Prog Day [Import]

Product Description
Special edition release containing the mini CD recorded live in studio featuring four tracks, 'Articolazioni', 'Dimensione Terra', 'Comin' Here To Get You', & '2000', plus a special event T-Shirt. Electromantic. 2004.

Prog Day,Arti & Mestieri,Rock/Pop

Average customer rating: PATTI SANTOS was the original vocal! Two Great Cuts, One Nostalgic Cut, and a Lot of Garbage Memories I don't know about "the San Fran sound", but I know IT'S A BEAUTIFUL SOUND... It's A Beautiful Day - self-titled (San Francisco Sound)

It's a Beautiful Day It's a Beautiful Day Manufacturer: San Francisco Sound ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Marrying Maiden Happy Trails Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus Surrealistic Pillow Quicksilver Messenger Service ASIN: B000000DPF Release Date: 2001-11-13

Tracks:

1. White Bird
2. Hot Summer Day
3. Wasted Union Blues
4. Girl With No Eyes
5. Bombay Calling
6. Bulgaria
7. Time Is

Amazon.com

Yes, the original version of that FM oldie "White Bird" is included on this CD. Formed in 1967 by former symphony violinist David LaFlamme, this popular group plowed through all of the San Francisco Sound's clichés at once: organ, fiddle and drum solos; epigrammatic sayings about love, time, and dreams that are so cheesy they would make a Hallmark hack blush; the soft-part-that-heads-steadily-toward-the-crescendo part; incongruously pieced-together prog-rock songs that plod on for way too long; off-kilter male and female singing; and a near-total lack of soul. This 1969 recording, then, is a clear blueprint of what not to do in psychedelic rock--with the exception of "White Bird," which retains a sheen of innocence and melodic oomph despite its daft, repeated utterance that "she must fly!" This reissue has a bright, clear sound and excellent separation; it will more than please fans of the original LP. However, those looking for an equal to the best works of Moby Grape, Quicksilver, and the Dead are encouraged to seek elsewhere. --Mike McGonigal

Album Details

The Classic Band of the Sixites Embraced by San Francisco and the Love Generation, the Legendary First Album featuring White Bird. One of the Original Ten San Francisco Groups Produced by Matthew Katz who Produced Jefferson Airplane.

Customer Reviews:

PATTI SANTOS was the original vocal!.......2007-07-14

PATTI SANTOS Santos was the original vocal on the original recording. Her voice was so unique and beautiful that no one since her untimely death will EVER be able to duplicate. For some reason, there is NO mention of Patti in any of these reviews OR on LaFlamme's website. I wonder why that is? PATTI SANTOS was what made It's A Beautiful Day what it was. Yes, the violin is very pretty, but I can always listen to Jean-Luc Ponty. I'm afraid that without PATTI SANTOS on vocals and percussion, IABD will never be the same. Just a good example of how it's never as good as the original. I do, however, think all of IABD's albums are excellent masterpieces. The LaFlamme solo albums are good too. Fortunately, we have the beauty of PATTI SANTOS' vocals on those albums. It's kinda like trying to recreate "Close To You" by the Carpenters with another singer other than Karen Carpenter--it can't be done. These were unique, beautifully gifted artists who were one of a kind and are still missed to this day.

Two Great Cuts, One Nostalgic Cut, and a Lot of Garbage.......2007-07-13

Great cut: Hot Summer Day: unique, superb mix of instruments (violin, harmonica, keyboard, and electric guitar), nice vocals (the lyrics are kinda dumb, but that's part of the 60s), fantastic build up...everything that characterizes a great 60s song. The last few intensive notes end this song beautifully.

Great cut: Bombay Calling - a wonderful violin driven instrumental that makes you bounce in your seat.

Nostalgic Cut: White Bird (yup. I'm that old). Great to hear it, but it makes its point and then pounds you to death with it

OK Cut: Girl with No Eyes (what is this song trying to tell us?)

What's with the rest of this junk? It's either painfully harsh or just downright boring. Amazon reviewer Mike McGonigal hit the nail on the head. This album is everything that's right and wrong with the 60s music.

Memories.......2007-03-19

I had one of the songs off this CD stuck in my head for weeks. I finally got my song fix and it was great!

I don't know about "the San Fran sound", but I know IT'S A BEAUTIFUL SOUND..........2007-02-23

This album was recorded well before I was born so this review will not be based on subjective and biased memories...though I wish I could have experienced this band back in that era because a lot of great music was created back then. I am not familiar with the so-called "San Franscisco sound" but I do know of other bands in this era such as Jefferson Airplane, the Doors, King Crimson, and Procol Harum (these are bands I mention because I think elements of their sound can be heard in It's a Beautiful Day).

BEAUTIFUL!!! That word really does describe this album better than anything else in the english vocabulary. The cover of the album reminds me of the movie 'The Sound of Music' and the music is pure genius. Take a typical 4 peice 60's band (bass, guitar, drums, vocals) then add keyboards with psychedelic sound effects, a very talented violinist, a female vocalist, and a variety of other instruments...combine all this with gorgeous melodies, poetic lyrics, and progressive song compositions = BEAUTIFUL!!!

I won't take the time to dissect every song but I will make mention that "White Bird" really is as wonderful as all the other reviewers have made it out to be. Other highlights for me were the psychedelic and very catchy melodies of "Girl With No Eyes", the distorted guitars and upbeat tempo of "Wasted Union Blues", the guitar licks and harmonies of the instrumental song "Bombay Calling", and the diverse and crazy "Time Is" (almost 10 minutes in length and includes a great percussion solo). There is really no filler on this album and David Lafamme's voice is just as moving as his violin. As the lyrics of "Bulgaria" suggest: "Open up your mind!"

BEAUTIFUL!!!

RECOMMENDATION: As mentioned earlier in my review - fans of the Doors, King Crimson, Jefferson Airplane, or Procol Harum should dig this music. If you are already familar with It's A Beautiful Day then those aforementioned bands should be part of your music collection as well. Also highly recommended is the band Camel's 1975 instrumental masterpiece entitled 'The Snow Goose'. See my profile for more suggestions.

It's A Beautiful Day - self-titled (San Francisco Sound).......2007-01-13

Review no. 115. For a semi-obscure act,I was amazed at seeing over a hundred reviews for this 'cult classic', sort to speak. Originally released in 1969, this was It's A Beautiful Day's debut record. I remember my baby sitter playing this lp several times, as I always thought it was, like sort of cool-but at the same time a bit strange. Now, light years later, I like getting to check out the CD reissue. Tunes I was most impressed with were "White Bird", "Summer Day"(most older fans should recall this cut), "Bombay Calling" and the somewhat eerie "Bulgaria". Good old school San Francisco psychedelic / folk rock.Line-up: David LaFlamme-flute, violin&vocals, wife Linda-organ&piano, Hal Wagenet-guitar,Mitchell Holman-bass and Pattie Santos-percussion&vocals. Unless your memory is a mite rusty, this band might appeal to fans of Jefferson Airplane, Traffic, Spirit, the Strawbs and possibly Soft Machine.

Average customer rating: Got my act all tight... Classic Queen! A Night at the Opera The Sequel and it's equal Lost Treasure Classic Album with the highest standards

A Day At The Races [+2 Remixed] Queen Manufacturer: Hollywood Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music British Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Supergroups | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Glam | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Arena Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: A Night at the Opera News of the World Sheer Heart Attack Queen II Jazz ASIN: B000000OA8 Release Date: 1991-03-05

Tracks:

1. Tie Your Mother Down
2. You Take My Breath Away
3. Long Away
4. The Millionaire Waltz
5. You & I
6. Somebody To Love
7. White Man
8. Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy
9. Drowse
10. Teo Torriatte (Let Us Cling Together)
11. Tie Your Mother Down (1991 Remix By Matt Wallace)
12. Somebody To Love (1991 Remix By Randy Badazz)

Amazon.com

Both regal and raunchy, Queen was at the height of its powers in the mid-70s, riding the soaring vocals of Freddie Mercury, the ringing guitar crunch of Brian May and the band's shameless theatrical flourishes. Coming so quickly after the band's A Night At the Opera opus, this 1976 album works hard at repeating the same hit-making elements, down to the matching cover art. If A Day At the Races lacks the same level of pop tunesmanship, there is still energy in these tracks, particularly in the rocking "Tie Your Mother Down" and the emotional "Somebody to Love," which set a blueprint for future ballads by the band. --Steve Appleford

Album Details

Japanese Version featuring a Limited Edition LP Style Slipcase for Initial Pressing Only.

Customer Reviews:

Got my act all tight..........2007-06-18

I am very fond of this record but cannot overlook its flaws. It is definitively the poorer twin to its rousing predecessor, the amazing 'Night at the Opera' and does not warrant the five star status that 'Opera', 'Sheer Heart Attack' and 'II' so richly deserved. Released in December 1976, 'Races' was Queen's first as rock's newest superpower and for the most part it lives up to promise of past Queen triumphs. "Tie Your Mother Down" is a dynamite rocker, as kickass as the band would ever produce, a May track naturally with a stunning slide guitar solo. "Somebody to Love" became one of the band's greatest hits and is a take off on another tried and true musical form, gospel as "Bohemian Rhapsody" celebrated (or parodied) opera. The multi-tracked vocals of Freddie, Roger and Brian have been much discussed and admired. "White Man" is another brutal hard rocker whose main riff also serves as the album intro...a coming attractions so to speak (as does "Teo Torriate"). Along with "Somebody", Freddie also contributes "You Take My Breath Away" (which can also be seen as the "Love of My Life" of 'Days'), "The Millionaire Waltz" and "Good Old Fashioned Lover-Boy", all very good tracks but nothing Queen hadn't done better (though "Waltz" is fascinating in its switch from schmaltzy Lawrence Welk to metal!). Brian sings "Long Away" which is pretty cool. John Deacon offers up "You and I", (kinda decent but again nothing special) and Roger Taylor gives "Drowse" (which sucks!) and that is why this album is a letdown from the previous classics, the overall song quality isn't there. 'Days' is classic Queen, but again not one of their alltime classics, from a purely album standpoint. Both remixes are useless by the way, they add nothing to the originals. What no outtakes???

Classic Queen!.......2007-06-18

This is Queen at the time of their best work. Always remember, 'A Day At The Races' is the black colored album, 'A Night At The Opera' is the white colored album. Classic Queen humor. "Somebody to Love" will always be one of Freddie's best vocal materpieces. This is when the group was true to harmonizing effects without sithizers. Long Away is brilliant. You have to at least listen one time thru stereo headphones to really get the best sound experience you'll ever have. I love every song!

A Night at the Opera The Sequel and it's equal.......2007-02-13

Just as good as the previous record. Sounds like it was recorded at the same sessions. Instead of following up a classic, they recreated one.

Lost Treasure.......2006-11-19

Due to A Night at The Opera's huge success and a string several major hits after A Day at the Races, this album seems to have been lost in all the noise. I own the vinyl record and am finally upgrading to the CD after all these years. Freddie Mercury's soaring vocals and piano work on When I'm Gone goes as one of the most underrated, yet wonderful songs on the album. It is the main reason I purchased the CD. There are several gems on this album, I highly recommend it.

Classic Album with the highest standards.......2006-11-12

A have to have album for all fans. This album should have had more hits and more radio play. Long Away was released as a single in the U.S. but it did nothing . Tie your mother down is one of the best hard rock tunes ever. I never get tired of it. A great album to sing all the words to.

Average customer rating: Oldies but Goodies Have A Nice Day: Volume 25 Is A Good Finale For This Series! The Best Collection Of 70's Music Out There--Hands Down If you are HARD CORE 70's........ You get too much you get too high...

