Best, The [Remastered] - Leo Kottke

Advantages: Skilled musicianship, unique interpretations
Disadvantages: None, if you like the genre

...THE SPACE IN TIME: The first time I saw Leo Kottke live in concert was a long time ago on a planet far, far away -- in 1970 in suburban Philadelphia’s erstwhile hallowed folk-and-blues coffee house, “The Main Line.” At one point between numbers as he swiveled on his stool to change guitars, Kottke accidentally banged one of them against the boom mic, which was hot at the time, resulting in a loud “bang.” His face took on a look of shock. He cradled the guitar in his arms as if it were a curvaceous woman, and after a moment of silence and a deep breath whispered to the crowd, “You always hurt the one you love.” I have never forgotten the obvious deep affection he expressed for his instrument as he examined it for nicks. To this day I refer to my own guitars as the lovers that keep me warm at 1 a.m. when my wife doesn... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: interesting very very interesting
Disadvantages: too "interesting" in places

...production, and is mostly of its time ,but its influential blueprint echoed for many a year on the likes of Depeche Mode and The Pet Shop Boys ,that small production i mentioned couldnt be better suited for a truly epic rendition of "Youve lost that Loving Feeling ",the song is stripped to its ragged underwear as the songs sentiments become all too apparent ,leaving it to shiver in the cold and despair of a love gone bad ,for a second it might be that Mr Oakey,s joking ,but no, he,s feeling it for real ,a masterstoke of song choice and possibly the best version ever . As far as the re-mastering goes its a case of gaps being filled for fans and collectors ,but very well presented and chosen,especially the long losr early single "The Dignity of Labour "in all its 4 part glory ,at time ,s sounding like a synthesiser in the microwave... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Technically very good, virtuoso performances, good prog
Disadvantages: A little dated, won't make you look trendy

...Ash don't seem to have dated as well as other bands: they did the twin lead guitar thing and combined rock, folk and blues long before Thin Lizzy but while Lizzy are perennial favourites Ash are largely forgotten. The Allman Brothers are revered but say "Ted Turner and Andy Powell" and people would probably say: "Television guy? Radio One DJ?" Originally released in April 1972, "Argus" is said to be the crowning moment of the recording career of Wishbone Ash. Fans and critics see it as the definitive Ash album yet I bet it hardly ever figures in those "best 100 albums of all time polls" you get when magazines and newspapers need to fill space. If you've never heard of Ash, they're a bit like Jethro Tull or Yes: prog rock combined with jazz, blues and folk, with quite delicate vocals. In fact the whole sound is quite delicate... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful