Archival Posts 2002 October 06-12

October 06-12, 2002

October 6, 2002

Here's a rare Sunday post for you. As you may have noticed, there has been a noticeable absence of reviews. That ends tonight with the review posting of sToa's (no grammar error there) phenomenal and classically influenced "ZAL".

I've hooked up my shiny new SACD player and am salivating awaiting product. I couldn't wait and so purchased the Legacy recording of Columbia's "Kind of Blue" by the incredibly unreal Miles Davis. I looked all over for Abkco's Stones release of "Get Your Ya-Yas Out", a Hybrid SACD/CD disc but none were to be found. It must be THE Stones disc to get. This catalog of discs from Abkco is priced to sell with Tower Records selling much of the single discs for US$13.99. That brings hope to the format problems with splintered support for several SACD formats not mentioning the looming DVD-A format that is NOT splintered but a little hobbled by it's non -portability. While some SACD discs are not playable in the millions of CD players, decks and auto, the hybrid SACD/CD can be played anywhere. This is the golden egg that can turn the tide for many who want in and can "pre-buy" their SACDs while being able to play them elsewhere. Cool huh?

I want all of you know that I also write for The Digital Bits, the oldest and most respected DVD site, read by the industry more than any other. I write the reviews of musical DVD titles. Here's a link to jump start you. You need only to search and find my reviews. So...in addition to writing for Digital Bits I run and write for this site, working with labels and PR companies galore, and otherwise enjoy listening (and watching) the many discs that come across my desk daily. It's a great job and I enjoy it immensely, especially communicating with many of you. Keep writing, even if some of you want to debate the worth (or worthlessness) of a disc.

Coming up shortly and from the machine that is warmly known as Rhino Records come a trio of Elvis Costello classics in 2CD formats and featuring, not only the remixed and remastered original discs but an extra disc of BSides and bonus tracks. This group, "Armed Forces" (1979), "Imperial Bedroom" (1982), and "Mighty Like A Rose" (1991) join first quarter's "This Year's Model" (1978), "Blood and Chocolate" (1986), and "Brutal Youth" (1994) as expanded single disc reissues while "My Aim Is True" (1977), "Spike" (1989), and "All This Useless Beauty" (1996) were double disc reissues. To come later in 2003 "Get Happy!" (1980), "Trust" (1981), and "Punch The Clock" (1984). These discs are beautiful products. I'm beginning to think that Rhino is the only game in town that is serious for the preservation of our music. More to come about Rhino.

As a final for this Sunday, anybody have info on the SACD version of Michael Oldfield's "Tubular Bells"? If you've got some info, give me a holler here. I'll talk to you tomorrow with more. Keep it right here.

October 7, 2002

Monday, Monday!! Sometime it depresses you but sometimes it makes you happy. I just can't figure what it does for me. Oh well!!

This is a very slow day with little to no interesting news, little disc data to talk about but, I'll come back later on this evening to see if it has improved any. Well, it is football night and my beloved Chicago Bears are in a fight with our mortal enemy, Green Bay Packers. SO, I'm fixed for the night. I'll check back in later this evening.

October 8, 2002

Welcome back everyone. I'm fresh back from LucasFilms' press event for the upcoming release of "Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones", which I attended with Digital Bits boss, Bill Hunt. It was an impressive event to say the least. To find out all about it, tune into The Digital Bits tonight at 12:01a. You'll read the scoop then.

The review for Haven and their great sounding "Between The Senses" is up. Read why this band is heading for your ears in a big way. Produced by Johnny Marr and packed with 14 songs that are spectacular in every way, "Between the Senses" is a 'must have'.

Steve Howe of Yes fame has a new album scheduled for release on November 5th. Called "Skyline", his 8th disc, and released by InsideOut Music, it features 12 tracks that are more casual than past efforts. I've a request in for this disc to review. When I receive it, I'll let you know how it rates. But if his past discs are any indication, I don't think we'll be disappointed.

On September 29th, Lovespirals and Audra played a cool little place called Ipso Facto. I was invited to attend but was unable due to prior commitments. So, instead...I sent my daughter Shari and she was accompanied by my son, Justin, who is a contributor to this site as well. But I wasn't entirely disconnected. Shari called me on her cell to let me hear some of the songs. She reported the concert was great. Shari had photos taken of her and the bands which I post here. To Anji...No...YOU ROCK!!

Shari with Ryan Lum and Anji Bee of Lovespirals

Shari with Bret Alan Helm and Bart Walter Helm of Audra

That's a wrap for tonight. I know it's been quite boring this week and I apologize. We'll square it very soon.

October 9, 2002

Ah, Wednesday!! Just a few short days to that weekend.

I'm stepping in here with a long overdue review by Duane Leyva, who has groupies clamouring all over for his attention. The disc is "Burst The Bubble" by Company of Snakes. Jump in to find out why he thought that it's worth your money.

John Lennon's killer denied parole? Duh!!

Yahoo has an interesting AP article on SACD and its opposing format DVD-Audio. A bit late but seemingly a statement to the upcoming replacements of CD (?). Check it out.

Talking about DVD-As, SilverLine Records has a few titles heading to market. 5 Sounds of the Seasons titles are headed for the racks with different flavours. There is a Sounds disc for "Urban Grooves", one for "Smooth Jazz", another one for "Piano Solos", another, "Island Rhythms" and finally, "Out West" with a country and western sound. Also, a DVD-A for Atomic Rooster, "The Best of Atomic Rooster". The Pogues latest live effort, "Streams of Whiskey" along with X-Ray Spex's "Germ Free Adolescents"; The Fall's "Fiend With A Violin"; and a "Best of" from The Colosseum. But it ain't over yet. Also available is Corrosion of Conformity's "America's Volume Dealer". To be released on October 22nd in DVD-A format is 38 Special's "A Wild Eyed Christmas Night"; Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Christmas Time Again"; two Reggae titles "Christmas I" and "Christmas II" with various artists; and Andre Gagnon's "Noel". For November 5th, the releases for DVD-A from Silverline are,"The Best of the Early Years" from Bob Marley; "Live at Ronnie Scott's" from Roy Ayers with two more "Live from Ronnie Scott's" titles for Taj Mahal and Curtis Mayfield. Finally, for that date, is a Heptones disc, "Cool Rasta". For November 19th, for now, a trio of terrific titles. There is "1011 Woodland" by The Fixx; "Live at the Whiskey A Go-Go, '69" from Humble Pie, and a Joey Ramone disc, "Don't Worry About Me". SilverLine appears poised to make a noise in the fledgling industry of audiophile recordings. They have a magnificent catalog. If only we can get them to jump into the SACD fray as well. I recommend surfin' Silverline's site to see the bevy of cool DVD-A titles available.

On November 19th , Kittie releases "Safe", a seven song EP with live performances and remixes of the title, "Safe", one a radio edit. The other five songs are Aug 12, 2002 Anaheim's House of Blues live performances and a bonus three track video footage from the Aug 13 Whiskey performance.

Visitors from Livejournal. Nice of you to stop in. If you're here to see the nasty censor job, scroll down. In the meantime, if you'd like to get a review of any work that you have just drop me a note. Oh...and that censor job? It will be rectified in a few days.

Anji....you're cool!! Shari says hi!

Release Info for October 22

Universal reissues Bryan Adams' "MTV Unplugged" and issues two Carpenters titles, "Essential Collection 1965 - 1997" and "The Millennium Collection". They also will release Moody Blues' "Live at Red Rocks" which will include a bonus DVD; a reissue for Tom Petty's "Let Me Up (I've Had Enough)"; RA's "From One"; and a reissued Rush, "Chronicles". Universal also hits the racks with a reissued Santana combo disc, "Milagro/Sacred Fire".

From Virgin Records, the anticipated "Best of Bowie" by David Bowie in two ways. One includes a bonus CD. Also from Virgin is a Brainstorm reissue, "Journey To The Light"; a Cherrelle reissue, "Fragile"; two reissues from Alexander O'Neal, "Alexander O'Neal" and "My Gift To You"; and finally,a reissue from SOS Band, "SOS Band".

BMG revs up for Blues Traveller's "Live: What You And I Have Been Through"while RCA releases Foo Fighters' "One by One" and an expanded edition of "Transformer" by Lou Reed. Arista Records comes up with Adema's "Immortal"; Grateful Dead's "Go To Nassau"; and Santana's anticipated followup, "Shaman". From MCA comes Jimi Hendrix's "Smash Hits/Live at Woodstock"and Sublime's "Robbin' The Hood/Sublime". Sony Music issues the Leonard Cohen compilation, "Essential Leonard Cohen", which includes tracks form 2001's Best Album (MusicTAP), "Ten New Songs"; Sly and the Family Stone with "Essential Sly & The Family Stone"; and Santana with "Essential Santana".

Spitfire Records enters the party with a Gary Cherone disc, "Antropic Principle"; and with Dio's "Killing The Dragon". Pilot Records releases Michael Bruce's "Halo of Ice"; Fairport Convention's "Before The Moon"; and John's Children's "Complete". From Victory Records come Reunion Show and "Kill Your Television"; and Thursday's "Five Stories Falling".

The ever increasingly interesting Sanctuary Records floods the market with the following titles, "Jack and The Beanstalk", "Captain's Birthday Party", and "Smash It Up: The Anthology 1976-1987" by The Damned. Also from Sanctuary Group are "Back on Track" by Humble Pie; "Who Do You Love: The Anthology" by Juicy Lucy; "Live at Ronnie Scott's " by Curtis Mayfield; and "Great Big Kiss" by The New York Dolls. Finally, they release Utopia's "Live KSAN FM 98: '79".

J-Records releases Rod Stewart's " It Had To Be You: The Great American Songbook" while RedLine Records (BestBuy) issues Chris Robinson (Black Crowes) and "New Earth Mud".

Ministry fans will get a new album of music from Sanctuary in the first quarter of 2003. Titled "Animositisomnia", the disc is a welcome release.

Back tomorrow with a review.

October 10, 2002

MusicTAP is presently in talks with several SACD/DVD-A labels to acquire discs so that we can bring you reviews in the style that you have come to like. We're excited about the possibilities of the new formats and want to be there from the very beginning to clue you in on the releases and their quality. But don't despair CD lovers. We are here to do it all, CDs and SACD/DVD-A. And we continue to get quality discs to review. So keep it right here for all that cool music info.

The review for Criss Angel's "Mindfreak" soundtrack is up. Not only is it appropriate for this time of year, with Halloween coming up but it also serves as a primer for the upcoming Criss Angel special on ABC Family. This show, not to be missed, airs on October 20th at 9p E/P. Criss Angel is an unmatched magician and illusionist and without peer. Read the review to find out why he can make great music as well.

Pssst...I'm over here!!

October 11, 2002

AWOL!!

October 6, 2002

Here's a rare Sunday post for you. As you may have noticed, there has been a noticeable absence of reviews. That ends tonight with the review posting of sToa's (no grammar error there) phenomenal and classically influenced "ZAL".

I've hooked up my shiny new SACD player and am salivating awaiting product. I couldn't wait and so purchased the Legacy recording of Columbia's "Kind of Blue" by the incredibly unreal Miles Davis. I looked all over for Abkco's Stones release of "Get Your Ya-Yas Out", a Hybrid SACD/CD disc but none were to be found. It must be THE Stones disc to get. This catalog of discs from Abkco is priced to sell with Tower Records selling much of the single discs for US$13.99. That brings hope to the format problems with splintered support for several SACD formats not mentioning the looming DVD-A format that is NOT splintered but a little hobbled by it's non -portability. While some SACD discs are not playable in the millions of CD players, decks and auto, the hybrid SACD/CD can be played anywhere. This is the golden egg that can turn the tide for many who want in and can "pre-buy" their SACDs while being able to play them elsewhere. Cool huh?

I want all of you know that I also write for The Digital Bits, the oldest and most respected DVD site, read by the industry more than any other. I write the reviews of musical DVD titles. Here's a link to jump start you. You need only to search and find my reviews. So...in addition to writing for Digital Bits I run and write for this site, working with labels and PR companies galore, and otherwise enjoy listening (and watching) the many discs that come across my desk daily. It's a great job and I enjoy it immensely, especially communicating with many of you. Keep writing, even if some of you want to debate the worth (or worthlessness) of a disc.

Coming up shortly and from the machine that is warmly known as Rhino Records come a trio of Elvis Costello classics in 2CD formats and featuring, not only the remixed and remastered original discs but an extra disc of BSides and bonus tracks. This group, "Armed Forces" (1979), "Imperial Bedroom" (1982), and "Mighty Like A Rose" (1991) join first quarter's "This Year's Model" (1978), "Blood and Chocolate" (1986), and "Brutal Youth" (1994) as expanded single disc reissues while "My Aim Is True" (1977), "Spike" (1989), and "All This Useless Beauty" (1996) were double disc reissues. To come later in 2003 "Get Happy!" (1980), "Trust" (1981), and "Punch The Clock" (1984). These discs are beautiful products. I'm beginning to think that Rhino is the only game in town that is serious for the preservation of our music. More to come about Rhino.

As a final for this Sunday, anybody have info on the SACD version of Michael Oldfield's "Tubular Bells"? If you've got some info, give me a holler here. I'll talk to you tomorrow with more. Keep it right here.

October 7, 2002

Monday, Monday!! Sometime it depresses you but sometimes it makes you happy. I just can't figure what it does for me. Oh well!!

This is a very slow day with little to no interesting news, little disc data to talk about but, I'll come back later on this evening to see if it has improved any. Well, it is football night and my beloved Chicago Bears are in a fight with our mortal enemy, Green Bay Packers. SO, I'm fixed for the night. I'll check back in later this evening.

October 8, 2002

Welcome back everyone. I'm fresh back from LucasFilms' press event for the upcoming release of "Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones", which I attended with Digital Bits boss, Bill Hunt. It was an impressive event to say the least. To find out all about it, tune into The Digital Bits tonight at 12:01a. You'll read the scoop then.

The review for Haven and their great sounding "Between The Senses" is up. Read why this band is heading for your ears in a big way. Produced by Johnny Marr and packed with 14 songs that are spectacular in every way, "Between the Senses" is a 'must have'.

Steve Howe of Yes fame has a new album scheduled for release on November 5th. Called "Skyline", his 8th disc, and released by InsideOut Music, it features 12 tracks that are more casual than past efforts. I've a request in for this disc to review. When I receive it, I'll let you know how it rates. But if his past discs are any indication, I don't think we'll be disappointed.

On September 29th, Lovespirals and Audra played a cool little place called Ipso Facto. I was invited to attend but was unable due to prior commitments. So, instead...I sent my daughter Shari and she was accompanied by my son, Justin, who is a contributor to this site as well. But I wasn't entirely disconnected. Shari called me on her cell to let me hear some of the songs. She reported the concert was great. Shari had photos taken of her and the bands which I post here. To Anji...No...YOU ROCK!!

Shari with Ryan Lum and Anji Bee of Lovespirals

Shari with Bret Alan Helm and Bart Walter Helm of Audra

That's a wrap for tonight. I know it's been quite boring this week and I apologize. We'll square it very soon.

October 9, 2002

Ah, Wednesday!! Just a few short days to that weekend.

I'm stepping in here with a long overdue review by Duane Leyva, who has groupies clamouring all over for his attention. The disc is "Burst The Bubble" by Company of Snakes. Jump in to find out why he thought that it's worth your money.

John Lennon's killer denied parole? Duh!!

Yahoo has an interesting AP article on SACD and its opposing format DVD-Audio. A bit late but seemingly a statement to the upcoming replacements of CD (?). Check it out.

Talking about DVD-As, SilverLine Records has a few titles heading to market. 5 Sounds of the Seasons titles are headed for the racks with different flavours. There is a Sounds disc for "Urban Grooves", one for "Smooth Jazz", another one for "Piano Solos", another, "Island Rhythms" and finally, "Out West" with a country and western sound. Also, a DVD-A for Atomic Rooster, "The Best of Atomic Rooster". The Pogues latest live effort, "Streams of Whiskey" along with X-Ray Spex's "Germ Free Adolescents"; The Fall's "Fiend With A Violin"; and a "Best of" from The Colosseum. But it ain't over yet. Also available is Corrosion of Conformity's "America's Volume Dealer". To be released on October 22nd in DVD-A format is 38 Special's "A Wild Eyed Christmas Night"; Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Christmas Time Again"; two Reggae titles "Christmas I" and "Christmas II" with various artists; and Andre Gagnon's "Noel". For November 5th, the releases for DVD-A from Silverline are,"The Best of the Early Years" from Bob Marley; "Live at Ronnie Scott's" from Roy Ayers with two more "Live from Ronnie Scott's" titles for Taj Mahal and Curtis Mayfield. Finally, for that date, is a Heptones disc, "Cool Rasta". For November 19th, for now, a trio of terrific titles. There is "1011 Woodland" by The Fixx; "Live at the Whiskey A Go-Go, '69" from Humble Pie, and a Joey Ramone disc, "Don't Worry About Me". SilverLine appears poised to make a noise in the fledgling industry of audiophile recordings. They have a magnificent catalog. If only we can get them to jump into the SACD fray as well. I recommend surfin' Silverline's site to see the bevy of cool DVD-A titles available.

On November 19th , Kittie releases "Safe", a seven song EP with live performances and remixes of the title, "Safe", one a radio edit. The other five songs are Aug 12, 2002 Anaheim's House of Blues live performances and a bonus three track video footage from the Aug 13 Whiskey performance.

Visitors from Livejournal. Nice of you to stop in. If you're here to see the nasty censor job, scroll down. In the meantime, if you'd like to get a review of any work that you have just drop me a note. Oh...and that censor job? It will be rectified in a few days.

Anji....you're cool!! Shari says hi!

Release Info for October 22

Universal reissues Bryan Adams' "MTV Unplugged" and issues two Carpenters titles, "Essential Collection 1965 - 1997" and "The Millennium Collection". They also will release Moody Blues' "Live at Red Rocks" which will include a bonus DVD; a reissue for Tom Petty's "Let Me Up (I've Had Enough)"; RA's "From One"; and a reissued Rush, "Chronicles". Universal also hits the racks with a reissued Santana combo disc, "Milagro/Sacred Fire".

From Virgin Records, the anticipated "Best of Bowie" by David Bowie in two ways. One includes a bonus CD. Also from Virgin is a Brainstorm reissue, "Journey To The Light"; a Cherrelle reissue, "Fragile"; two reissues from Alexander O'Neal, "Alexander O'Neal" and "My Gift To You"; and finally,a reissue from SOS Band, "SOS Band".

BMG revs up for Blues Traveller's "Live: What You And I Have Been Through"while RCA releases Foo Fighters' "One by One" and an expanded edition of "Transformer" by Lou Reed. Arista Records comes up with Adema's "Immortal"; Grateful Dead's "Go To Nassau"; and Santana's anticipated followup, "Shaman". From MCA comes Jimi Hendrix's "Smash Hits/Live at Woodstock"and Sublime's "Robbin' The Hood/Sublime". Sony Music issues the Leonard Cohen compilation, "Essential Leonard Cohen", which includes tracks form 2001's Best Album (MusicTAP), "Ten New Songs"; Sly and the Family Stone with "Essential Sly & The Family Stone"; and Santana with "Essential Santana".

Spitfire Records enters the party with a Gary Cherone disc, "Antropic Principle"; and with Dio's "Killing The Dragon". Pilot Records releases Michael Bruce's "Halo of Ice"; Fairport Convention's "Before The Moon"; and John's Children's "Complete". From Victory Records come Reunion Show and "Kill Your Television"; and Thursday's "Five Stories Falling".

The ever increasingly interesting Sanctuary Records floods the market with the following titles, "Jack and The Beanstalk", "Captain's Birthday Party", and "Smash It Up: The Anthology 1976-1987" by The Damned. Also from Sanctuary Group are "Back on Track" by Humble Pie; "Who Do You Love: The Anthology" by Juicy Lucy; "Live at Ronnie Scott's " by Curtis Mayfield; and "Great Big Kiss" by The New York Dolls. Finally, they release Utopia's "Live KSAN FM 98: '79".

J-Records releases Rod Stewart's " It Had To Be You: The Great American Songbook" while RedLine Records (BestBuy) issues Chris Robinson (Black Crowes) and "New Earth Mud".

Ministry fans will get a new album of music from Sanctuary in the first quarter of 2003. Titled "Animositisomnia", the disc is a welcome release.

Back tomorrow with a review.

October 10, 2002

MusicTAP is presently in talks with several SACD/DVD-A labels to acquire discs so that we can bring you reviews in the style that you have come to like. We're excited about the possibilities of the new formats and want to be there from the very beginning to clue you in on the releases and their quality. But don't despair CD lovers. We are here to do it all, CDs and SACD/DVD-A. And we continue to get quality discs to review. So keep it right here for all that cool music info.

The review for Criss Angel's "Mindfreak" soundtrack is up. Not only is it appropriate for this time of year, with Halloween coming up but it also serves as a primer for the upcoming Criss Angel special on ABC Family. This show, not to be missed, airs on October 20th at 9p E/P. Criss Angel is an unmatched magician and illusionist and without peer. Read the review to find out why he can make great music as well.

Pssst...I'm over here!!

October 11, 2002

AWOL!!