Groundbreaking Trios Shine On Recent Releases

Rush and Muse have each had plenty to celebrate in 2012, with both trios continuing to break new ground via outstanding releases.
 

Artist: Rush
Title: 2112 - Deluxe Editions (Mercury)
You might be interested if you like: ASIA, Nektar, Yes, Rush's "Moving Pictures"
Tell me more: When it was announced in December 2012 that Rush will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April 2013, it was long-overdue validation that the Canadian rock trio is one of the most original and innovative bands of all time. Indeed, 2012 saw a surge of renewed interest in singer-bassist Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson and drummer Neil Peart, with several deluxe remastered and expanded editions of the 1976 breakthrough album "2112" arriving on Dec. 18. From tender acoustic guitar-anchored passages to blistering heavy metal and jaw-dropping progressive rock virtuoso chops, the far-flung soundscape displayed across "2112" comes in support of an intelligent concept album where the "Priests of the Temples of Syrinx" control every part of a futuristic world where the residents have lost their freedoms. "2112: Deluxe Editons" comes in several editions, including a CD + DVD version, a CD + Blu-Ray version, and a super deluxe edition featuring CD and Blu-ray discs contained in a hardbound case with a 40-page comic book and a 24-page book with expanded artwork, liner notes, lyrics and unreleased photos. Of special note are the three previously unreleased bonus tracks on the CD.
Get the CD and Audio Blu Ray version here
Get the CD and audio DVD version here
Get the Super Deluxe edition here


Artist: Rush
Title: Clockwork Angels (Roadrunner Records)
You might be interested if you like: Nektar, Rush's "2112," "Snakes and Arrows" and "Moving Pictures"
Tell me more: Those rushing out to pick up the aforementioned "2012" should add the band's most recent studio album "Clockwork Angels" to their cart. Released in June 2012, the ambitious "Clockwork Angels" shares much in common with "2112." Both concept albums that would make the late Ray Bradbury proud, the compelling tale chronicled via "Clockwork Angels" focuses on a young man's quest to follow his dreams. Highlights on this dozen-song masterwork include the melodic hard rocker "The Anarchist," fiery "Headlong Flight," infectious "The Wreckers" and lush "The Garden."
Get Clockwork Angels on CD here


Artist: Muse
Title: The 2nd Law (Warner Bros. Records)
You might be interested if you like: Queen, Keane, Arcade Fire
Tell me more: Few modern rock bands can get away with pleasing the masses and discerning listeners with the over-the-top bombast that legendary quartet Queen turned into high art in the 1970s and '80s. But contemporary British band Muse has likewise masterfully continued to reign supreme in that corner of the musical universe. The band's previous album "The Resistance" (2009) turned the trio into superstars and now the group's equally-strong follow-up album "The 2nd Law" delivers sonic fury with equal delight. Gigantic operatic choruses, blazing guitar leads, pounding drums and all fans of the band have come to love are here in spades. However, what is new this time around is that there is a noticeably stronger emotional element in the music, with "Follow Me" recalling the artistic reach of U2's "Where the Streets Have No Name" and the bass-heavy "Panic Station" coming off as a perfect fusion of Robert Palmer-era Power Station and vintage Duran Duran.
For sheer big time thrills, "Survival" mixes up every arena rock device known. Fans can't wait to get to see Muse perform these songs live.
Get The 2nd Law on CD here
Get 2nd Law (Limited Edition CD/DVD) here
Get 2nd Law (Limited Edition CD/DVD) here

Robert Kinsler 2013

CD Review: The Cure Disintegration Deluxe Edition

Artist: The Cure

Album: Disintegration: Deluxe Edition (originally released as "Disintegration")

Worth Buying? Yes, especially if you are a fan of The Cure

You might be interested in this album is you are a fan of: The Cure, Bauhaus, New Order.

Tell Me More: "Disintegration: Deluxe Edition" brings added depth to the Cure's eighth studio album, originally released in 1989. "Disintegration: Deluxe Edition" is aptly-named, with the three-disc release boasting the original 12-song album in all its sonic glory. But providing even more reason to celebrate are the scores of demos, rehearsals and other gems providing a first-hand listen of the evolution of "Disintegration" via 20 previously-unreleased tracks (featured on the second disc), and an expanded/remixed view of "Entreat," a live album recorded in 1989 at Wembley Arena during The Cure's sold-out Prayer Tour that fills the third disc. The sound of the recordings is incredible, with the original "Disintegration" tracks sounding spacious and free of the annoying compression that often fouls modern-day remix efforts aimed primarily at pushing up the volume of older recordings. Now that you know the quality of the discs - overseen by Cure frontman Robert Smith - is perfect, there is the best-not-forgotten fact that "Disintegration" is a masterpiece. From the immediately-infecious "Lovesong" to the enthralling "The Same Deep Water As You" and dark and propulsive rocker "Fascination Street," the layers of sound positioned around Robert Smith's poignant vocals and textured guitar work have never sounded as clear as they do across this stunning collection. With the recent reissue of The Rolling Stones "Exile on Main Street" and newly-issued "Disintegration: Deluxe Edition,"2010 is already shaping up to be an amazing year for reissues.

What about the packaging? Of most interest to long-time fans is the 3-disc CD set that comes with a 20-page booklet containing previously unseen photos and artwork, as well as an in-depth overview of The Cure during the "Disintegration" period from singer-songwriter-guitarist Robert Smith. The CD package sells for a suggested list price of $39.98; the tracks are available digitally for $19.98. The remastered album is also available on vinyl.

Deluxe 3 disc edition

Deluxe Vinyl Edition

Mp3 Version

TJR Reviews Beck "One Foot In the Grave" (Expanded Edition) Music Worth Buying 05/05/09

Artist: Beck

Album: One Foot In The Grave (Expanded Edition)

Worth Buying: Yes if you are a fan of: Beck,  and maybe yes even if you are not a Beck fan, but like traditional blues and folk.

You will be interested in this album if you are a fan of: Blues, Folk, Surrealism, Alt Rock. 

 

Tell Me More: Before Beck released his Debut Major Label album Mellow Gold, Before his hit single The Loser her recorded One Foot in the Grave. OFITG was recorded for the indie K Records label, but was not released until after Mellow Gold. The album has long since been out of print. And it has now been re-released in an expanded deluxe edition.

 

OFITG can best be described as Beck's Blues/Folk album. In fact, songs like "He's A Mighty Good Leader" and "I have seen the Land beyond" sound like they could have been taken off of the "O Brother Where Art Thou" soundtrack. But make no mistake this is Beck, with all his usual

quirkiness, surrealism (whatever you want to call it that defines Beck) But even a song like Hallow Log sounds like pure Americana even with Beck's usual surreal lyrics.  But songs like Ziplock Bag with it's d-tuned distorted guitars and Beck's vocals distorted almost to the point of incoherence are the ones that challenge most non--Beck fans. I played this one for my songwriting partner Kathy and she grim iced and described it as disturbing (and not in a good way). This is Beck at his most bizarre. I like the song, but then I like Beck. I embrace even his most surreal musical visions. But I know that he is not for everyone. Still, though I think there is a lot to recommend even to non Beck fans. But this is Beck stripped down. If you need glossy production values, this album is not for you.

 

Is it worth buying if I already have the original release? 

I would says YES. When it was originally released OFITG it was only 16 tracks. This new expanded edition rounds the CD out to 32 tracks. A lot of times with remastered deluxe editions the newer tracks consist of a lot of alternate versions of songs you already have. Only two songs repeat themselves on this re-release, So you are basically getting a whole new album when you pay for this version. In fact, the consistency of the songwriting and production of these new tracks is such that it is like you are getting One Foot in the Grave Part II. Sometimes those "Previously unreleased" tracks you get with editions like these where better left unreleased. But these are all great songs. I especially liked Teenage Wastebasket.

 

She is a teenage wastebasket

Paddling up the river in a casket

Try and experience everything at least once

And life is a commercial for being fucked up

 

Also, the title track One Foot In The Grave is included with this new version. Previously this very traditional sounding blues song (with perhaps less then traditional lyrics) had only been released as a live track on his Stereopathic Soul Manure album.  

 

There's s dead hobo on the patio

And an old barbed wire on the funeral fire

Well, you roll out the carpet and it better be red

And it better be long cos the troubles in my head

Gonna be livin' one foot in the grave

 

 Well, I was sittin' at home cookin' up a steak

Satan came down dressed like a snake

Well, he called my name as I turned up the flames

And then I realized I was out of mayonnaise

Well, you been livin' one foot in the grave

 

 

What about the packaging? The CD comes in on of those mini gate-fold album sleeves. All 32 tracks are contained on one CD. You also get a very nicely designed booklet with lyrics. The booklet also has it's own fold out gate fold with pictures. All of the original K records release photos are reproduced but new photos have been included.

Listen and buy One Foot in the Grave in mp3 format

Get One Foot in the Grave on CD

What if I am not ready to buy the whole CD? 

Try He's A Mighty Good Leader or Forcefield