Giona

The review is, as you have often demonstrated, direct and concise, not aiming for exhaustive detail, but rather for clarity of message. As someone who loves to tell stories, I would feel a touch of claustrophobia in those two short paragraphs :) I know the Kingstons, but perhaps due to their sounds not being entirely in tune with mine, I’m not too excited about them. For quite some time, I tried to make myself enjoy these albums, but so far, I haven’t had much success. In particular, I appreciate just "Istwan" and "Could it Be So" from this Vol. II, since the longer tracks bore me after a while (by the way, I have the version without bonus tracks, but it doesn’t seem to me that the tracks last 4-5 minutes. Just the first two and the last one, but the others are longer... maybe too long). I avoid giving a rating as I don’t have a clear idea about it (also because knowing myself, I would change my mind 27 times in the 12 seconds following the post).

Well done, Macaco.. I was sure you would write something about John, even though I didn't know exactly what. Regarding the vote, I’d say we’re more or less in agreement.. I know your teacher! An eccentric type.. He subbed for mine for a couple of months some time ago..

Thank you Blech! See you next time :)

Thank you Ole! @Fusillo: No problem, don’t mention it.. @Antonio: You’re really too kind.. :) Indeed, when it comes to Canterbury, I have quite a bit of passion for it, so I’m glad to be able to convey it clearly and positively. As for the Henry Cow, the complete box set has a rather variable value depending on the area.. Anyway, it generally ranges between 100 and 150 euros. On some English websites, it’s even possible to buy each volume separately (as I think Fusillo meant) but, from what I’ve seen, it’s definitely not worthwhile to get them in that form. I’m linking a page that describes the collection (9 CD + 1 DVD edition with double box, not the 10 CD + 1 DVD edition with triple box as mistakenly – or cunningly – shown in the illustrative image) and sold at less vampire-like prices than average, just to give you an idea: "http://www.jazzloft.com/p-49525-40th-anniversary-full-9-cddvd-boxed-set.aspx"

P.S. The difference between the sets lies in the fact that the 10 CD version (besides the obvious extra CD) includes a third box (empty) meant to hold the studio albums of the Cow (Leg End, Unrest, etc..) and to form that titanic block in the photo (really beautiful) that can bring joy to any collector in the field. However, it’s not the only way to have it: you can achieve the same impressive effect by purchasing the 9CD version plus the "40th anniversary set 3," which would be the third container WITH the studio albums inside (so it’s not very convenient if you already own them). Given the curiosity that has arisen around this box set, I take the opportunity to briefly mention the existence of another similar item, namely "The Art Box," a collection of 6 CDs including the discography of Art Bears and other albums full of various treasures, which, staying on the RIO theme, is another very valuable and well-made item, as well as impeccably packaged. Okay, now I'm done :p

Thank you Elio and Bartle! @Ancora d'oro: Is it the right time to dust off the old records? :) @Fusillo: I think it’s a remarkable collector’s item and a must-have for true fans of Henry or Rock in Opposition in general. We're talking about a box that offers a practically complete understanding of every nuance of the band, with unreleased live recordings, demo tapes, interviews, never-before-published tracks (as you rightly pointed out), alternative versions, etc. Moreover, the packaging is of excellent quality and includes two massive booklets of 60 plus pages (I've never seen anything like it... it's practically a book...). Right now the complete works (all volumes from 1 to 10 together) are available for sale, and on one hand, it's convenient for those who don't want to miss anything, but on the other hand, it's prohibitive due to the not-so-accessible price (we're talking about 9 CDs, plus one bonus in the limited edition, and 1 DVD of a concert filmed in Vevey, Switzerland in '76, after all...).

Amanda, unfortunately, after leaving National in '77, stepped away from the music scene, except for a few sporadic appearances on the records that I am about to list for you. For completeness, I will also mention those prior to her experience with National Health. Chronologically, excluding Hatfield, we can hear her in 1974 on "The Civil Surface" by Egg (in the track "Prelude"), in 1975 on "Forever Blowing Bubbles" by Clearlight and in the self-titled debut by Gilgamesh ("One End More" and "We Are All"), in 1976 on "Out" by Anthony Moore, in 1979 on "Mais On Ne Peut Pas Rêver Tout Le Temps" by former Magma member Laurent Thibault and on "One of a Kind" by Bill Bruford ("Hell's Bells"), in 1980 on "Gradually Going Tornado" also by Bruford ("Land's End") and on "Surveillance" by Walkie Talkies, from 1985 to 87 in the various releases of the duo Dave Stewart/Barbara Gaskin ("Up from the Dark" - "The Singles" - "As Far as Dreams Can Go"). Regarding compilations, again excluding Hatfield, she appears in "The Metronomical Society" by Egg, released in 2007 ("There's No Business Like Show Business" recorded back in 1972) and "Beginnings" (which is the first volume of "The Road: Volumes 1-5 - 40th Anniversary Box Set", followed by "Volumes 6-10") by Henry Cow, released this year (she appears in a conversation in the track "Teenbeat", just to be precise). I don’t know if I’m forgetting anything, but I believe that’s all I know about Amanda's discography (I hope it’s clear from the list above how much I love this singer ;D).

Hello Macaco, I'm looking forward to your next review then! Oh yes Fabio... may Canterbury be praised forever and ever... :DDD Ardalo, I would actually define this as more "jazzy" than "progressive"... Anyway, personally, I have no idea what position this live would occupy in a hypothetical Canterbury Olympus. Whether essential or not, as always and in any case, it's a matter of taste. I believe that for lovers of the Canterbury Sound or Jazz Rock in general, this is a very valid album that, moreover, documents the development of a band that almost left no traces in this particular and very interesting form. Being a great lover of this genre myself, I feel I can warmly recommend this listen to both those who are already familiar with these sounds and those who are simply curious... And if many continue to snub it (like so many others) or prefer to listen to different things, no one's going to die over it. I wrote in the review that us Canterbury spirits are very few... You wouldn't want to contradict me right away, would you? :p

Thank you so much, Jargon, Green, and Fusillo! "Missing Pieces" is truly fantastic. For me, it's a masterpiece. In the review I wrote some time ago, I gave it 4 stars because I mistakenly took into account the 2 not-so-exciting final tracks ("Starlight On Seaweed" and the excerpt from "Walking the Dog") which, as Dave Stewart put it, should be considered as Bonus tracks. So for me, it's another solid 5 scored by one of the most exceptional Canterbury formations of all time :)

What happened here? I missed this review... So, as far as I understand, it would be advisable to unearth the vinyl from some remote nook, huh? Mmhh.. Alright.. It will definitely be worth it (also because, whether Zappa wants it or not, I've always preferred instrumental pieces to sung ones).

I come back online after a few days and find the Khans on the homepage? Wow... "an incredibly inspiring album that would be reductive to simply define as a masterpiece." I absolutely agree with you. This is one of those records that I really wish I could have reviewed. Unfortunately, by the time I got here, it was already done :(