Great European Organs No 63

Advantages: Absolutely essential for anyone interested in popular music.
Disadvantages: Probably can't dance to it

...Highway 61 Revisited opens with the gun shot drum beat of 'Like A Rolling Stone', surely a major contender for best rock single of all time. After it was released in 1965, nothing was the same in US and European popular music. Although Dylan understood the British pop scene, he knew that rock music belonged to the USA and that even the Beatles were formed out of Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry and Elvis. The sound is tough, loud guitars, organ and Dylan's unique powerful harmonica style. But most of all it is American. Making the title track Highway 61, the huge road that runs down the US is typical. Dylan's lyrics flash from one street scene to another, pausing to watch the characters living in a society where just about anything goes. Coupled with great melodies, it means there isn't a bad song on this album. It ends with Desolation Row... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Brilliant retrospective of the band
Disadvantages: People borrow it all the time

...really takes off with a great guitar solo followed by an even better organ solo (excellent work by Dave Greenfield on organ). It's one of those songs that makes your body convulse. You need to move to this song or you're already dead! And then, no let up from the greatness... A wonderful cover of the classic, 'Walk On By'. Featuring all that makes the Stranglers great (Ethereal keyboard, pounding, insistant bass, choppy guitar, a steady drum beat [supplied by Jet Black, big guy with beard that you wouldn't want to meet in a dark alley], andHugh's angry man vocals). This one seems to go on for hours, but you'll love every minute. I guarantee that any chosen elderly relative that has the ability to move and half decent hearing would dance to this. 'Duchess' song number 5 and a gem. This has a great little keyboard riff that runs thorughout it... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Both stereo and mono mixes on one disc
Disadvantages: can't think of any!

...strange lyric involving "weeing in the garden"! Great chorus again though. "Oh, what a beautiful dream I see". "Magic Man" is my vote for the album's top track. Dave's dreamy organ playing backs Pye's invitation to leave all of your cares behind, join him up on his cloud and float away. Yet another fabulous chorus made for singing along to. "I'm a magic man, on a sea in the sky..." "Grandma's Lawn" is Richard's second writing contribution. It rocks along energetically as the author tells another of his idiosyncratic tales. Final track is "Where But For Caravan Would I?" This eight minute finale is based on a theme written by Brian Hopper of The Wilde Flowers. The song passes through several phases including a soft, gentle verse for Pye, a lurching instrumental section and an anthemic vocal from Richard before climaxing with Dave's morse code... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful