Platypus [Hybrid SACD] - Gerard Presencer

Advantages: Foretold their development and their record label
Disadvantages: Perhaps not of immediate appeal but it will draw you in

...as separate entities. 16 has an alternative voice part by Ray Thomas. 19, 20 were recorded live for John Peel's programme "Top Gear" from February 1969. 21, 22 were a session recorded for the BBC programme "The Tony Brandon Show" in April 1969. THE TECHNOLOGY As before I now have copies of both versions of this album in my collection. The disc is a dual layer hybrid CD. The universally accessible layer contains the Stereo CD mix. I have to admit that even this version played into the inputs of a Dolby 5:1 capable amplifier produces a remarkable clarity of sound and a pleasing three dimensional ambiance to the performance. My current equipment, a Denon 2800 player, is not equipped with SACD circuitry. The SACD layer has the version from the 1972 quadraphonic master tapes remixed into a full surround sound output. I have my... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: The first Moody Blues concept album. Is this what started prog rock?
Disadvantages: Perhaps a little dated - but it is 40 years old!

...there is enough new material and an excellently updated recording to make this a strong recommendation for the firm fan who already owns the album. AVAILABILITY There are several varieties of CDs of this album on offer now including a recently remastered Hybrid SACD deluxe edition which comes on two discs and has an additional eleven tracks of alternative arrangements, "B" sides and live performances. Many of these additional tracks can be found on the Moody's compilation album "Prelude" from 1987. DAYS OF FUTURE PASSED - Initial vinyl release DECCA RECORDS 1967 Days of Future Passed [Deluxe Edition] [Sacd/CD Hybrid] Amazon.co.uk £8.65 (sourced from Amazon Jersey) Days of Future Passed [Original recording remastered] Amazon.co.uk £ 5.97 Samples of six of the tracks are available at: http... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: PHENOMENAL sound quality, good mixture of those ladies vocal talents, CD TEXT present
Disadvantages: It isn't availble everywhere!

...You will have to bear with me on this one as I'm not normally a music reviewer or an R&B fan but here goes. I purchased this CD because of the format -a Hybrid SACD which I know gives incredible sound quality compared with a standard version, the fact that I'd heard a couple of the tracks previously such as the Title track and 'Independent Women'. I also obtained it at the princely sum of £9.99 from a small indie dealer called Swordfish Records in Temple St Birmingham. Now this was a shot in the dark for me but I was very keen to find out just how good it sounded. So I popped along to Sevenoaks in Birmingham as I'm a personal friend of the Manager and he let me audition it on a £36K system... Before this Destiny's Child weren't my cup of tea... Well I always wondered what all the fuss was about with SACD and Destiny's Childand... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful