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Roxy Music - Live At The Apollo (2002) {CD + DVD}

Virginia Plain — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 06:25:28 GMT

Roxy Music - Live At The Apollo (2002) {CD + DVD}
Flac (tracks)+CUE+LOG | 504 MB | Covers (300 dpi PNG)
Untouched DVD9 | 16/9 (1.77:1) | PAL (25 fps) | 720x576 (displays at 1024x576) | 7.26 GB
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Roxy Music's final show at Hammersmith Apollo London was recorded for both DVD & CD release. The DVD also has a bonus documentary with interviews with Bryan Ferry, Phil Manzanera, Andy MacKay, Paul Thompson, Chris Spedding and footage from backstage and at rehearsals for the tour.

Howard Jones - Live in Salt Lake City (2003)

Virginia Plain — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 07:41:30 GMT

Howard Jones - Live in Salt Lake City (2003)
Untouched DVD9 | DVD Decrypter Image (ISO+MDS) | 16:9 (1.85:1) | NTSC | 720x480 | English | 6.48 GB

Back in the 1980s, few aspiring chart-toppers could even dream of achieving the phenomenal success of synth-pop star Howard Jones. In this release of a 2003 concert staged in Salt Lake City, Utah, the man behind such hits as "Everlasting Love" and "Hide and Seek" proves that he's still very much relevant in the new millennium.

Pete Seeger's Rainbow Quest - The New Lost City Ramblers & Greenbriar Boys (2005)

Virginia Plain — Sun, 23 May 2010 08:16:59 GMT

Pete Seeger's Rainbow Quest - The New Lost City Ramblers & Greenbriar Boys
Untouched DVD5 | DVD Decrypter Image (ISO+MDS) | 4:3 (1.33:1) | NTSC | 720x480 | English | 4.15 GB

This DVD is a "must see" for anyone who is interested in the history of the folk revival of the 1960's, the earnest, folksy style of Pete Seeger or the work of the also tradition-oriented New Lost City Ramblers made up of (early on) the folklorist and master photographer John Cohen, Tom Paley ( a valuable folk source in his own right as witness his comments in various documentaries about the New York City part of the folk revival of the early 1960s) and Mike Seeger, Pete's half-brother (it is in the genes, right?). It is clear that, kinship aside, Pete, along with his use of a whole range of folk instrumentation that gets a full workout in this presentation, is most comfortable with this group as he joyfully plays along with the boys. Also included on this DVD is a performance by the legendary Greenbriar Boys, a group that combined urban folk aficionados and real mountain music men to take advantage of the early interest in the mountain music roots of a lot of what the 1960s folk scene was searching for, authenticity.

Pete Seeger's Rainbow Quest - Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee; Mississippi John Hurt, Hedy West, & Paul Cadwell

Virginia Plain — Sun, 23 May 2010 07:41:28 GMT

Pete Seeger's Rainbow Quest - Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee; Mississippi John Hurt, Hedy West, & Paul Cadwell
Untouched DVD5 | DVD Decrypter Image (ISO+MDS) | 4:3 (1.33:1) | NTSC | 720x480 | English | 4.24 GB

Rainbow Quest is a ground breaking television series from the height of the folk boom of the 1960s featuring authentic traditional music played in the atmosphere of an informal back porch picking party. Hosted by one of folk music's best known personalities, Pete Seeger, guests were drawn from across the spectrum of traditional music including bluegrass, country, folk, blues, gospel and more, showcasing legendary older musicians as well as young contemporaries making a name for themselves.

Danielson: A Family Movie (or, Make a Joyful Noise Here) (2006)

Virginia Plain — Fri, 21 May 2010 19:37:00 GMT

Danielson: A Family Movie (or, Make a Joyful Noise Here) (2006)
Untouched DVD9 | DVD Decrypter Image (ISO+MDS) | 4:3 (1.33:1) | NTSC | 720x480 | 7.33 GB

JL Aronson's Danielson: A Family Movie is a deftly organized profile of Christian indie-rockers the Danielson Famile. Started in the mid '90s by then college student Daniel Smith with his four siblings, Danielson has struggled for acceptance in the aesthetically conservative CCM community on account of their bizarre live shows—band members perform in nurses' uniforms and Daniel has been known to sing in a tree costume—and experimental sound (described on Allmusic as Captain Beefheart's Magic Band crossed with the Partridge Family). Comprising interviews, home videos, and concert footage, Aronson's evenhanded doc confronts both the wretchedness of much openly Christian art and the lingering prejudice against openly Christian artists, charts the friendship between Daniel and sometime band member Sufjan Stevens during the latter's meteoric rise to stardom (to less schematic effect than the Newcombe-Taylor relationship in Dig!), and portrays Daniel himself as a lucid eccentric overflowing with creative energy. It's a delight even for the uninitiated, although those not raised in a conservative Christian environment may not fully comprehend the cosmic implications of the moment when the band earnestly prays to God, "Thank you for Steve Albini."

Pete Seeger's Rainbow Quest - The Clancy Bros. & Tommy Makem, Tom Paxton, Mamou Cajun Band (2005)

Virginia Plain — Fri, 21 May 2010 08:55:09 GMT

Pete Seeger's Rainbow Quest - The Clancy Bros. & Tommy Makem, Tom Paxton, Mamou Cajun Band
Untouched DVD5 | DVD Decrypter Image (ISO+MDS) | 4:3 (1.33:1) | NTSC | 720x480 | English | 4.19 GB

This DVD is a "must see" for anyone who is interested in the history of the folk revival of the 1960's, the earnest, folksy style of Pete Seeger or the work of the also tradition-oriented Irish folk singers, the recently departed Tommy Makem and the Clancy Brothers, who did a great deal to bring the songs of the old country to the Irish Diaspora in America at a time when those of Irish descent of my generation were seriously looking at our roots. A stand out here is their version (there are many) of the old classic tale of love gone wrong, "Love is teasin'". Also included on this DVD is a performance by the legendary Cajun or, perhaps more properly Acadian band, the Mamou Cajun Band from down in the bayous. This group definitely ranks as one of the great traditional Cajun sounds from the back country. Pete certainly wears his "world music" hat in this segment. To fill in the segment Pete also does a number of traditional tunes by himself and a nice version of "Last Night I Had The Strangest Dream". This DVD contains some very interesting and, perhaps, rare television film footage from two of Pete Seeger shows, packaged in one DVD, entitled "Rainbow Quest" (the whole series consists of six DVDs). Each show is introduced (and ends, as well) by Pete singing his old classic "If I Had A Golden Thread" and then he proceeds to introduce, play guitar and banjo and sing along with the above-mentioned artists. This is a piece of folk history. Pete Seeger is a folk legend.

Pete Seeger's Rainbow Quest - The Stanley Brothers & Doc Watson (2005)

Virginia Plain — Thu, 20 May 2010 08:36:39 GMT

Pete Seeger's Rainbow Quest - The Stanley Brothers & Doc Watson (2005)
Untouched DVD5 | DVD Decrypter Image (ISO+MDS) | 4:3 (1.33:1) | NTSC | 720x480 | English | 4.17 GB

This DVD is a "must see" for anyone who is interested in the history of the folk revival of the 1960's, the earnest, folksy style of Pete Seeger or the work of The Stanley Brothers, Doc Watson and a surprise bonus with a set by Cousin Emmy. This DVD contains some very interesting and, perhaps, rare television film footage from two of Pete Seeger shows, packaged in one DVD, entitled "Rainbow Quest" (the whole series consists of six DVDs). Each show is introduced (and ends, as well) by Pete singing his old classic "If I Had A Golden Thread" and then he proceeds to introduce, play guitar and banjo and sing along with the above-mentioned artists. This is a piece of folk history. Pete Seeger is a folk legend.

Pete Seeger's Rainbow Quest - Judy Collins & Elizabeth Cotten (2005)

Virginia Plain — Wed, 19 May 2010 07:54:31 GMT

Pete Seeger's Rainbow Quest - Judy Collins & Elizabeth Cotten (2005)
DVDRip | XviD | AVI | 640x480 | 29.970 fps | AC3 192 kbps | 48 kHz | English | 2.13 GB

This DVD is a "must see" for anyone who is interested in the history of the folk revival of the 1960's, the earnest, folksy style of Pete Seeger or the work of folksinger Judy Collins, especially doing her renditions of a couple of early Bob Dylan songs (and how they were reworked by him from older traditional tunes) and her classic cover of Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now". Also included on this DVD is the legendary Elizabeth Cotton, a musician that I have reviewed extensively elsewhere in this space, showing us her unusual guitar-picking style. This DVD contains some very interesting and, perhaps, rare television film footage from two of Pete Seeger shows, packaged in one DVD, entitled "Rainbow Quest" (the whole series consists of six DVDs). Each show is introduced (and ends, as well) by Pete singing his old classic "If I Had A Golden Thread" and then he proceeds to introduce, play guitar and banjo and sing along with the above-mentioned artists. This is a piece of folk history. Pete Seeger is a folk legend.

Pete Seeger's Rainbow Quest - Judy Collins & Elizabeth Cotten (2005)

Virginia Plain — Wed, 19 May 2010 07:21:57 GMT

Pete Seeger's Rainbow Quest - Judy Collins & Elizabeth Cotten (2005)
Untouched DVD5 | DVD Decrypter Image (ISO+MDS) | 4:3 (1.33:1) | NTSC | 720x480 | English | 4.26 GB

Pete Seeger - Live in Australia 1963 (2009)

Virginia Plain — Mon, 17 May 2010 08:36:57 GMT

Pete Seeger - Live in Australia 1963 (2009)
DVD9 Untouched | English | 4:3 (1.33:1) | NTSC (29.970 fps) | 720x480 | 7.65 GB | 161 Minutes

OK, black & white, but that actually seems to add to the nostalgic aspect of this great look at folk music as presented by Pete Seeger in 1963. He went on a 22 country, 10-month world tour blessing the world with folk music and, himself, picking up some new folk music from other countries along the way. Seeger received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (1993), and this DVD shows why. It's still hard to believe the folk singer was blacklisted in the USA. Live In Australia: 1963, is really a Pete Primer, an overview of the man who laid the long term underpinning for more familiar names like Dylan, Baez, and Peter, Paul and Mary. The disc consists of an entire performance in front of a friendly audience in Melbourne, followed by numerous TV appearances Downunder. Finally, there are some home movies, a tribute to Leadbelly, and a collection of rare photos and scholarly essays. Indeed, if it weren't for the amazing music scattered throughout, this would be a perfect Pete Seeger history lesson—and such aural delights are just that. The broadcast showcases give the musician a chance to sell his message, and the concert sees him taking time between songs to clarify and discuss context.

Bruce Hornsby and The Range - A Night on the Town (1990)

Virginia Plain — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 10:21:45 GMT

Bruce Hornsby and The Range - A Night on the Town (1990)
Flac (tracks)+CUE+LOG | 402 MB | Covers (300 dpi PNG)

When he began writing for this his third album, Bruce was tired of being labeled as AOR or "mellow." By God, this sure helped him shake that mellow label. He departs from the mostly-piano-strings-and-some-token-guitar formula of earlier albums and begins exploring his roots. This CD is much more jazzy and bold than the first two.

Pete Seeger's Rainbow Quest - Johnny Cash & Roscoe Holcomb (2005)

Virginia Plain — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 09:07:35 GMT

Pete Seeger's Rainbow Quest - Johnny Cash & Roscoe Holcomb (2005)
Untouched DVD5 | DVD Decrypter Image (ISO+MDS) | 4:3 (1.33:1) | NTSC | 720x480 | 4.05 GB

This DVD is a "must see" for anyone who is interested in the history of the folk revival of the 1960's, the earnest, folksy style of Pete Seeger or the work of the also tradition-oriented , although that fact was previously unknown to me, Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash. Also included on this DVD is a performance by the legendary Kentucky mountain music man Roscoe Holcombe that John Cohen, a previously reviewed performer on this series with the New Lost City Ramblers, did great service to the folk revival by bringing out of the Kentucky hills in the early 1960s to the wilds of ..... Greenwich Village. Pete wears his "world music" hat in this segment as well as he also brings in Scottish folksinger Jean Redpath in to link up the music of the Scotch-Irish immigrant Kentucky hills and the old country. A nice folk history moment. This DVD contains some very interesting and, perhaps, rare television film footage from two of Pete Seeger shows, packaged in one DVD, entitled "Rainbow Quest" (the whole series consists of six DVDs). Each show is introduced (and ends, as well) by Pete singing his old classic "If I Had A Golden Thread" and then he proceeds to introduce, play guitar and banjo and sing along with the above-mentioned artists.

Bruce Hornsby and The Range - The Way It Is (1986) {Japan PCD1-8058}

Virginia Plain — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 06:44:15 GMT

Bruce Hornsby and The Range - The Way It Is (1986) {Japan PCD1-8058}
Japan 1st pressing | Flac (tracks)+CUE+LOG | 284 MB | Covers (300 dpi PNG)

Already an accomplished musician and songwriter, Bruce Hornsby released his debut "The Way It Is" with his band The Range at age 32 in 1986. Earning top 40 hits and Grammy recognition, its impact was immediate. A Virginia native, Hornsby presented a unique, distinguished sound, identifiable by his remarkable, whimsical piano playing. Both a brilliant songwriter and vocalist in addition to his keyboard prowess, Hornsby employs some '80s production elements in synthesizers and electronica, as well as some distinctly southern musicianship by the ever-underrated Range. Seven of the nine songs were co-written by Hornsby's brother John, and the songwriting is fantastic, marked by expansive arrangements, extremely accessible melodies, soulful and inspired performances, and expert musicianship. With a voice that can be equally haunting as endearing, Hornsby delivers feel-good rock numbers, phenomenal ballads, and socially conscious tunes such as the infamous title track. One of the finest debuts of the 80s, "The Way It Is" has aged extremely well and introduced a truly immense talent.

Clifford T. Ward - Home Thoughts From Abroad (1973)

Virginia Plain — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 12:09:00 GMT

Clifford T. Ward - Home Thoughts From Abroad (1973)
Flac (tracks)+CUE+LOG | 265 MB | Covers (300dpi PNG)

If only the Beatles would've recorded this in 1973, it would have the world recognition this masterpiece deserves. But they didn't, and Clifford's solo genious shines eternally here. It's my childhood, adulthood, something for every season. Atmospheric and quirky, lushously melodic and lyrically engaging. They just dont make them like this anymore. Charisma, who also had Genesis and other progressive intelligent pop rock circa the time, could have done more with this artist. As in "Clifford who?" being the usual reply to the question of peoples' consciousness of him. From the cover, thru every track, and the yearning to be able to hear much more like this, this album has a pride of place upon your shelf. So, buy it, and put it there. A classic you must enjoy, thru the years. Read the other reviews - adoring tributes to C.T.W. and 'Home Thoughts from Abroad'.

Bill Nelson - The Strangest Things: A Collection of Recordings 1979-1989 (1989)

Virginia Plain — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 21:14:05 GMT

Bill Nelson - The Strangest Things: A Collection of Recordings 1979-1989 (1989)
Flac (tracks)+CUE+LOG | 287 MB | Covers (300 dpi PNG)

As a sampler, "Strangest" is pleasing from the first. It includes Nelson looking solo as well as under the Red Noise & Orchestra Arcana rubrics. There's some of his orchestral, some of his ambient, some of his jazzier side, some frantic Europop, & a hint of his sheer ability to rock out on a whim.

Paul Carrack - Groove Approved (1989)

Virginia Plain — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 09:53:21 GMT

Paul Carrack - Groove Approved (1989)
Flac (tracks)+CUE+LOG | 337 MB | Covers

Perhaps more so than on any other Paul carrack solo project, Groove Approved represents the influence of the more commercial pop success of his work with Mike and The Mechanics in the mid to late 1980s. Released after the first two successful Mechanics albums (the self-titled 1985 album and Living Years), Groove Approved completely sheds Carrack Pub Rock sound and ventures on for a more period '80s pop feel far beyond what his previous solo project, One Good Reason, did.

Gordon Lightfoot - A Painter Passing Through (1998)

Virginia Plain — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 09:40:46 GMT

Gordon Lightfoot - A Painter Passing Through (1998)
Flac (tracks)+CUE+LOG | 270 MB | Covers (300dpi PNG)

Once upon a time, in the '70's, there was a genre of singers called "troubadors." Troubadors usually began their musical careers as folkies, and evolved into troubadors when they became better musicians. Yet, like folkies, they didn't sing songs; they sang stories. The finest of the Troubadors included Harry Chapin, Jim Croce, and Gordon Lightfoot. Today, only one troubador remains; Gordon Lightfoot. Now sixty, with a voice that has lost most of its resonance, Gord continues to make recordings. Yet, despite his loss of youth, he refuses to sink into maudlin self-pity, or pretend that he is still a young man. His title song "A Painter Passing Through" is the narrative of a troubador who lost his youth, found perspective, and still refuses to surrender, despite being past his prime.

Jean-Michel Jarre - In Concert: Houston/Lyon (1987)

Virginia Plain — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 09:23:20 GMT

Jean-Michel Jarre - In Concert: Houston/Lyon (1987)
Flac (tracks)+CUE+LOG | 321 MB | Covers (300dpi PNG)

One of the best introductions to Jarre's music is this live compilation of his most significant compositions of the "classical" period (1976-1990). Originally released in 1987 the only regret is that is too short to cover such a big event as the concert was. This live record goes some way to recreating the spectacle and atmosphere of the record breaking concerts in Houston, Texas and Lyon, France (1987) - with the majority of the incidental commentary and sound bites coming from the Houston concert. These concerts where both huge affairs which featured immense laser lighting shows and in many cases local highways and road were shut off.

Davol - Mystic Waters (1989)

Virginia Plain — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 08:56:48 GMT

Davol - Mystic Waters (1989)
Flac (image)+CUE+LOG | 239 MB | Covers (600dpi JPG)

“

Heather Phares, All Music Guide wrote:
New age composer/keyboardist Davol had an early interest in music, receiving classical piano training as a child and studying jazz and classical harpsichord in college. Electronic music also interested him, and Davol began writing and recording his own pieces as a hobby while he studied microbiology. Some of the tapes he passed out to friends made their way to Silver Wave Records, who offered Davol a recording contract. In 1989, he released his debut album, Mystic Waves, and also received his Ph.D. in microbiology. Though he continued to write and record music, including his 1992 album The Nature of the Beast, Davol worked as a medical researcher until 1996, when he began writing music for multimedia along with his new age works.

”

Delia Gonzales & Gavin Russom - The Days Of Mars (2005)

Virginia Plain — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 08:03:59 GMT

Delia Gonzales & Gavin Russom - The Days Of Mars (2005)
Flac (tracks)+CUE+LOG | 301 MB | Covers (300dpi JPG)

It's hard to tell exactly where NYC duo Delia Gonzales & Gavin Russom fit into electronic music's grand scheme; their work references '70s electro-boffins Tangerine Dream and Brian Eno, but also deftly encapsulates the current state of urban electronic composition. Major players in both the NYC art-electronics circuit and the DFA's gradual diversification process, Gonzales and Russom had already carved out a name for themselves in film, sculpture and performance art circles before they unleashed the blissed-out and brilliant "Casual Friday" under the moniker Black Leotard Front. The mighty synth-burner "El Monte" followed, and before long the buzz was fully substantiated by loads of press and inclusion on the label's now legendary #2 compilation. This brings us to Days of Mars, a bubbling hot collection of modern electronic craft created on arcane technology by a pair of soulmates who still believe in the ideals of art over logic. It's a leftfield masterpiece, equal parts krautrock precision and late-night trance-rave chilldown; given the opportunity, it could be this generation's answer to Music for Airports.