Brave New World (Through The Eyes Of John Lees) - Barclay James Harvest

Advantages: Four very good tracks
Disadvantages: Last BJH album where pros may outweigh cons

...Barclay James Harvest sought success through a mixture of progressive pomp and pastoral melodies. Their investment in tours with a full orchestra and the mystifying lack of success had meant a gradual shift of styles in search of a hit. The band even recorded a single under a pseudonym but anyone who heard the B side would have known whodunit. By the time XII came along the band were clearly at a crossroads. Their search for success meant a move towards recording shorter, punchier songs. This was the last record featuring keyboard maestro Woolly Wolstenholme.His departure changed the musical outlook of the group, and led to a hybrid of pomp and disco which gave them some success in Germany and other parts of the continent but made their old fans groan with dismay. The album kicks off with "Loving Is Easy". It's a promising... Read review

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Advantages: Back to classic, epic, adrenaline-charged Maiden
Disadvantages: Bruce's voice has aged noticably

...Hurrah! Reason was listened to, hatchets were buried, and Bruce Dickinson was back with Iron Maiden once again. It had to happen for Maiden to be a force once more, and everyone came out of it with their pride intact. Blaze Bayley was fondly said goodbye to, and the band reconvened. But what was this? Legendary guitarist Adrian Smith also wanted back in? What a dream team! So, with all the original 'dream team' members back, plus Janick Gers, Maiden now had an awesome triple-thronged guitar assault team. The writing for 'Brave New World' began in 1999, just before the dawn of the new Millennium, the 'brave new world' of the future. There was also a welcome return for artist Derek Riggs. He co-designed the cover art with Steve Stone, a foreboding image of Eddie's face forming in the turbulent sky over a futuristic cityscape. Fans... Read review

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Advantages: Bruce is back!
Disadvantages: None

...Brief history of Iron Maiden: Paul leaves as singer and Bruce is hired, Maiden are massive everyone loves them. Bruce goes solo and Blaze comes along whom the fans hate despite the music being really good. Bruce's solo career bombs, Iron Maiden get fed up with fans slating Blaze so Bruce comes back. Brave New World is a success. Iron Maiden were my first metal band. I was at the time dating a lass in Liverpool and on the way up on the train my tape ran out so I listened to Radio 1 as I was pulling into Liverpool Station. Simon Mayo for some reason played The Wicker Man and I loved it. I immeadiatley bought the single and then had the album and the entire back catalogue. Brave New World has material on it left over from the Virtual XI sessions as well as some new stuff. The album is quite long and very well written... Read review

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