hellraiser

DeRank : 44,17 • DeAge™ : 4490 days

Count Five: Psychotic Reaction
CD Audio I have it ★★★★
Meteor group from the '60s psychedelic garage, but very important even if little known. Tight, badass songs, great single that gives the album its name, a "forgotten pearl." The cover of "My Generation" by The Who is also excellent, an album to enjoy...
  • tia
    28 jun 14
    Boogie garage!..https://www.debaser.it/main/Video.aspx?y=H_piRdpqDDQ
Creedence Clearwater Revival: Cosmo's Factory
CD Audio I have it ★★★★★
The masterpiece by the Californian band, a collection of classics to make legions of bands envious. Fogerty here brings out the best with tracks like "Long As I Can See The Light," "Up Around the Band," "Lookin' Out My Backdoor," and so on. An exceptional, fun album of rock 'n roll/country/soul based on simple yet effective structures and the great "black" voice of the leader...
  • De...Marga...
    2 jun 14
    Well done Hellraiser, as always on time in signaling and excellently describing historic and essential albums for Music.
  • Mr Funk
    2 jun 14
    Basically a greatest hits! Great album, even though it's hard to rank the works of CCR...
  • tonysoprano
    18 jun 16
    But then, "Ramble Tamble," what kind of track is that????
Perfect album with "killer" singles like "Fortunate Son," Fogerty's hard-hitting protest anthem against the Vietnam War, "Cotton Fields," "Midnight Special"... perhaps second in significance only to its contemporary "Cosmo's Factory," released in 1970.
  • hellraiser
    21 sep 14
    I'm sorry, but I cannot access external links or content from websites, including YouTube. If you provide the text you want to be translated, I would be happy to assist you with the translation!
  • Mr Funk
    21 sep 14
    I agree, my favorite along with Cosmo and Bayou County. Great album!
  • hjhhjij
    22 sep 14
    I haven't listened to them in a while, but they are practically perfect in their infinite simplicity.
Creedence Clearwater Revival: Green River
CD Audio I have it ★★★★★
After the great success of "Proud Mary" and "Suzie Q," this album of blues, country, and rock 'n roll arrives in '69, in the best American tradition... noteworthy are the title track and the beautiful "Bad Moon Rising" and "Lodi," featuring a standout Fogerty.
Creedence Clearwater Revival: Pendulum
CD Audio I have it ★★★★★
One of the cornerstone albums of my life, containing tracks that I loved and still love very much even though I no longer listen to it very frequently, the last great work of the band before the beginning of the end...
  • piro
    2 jun 15
    I’ve always stopped before, damn…
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young: Four Way Street
CD Audio I have it ★★★★★
One of the most exciting live performances ever, which remains interesting even after the thousandth listen. However, I’ve never understood why the initial cut of "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes," a stupid move, wasn’t offered in its entirety. The peak of this band for sure...
The more I listen to the album, the more I fall in love with it. An absolute masterpiece for guitar and voice, and what a voice...
  • luludia
    12 feb 17
    Nice that we talk about the old Dave.
David Crosby: If I Could Only Remember My Name
CD Audio I have it ★★★★★
Much has been said and written about this album, poetry, melancholy, and art in its purest form, among the best works of the '70s, filled with excellent artists who enriched its content. Legend.
Depeche Mode: Ultra
CD Audio I have it ★★★★★
They were never my musical champions, but I love this album, the first one I bought from them and my favorite of the '90s along with Violator. From then on, I didn't follow them anymore, maybe mistakenly. "Useless" in particular is an old memory from my youth that I hold dear...
  • SilasLang
    15 mar 15
    I on the other hand practically grew up with them. And I find that this was their last great album. Indispensable for me, in addition to this, are also "Music For The Masses," "Violator," and "Songs of Faith and Devotion"...
  • De...Marga...
    17 mar 15
    My favorite by Depeche Mode, without a doubt. An album born out of nothing short of dramatic circumstances, with Alan's departure and Dave's enormous health issues, close to death; a dark, gloomy, suffocating work especially in the first part. Then towards the end, a certain brightness starts to emerge, though still well-hidden, hinting at a kind of rebirth for the band. You rightfully mention "Useless" as one of the best tracks on an album that I have to listen to regularly. A fundamental group, among many, for my musical growth. The internal photos of the booklet are unsettling: Dave so thin and devastated that he is almost unrecognizable. Bye Simon.
Listening to this album again after several months, I want to take it with me to the grave (I hope it's not for a few decades at least..). Clapton at his artistic peak, but with a huge influence from "Skydog" Allman.. excellent.
  • hjhhjij
    1 nov 13
    It seems right to say "always be praised Duane Allman." But damn, Clapton when he was young: Yardbirds, Cream, Blind Faith, and those. In fact, one could overlook his long and dull solo career.
