Mambo And More [Remastered] - Yma Sumac

Advantages: inteligent varied original
Disadvantages: their last record as a group

...Some are born great,as the saying goes ,others have greatness thrust upon them,and in the case of The Specials it seems not only did they achieve greatness with their debut album "Specials",but had even more greatness thrust upon them by an over expectant music press and ravenous fan base all eager for more of their punk/ska riotous rapture ,however in the spirit of true greatness and wanton defiance they delivered "More Specials" in the autumn of 1980,and in direct conflict to its title could well have been called "Less Specials " In the twelve months which had elapsed between their debut and this daring follow up the musical landscape had changed a great deal ,the fury of punk which gave rise to the groups foundations was now a fading memory as new sounds and movements splinterd into a varied buffet of sounds and movements... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Great tracks, great lyrics, original, its Bob Marley.
Disadvantages: They only include one extra track. No need for remastering. Its too short.

..., Rasta de 'pon top, can't you see? So you can't predict the flop. Eh! It would be hard to recommend this album over other Tuff Gong releases, not because it lacks in anything, but because all Marley’s releases between 72 and 81 are original and worth more than just a listen. The album is thoroughly enjoyable but after being remastered I thought that it could have been released with more than just one extra track – it’s still less than 45 minutes of listening time. The sound quality is great, but the original versions were never poor. I don’t really see the benefit to the customer by the re-release of all Tuff Gong’s albums with the odd extra track on them. A whole new album or two with previously unreleased material might have sold better and been more worthwhile. Two tracks – ‘Lively Up Yourself’ and ‘Bend Down Low’ were recorded... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

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

...track "Almost Medieval" comes crashing in with chaotic drum machines and a synth set to "organ"and a repetitive chorus but already revealing early signs of the Leagues economic pop style,this makes way for the early single "Circus of Death" which mentions Steve McGarett,narcotics ,and of course clowns ,set against a more sinister backing as Phil Oakey warns us "the circus of death is approaching ",a confident start as well being lyrically intriging and slightly eccentric. Early single and nearly hit "Empire State Human" from the summer of 1980 displays the first real signs of of the groups pop potential whilst still retaining their obscure focal point ,in this case a song about a boy who willed himself to become taller and grew as "tall as a wall ",i did say it was interesting . Most of "Reproduction"maintains an intimate small... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful