Matter of Life & Death [Import]

Product Description:
The last Columbia album from everybody's favorite country renegade, reissued with some AMAZING bonus tracks! Like, for instance, the track he recorded for Cabut Records in West Virginia while waiting for his parole to be up so he could move to Nashville (the appropriate title: One-Way Ticket to Nashville) And then there's his ultra-rare political single, How High's the Watergate, Martha, and some unreleased demos!

Matter of Life & Death,David Allan Coe,Bear Family,Country,Country/Bluegrass

Average customer rating: Maiden's finest in years!! The Songs are Too Long, But the Album Is Worth Checking Out. Blown Away Best Maiden album in years but hard to review Maiden releases best effort since Brave New World

A Matter of Life and Death Iron Maiden Manufacturer: Sanctuary Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music British Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Brave New World Dance of Death Seventh Son of a Seventh Son Somewhere in Time Piece of Mind ASIN: B000H7JD4A Release Date: 2006-09-05

Tracks:

1. Different World
2. These Colours Don't Run
3. Brighter Than A Thousand Suns
4. The Pilgrim
5. The Longest Day
6. Out Of The Shadows
7. The Reincarnation Of Benjamin Breeg
8. For The Greater Good Of God
9. Lord Of Light
10. The Legacy

Amazon.com

You've got to hand it to Iron Maiden. After two decades of recording and releasing albums, the British sextet still has its share of fresh ideas, something it proves once more on A Matter of Life and Death. The opening tracks "Different World" and "Brighter than a Thousand Suns" show, more clearly than ever, the group's progressive rock roots and its affinity for upsetting expectations about what a heavy record should sound like. But some of the material--"These Colours Don't Run" and the epics "Lord of Light," "The Legacy," and "The Longest Day"--also suggests that the band could stand to expand outside its comfort zone a little more often. By now we know what to expect even from the most unusual Maiden album and that familiarity ultimately sinks A Matter of Life and Death faster than any fad at the forefront of the heavy rock scene. At best the record shows the band is still vital, at worst it shows us that Steve Harris and company are coming up a little bit winded these days. --Jedd Beaudoin

Customer Reviews:

Maiden's finest in years!!.......2007-07-15

A Matter Of Life And Death (2006.), Iron Maiden's fourteenth studio album

The new millenium has been a huge revitalisation for Iron Maiden. It cannot be denied that the `90s was a barren period for the heavy metal gods. The departures of guitarist Adrian Smith and later frontman Bruce Dickenson left a huge hole to fill in the band. `Virtual XI', released in 1998 was an extremely disappointing album and marked a low point for the band. However brighter days were ahead as Bruce Dickenson and Adrian Smith both returned to the band. The restored line up then released `Brave New World' and `Dance Of Death' which were both fantastic albums. So could Iron Maiden, heavy metal giants of more than just a generation pull another serving of classic metal out of the bag? With the band's popularity again surging, `A Matter Of Life And Death' couldn't have been released at a better time...

Over their career, Maiden have had more than a fair share at successful attempts to push musical boundaries. Their early career, sparked during the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal was revolutionary and then their progressive and conceptual stuff at the end of the `80s was revelatory. `A Matter Of Life And Death' is very much a progressive album but it goes one step further and incorporates a grand, epic feel giving it an imposing, `magnum opus' style. There is plenty of life in Maiden yet and this album is an awesome expansion of their classic sound. For me and a number of other fans, this album is definitely the best of the band's work since the re-union of the classic line up but it is in many ways one of the best albums of Maiden's career, full stop. This brilliant album deserves more than just a mention alongside `Powerslave' and `Number Of The Beast'. In terms of songwriting, there is some extremely impressive stuff on here which can easily be put down as some of the band's best. There are giant epic songs which ooze the prog metal style that Maiden often incorporate into their music throughout the album. However, I personally find that what really makes this album a result is how the band performs the music. The album has that great `live' feel to it and the chemistry of the band seems better than ever. You can see this on the DVD which comes with some versions of the album. The band seem to be loving playing their new music and the new directions it takes them in. All of the band have a hand in the songwriting through the album which furthermore makes this work a proper band effort. Guitarists Smith, Murray and Gers all play out some fantastic riffs and memorable melodies across the album and Steve Harris' bass work always adds to the colour of the songs. Bruce is on top form with the operatic vocals and Nicko McBrain exhibits some of his finest drumming on this album, providing a mix between beats with heavy prescence and the more understated lines.

`Different World', the album's opening track has proved to be an immensely popular track. The main riff is inescapable and some of the melodies in this brilliant opener are great. `These Colours Don't Run' is a classic heart on sleeves song from the band. Bruce gives an expressive vocal performance in a song dedicated to those serving in wars. `Brighter Than A Thousand Suns' is the first epic of the album, with a theme about the Manhattan Project. The song has some rousing choruses and plenty of varied sections which weave together seamlessly. `The Pilgrim' is equally strong musically, with an eastern flavoured riff. Bruce Dickenson returns us to the themes of war with `The Longest Day', a song about the D-Day landings. There are some beautiful melodies in this one as well as racing guitars and a gripping chorus.

`Out Of The Shadows' is more archetypal Maiden, with a nice mix of electro acoustic sections and heavier choruses. A song about birth and entering the world. The curiously titled `The Reincarnation Of Benjamin Breeg' was another single off the album. The song opens and closes with a slow, atmospheric guitar work whilst the main part of the song features more classic riffs and inspired Dickenson Vocals. `For The Greater Good Of God' is a slower, more reflective epic which grows much more enjoyable with repeated listens. `Lord Of Light' features more impressive solos and melodies and a galloping section; something we haven't seen from Maiden in a few albums. `The Legacy' is an amazing closer, my personal favourite track on the album. This final epic is built up into different sections, each with their own melodies and themes. However this doesn't break the flow to the song and each section stands tall in their own right, lyrically covering humanity through time and the trail left from war and opposition. The acoustics are fantastic on this one!

`A Matter Of Life And Death' is Iron Maiden's finest album in a long time and a classic in it's own right. Easily one of the best metal albums of 2006 this work is an epic journey of massive proportions and never loses it's life or spark. The band embarked on a great tour for this album, often playing the whole thing right through at some of the gigs - testament to the greatness of the material on here I guess. If you like Iron Maiden or music with an epic style, this album is a must!

MY RATING: 9.5/10

The Songs are Too Long, But the Album Is Worth Checking Out........2007-05-11

I love Iron Maiden, but I'm hardly a BIG Iron Maiden fan. This is only the third CD I've heard by the band (the other two being "Piece of Mind" and "The Number of the Beast") and considering that most bands from the '80s are has-beens and wannabes by now, it's nice to see that Iron Maiden are not only surving, but thriving. This is a 10-song album and I liked all of the songs. Loved 9 out of 10 of them really, but I'm giving it 4-stars for one major reason. The songs are way too long! I've always been a guy who likes his songs short and to the point. But there are some exceptions. I love Rush and The Doors, but if you're going to write a song that almost hits the 10-minute mark, it better be that long for a reason. Some of the songs on this album have no reason for being that long. The shortest track on the album is the first track "Different World" (4: 18); The longest track is "For the Greater Good of God" (9: 24). The only track under 5 minutes is the aforementioned first track. Anyway, onto more things. Singers voices naturally mature over the years. Listen to Chris Cornell when Soundgarden first started and then listen to him now. Sounds different doesn't he? This has occured with several artists with long careers such as Geddy Lee, Bob Dylan, Eddie Vedder, Robert Plant, etc. Since Bruce Dickinson is a vocal God, I was nervous to hear how he'd sound. Guess what? He sounds great! His voice sounds almost exactly the same, just a bit more nasally...But he still rocks! The opening track (despite being a little "cheesy" lyrically) is a great way to start the album. It's a great song, that could easily be a radio staple. The next track "These Colours Don't Run" is a very political song with a great guitar and vocal performance. Up until "The Longest Day" and "Out of the Shadows," it's a five-star album. These are the weakest tracks, but Maiden quickly regains momentum with "The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg" which is a little too long, but still is great. The next song, the longest, would be a 5-star song if not for it's 9-minute run time. It's a song that seems to be nine minutes long only so they can prove that they can write a song that long. They could have easily shaved off 3 to 4 minutes off of it. The next two tracks are good (except, also very long), especially the closer "The Legacy." Hardcore Maiden fans will be very pleased no doubt and so will newcomers, but this is a 10-song album. It should be 35 to 45 minutes. This album is 2 seconds shy of being 72 minutes long! You have to set aside a certain time of your day to listen to this album. It's got some great songs on it and I'd recommend you check it out. If Iron Maiden can still rock this hard all these years later, they could put out a masterpiece with their next album (if the songs are shorter). "Number of the Beast" is commonly considered their best album...They still have a chance to improve upon that one.

GRADE: B

Blown Away.......2007-05-01

Just when I'd written Maiden off, thinking there was no way they could come back after the somewhat disappointing Dance Of Death, they release A Matter Of Life And Death. Not only that, but the album has the same feel as Dance Of Death, but they actually accomplish the progressive feel without getting repetitive. This is the best album since Bruce rejoined the band, perhaps the best Maiden release since Powerslave.

The album kicks off with what at first seems to be a standard Maiden starter, with a fast metal riff and a verse reminiscent to that of "The Wicker Man." The chorus of "Different World" shows that this is a different world indeed, where Bruce throws away his trademark shriek for a more melodic tone. And somehow it works.

"These Colours Don't Run" has a verse that sounds like a chorus. Very catchy in that Maiden way we've come to know. Also has the accomplished progressive feel the band seemed to be aiming for on Dance of Death without losing the epic edge the band had on previous releases.

"Brighter Than A Thousand Suns" has a cool riff, but unfortunately goes on for a tad bit too long for my tastes. Also sounds a bit like a redone version of "Paschendale," except I like "Paschendale" better. Still a good track.

"The Pilgrim" is another good track that falls short of the excellent standard set by the rest of the album. Unfortunately, it gets swallowed up by the other tunes, so is not as memorable as it could have been.

"The Longest Day" begins with Harris' classic slow gallop and a haunting guitar riff. Dickinson proves yet again that his voice is as good as it ever was. "The Longest Day" is thankfully not too long. About five minutes into the song, the guitar takes off, leading into a solo reminiscent of early Maiden but still with the modern vibe.

"Out Of The Shadows" reminds me of "Children Of The Damned," and is a great song although the chorus does get a little repetitive. This time, however, the band keeps it relatively short (my main gripe about Dance Of Death is that the songs are long with the chorus being repeated over and over again).

"The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg" kicks off the epic four set at the end of this album. All songs at this point are over 7 minutes long. I really like the way the song starts, and when Bruce starts singing, you already feel like you've started on his journey. Then the Sabbath-like riff kicks in. Wonderful song.

"For The Greater Good Of God" is the longest song on the album, clocking in at 9:24. This song starts out sounding like it belonged back on the X Factor. Thankfully, Bruce and not Blayze comes in, and all is well. Bruce once again shows why he belongs with the mike. His vocal range absolutely destroys on this song.

Following that, there is "Lord Of Light," and on this track, Bruce actually sounds a bit like Blayze. But not for long. He starts screaming in true Dickinson fashion. This song could easily have been on Number of the Beast without sounding out of place.

The closing track, "The Legacy," is probably my favorite on the album.

Best Maiden album in years but hard to review.......2007-04-18

This is the album Maiden fans have been expecting since Seventh Son, but it's also the hardest one to review in the band's history. On the plus side, we see a unique and strong concept for the songs and cover (war and religion), a distinct never-seen-before-in-Maiden prog sound, inspired songs and an end to that repeating the same chorus to exhaustion that we saw in BNW and DOD. On the con side, the slowstart-getsheavy-endsslow throughout the whole album can get in the nerves and if the mood is not right you can't stand listening to it.

Xcept for the pseudo ballad Out Of Shadows, all songs are individually outstanding and capable of featuring on any Maiden album. And you have the impression that they will be even better and more powerful when played alive. But you end up wishing that some were shortened and started with a heavy riff for a change. On the musician side, stars are Bruce singing like The Prisoner with new tricks and Nicko drumming like Neil Peart. The rest of the band sounds strong as ever, but you wonder when they will do triple solos, since they have 3 G-men now, and why they did not allow Adrian to use the "commercial" inspiration that gave us Prisoner, Run To The Hills, Flight Of Icarus, Aces High, Two Minutes, Wasted Years, Evil That Men Do and The Wickerman.

Don't get me wrong, I love the album, but I end up listening to it less than BNW and DOD, because it depends so much on my mood (and a long commute) for me to really appreciate it. Well, here are the songs for a detailed look in:

DIFFERENT WORLD - one of the best openers for Maiden, joins the hard rock feeling of DOD's Wildest Dreams with the quality of BNW's Wickerman and a chorus from Thin Lizzy. 9/10
THESE COLOURS DONT RUN - starts the long prog pieces, great chorus, aggressive singing, the bridges between solos could be less dull. 8/10
BRIGHTER... - absurdly heavy riff from Adrian, will scare off some Black Metal fans, great lyrics, again agressive singing, a little repetitive chorus though. 8/10
PILGRIM - Egypt meets Maiden adds complexity , great guitar intro, second shortest song, Bruce kicks a**. 9/10
LONGEST DAY - you feel right into Spielberg's Saving Private Ryan's first 15 Minutes. This is awesome, a long proggy song, with emotional lyrics and singing that will send shivers through your spine. 10/10
OUT OF SHADOWS - downfall here. Joins Tears Of The Dragon with Wasting Love to a worse result than any of them. Not bad, but not on Maiden level. 6/10
REINCARNATION... - the most original single ever, and a great one. A slow deathly start with "enigmatic" lyrics, heavy and hooky guitar riffs, awesome Brucelike chorus and catchy simple solos. Need more? Personally, I believe that Benjamin Breeg is an alias for Eddie, ie, the band -> check the lyrics. 10/10
GREATER GOOD... - Best song in the album, a classic right now. Epic, singalong bridges, hammeringc chorus, you can't make it better no matter how you try. 10/10
LORD OF LIGHT - Again a great song. Slow and dark start, a heavy rock'n'roll riff starts a journey into the dark side of God, aggressive singing, solos all around and some guitar bending and vibratoes never sae in Maiden before. 9/10
LEGACY - mix of Medieval acoustic guitars, bombastic keyboard moments and some aggressive singings, but electric guitars are a little downplayed here. Great ending for the album and a nice innovation from Maiden, like DOD's Journeyman. 8/10

PS: check Saxon's new Inner Sanctum album, it's absurdly good.

Maiden releases best effort since Brave New World.......2007-04-11

Iron Maiden released their best studio effort since 2000's Brave New World, and their first studio effort since 2003's Dance of Death, entitled A Matter of Life and Death in September of 2006.
I, having been a Maiden fan since the release of Seventh Son of a Seventh Son in 1988, have been looking forward to anything new the band releases. Although 1990's No Prayer for the Dying and 1992's Fear of the Dark had their moments (guitarist Adrian Smith had left in 1990), the two Blaze Bayley albums The X-Factor and Virtual XI on the other hand were deplorable. Blaze sounded to me like Bruce Dickinson come David Lee Roth and not in a good way. I was relieved when Dickinson and Smith rejoined in 1999 and have since released three killer studio efforts.
This album once again features bass player Steve Harris, guitarists Dave Murray, Adrian Smith and Janick Gers, drummer Nicko McBrain and the Air Raid Siren himself lead singer Bruce Dickinson. Also, the band reunites with co-producer Kevin Shirley who co-produced the album with Harris.
A Matter of Life and Death I liked right off the bat (like Brave New World in 2000) and immediately caught on to the songs and go away air drumming to them. The album has its war theme through out and the guys really have caught the emotions and feel of being in one I think.
The opening Harris/Smith penned rocker Different World is just smokin' hot and Smith can still play leads and Bruce wails like the singer he is. Next is the piece These Colours Don't Run and is going to be a Maiden staple along Brave New World, Hallowed Be Thy Name and many others. Brighter Than a Thousand Suns is next and is a powerful and well written epic length rocker (these two previously aforementioned rockers were penned by Harris/Smith/Dickinson). The Pilgrim follows, and no it's not about John Wayne, but about settlers and Gers co-wrote this track with Harris. The Longest Day is next and is a superb rocker penned by Smith/Harris/Dickinson with an opening you want to hear over and over again.
Out of the Shadows, penned by Dickinson/Harris, is next and is as close to a ballad that Maiden will ever get although it is still heavy. The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg (penned by Murray/Harris) is a killer track and the reason why I got the album. For the Greater Good of God, penned by Harris himself, follows and is another great rocker which just flat out rocks. Next is Lord of Light, penned by Smith/Harris/Dickinson, which is another great song and fans will love this off the bat. The closing nine plus minute epic The Legacy which was penned by Gers/Harris. The epic is a masterwork and doesn't bore you at all. The song will be another Iron Maiden fan favorite!
The Limited Edition of the album came with a bonus DVD which features a making of featurette which is over 30 minutes and also two videos for The Reincarnation Of Benjamin Breeg and Different World and finally a photo gallery.
I acquired the album at Circuit City for $8.99 and got a cool poster which has the album's cover on it.
The album became the band's first album to hit the US Top 10 (peaking at #9) despite the fact the album had little to no promotion.
RECOMMENDED!

Average customer rating: Maiden is back on top A Matter of Life And Death An absolute masterpiece. maiden at their finest!!!! Maiden's finest in years!!

A Matter Of Life And Death Iron Maiden Manufacturer: Sanctuary Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music British Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Reincarnation Of Benjamin Breeg Christ Illusion Operation: Mindcrime II Dream Theater - Score: 20th Anniversary World Tour Live with the Octavarium Orchestra United Abominations ASIN: B000H7JD4K Release Date: 2006-09-05

Tracks:

1. Different World
2. These Colours Don't Run
3. Brighter Than a Thousand Suns
4. Pilgrim
5. Longest Day
6. Out of the Shadows
7. Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg
8. For the Greater Good of God
9. Lord of Light
10. Legacy

Tracks:

1. Contains interviews and two in-studio performances.

Customer Reviews:

Maiden is back on top.......2007-07-19

This CD is incredible. Every song is well written. Think back to the days of Powerslave or Piece of Mind. It's that great. Vocally, Bruce is as sharp as ever. Guitars are strong and razor sharp. Drum scores are creative and present, if that makes any sense. If you are a long time Maiden fan, this will not dissapoint at all. If you are a new listener, sit back and enjoy the ride. If the songs were shorter, they could grab more air time.

A Matter of Life And Death.......2007-07-17

This is simply one of the quintessential rock efforts ever produced by mankind. Marking the 3rd album of a reunited Iron Maiden and comprising what are arguably 6 of rock's best musicians in history, the band has capitalized on each other's capabilities to create a truly stellar work. If you ever wondered what contribution a great singer could make to rock music; if you ever strained to hear a bass rythym; if you ever started the song over when the guitar solo came up; or if you ever thought Ginger Baker's "double bass" was as good as it gets, you need to start retheorizing your "Rock Philosophy" right now. Iron Maiden's on-again/off-again efforts throughout the '80s/'90s do "A Matter of Life and Death" no justice and furthermore should NOT be used as a yardstick for their 21st Century accomplishments. Listen to "A Matter of Life and Death," and you'll agree: it takes 6 Englishmen to make perfect rock music (and I'm American!). My English/Poetry PhD mom even gave the lyrics a hearty "thumbs-up." I defy any rock fan to name a better, more important album in the past 4 decades--if you think you can, you need to go back to school.

An absolute masterpiece........2007-07-17

This album is an absolute work of art. I'm a fan of Progressive metal/rock, and I truely think this is one of the best albums Iron Maiden has recorded, if not the best.

See, before I bought and listened to this album, I wasn't a huge Maiden fan. I liked their songs, but they never quite hooked me enough. But I read a couple of online reviews for this album. They were praising it: "Five stars!" "More progressive than ever before!" "Best from Maiden in years!"
So, I was anxious to listen.
I went out, bought the album, put it in my CD player, and listened.
How it blew me away.

Ever since, I've been a huge Maiden fan, and I now have almost all of their studio albums. So, you could say, this album made me a Maiden fan.

So anyway, let's get to the point. After all, you aren't here to read about how I became a Maiden fan, you're here to read about the album.


"Different World", the rocker-single opening is great; very catchy. Man, do they know how to solo.

"These Colours Don't Run" is one of my personal favorites from the album. I love the slow opening, then transitioning to fast-paced, amped up, in-your-face anthem. It's great really. After all of these years, Bruce can still hit those high notes.

"Brighter Than a Thousand Suns", an epic song about 8 and a half minutes long, is also one of my favorites. It has many changes melodically, which keeps the song interesting. Again, I praise Bruce for still being able to hit such high notes. And Steve Harris is perhaps one of the best songwriters known to humankind. His lyrics are deep and meaningful, and like nothing you've ever heard before.

"The Pilgrim" This song was the first I truly loved on the album. It has a very, very catchy chorus and opening. The riff is quite unique, and I could listen to this song for hours without getting sick of it.

"The Longest Day" I believe this song's lyrics refer to D-Day in WWII, correct me if I'm mistaken. It really has a powerful effect. It starts off slow, like many songs in the album, but, of course, the riff kicks in, and instantly the audience nods along. Quite a catchy song, with great lyrics.

"Out of the Shadows" The opening riff to this song is kind of mystifying. The band works together in a way nobody can duplicate.

"The Reincarnation of Benjaming Breeg" This is my absolute favorite on the album, and probably my favorite Maiden song overall. The opening is a slow, dramatic riff, followed by a short, soft vocal bit. And again, the song transitions to a heavy, heavy riff, which I find quite catchy. The song has a lot of transitions, and only if you hear it, you'll know what I'm talking about when I say, it's one of the best songs I've heard in ages.

"For the Greater Good of God" This is beat only by Benjamin Breeg. The lyrics in this song are very powerful, and the riff truly fits. Once again, it starts off slow, and then slowly builds. Bruce's voice amazes me on each and every song on the album, especially this song. He has a different singing style from earlier albums, and I quite like it. The chorus is catchy, and this is another of those songs I could listen to for hours and not get sick of. This song is the longest on the album, reaching an epic 9 minutes and 24 seconds, and every second of this song is amazing. Definitely a classic.

"Lord of Light" This one also starts off slow, and it sounds like religion is a theme in the lyrics. Adrian, Dave, and Janick really show their skills on this album, and this song is a highlight for them, I think.

"The Legacy" This is song also starts off slow, with a hauntingly beautiful melody in the beginning. It's really quite a unique song. Many transitions, once again, and another highlight of the guitarists' skills. This one is also quite powerful lyrically and melodically. Definitely one of my favorites.

And there you have it. That's my opinion of this work of art. Up the irons.

maiden at their finest!!!!.......2007-07-15

brighter than a thousand suns and benjamin breeg could be the only songs on the album and it would still be 5 stars,their best to date,incredible,awesome,etc...buy it or you are missing out.

Maiden's finest in years!!.......2007-07-15

A Matter Of Life And Death (2006.), Iron Maiden's fourteenth studio album

The new millenium has been a huge revitalisation for Iron Maiden. It cannot be denied that the `90s was a barren period for the heavy metal gods. The departures of guitarist Adrian Smith and later frontman Bruce Dickenson left a huge hole to fill in the band. `Virtual XI', released in 1998 was an extremely disappointing album and marked a low point for the band. However brighter days were ahead as Bruce Dickenson and Adrian Smith both returned to the band. The restored line up then released `Brave New World' and `Dance Of Death' which were both fantastic albums. So could Iron Maiden, heavy metal giants of more than just a generation pull another serving of classic metal out of the bag? With the band's popularity again surging, `A Matter Of Life And Death' couldn't have been released at a better time...

Over their career, Maiden have had more than a fair share at successful attempts to push musical boundaries. Their early career, sparked during the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal was revolutionary and then their progressive and conceptual stuff at the end of the `80s was revelatory. `A Matter Of Life And Death' is very much a progressive album but it goes one step further and incorporates a grand, epic feel giving it an imposing, `magnum opus' style. There is plenty of life in Maiden yet and this album is an awesome expansion of their classic sound. For me and a number of other fans, this album is definitely the best of the band's work since the re-union of the classic line up but it is in many ways one of the best albums of Maiden's career, full stop. This brilliant album deserves more than just a mention alongside `Powerslave' and `Number Of The Beast'. In terms of songwriting, there is some extremely impressive stuff on here which can easily be put down as some of the band's best. There are giant epic songs which ooze the prog metal style that Maiden often incorporate into their music throughout the album. However, I personally find that what really makes this album a result is how the band performs the music. The album has that great `live' feel to it and the chemistry of the band seems better than ever. You can see this on the DVD which comes with some versions of the album. The band seem to be loving playing their new music and the new directions it takes them in. All of the band have a hand in the songwriting through the album which furthermore makes this work a proper band effort. Guitarists Smith, Murray and Gers all play out some fantastic riffs and memorable melodies across the album and Steve Harris' bass work always adds to the colour of the songs. Bruce is on top form with the operatic vocals and Nicko McBrain exhibits some of his finest drumming on this album, providing a mix between beats with heavy prescence and the more understated lines.

`Different World', the album's opening track has proved to be an immensely popular track. The main riff is inescapable and some of the melodies in this brilliant opener are great. `These Colours Don't Run' is a classic heart on sleeves song from the band. Bruce gives an expressive vocal performance in a song dedicated to those serving in wars. `Brighter Than A Thousand Suns' is the first epic of the album, with a theme about the Manhattan Project. The song has some rousing choruses and plenty of varied sections which weave together seamlessly. `The Pilgrim' is equally strong musically, with an eastern flavoured riff. Bruce Dickenson returns us to the themes of war with `The Longest Day', a song about the D-Day landings. There are some beautiful melodies in this one as well as racing guitars and a gripping chorus.

`Out Of The Shadows' is more archetypal Maiden, with a nice mix of electro acoustic sections and heavier choruses. A song about birth and entering the world. The curiously titled `The Reincarnation Of Benjamin Breeg' was another single off the album. The song opens and closes with a slow, atmospheric guitar work whilst the main part of the song features more classic riffs and inspired Dickenson Vocals. `For The Greater Good Of God' is a slower, more reflective epic which grows much more enjoyable with repeated listens. `Lord Of Light' features more impressive solos and melodies and a galloping section; something we haven't seen from Maiden in a few albums. `The Legacy' is an amazing closer, my personal favourite track on the album. This final epic is built up into different sections, each with their own melodies and themes. However this doesn't break the flow to the song and each section stands tall in their own right, lyrically covering humanity through time and the trail left from war and opposition. The acoustics are fantastic on this one!

`A Matter Of Life And Death' is Iron Maiden's finest album in a long time and a classic in it's own right. Easily one of the best metal albums of 2006 this work is an epic journey of massive proportions and never loses it's life or spark. The band embarked on a great tour for this album, often playing the whole thing right through at some of the gigs - testament to the greatness of the material on here I guess. If you like Iron Maiden or music with an epic style, this album is a must!

MY RATING: 9.5/10

Average customer rating:

A Matter of Life and Death David Allan Coe Manufacturer: Columbia ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Honky-Tonk | Country | Styles | Music Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Country | Styles | Music Country | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Unchained/Son of the South: Plus Rough Rider/DAC Plus Just Divorced/Darlin' Darlin' Plus Castles in the Sand/Hello in There Plus Tattoo/Family Album ASIN: B0009DC00Q Release Date: 2005-09-19

Tracks:

1. The Ten Commandments Of Love
2. Jody Like A Melody
3. Tanya Montana
4. If Only Your Eyes Could Lie
5. Need A Little Time Off For Bad Behavior
6. Southern Star
7. Actions Speak Louder Than Words
8. Child Of God
9. Wild Irish Rose
10. A Matter Of LifeAnd Death
11. One Way Ticket To Nashville
12. Prisoner's Release
13. How High's The Watergate, Martha
14. Tricky Dicky, The Only Son Of Kung Fu
15. Here's A Song
16. Souvenirs And California Memorys
17. I Wonder If It's Raining In Kentucky
18. Seeing The World
19. Paranoic Hippie
20. Florida Sunshine
21. I Heard Oklahoma Calling Me
22. Daddy's Guitar
23. In This Land

Album Description

The last Columbia album from everybody's favorite country renegade, reissued with some AMAZING bonus tracks! Like, for instance, the track he recorded for Cabut Records in West Virginia while waiting for his parole to be up so he could move to Nashville (the appropriate title: One-Way Ticket to Nashville) And then there's his ultra-rare political single, How High's the Watergate, Martha, and some unreleased demos!

Average customer rating: Not to be missed!!! Great year one compilation An Excellent CD Fantastic Future Score Space 1999 Year One Soundtrack Available Once Again!

Space: 1999 Year 1 Manufacturer: Silva America ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Film Scores | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Space: 1999 Eternity Unbound Space: 1999 Survival Battlestar Galactica Thunderbirds SPACE: 1999 The Forsaken ASIN: B0006UEVQS Release Date: 2005-01-25

Tracks:

1. Space: 1999, Main Titles
2. Breakaway
3. War Games
4. Matter Of Life And Death
5. Space: 1999, End Titles (Alternate Version)
6. The Infernal Machine
7. Force Of Life
8. Ring Around The Moon
9. Black Sun
10. Mission Of The Darians
11. The Troubled Spirit
12. Space: 1999, Main Theme (Extended Alternative Version)
13. The Testament Of Arkadia
14. Another Time, Another Place
15. Space: 1999, End Titles

Customer Reviews:

Not to be missed!!!.......2007-04-30

This CD is simply excellent! Anybody who ever cared for TV soundtracks should give it a chance. The only better thing is Barry Gray's music for "UFO" TV series, which has been promised from Silva Screen (and has been published by "Fanderson" and since sould out). So, whatever somebody think of the series, this music will not fail to delight. Impressive and nostalgic, mysterious and enthralling, this music really deserves to be heard by everybody.

Great year one compilation.......2007-01-09

This remastered version of Space:1999 year one or series one sounds excellent. It is very clear and you can better appreciate Barry Gray wonderful job.

If you are Space:1999 fan, it is a must have.

An Excellent CD.......2006-07-27

Talk about bringing back memories. The music is crisp-clear & updated. For the 1999 fans-this is a must have.

Fantastic Future Score.......2005-04-01

Space:1999 - the series - may be one of the most controversial SF shows ever. People either love it, or they hate it... there seems to be little middle ground. As a kid I was thrilled with the series, although even then I could see the weaknesses in science, story, and characterization. But from a purely visual and aural standpoint, the first series rarely disappointed.

Especially when it came to the music. As many fans know, Barry Gray scored only 4 episodes - the rest being rounded out by reusing his cues for those episodes, plus liberal doses of library music. This disc gives a good overview of the magnificent music written specifically for the series, as well as a sampling of some of those library cues. As a previous reviewer said, the ultimate soundtrack to the series was released several years ago by the Fanderson organization ( which one had to join as a member to be able to order ) and is sadly out of print. Copies can be found on the internet, often selling for prohibitive prices. Unless you are a diehard collector, willing to shell out a good sized portion of your paycheck, this single disc is the way to go.

Sound quality is superb, and in some cases surpasses the previously mentioned two disc set, as several of the tracks have been remastered to remove wow, flutter, and distortion that could be heard on the Fanderson set. The main title was remixed to make it truer to the on-screen version, and the tracks from the episode "Black Sun" are in stereo on CD here for the first time ever. The previous release featured the episode's complete score, but only as a monophonic version, as many of the multitrack masters for that particular episode have been lost. For that alone, this disc is worth owning, even if you have the Fanderson set.

However, it is Gray's music that is the true reason to own this soundtrack - regardless of your feelings about the series. Full bodied, sweeping, emotional and grand... not at all your typical seventies television soundtrack. Years before John Williams revived the popularity of orchestral scores for science fiction projects, Barry Gray was filling small screen speakers with epic music that would have sounded perfectly at home in a motion picture theatre.

Space 1999 Year One Soundtrack Available Once Again!.......2005-03-09

I give this soundtrack 5 stars only because the soundtrack is awesome, but if you want a more complete compilation, you need to find the Fanderson version.
The year 1 music definately set the tone for the TV show back in 1975. It gave it beautiful character and feeling for the show. It was ashame that for the second year that they had changed so much (even the music) and lost that character and feeling (but that is a whole other debate).
In 1976, RCA records released the year 1 soundtrack with a beautiful gate fold cover and for about 20+ years, that is all we had, until Fanderson. The year 1 soundtrack is no longer available through them, but it is the most complete. This CD, however, does well to capture the feeling of year 1 and does throw an additional track for you sun bathers out there. It is a nice 30 year anniversary gift to myself. Happy 30th Birthday: SPACE 1999!!!

Average customer rating: A century of British art songs to delight those who love them

English Song Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Britten | Britten, Sir Benjamin | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Gibbs, Cecil Armstrong | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Holst | Holst, Gustav | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vaughan Williams, Ralph | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Walton | Walton, Sir William | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Warlock | Warlock, Peter | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Vaughan Williams, Ralph | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: A Treasury of English Song Favorite English Songs Songs by Roger Quilter The Complete Songs, Vol. 4 Silent Noon ASIN: B0002JEG6I Release Date: 2005-03-22

Tracks:

1. A Soft Day - Bernadette Greevy
2. Irish Skies - Bernadette Greevy
3. Cherry Ripe - Janice Watson
4. Mustard And Cress - Neal Davies
5. The Lily Of A Day - Janice Watson
6. Henry King - Neal Davies
7. Fain Would I Change That Note - Graham Johnson
8. In Summer-Time On Bredon - Christopher Maltman
9. The Lads In Their Hundreds - Christopher Maltman
10. Among The Rocks - Graham Johnson
11. It Was A Lover And His Lass - Anthony Rolfe Johnson
12. The Water Mill - Anthony Rolfe Johnson
13. On Wenlock Edge - Anthony Rolfe Johnson
14. The Call - Graham Johnson
15. Silent Noon - Graham Johnson
16. Now In These Fairylands - Philip Langridge
17. The Dream-City - Philip Langridge
18. Margrete's Cradle Song - Susan Gritton
19. The Heart Worships - Christopher Maltman
20. Take, O Those Lips Away - Anthony Rolfe Johnson
21. Now Sleeps The Crimson Petal - Graham Johnson
22. Love Calls Through The Summer Night - Anthony Rolfe Johnson
23. I Will Go With My Father A-Ploughing - Graham Johnson
24. The Rio Grande (Capstan Shanty) - Ian Partridge
25. Theodore, Or The Pirate King - Ian Partridge
26. A Long Time Ago (Hilliard's Shanty) - Ian Partridge
27. Oh Dear, What Can The Matter Be? - Bernadette Greevy

Tracks:

1. The Grenadier - Richard Edgar-Wilson
2. The Young Lover - Richard Edgar-Wilson
3. Betty And Johnny - Richard Edgar-Wilson
4. Rise Up And Reach The Stars - Richard Edgar-Wilson
5. The Bells - Nik Hancock-Child
6. Ann's Cradle Song - Nik Hancock-Child
7. As I Lay In The Early Sun - Nik Hancock-Child
8. The Cherry Tree - Nik Hancock-Child
9. Dusk - Nik Hancock-Child
10. Peter Warlock's Fancy - John Constable
11. The Frostbound Wood - John Constable
12. Chopcherry - John Constable
13. A Sad Song - John Constable
14. Rutterkin - John Constable
15. Bethlehem Down - John Constable
16. Wapping Old Stairs - Felicity Lott
17. Long Steel Grass - Martyn Hill
18. Tango-Pasodoble - Martyn Hill
19. Popular Song - Martyn Hill
20. Beatriz's Song - Felicity Lott
21. Lay Your Sleeping Head, My Love - Philip Langridge
22. Early One Morning - Felicity Lott
23. The Foggy, Foggy View - Philip Langridge
24. Now The Leaves Are Falling Fast - Philip Langridge
25. Tell Me The Truth About Love - Della Jones
26. The Choirmaster's Burial - Philip Langridge

Customer Reviews:

A century of British art songs to delight those who love them.......2006-06-26

These 53 songs have been collected by Naxos from their extensive acquisitions from Collins Classics, and perhaps other British sources now out of business. There's a steady cottage industry, year after year, producing the typical English art song, which is usually based on folk songs, but even in more modern idioms is profuondly conservative and nostaligic. Half these songs, not to mention half the composers, are totally unknown to American audiences, but the familiar names of Vaughan Williams and Britten represent high quality, and the lesser lights, such as Warlock and Quilter, are mainstays in this repertoire.

I'd challenge all but the most addicted listener to make it through more than ten songs at a sitting, and many of these pieces are tepid, offering comfort rather than inspiration. The singers are among the best, but Graham Johnson and Steuart Beford, who do most of the accompaniments, are lackluster. I know that won't be a popular comment, yet if you compare any of these songs with rendiitons done by Janet Baker, John Shirley-quirk, and most recently Bryn Terfel and Ian Bostridge, you immediately notice how much more intensity and drama is pesent than htis colleciton reveals.

Average customer rating:

Red Shoes: Music From the Films of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, 1941-1951 Manufacturer: Cd41 (UK) ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Offenbach | Offenbach, Jacques | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vaughan Williams, Ralph | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Film Scores | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Vaughan Williams, Ralph | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Red Shoes - Criterion Collection ASIN: B000068PVB Release Date: 2007-03-20

Tracks:

1. Archers Ident
2. 49th Parallel: Prelude
3. 49th Parallel: Epilogue
4. Matter of Life and Death: Prelude/This Is the Universe
5. Matter of Life and Death: The Waiting Room/Washed Ashore
6. Matter of Life and Death: Prelude/Stairway to Heaven
7. Airman's Letter to His Mother: Narrative by Sir John Gielgud
8. Life and Death of Colonel Blimp: Prelude
9. Life and Death of Colonel Blimp: War Starts at Midnight
10. Life and Death of Colonel Blimp: Commando Patrol
11. Canterbury Tales: Prelude
12. Canterbury Tales: Toccata and Fugue in D Minor
13. Red Shoes: Prelude
14. Red Shoes: Ballet Music
15. Black Narcissus: Prologue
16. Black Narcissus: Composed Sequence
17. Gone to Earth: Prelude
18. Gone to Earth: The Tryst
19. Gone to Earth: The Hunt
20. Small Back Room: Composed Sequence
21. Small Back Room: Epilogue
22. Tales of Hoffman: Orchestral Tuning

Album Description

22 tracks. THE RED SHOES is a 74 minute collection of rare original soundtrack recordings from the classic films of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger (The Archers), made between 1941 and 1951. Those featured include: 49th Parallel (1941) Ralph Vaughn Williams (aka The Invaders) Stairway to Heaven (1946) Allan Gray (aka A Matter of Life & Death) The Life & Death of Col Blimp (1943) Allan Gray A Canterbury Tale (1944) Allan Gray / JS Bach Black Narcissus (1947) Brian Easdale The Red Shoes (1948) Brian Easdale Gone to Earth (1950) Brian Easdale (aka The Wild Heart) The Small Back Room (1949) Brian Easdale Tales of Hoffman (1951) Jacques Offenbach. As well as digitally restored original soundtrack music by the undervalued Gray and Easdale, this carefully researched CD also features a number of rare associated recordings, including John Gielgud's reading of An Airman's Letter to his Mother (1941), the lively quickstep Commando Patrol from Col. Blimp and A Canterbury Tale, and a superlative rendering of Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, recorded by Albert Schweitzer in London in 1935, also featured in A Canterbury Tale. The booklet features detailed notes on the films and their accompanying scores, and well as biographies of Allan Gray and Brian Easdale. The CD is a must for all with an interest in vintage film soundtracks and British light/orchestral music, as well as the dazzling vision of Michael Powell and his musical collaborators.

Average customer rating:

The Colours of Life Mind over Matter Manufacturer: Innovative Commun. ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music ASIN: B00000DUH6 Release Date: 1988-08-01

Tracks:

1. La Vie (The Dance Of Life)
2. Bali Sunrise (The Joy Of Life)
3. Ganga (The River Of Life)
4. Mountains Of Karma (The Wheel Of Life)
5. Being One (Air)
6. One Being (Water)
7. Changes In Being (Fire)
8. Being Home Again (Earth)

Average customer rating:

British Film Music, Vol. 3 Manufacturer: Pearl ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Alwyn | Alwyn, William | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vaughan Williams, Ralph | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Walton | Walton, Sir William | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Film Scores | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Vaughan Williams, Ralph | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: British Film Music, Vol. 2 ASIN: B000058A00 Release Date: 2001-04-24

Tracks:

1. The First Of The Few: Spitfire Prelude - The Halle Orchestra/William Walton
2. The First Of The Few: Spitfire Fugue - The Halle Orchestra/William Walton
3. Spellbound: Theme From The Concerto - Queen's Hall Light Orchestra/Charles Williams
4. Henry The Fifth: The Death Of Flastaff - The Philharmonia String Orchestra/William Walton
5. Henry The Fifth: Touch Her Soft Lips And Part - The Philharmonia String Orchestra/William Walton
6. Odette: The Saga Of Odette - Charles Williams Concert Orchestra/Charles Williams
7. Desert Victory: March - Band Of The Grenadier Guards/Lt. F. Harris
8. A Matter Of Life And Death: Prelude - Queen's Hall Light Orchestra/Charles Williams
9. This Man Is Mine: Theme - Queen's Hall Light Orchestra/Charles Williams
10. Sleeping Car To Trieste: Sleeping Car Train - London Symphony Orchestra/Muir Mathieson
11. Sleeping Car To Trieste: Waltz - London Symphony Orchestra/Muir Mathieson
12. The Rake's Progress: Calypso - London Symphony Orchestra/Muir Mathieson
13. Wanted For Murder: A Voice In The Night - Eric Harrison
14. Hungry Hill: Waltz Into Jig - London Symphony Orchestra/Muir Mathieson
15. Esther Waters: Derby Day 1886 - The Royal Phil Orchestra/Muir Matheson
16. The Loves Of Joanna Godden: Romney Marsh/Joanna Godden/Sheepshearing/Work On The Farm/The Fair... - The Philharmonic Chorus/Ernest Irving
17. The Loves Of Joanna Godden: Ellen And Harry Trevor/Adoption Of Motherless Lamb... - The Philharmonic Chorus/Ernest Irving
18. Woman Hater: People In Love - The Royal Phil Orchestra/John Hollingsworth
19. Woman Hater: Dinner At Lady Datchett's - The Royal Phil Orchestra/John Hollingsworth
20. The Weaker Sex: Victory Parade Montage - London Symphony Orchestra/Muir Mathieson
21. The Weaker Sex: London Scene - London Symphony Orchestra/Muir Mathieson
22. So Long At The Fair: Carriage & Pair... Long Forgotten Melody - Charles Williams Concert Orchestra/Charles Williams

Average customer rating: Yet Another Excellent Modern Prog Album Can't agree with the other reviewers Best of 2004 Great albums get better on every listen.

A Matter Of Life & Death Manning Manufacturer: ProgRock Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Rock | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: One Small Step Artificial Paradise Mimi's Magic Moment Second Life Syndrome Under a New Sign ASIN: B00068YDJU Release Date: 2004-10-26

Tracks:

1. The Dream
2. Nobody's Fool
3. Omens
4. The River Of Time
5. Silent Man
6. Falling Down? Rising Up!
7. Life's Disguises
8. Out Of My Life
9. Midnight Sail

Album Description

Never one for predictability, the new album "A Matter Of Life & Death" is in fact a concept album based upon a character Guy created on his 1999 debut `solo' album "Tall Stories For Small Children".

This is an album of quite dark beauty that explores the twists and turns of fate that leads a man ultimately to his own death and rebirth. On this piece of work, we find Guy at his strongest both lyrically and melodically and also at his most direct.

Guy, as a multi-instrumentalist, plays most of the instruments himself, but once again, this album features the same core of talented musicians that have helped Guy both craft his music into complete albums and to perform them live (since 2000).

Customer Reviews:

Yet Another Excellent Modern Prog Album.......2007-02-20

Those of my generation who think prog died from its own bloated pomposity in the 70s need to retire their bellbottoms, quit wallowing in nostalgia, and start listening to what progressive rock offers listeners today. There is so much good prog music around, the average Joe could go nearly broke trying to acquire it all!
I got back into prog a few years ago after chance encounters with the music of Roine Stolt, Spock's Beard, Porcupine Tree, and the Tangent. The voyage of discovery from that new musical base camp has taught me that prog never died at all, it just disappeared from corporate radio which prefers to feed its listeners predictable and watered-down schlock pop and other musical disorders.
Guy Manning is yet another artist who is little known beyond the world of prog but who deserves the accolades showered on much less talented musicians. A Matter of Life And Death is the first Manning album I have acquired after having been alerted to it by an old friend who is on the same journey of rediscovery.
This is an album for those who appreciate great lyrics. When you put this on for the first time, sit down and take the time to read as you listen. It will greatly enhance your listening experience.
Then there is the music itself. Though musical polymath Manning plays most of the instruments himself, he is ably assisted by a number of other prog luminaries. Like any good prog, this CD touches on many styles without descending into self-parody. I like the whole CD except for the last song. There are enough musical change-ups throughout to please any ear with Manning's voice being sometimes evocative of Ian Anderson and sometimes entirely different. Virtuosity is the word of the day on this CD. However, the last song, Midnight Sail, is so commercial sounding and musically lame that it risks spoiling the rest of the CD.
If you have not yet succumbed to the charms of the music of Guy Manning, I suggest you start here. A Matter of Life and Death certainly has me wanting to hear more.

Can't agree with the other reviewers.......2006-08-05

I'm sorry but I have to disagree with the previous reviewers who were quick to proclaim this album as a masterpiece. It's a good melodic acoustic album with proggy songs and good vocals. The melodies aren't all that memorable however. For some reason I find Manning's solo albums a bit difficult to grasp. His work with other musicians is a lot more interesting but that's not to say A Matter Of Life & Death is bad. I can't say I'm big on the vocals but the overall vibe of the cd is quite consistent which is important for prog listeners. He has some very interesting ideas and maybe I'll like his songs more in the future.

Best of 2004.......2005-05-27

DR D B SILLARS from Luton, Bedfordshire United Kingdom This album was my top choice of last year as best progressive rock album. So what makes this stand out from the competition, which last year was pretty good? Well, since 1999 Guy Manning has produced five albums for the British independent progressive rock label, Cyclops. Each album beautifully showcased his distinctive mixture of classic English progressive rock, with folk, jazz and other elements to produce songwriting of such individual character and depth. But with this latest album, his songwriting has reached astonishing new heights of quality and beauty. When Cyclops lacked the funds to release his latest album, he searched valiantly for another outlet. Having secured a deal with American label ProgRock, he could at last release "A Matter of Life and Death". And it was worth it. This is a perfect culmination of everything Guy is good at. Beautifully constructed songs, with rich, full melodies augmented with excellent playing from himself and all concerned. Guy is a superb multi- instrumentalist, tackling various guitar and keyboard duties as well as drums. Though to be clear Manning is a band venture. Guy is more than ably supported by Laura Fowles on sax , Gareth Harwood on guitars and Rick Ashton on bass. Guy has also employed other instrumentalists to add fiddle, melodica and cello, embellishing the rich musical tapestry on show here. The basis for the album is the story of Abel Mann a character first introduced in a song on an earlier album. As he sits at his desk reading his journals, each song represents his life experiences. There are many nautical references which pervade this album and water, rivers, sailing act as continuing themes throughout. The story is superbly illustrated by the gorgeous album artwork of Ed Unitsky who also produced the artwork for both Tangent albums, a project which Guy is also part of. The opening track, "The Dream" is a corker. What a way to open an album. This superbly rousing rocker has a chorus to die for. Excellent use of string synths to give a very full, symphonic feel and nice moog solo by Andy Tillison too. "The River of Time" has a haunting, dreamlike quality to it, made more so by Laura Fowles slightly creepy vocals. But the highlight is undoubtedly, "Out of My Life". This is a classic. With an excellent instrumental section, full of synths and Laura Fowles strident sax playing, this is so wonderfully arranged and developed. Superb! The album closes with "Midnight Sail", pure rock and roll! The songwriting and performances on this album are so strong and consistent throughout. Not a weak track in sight. It is a true joy to listen to this. On the evidence on this and Guy's other albums, it's a complete mystery why Guy Manning is not more widely known and appreciated, not just within the prog rock community, but his appeal as a singer/songwriter is so much wider that anyone interested in carefully crafted, quality songwriting will find lots to enjoy here. He has already started work on his next opus, "One Small Step..." Can't wait!

Great albums get better on every listen........2004-11-17

Review By Paul Baker ARFM Radio

A Matter Of Life & Death is (Guy) Manning's sixth release in as many years. How many progressive bands can boast such an output these days?

Eager as everybody should be to spin the disc as soon as it is in their possession, it is worth revisiting Manning's 1999 release, Tall Stories For Small Children. 'Pourquoi?' you may ask. Well, A Matter Of Life & Death is a concept album based on a character, Abel Mann, who first came to light on Tall Stories where Abel was left 'writing his diary'. Contemplative of suicide (did he jump from the ledge or just consider it??), the new album explores the tragic character's thoughts through his 'journal'.

Main vocals, in distinctive Anderson-like style, along with all manner of instrumentation are down to the multi-talented Guy Manning, who is ably assisted by a host of familiar names including Laura Fowles (sax, vocals), Gareth Harwood (electric guitars, vocals), Rick Ashton (bass, vocals), John Tipping (drums), Ian Fairbairn (fiddle), Neil Harris (modal piano, melodica, percussion, vocals), Tim Moon (cello) and Andy Tillison (keyboards).

Stating the obvious, the album has the usual and now classic Manning sound, but like all Guy's releases, this has something 'extra' over and above the previous album. What that 'extra something' IS, is difficult to put into words. Listen to it and you will know what I mean. Yes, there's that hint of Tull but many other styles, sounds and feelings are also there, from the fiddle of The Levellers to the strong sense of Camel particularly with regard to keyboard pieces. I don't know about you but this combination gets a large in my book.

The contrasting (backing) vocals' response to the main vocal is something rarely heard in prog in the past couple of decades. Genesis used it often in the 70's to depict different characters in a song, usually in a comical way, but Manning uses the arrangement in more of a sense of a Shakespearian play where the elements (air, water etc.) have a voice (a sort of whisper on a wind).

Guy has omitted the almost-obligatory 20 minute 'epic' (that doesn't mean that there aren't any long-ish tracks), which is good as A Matter Of Life & Death has no need of one. Instant gratification is delivered by the opening track, The Dream, dangerously setting high expectations for the album. Dangerous because on first listen, the remaining tracks, whilst good, failed to grab me in the same manner. A few replays later and other tracks begin to come to the fore and having now heard it 10+ times I can confirm that every track is a winner. How I missed this fact the first time, God only knows, but it proves the worthiness of perseverance and the old adage that great albums get better on every listen.

The package artwork is of an equally high standard and is continued throughout the booklet. I bet ProgRock Records are well pleased that they managed to add Manning to their list of artistes. Highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

NC Raised Me Corey Cold Manufacturer: Recapture Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music ASIN: B000CA85DC Release Date: 2005-05-10

Tracks:

1. Intro
2. Baby Blue
3. Memories of the Past Fet: Big Zo
4. Faded Fet: Ace of Spades
5. Lady Caroline (NC Raised Me)
6. Cash Flow Fet: VA Slim
7. Coast 2 Coast Fet: VA Slim & Nailz
8. Jealousy
9. Ride Wit Me Fet: VA Slim
10. Wildin in tha Club

Music Album:

1. Me and Paul
2. Meeting In The Air - Songs Of The Carter Family
3. Men'll Be Boys
4. Metal Shed Blues
5. Molly & the Heymakers
6. Only Sun
7. Picks on the Hits/Superpickers
8. Pier Pressure
9. Plays Bill Monroe
10. Skeeter Davis sings Buddy Holly/ Skeeter sings Dolly

Music Album