  • hellraiser
    1 nov 13
    Yes, Clapton has done great things, even with Mayall, with the same Cream.. I hate his '80s period, the one with Phil Collins, but for the rest, I have a lot of respect for him, I have everything of his, including the two Crossroads box sets to enjoy.. However, he has always given me the impression that he could have done much more given his great talents, instead over the years he has sort of "settled down"..
  • hjhhjij
    1 nov 13
    All right, but why haven’t I disconnected from you yet? (Or de-loved as they used to say). I’ll remedy that right away. Anyway, Clapton as a solo artist mostly doesn’t do much for me, but I agree that the worst period is the '80s, with both him and Collins tarnished, shadows of the great musicians they once were. I still don’t know much about Mayall and his heartbreakers, you know? But these days I intend to dive into the '60s, so ;) And that’s it, I agree with you, what else is there to say?
  • hjhhjij
    1 nov 13
    Mayall and the bluesbreakers, I was saying XD
  • hellraiser
    1 nov 13
    Thanks Telespalla Bob, oh sorry hjhhjij... anyway, these van der Graaf are taking their time to arrive, I don't understand why! I'll let you know later... As for Mayall, I recommend A Hard Road with Green on guitar and Bare Wires (I can't remember how to spell it, damn!), plus the fantastic Blues from Laurel Canyon from '68, featuring Taylor on guitar...
  • hjhhjij
    1 nov 13
    Thank you for the advice. I am still amazed every time I read about who played with the Bluesbreakers. Clapton, Green, Mick Taylor... Anyway, don't worry about the VDGG with online orders, these issues can happen sometimes; it would be better if they didn't, but that's how it is. Let me know when it will be :)
One of the most beautiful frontman albums by (at the time) the former member of the Allman Brothers. The scent of deep American South, a wonderful guitarist...
Dire Straits: Alchemy
CD Audio I have it ★★★★★
And what about this? Simply wonderful...
  • De...Marga...
    17 mar 14
    "And what can we say about this"...how dare you start a definition of a work like this, knowing that lurking is I, who am madly in love with the English-speaking group. Jokes aside, this is a live performance that demonstrates another uncommon characteristic of Mark. In the attached DVD of the deluxe edition, you can clearly see how all the members of the group are smiling, enjoying the performance; and all of this does not detract from the excellent musical quality.
Electric Wizard: Dopethrone
Vinile I have it ★★★★★
Journey to hell and back..
  • hjhhjij
    23 may 17
    The Metal I Like. Psychedelic, heavy, dark.
  • hellraiser
    23 may 17
    Same here. The psychedelic Sabbaths of the 90s-00s.
Eric Clapton: Eric Clapton
Vinile I have it ★★★★
Great album, perhaps his best solo work, which also marks his return to the scene after spending a few years locked away at home, with alcohol and heroin as his companions in life. The style and musical visions are quite different from the previous Clapton; here, Slowhand slightly strays from the canonical rock-blues to embark on a different sound, very similar to JJ Cale's Tulsa blues, with influences of Cajun, reggae, and Caribbean music. An excellent piece of work, without a doubt...
  • hellraiser
    13 may 17
    I'm sorry, but I cannot access or translate content from external links, including YouTube videos. Please provide the text you would like translated directly.
  • Ronf. Oops, excuse me, I dozed off.
Eric Clapton: Just One Night
CD Audio I have it ★★★★★
One of the most beautiful live performances of Manolenta, perhaps his last successful album before the depressing '80s, although I prefer the live at the Fillmore with Derek & The Dominos.
Faces: First Step
Vinile I have it ★★★★★
It may not be the best or the most famous work of the English band, but it has always been my favorite...
Fairport Convention: Liege & Lief
CD Audio I have it ★★★★★
Whether it's the band's masterpiece and the pinnacle of British folk, I'm not sure; I only own this album by the group in question, and I must say it's a great work. "Farewell, Farewell," "Crazy Man Michael," the central medley are exceptional, just like Danny's great voice...
fleetwood mac: then play on
CD Audio I have it ★★★★★
Absolutely my favorite album by the early Fleetwood, featuring "Oh Well" and "Rattlesnake Shake," where Green is in great shape and you can feel it. Kirwan and Spencer, however, are no less impressive on the guitars, great album...
  • hjhhjij
    25 nov 13
    Here, this is what I’m missing. I have the first one, "English Rose" (the collection with several unreleased tracks, the one with a horrifying Fleetwood on the cover :D) and that half solo one from "Rumors". But I’ll make it right; I want this, Mr. Wonderful, and some Live. Anyway, you say: "Absolutely my favorite album from the early Fleetwood" and so it seems it's also your favorite in general from the band :D
  • ranofornace
    26 nov 13
    Hell.. congratulations on the choice, "Rattlesnake Shake" is a hard-blues track that transcends genre when listened to, a stunning piece, dense with groove; I recommend everyone to listen to it at high volume if possible. The only downside is that it's too short, often a hallmark of beautiful songs.
