Words And Music (Remastered) - Matt Monro & The Malcolm Lockyear Orchestra

Advantages: Some Well Crafted Pieces
Disadvantages: Not Hit Making Material

...This album was to be featured in a musical film about a child experiences in the after life but the project failed to get financial backing. This album is therefore disjointed and isn’t one of Tulls best pieces although the single for “Bungle In The Jungle” did become a hit in America. The album recording features a full orchestra but with saxaphone playing featuring heavily in the final mix. This is a great pity as the concept behind the album was original back then. All the songs on this album seem to lack the sophistication of Tulls other albums. Also the album is much more darker and broodier than its predecessors.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: The one that started it all
Disadvantages: Perhaps a little dated by modern standards

...The album is the first by the full Moody Blues line up that stayed together for the next seven discs. Justin Hayward (lead guitar), John Lodge (bass guitar), Mike Pinder (keyboards), Ray Thomas (flute), Graeme Edge (drums). They are backed (some would say the Moodies were the backing) by the London Festival Orchestra conducted by Peter Knight. So, how does 'Days' sound now, 35 years later. It has to be admitted that much of it is programme music. It is perhaps fairer to listen to its contemporaries (The Beatles 'Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' sounds very dated and thin in comparison) rather than Moodys new offerings. However individual songs still feature prominently in their sell-out concert tours. I owned the LP back then and bought the CD when I upgraded my collection. This is my own personal review of the play list... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: A Verdi masterpiece
Disadvantages: none

...When asking Ciao to add some more items, particularly operas, to the classical music section, I was wary of specifying particular recordings for a very good reason. Unlike other music genres, classical music in the recording age is generally about interpretation rather than specifically about the music itself. I’m hoping to add many more opera opinions over the coming weeks and months, and in each case, I’m going to select a favourite recording to deal with in detail, and list a few alternatives that you might be interested in for comparison. This opinion deals with Verdi’s Macbeth, released by EMI in 1976, and remastered in 1999. Cast: Macbeth – Sherrill Milnes Lady Macbeth – Fiorenza Cossotto Banquo – Ruggero Raimondi Macduff – Jose Carreras Malcolm – Giuliano Bernardi Una dama – Maria Borgato Other small roles taken by: Carlo... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful