Reflections From The Time Of Opening - Raison D'Etre

Advantages: Some stunning trance anthems
Disadvantages: One dodgy track

...Album-- This album is certainly worthy of a great deal of respect. I have been hooked on it ever since I bought it, jus before Christmas. It is a very chilled out album, that allows you to relax for a while. It lets you escape from any problems you might be having in life, giving you the chance to escape. I have often gazed at the stars after many long and tiring days with Reflections playing softly in the background. It is very peaceful and calm, but in some tracks you do get some nice base rhythms that you would associate with van Dyk. However, there are some uplifting tracks that will pick you up after a hard day. Track 1 - Crush (7/10) This track starts off with some soft strings and a bit of glockenspiel adding to the mood. It establishes a nice gentle rhythm but moves on before it becomes too boring. It builds up slowly... Read review

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Advantages: A great choice of songs, given wonderful renditions
Disadvantages: A couple of slightly weak tracks

...and clear. The front cover of the booklet is simply a head shot of Barrowman and the interior includes a couple of other pics of the singer (one is a tad odd as it features that perennial fashion problem, the 'visible panty line'). The text includes the usual thanks and credits, plus plugs for a couple of other CDs which feature John Barrowman on the JAY label and an introduction from John himself which explains his reasons for including each of the seventeen tracks, which is a most welcome personal touch. Anyway, on to the music, which is more important than the packaging, after all! As the album's title suggests, most of the songs are on the tender side, but there are moments where John can show off his belting voice and demonstrate anger, frustration or confusion. The opening track combines both tenderness and stridency, being 'If I... Read review

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Advantages: 2CDs with new and old material
Disadvantages: Repetition of old material, not all of them are live performances maybe?

...The Time Machine album, released in 1993 is a new offering of Satriani's work as well as a slight look back on his old work with an added cd with some of his older tracks on, almost like a mini best of! Some live tracks added in are a pleasant addition. CD 1 - 01 - Time Machine This track opens with a small drum fill which then proceeds to what I deem to be a nice refreshing song, it builds up at a medium pace, and delivers a rather relaxing and enjoyable melody. I do tend to loose some of the background instrumentation detail, as this track seems to be a little too washed with reverb (echo). Overall the track is a nice slow opener for the album, there isn't too much new fancy work, or anything spectacular about this track apart from a few new guitar sounds added in, it just takes the place as a nice opening track leading the way... Read review

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