Finest In Jazz [Remastered] - Jimmy Smith

Advantages: Perfect songs, time taken on it.
Disadvantages: None!

...The Smiths are one of those very rare and fortunate bands who never released a poor album. Of course, there was a reason for this, the output from the songwriting partnership of Morrissey and Marr was one of musical history's finest. From 'Hand In Glove' all the way to 'There Is A Light That Never Goes Out', they produced some of the greatest songs of the 80's, and all time, in fact. The only problem is, in releasing a greatest hits album, how would they fit so many great songs on to one CD? Answer. By packing that one CD with 23 songs, which personally I didn't realise was possible. And these 23 songs really do showcase the very best of the Smiths. It's one of those best ofs which really has had a lot of thought put into it, and this has caused it to have a lot more meaning and direction than your average money-spindling greatest... Read review

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Advantages: Great jazz tunes from the Golden Age
Disadvantages: None

...a little something to this pure piece of jazz-blues piano work that makes up this excellent tune. Solitude by Duke Ellington and his Orchestra begins strangely with what sounds on this recording by what sounds like some off-key piano playing. Then the rest of the orchestra slowly join in. I fear that this recording is marred by damage to the masters, as it seems to have some problems. Even so, it shows what Duke an his court could do. Speaking of royalty in jazz, the next track is King Oliver with Rhythm Club Stomp. This is re-mastered for digital stereo and seems to have benefited from the experience. It could be this might be one of the accidental stereo recordings that was discovered. Apparently it was the habit of some record producers to use two sets of recording equipment on a recording session, as insurance against an equipment... Read review

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Advantages: The Pete Townshend "magnum opus"; the finest production by The Who. Symphonic in its magnitude; superb songs, playing, arrangements
Disadvantages: Takes a little concentration and study - but then don't all great works of art?

...keyboards and synthesisers and four snatches of themes from the work (“Helpless Dancer” on horns, “Is it me” – a plaintive voice; “Bell Boy” a close harmony; “Love Reign O’er Me” a distant plea) (The album insert notes that each theme represents a part of Jimmy’s character, each character part is reflected by a member of The Who) Can You See The Real Me (3:22) From this surreal opening we plunge straight into a full throated rock number with the anger filled question of the title. The main verse features Daltrey’s vocals accompanied by Keith Moon’s drums and the bass guitar playing the percussion section. Quadrophenia (6:15) Taken with the preceding two tracks, this comprises the overture. It is a remarkable piece of instrumentation and orchestration, taking the various themes mentioned above and melodies from the whole work... Read review

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