Vinyl Confessions Review

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(More customer reviews)I have been a hard core Kansas fan for many years. As much as I like Steve Walsh in his prime (no better voice in Rock/Prog)and the classic Kansas albums that seem to be on everyone's top list such as Leftoverture and Point of Know Return, AND even think that Masque and Monolith are strong efforts, I really think Vinyl Confessions is a very solid album. Put aside any bias toward your lead vocalist of choice and listen to the strong compositions and well crafted production. Listen to some new direction in instrumentation along side the usual stellar players; Listen to some urgency, inspiration and direction in the lyrical content. I believe that a fresh, unbiased listen will reveal a very strong, cohesive work worthy of at least a few accolades.
As a Christian, I confess the worldview in the lyrics has strong appeal but the music, passion and artistry are evident the lyrics notwithstanding. Ironically, I think that it is this same worldview in the lyrics that causes many to be turned off from this very artistic offering. Why is it that some can listen to all kinds of philosophies in music, both agreeable and disagreeable, and still appreciate the artistry, but as soon as Christian lyrics come into play, all of a sudden it cannot be tolerated or at least it is relegated to a lower tier.
My honest opinion is that Vinyl Confessions is worthy of better consideration among the list of Kansas albums and certainly represents the most thematic and cohesive effort of Kansas' latter days. The only complaint I have is that the sonic quality of the current CD version is vastly inferior to the vinyl album. Remastering is greatly needed and deserved. Hopefully Sony will come through some day soon.
- Scriptor

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Emerson Lake & Palmer - Live at Montreux Review

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(More customer reviews)I'll give this a token one star because Carl Palmer can still play like hell and Greg Lake plays the most beautiful bass guitar I've ever seen (not heard, mind you, seen.) Otherwise this disc is literally going in my trashcan. I can only assume that my fellow reviewers who've looked upon this DVD kindly are so young that they never saw ELP in their prime, when they were an amazing band and their concerts a thrilling, spine tingling experience. I HAVE NEVER SEEN THREE MUSICIANS WHO HATE PLAYING TOGETHER SO OBVIOUSLY as I do on this DVD. The bad vibe between Emerson and Lake is palpable, they won't even look at each other. Emerson's chops are all but gone, he's content to substitute speed for accuracy, he's all over the place, sloppy BEYOND belief, the Alvin Lee of keyboards. Greg Lake plays some nice acoustic guitar but plays bass like he hasn't picked it up for a decade and isn't all that sure where the right notes are. His voice is....well, it's gone. He sounds like me doing a really, really good imitation of Greg Lake in the shower, with the flu. Technically, as others have noted, the sound is dreadful, as is the stage lighting which never surpasses that which you saw at your high school prom. On the positive side, even at half effort, playing with two guys who clearly don't give a damn, Carl Palmer shows why he was one of the greatest drummers of his era, if not the greatest. If you're a young fan, please know that ELP were honestly one of the most important, groundbreaking, genuinely awe-inspiring bands of the 70's... though you'd never know it from this travesty of a performance. If you're an ELP fans who remembers their greatness, avoid this at all costs. It's a quick cash desecration of their past brilliance, a trashing of their own art and their own heritage. It's just too sad.

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Reunited in the early nineties, ELP produced a new album, Black Moon, and began to tour again. In 1997 they embarked on a world tour, which included this performance at the Montreux Jazz Festival on July 7. This is the only film from this tour that is available.Track Listing: 1. Karn Evil 9 - 1st Impression Part 2, 2. Tiger In The Spot Light, 3. Hoedown, 4. Touch And Go, 5. From The Beginning, 6. Knife Edge, 7. Bitches Chrystal, 8. Dance Creole, 9. Honky Tonk Train Blues, 10. Take A Pebble, 11. Lucky Man, 12. Tarkus / Pictures At An Exhibition 13. Medley: Fanfare For The Common Man / Rondo / Carmina Burana / Tocatta In D Minor.

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Swing Swang Swung Review

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(More customer reviews)Guardian continues to change their image with more acoustic instrumental work and softer (but not weak) vocals. This album changes the way you look at this top-flight Christian rock band. A "must" for any fan.

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The way back home -- Endless summer -- C'mon everyone -- Like the sun -- Rich man over the line -- Your love -- Don't say that it's over -- See you in heaven -- Let the whole world -- Preacher and the bear -- Still on my mind -- Why don't we.ith musical influences centered around such bands as Guns N' Roses and Motley Crue, Guardian has become a powerful force in the gospel music industry. The Christian rockers, best known for such hits as "Power of Love" and "Shoeshine Johnny," have forged their way into the '90s with modern gospel metal.Guardian was originally known as "Fusion" by its founders, bassist David Bach and vocalist Paul Cawley. Along with drummer Rikk Hart and guitarist David Caro, the band played at local gigs throughout the early '80s before finally obtaining a record deal from the Enigma label in 1985. When they found that there was already a band of the same name, they changed to Guardian and added guitarist Tony Palacios to replace Caro. Their album First Watch was released in 1989 and was followed by extensive touring.When the band finished their tour in Japan, both Cawley and Hart left in 1990 after being unable to handle the stresses of touring. Bach and Palacios asked to be freed of their Enigma contract, requesting a more Christian label. They would be released later that year, and vocalist Jamie Rowe and drummer Karl Ney would be added around that same time. The new lineup began to record, finally releasing their first album on their new Pakaderm label, Fire and Love, in 1991. The response to the album was overwhelming, and the video filmed for their hit "Power of Love" was added to MTV's Headbangers Ball. After a more successful tour, Miracle Mile was released in early 1993, and the album reached the CCM Top Five. Miracle Mile was quickly followed by Swing Swang Swung in 1994, the band's experiment with acoustic music. By 1995, they had finally accepted the modern '90s

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Kansas: There's Know Place Like Home (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)One word - EPIC. This DVD is amazing. Kansas is amazing. Ehart, Williams, Walsh, Greer and Ragsdale joined forces with a 50-piece symphony for an unforgettable performance. Let's get down to business! Steve Walsh has shocked me and delivered an absolutely knock-out performance. He hits every single note and his voice sounds fresh and vibrant. This was the best I've heard him since 1990. He especially shines on "Ghosts, "Nobody's Home," "The Other Side," and "Dust..". Ehart's drumming is so powerful and it's such a pleasure to watch his technique. Greer was fantastic on bass and even more so on the backing vocals. When he harmonizes with Walsh a great blend is created. Rich Williams was really on his game, especially on "The Wall" and "Carry On". But the guy who was the most impressive and fun to watch was Ragsdale. This guy has such flair and showmanship. As good as Robby Steinhardt was, Ragsdale is a flashier and more exciting player. If this wasn't enough we get guest appearances from Kerry Livgren and Steve Morse. The latter plays such a fiery lead on "Musicatto" it's hard to believe he's human. Livgren was exceptional as well and it was cool to see him playing a pipe organ during "The Wall". Of course there are 50 other stars of the show - the symphony. Their performance added such beauty to all the epic songs and meshed so well with the band. It was truly a match made in heaven. "Nobody's Home" was especially moving. The conductor was fun to watch too. Quite simply, this DVD captures Kansas on one of their very best nights. It should also be noted that the camera work and lighting are spectacular. Without question this DVD not only blows Live At The Whiskey and Device-Voice-Drum away, it obliterates them. The setlist is comprised from 10 different albums, so there's something here for Kansas fans of any era. No fan should be without this gem. Highly recommended.

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THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME - DVD Movie

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