Japan Mini LP SHM-CDs - New Releases, George Harrison and more

Discussion in 'Music Corner' started by toilet_doctor, Jan 19, 2017.

  1. noname74

    noname74 Allegedly Canadian

    Location:
    .
    You’re not the only music dork making that same decision.

    I have absolutely zero need for them.

    Ordered.

    :imwithstupid:
     
  2. toilet_doctor

    toilet_doctor "Rockin' chair's got me" Thread Starter

    Location:
    USA
    Belle Antique releases for March and April paid tribute to one guy, Roxy Music guitarist Phil Manzanera.

    March 25, 2019

    (SHM-CD)
    Quiet Sun Mainstream + 5
    Phil Manzanera Diamond Head + 2
    Phil Manzanera/801 Listen Now + 3


    "Cardboard sleeve reissue release from Phil Manzanera. Features the latest remastering and SHM-CD format. Comes with lyrics and a description." [$25.06]

    On-line prog-bible, progarchives, included Phil Manzanera in their special sub-genre they called Prog Related, as he used prog elements in his music.
    However, his short-lived project named Quiet Sun falls right into the Prog (a Canterbury Scene sub-genre), and their 'Mainstream' is an excellent, not-supposed-to-be-missed album.

    "Phil Manzanera (Philip Geoffrey Targett-Adams) - born January 31, 1951 (London, UK)
    He is best known for being one of the all time members and guitar player of Roxy Music. He was raised on various locations like Cuba, Hawaii and Venzuela. His musical influences containing elements from both rock and Latin music. Prior to his membership of Roxy Music, he was one of the founding members of Quiet Sun. Their album Mainsrteam wasn't recorded before he got in the studio to record his solo debut album Diamond Head which appeared at the end of 1975. "Diamond Head" surprised many when it hit the English charts. The mainly instrumental album is an impressive mixture of Roxy Music, rock, progressive rock, jazzrock, avant-garde and Latin. The album was recorded with the help of all his fellow RM & Quiet sun colleagues including Brian Eno & Robert Wyatt. Despite the bizarre combination of various musical influences the music is very accessible. The following year 801 was formed and the band hit the road with a track listing that includes material from Quiet Sun & Diamond Head. In the hiatus between the Roxy Music albums from 1975 till 1979 there were two albums released from 801, Manzanera contributed also to various recording sessions for Brian Eno, Brian Ferry & John Cale and issued "K-scope" his second solo record in 1978. After Roxy music split up in 1983 he joined forces with Andy MacKay & James Wraith to form the short lived "The Explorer's" who broke up after releasing just one record. A second record was shelved and would get released several years later under the name of Manzanera/MacKay. Meanwhile he released "Primitive Guitars" his third solo effort in 1982. In 1987 he teamed up with long time collaborator John Wetton and they released an album full of melodic pop songs. During the same decade he worked with Steve Winwood, David Gilmour, Tim Finn, Godley & Creme as a writer and producer. One track which he co-wrote with David Gilmour ended up on the Pink Floyd record "A Momentary Lapse of Reason". In 1990 he released two adventurous albums on which he explored his latin roots further on. For the rest of the decade he concentrated on live gigs even though some reissues appeared for the first time on cd. In 1999 he released an album in which he played lush ambient music. After 18 years, Roxy music reunited for a tour in 2001. That year he released "Vozero" with Robert Wyatt doing much of the vocals. In 2003 he appeared as a session musician on the next Robert Wyatt effort along the likes of Brian Eno & David Gilmour. In 2004 & 2005 he released the twin albums "6 PM" and "50 Minutes Later", recorded by largely the same group of musicians which also included Gilmour, Eno & Andy MacKay. Both of these wonderful albums can be considered as a culmination of all influences he incorporated in his music over the years. The sound marks a return to the progressive & psychedelic elements of the beginning of his solo career even though the use of actual production techniques is most refreshing. On these energetic albums Manzanera comes closer to Roxy Music than ever before both on sound and quality level
    ."
    (progachives)

    Mainstream [SHM-CD] / Quiet Sun
    "[Belle Antique Paper Jacket series] One of the masterpieces of Canterbury Rock, the only recording of the historic Quiet Sun. Phil Manzanera, then Charles Hayward, who formed THIS HEAT, Dave Jarrett and Bill McCormick, collided with each other, and at that time a miracle album with a sharpness as progressive rock was born. Paper jacket, SHM-CD, the definitive edition of the latest remaster! Added 5 bonus tracks."

    [​IMG]

    Reviews
    "
    Guitarist Phil Manzanera teamed up with Bill Mc Cormick (of MATCHING MOLE fame), Dave Jarrett and Charles Hayward ( ex-HIGH TIDE and future GONG, and future "touche-à-tout" in the early 90's) reformed QUIET SUN and made this sole album called Mainstream that defides any classifications. With the help of Brian Eno, this album is full of superb interplay with long tracks every member writing two tracks except for Mc Cormick only one. Later on, Manzanera and McCormick will form the 801 group that will also release two albums.
    This is almost one of those lost gems except that it was never lost."

    (progarchives)

    "This only Quite Sun's album has enough really excellent reviews from best PA reviewers, so it's difficult to add something. Roxy Music guitarist's Phil Manzanera's side project (with another great ex-Roxy Music musician Brian Eno) and some more future excellent Canterbury scene musicians on board.

    From the very first sounds you understand, that it is not just a regular album, not a good album, it is a GREAT album. Complex, but very alive and melodic compositions combines both early jazz-rock's not-so-easy listening with great Roxy Music's melodic art-rock tradition. It is not so easy to find such a successful combination of these elements. All musicians are excellent, sound produced and mixed at highest possible level. Every listener will enjoy each second, each sound of this album. Absolutely one of the best early Canterbury scene work.
    Yes, the only problem is last song. Charles Hayward's vocals is really very controversial and IMO destroys good composition. Without this, album is a real masterpiece!
    "

    "This album stands apart from a lot of the other jazz-rock records released in the early to mid 70s, this album features well composed melodic development combined with organically shifting sound textures to create one of the most unique fusions of jazz-rock rhythms and progressive rock composition released during this time.
    Most of the instrumentals on this album share some common references and influences. The big difference is that this album is driven by sonic texture changes that help push the music forward thanks to the pioneering production work of Brian Eno.
    Eno is the most valuable player on this recording. His production skills were ahead of the game at this point making the music a constant shifting kaleidoscope of sound, his "treatments" help the strong melodic developments of Manzanera shift smoothly from one idea to the next.
    ....
    Too bad this is the only release by this amazing band, it would have been nice to hear more
    ."
    (progarchives)

    I added this album to my April order.



    Diamond Head [SHM-CD] / Phil Manzanella
    [Belle Antique Paper Jacket series] Roxy Music guitarist Phil Manzanella's first solo album released in 1975. An attractive work that created the chemistry of the members in each song by welcoming luxurious guests such as John Wetton, Eno, Eddie Jobson, and Quiet Sun members. A masterpiece album in the position of Quiet Sun and Twin Brothers. The second bonus over 10 minutes is a demo of the precious Quiet Dun era! A paper jacket, SHM-CD, the definitive edition of the latest remastered content!
    Two bonus tracks are added."

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Reviews
    "This was the first proper solo album from the well known Roxy Music guitarist. Diamond Head is an album that's easy to listen to and doesn't bore the listener after repeated spins. The reason for this lies in the variety of musical influences. Hidden in the pop/rock songs you'll find elements from Latin music, psychedelic music, fusion and prog. One of the reasons for this is probably the extensive credit list. The entire line-up of both Roxy Music and Quiet Sun are collaborating with Phil, helping him to create one of the best records he ever did. Too bad he didn't maintain the quality level on the next couple of solo albums. ..."
    (progarchives)

    "Roxy Music guitarist Phil Manzanera delivers the goods on his 1975 solo debut. Leading off with the uptempo, sublime "Frontera" (sung with disconnected glee in Spanish by Robert Wyatt), and ending with the Latin-meets-glam of "Carhumba", the listener is swept away by glorious, feel-good washes of sound. " Big Day" is a great glampop track that could have been a Roxy outtake. "Same Time Next Week" offers a humorous and fun male/female duet with a great understated Manz guitar solo at the end. "Miss Shapiro" "East of Echo" and "Alma" give the band ample room to flex its sonic muscles. This album is likely to appeal to a great deal of prog fans due to the presence of Wyatt, Eno, Wetton, as well as cohorts from Quiet Sun. Manzanera and all the musicians use their instrument to great effect on every tune. A great way to introduce the AOR "classic rock" fan to the world of classic prog."
    (progarchives)

    Title track (Live at BBC)
    PHIL MANZANERA Diamond Head

    Lagrima

    Same Time Next Week

    The Flex

    Phil Manzanera - East Of Echo

    Phil Manzanera - "Alma"

    Carhumba

    Listen Now [SHM-CD] / Phil Manzanella / 801
    "[Belle Antique Paper Jacket series] A work released in 1977 by Phil Manzanella, who had been active as "801" after producing solo debut work "Diamond Head". Produced by luxurious guests such as Eddie Jobson and Mel Collins, with "801" participating members in the center. His unique method of wrapping progressive rock essence in high-quality pop sense has become a masterpiece full of sense that is also familiar to Roxy Music. Paper jacket, SHM-CD, definitive edition of the latest remastered content! Added 3 bonus tracks."

    Reviews
    "...The studio album "Listen Now" deals less with group fiber and more with subtler sonic alchemy. Under Manzanera's concise direction, texture is still of paramount importance and he achieves it by carefully manipulating a smorgasbord of sound effects, again with Eno helping out alongwith 16 musicians that include Mel Collins on sax, Eddie Jobson on electric piano and Rhett Davies on Hammond organ among others. The result is a dark, moody canvas of sleek and sophisticated tunes spanning from jazz pop to fusion, with plenty of groovy choruses.
    Highly recommended for some of the best snapshots of Manzanera's graceful and intelligent guitar style
    ."
    (progarchives)

    "801 is a project formed by Roxy Music guitarist Phil Manzanera, he released a single album under this name in 1977 named Listen Now. To tell the truth I've really enjoy this album a lot, great release, smooth and elegant compositions, even for some many listeners are kinda pop in approach. To me is art rock with progressive rock elements, that for sure, very fine pieces, not to mention that on this album are top notch musicians who needs no introduction, Simon Phillips, Edie Jobson, Mel Collins (Caravan, Camel), Bill MacCormick (Quiet Sun), Kevin Godley (from later Godley & Crème), Brian Eno, etc. The music is very well arranged, great playing, intriguing lyrics, with a jazzy atmosphere sometimes, and other times more art pop, but always shining each musician. I like a lot the title track Listen Now, solid playing, fine passages, another worthing and excellent track is the instrumental Islands, beautiful, great guitar by Manzanera over some fantastic contribution to the rest of the musicians, brilliant. The whole album is to me great, not a weak moment and I've enjoyed to the max this release. Warm compositions, mostly mid tempo, but with a good doze of great musicianship and inventive passages. Another thing worth mentioning is the cover art, made by Philip Castle based on an idea of I. MacCormick, one of my fav btw, and goes hand in hand with the music. I don't quite understand this low rating, really, not a masterpiece of prog rock, but for sure a very worthy album, and is quite unknown to many. 4 stars easy, one of the most pleasant albums I've heard from late '70's."
    (progarchives)

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    801 - Island

    City Of Light

    801 - Postcard Love

    801 - Initial Speed

    801 (Listen Now) Law And Order
    Title track
    Phil Manzanera - Listen Now (1977)

    I was skeptical about this album, but ended up ordering it, and its stunning cover sealed the deal.
     
    ispace and Dok like this.
  3. toilet_doctor

    toilet_doctor "Rockin' chair's got me" Thread Starter

    Location:
    USA
    April 25, 2019

    (SHM-CD)
    Phil Manzanera K-Scope + 4
    Phil Manzanera Primitive Guitars + 5
    Phil Manzanera The Music 1972-2008 + 7 (2CD)
    801 801 Live + 2 (2CD)


    "Cardboard sleeve reissue from Phil Manzanera features SHM-CD format and the latest remastering. Comes with lyrics and a description."
    [$25.06 and $32.23 - double album]

    K-scope [SHM-CD] / Phil Manzanella
    "[Belle Antique paper jacket series] Phil Manzanella's third solo released in 1978. Works by Simon Phillips, Lol Cream, Mel Collins, Bill MacCormick, Francis Monkman, etc. A good work with his unique taste that refined the talents of luxury members in a pop-sense song, an extension of the previous work ("Listen Now"). Paper jacket, SHM-CD, definitive edition content by latest remaster! Lyrics, parallel translation, commentary included. Includes 4 bonus tracks."

    Review
    "I happen to love this album. Sure, it's not truly prog, but it is adventurous, in the same way as a 10cc album might be. The album is extremely well produced, and extremely well written. I really find the whole thing quite infectious.

    The proggiest tracks are the instrumentals, K-Scope, N-Shift and You are here. But I enjoy the vocal tracks even more. The lyrics are tongue in cheeck, again like 10cc. Who can resist Hot Spot, with lyrics about dying of radiation poisoning (among other things) while dancing away at a disco? And the "number" puns sung by John Wetton in Numbers are a delight.

    It's while listening to this that I realized that one of the main reasons I have been disappointed by later Manzanera albums is the lack of Bill MacCormick's bass. His bass lines add much to Manzanera's albums, and were essential to their sound."
    (progarchives)

    Cuban Crisis (watch out Bill MacCormick's bass)


    09 Walking Through Heaven´s Door

    05 Numbers
    Title track
    Phil Manzanera - K Scope [No church in the wild]

    02 Remote Control

    Primitive Guitars [SHM-CD] / Phil Manzanella
    "[Belle Antique Paper Jacket Series] Manzanella's first all instrumental album released in 1982. The guitarist's instrumental work is an intoxicating song that uses all of his drawers and is an album of enthusiasm. In Japan, the opening song is used in commercials and an album that records good sales. Paper jacket, SHM-CD, definitive edition content by latest remaster! Lyrics, commentary included.
    Includes 5 bonus tracks."

    Review
    "If you enjoy Phil Manzanera's unique guitar stylings (as I do), then you would definitely enjoy this album. Unlike his previous albums, under his own name or the band 801, which featured mostly composed pieces, on this one Manzanera mostly lays down some rhythm tracks, and layers his elegant guitar lines over them. The result is some incredibly listenable music.
    The majority of the pieces have that slight South American flavor that spiced up Manzanera's albums, but here brought to the forefront. And his use off effect, especially chorus, is simply exquisite
    ." (progarchives)

    Criollo (2000 Digital Remaster)

    La Nueva Ola (2000 Digital Remaster)

    Big Dome (2000 Digital Remaster)

    The Music 1972-2008 [SHM-CD] / Phil Manzanella
    "[Belle antique paper jacket series] Phil Manzanella's compilation best album which collected the music of 1972-2008. Not only from his solo work, he is also widely selected from works in which he is involved, such as Roxy Music and Brian Eno's music, and listen to the selection that shows the diversity of Manzanella's talent. Of the total of 32 songs of the two-disc set, only 11 songs overlap with the album released in this series! Paper jacket, SHM-CD, definitive edition by the latest remaster content! Includes 7 bonus tracks."

    CD1
    1. Amazona 4.13 (Ferry/Manzanera) Roxy Music Stranded
    2.Needle In A Camel's Eye 3:06 (Eno /manzanera) Brian Eno Here come the warm jets
    3.Out Of The Blue 4:46 (Ferry/Manzanera) Roxy Music Country Life
    4.Prairie Rose 5:12 (Ferry/Manzanera) Roxy Music Country Life
    5.Frontera 4:04 (I&W MacCormick/Manzanera) Phil Manzanera Diamond Head
    6.Diamond Head 4:28 (Manzanera) Phil Manzanera Diamond Head
    7.Miss Shapiro 4:18 (Eno/Manzanera ) 801 801 Live
    8.East Of Asteroid 4:56 (MacCormick/Manzanera ) 801 801 Live
    9.Manifesto 5:29 (Ferry/Manzanera) Roxy Music Manifesto
    10.Over You 3:27(Ferry/Manzanera) Roxy Music Flesh & Blood
    11.Running Wild 5:01(Ferry/Manzanera) Roxy Music Flesh & Blood
    12.Criollo 6:06 (Manzanera) Phil Manzanera Primitive Guitars
    13.Take A Chance With Me 4:42 (Ferry/Manzanera) Roxy Music Avalon
    14. Big Dome 6:16 (Manzanera) Phil Manzanera Primitive Guitars
    Bonus tracks:
    15. Island
    16. Initial Speed
    17. K-scope

    CD2
    18. La Vida Moderna 5.25 (Manzanera /Bunbury) Phil Manzanera Vozero
    Phil Manzanera y Bunbury - La vida moderna (Vozero)
    19. Mystic Moon 4:05 (Manzanera) Phil Manzanera Vozero
    Mystic Moon
    20. Hymn 4.28 (Manzanera/Singers) Phil Manzanera Vozero
    Hymn
    21. Green Spikey Cactus 5:.36 (Manzanera) Phil Manzanera 6PM
    22. Broken Dreams 5:10 (Manzanera) Phil Manzanera 6PM
    01 Broken Dreams
    23. 6PM 3.34 (Manzanera) Phil Manzanera 6PM
    6:00 pm
    24. Love Devotion 5.39 (Manzanera) Phil Manzanera 6PM
    Phil Manzanera - Love Devotion
    25. Wish You Well 5.36 (Manzanera) Phil Manzanera 6PM
    Wish You Well
    26. Technicolor UFO 4:12 (Manzanera) Phil Manzanera **50 Minutes Later
    27. Desaparecido 4:03 (Manzanera /Singers) Phil Manzanera **50 Minutes Later
    Desaparecido - Phil Manzanera
    28. Enotonik Bible Black 10.30 (Manzanera) Phil Manzanera **50 Minutes Later
    11 Enotonik Bible Black
    Bonus tracks:
    29. Southern Cross
    Phil Manzanera- Southern Cross- Live '94
    30. Firebird V11
    31. Sol Caliente
    32. Trumpets with Motherhood

    Live (+ Bonus CD Edition) [SHM-CD] / 801
    "[Belle Antique Paper Jacket series] A super band by six talented artists such as Phil Manzanella, Eno, Simon Phillips, etc. Despite the unusual appearance of debuting on the live board, the masterpiece that pulled our attention with its outstanding performance. Special edition additionally includes two tracks, which were not included in its original LP. Also, this edition includes a bonus disc with rehearsal tracks. Paper jacket, SHM-CD, definitive edition contents at the latest remaster! Lyrics, commentary included."

    "Live 801" is a 1976 recording of Manzanera's third and last appearance on stage with Brian Eno, Francis Monkman (keyboards) and Simon Phillips (drums) among others, as they played to a packed house at London's Queen Elizabeth Hall. At the crossroads of rock, pop and prog, the album is a smoking performance of rich and explosive cover songs plus some of Manzanera's own material from his "Diamond Head" album."

    Review
    "The most interesting side project from Roxy Music guitarist Phil Manzanera, 801 played for a very short time, and 801 Live came forth. 801 Live is a captured performance of what they thought was the best night of the few gigs they played. Everything fell into place. Well, it would be surprising if something didn't fall into place with Simon Phillips and Eno there. The best part (or one of them) about the album is the diversity of the songs played, opening with "Lagrima", a solo Manzanera piece. Next, an intriguing version of the Beatles' "Tomorrow Never Knows". And out of the covers of that song, try to find a better one. Next, the fusion-like "East of Asteroid" followed by "Rongwrong", a psychedelic- touched song. "Miss Shapiro", "Third Uncle", and "Baby's on Fire" are no less interesting either. Even another cover turns up, this time it's the Kinks' "You Really Got Me". Eno's piece "Sombre Reptiles", and Manzanera's "Diamond Head" are also very good. A live glimpse into the short-lived world of an unlikely group, and a very good one at that, is enough for you to buy this very good album." (progarchives)

    801 - Tomorrow Never Knows

    801 - East Of Asteroid

    (W) Rongwrong

    Fat Lady of Limbourg (rehearsal)
    "Now we checked out this duck (quack) who laid a big egg oh so black It shone just like gold And the kids from the city, finding it pretty took it home, and there it was sold It was changing hands for weeks til someone left by their fire and it melted to a puddle on the walk For it was only a candle, a roman sandal, ohohoh and now it's a pool." (from the comment)
    801 (live rehearsal) 06 - Fat Lady Of Limbourg

    801 - Diamond Head
     
    Last edited: Apr 12, 2019
  4. toilet_doctor

    toilet_doctor "Rockin' chair's got me" Thread Starter

    Location:
    USA
    In tribute to the great guitarist:

     
  5. toilet_doctor

    toilet_doctor "Rockin' chair's got me" Thread Starter

    Location:
    USA
    (translation from Belle Japan site)
    "Phil Manzanella Paper Jacket, 7 CDs at World Disc Store and Mail Order
    For customers who purchase at the same time (March - 3 titles, April - 4 titles),
    We will present one paper jacket storage box.


    Because the number is limited, we will end the gift as soon as it runs out of stock
    (May be sold out before informing the customer of the end)."


    [​IMG]

     
    Last edited: Apr 12, 2019
  6. noname74

    noname74 Allegedly Canadian

    Location:
    .
    I wonder why they are releasing some of these when some are still available in SHM minis? They usually discontinue the older versions before putting out new ones...

    Diamond Head

    K-Scope

    The Music 1972-2008
     
    toilet_doctor likes this.
  7. toilet_doctor

    toilet_doctor "Rockin' chair's got me" Thread Starter

    Location:
    USA
    Previous releases

    Not one, but two Phil Manzanera Promo boxes were released by Vivid Sound in 2015 :

    Vol.1 Quiet Sun/801 Promo box - 6 titles (SHM pressing)
    (1). Quiet Sun / Mainstream (2CD)
    (2). 801 / Live (2CD)
    (3). 801 / Live At Hull
    (4). 801 / Latino
    (5). 801 / Live At Manchester
    (6). Roxy Music / Live In America

    [​IMG]

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    [​IMG]
     
  8. No Bull

    No Bull Forum Resident

    Location:
    Orlando Florida
    this guy was awesome with The Doors. I am in.
     
    toilet_doctor likes this.
  9. toilet_doctor

    toilet_doctor "Rockin' chair's got me" Thread Starter

    Location:
    USA
    Vol.2 Diamond Head Promo box - 5 titles (SHM pressing)
    (1). The Sound Of Blue
    (2). Diamond Head
    (3). 801 Listen Now
    (4). K - Scope
    (5). Primitive Guitars

    [​IMG]

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    [​IMG]

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    [​IMG]
     
  10. toilet_doctor

    toilet_doctor "Rockin' chair's got me" Thread Starter

    Location:
    USA
    Not 2, but 3 Phil Manzanera Promo boxes were released by Arcangelo (Disk Union label) in 2008.

    15 albums (each title has a number printed on the spine):
    DIAMOND HEAD
    MAINSTREAM (with Quiet Sun)
    LISTEN NOW (with 801)
    K-SCOPE
    PRIMITIVE GUITARS
    801 LIVE
    LIVE @ HULL (with 801)
    LATINO (with 801)
    MANCHESTER (with 801)
    FIREBIRD V.11
    LIVE AT THE PALACE (with The Explorers)
    GUITARISSIMO
    CHRISTMAS (with The Players)
    SOUTHERN CROSS
    THE WASTED LANDS (with NOWOMOWA)

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    Back side of Quiet Sun box
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Apr 12, 2019
  11. toilet_doctor

    toilet_doctor "Rockin' chair's got me" Thread Starter

    Location:
    USA
    It was a good one - no bull...

    In tribute to a great 'The Doors' keyboadist Ray Manzarek 1939-2013



    No more Ray, no more Jim...
     
  12. No Bull

    No Bull Forum Resident

    Location:
    Orlando Florida


    Thanks for posting that clip. Ray was great! Jim looks stone cold sober in this clip and man Densmore was drumming his butt off!!
     
    Oyster Boy and toilet_doctor like this.
  13. toilet_doctor

    toilet_doctor "Rockin' chair's got me" Thread Starter

    Location:
    USA
    It is true for the same label, but Vivid Sound Corporation, who released two Phil Manzanera box sets in 2015, is an independent Japanese publisher and distributor.
    Belle Antique is label of another big independent Japanese publisher Marquee Inc. So naturally, they cannot discontinue anything.

    Why is Belle releasing a new set, while 2015 SHM release is still available?
    In short, for the love to music.

    Marquee Inc is a Japanese company that owns a number of labels (Avalon, Belle Antique, etc.), as well as World Disque online store and Euro-Rock-Press and Marquee publications.
    The people at Marquee are great music enthusiasts and prog lovers. They founded the Belle label in 90's inclusively for prog releases. Profit is not a goal here, but music - many of their releases are non-profitable, but they released them anyway. They want resurrect as much prog as they can, regardless of whether the group is known or not.
    Although the number of prog groups of the 70s is constant, and they have already released more than 2,000 titles, they are still far from their goal.

    They are making their own Japanese remaster or trying to get a new, fresh remaster.
    And maybe this is the case with Phil Manzanera.
    In addition, it is more compact and cheaper set, concentrated on the best albums of Phil - a kind of one-box solution.
    I take my hat off to the labor of love of the guys from Marquee and Belle.
     
  14. toilet_doctor

    toilet_doctor "Rockin' chair's got me" Thread Starter

    Location:
    USA
    No matter how many times I watch this video, tears always come to my eyes.
     
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  15. toilet_doctor

    toilet_doctor "Rockin' chair's got me" Thread Starter

    Location:
    USA
    Finally, Belle released two very rare albums with a new remaster I was waiting for a long, long time.

    Feb. 25, 2019

    Catapilla S/T
    Catapilla Changes



    "CATAPILLA were an English band from the early 70's who released two interesting albums of experimental jazz rock, without symphonic traces as in other bands of the moment such as AFFINITY, CRESSIDA or SPRING. The band had a line-up of six to seven people performing on saxophones, keyboards, bass, guitar, vocals and drums.

    In "Catapilla" perhaps the production is not so strong as it was necessary. The album consists of four tracks with extended, instrumental passages where guitar, saxophone, and keyboards get lots of solo space. Far superior to their first album, "Changes" is a very atmospheric piece of music. Their sound is more ethereal and spacey, but still a terrific blend of jazz rock/brass rock with an occasional psychedelic edge. This is another essential album you must hunt down and add to your collection
    ." (progarchives)

    (translation)
    Catapilla [SHM-CD] / Catapilla
    "Catapilla in which the original version is traded at a high price as Ultra rare board of Vertigo label. First time in 1971, Robert Calvert's sax brought exoticism to an attractive vocal of Miss Anna Meek. Jazz rock, hard rock, progressive rock's elements are chaotic blend style is a masterpiece that screams the flavor of the British progressive rock of the early 70' s which also leads to early Gongs and Soft Machines. Produced by Black Sabbath manager Patrick Meehan. A long-awaited, domestic first jacket, SHM-CD, the latest re-master's decision version!"

    Review
    "One of those early progressive albums that positively drips with a hazy, late-sixties vibe, the debut album from little-known jazz-influenced outfit Catapilla is an underrated little gem blending elements of jazz, avant-garde, heavy prog and psychedelia to strange yet highly satisfying effect. Seven-strong, Catapilla's line-up featured Robert Calvert(no, not that one; Sax), Hugh Eaglestone(sax), Malcolme Frith(drums), Anna Meek(vocals), Thierry Reinhart(wind instruments), Graham Wilson(guitar) and David Taylor(bass), most of whom would re-appear on the groups second, and final, album 'Changes' a year later. With only four songs, this self-titled effort features a dense, multi-layered sonic tapestry of sounds, falling almost halfway between the jazz-flecked epics of Frank Zappa's more adventurous pieces and the fuzzy jazz-fusion of Nucleus and Soft Machine. The difference, however, are the deliberately manic vocals of Anna Meek, who squawks, sings, screams, howls and hollers her way right through the album in a show of pure, unbridled passion that needs to be heard to be (dis)believed. Of the four tracks - all are great - it is the final, firey epic 'Embryonic Fusion'(what a name) that finds the group at their most adventurous, the bleating saxophones, edgy guitars and skittering drums creating a swirling, almost mystical jazz journey that brings to mind the more eclectic works of Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock et al, though with a hard-rock edge that soaks everything with a late-night effect often found in the best of cool jazz. Highly recommended to all fusion fans as well as lovers of classic progressive rock, this debut album is a wonderfully obscure relic from bygone days. Enjoy."

    Changes [SHM-CD] / Caterpilla
    "The second final work of 1972 year announcement. The chaotic Caterpilla sound established in the previous work is a masterpiece of Pretty Underground Progressive, which is refined in this work, and in which the sensibility is brightened further. The performances of Anna Meek's vocals and Robberd Calvert's saxophone are mostly long songs, but it is worth - you don't get tired of what you hear. The long-awaited, domestic first paper jacket (reproduce the die cut jacket), SHM-CD, the definitive edition of the latest remaster!"

    Reviews
    "...What you have is the blistering jazz-rock sound of British outfit Catapilla. Issued in 1971, Catapilla's self-titled debut remains one of the great lost British prog relics of the early-seventies, an album positively dripping with the kind of thick hazy atmosphere that could only have been cooked up in the heady days of the late- sixties. Featuring just four songs and capped off by the extraordinary twenty-four minute long epic 'Embryonic Fusion', Catapilla made Miles Davis seem tame in comparison, with lead vocalist Anna Meek squawking, howling and hollering her way through the group's hundrerd-mile-an-hour mixture of hard-hitting rock, fiery jazz breaks and genial lysergic madness without ever pausing for breath. As debut's go 'Catapilla' really was something, yet predictably the group failed to make any kind of commercial headway, instead releasing just one more album before calling it a day. That album would be 1972's 'Changes', a less intense follow-up housed in an intricate novelty sleeve that also failed to chart. Now, of course, both albums are worth a small fortune on the collector's circuit - this writer has seen a copy of 'Catapilla' on sale for £500 - and both have developed a deserved cult following over the years. Although it lacks the frenzied pace and burning jazz aesthetic of it's predecessor, 'Changes' does, however, still find time to both rock out and chill out, ambling loosely along the jazz-rock divide without ever igniting in the same incredible way as the group's debut. Like that debut, 'Changes' features just four tracks, with the laconic late-night pulse of opener of 'Reflections' backed by the skilfully-played 'Charing Cross', the dark and menacing fusion fuzz of 'Thank Christ For Geoge', and last of all, the jazz-drenched tones of 'It Could Happen To Me'." (STEFAN TURNER, STOKE NEWINGTON, 2014)

    "Musically speaking, the album is dreamier and much more spacey than the debut, leading to a curious blend of jazz fusion and mellow, ambient, dreamy space rock. Without the abrasive edge of space rock or the hot fury of fusion, what remains is a breathtaking, haunting, and truly original sound which commands the listener's attention. Particularly good is the saxophone playing Robert Calvert (not the Hawkwind member), who dominates the musical landscape along with Anna Meek's ethereal vocals. A true original." (progarchives)



    Naked Death
    CATAPILLA - NAKED DEATH- U.K. UNDERGROUND -1971
     
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  16. toilet_doctor

    toilet_doctor "Rockin' chair's got me" Thread Starter

    Location:
    USA
    I remember that the previous Arcangelo (DU) edition used EU discs and Japanese covers. It was a very limited (perhaps 500-1000 copies) release and quickly disappeared. Despite the fact that it was not the Japanese press and not SHM, the prices on eBay actions reached 50 dollars. Old records were sold at astronomical prices.
    Now, thanks to Belle, we can talk about the sound quality of their new SHM release.

    Catapilla S/T and Catapilla Changes Japan Mini LP SHM-CD w/new remaster Belle Antique 2019

    Review
    I started with a stronger second album, 'Changes'.
    Just I turned it on, I was surprised by a very balanced and clear sound across the spectrum.
    Especially great was the dynamics, reminding me of my best sounding discs. I added and added volume - no distortion at all.
    The bass was well presented. It may not be the best bass that I have in my CD collection, but it was clean, in the right balance with the rest.
    The mid-range was smooth. This was very noticeable in the sax solo passages, of which there are here a plenty. I would say: the saxophone had a life-like presence.

    I should note that the clarity of the upper end of the spectrum was a highest point of this album. Plus there was no brightness in trebles at all.
    The singer showed the ability to penetrate the stratosphere, and with such clarity it was a very pleasant experience. The cymbals were natural.

    Another good thing to mention is that the sound was even through the album from start to finish.

    It was nothing much to point to the downside... Only one thing caught my attention. In the beginnings of the 2nd track, vocal was not in front, but a little further into the stage. However, this changed towards the end of the song - that's all.

    The album is firmly in the category "Best".
    The sound quality of this album was on a pair with the music (5*).
    (I wish to compare it with Akarma release, but I don't have it).

    Then I took the insert to see who did such a good remastring job, and it stated:

    Originally released on LP (Vertigo 1972)
    Issued under License from OLD
    CD manufactured by JVC Kenwood Creative Media Co Ltd.
    Digitally Remastered by Kazuo Ogino

    Dear Kazuo Ogino, thank you very much - that's all I can say.

    I thought that if the 1st album sounds the same as the second, it will be something like 4th of July.

    Holding my breath, I turned on the 1st album, wanting the same sound, but it was too much to wish for.
    Yes, it was the same openness, airiness and balance of sound; the bass and mid-range were also on the same level, the saxophone was still natural and smooth in his solos, but the difference was... it was at the top of the spectrum.

    The high-frequency brightness appeared in vocals pretty damn noticeable on Tracks No. 1 'Naked Death' and No. 2 'Tumbleweed' and less on Track No. 3 'Promises'. Fortunately, it was not on Track No. 4, which is a side-long monster called 'Embryonic Fusion' (24:08). This is very important, since the singing lady went very ferocious here: "...the music is fresh, original and good, the players are OK... but the vocalist Anna Meek is awful! She screams, often she's "out", she sings wrong notes etc. What a pity, this could have been a true gem, if the singer was Linda Hoyle (Affinity)..."

    Another problem with the upper end of the spectrum was that trebles lost their clarity, comparably to 'Changes', and this happened throughout the album, including Track No. 4. I don't care much that the singer made some mistakes, lost control and went over the board in some places, but this last problem, I just mentioned, reduced her performance. It's possible that many would not be so harsh on her in their reviews, if high frequencies could affect her performance in a positive way.

    [I have to note here that singer Anna Meek worked so well on the second album that people thought that she was replaced by another vocalist, particularly with her sister, also a vocalist. However, this is not the case (according to the liner notes). Simply guys still believed in her and she did not let them down, delivering her best.
    (Thank you, Anna Meek - that's all I can say)].

    High frequency clarity also affected the overall sound. As I said, the sax solo was smooth, but all together - it wasn’t.
    Did this problem appear because the dynamics also went down a little? Yes, I think so.

    Don't get me wrong, it was not a huge loss in transparency and dynamics here, but noticeable.

    Nevertheless, by the common scale of SQ, counting everything good I said in the beginning, and the absence of the brightness in the Track 4,
    I placed 1st album in the section "Very Good".
    I can even rephrase just a bit what I said about the second album: the sound quality of this album was on a pair with music, which is 4.5* rounded to 5*.

    As for the covers, here the Japanese have done a phenomenal job.
    Is it a pleasure to hold these covers in hands?
    Is it worth buying these CDs just for their covers alone?
    You bet! See for yourself:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
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  17. toilet_doctor

    toilet_doctor "Rockin' chair's got me" Thread Starter

    Location:
    USA
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Everything is done with great taste and love.
    OBI, even the color of the discs - it glows a little from the inside.
    Thanks to everyone who participated in this release.
    (Is it all I can say? Nope...)
    Congratulations to Belle and Marquee - another beauty in the making.

    So we have:
    Catapilla S/T - Best
    Catapilla Changes - Very Good


    Conclusion:
    "Buy or Die" release.
     
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  18. toilet_doctor

    toilet_doctor "Rockin' chair's got me" Thread Starter

    Location:
    USA
    P.S.
    If someone thinks he can get away with buying only the second album 'Changes'... not a case.
    This is a couple, siblings, a set - one complements the other; they are two parts of one double album.
    You cannot say "B" without saying "A"...
     
  19. toilet_doctor

    toilet_doctor "Rockin' chair's got me" Thread Starter

    Location:
    USA
    Don Rendell & Ian Carr Quintet Shades Of Blue Mini LP SHM-CD

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Review
    Happy to report the excellent sound of this CD. With openness, great dynamics and overall clarity of sound, it entered the "Best" category. The trebles had no brightness at all. I wish a bit more bass in the two first tracks. Beginning with track #3 'Just Blue', the bass hit harder and the sound went in a very nice balance.
    Especially enjoyable was the title track (music and sonic-wise):



    Early Stereo is quite simple: the piano comes from one speaker, the trumpet - from another; The tenor is on the right, the alto - on the left, and so on.
    I had to adjust to this, but still quite balanced channels.
    Recommended.

    Don Rendell & Ian Carr Quintet Shades Of Blue - Best
     
  20. I recently picked up the Smiths' self-titled debut album in its 30th Anniversary SHM-CD configuration. Having never heard the remaster before, I am not wildly impressed by the sound quality. I am not a Smiths' expert, so I am not up on what are the preferred masterings for each album. But I would be surprised if this is considered a good mastering.

    The sound isn't egregiously poor but some compression and even possible limiting sounds in play here.

    The Smiths [Cardboard Sleeve (mini LP)] [SHM-CD] [Limited Release] The Smiths CD Album

    Cardboard sleeve (mini LP) reissue from The Smiths featuring the high-fidelity SHM-CD format (compatible with standard CD players) and 2011 remastering. The cardboard sleeve faithfully replicates the original LP, including coating finishing and an inner bag. Includes a description, lyrics, and an obi that replicates the one included with the Japanese LP. Part of a four-album The Smiths SHM-CD cardboard sleeve reissue series featuring albums "The Smiths," "Meat is Murder," "The Queen is Dead," and "Strangeways. Here We Come."
     
    toilet_doctor likes this.
  21. swintonlion

    swintonlion Forum Resident

    Location:
    Manchester UK
    Have just received 2 of the new Don Mclean SHM cds , these are new remasters and are a flat transfers and on first listen sound pretty good, i have the first 2,i do not have a cd to compare anyone else tried any of these, would be interest to hear you opinions.
     
  22. toilet_doctor

    toilet_doctor "Rockin' chair's got me" Thread Starter

    Location:
    USA
    Still no word about Gilmour and Stones boxes, but Don McLean: SHM set came in American Pie:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  23. toilet_doctor

    toilet_doctor "Rockin' chair's got me" Thread Starter

    Location:
    USA
    After the release of a couple of Ian Gillan solo albums, Vivid Sound moved forward with two more solo efforts of the 80's.

    May 29, 2019

    (Blu-spec CD)
    Gillan & Glover Accidentally on Purpose
    Jon Lord Before I Forget


    Please don't expect two more Purple albums here. (The people who did this were very disappointed).
    These two solo albums differ in their approach (the first one is more playful, the second is more serious), but they have one thing in common - both of them are Crossover albums jumping through all music genres from song to song masterfully, with a style.

    (translation)
    Accidentally on Purpose [Blu-spec CD] / Gillan & Glover
    "A unit work of Ian Gillan and Roger Grover, which was released suddenly in 1988, which was active as Deep Purple reorganized by the members of the heyday. It is a watermark on the shoulders to expect a hard rock, but it is a sound that brings the rock and roll taste Episode Six [pre-Purple band] era back to the present day, and it is a piece that knows the depth of the musicality of the two. Paper jacket specification."

    Reviews
    "On Purpose
    I have an original vinyl copy of this album and have loved it from the start. I love to see professionals like Gillan & Glover break the chains of their own making to do something different. Clearly they loved working on this & I love to listen to it. It's time for me to add the upgraded CD to my collection! I nearly never give anything a rating of five, but this is the one for me
    ."

    "It didn't take much convincing for me to buy this CD since I've been a Deep Purple fan since the early 70's, but I was blown away by these songs. I love each and every one of them and often listen to the CD over and over again before switching to something else. If you like anything by Deep Purple, or any of the solo albums that the various members have released, you will absolutely love Accidentally on Purpose."
    (amazon)

    "If I close my eyes I can picture you
    This is the place I get the clearest view
    Beyond the happiness and pain
    This place they call the clouds and rain
    "


    Just one word - Gillan...
    Ian Gillan.- Lonely Avenue.

    Telephone Box - Gillan/Glover

    Evil Eye - Gillan/Glover

    Gillan & Glover - She Took My Breath Away

    I Can't Dance To That - Gillan/Glover

    Can't Believe You Wanna Leave - Gillan/Glover

    Big friends...
    Gillan & Glover - Via Miami
    ...for more then 50 years
    Episode Six - I Hear Trumpets Blow (German TV 1967) (Ian Gillan, Roger Glover)

    I am in...
     
    Last edited: May 20, 2019
  24. toilet_doctor

    toilet_doctor "Rockin' chair's got me" Thread Starter

    Location:
    USA
    (translation)
    Before I Forget [Blu-spec CD] / Jon Lord
    "... before everything turns into memories. At the time of 1982, Jon Lord (Deep Purple, White Snake), who was 41 years old, had his own musical life looking back (with luxurious guests). Deep Purple's Jon Lord, who died in July 2012, released his third solo album in 1982. A masterpiece like hard rock and classical music as the title summarizes the various musicality that he has been involved with. English booklet included. Paper jacket specification."

    Review
    "Jon Lord recorded several solo albums over the years and this one is the best for the average listener. Combining classical workouts like "Bach Onto This" with beautiful ballads like "Where are You" and "Before I Forget," Lord has come up with his most accessible album. Having not played my LP copy in more than a decade, I forgot how many great tracks were on this release. But discovering them again was a pleasant experience. Rock, prog/rock, classical, pop--it's all here. Let's not forget this late great composer, who stood tall alongside Keith Emerson, Rick Wakeman and Rod Argent." (amazon)

    "I bought this album when it was new in 1982 ...
    now I have tears in my eyes when I listen this song again. I will never forget Jon Lord!
    "
    (comment)


    03 Jon Lord Bach Onto This

    Jon Lord with Elmer Gantry - Where Are You ? (1982)

    It will be an excellent addition to my Deep Purple Mini LP collection.
    I hope that my favorite 1976 Jon album Sarabande will also be released:

    "What a great piece of music. Simple in its design, yet featuring overlapping layers that swirl inside the mind and create little eddies of delight. Jon's compositions were so ingenious. I wish more Americans (my countrymen) would learn to hear and appreciate this type of music. The world needs more great music like this! Thanks, Jon. RIP." (comment)
    Jon Lord - Sarabande

    Jon Lord - Bouree (Live).flv BESARION ZAKARIADZE 2012 WELI

    Classically trained great keyboard masters Keith Emerson, Rick Wakeman and John Lord did a lot to push music forward; now we call their works - Great Classic Rock:
    Deep Purple - Lazy ( Jon Lord Keybord Solo / 1999 Live in Melbourne )

    This is what happens when two keybord giants meet together:
    Rick Wakeman and Jon Lord on Sunflower Jam 2011

    (Jon Lord is not dead, because his music is immortal...) comment
    Jon Lord - Gigue
     
    Last edited: May 20, 2019
    PhantomStranger likes this.
  25. Before I Forget is a beautiful song. The sound somewhat anticipates musicians like Enya and others.
     
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