Super Hits of the '70s: Have a Nice Day, Vol. 25 Various Artists Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music 1970s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music General | Compilations | Pop | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music General | Compilations | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music 1970-1979 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Super Hits of the '70s: Have a Nice Day, Vol. 24 Super Hits of the '70s: Have a Nice Day, Vol. 23 Super Hits Of The '70s: Have a Nice Day, Vol. 18 Super Hits of the '70s: Have a Nice Day, Vol. 22 Super Hits of the '70s: Have a Nice Day, Vol. 20 ASIN: B0000033RE Release Date: 1996-03-26

Tracks:

1. Love Is Like Oxygen - Sweet
2. How Much I Feel - Ambrosia
3. Shake It - Ian Matthews
4. Falling - LeBlanc And Carr
5. I Just Wanna Stop - Gino Vannelli
6. 5.7.0.5. - City Boy
7. New York Groove - Ace Frehley
8. My Angel Baby - Toby Beau
9. Love Takes Time - Orleans
10. Get Used To It - Roger Voudouris
11. Lead Me On - Maxine Nightingale
12. Oh Well - Rockets

Customer Reviews:

Oldies but Goodies.......2006-11-10

I ordered this CD for one song specifically, "Falling" by Lenny LeBlanc and Pete Carr. All the other songs were a bonus. The memories from my teen years came flooding back as I listened. Those of us who grew up in the 70's had the very best music as the soundtrack for our lives. "Falling" is truly one of the most beautiful songs ever....I cried and cried as I listened, reflecting on times past and loved ones I've lost.

Have A Nice Day: Volume 25 Is A Good Finale For This Series!.......2006-08-15

Now that I finally own all Volumes of this, Have A Nice Day, Series; I wanted to brief you a little bit on the final one of the series which is this Volume 25. I rated it 4 stars because I liked it. I think it is one of the better Volumes.
Several good songs give a strong presence here. Personal favorites are, Lead Me On, Shake It, My Angel Baby, and , Love Takes Time, plus there is also one song on this Volume that I want to brag about and with good reason. I have always been a sucker for Ballads and there have been plenty of good ones over the years.....but two Ballads hit the airwaves in the latter 70s that I consider two of the best ever and one of them is right here being LeBlanc and Carr's, Falling. The other can be found on 1979 Billboard Top Hits called, Just When I Needed You Most, by the late great Randy Vanwarmer....Very Nice!
Speaking for the entire H.A.N.D. series....Volume 18 is the only store bought Volume I own and it was my first.....I purchased the other 24 online (Thanks Guys and/or Gals) and this Volume 25 was one of the first to catch my eye. I also have several other favorite Volumes besides this one. I think Volumes 6 and 23 are the weakest but they are still decent. In otherwords.....it is a good series and well worth having. I have found after all these years that these 300 songs on this series (plus so many other songs from that era) sound even better the second time around and they will never get old! Ya know.....In 1975; The Great Band, Chicago, came out with a very good nostalgic tune called, Old Days, and Peter Cetera pretty much sums it up with the lyrics when he said they.....Take Me Back To A World Gone Away; Memories Seem Like Yesterday.....and he was (and still is) right. Now we can say the same thing not only about that song; but also about the entire 70s H.A.N.D. Series and all the other good music and fun happenings that we had back then.....How Time Flies!

The Best Collection Of 70's Music Out There--Hands Down.......2006-06-21

Instead of giving an individual review of each volume in this series, I decided to give one review on the final volume of the series.

As a child in the 70s I grew up hearing these songs on the radio and the entire series really gave me a feeling of nostalgia. When I started collecting this series, I didn't always know each artist or even each song title, but once I spun the disc, the lyrics to these songs came back from the dark void of my memory. That was half the fun of this whole series. Volume 13 was the one volume in the entire series that I remebered each song. Volumes 12, 13, 14 and 15 are my favorite volumes.

Not each volume is a winner. Volumes 4, and 6 I felt weren't that great of volumes, but each volume contains at least 4-5 great gems. Again, the entire series is great.

This series and Rhino's Didn't It Blow Your Mind series are hands down the best series of 70's music out there. I give both series five stars. If there was one thing that I felt that Rhino missed on these was that they didn't take each series out to five more volumes. The would have given Have A Nice Day 30 volumes and Didn't It Blow Your Mind 25 volumes. Either way, the Have A Nice Day series is my favorite 70s music complilation series and it has gotten lots of use in my CD player.

If you like quirky AM pop from the 70s, then this series is for you. You won't regret it. If your looking for more of the FM style 70s music, then get Time/Lifes Sound of the 70s.

After reading several reviews for the various volumes in this series, it's clear the some people missed the entire point of this series. This entire series was supposed to resemble or be a throw back to those infamous compilation LPs from K-Tel that were everywhere in the 70s. This series wasn't supposed to have great songs. Just memorable ones.

If you are HARD CORE 70's...............2006-01-02

.....this entire collection is for you! This is the only collection where I could find ALL THE SONGS I listened to on AM RADIO! ALL 25 VOLUMES ARE A MUST for your 70's collection! So what - some of the songs aren't Top 10 hits - but they were part of your life if you loved 70's AM Radio! If you bought 45's - If you bought albums - If you listened to the radio - you know these songs! If you want repetitive Top 10 songs, then get another collection. If you truly want the songs of the 70's.... GET ALL 25 VOLUMES of "HAVE A NICE DAY!"

You get too much you get too high..........2004-05-20

Well, several volumes of the Rhino collection aren't perfect, but they all bring us back in their own inimitable way. "Love Is Like Oxygen" has the perfect lyrical "hook" as well as a variety of musical gimmicks. "How Much I Feel" is either totally saccharine or a genuine tearjerker depending on your point of view, but they sure sang it like they felt it. Wow! "Falling", a slowdance harmony classic for the next hundred years, is rightfully included here, too. Gino Vanelli can take his big 'fro elsewhere for all I care, but I'm sure he has his fans (in Montreal and elsewhere). "5705" and "New York Groove" appear to have been included for archival purposes only. Did anyone actually like those songs when they came out? "My Angel Baby", an instant classic, joins the pantheon of 50's-sound "stroll" tunes, and its similarities to Robert John's "Sad Eyes" are obvious (once the Rhino folks call attention to this in their liner notes). "Love Takes Time" and "Shake It" contain a strong sexual subtext, hearkening back to an era where songs couldn't be "explicit" in their lyrics. "Get Used To It", an upbeat one-hit wonder, remains one of the few songs of the rock era using a synthesized harpsichord. Maxine's "Lead Me On" slows the tempo as the CD concludes with the anarchistic, defeatist "Oh Well" ("I can't sing, I ain't pretty, and my legs are thin"). You need this CD. Get it now, so you know what the originals sounded like before Jewel and/or Lenny Kravitz records a re-make!

Average customer rating: Remaster vs Original CD A Complete Experience -- Fantastic Remastering Creating The Sound They Are Known For WORTH A LISTEN on the third day

On the Third Day Electric Light Orchestra Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Face the Music A New World Record ELO II No Answer Eldorado ASIN: B000F8O4EA Release Date: 2006-09-12

Tracks:

1. Ocean Breakup/King Of The Universe
2. Bluebird Is Dead
3. Oh No Not Susan
4. New World Rising/Ocean Breakup Reprise
5. Showdown
6. Daybreaker
7. Ma-ma-ma Belle
8. Dreaming Of 4000
9. In The Hall Of The Mountain King
10. Auntie (Ma-Ma-Ma Belle Take 1)
11. Autin (Ma-Ma-Ma Belle Take 2)
12. Mambo (Dreaming Of 4000 Alt. Mix)
13. Everyone's Born To Die
14. Interludes (Previously Unreleased)

Customer Reviews:

Remaster vs Original CD.......2007-03-27

I've just bought four remastered ELOs, and already compared two of them, new Out Of The Blue was clearly worst in every aspect. This edition is almost identical to the original CD EXCEPT that it is COMPRESSED!!! WHY? Digital era made almost all producers wanting to sound louder, rock mixing doesn't have a standard loudness as movies. So each decade albums are more and more compressed and less and less musical. As an example, ending of first song (King...) has some pizzicato at peaking at -15db, new version is at -10db (5db louder), so dynamic range has been lost. All pianissimos are loud. Musicality has been lost because of this, I'm afraid all new remaster editions has been heavily compressed.
Original CDs editions have a very good sound quality, I would stick to those versions unless you want bonus tracks.
I give 2.5 stars, 4 because of the music and 1 for poor mastering.

A Complete Experience -- Fantastic Remastering.......2007-03-24

You can hear Lynne's vision coming together on this album, as near a complete album experience as I've heard in a while. This record was meant to be listened to as "sides" (boy I'm really dating myself now) and each one is a truly complete listening experience. The combination of Beatles harmonies, sounds, and melodies, great rock guitar, grand orchestration, tight backbeats, and sci-fi and other esoteric themes, all come together in a very satisfying package.

Highlights for me include the incredible "Bluebird is Dead," with its smart "Tomorrow Never Knows" guitar loops (this song was recently covered by Todd Rundgren for a Jeff Lynne tribute album). followed by some of Jeff's best John Lennon-style singing on "Oh No Not Susan." The great "Showdown" has one of the tastiest guitar breaks on record, and side 2, while more instrumental and experimental, is equally as enjoyable.

The new remastering brings out the depth and dimensions in the music -- the buried sounds, the dense instrumentation, the really rock solid rhythm section -- it's all good, and it sounds great.

But I do have to comment on the bonus tracks. Not only are they not essential, in my view they mar the listening experience. Do we need two additional versions of "Ma-Ma-Ma Belle" after the gentle, prog-like release of the final album track, the instrumental reworking of "In the Hall of the Mountain King"? I say no thanks. I did enjoy the very Blonde-on-Blondish sounding bonus track "Everyone's Born to Die," I just think it should not have been tacked on to such a great, complete record. And the final noodling track adds absolutely nothing, in my opinion.

That shouldn't discourage anyone from picking this up, every serious music fan should own it.

Creating The Sound They Are Known For.......2007-02-13

On this 3rd day of creation, their 3rd album, the fusion of Beatle era pop with strings Ala Magical Mystery Tour and the studio wizardry all comes into it's own as this distinctive important band put it together creating their trademark sound with their successful followups all unmistakable ELO.
A real sonic treat, not to be missed..from The pop of the classic Move, into the 1st ELO albums highbrow eccentric sound, into the longer pieced subdued ELO 2 (with the great rocker Roll Over Beethoven) came this benchmark followed by the lush majestic Eldorado and the followups.

WORTH A LISTEN.......2007-01-27

I say worth a listen if you are a hardcore, buy everything ELO fan, but for beginners who are just starting to listen to ELO, this is an easy pass. Granted the re-mastering sound is great and there are parts of this album I do kind of enjoy, but I find most of it hard to ingest. I can't really seem to want to listen to the album as a whole, just parts of it. Giving it 2 stars may be a little harsh. It's not a bad album or horrible by any means. But it's just about average at best for me. I guess I just prefer that soon to come ELO sound after this. But it is worth a listen. Maybe give it try, you may like it better than I did.

on the third day.......2007-01-16

elo is a very good band. im still looking forward to the next release of the last two albums.

Average customer rating:

Last Day in Paradise Alex Skolnick Trio Manufacturer: Magnatude Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Transformation Goodbye To Romance: Standards For A New Generation Quantum Fear of a Blank Planet Moe's Town ASIN: B000MR9DC2 Release Date: 2007-03-13

Tracks:

1. Mercury Retrograde
2. Last Day In Paradise
3. Tom Sawyer
4. Shades Of Grey
5. Practica Lo Que Predicas
6. The Lizard
7. Channel Four
8. Revelation Mother Earth
9. Out There Somewhere
10. Western Sabbath Stomp

Album Description

On March 15, 2007, Alex Skolnick Trio will unleash "Last Day In Paradise" on Magnatude Records. It consists of seven original compositions along with three arrangements of hard rock 'standards,' (a concept upon which the trio has built a strong reputation as an instrumental group that appeals to straight-ahead jazz fans and rock fans alike). Feeling the inspiration of European jazz and other influences, the group has now gone beyond the limitations of the traditional guitar trio format on many of the songs, incorporating electronic loops ('Last Day In Paradise'), vocal melodies ('Mercury Retrograde') and slide guitar ('Western Sabbath Stomp'). There are also special effects, bowed bass tracks and other studio embellishments, resulting in their most original and cutting edge album to date. The new album also includes a Latin version of the Testament song `Practice What You Preach' (which Alex originally co-wrote) and a live electronica inspired version of Rush classic 'Tom Sawyer.'

Average customer rating: Excellent live album....but hard to find Classic Live S.F. sound Live Beautiful Day

It's a Beautiful Day at Carnegie Hall It's a Beautiful Day Manufacturer: Columbia ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Classic Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: It's a Beautiful Day Marrying Maiden Choice Quality Stuff/Today Last Flight Sweeping Up the Spotlight: Jefferson Airplane Live at the Fillmore East 1969 ASIN: B00000714J Release Date: 2005-08-30

Tracks:

1. Give Your Woman What She Wants
2. Hot Summer Day
3. Angels and Animals
4. Bombay Calling
5. Going to Another Party
6. Good Lovin'
7. Grand Camel Suite
8. White Bird

Album Description

As the title implies, this CD captures the Bay Area-based It's a Beautiful Day in concert at the venerable New York City performance Mecca Carnegie Hall in 1972. It's A Beautiful Day were one of the finest Psychedelic Folk-Rock acts to emerge from the fertile late '60s/early '70s San Francisco scene with two albums (It's A Beautiful Day and Marrying Maiden) still selling well as catalog titles nearly 40 years after their original release! The band was led by violin virtuoso David LaFlamme (who was an early member of Dan Hicks And His Hot Licks), and their recorded legacy and loyal fan base have kept the band's flag flying for four decades. Eight tracks including 'White Bird', 'Angels And Animals' and 'Bombay Calling'. Sony. 2005.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent live album....but hard to find.......2006-12-16

This was originally released in 1972. It is 47 minutes long. I have to admit that I have only heard the LP and don't know the sound quality of the CD. The LP had very good sound quality, but not perfect. It has a bit of a booming, echo quality to the sound.

The band at the time has the same members as that were on the album Choice Quality Stuff/Anytime.

This is an excellent live album with great peformances throughout. The three big hits from the first album, Hot Summer Day, Bombay Calling and White Bird are all stretched out to greater than 8 minutes each. But, even the shorter songs have interesting jamming interludes. All the members of the bands take turns giving some impressive moments.

There are three new songs that have not been recorded before. These are all very good and better than any of the songs that were on Choice Quality Stuff. The other 2 songs are Good Loving from Merrying Maiden and Grand Camel Suite from Choice Quality Stuff.

If you can't find this album, there are other It's a Beautiful Day live CD's available on David LaFlamme's website. Just google his name.

Classic Live S.F. sound.......2006-07-16

This CD rates with the best of the classic San Fransisco sound live album releases. If you enjoyed Grateful Dead's, Live/Dead, Jefferson Airplane's, Bless It's Pointed Little Head, and Quicksilver's, Happy Trails CDs, you will probably love this one too.

Live Beautiful Day.......2006-07-05

Couple good renditions but pretty poor sonics and a number of forgettable tunes. Their studio album "It's a Beautiful Day" remains the one to own.

Average customer rating: Long time fan WELL DONE !! Excellent! buy this if you love anthony phillips Anthony Phillips Has A Field Day

Field Day Anthony Phillips Manufacturer: Blueprint UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Archive Collection, Vol. 2 Wild Orchids Battle of the Birds Metamorpheus GENESIS (David Myers Plays) ASIN: B000B86564 Release Date: 2005-10-10

Tracks:

1. The Voyage Out
2. High Fives
3. Credo
4. Cerise
5. Runaway Horses
6. Home Sweet Home
7. Steps Retraced
8. Field Day
9. Nocturne
10. Tryst
11. Girl In The Gallery
12. Bel Ami
13. Concerto De Alvarez
14. Lifer
15. Chasing The Light
16. Parlour Suite I
17. Parlour Suite II
18. Parlour Suite III
19. Parlour Suite IV
20. Parlour Suite V
21. Parlour Suite VI
22. Parlour Suite VII
23. Parlour Suite VIII
24. Swoon
25. River Of Life
26. Momento
27. Open Road
28. White Spider
29. Half Way Out

Tracks:

1. Weeping Willow
2. The Love Not Shared
3. Sojourn
4. Dawn Over The Field Of Eternity
5. Fallen City
6. Rain On Sag Harbour
7. Days Of Grace
8. Timeline
9. Oubliette
10. Tania
11. Babbling Brook
12. Shimmering Sharon
13. Tea Room In Terra Del Fuego
14. Mudlark
15. Tearaway
16. Midnight Blue
17. Evening Shroud
18. Rapscallion
19. Beyond The Castle Walls
20. Forgotten Pathway
21. Fairy Ring
22. Largo D'Amour
23. Whippersnapper
24. Kissing Gate
25. To The Lighthouse
26. Driftwood
27. Festoons And Billows
28. Flotsam And Jetsam
29. Sunfish Shallows
30. Smart Alec
31. Prayer For Natalie
32. Out And Beyond

Album Description

Field Day is Anthony's latest studio album and is a double album featuring Anthony's beautiful acoustic playing. The album is sure to be popular with his large and dedicated fan base and as to be expected will also appeal to fans of the early Genesis sound as heard on Trespass. Blueprint. 2005.

Customer Reviews:

Long time fan.......2007-07-01

In my early teens I was blown away by guitarists like Al DiMeola and John McLaughlin. In my junior year of high school I stumbled upon the music of Anthony Phillips. Rather than being blown away I was deeply moved by the beauty of his compositions. Listening to Field Day is like picking up a conversation with an old friend. From the exuberant "runaway Horses" to the introspective "nocturn" this is one of his finest recordings.

WELL DONE !!.......2007-04-04

Another awesome work from ex-member of Genesis. Very relaxing (like a field day). And is double CD. Highly recommended.

Excellent!.......2007-03-03

With unanimous five-star praise from reviewers, it really isn't necessary for me to write a review, but this CD is so worthy of praise, I've chosen to write something.

I completely agree with another reviewer who said that Field Day is elegant, exquisite, and classy. It can also be said that many of the pieces are beautiful, tender, moving, and sweet - in that magical way so unique to Anthony Phillips. The CD certainly reflects his greatest maturity as a composer and seems like a labor of love. After listening to the entire CD, I felt so touched and moved. He has a great capacity for beauty. There is no one like Anthony Phillips.

Not all Anthony Phillips CD's are equally good, but being a fan since The Geese and The Ghost, I can say that this clearly is as good as the best he has made, if not better. It really is excellent. All you Anton fans, you really should get this!

buy this if you love anthony phillips.......2006-11-07

i recently purchased Field Day, and it is delightful. Anthony has made a delicious return to his stringed instruments, unaccompanied stringed instruments, no less, and he uses a variety of 12-string, classical, nylon, etc. guitars and other lutes to portray his musical imagery. i am a hardcore fan of Anthony Phillips, and i have all the classic recordings, and i'm pleased to announce that i'm very satisfied to have Field Day as part of the collection. He delves into the old "Private Parts and Pieces" style of playing. i highly recommend this set of two discs to anyone who loves Anthony's music. there is no filler on this album, only great music!!!!! : )

Anthony Phillips Has A Field Day.......2006-10-26

"Field Day," the latest album from former Genesis guitarist Anthony Phillips, is a double album of solo acoustic guitar pieces that Anthony mostly recorded between 2001 and 2004. Playing various guitars, including 6-string, 12-string, charanga and bazouki, Anthony serves up a beautiful 2 hours-plus of marvelous solo guitar performances (61 in all). "Concerto De Alvarez" and "To The Lighthouse" are especially stunning, but the whole album from start to finish is a breathtaking beauty. A fantastic showcase for Anthony Phillips' composing & guitar-picking genius, "Field Day" is phenomenal.

Average customer rating: Not their best The Dawn Of Prog Metal Vastly underrated and underappreciated debut DT CD Little Known Debut Album A Taste of Things to Come

When Dream and Day Unite Dream Theater Manufacturer: One Way Records Inc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Progressive Rock | Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Progressive Rock | Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: Falling Into Infinity A Change of Seasons Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence Images and Words Awake ASIN: B000002R48 Release Date: 1996-02-15

Tracks:

1. A Fortune In Lies
2. Status Seeker
3. Ytse Jam
4. The Killing Hand
5. Light Fuse And Get Away
6. Afterlife
7. The Ones Who Help To Set The Sun
8. Only A Matter Of Time

Album Description

1989 album for Mechanic Records/ MCA. Features eight tracks,including 'A Fortune In Lies' and 'Status Seeker'.

Album Details

The Official Label Debut Album of the Progressive Metal Band Incorporated Musical Ideas from their Predecessors Like Yes, Genesis, Queensryche, Rush and the Like and Forged their Own Distinctive Imprint. Players John Petrucci on Guitar and Drummer Mike Portnoy and Bassist John Myung were Joined by Charles Domenici on Vocals. This Would Be Domenici's Only Foray with the Group, Replaced by James Labrie after this LP. Includes the Studio Version of the Live Favorite "Ytse Jam" as Well as "Only a Matter of Time".

Customer Reviews:

Not their best.......2007-05-12

OK for a debut but not up to par with the rest of their work.

The Dawn Of Prog Metal.......2007-01-26

This is the debut album from the band that would go on to become arguably the most successful heavy progressive bands in history. Although they may not have invented prog metal, they were certainly pioneers in advancing the genre. This is the only album to feature original vocalist Charlie Dominici who would be replaced after this album by James Labrie. Keys man Kevin Moore is also on this disc, but would eventually leave. The rest of the lineup remains the same as today with John Petrucci on guitar, Mike Portnoy on drums, and John Myung on bass. Most, if not all, of the members of Dream Theater were graduates of the Berklee College of music in Boston. Every member of this band past and present have been virtuosos on their respective instruments. I personally consider this the band's weakest album, but there is still much here to enjoy. The all instrumental "Ytse Jam" is outstanding and a track they still pull out live now and then to this day. "The Killing Hand", "Fortune In Lies" and "The Ones Who Help To Set The Sun" are all great too. The vocals on this album are certainly different from the latter stuff with Labrie. Dominici has a decent voice, but is not at the same level as his instrumental compadres. The music at times delves into 80's hair metal territory and also appears to have a definite Rush and especially Queensryche influence. The production on the album is another issue. I have the re-mastered version where things have been cleaned up quite a bit, but the original version' sound was quite muddy. This is not an album for starters with Dream Theater, but for the completest it is a nice addition to their catalogue.

Vastly underrated and underappreciated debut DT CD.......2006-08-02

When Dream and Day Unite was the first album released by Dream Theater, and their one and only with second vocalist Charlie Dominic (Chris Collins being their first vocalist, who appeared on their Majesty Demos when they were still called Majesty, little trivia for anyone who didn't know). This album, while raw, still is a remarkable record made by guys barely into their 20s (except for Dominici, who was much older, the core DT guys, Petrucci, Myung, Portnoy, and Moore were all 21-22 years old). In fact, quite a few of these songs are still staples of their live sets: The Killing Hand, Ytse Jam, A Fortune in Lies, and Only a Matter of Time...HALF the album. So, is it any good? Yes.

The above mentioned songs are all classics, and Ytse Jam is their attempt to record a YYZ-like instrumental (get the official bootleg Majesty Demos to hear them do a killer version of YYZ as 18 year olds at Berklee in 1985....stunning!). The other songs are very good as well. Light Fuse and Get Away is a hard rockin' song with cool lyrics and great music. The Ones Who Help to Set the Sun has a creepy long intro before breaking into a great prog metal song. The other two songs, Afterlife and Status Seeker, while the weakest of the bunch are still very good.

Only two things prevent this album from 5 stars...the production, which is decent but not great by any stretch, and Charlie's vocals. He sounds like a Geddy Lee wannabe, only without the power, range, or presence. He was fired shortly after this album was released and James LaBrie, DT's current vocalist, was hired in 1991 as his replacement. And the rest, as they say, is history. While this CERTAINLY should be the LAST DT album anyone getting into the band should buy (as it was for me), it's still worthwhile.

Also, for diehards, the official bootleg (released on Mike Portnoy's Ytsejam Records label) of When Dream and Day Reunite is awesome! It was recorded in 2004 on the exact day this album was released 15 years prior. They play the whole album with James singing.....MUCH MUCH better. And then Charlie and ex-DT keyboardist Derek Sherinian join in on two encores. Very cool!

Little Known Debut Album.......2006-02-08

Dream Theater is arguably at the forefront of Progressive Rock (or if you prefer Progressive Metal) music and have been since Images and Words was released. What few people realize is that When Dream & Day Unite was their first album.

This album right away shows that it's very different from the others due to the fact that James LaBrie is not the lead singer on their debut album. In my opinion this shows that the lead singer can make all the difference as musically this album is very sound and gives but a mere taste of things to come once James LaBrie takes over lead vocals.

Ytse Jam stands above the rest as far as songs goes. The rest of the songs are good but none seem to stand up and be noticed. I recommend this album for die hard fans.

A Taste of Things to Come.......2005-12-21

While it has certainly been eclipsed by the albums that immediately followed it, Dream Theater's debut album When Dream and Day Unite is still an excellent album in its own right.

Like many other fans, I discovered Dream Theater with their breakthrough Images and Words album, and only picked up WDADU after I had all of their other studio albums. The vocals are always my top priority in a band, and I wasn't really excited about a Dream Theater album without James LaBrie. I wish I hadn't waited so long to get this disc. It is clear that Charlie Dominici is no LaBrie in terms of talent or emotion, but he still gave a solid performance, and more importantly the rest of the band was in great form on this album. It is full of great songs that I regard as some of their best (Ytse Jam and the Killing Hand are just two examples), and is probably a more consistent album than some of their later albums like Falling Into Infinity or Octavarium. It sounds even better now since it was recently remastered and re-released.

Front to back, this is a great album, especially considering when it came out. In terms of maturity and complexity, there were very few bands in 1989 that could stand up to Dream Theater. Images and Words may have set the progressive metal standard, but When Dream and Day Unite is still a great album, and should be a must-have for fans of the band and the genre.

NOTE: When Dream and Day Unite was reissued in 2002 and featured digitally remastered sound, which is a nice improvement over the original. Early versions came in a neat digipack (but without liner notes/lyrics), while later versions came in a standard jewel case (but with the full liner notes).

Average customer rating: Brings Back Memories The parts do not equal the whole Best work of Mike as soloist, best work of prog Nothing else quite like it. GREAT SOLO GENESIS CD

Small Creep's Day Mike Rutherford Manufacturer: Passport ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: A Curious Feeling Voyage of the Acolyte Acting Very Strange Strictly Inc. Defector ASIN: B0000073I5 Release Date: 1996-11-21

Tracks:

1. Between The Tick & The Tock
2. Working In Line
3. After Hours
4. Cats And Rats (In This Neighbourhood)
5. Smallcreep Alone
6. Out Into The Daylight
7. At The End Of The Day
8. Moonshine
9. Time And Time Again
10. Romani
11. Every Road
12. Overnight Job

Album Description

UK pressing of his debut album features a total of 12 tracks. EMI. 2004.

Customer Reviews:

Brings Back Memories.......2007-01-12

I listened to this album all through my university years, 20 years ago, and so finding it now has brought back a lot of good memories. I'm glad that I was able to get an import version as I have not seen it anywhere for a long time. I love this type of progressive rock music in the vein of Genesis and Yes. Mike Rutherford may be the most unassuming member of Genesis and this album seems to be in keeping with his personality since he doesn't seem to be front and center, although he lays down some nice guitar solos and wrote the material. But the entire ensemble is allowed to shine on this album. It sounds a bit like Genesis but also offers something different.

I especially like the "Smallcreep's Day" suite, which is based on a story by Peter Currell Brown. It used to be one side of the album and it's a sort of concept song with one piece flowing into the other. I think it captures the alienation of working at a dead end job and the thrill of trying to escape from it.

Overall, I like the musicianship on the album, particularly Simon Phillips' drumming, which can be a bit heavy-handed at times, but I think it works. He does some very interesting things on "Out Into the Daylight" and "Moonshine". Mike Rutherford has some nice solos on "Working In Line" and "Time and Time Again" and uses the acoustic guitar to good effect. Listening to this album again after many years I have much more appreciation for Noel McCalla's vocals. Some of the songs verge on being too "poppy" as my university roommate would say, so it depends whether you like that or not.

The one drawback with this package is that there are no liner notes. I have the original vinyl album and there were extensive notes, lyrics and some cool artwork. This package doesn't even list the musicians, which is the first thing I look for when buying a solo album from someone who plays in a group like Genesis. So, unfortunately, you have to go to the Internet to get any information on the project.

The parts do not equal the whole.......2006-07-20

I love Genesis. This is a decent enough solo project. I'm not thrilled by the entire set list, but there are some nice instrumental passages. However I do feel that overall the depth of the sound is not full enough. Even when there are guitars, keyboards, bass and drums trying to impart something dramatic it just lacks impact. Even the singer has a very middle-of-the road vocals that seem to plague a lot of Genesis solo efforts, (obviously not including Phil and Peter's solo work.) Not a must have, but something for the curious.

Best work of Mike as soloist, best work of prog .......2006-06-16

I had this record at the end of the 70s or early 80s (not sure now).. I never got tired of listening to it.. and always saying how come something so good never came before?? or after for that matter.

Sleeve of the record had all the lyrics plus the inspiration of the Album's main theme (Side B dedicated), so in order to understand it and be faithful to the vinyl version start at track 8. This wuld have been side A of the record and contains excellent songs.

