Alain Vanzo: Recital

Advantages: 'A real rock record'
Disadvantages: The goth tinges for those who are not goths

...Sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll; an ultimate recipe for a record. It seems so simple on paper but modern rockers are finding it increasingly difficult to create this recipe in the studios. Queens Of The Stone Age however have done so. Josh Homme has constructed the ultimate modern record, mysterious at times, very loud in others. The fourth, and most eagerly awaited QOTSA album is a stark reminder of how 'sexless' modern rock actually is. 'Lullabies To Paralyze' was recorded in both Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley. It features production from Joe Barresi plus Joey Castillo on drums, Alain Johannes (bass) and Troy Van Leeuwen doing a bit of everything! What is a shame is that Nick Oliveri, the goateed bassist who looks like he should be in 'System Of A Down'; one of the regulars in the ever-changing QOTSA line-up is not featured. Josh... Read review

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Advantages: Some good tracks
Disadvantages: Too many misses

...After an excellent start with the self-titled first album, 1977’s Ha! Ha! Ha! was a sad disappointment, despite featuring a couple of outstanding tracks in the perplexing Man Who Dies Every Day and Hiroshima Mon Amour. The latter, named after the acclaimed 1959 film by Alain Resnais, was a subtle yet innovative blend of drum machine, keyboards, saxophone and John Foxx’s crooned vocal. It was also to be the last material issued by the original line up of Foxx, Chris Cross (bass), Warren Cann (drums), Billy Currie (keyboards and violin) and Stevie Shears (guitar). After the panning which faced Ha! Ha! Ha!, a disillusioned Shears left the group, to be replaced by Robin Simon. It has to be said though that there is good stuff here and the early Ultravox deserve to be better known than they are.... Read review

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Advantages: Cherkassky playing at his best in wide range of solo works
Disadvantages: No Godowsky included

...This is one of the best recordings of the great Romantic Virtuoso pianist, Shura Cherkassky. It showcases him at his best in a recital covering a wide range of repertoire. He is known for being wayward in some of his performances, but there is very little of that in this recital. His performances vary considerably, depending on his moods, the audience and other external factors. He was in top form at this 1982 recital and was very happy with his performance afterwards. He starts the recital with Suite de Pieces by Lully, one of the most well-known early French Baroque composers. Lully was one of the first conductors, hitting the ground with a stick. Unfortunately he died after he hit his toe by accident with the stick. This music was obviously written for the harpsichord (or one of its close relatives) and is not often played... Read review

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