The Harold Wayne Collection Volume 35: A Survey of German-speaking singers in early recordings

Advantages: Unreleased tracks that you won't be able to get anywhere else
Disadvantages: A few of the tracks are not of the highest quality sound-wise

...This collection of early JOJ recordings really brings a new light to the songs that fans already know and love. The demos sound great but some people may be disappointed with the sound quality of some of the tracks as they are obviously not crystal clear. However, I think the rawness of the recordings just adds to the appeal and reflects JOJ's unique style perfectly. Jessicka's voice sounds beautiful and even more full of emotion than usual, the other band members sound fantastic also. These versions of the songs are slightly different to the versions that later appear on the albums, with slightly different lyrics in some songs (My Cat, for example) and some effects have been added so it gives you a nice twist on the tracks that you are used to hearing. The CD is brilliant value for money as it boasts an incredible 23 tracks... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Epic, Immersive, Brilliant, Rock Opera at its finest
Disadvantages: None

...This is an enthralling piece of music of epic proportions, and as such, requires a review of epic proportions to do it justice. Unfortunately, this review is probably not as enthralling, but if you have the stamina then read on … I was sat in our living room, listening to this album on the headphones. Suddenly, out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a flailing alien tentacle, ready to drag me into that terrible green dome and devour my flesh as surely as the chair I was sitting in. Luckily, it was just the draft- excluder, but when you're nine years old listening to a record about martians invading earth and eating humans in the hoods of their monstrous fighting machines, then it can have a profound effect on you. I am of course talking about the Jeff Wayne Musical Version of The War of the Worlds. As a youngster, I can... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Some great songs
Disadvantages: Too many naff songs

...Are The Champions, major hits though they might have been. Still that’s just me, and you may be different. I’ll say no more than that you have to be a glutton for punishment to sit through the whole lot, and get on with the show. Bohemian Rhapsody The Karaoke Singer’s Dream, this one. The ultimate in pomp rock opera was the single that really catapulted the band to being for a while the biggest band in the world. Announcing the wonderful Night At The Opera album, Bohemian Rhapsody was promoted by what is always reputed to be the first authentic rock video, and I still remember its dominance of Top of the Pops for two straight months as the biggest selling record of the year. In reality it’s a sprawling mish mash of styles and sections with meaningless lyrics and grandiose effects, but is still nonetheless an automatic inclusion in any... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful