Karajan - Master Recordings

Advantages: Flawless Heavy Metal record, technically stunning time signature shifts with occasional classical structuring
Disadvantages: 20 year old production job, could do with a re-mastering

...Time for my ultimate review of what I feel is the finest metal record of all time, 'Master of Puppets' by the masters themselves, 'Metallica'. Myself, a fan of Heavy Metal entirely because of the music from these guys. It was the 'Black' album that started it all for me in the early 90's upon hearing 'Enter Sandman' on the radio; I was pulled out of my stupid Pop childhood, and taken away into a darker musical place I liked very much. I immediately purchased a copy of the 'Black' album and upon hearing this I read more into the band learning of their thrash roots and much more diverse heavier past. So I sought after their older material beginning with 'Master of Puppet's'. Which brings me to today, where I have quite a collection of 'Metallica's' music having trawled CD fairs for the rarities and odds and sods to build that collection... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: It's the Beatles, previously unavailable on CDs, no bad tracks
Disadvantages: none

...featuring some nice harmonies. I really hope there is no one out there who hasn't heard "I Want To Hold Your Hand." This is the one that set Beatlemania in motion in America. The music and vocals are perfect, with George doing some great work on his electric guitar. The handclaps are a nice touch, too. This was one of the small number of Lennon-McCartney tunes that was written by both Paul and John, and of course they share lead vocal duties. Oh, and incidentally, this is the first stereo track on "Past Masters Volume One"; the five preceding tracks are all mono. "This Boy" was the B side of "I Want To Hold Your Hand" and was recorded on the same day - October 17, 1963. The three-part harmonies by John, Paul and George were rarely better, and John's emotional solo during the bridge is breathtaking. The guitars on this song are outstanding... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Live set of classic Masters Of Reality tunes, with Josh Homme and Nick Oliveri
Disadvantages: None really

...This album brings together the talents of stoner rocks finest to produce a great live album. The band rocks through a great set of material from the whole Masters Of Reality catalogue - although it mainly focuses' on their recent output. Recorded live on their European tour of 2001 with Chris Goss, Josh Homme (QOTSA), Nick Oliveri (QOTSA) and John Leamy. Personally, I love this album. Its is psychedelic stoner rock at its best and i would recommend to any Masters Of Reality fan, as well as anyone wanting to hear some great live music. This is however not the best place to start if you are new to the Masters Of Reality experience - that would be 'Sunrise On The Sufferbus'. Instead it showcases the new Masters of Reality at their best, playing a set of brilliant live music including a selection of songs from their last album 'Deep In... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful