Blue Angel

Product Description
20 track 'live' album featuring many of the songs which made him a legend including his first single, 'Ooby Dooby', 'Only The Lonely', 'Crying', 'In Dreams', 'Oh, Pretty Woman' and 'Blue Bayou'. 2000 release. Standard jewel case.

Blue Angel,Roy Orbison,Rock/Pop

Average customer rating: Aquarian Angel this music is sublime WOW!!! Another great work from Blue Six...KUDOS NAKED MUSIC!!! More mature, but still great. Not bad of a CD!

Aquarian Angel Blue Six Manufacturer: Naked Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: Those Things Out of the Woods Om: Chilled Beautiful Tomorrow Cherry ASIN: B000MM1FNM Release Date: 2007-03-13

Tracks:

1. Tropicallia
2. You Just Can't Stop
3. Half Life
4. I've Given Enough
5. A Woman Of The World
6. Harbour
7. Aquarian Angel
8. Here I Come
9. Fast Free Delivery
10. A Woman Of The Sea
11. Real As Anything
12. Tropicalia

Amazon.com

Fans of the genre called deep house owe much to pioneers like Jay Denes, whose Beautiful Tomorrow (2002), recorded under the moniker Blue Six, introduced many to a silky and impeccably produced cocktail of jazz-house soundscapes. For fanciers of Tomorrow, Aquarian Angel--which is chock full of the vocal stylings of house sirens Lisa Shaw and LT (Aya)--does not disappoint. On the captivating "Here I Come," Shaw's smoky voice chants "this day's done, build another in its place" over a chilled organ line, and LT's singing makes the title track a spot-on lullaby for the urban set. Like Tomorrow, Angel is house made more for the lounge or beach than the floor, as the lush harmonies of "Half Life" and the Brazilian-inflected "I've Given Enough," whose throaty sax line that would make Chet Baker smile, attest. And while some may find Angel's atmospherics a bit saccharine, Denes's crystalline mixing is truly astounding. There is also a sincerity and dimension to the music that sets Angel apart from the genre's more formulaic productions and lures the listener back to tracks that don't immediately make sense. After all, they call it "deep" house for a reason. --Brent Kallmer

Album Description

Blue Six, the production alias of Jay Denes, New York-based musician and co-founder of the highly-regarded Naked Music label, will release his eagerly-anticipated second full-length album, Aquarian Angel on March 13, 2007. By blending underground sensibilities with soulful grooves and lyrical seductiveness, Aquarian Angel continues to do what Blue Six and Naked Music are known for - taking dance music to the next level with mature albums that are synonymous with soulful, stylish sophistication.

Originally a production company, Naked Music was formed in 1998 by Jay Denes and his partner, fellow musician Dave Boonshoft. As the signature artist who captured the essence of the label, Blue Six quickly proceeded to capture the attention of the music scene with their underground dance classics "Sweeter Love" and "Music & Wine" rapidly becoming the ubiquitous soundtrack for scores of clubs, restaurants and bars, from New York to London to Paris.

Aquarian Angel is the follow up to Blue Six's full-length Naked Music debut, Beautiful Tomorrow (2004), which was a dazzling collection of tracks that combined dance grooves and R&B vocals with darkly intelligent lyrics. Aquarian Angel takes all the elements that made Beautiful Tomorrow so well loved and evolves into adult dance grooves and R&B-styled vocals that are cross-fertilized with Brazilian beats, ambient backdrops, and elements of jazz. Additionally, the upcoming CD reunites Jay with the three unique voices that helped make Beautiful Tomorrow such a classic: The triumvirate of label mates, Aya, Lisa Shaw and Catherine Russell return to lend their very different vocals styles, three distinct voices that, over the course of the album, combine to create that instantly recognizable Blue Six sound.

Denes spent the time between Beautiful Tomorrow and Aquarian Angel producing solo albums for both Aya and Lisa Shaw. Aya's "Strange Flower" and Lisa's "Cherry" garnered rave reviews and continue to get consistent radio-play worldwide. After these two intense collaborations, he was ready to compose the Aquarian song-cycle, writing each piece with a specific vocalist in mind. Musically, he has concocted a hybrid that combines his own expert manipulation of state-of-the-art computer technology with the warmth and unpredictability of live musicianship. As a result, Aquarian Angel breathes with a life of its own as it caresses your body and plays with your mind. "Tropicalia", a lush Afro-Brazilian track that features Lisa Shaw, is the first single off the album. Its infectious percussion-driven rhythms will entice DJ's of all stripes.

"On Aquarian Angel I threw all my musical preconceptions out the window," says Denes. "My only intention was to communicate my thoughts and feelings as they presented themselves to me. I think the end result is more varied and broader in scope than my previous work and will ultimately be as meaningful to my listeners as it has been to me."

Customer Reviews:

Aquarian Angel.......2007-07-10

This cd has the "Blue Six" sound. It is extremely mellow and heavenly... If you like the first cd, you may like this one as well. More of an easy listening, chillout flow, extremely mellow - some songs have an angelic flow...

this music is sublime.......2007-06-23

as with other reviewers, i was skeptical that this release would live up to its illustrious predecessor. not only is it as good as the first blue six release, it is even even more sublime. jay denes (and miguesl migs) practically invented this genre of chilled out deep house grooves and jay totally delivers on this fantastic follow up. i would say that these are some of the best performances from lisa shaw and aya to date. the productions values are outstanding. listening to this cd makes me want to travel to a far away island and sip rum drinks on a tropical beach with someone very special while watching the sun slip into the deep blue (six)...

WOW!!! Another great work from Blue Six...KUDOS NAKED MUSIC!!!.......2007-06-09

The first 30 seconds I was hooked on the ambient, more mellow sophomore "gem" from Blue Six. This album is absolutely incredible musically and vocally. It is alot different from "A Beautiful Tomorrow". The bossa nova feel of the album is a nice touch. I love Lisa Shaw's voice. My favorite vocalist on the Naked Music label. Now do not get me wrong, Aya and Catherine Russell are great, and incredible vocalist as well. Tropicallia sets the stage for the album. There is not song I do not like. Some other standouts for me are "Half Light", "I have Given Enough", "A Women of the World", "Here I Come" and "Fast Free Delivery." NOTHING I have ever purchased from the Naked Music Inc and family has been a disappointment. Jay Denes continue enriching us with your sound and creativity in this often tragic age of soulless music. Always a supporter.

More mature, but still great........2007-05-24

When I first listened to Aquarian Angel, I was trying to compare it to A Beautiful Tomorrow, but there is not much to compare. In fact you may be disappointed if that is what you are looking for. However, this album still probides a mellow, lounge-type selection of great music. You can definitely drown your mind into this album and get away to a place you want to go anytime and anyplace with this album. If you like the laid back drums and easy voices of lisa shaw, catherine russell, and aya; you will appreciate Aquarian Angel.

Not bad of a CD!.......2007-05-19

"Aquarian Angel" was what made me get the CD because of the fact that my sign is Aquarius. But trust me, this CD is not bad at all with the jazz, house, and soul trying to chill out, you know what I'm saying? The only reason why I rated "Aquarian Angel" 4 stars was because of the fact that Blue Six didn't have more remixes. But that's okay. I'm going to accept the CD for the way it is! It is still good, no matter what.Please buy this CD if you are interested in music like this!

Average customer rating: SOME OF THESE RECORDINGS MAY NOT BE THE ORIGINAL GENUINE RECORDINGS BUT THE REMIXES ARE INCREDIBLY FANTASTIC! Outstanding music ... but ... Great CD and it includes a rare track to get. Just like the title of the album Buyer beware

The Very Best of Robert Palmer Robert Palmer Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Blue-Eyed Soul | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Billy Idol - Greatest Hits Time Flies: The Best of Huey Lewis & the News Greatest Hits Hits Cars - Complete Greatest Hits ASIN: B000002UJV Release Date: 2003-11-11

Tracks:

1. Addicted To Love
2. Bad Case Of Loving You (Doctor, Doctor)
3. Simply Irresistible
4. Get It On
5. Some Guys Have All The Luck
6. I Didn't Mean To Turn You On
7. Looking For Clues
8. You Are In My System
9. Some Like It Hot
10. Respect Yourself
11. I'll Be Your Baby Tonight
12. Johnny & Mary
13. She Makes My Day
14. Know By Now
15. Every Kinda People
16. Mercy Mercy Me/I Want You
17. Addicted To Love

Amazon.com

He could be the most low-key superstar in the entire pop arena. While almost anyone can name two or three Robert Palmer songs off the top of their head, it's startling to see all his monster hits packaged together and to realize just how many there were. Was Robert Palmer really this big and important? Actually, yes. With nineteen songs in this collection, ten are perennial FM staples--a higher number overall than anyone this side of ZZ Top. 1980's Clues is the critics' choice. But Palmer's commercial high point was 1985's Riptide and the Power Station album of the same year. All are well represented. For even more Palmer, try the two-part Addictions series. --Gavin McNett

Customer Reviews:

SOME OF THESE RECORDINGS MAY NOT BE THE ORIGINAL GENUINE RECORDINGS BUT THE REMIXES ARE INCREDIBLY FANTASTIC!.......2007-07-05

I will be writing a review on the legendary greatest hits compilation album entitled "THE VERY BEST OF ROBERT PALMER" by one of Rock's all-time greatest and classiest frontmen ever. I give you one of England's pride and joy's and one of Britain's favorite sons, the late great showmen himself, M-R. R-O-B-E-R-T P-A-L-M-E-R! THE VERY BEST OF ROBERT PALMER" was originally released in 1997 on Compact Disc on the Guardian Records label whose copyright in this compilation is owned by REMAP CO. INC. under exclusive licence to EMI Records Ltd. As always, if I hear any new additional information concerning this legendary compilation album or the artist, I will edit this review immediately so that you the consumer will get the overall best informative and most accurate review possible.

ROBERT PALMER will forever go down in Rock n' Roll history and be remembered for composing and recording some of Rock's all-time greatest most sacred anthems ever. ROBERT PALMER would also forever be known as the smooth talker of Rock n' Roll. PALMER'S powerful and deep voice was so seductive that he could woo any woman in a matter of seconds. When you listen to his music, you will see what I mean. ROBERT PALMER has always had a smooth image by always sporting a suit and tie when recording his videos. A perfect example is his trademark Rocker entitled "Addicted To Love." Other than this mega-hit, PALMER has recorded many great Rock anthems to highly critically acclaim especially from the 1978 to 1997 years. Which brings me to this legendary greatest hits compilation album I'm about to review for you today. "THE VERY BEST OF ROBERT PALMER" is a great compilation album which chronicles and highlights PALMER'S greatest hits from the 1978 to 1997 period. Please note that some of these songs contained in this album are not PALMER'S original recordings but are remixes of how the songs would have sounded like had they have been recorded in 1997. In my opinion, "THE VERY BEST OF ROBERT PALMER" is without a doubt, a true testament of a musical genius whose musical creativity inspired the world when it came to love. This compilation album is also a fine fitting tribute to a great man whose musicianship truly made a difference in Rock n' Roll and was also truly indeed, far ahead of his time. This is the story of one ALAN (ROBERT) PALMER, his music is his story.

It is now time to let the Rock n' Roll music of MR. ROBERT PALMER to speak for itself and back it up by doing all of the talking musically as ROBERT PALMER originally truly intended fot it to be heard and listened to. "THE VERY BEST OF ROBERT PALMER" from 1997 begins with the explosive remixed 1997 version of the original 1985 monster worldwide hit Rocker "Addicted To Love," the amazing and energetic Rocker "Bad Case Of Loving You (Doctor, Doctor)," the seductive Progressive Hard Rocker "Simply Irresistible," the blistering Hard Rocker recorded by THE POWER STATION in the 80's, "Get It On," the synthesized Rocker also recorded by one ROD STEWART, "Some Guys Have All The Luck," the synthesized Rocker sung by the smooth talkin' PALMER like he truly meant it, "I Didn't Mean To Turn You On," the incredibly fast synthesized Rocker "Looking For Clues," the bass pounding synthesizing progressive Rocker "You Are In my System," THE POWER STATION strikes again with this breathtaking progressive Rocker "Some Like It Hot," the soulful Rocker "Respect Yourself," the fantastic Reggae Rocker "I'll Be Your Baby Tonight," the fast synthesized mild Rocker "Johnny & Mary," the beautifully slow orchestrated, bass pounding and soothing "She Makes My Day," the breakthrough heartfelt danceable mild number "Know By Now," the brilliant remix of the original orchestrated tropical Rocker "Every Kinda People," a beautiful tribute to MR. MARVIN GAYE with the rendition of his most sacred classics "Mercy Mercy Me / I Want You" and the genuine original blistering a*s kickin' Rockin' 1985 version "Addicted To Love." May I also add that PALMER'S merciless lead vocals sounds so incredibly smooth and beautiful while laying down the tracks for all of these incredible hit anthem songs.

This is another one of those rare compilation collections that I would highly recommend to everyone of all ages to own as a valuable and important part of his or her own personal music collection. This legendary compilation album has already proven to stand the test of time and will always be around to be enjoyed, appreciated and cherished for many years to come, NOW AND FOREVER. You can purchase this album either on Amazon com or at your nearest local Borders Books and Music store. In doing this, you will have taken a giant step in owning and starting your very own personal ROBERT PALMER music collection.

In closing, MR. ROBERT PALMER is no longer among us. PALMER may be gone now, but he has left us many gifts of song anthems to cherish and enjoy for many years to come. It is just too bad that PALMER is no longer with us, I truly believed that he still had so much to say and give to us all musically and was willing to give it all to us. There are many songs that I will forever remember MR. ROBERT PALMER but the one that stands out to me the most and I truly believe that all of you will agree with me on this one is the PALMER trademark Rocker "Addicted To Love." In my opinion, MR. ROBERT PALMER is truly a legend that has left his place and mark in Rock n' Roll history. With this in mind, his many contributions, accomplishments and achievements will never be forgotten or denied. So help in joining me in saluting a late true legend. This one's for you late great Robert. And as the saying goes, "AND THE REST IS ROCK N' ROLL HISTORY," need I say more? ROBERT PALMER LIVES! Thanks for reading my review and I truly hope that you have enjoyed reading it as much as I have truly enjoyed writing it for your reading pleasure. I also deeply hope that all of you will read all of my other reviews in the near future when time permits. ROBERT PALMER RULES! R.I.P. ALAN (ROBERT) PALMER, Born 19 January 1949, Died 26 September 2003 at age 54. Long Live Rock n' Roll. Rock out always and take it easy. Forever in Rock, John L.

Outstanding music ... but ..........2007-05-24

This CD was a bit of a disappointment. Robert Palmer had a pure voice and was an important part of the 80s music "revolution," and his contributions to the music world are sadly missed. But had I known this CD was "digitally re-mastered" I would not have purchased it. We don't need his music updated. I want to hear it just as it played on the radio over the years.

CDs such as this need to carry a "re-mastered" disclaimer. I've purchased far too many classic CDs only to discover time has changed the music, and it's not always for the best.

Great CD and it includes a rare track to get. .......2007-05-09

I have been a Robert Palmer fan since his days with Power Station. I was always intrigued by the fact that he wore a priest's get up in the videos. His voice was always in great shape. Having a 4 octave range, he could sing well in low and high voice.
I was sorry to hear about his massive heart attack. I wanted to buy his rendition of Marvin Gaye's song: Mercy, Mercy Me. This is the first compilation that has it.
Great songs, even got surprised by some unknown tracks like "In my system" and "you should know by now."

Great CD. Long live the great Robert Palmer and his golden voice. He will be missed.

Danny Martinez

Just like the title of the album.......2007-01-20

This CD IS the Very Best of Robert Palmer. Sound quality with high volume rocks my house. Nice package of all the hits on one CD.

Buyer beware.......2006-09-01

The original versions of these hits were pretty much mastered to perfection on their original albums. This collection was somewhat of a disappointment (with just a few exceptions) from even my first listen. It should be clearly labeled as a remix collection. Any ear familiar with these hits from this late great artist will quickly recognize that these versions sound way different the originals.

Average customer rating: Marching along Traditional American marches GREAT MUSIC! Why not ZERO? Great Military Music

The Military Band: Salute to the Services Francis Saltus Van Boskerek , Robert M. Crawford , John Stafford Smith , John Philip Sousa , American Traditional , Joseph Franz Wagner , Charles A. Zimmerman , and Felix Slatkin Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Smith, John Stafford | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sousa | Sousa, John Philip | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Similar Items: Sousa's Greatest Hits Music of the U.S. Armed Forces Stars & Stripes Forever and the Greatest Marches America's Bugle Calls God Bless America: Ult Patriotic Album ASIN: B000006OGX Release Date: 1998-06-02

Tracks:

1. Reveille
2. Salute To The Services: The US Field Artillery March
3. Salute To The Services: Anchors Aweigh
4. US Marines On Parade
5. Salute To The Services: US Air Force Song
6. Salute To The Services: Semper Paratus
7. Salute To The Services: The Stars & Stripes Forever
8. Salute To The Services: Semper Fidelis
9. Salute To The Services: National Emblem
10. Salute To The Services: El Capitan
11. Salute To The Services: Washington Post
12. Salute To The Services: The Thunderer
13. Salute To The Services: Under The Double Eagle
14. Salute To The Services: American Patrol
15. Salute To The Services: The Star Spangled Banner
16. Taps

Customer Reviews:

Marching along.......2007-05-12

I am a walker..(up to 15 miles per week) Having made this purchase... I now march along with Sousa and the other greats on this fine album....I heartily recommend it to all....as well as Amazon's timely and fairly priced services...

Traditional American marches.......2007-03-22

These are traditional American marches well played and stirring. The CD and case are of good quality, and the sound is excellent.

GREAT MUSIC!.......2007-03-11

This is an unusual Music CD to a great price.
Something to celebrate July 4 and our nation.
Highly recommended.

Why not ZERO? .......2007-01-27

I would give this one ZERO.....absolutely waste of money. The sound quality is terrible on my Made in Japan SONY / Kenwood / Panasonic CD / MP3 Players. Also, the collection of the noise is not all that impressive, I have seen much better calming peaceful MUSIC. Do not waste money, I think it is rediculous to have a band for military, How about a band for PEACE?

Great Military Music.......2007-01-11

The CD was just what I needed for a special memorial tribute to our service people that have passed on. The recording was clear and bright. The music selections were well performed and TAPS was especially evoking.

Average customer rating: Blue Angel Me loves my blue angel Finally 5 Stars for Content, 3 Stars for Recording Quality Cyndi sings herself into an absolute frenzy...

Blue Angel Blue Angel Manufacturer: Hip-O Select ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Feels Like Christmas Shine Hey Now! (Remixes & Rarities) Cyndi Lauper - Live In Paris Best Remixes ASIN: B000BIYTNU Release Date: 2006-11-13

Tracks:

1. Maybe He'll Know
2. I Had a Love
3. Fade
4. Anna Blue
5. Can't Blame Me
6. Late - Blue Angel,
7. Cut Out
8. Take a Chance
9. Just the Other Day
10. I'm Gonna Be Strong
11. Lorraine
12. Everybody's Got an Angel

Product Description

Ah, they say that the light that burns twice as bright burns half as long. So it was to be with Blue Angel, a New York-based quintet fondly remembered by those few who saw them perform as a great rockin live band. Their place in rock history is solidified as being the first recorded appearance of new wave superstar Cyndi Lauper. The group lasted only three years, having been formed in 1977 and disbanded in 1980, and they have but the one album to their credit, but its a neat little pop gem that foreshadows Laupers future nicely. Right from the outset, on Maybe Hell Know, Lauper is in fine voice, with a jumpin band whose roots in early Sixties Brill Building pop are immediately evident. Touches of the Spectorian Wall Of Sound occasionally are evident, but the group sounds mostly like a great big sock hop. It makes you feel like dancin, yeah!

Customer Reviews:

Blue Angel.......2007-07-12

Cindy Lauper and her first attempt to make it. she was definetly the voice of the band, but the whole album is tight with some catchy tunes to bad they didn't make it as a band, but good for Lauper fans everywhere as a little more than three years later Cindy would make it big and explode across the airwaves and MTV.
The album is worth buying and listening to even if your just curious to what's on it.

Me loves my blue angel.......2007-05-19

I found the album in a sale rack around 1985 and it has been one of my favorites, since. I kept searching for a cd release for so long, but finally gave up. How pleasantly surprised to find it here over a year after I searched for it last. The material and performances are superb. The sound on the album left a lot to be desired, but it didn't ruin the listening experience. The songs are great. I'm waiting for one of the American Idol performers to try "Gonna be Strong". Memorable song. Memorable album.

Finally.......2006-09-16

At long last this album is available on CD, limited edition though it may be. This album is an absolute gem, with Cyndi and the band rocking a faux fifties sound.

Stand-out songs are:

I Had A Love
Anna Blue
Lorraine
Maybe He'll Know (much better here than on True Colors)

I highly recommend this album to any Cyndi Lauper fan. I also recommend you buy it from the label's website for 17.49 rather than the outrageous price it is going for here. I don't work for them, but I don't like to see people gauged either.

5 Stars for Content, 3 Stars for Recording Quality.......2006-08-25

I have loved this recording since I discovered a cassette tape of it in a cutout bin in 1980. I was extremely excited when I found that it was available on CD - and don't regret spending $40 for it. But even though this is my favorite recording of Cyndi (the performances have a fabulous energy - and she rips my heart out on "I'm Gonna Be Strong"), there is a lot of tape hiss - which I can only assume was on the original master. So, despite the audiophile price, it isn't an audiophile recording. It is, however, a collector's item - with a priceless performance.

Cyndi sings herself into an absolute frenzy..........2005-11-19

Cyndi Lauper's first band was full of retro-flavor, with song arrangements both bluesy and jamming, the perfect showcase for Lauper's manic, emotionally-charged vocals. On the slow, taut "Anna Blue", she dramatically croons like a jilted movie star; on "Everybody's Got an Angel", she's a messy but charming punkette; on "I'm Gonna Be Strong", she's a one-woman girl group from the '60's. This album didn't make a ripple, even when it was re-released post-"She's So Unusual", and that's a shame. Blue Angel was a frequently ragged, but rocking, rollicking musical outfit.

Average customer rating: Gone but not forgotten. One of real gems from the 70's.

Nice Baby and the Angel David Blue Manufacturer: Wounded Bird Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Stories Cupid's Arrow Com'n Back for More David Blue Me, S. David Cohen ASIN: B000JVSWF0 Release Date: 2006-12-05

Tracks:

1. Outlaw Man
2. Lady O' Lady
3. True to You
4. On Sunday, Any Sunday
5. Darlin' Jenny
6. Dancing Girl
7. Yesterdays Lady
8. Nice Baby and the Angel
9. Troubadour Song
10. Train to Anaheim

Customer Reviews:

Gone but not forgotten. One of real gems from the 70's........2007-02-19

David Blue recorded seven solo albums in his short career as a songwriter which spanned from 1965 to his death in 1982. It is regrettable that so few people have heard and appreciated his music. This album, "Nice Baby and the Angel" was his finest recording.

After several excellent Dylanesque recordings which include the self- titled "David Blue" and "These 23 Days in September",the country-oriented "Me"(recorded under his real name S. David Cohen), and "Stories", David Blue found his voice and reached his zenith as a songwriter and recording artist.

This fantastic recording features 10 almost perfect folk/country rock tunes which stand out amidst the pack of country rock artists who dominated the scene in 1973 when this record was released.

Most listener's will immediately recognize the opening tune, 'Outlaw Man'
which Blue wrote for the Eagles' Desperado album. But, the essence of this recording is best realized on the ballads 'Lady O'Lady', 'On Sunday,
Any Sunday', 'Yesterday's Lady', 'Nice Baby'... and the terrific country rock tunes, 'True to You', 'Darlin' Jenny', 'Dancing Girl' and 'Train to Anaheim'.

Blue's poetic lyrics are wonderfully complimented by his tasteful musical arrangements that are propelled by his top notch studio band.

Blue is joined in the proceedings by the outstanding musicianship of
Dave Mason on guitar, Graham Nash on guitar and piano, John Barbata on drums, and the amazing David Lindley on slide guitar, viola, violin, and mandolin. The perfectly blended background vocals supplied by Jennifer Warren, Graham Nash, Dave Mason and Glen Frey are amazing

This is, by far, one of the best country rock records ever recorded and should be rated alongside records like Neil Young's 'After the Goldrush',
Poco's 'From the Inside', CSN's 'Deja Vu' and The Flying Burrito Brother's
'The Gilded Palace of Sin'.

If you enjoy "Nice Baby....", you'll want to buy David Blue's "These 23 Days in September" and Cupid's Arrow". Both are outstanding.

My thanks to Wounded Bird Records for realizing the importance of David Blues music and releasing his albums.

Average customer rating: The End Was Near Hendrix lets loose Magical... One of the best Hendrix shows on CD Not a good performance

Blue Wild Angel: Jimi Hendrix Live at the Isle of Wight Jimi Hendrix Manufacturer: Experience Hendrix ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Guitar Gods | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Styles | Music Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Jimi Hendrix: Live At Berkeley Live at the Fillmore East First Rays of the New Rising Sun South Saturn Delta BBC Sessions ASIN: B000070GVU Release Date: 2002-11-12

Tracks:

1. God Save The Queen
2. Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
3. Spanish Castle Magic
4. All Along The Watchtower
5. Machine Gun
6. Lover Man
7. Freedom
8. Red House
9. Dolly Dagger
10. Hey Baby (New Rising Sun)
11. In From The Storm

Amazon.com

In 1970, Jimi Hendrix returned to the country where he'd skyrocketed to fame and gave his first performances in almost two years when he headlined the Isle of Wight festival. Sadly, it was also to be his last major public appearance: less than three weeks later, he would be dead. Compiled from that performance (also available in its entirety as a limited-edition double disc), these recordings reveal a guitar legend in good humor, yet restlessly exploring the broader musical directions he'd just laid down on sessions for what would become First Rays of the New Rising Sun (initially released posthumously as The Cry of Love). Backed by Experience drummer Mitch Mitchell and Band of Gypsys bassist Billy Cox, Hendrix ranges from the improvisatory cacophony of "Machine Gun" and a retooling of his standard blues workout "Red House" to renditions of "Dolly Dagger," "Freedom," and "Hey Baby" that trade on the more rhythmic R&B and jazz influences he'd diligently worked into his music. At times jagged, and straining the limitations of the trio format (Hendrix had publicly mused about working with a big band shortly before his death), it's nonetheless a passionate, intriguing clue as to Hendrix's true ambitions and potential beyond his initial hype and stardom. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

The End Was Near.......2006-09-30

A long time ago, a friend gave me this performance on VHS as a gift. And I like it, although it does leave a little to be desired. Of course, the CD would have better sound, and a DVD would have superior quality. So this will just be about the show as presented in the older format.

Before getting started, on The Who's "Thirty Years Of Maximun R&B" video, Pete Townshend spoke of this performance with mixed feelings. He was proud of The Who's Isle Of Wight performance, but commented on the condition Hendrix was in at the time. He said that as he walked onto the stage, he remembers looking at Hendrix, and thanking God that he was healthy. And if you pay attention to how Hendrix is acting on the stage, you can see he wasn't doing very well.

The sound is ragged throughout, but any live performance from that time, especially from an outdoor performance, will be such. And when the show starts, personally, I think it's awful. The band slowly picks up momentum, and by the time they are playing "All Along The Watchtower," it seems to smooth out a little, even though he forgets lyrics several times during the middle of the show. Watch his face, he is doing the exhausted, puffy-cheeks exhale, staggering around a little, and seems to be somewhere else while doing the show. This is a fractured, tortured performance, but he seems to still keep it going, and considering all that was going on, this is commendable.

He does show brilliance several times here, like when he starts to let his "Red House" solo take off. But, as Townshend said, "He was in such tragically bad condition, physically...," not like the performance he did the previous May, at Berkeley College, and even though this was loud and sloppy as well, he had some energy there, that is missing here. And what's with the gum chewing? Gum is one of those things that should have never been invented, it's bad enough seeing a cow chewing the cud, but on a person, it is the most unflattering thing there is. LOSE THE GUM, JIMI! YOU TOO, BILLY!

But you have to wonder what was going through his mind at this show, the previous four years were complete chaos; the British Invasion, the Summer Of Love, the riots at the Chicago Democratic Convention, Vietnam, the black eye given rock festivals at the Altamont Speedway, the pressure on him to continue blazing new trails, the marathon use of drugs, and the obvious toll it took on him, physically. Given all this, it's surprising he didn't just keel over on the stage that night. And even though he was alive and conscious, you still could call this his "deathbed" performance. At the end, he seems to be relieved that he could go somewhere, and crash.

If he would've just slowed down a little, who knows where he'd be today?

Hendrix lets loose.......2006-05-23

While there is SOME sloppy playing on this CD, it is a concert after all, and conditions were pretty poor from a technical standpoint from what I hear. Is spite of this, this contains some truly inspiring improvisation from the king of improv. If you are familiar with H only from radioplay, you are in for a treat, as Hendrix's genius as a live perfomer really shines forth on these tracks. Truly sounds like two guitars. Credit should also go to the band, who are totally in synch with H's playing. You can hear how Hendrix is getting real jazzy in his phrasing. God, what could have been.... My favorite track: Hey Baby.

Magical..........2006-05-08

As usual with any performer that flies by the seat of his pants when playing live (unlike most of today's acts which rehearse their sets and perform the same things in the same way night after night), Jimi is hot and cold. He's clearly frustrated with his playing and certain tunes are at times both brilliant and also a letdown at others. Machine Gun is one example. The beginning is probably the best rendition of this tune I've ever heard him play - even better than Band Of Gypsies. However, he gets frustrated, takes a break during a drum solo, and comes back playing it somewhat different and almost constipated. His tone, however, is just thick and moving.

If you're a Hendrix fan or not, any live recording of his is worth 5 stars. He's just so imaginary, experimental, full of soul and feel, and his sound is incredible. His hands move so freely on the guitar that it's just soul stirring. Definitely the greatest guitarist of all time...without peer.

One of the best Hendrix shows on CD.......2005-09-08

This show is great, Jimi plays some of the greatest licks and riffs ever played on a guitar. Freedom, Red House, Dolly Dagger, Foxy Lady, Message to Love, Easy Rider, and In From The Storm are the best tunes from the show. I highly recommend getting the 2-disc set of this show.

Not a good performance.......2004-07-12

I have always thought this concert was a downer and it still is after remastering, remixing and repackaging.
Was a sad way to see Jimi go.

Average customer rating:

Blue Wild Angel: Jimi Hendrix Live at the Isle of Wight Jimi Hendrix Manufacturer: Experience Hendrix ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Guitar Gods | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Styles | Music Rock Guitarists | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Jimi Hendrix: Live At Berkeley South Saturn Delta First Rays of the New Rising Sun Live at the Fillmore East Are You Experienced ASIN: B0002ZYECI Release Date: 2004-10-05

Tracks:

1. God Save the Queen
2. Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
3. Spanish Castle Magic
4. All Along the Watchtower
5. Machine Gun
6. Lover Man
7. Freedom
8. Red House
9. Dolly Dagger
10. Midnight Lightning

Tracks:

1. Foxey Lady
2. Message to Love
3. Hey Baby (New Rising Sun)
4. Ezy Ryder
5. Hey Joe
6. Purple Haze
7. Voodoo Child (Slight Return)
8. In from the Storm

Tracks:

1. God Save the Queen [DVD]
2. Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band [DVD]
3. Spanish Castle Magic [DVD]
4. All Along the Watchtower [DVD]
5. Machine Gun [DVD]
6. Lover Man [DVD]
7. Freedom [DVD]
8. Red House [DVD]
9. Dolly Dagger [DVD]
10. Foxey Lady [DVD]
11. Message to Love [DVD]
12. Ezy Ryder [DVD]
13. Purple Haze [DVD]
14. Voodoo Child (Slight Return) [DVD]
15. In from the Storm [DVD]
16. In from the Storm

Average customer rating: Irving Berlin at his best Get's my vote! Jazzy and Beautiful I love it! Simply Dreadful

Kiri Sings Berlin Irving Berlin , Jonathan Tunick , Abbey Road Ensemble , and Dame Kiri Te Kanawa Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Te Kanawa, Kiri | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Similar Items: Kiri Sings Gershwin Kiri Sings Porter; Dame Kiri TeKanawa Kiri Sings Kern: Dame Kiri TeKanawa Kiri Te Kanawa - Greatest Hits ~ 14 Favorites of Opera, Popular & Traditional Song Kiri ASIN: B000002RYP Release Date: 1998-01-20

Tracks:

1. Let's Face The Music And Dance
2. I Got The Sun In The Morning
3. How Deep Is The Ocean?
4. What'll I Do?
5. Blue Skies
6. It's A Lovely Day Today
7. They Say It's Wonderful
8. Say It Isn't So
9. Cheek To Cheek
10. Isn't This A Lovely Day?
11. Always
12. The Song Is Ended
13. I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm
14. It Only Happens When I Dance With You
15. Easter Parade

Amazon.com

After several recordings of American popular music, Te Kanawa has become a very effective crooner, phrasing with heretofore missing panache. The easy, jazzy Riddle-like arrangements are bouncy and appealing. But after 15 selections, the mysterious dissatisfaction of eating Chinese food and feeling hungry an hour later remains. Tunick writes in his program notes that "the waltz ballads ... are poignant and moving, but never stray into sentimentality." But why not? A little mushiness would serve this recording well, and also contribute to a desperately lacking variety of interpretation. Still, the voice is consistently gorgeous; it would just be nice to distinguish the happy songs from the sad. --Barbara Eisner Bayer

Customer Reviews:

Irving Berlin at his best.......2007-06-26

Kiri's glorious voice interprets Irving Berlin masterpieces beautifully with expression and respect for these American favorites.

Get's my vote!.......2004-04-03

OK. Full disclosure: I'm one of those helpless souls who is just madly in love with the sounds that emanate from Dame Kiri Te Kanawa's vocal chords. I suppose there are many artists who can interpret Irving Berlin's songs with more, what's the word, authenticity?

And I've heard many of them, and I love their work.

But Kiri Te Kanawa is different. She was given one of the most beautiful instruments in the history of sound recordings. Thank God the recording companies figured out what they had and put her in front of a microphone early and often.

We have had a rare opportunity to experience a great artist from almost the start of her career clear through to what now must be it's final stages.

I, for one, feel privileged.

Thank you, Dame Kiri. The world is a little better place because of you.

Jazzy and Beautiful.......2002-09-01

This album exemplifies Kiri's amazing, vast dose of talent for musical interpretation. Though I tend to enjoy mostly classical music, this album has opened doors to a wonderful world of classical-jazz, which I find quite beautiful! Perhaps for some, it is an aquired taste...yet I was hooked the moment I heard track one...and have since become quite the "modern Kiri" fan!~Brava once again~

I love it!.......2002-05-14

If you like Irving Berlin and Kiri Te Kanawa you'll probably enjoy this album as much as I do!

I can imagine Nick and Nora Charles listening to this at one of Nick's favorite dives! It will transport you to a sophisticated time and place that may have never existed except in literature and debutante coming out parties.

Gatsby would have loved it, and surely would have invited Kiri to all his parties!

Simply Dreadful.......2001-01-17

Just terrible! Although her voice has mellowed and is quite beautiful, Ms Te Kanawa has absolutely no instinct or feel for this distinctly American music. She's just lost in her own peculiar Kiwi wonderland. She is not aided but what have to be some of the worst arrangements of this music ever recorded.

Her version of "What'll I do" alone earns her a place on the top ten list of abominable recordings of American music.

Average customer rating: A terrific collection of Sousa pieces A Grand Sousa Concert, Indeed Thumbs up

Grand Sousa Concert Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Sousa | Sousa, John Philip | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Similar Items: Fennell Conducts Sousa Sousa Marches: Stars and Stripes Forever Strictly Sousa Sousa's Greatest Hits ASIN: B000002SJW Release Date: 1991-01-18

Tracks:

1. Gallant And Gay We'll March Away - Let's Hurrah!
2. The Pathfinder Of Panama
3. El Capitan
4. Ancient And Honorable Artillery Company
5. The Gladiator
6. The Gliding Girl (Tango)
7. Foshay Tower Washington Memorial
8. Who's Who In Navy Blue
9. King Cotton
10. The Presidential Polonaise
11. The Liberty Bell
12. With Steady Step
13. The Stars And Stripes Forever!
14. Sabre And Spurs
15. La Reine De La Mer (Valses)
16. Mikado March
17. George Washington Bicentennial
18. Manhattan Beach
19. With Pleasure (Dance Hilarious)
20. The Fairest Of The Fair
21. Here's To Your Health, Sir!
22. The Washington Post

Customer Reviews:

A terrific collection of Sousa pieces.......2006-06-09

John Philip Sousa (1854-1932) was one of America's best known composers. And he composed a wide variety of works, mostly for wind band. As a wind band member, I've played many of his marches.

You won't have any difficulty finding albums of Sousa's marches. But what about the rest of his works? This fine album includes a few and the Nonpareil Wind Band, under the direction of Timothy Foley, does an excellent job of playing them.

If I had to choose just eight of Sousa's pieces in order to introduce an audience to Sousa, here is what I would select:

El Capitan
Sound Off
With Pleasure
The Crusader
The Free Lance
The Gladiator
Semper Fidelis
The Fairest of the Fair

As you can see, half of these eight pieces are on this disc. You'll have to look elsewhere to find the others.

I highly recommend this excellent album.

A Grand Sousa Concert, Indeed.......2005-01-31

I'll come right out and say it. I love John Philip Sousa. I find his work addictive, joyous, and often very surprising. This is an album that explains why - it's perfectly arranged and performed, and the selections included could not be any better.

First of all, it's important for folks new to Sousa to understand that no, sir - he didn't compose only marches. Rather a shame that nowadays those are almost exclusively what he's legendary for - they are gems, indeed, but there's far more to the man than what we so often hear in high school bands, hometown parades and national events. Sousa could charm us with playful foxtrots, delight us with unique tangos, caress the ears with heavenly waltzes, and humor us with whimsical cakewalks. Thank goodness this album proves this truth.

Appropriately, the Great American Main Street Band plays each piece with strength, elan and respect - it doesn't get any better. The finest selections include "The Pathfinder of Panama" - a truly rousing march; "The Gliding Girl" - a tango, dedicated to his daughter, Priscilla); "The Presidential Polonaise" - a most noble dance; "La Reine de la Mer" - one of my favorite waltzes, so lovely; and "With Pleasure" - a cakewalk in the most deleriously fanciful fashion. Of course, each piece amongst these stong points is just wonderful, as well.

In all, this is just a flat out great album. Required listening for newly-minted Sousa fans, as well as members of the Old Guard - that would include me. It's a joy to hear, and will become a frequent resident in your CD shuffler - I guarantee that.

Thumbs up.......2003-02-05

Good, crisp rendering of a fine selection of Sousa pieces. Conductor Timothy Foley is well respected.

Average customer rating: A Pleasant Surprise boring Into the Future from the Past... Best album in years! Best album in years!

Blue Angel The Strawbs Manufacturer: Witchwood Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music British Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Déjà Fou Hummingbird Painted Sky Acoustic Strawbs: Baroque & Roll Live in Toronto at Hugh's Room ASIN: B0000950VB Release Date: 2003-04-29

Tracks:

1. Blue Angel: Divided/Half Worlds Apart/At Rest
2. Oh So Sleepy
3. Further Down the Road
4. There Will Come the Day
5. Strange Day Over the Hill
6. Cry No More
7. Plain
8. Do You Remember
9. Rhythm of the Night
10. Morning Glory
11. Sealed With a Traitor's Kiss
12. Lay Down
13. King [*]

Album Description

2003 compilation includes one bonus track 'The King'. Witchwood.

Customer Reviews:

A Pleasant Surprise.......2005-12-09

How many times have you heard a band record decent new versions of some of its old songs? Not many, I'll bet. In my experience, the original version of a song generally remains the definitive one, and attempts at "improving" them often fall flat. Not so with Blue Angel. There are many reworked songs here, and if you are an old Strawbs fan, you are in for a pleasant surprise.
I like most of the CD, but the following are my favorites:
1)The title cut, a beautifully crafted ballad.
2)There Will Come the Day; a chorus-driven anthem. The Al Stewart-like instrumental interlude is a stunner.
3)Strange Day Over the Hill, a jaunty, swinging ditty. Very unusual for the Strawbs.
4)The haunting Plain.
5)Rhythm of the Night, a rousing rocker.
6)Morning Glory, a romantic piece with harmonies reminiscent of pre-disco Bee Gees.
7)Lay Down, a spiritual rocker.
and
8)King; another high-spirited chorus-driven song.
I don't usually like a lot of chorus, preferring a singer's voice to carry the song by itself. Dave Cousins has such a distinctive voice that he doesn't need a backing chorus to augment it. But do you know what? He makes it work here!
Even if, and especially if, you are an old Strawbs fan and are familiar with most of these songs, you ought to give Blue Angel a shot. I'm sure glad I did!

boring.......2005-03-05

unfoertunately, this is one of the most boring cds i've ever baught. a friend said i should get it - he is no longer my friend. get this cd and you've got something for the waste bin. arrgh!

Into the Future from the Past..........2004-01-28

This is an album which all Strawbs fans should own. Listen to it several (at least 3) times before you decide which songs to tape, copy to another cd or rip to mp3. Out of 13 songs I will keep seven (7) in my massive Strawbs collection. I own 19 albums by them.
The first song, Blue Angel is worth the price of the album. It scores for originality, production quality and complexity.
Oh So Sleepy - is a rehash of an old song - Little Sleepy. It is an enjoyable tune, but not as good as its' predecessor.
Further Down the Road has lyrics which imply a faster tempo and if it had that, it would be delicious.
There Will Come the Day is aged in maturity and class with a religious flavor richly enhanced by the beautifully strong voices of the ladies on the album.
Strange Day is a fun and lilting tune with a soft rich beauty.
Cry No More is a pretty tune, but it belongs on an album by Fairport Convention or Sandy Denny, not here.
The Plain - a sad lament reminiscent of a slow version of The Soldiers Tale is beautifully contrived
Do You Remember was just plain fun to listen too.
Rhythm of the Night - ROCK 'n' ROLL - Thank you, God. I guess you can tell, I like it.
Morning Glory is a sad lament and it would be a boring tune but for its' saving grace - the voice of Mary Hopkin.
Sealed with a Trators Kiss - This version should have been left on the cutting room floor.
Lay Down is a remake of an old favorite. It is not as good as the original due to its' lack of ups and downs in voice and sound, but it is a flavorful second if you don't have a recording of the original.
Lastly - The King - this song would have benefitted from a slow beginning like Blue Angel had and then an increase in tempo to a rollicking crescendo at the end. Alas the song was too short but very good.
The return of so many musicians from old times, like Dave Lambert and others keeps Dave Cousins vital, alive and full of energy. If not for their pressence, I fear that Dave (much as I love his ability to craft great lyrics and tunes) would slip back into the boring and melancoly drivel of albums like "Old School Days".
Overall this is a good solid start on a revival of a fabulous band from the greatest era of music. The Strawbs have always been my favorite band. Anyone hearing the band on this album will want to hear more. And there is so much more from the past which can take The Strawbs and us into the future.

Best album in years!.......2003-07-25

Not on par with their classic 71-75 era, to be sure, this is still the best and most progressive Strawbs album since Heartbreak Hill, the posthumously released follow-up to Deadlines. Fans should know that Blue Angel is in great part a repackaging of the Cousins-Willoughby project The Bridge, but with enough new material and enough reworking of the old to make this stand as a "new" release. Backed up by a star lineup of ex-members from all periods (including Lambert, Hudson, Cronk, Coombes, & Blue Weaver on a couple of tracks each), and featuring major contributions from vocalist Mary Hopkin, it includes all but two songs from The Bridge, plus new recordings of some old tunes: a band version of Cousins' solo epic Blue Angel, an acoustic Sealed With A Traitor's Kiss, a note-for-note retake of Lay Down, and a partial re-recording of the post-Deadlines single The King.

The playing and production are excellent, especially Willoughby's lead guitar, while the overall complexity of the songs is comparable to the two Oyster releases, Deep Cuts and Burning For You. Further Down The Road and Morning Glory are mid-paced ballads in the same vein as the second half of Burning ... (though better), while Strange Day Over the Hill recalls Back In the Old Routine or Wasting My Time (though not as good!). Similarly, Oh So Sleepy (which dates from the Deep Cuts sessions, in fact), Do You Remember, and The Rhythm of The Night (aka Heat Of the Street) are loosely that same Little Sleepy / Charmer sort of pop-rock. Prog-heads will be happier with the title track (originally on Cousins' 1972 solo album Two Weeks Last Summer), the lovely acoustic ballad Cry No More, and There Will Come The Day (co-written with journeyman keyboardist Don Airey), plus the almost Grave New World-ish The Plain. These tracks provide a fair dose of the dark, melancholy prog that the Strawbs did at their best.

All in all, more prog-pop than prog rock, but a strong release nonetheless. They may have become a cottage industry, but Blue Angel shows that the Strawbs are still a respectable artistic force. Fans will also enjoy Hummingbird, Cousin's recent collaboration with Rick Wakeman, which mines similar turf but in a more acoustic-duo setting. The best moments of both records would have made a superb single album - but that's what CD burners are for!

Best album in years!.......2003-07-25

Not on par with their classic 71-75 era, to be sure, this is still the best and most progressive Strawbs album since Heartbreak Hill, the posthumously released follow-up to Deadlines. Fans should know that Blue Angel is in great part a repackaging of the Cousins-Willoughby project The Bridge, but with enough new material and enough reworking of the old to make this stand as a "new" release. Backed up by a star lineup of ex-members from all periods (including Lambert, Hudson, Cronk, Coombes, & Blue Weaver on a couple of tracks each), and featuring major contributions from vocalist Mary Hopkin, it includes all but two songs from The Bridge, plus new recordings of some old tunes: a band version of Cousins' solo epic Blue Angel, an acoustic Sealed With A Traitor's Kiss, a note-for-note retake of Lay Down, and a partial re-recording of the post-Deadlines single The King.

The playing and production are excellent, especially Willoughby's lead guitar, while the overall complexity of the songs is comparable to the two Oyster releases, Deep Cuts and Burning For You. Further Down The Road and Morning Glory are mid-paced ballads in the same vein as the second half of Burning ... (though better), while Strange Day Over the Hill recalls Back In the Old Routine or Wasting My Time (though not as good!). Similarly, Oh So Sleepy (which dates from the Deep Cuts sessions, in fact), Do You Remember, and The Rhythm of The Night (aka Heat Of the Street) are loosely that same Little Sleepy / Charmer sort of pop-rock. Prog-heads will be happier with the title track (originally on Cousins' 1972 solo album Two Weeks Last Summer), the lovely acoustic ballad Cry No More, and There Will Come The Day (co-written with journeyman keyboardist Don Airey), plus the almost Grave New World-ish The Plain. These tracks provide a fair dose of the dark, melancholy prog that the Strawbs did at their best.

All in all, more prog-pop than prog rock, but a strong release nonetheless. They may have become a cottage industry, but Blue Angel shows that the Strawbs are still a respectable artistic force. Fans will also enjoy Hummingbird, Cousin's recent collaboration with Rick Wakeman, which mines similar turf but in a more acoustic-duo setting. The best moments of both records would have made a superb single album - but that's what CD burners are for!

Rock Music:

1. Bobo vs. Girlpope Live [Explicit Lyrics] [Live]
2. Brill Building Sessions and More [Import]
3. Cafe Bleu [Import]
4. Can Anybody Hear Me [Import]
5. Chasin' a Dream
6. Dandelion Day [Import]
7. Day Off
8. Demon Is Cryin'
9. Distant Echoes [Original recording remastered] [Import]
10. Electric Warrior [Import]

Rock Music