Side B has to be understood as a whole story:

Tired of always doing his 25 years routine at work, Smallcreep takes and adventure at night to visit the factory and find out what is it it made... a true exploration at alienism.. so At the End of the Day he retuns home a changed man and to his loving wife..

The album said it was inspired in a book I searched google and found a review that said

"Side one of the album was inspired by the book 'Small Creep's Day' by Peter Currell Brown, the second side contains a batch of individual songs with no overall concept"

Its a shame that the book is not available at Amazon US

Nothing else quite like it........2006-03-18

SMALLCREEP'S DAY is kind of an odd "solo album" because the main artist is showcased as a songwriter but not so much as a performer. Performance-wise, there is more focus on singer Noel McCalla and keyboardist Anthony Phillips than on Rutherford. (Mr. Mike particularly does little actual playing on some sections of the "Smallcreep's Day" suite.)

This is an album that doesn't quite sound like anything else, particulary Rutherford's later efforts. I wouldn't have minded hearing this combination of performers do more. (They also did a rare B-side, "Compression", whose failure to appear on this CD as a bonus track is a CRIME.)

Compositionally, Rutherford goes for beauty and complexity over memorability. One thing that has always stood out to me is the album's sweet, uncynical personality -- quite a contrast to, say, the melancholy atmosphere of Tony Banks' comparable A CURIOUS FEELING or to most Gabriel-era Genesis. Comparisons between the "Smallcreep's Day" suite and Genesis' earlier "Supper's Ready" are both obvious and pointless.

My favorite track is "Overnight Job". Some of the lyrics are a bit limp, and "Moonshine" wants to be a much tougher song than it is, but those are minor complaints.

GREAT SOLO GENESIS CD.......2005-09-06

This is arguably the best Genesis solo album. Mike does a great long composition in the spirit of Supper's Ready where he displays his fabulous guitar work (guitar and bass). Great melodic music that Danjob continues to ignore. You should not ignore this great work.

Average customer rating: This one stands the test of time The First Day... Best rock album of the modern era Splatology Challenging but still accessible to progressive rock fans

The First Day David Sylvian & Robert Fripp Manufacturer: Virgin Records Us ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Experimental Rock | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Damage Dead Bees on a Cake Everything and Nothing Secrets of the Beehive Approaching Silence ASIN: B000000WJT Release Date: 1993-08-10

Tracks:

1. God's Monkey
2. Jean The Birdman
3. Firepower
4. Brightness Falls
5. 20th Century Dreaming (A Shaman's Song)
6. Darshan (The Road To Graceland)
7. Bringing Down The Light

Customer Reviews:

This one stands the test of time.......2007-02-12

I bought this one brand new -- being a Fripp fan from his early Crimson days -- and have hung on to it all these years. This is one of the weirdest, most seductive, albums I've ever heard. I'd probably learn a thing or two by learning more about the intricies involved in creating this album. But, just putting it on and going with it, it's real mindblower!

Karl Kunkel
High Point, NC

The First Day..........2006-11-23

I must admit, I bought this CD 13 years ago and never got around to playing it (you know, 'impulse' buying!). Just gave it a whirl at my desk and was pleasantly surprised. Standout songs for me on the disk is (1)Firepower and (2)Bringing down the Light. Folks, for me, I've just found new music to use when I work and study. I could just kick myself for letting this work languish in my collection for 13 years. Oh well, better late than never! Four stars!

Best rock album of the modern era.......2005-06-30

I arrived at this CD by chance, a person who has collected heavily in the jazz and classical world and one who has consistently been disappointed in rock music. Specifically, rock has never adopted the range of rhythmic variation, harmony, counterpoint, or dynamic contrasts of other forms.

I found this album the exception and one I have returned to repeatedly for pure musical pleasure. Briefly, Sylvian sets up an impressionistic electronic world while Fripp cuts his way through with well thought out guitar licks. The rhythm section is consistently original, using synchopation and time signatures atypical for rock music. They set up a pulsing, trance inducing movement one can just 'go' with for hours at a time.

My only criticism is that the midrange and upper bass frequencies seem lean, giving the production a thin 'chaulky' quality. I'd love to hear a remix with audiophile values in mind. But don't let that stop you. The musical performance triumphs, particularly the last 5 songs which, really, create their own world.

Splatology.......2004-12-06

An outstanding collaboration between two giants of "art-rock". Sylvian is the frontman and songwriter that Fripp has always been in need of. Fripp rips throughout....I am not aware of any other album where he lets it all out in such a fierce manner. Silent partner Trey Gunn on chapman stick and drummer Jerry Marotta lay down some sinewy and funky grooves. It is a shame that Sylvian and Marotta declined the invitations to make this King Crimson...perhaps this perfect union could have lasted for just "The First Day".

Challenging but still accessible to progressive rock fans.......2003-06-05

The First Day is widely thought of as a King Crimson CD in all but name; I see no reason to disagree, since three members on this disc went on to the newest incarnation of KC. David Sylvian has a distinctive songwriting style which is shown to great advantage here; what lifts this disc above the recent Crim CDs is its rhythmic and melodic accessibility. (Sorry, Crim fans, but I find most recent Crim stuff unlistenable.)

The styles on this disc range widely, from the funk of "God's Monkey" to the pseudo-blues of "Brightness Falls," to the thrilling deployment of Frippertronics in "Firepower." The centerpiece is the 17-minute "Darshan," which is a tour-de-force of rhythmic power and is certainly the best groove ever done by any of the Crimsonites on record. A great cruising tune. Fripp gets plenty of solo room here and uses it to great effect. As a guitarist, he has the best right hand in the business - never a missed upbeat or downbeat in his picking hand. Incredible. This is an underrated guitar skill that pretty much lets him do whatever he wants on the instrument. Probably his best work since "Satori in Tangier" from many moons ago. Overall, The First Day is the best recorded example of Frippertronics use in a band context, and one of Fripp's most listenable CDs in the last decade.

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