something funky going on! Composite Truth was THE album for the Bronx's Mandrill with its Funkadelic infused acid psych bits and soulfull funk "Earth Wind and Fire" moments. Trumpets and guitars.......great percussion and some heavy funky grooves and vocals. Mix 50% Santana and 50% Graham Central Station and I would say you got this album just about perfect. Time to get funkafied kids

The Buddy Rich Band - The New One !

The Buddy Rich Band - The New One !

    Buddy Rich and big band orchestra were amazing! Tons of saxophones...with trumpets ablaring all put to a tight rhythm section and of course all wrapped around the high energy tempos from Buddy Rich. The band play here live as if they were possessed and you can't help but smile as you hear them go for it. Of course the center stage is the drumming of Buddy Rich which if you really listen to will make you appreciate just how good this guy was in his prime. For some I guess the whole big band thing may seem way out of date but trust me that this album is for everyone who loves music. Brilliant album