Saturday, July 9, 2011

Paul McCartney - McCartney II (Special Edition) CD Review


Written by General Jabbo

Much like its predecessor, 1970's McCartney, signaled the end of the Beatles, its follow-up, 1980's McCartney II, came at the end of Wings. Whether Paul McCartney intended that to be the case is a matter of opinion, but he has not had a named band since nor has there been a third album in the McCartney series.

McCartney II was originally supposed to be a double album but ultimately got released as a single disc. 31 years later, the tracks intended for the double LP have been included as bonus cuts on McCartney II (Special Edition).

Read the rest of the review at www.blindedbysound.com by clicking here.

Paul McCartney - McCartney (Special Edition) CD Review


Written by General Jabbo

McCartney, The classic solo debut from Paul McCartney, is often touted as the final nail in The Beatles' coffin. Released before Let It Be — against the other Beatles' wishes — the album also accompanied a press release where McCartney said he no longer envisioned a future writing partnership with John Lennon. The dream was over. Now, 41 years later, this famous debut is getting the expanded treatment as McCartney (Special Edition).

Read the rest of the review at www.blindedbysound.com by clicking here.

ZZ Top - Live in Germany 1980 CD Review


Written by General Jabbo

In 1980, while on tour for Deguello, ZZ Top was looking to expand their fan base to a worldwide market. Already popular in America, the band wanted to conquer Europe next. An opportunity presented itself in the form of the popular German television show, Rockpalast, which broadcasted throughout Europe. Taking the stage at 4:00 a.m., the band played a spirited set that makes up the CD, ZZ Top – Live In Germany 1980.

Read the rest of the review at www.blindedbysound.com by clicking here.

Chick Corea - The Definitive Chick Corea On Stretch And Concord CD Review


Written by General Jabbo

To say Chick Corea is a giant of the modern jazz era would be an understatement. Beginning in the mid 1960s, Corea was a pioneer in the avant-garde jazz movement, accompanying the likes of Miles Davis. He later formed Return To Forever, a fusion group that, over time has counted Stanley Clarke and Earl Klugh among its ranks. More recently, he's had his Elektric and Akoustic bands, his Five Peace Band, his Trios and he has explored solo piano outings as well.

Collecting all this material on two CDs would be an impossible task. In honor of Corea's 70th birthday though, Concord's latest release in its Definitive series covers the last 30+plus years with The Definitive Chick Corea On Stretch And Concord.

Read the rest of the review at www.blindedbysound.com by clicking here.