  • hellraiser
    29 nov 13
    Oh yes, my favorite of the UNIQUE Fleetwood I know, then they transformed into a million-dollar pop band which has nothing to do with these guys, it's a whole different thing! (even though Rumors is part of my collection but I've only listened to it a couple of times). Mr. Wonderful is also great, no doubt, definitely all worth having and discovering. As for Rano, I see that you appreciate Play and the beautiful Rattlesnake too; listening to it at high volume is a must, thank you...
Frank Zappa: Hot Rats
CD Audio I have it ★★★★★
Little to say about this timeless masterpiece. Six tracks, each more beautiful than the last, that are relatively easy to listen to compared to his other excellent works as well. Chapeau.
  • De...Marga...
    26 aug 14
    "...that are listened to with relative ease..." how can I not agree with you. Great hellraiser recovery and I also say Chapeau to the guy from Baltimore.
  • De...Marga...
    26 aug 14
    "...that are listened to with relative ease..." how can I not agree with you. Great hellraiser recovery and I also say Chapeau to the guy from Baltimore.
  • hellraiser
    26 aug 14
    I'm not an expert on Zappa; I only have a few solo albums like those with the Mothers, but I really enjoyed this one again while relaxing on the beach last week, and it's always an excellent disc.
  • De...Marga...
    26 aug 14
    Also because knowing and owning ALL of our discography, including official and posthumous albums, totals ONE HUNDRED albums…. And I say again, Chapeau.
  • Inox
    26 aug 14
    I own ALL of Frankino's discography... however, I was 'talking' about it with Psychopathia recently, some of the latest releases are lowbrow operations by the 'family' trying to bleed dry what's left from the husband-father's corpse without an ounce of decency... I understand The Love & the Respect for the beloved and the artist, but you can't just publish all the material that’s remained in the bottom drawer of the cabinet that's hidden in the garage under a meter of dust... it’s not the right thing to do, and rather than adding, it takes away... I don’t know if I’m making myself clear, as the parachute said.
  • hellraiser
    26 aug 14
    Hi Inox, I completely agree. The same goes for Hendrix, they only have to release a record of his farts from '67, they can't exploit great artists like that...
  • De...Marga...
    26 aug 14
    @inox: but all originals or also something that’s burned/downloaded? The same crude argument applies, perhaps even more, to the noble soul of Jeff Buckley. I’m tired of seeing the auditions, the demos, the recordings of his only released album, that masterpiece Grace...
  • Inox
    26 aug 14
    all original on vinyl and cd (sic)... I started out as a kid back in '81 with the double Tinseltown, but I never intended to become a collector, especially since at that time I was mainly listening to other music; over the years, I became a Zappa maniac and slowly collected all the works I had missed along the way. In my humble opinion, out of the thirty or so released posthumously, about ten are worth saving, but only if you're as much of a fanatic as I am, the rest is 'folklore' as someone once said... you're absolutely right about what you say, there's been the same sad speculation with Hendrix, J. Buckley, and others, but it should be us ignoring their releases... I vowed not to buy anything more from the Zappa family... we'll see if I can resist ;-)
  • Psychopathia
    26 aug 14
    I only own about thirty of his CDs. Of course, Inox is right, even though I haven't bought all the live albums by the Zappa family; I often receive them as gifts for Christmas/birthdays. Nevertheless, they have released quite a few. Some, like Roxy by Proxy, I really enjoy. But is it really necessary to have more concerts in the coming years? What more do they add?
  • Inox
    27 aug 14
    action! there had already been beautiful live recordings published (and of great value) while Zappa was alive; if you don't want all the live ones, just get the 6 episodes of You Can't Do That on Stage Anymore, fantastic and comprehensive.
  • Inox
    27 aug 14
    missing "es" at the beginning of the post above... ;-) hello
This morning, a dear friend of mine showed up at my house. We've never exchanged gifts in thirty years, and he brought me this album as an Easter gift, which adds to my little Zappa collection. I find it wonderful; everything is here: imagination, technique, genius. I would like to know your impressions, as many of you are more informed than I am; anyone who wants to share news, curiosities, and opinions, I thank you. (Just for the record, I reciprocated by buying him the vinyl today, found at a good price.)
  • hjhhjij
    19 apr 14
    For me, this is the peak of Zappa. Avant-garde, collage, highbrow and popular genres, experimental moments and silly tunes mixed together, with a spirit that's more "rock" compared to "Freak Out!" (the first electric solo from Francone). A tremendously beautiful album, light years ahead of so many things (it was only 1967). For me, it’s insane. A masterpiece. No curiosities, though, except that the album itself is one big curiosity :)
  • SilasLang
    19 apr 14
    One of my top albums by Zappa & Mothers. But until Burnt Weeny Sandwich, what can I say? Pure gold...
  • hellraiser
    20 apr 14
    Thank you for the tips and have a great party, guys...
  • De...Marga...
    20 apr 14
    I believe the title of the work says it all; the genius of Baltimore remains one of those musical figures who, in my view, have the gift of genius embedded in their DNA. Allow me to add one of his peculiarities that once again demonstrates the enormity of the character: at the end of the concerts, easy to imagine the duration and complexity, it was his habit to gather the band and remind each musician of any individual mistakes made on scores that contained thousands of notes. He had a terrifying musical memory....how my blood pressure rises when I read comments about Frank that are not exactly flattering.
  • rolando303
    20 apr 14
    In any case, let's not forget the immense contribution of the Mothers.
Frank Zappa: Fillmore East - June 1971
CD Audio I have it ★★★★
Like many other great artists of those years, Zappa also pays tribute to the famous Fillmore East, which will soon close its doors, with one of his characteristic, eccentric, and genius performances. His guitar work is outstanding, featuring excellent musicians and the participation of Don Preston, superb on the mini-moog in "Lonesome Electric Turkey." A great listen.
  • Renagade
    4 jan 15
    But why did they close the Fillmore East if all these big names were going there? (I could look it up, but I'm super lazy, so if someone tells me, that would be better).
  • hellraiser
    4 jan 15
    I have no idea, it seems to me they only closed the East in New York while Graham kept the West in San Francisco and the Winterland open... I don't know more...
Free: Tons Of Sobs
CD Audio I have it ★★★★
Debut from 1968 for the English band, good songs but not yet at the level of the later albums. Still a great listen...
Free: Highway
CD Audio I have it ★★★★
A good album for the English quartet, certainly in my opinion much inferior to the previous "Fire & Water" and "Tons of Sobs," but it contains at least some great tracks such as "The Stealer" and "Ride On a Pony," true classics of the hard-blues band. Frequent arguments and Kossoff's self-destructive tendencies ultimately delivered the final blow.
Frijid Pink: Frijid Pink
CD Audio I have it ★★★★
Great debut album for the Detroit band, 1970. Compact and energetic rock/rock blues, featuring one of the best versions of the traditional "House of the Rising Sun," instrumental and distorted, abrasive, and with a great impact...
Excuse my ignorance... is this a good album to start listening to this band? Thank you.
  • De...Marga...
    12 jun 16
    I'll take care of it, hellraiser; so, as I've already said and written a thousand times with Fugazi, wherever you fish, you fish well anyway. This is the fourth album, released in 1995. I only tell you to listen to the track that opens everything... Do you like me...
  • hellraiser
    12 jun 16
    Thank you, Lurens! This morning there’s a record fair in Saluzzo, I know I’ll find this record so I’m going to get it, bye!
Gene Clark: White Light
CD Audio I have it ★★★★★
While his old friend/colleague David Crosby was coming out with his gem "If I Could...", another great former Byrds member pulled this true masterpiece of folk/country rock from the hat, an intimate album with great compositional depth. All wonderful tracks, from "The Virgin" to "Because of You," featuring a "Spanish Guitar" that would make Dylan envious and a perfect cover of the same Bob, "Tears of Rage," here in its (perhaps) best version...
  • east of eden80
    24 may 15
    I don't have the album, but knowing the Byrds... how many leaders were there in this group? In fact, the Byrds were proclaimed the American Beatles, but of course the Los Angeles group was superior in every way, and not by a little compared to the baronets.
  • hellraiser
    24 may 15
    In the Byrds, all the members (both original and subsequent) are high-level artists who have proven themselves as soloists as well. They might resemble the Beatles in their early years, but then they take different paths... I love them much more; Lennon and the others were very important and that's undeniable, but in my opinion, they are far superior...
  • Mr Funk
    24 may 15
    A wonderful album that at the time I literally consumed and that I still listen to with great pleasure today. For me, the Byrds were definitely superior to the Beatles; just think about the role they had in defining, and often anticipating, subgenres like folk-rock, psychedelia, country-rock, etc.
Genesis: Nursery Cryme
CD Audio I have it ★★★★★
Wonderful from the first to the last note, especially highlighting the great The Musical Box and The Fountain of Salmacis... I've let them gather too much dust lately, I think I will listen to them much more.
  • rolando303
    20 nov 13
    Even for breakfast, you have to listen to it :-D
  • hellraiser
    20 nov 13
    Well, I think that 5:30 in the morning is a bit much, but I’ll give it a try!
Genesis: A Trick Of The Tail
Vinile I have it ★★★★★
This album will accompany me on my way back home from the sea to the damned usual cornfields... a nice companion hoping to escape the terrible traffic jam of the return. May Collins place a hand on our heads and protect us..
  • zappp
    5 jun 17
    great album to the point that we almost don't realize it's the 1st without Gabriel.
  • hjhhjij
    5 jun 17
    @[zapp] it's quite normal considering that, at least in the studio, the contribution Gabriel made to the group was equivalent to that of the others in composition and inspiration. With a Banks, a Hackett, and a Rutherford so inspired and with a Collins so fresh, full of inventiveness and imagination (see fusion and many projects and collaborations here and there), for me today it’s almost taken for granted that in this masterpiece the absence of Gabriel weighs only minimally. The discussion is different in a live setting.
  • zappp
    5 jun 17
    Certainly. And looking at it from the opposite perspective, the record in question is so beautiful that it amazes future generations, considering the artistic debacle that would follow.
  • hjhhjij
    5 jun 17
    Yes, unfortunately yes. Obviously the problem didn't arise immediately. The Genesis sought simpler paths, pop, sometimes "chart-friendly" (which, after all, they had always done amidst their progressive sound, and usually quite well)? That's fine because there was still inspiration, freshness, and ideas above all, there were prepared, mature musicians in great shape. I think of "Duke" and Collins' corresponding early solo phase, which for me is not a fantastic album, certainly not, but valid, that it is. What happened afterwards, culminating in that disgrace of Ocazzoble Tazz, I swear I can't explain it.
  • hjhhjij
    5 jun 17
    A few typos :D
  • zappp
    5 jun 17
    if they had changed their name, perhaps the criticism and public opinion would have been more benevolent towards them, because as you said, I can accept and maybe even appreciate an Abacab or Duke a little if your name is "pincopallino," but if you have a background like the Genesis did up to A Trick..., you are used to certain things and to demanding more. This doesn’t mean that an artist shouldn’t renew themselves and be anchored to the past, but..............King Crimson! By mentioning this name and their journey, I believe it’s worth more than a million of my words.
  • hjhhjij
    5 jun 17
    So. No, for me the story of "They should have changed their name" is nonsense, and I'll explain why: Genesis as a band have gone through a journey, a rather long one in their case, forming a core (Banks-Rutherford-Collins, who are the authors of "The Cinema Show," for instance...) that has remained solid despite departures and even reductions in the lineup. They’ve always sought public success, always, just like the vast majority of each band and artist, even those who create what we call great music; there are very few who truly make art solely for the sake of art. After achieving that success in a certain type of music ("Selling England by the Pound," as a prog album, sold a boatload of copies, to put it that way) they remained as a trio, having lost the minds furthest from the concept of "charts" (granted, Gabriel is quite close to that, but he has always managed to balance that aspect with musical exploration in a practically equal manner; geniuses are like that) and decided to pursue simpler paths that, year after year, also leveraging Collins’ solo boom, led them to lower their artistic dignity in favor of songs of poor quality. It's not about pop, because pop can often be great music if well done; it’s simply about bad music. But Genesis had become a very famous brand by then. Come on, back in the days of the unnameable abomination, no crazy person would have opted for a name change. If I had been in Banks' shoes, I would have made the same choice; it's obvious, come on, let’s not be dreamers. I'm just sorry that they really got to the point of selling themselves without restraint, partly already from certain sparse episodes of "Duke," but especially from 1983 onwards. As for "Duke," I don't see why they would have needed to change their name even in an artistic sense. They had lightened their offering, it's true; they were decidedly more pop, but it was very good, inspired pop, fresh, with more modern and energetic sounds that I appreciate and that gave a boost after "And Then There Were Three" (which I still appreciate and which has some wonderful things within it).
  • hjhhjij
    5 jun 17
    Yes, "Duke" has 2-3 mediocre songs but the rest is excellent pop and it doesn’t fall short in quality compared to what they had offered before; it’s just different. Yes, I find all the albums up to "Wind and Wuthering" to be comfortably superior (which I keep repeating is, for me, a beautiful record with inspired and remarkable songwriting, stunning tracks, and a chilling atmosphere, where Banks perhaps expresses his poetic essence at its peak). But "Duke," just like Collins' first solo effort, is the work of great musicians exploring lighter paths while still remembering to be musicians and authors of a certain caliber. Just like Mike and his lovely "Smallcreep's Day," also from 1980. The real end for me comes in 1983, even though, as far as Genesis is concerned, it was already well anticipated by "Abacab." However, the nice live album from 1982 had covered up some shortcomings. It's true, I also expect more from a band like that when they present me with "Illegal Alien," actually, it’s not that I expect more; I’m just completely disappointed, but that's not a conversation I think is possible to have with "Duke." As for King Crimson, let’s leave that aside because Fripp is a totally different mind :) And he also participated in chart-topping stuff with Gabriel like "I Don't Remember," which, by the way, is really cool.
  • hjhhjij
    5 jun 17
    Or "Heroes" with Bowie and Eno to stay on theme. But also on "Beat" and "A Three of Perfect Pair" there are, indeed, concessions to pop. Pop made by Fripp, but pop.
  • hjhhjij
    5 jun 17
    One who has always always always minded his own business is Hammill instead :D
  • zappp
    5 jun 17
    I've known you for a short time, but I can see that you really like Genesis, huh? :-) Anyway, to get back to your point, I completely share it. I didn't explain myself well with the "name change" comment, which is a bit… a way of saying that the virtuality of a site can present things differently. Of course, they shouldn't have changed their name! Otherwise, taking my joke literally, the same should have been done by the Stones with some of their albums and many other old names which, due to artistic dryness or completely exhausted creativity, have betrayed not only their original ideology but also the good taste of making quality music. And of course, if they were to change their name, the music would become a joke.

    Then, making pop isn't a bad thing; the difference, as always, is the quality level. I used the example of Crimson because I believe they are one of the few multiform examples of music that feeds itself, shedding old skins to renew itself, always seeking new languages and avenues towards something similarly different/new that can then serve as a springboard for something even more innovative in the future to come. Creating pathways for themselves and making investments in the future, so to speak... And it's not easy to achieve that. Not to mention doing it while being credible.

    And yes, Fripp has done some commercial things, but that little bespectacled man has made very few concessions over the past 50 years. :-)

    Now! Van Der Graaf is another prestigious name that has never given up and has reinvented itself without selling out in search of success; on the contrary, quite the opposite. They were more romantic once upon a time. Now that they're aging, instead of becoming softer, they sound sharper and darker, but that’s a merit. At least their current path is always aimed at capturing one more creative spark that cannot be replicated, and above all, not retracing past footprints… in other words, the same discussion applies to the Crimson, and consequently to Hammill as a solo artist. People who never bend. :-)
  • hjhhjij
    5 jun 17
    Oh, this thing that everyone immediately understands I like Genesis, I just can't explain it, and here I am trying to keep it hidden :D ahahaah No, jokes aside, look, the talk about "changing name" is not directed at you, the fact that you just said it, but more about all the times I've heard it from so many people, too many; then I understood what you meant, don't worry, and I agree, in the sense that yes, it’s true that Genesis ended up betraying their identity if by that we mean their being musicians and researchers of compositions, whether pop or progressive, and high-quality sounds. A thing like "Illegal Alien" or something like "Into Deep" I won't accept from any pop group without too many pretenses, let alone from Genesis. You say "making pop isn't a bad thing, the difference as always is the quality level" Exactly. I won't even start quoting the great names of world POP music, people who have composed true masterpieces, and there are many, I’ll just stick to Genesis and say that between "Duke" and "Invisible Touch" there is an abyss that I can't explain. Not to mention the pop songs scattered throughout their masterpieces of the '70s, the very title track of this wonderful album is a delightful pop song, inspired by the Beatles, as Banks himself admitted. The best side of the Beatles though "in a Genesis way" and it's stunning. So they certainly knew how to write pop, it’s just that from a certain point onward, they stopped caring because they realized that clearly, a lot more people like eating crap.
  • hjhhjij
    5 jun 17
    I'm totally in agreement about Van Der Graaf Generator. However, I believe that Fripp has never produced "commercial" stuff in the pejorative sense of the term. Marketable, yes, but that's normal. Even In the Court was. Also, "Pawn Hearts," in that 1971, was an album suitable for the public, so much so that it reached No. 1 in Italy and stayed there for quite a while.
  • zappp
    6 jun 17
    The chasm between Duke and Invisible Touch, in my opinion, is a bit like when you decide to make a small compromise, or maybe take a small step back. Then you start to enjoy it, you see that the new sound you've embraced is more malleable, profitable; in other words, it requires less effort. Years go by, you get lazy, the stimuli are no longer what they used to be (actually less and less), coupled with the fact that you’re aware that you have proven to yourself and others that you’re great, and before you know it, you find yourself having made a series of compromises that lead you to... Invisible Touch. That’s how I explain it, for Genesis, but also for other big names similar to them as a creative parabola. But... it all stems from that initial small compromise that separates Duke from what came before. Perhaps a conscious feeling of having exhausted oneself to maintain certain levels.

    However, if you notice, these big names, when they do the catchy little "pop tune," form and ornamentation they do exceptionally well, only that it often gets panned because certain genuflections to the thoroughbred are unforgivable. But if a song like Into the Deep had been done by the classic festival artist, maybe it would be hailed as a masterpiece.

    It’s funny how it’s possible to tear apart or praise the same thing when viewed from two different perspectives.
  • zappp
    6 jun 17
    Talking about Van Der Graaf, look, you catch me in a moment of second infatuation with them. I listened to them in the last century and I liked them for certain things, but I felt like I hadn’t really delved deep as I usually do with certain artists that I become obsessed with. Riding the wave of last year’s album, I revisited their discography with a full immersion approach, and it was like rediscovering them; now I truly feel completely fulfilled by their music and, in my own way, I sense that I’ve stripped down their music in a way I couldn’t in the 90s.
    Pawn Hearts is a masterpiece.
    But if I want to be picky, with H to He, Who Am the Only One, I felt something stirred within me, even deeper than Pawn managed to... but I realize I’m making a subjective argument.
    Then there’s that jewel of Still Life...
  • hjhhjij
    6 jun 17
    Look, maybe we think a bit differently about "Duke," but for the rest, I agree with everything; I would obviously add that your explanation is perfectly logical. One thing, though: those who criticize the songs of Genesis from the '80s (which should be criticized in any case, not because they are Genesis) are likely unaware of who the artist at the Festivalbar is, being fond of their past and thus lovers of a certain type of music. :)
  • hjhhjij
    6 jun 17
    Regarding Van Der Graaf Generator, I can say that for me, H to He is absolutely on par with Pawn, and maybe—just maybe—it’s even my favorite. There’s “Lost,” and nothing has melted me inside like “Lost.”
  • nix
    8 jun 17
    An extraordinary record.
Gentle Giant: Gentle Giant
Vinile I have it ★★★★★
In the following years, they will develop and perhaps improve their unique sound, but for me, this debut remains unbeaten. True love over the years...
  • hjhhjij
    22 mar 17
    Well, it remains one of the most unique and exhilarating debuts in the history of rock, in my opinion. Just think of the sketch of medieval folk minstrel style cleverly embedded in the middle of "Why Not." A masterpiece.
  • mrbluesky
    22 mar 17
    for me, it’s also the best, simply perfect among the top 10, perhaps 5, most important albums of the genre.
Four balls just to see Robert Fripp smile at least once; it's a rare thing, not even at his wedding, I think... Jokes aside, a lively, fun album, far from the glories of King Crimson but still worth it. Fripp will soon demonstrate all his great instrumental skills, but they can already be glimpsed here and there among the tracks. A good listen...
  • SydBarrett96
    28 dec 14
    The beauty is not for the record (which I don't know), but for the punchline. :D
  • hjhhjij
    28 dec 14
    Wow, you got it right away, huh? Well, I agree, from one year to the next Fripp and McDonald (and then just Fripp) will demonstrate all their compositional skills beyond and even more than their instrumental ones (which, don't get me wrong, are absolutely massive), but you can already feel the talent here. "A lively, fun album, far from the glories of King Crimson." Well, that's because there's not much fun in Crimson, just think about the opener of the debut O_O (well, in this trio album, neither Sinfield nor McDonald were present, which I’d say is a bit significant). I'm glad you liked it, but I reiterate the advice: get your hands on the Tapes (always from '68), that's where you'll find both McDonald and Sinfield, and I think they are more interesting.
  • hjhhjij
    28 dec 14
    As for the joke: From minute 1:56 you can see Fripp smile more than once. Oh, it's VERY unsettling, but he's smiling.
  • hellraiser
    28 dec 14
    Yes, as I told you just yesterday evening at Marrillon, I got it yesterday afternoon, paid at a big discount thanks to the fact that I’m a good customer, a friend, and because the seller is a huge fan of the Crimson. I noted down the tapes, I’ll take care of it even though I think it will be difficult to get them... regards!
  • hellraiser
    28 dec 14
    Oh man, I dare you! Did you look that bald guy with the mustache and the pink jacket in the face? If that doesn’t make you laugh! Anyway, his smile was super tight, you know, the kind you put on when you want to watch the Champions League calmly on Wednesday night and relatives show up at 8:50... By the way, the '80s were beautiful, especially the clothing, I love it :((((
  • hjhhjij
    28 dec 14
    Ahahahahahhahahahaha yes it's true XD "The '80s are beautiful, especially in the clothing department, I love them :((((“ But the King Crimson represent only the best of the '80s (as always, as in the '70s and '90s) they made some monstrous stuff. The one in the pink jacket, that's Adrian Belew (!) but he doesn’t have a mustache, the bald one with the mustache is Tony Levin :D True that the smile is super forced but then there's one that's more natural, it’s just that with this piece, thanks to Belew's crazy-zappaesque-schizoid-grotesque flair, they must have had a lot of fun and in the end, he couldn't help but laugh too.
  • hjhhjij
    28 dec 14
    Come on, it's an album that came out in 2001, it should be fairly easy to find. You have a great record anyway. I missed the comment on the Marillion, but that's fine, it's a good buy, especially if it’s discounted. Enjoy your lunch now, I'm off to eat.
Gram Parsons: GP
CD Audio I have it ★★★★★
Great artist, this is the purest example of it. It's a shame that drugs took him away too soon, what a great album...
Grand Funk Railroad: On Time
CD Audio I have it ★★★★★
The debut album of the three wild boys from Flint, Michigan... a nice blend of blues, hard rock, and heavy doses of psychedelics... great tracks like "Heartbreaker" and "Into The Sun," where the voice and lead guitar of Mark Farner showcases all his qualities as a musician...
  • ranofornace
    18 oct 13
    Technically not amazing, but incredibly effective, too strong for me!
