Vinyl Rips

Kevin Coyne – Marjory Razor Blade (1973) (24-Bit/96Khz) (Vinyl Rip)

Vinyl Rips By admin · April 2, 2013 · Comments off

Of the four or five Kevin Coyne albums that fans routinely describe as his best ever, Marjory Razorblade is by far the best known in the wider world, a consequence not only of the enormous critical splash it made upon its original release in 1973, but also because of the ripples it continued sending out long after the fact. Four years later, Sex Pistol Johnny Rotten singled out the album’s “Eastbourne Ladies” as one of his all-time favorite records, while the strumming, thrumming “Marlene” is one of those records whose failure to become a monster hit single continues to baffle and bewilder. (Even Virgin thought so, as they proved when they gave it a second chance in 1977.) Yet “Marlene” is just one highlight amid a storm-tossed sea of the things. A glimpse into Coyne’s early influences is provided by a brace of Carter Family covers, a knockabout romp through “Lonesome Valley” and a nearly bluegrass-colored “Heaven in My View,” while his eye for distinctly English working-class archetypes is unrelenting. Vacationing Anglos romp through “This Is Spain,” a deliciously wry study of the suspicions that beset every Continental tourist during the first years of package holiday-making, while “Jackie and Edna” transplants much the same characters to a dour English beachfront, and turns their discomfort inwards.
The clashing of Coyne’s characteristically sharp, tuneful poetry with deliberately warped imagery is breathtaking. The title track, a couple of minutes of a-cappella poetry sliced out of the live favorite “Suite Marjory Razorblade,” makes an excellent bed for “Marlene” to emerge from, and the remainder of side one (on the original vinyl) rattles along with express-train precision, bound for the furious blues boogie of the aforementioned “Eastbourne Ladies,” a compulsive examination of the elderly inhabitants of that (and every other) English seaside town. But the ramshackle “Karate King,” sounding like it’s being sung through a telephone receiver, the scarcely in-tune and barely controlled “Dog Latin,” offering an acerbic vision of the decline of Catholic worship, and “Good Boy,” a headmasterly recitation of praise that twists almost imperceptibly into viciousness and scorn, jab your ears like thumbtacks embedded in the cushions of a comfortable chair, to ensure that, no matter how much you wind up loving Marjory Razorblade, you will never feel completely at ease with her. Yes, there are four or five Kevin Coyne albums that can be described as his best. But Marjory Razorblade remains the greatest of them all. Dave Thompson, allmusic

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John Lennon – Imagine (1971) (MFSL 1-277, Remastered Limited Edition,2000) (24-Bit/96Khz) (Vinyl Rip)

Vinyl Rips By admin · April 2, 2013 · Comments off

John Lennon – Imagine (1971)
Vinyl rip in 24 bit/96 kHz | FLAC tracks, Tech Log | Artwork | 825 Mb
Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab ‎– MFSL 1-277 (2000) (US Remastered) | Rock

Imagine is the second studio rock album by John Lennon. Recorded and released in 1971, it tended towards songs that were gentler, more commercial and less primal rock than those on his previous album, the critically acclaimed John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band. The album is considered the most popular of his works. In 2012, Imagine was voted 80th on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the “500 Greatest Albums of All Time” (Wiki)

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John Dummer Band – John Dummer’s Famous Music Band (1970) (24-Bit/96Khz) (Vinyl Rip)

Vinyl Rips By admin · April 2, 2013 · Comments off

The John Dummer Blues Band were an established act on the blues circuit and had released two pure blues albums “Cabal” and “John Dummer Blues Band” both featuring singer and slide guitarist Dave kelly, later and currently a member of The Blues Band with Paul Jones and Tom McGuinness. Kelly left after “John Dummer Blues Band” and was replaced by multi instrumentalist Nick Pickett. Pickett was a strange choice. His main instrument was the violin and he was from a traditional folk background; but he had songs, lots of them, and the line up of Pickett, Dummer, Thompson and guitarist Adrian Pietryga recorded “John Dummer’s Famous Music Band”.
This is a very strange album. Imagine a folk singer and fiddle player playing over a blues based rhythm section. This contrast is the albums great strength. Pickett obviously doesn’t find singing the blues that easy but he delivers some great vocals on the more upbeat numbers like “Yes Sir, She’s my Baby”, a Pickett original and not the old show tune.There are some great moments: The opener “Lady Luck” is an eerie, percussion soaked rocker and the slow bluesy “No Chance Now” is another high, and the bright, jazzy instrumental “Nine By Nine” was a huge hit on the continent and also dented the charts in the UK.
Ultimately this album is a little schizophrenic and would probably have benefitted from an outside producer.There are also some odd moments: on the song “Changes” a harmonium is featured and you can hear quite clearly the squeaking of the pedals as the player pumps them.But all that aside, I really like this album. If you like off-kilter, bluesy, jazzy, folky music, it’s well worth a listen. Taran Geary, amazon.co.uk

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Handel – Water Music – Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields – Neville Marriner (1980) (24-Bit/96Khz + 16-Bit/44.1Khz) (Vinyl Rip)

Vinyl Rips By admin · April 2, 2013 · Comments off

Rivaled only by Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Neville Marriner was one of the most important of the early figures who spearheaded the reawakening of modern interest in Baroque and early Classical music. In the 1950s, he founded Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, the first British early music ensemble to find a large international audience. Marriner has since become one of the most popular conductors in the world, acclaimed for his interpretations of composers from Bach to Britten.
“It is time for a classic intermezzo; this (nearly mint) LP with energetic and melodic beauty of G.F. Handel (conducted by Neville Marriner) gives me much listening pleasure”. “Maybe you have the same feeling; Enjoy this beautiful recording”!

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Denny Gerrard with High Tide – Sinister Morning (1970) (24-Bit/96Khz) (Vinyl Rip)

Vinyl Rips By admin · April 2, 2013 · Comments off

It wasn’t long after arriving in the U.K. that South African student Denny Gerrard began making his mark on the music scene. In 1965, Jimmy Page picked him to become one half of the duo the Fifth Avenue, while Rolling Stones’ manager Andrew Loog Oldham brought him in as arranger for his project the Variations. Gerrard then linked up with Barry Younghusband, and as Warm Sounds they promptly unleashed the Top 30 hit “Birds and Bees.” Swiftly bored with pop the duo soon split, and Gerrard moved into production, overseeing High Tide’s critically acclaimed 1969 debut album, Sea Shanties. No surprise then, that when the South African began work on his own debut, self-produced, full-length, High Tide were by his side. However, the resulting album, Sinister Morning, was far more a reflection of Gerrard’s vision than Tide’s sound. Much of the set has a folkie feel, accentuated by the prolific use of Gerrard’s acoustic guitar and harmonica. Only on “Native Sun” is the band given a real chance to rock out, with the rest of the set given over to more mid-tempo numbers. These gave Gerrard the opportunity to explore his roots and showcase his arrangement skills. His epiphany is found on the final track, a haunting, seven-plus minute instrumental, whose rich “Atmosphere” is conjured up by his acoustic guitar and Simon House’s delicate organ and rich violin. J.J. Mackey provides the spoken word segments that, sadly, are virtually buried in the mix. The album’s other epic track, “True Believer” takes folk to church, with House’s hymnal organ juxtaposed against a rich, Americana tapestry. “Autumn Blewn,” in contrast, counterpoints ’60s R&B with C&W, with Gerrard’s harmonica adding a folkie feel to the intricate piece. “Rough Stuff” also has an R&B bend, but a down-home, Southern rock tinge, while “Stop or Drop It” is even more rousing, as Gerrard plays his pusillanimous acoustic guitar off against Tony Hill’s electric leads. Although kept on a tight leash, High Tide still bring an energy to the set, turning up the heat on virtually all the songs, particularly the poppy “Hole in My Shadow,” which was probably intended for singledom. The production gives the entire album a warm sound. The only flaw within is Gerrard’s decision to over-utilize layered vocals instead of true harmonies, and paying far less attention to his vocals than he did to the rest of the album’s sound. Released on Decca’s mid-price imprint Nova, the album surprisingly sank without a trace, but swiftly became a much sought-after collector’s item. Jo-Ann Greene, allmusic.

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Caravan ‎- Caravan & The New Symphonia (1974) (24-Bit/96Khz + 16-Bit/44.1Khz) (Vinyl Rip)

Vinyl Rips By admin · April 2, 2013 · Comments off

This Caravan record has a very good balance between electric guitars and electric viola: they are often played simultaneously. The electric guitar is really not timid here, and this contributes to give a very good sound to this record. The drums and bass are punchy and quite loud. The songs are recorded live. The main attraction is this omnipresent orchestration (horns and strings): it is absolutely delightful, very present and participating, reminding many orchestrated passages of the Renaissance band, circa “Scheherazade”, “Novella” and “Song for all seasons”. This is the best of the Caravan’s albums I own! This formula of rock-orchestra really works. Do not forget the nice keyboards, having about the same style as on “For girls who grow plump in the night”. Let us also mention the presence of saxes, flute and backing vocals, which complete the loaded ensemble. Very progressive, this record is a pleasure for your ears from the beginning to the end. There are 2 epic songs (12-13 minutes), which are really progressive. Unlike the other albums, this one is slightly less catchy, maybe because of the absence of Richard Sinclair’s lead vocals. Definitely an underrated album, having ALL its songs at least excellent!! If you hate strings ensemble and violins, then this record is not for you!
EXTREMELY RECOMMENDED!
progarchives.com

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The Byrds ‎- Dr. Byrds & Mr.Hyde (1969) (24-Bit/96Khz + 16-Bit/44.1Khz) (Vinyl Rip)

Vinyl Rips By admin · March 20, 2013 · Comments off

Long, long time ago, I wanted to publish this excellent album from The Byrds. One of his work most rock-oriented, and as always with excellent covers of Dylan.
For me, it is a great work from this group, missing the presence of David Crosby.

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Renaissance ‎- Scheherazade And Other Stories (1975) (First US Pressing) (24-Bit/96Khz + 16-Bit/44.1Khz) (Vinyl Rip)

Vinyl Rips By admin · March 20, 2013 · Comments off

When somebody asks me about symphonic prog’ I always think of Renaissance and specially of this amazing release, the arrangements, chorus and Annie Hasslam’s operatic voice are unique in the musical world and represent by own right what the word symphonic should mean.
Renaissance is a piano and vocals dominated band with elaborated arrangements but sometimes a bit light compared to most of the prog’ bands from the 70′s, not weak but softer and warmer. Using a comparison with sports, if Genesis and ELP are heavyweights that can kill the opponent with the first chord, Renaissance is like a middleweight, who also needs style and elegance to win the fight.
“Song of Sheherezade” a 24 minutes epic based on the 1001 Nights, it’s so impressive that people use to forget the rest of the album, something unfair because this release is well balanced and all the tracks have their own merits.
The album begins with a strange song called “Trip to the Fair” that starts with an impressive 3 minutes piano intro with chorus and light percussion that mixes with talent elements of different musical eras, which is suddenly followed by the wonderful voice of Annie. Maybe the problem with this song is that after the strong opening you expect something more powerful, but the band changes the direction of the song towards a softer and dreamy tune with some jazz chords that create a traveling fair atmosphere, but with the sacrifice of the power that the introduction make the listener expect, a good song but a bit uneven.
The second track (“The Vultures Fly High”) has a better balance, starts strong and ends stronger, less symphonic and more rock oriented than the rest of the album but powerful and fast, the band members show they are capable of making good short songs.
Side A (in LP format) ends with “Ocean Gypsy” a softer song where again Annie’s vocals are the highlight, with evident participation of the rest of the members, this song is more predictable than all the other tracks but stronger than the previous because makes clear that Renaissance is a complete band, not only a piano and vocals duet.
Side B is what makes Renaissance a transcendental band, “Song of Sheherezade”, without doubt their most elaborate work, an epic that has everything, solid piano, good orchestra and chorus plus excellent work of all the band, the Arabic atmosphere is perfect and the vocals not exclusively by Annie Hasslam are amazing, if you add the spectacular changes and sudden musical explosions you get an unforgettable masterpiece that must be listened before reading any review.
No progressive collection is complete without this album and “Live in the Carnegie Hall” where you can listen a more solid version of “Song of Sheherezade” (if this is possible).
5 Stars

progarchives.com

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Renaissance – A Song For All Seasons (1978) (24-Bit/96Khz + 16-Bit/44.1Khz) (Vinyl Rip)

Vinyl Rips By admin · March 20, 2013 · Comments off

A Song For All Seasons was a 1978 album by Progressive Rock band Renaissance. It marked the return of electric guitars to the band’s music after several years of absence. “Northern Lights” became a Top 10 hit on the U.K. charts and was the band’s best selling single. “For sure an attractive and very good sounding album with some great unforgettable tracks to discover… Enjoy this UK vinyl version”!

Note > No silence was deleted; please burn this album gapless..

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Premiata Forneria Marconi – Cook (1974) (24-Bit/96Khz + 16-Bit/44.1Khz) (Vinyl Rip)

Vinyl Rips By admin · March 20, 2013 · Comments off

PREMIATA FORNERIA MARCONI (PFM for short) is one of the legendary Italian prog rock bands, they made a sery of beautiful albums in the Seventies.
This LP is a registration of a concert from 1974 while touring in the USA, to me it’s a perfect compilation of their best work and showcases the band at its pinnacle. PFM starts with “Four Holes In The Ground”: a propulsive rhythm and a catchy melody, delivering fat Minimoog synthesizer runs, some fiery electric guitar and impressive Hammond organ and majestic Mellotron waves in the mellow interludes. The English vocals sound warm and the interplay between the skill full musicians is great. Next is “Dove … Quando” with a classical/jazzy intro on the Fender Rhodes electric piano, turning into a duet from sparkling piano and beautiful Italian vocals. “Just Look Away” has a splendid acoustic guitar intro (featuring elements like tremolo – and sensational rhythm guitar), followed by twanging acoustic guitar, soft Minimoog flights and warm English vocals. The build-up is great with Hammond and flute and a closing section with again tremolo guitar. The ‘crowd-pleaser’ “Celebration” is a cheerful and catchy composition, delivering spectacular Minimoog runs and swirling interplay. The ‘grand finale’ includes the moving final part of “The World Became The World”, enjoy the Mellotron floods! Then “Mr. Nine Till Five”, a track with PFM at their best with the distinctive interplay between flute, Moog and violin. The final song “Alta Loma Five Till Nine” includes a long and bluesy guitar solo with a strong build-up, supported by violin- Mellotron, featuring howling and biting licks, superb! The second part has a moving violin soli, culminating in a version of Rossini’s piece “William Tell Overture” with virtuosic play on the Moog synthesizer and violin, what a way to say good by. This is my favourite PFM LP!

progarchives.com

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Planxty – Cold Blow And The Rainy Night (1974) (UK Pressing) (24-Bit/96Khz + 16-Bit/44.1Khz) (Vinyl Rip)

Vinyl Rips By admin · March 20, 2013 · Comments off

Irish stalwarts Planxty begin Cold Blow and the Rainy Night -their third record for Polydor- with a rousing version of the Scottish battlefield classic “Johnnie Cope.” It’s a fitting opening to a record that essentially rounded out their recording heyday as the members splintered off to form equally influential Celtic acts like the Bothy Band, Moving Hearts, and De Danann. Co-founder Dónal Lunny, despite contributing instrumentally to a few tracks and taking a seat in the production chair, left the group, allowing newest member Johnny Moynihan to take over bouzouki and — along with Andy Irvine and Christy Moore — vocal duties. The title track is one of the finest of their career, utilizing Liam O’Flynn’s expert uillean pipes and the band’s peerless harmonizing to a tee. Moore’s gorgeous “Lakes of Pontchartrain” and Irvine’s moving closer, “Green Fields of Canada,” showcase the group’s timeless mastery of balladry, a style that would greatly inform their later solo works. Cold Blow and the Rainy Night, along with The Well Below the Valley, and their legendary debut, are essential listening for those in love with, or merely intrigued with, the genre.
allmusic.com

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King Sunny Adé And His African Beats – Juju Music (1982) (24-Bit/96Khz + 16-Bit/44.1Khz) (Vinyl Rip)

Vinyl Rips By admin · March 18, 2013 · Comments off

Juju Music is the 1982 major label debut of Nigerian Jùjú band King Sunny Adé and His African Beats. It represented the first worldwide release for Adé, who was already established in his native Nigeria as its “biggest musical draw and Juju music’s reigning monarch”. The album was a critical and commercial success, peaking at 111 on Billboard’s “Pop Albums” chart. The New York Times, which described the album in 1982 as “the year’s freshest dance-music album”, credited it in 1990 with having launched the “World Beat movement in the United States” “This is a sparkling and happy album; the music is uplifting, hypnotic and relaxing; especially track 4,5,6,7 are for me the real (audiophile) highlights; but listen for yourself; Enjoy!”

Note > No silence was deleted; please burn this album gapless..

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Jon Anderson – 3 Ships (1985) (24-Bit/96Khz + 16-Bit/44.1Khz) (Vinyl Rip)

Vinyl Rips By admin · March 18, 2013 · Comments off

3 Ships is the fourth solo album by Yes lead singer Jon Anderson, released in 1985. It is a Christmas album, including versions of traditional Christmas carols and original material by Yes lead singer Jon Anderson. “Jon Anderson is a sympathetic and great artist and a warrior for sharing more peace and love with his songs”. “If you can appreciate this attitude, this Christmas album will surely touch you, especially if you have young children”. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New-Year!

Note > there are gapless tracks; gapless burning is essential to hear the album without interruptions

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Horslips – Happy To Meet… Sorry To Part (1972) (24-Bit/96Khz + 16-Bit/44.1Khz) (Vinyl Rip)

Vinyl Rips By admin · March 18, 2013 · Comments off

Long ago I had the pleasure to share an album of irish progressive-folk group called “Mushroom”, an emerald from the legendary “Emerald Isle”. It must be said that Ireland is a great nation, and the proof is that music engineering that dazzles every time one discovers (note how I worship that country).
Today I will teach another progressive-folk group, also from Ireland: “Horslips”, their first album “Happy To Meet … Sorry To Part”. From a conceptual beauty rarely seen, both in visual and in hearing. Yes, because the cover is octagonal, with inside pages, with very good photographs and letters (can appreciate this magnificent work). The music is another story … the word exquisite, not describe me at all. For those who know the irish folk closely, we realize many known pieces of celtic traditions. Good folk-rock arrangements, acoustic and electric, perfectly balanced.
Inspirational music.

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Henri Tachan – Vol. 2 (1976) (24-Bit/96Khz) (Vinyl Rip)

Vinyl Rips By admin · March 18, 2013 · Comments off

Henri Tachan spends his Catholic boarding school in Notre Dame de Bury, then in a high school in Paris. Then he joined a hotel school in Thonon-les-Bains and becomes the server at the Ritz in Paris.
In 1962, he moved to Quebec. After his work as a waiter, he began to recite poems “At Clairette” (Claire Oddera), at 1124 rue de la Montagne in Montreal. Passage, Jacques Brel encouraged to engage in the song.
Back in France, he released his first album in 1965 Barclay who won the Grand Prix de l’Académie Charles Cros disk. At the same time, he made the curtain of Juliette Greco at the Olympia.
In 1968 he made the first part of Isabelle Aubret and Félix Leclerc to Bobino, then that of Pierre Perret in 1970, and Georges Brassens in 1972, always in the same room. Meanwhile, he represented France at Sopot Festival in 1969 with the song The usual table, and finished 2nd. In 1974, he sang the “Marais Pizza” for its opening.
In 1975, he spent two weeks at the City Theatre and a night at the Olympia headlining. Then, in 1978, it remains at the Olympia.
In 1999, he spent six weeks at the Théâtre de Dix Heures Paris.

wikipedia.org (more…)