Grand Funk Railroad: Live Album
Vinile I have it ★★★★★
For various reasons, I'm more attached to the subsequent Caught in the Act as a live album, but this one is rougher and rawer, pushed to the max, a true earthquake. The Flint boys are always great...
  • IlConte
    19 mar 17
    Ahahah I instead think this is really great!!! Tight and raw like I've never heard before!! But I don’t want you to misunderstand, I give this a 10/10 and the other a 9/10. After all, you have more class, I have more physique ahahah! A hug!
  • Onirico
    19 mar 17
    I know little about this band... Any acrobatic solos you would recommend?
  • IlConte
    19 mar 17

    @Onirico, you absolutely have to have the first 3 plus the live (this one) all in just over a year. Three forces of nature. Solos are not really the strong suit of the immense Farmer, but he does... here from 3:30 to the end...
  • Onirico
    19 mar 17
    Thanks for the tip, Count. But are you of aristocratic descent or does your nickname simply refer to your nobility of spirit?
  • IlConte
    19 mar 17
    I've sent the ascendants to hell! Nobility of spirit remains for those who deserve it, of course. I don't do things by halves! Goodbye, dear!
  • hellraiser
    19 mar 17
    Caught was the first one I bought on CD, then on vinyl, ages ago. This is just as magnificent as Live 1971. @[Onirico] Farmer wasn't a mega guitarist like Page or Blackmore, but he knew what he was doing, even with the keyboards...
Grand Funk Railroad: Phoenix
Vinile I have it ★★★★★
Choosing the best among any album by the band in question is almost impossible for me. This is undoubtedly one of their peaks, and I am deeply fond of it. Great energy, great rock.
  • IlConte
    5 mar 17
    I prefer the first 3 with the devastating live experience included, 4 albums in 18 months! They’re like a caterpillar, but of course, it’s a matter of taste. I still like all of them, even the softer and more "commercial" endings.
Grateful Dead: Grateful Dead (Skull & Roses)
CD Audio I have it ★★★★★
The best live performance of the band in a country/rock/blues version, year 1971, featuring songs from the recent American tour, in the dates of New York and San Francisco. The band showcases all its immense qualities in live playing, cohesive, tight, brilliant. Numerous covers, including a magnificent rendition of "Me & Bobby McGee," a stunning piece by Kris Kristofferson, and "Not Fade Away," a great classic by Buddy Holly.
Grateful Dead: Live/Dead
CD Audio I have it ★★★★★
The "true" essence of the Dead. An exceptional live album, cosmic, hallucinatory, immense. Just the presence of Dark Star would justify its purchase. Released by the band primarily to pay off debts after they spent a fortune on recording studios. Then Hart's father, their manager, also got involved, disappearing with the money...
  • SilasLang
    14 apr 14
    Oh my god... you know what? At my place, it's bong o'clock! And there's no ganja therapy session here without a nice record on the turntable... so, I'm putting it on.
  • hjhhjij
    14 apr 14
    What can I say, absurd, wonderful.
  • Mr Funk
    15 apr 14
    Well, masterpiece!
  • March Horses
    15 apr 14
    hahaha I didn’t know the backstory!
Groundhogs: Thank Christ For The Bomb
CD Audio I have it ★★★★★
A "concept" album of English hard blues, centered around war and the suffering and destruction it brings to the world. Instrumentally, you can feel the touch of Martin Birch as the sound engineer, an album played by God with the entire band at its best...
Hatfield and the North: Hatfield & The North
CD Audio I have it ★★★★★
Of course, between this and the subsequent "The Rotters Club," I wouldn't know which is the more beautiful and complete. Extraordinary musicians, unique atmospheres...
  • hjhhjij
    18 nov 14
    This is more varied and experimental compared to Rotter, but you are right, it's a tough choice (why choose then?), and an extraordinary band, a supergroup that perfectly embodied many of the greatest "Canterbury" musicians. I'm really glad you like them so much.
  • hellraiser
    19 nov 14
    Canterbury is a town as big as my Saluzzo, it seems to me, and just think about how many great bands it has produced, incredible...delicious record, that’s the right term for me.
Hatfield And The North: The Rotters' Club
CD Audio I have it ★★★★★
Gentlemen musicians, beautiful record. It's a shame that the 4 of Canterbury didn't last long; they deserved a longer career...
  • hjhhjij
    13 apr 14
    Well, it was a supergroup that rightly disbanded when it had said everything it needed to say. Two albums, two masterpieces.
  • hellraiser
    13 apr 14
    This is another one of your tips Hj, beautiful beautiful...
  • hjhhjij
    14 apr 14
    I'm really glad you liked it.
Hawkwind: In Search Of Space
CD Audio I have it ★★★★★
For me, their best, along with Space Ritual from a couple of years later. "Master of the Universe" would be enough on its own to secure the album's place in history. A masterpiece...
  • SilasLang
    1 mar 15
    Same here. My favorite. I also love the first self-titled one, even though they were still quite hippie in their approach back then.