Classic Rock
Led Zeppelin – Physical Graffiti
First released as a double vinyl album in February 1975, Physical Graffiti went on to 16x Platinum, selling over eight million copies in the USA alone. Many consider Physical Graffiti Led Zeppelin’s finest hour.
Jethro Tull – Bursting Out – Live
With an awesome reputation live, it was decided that it was time for the essential live double album. So, during their European concert tour to support the latest release, Heavy Horses (1978), all of their concerts were recorded, and the best bits, in Ian Anderson’s opinion, put together for this release.
Jimmy Page – Outrider
For those dogs that like their Led Zeppelin without any frills, this is the bone for you.
Buddy Guy – Damn Right, I’ve Got The Blues
For those of you wanting to hear some genuine ‘Blues’ music recorded in a modern studio with all the sound quality that this gives, this is the album for you. It was unanimously voted Blues Album of the Year by the Grammies in 1992. This album just reeks of class.
Concerts & Live Recordings
Led Zeppelin – Physical Graffiti
First released as a double vinyl album in February 1975, Physical Graffiti went on to 16x Platinum, selling over eight million copies in the USA alone. Many consider Physical Graffiti Led Zeppelin’s finest hour.
Jethro Tull – Bursting Out – Live
With an awesome reputation live, it was decided that it was time for the essential live double album. So, during their European concert tour to support the latest release, Heavy Horses (1978), all of their concerts were recorded, and the best bits, in Ian Anderson’s opinion, put together for this release.
Hawkwind – Space Ritual ‘Live’
Fortunately for us all, several Hawkwind shows were recorded, and the best of two from Liverpool and Manchester have been spliced together to give the complete experience, all done in the correct running order. This was first released as a double album in 1973 at the price of a single album, Hawkwind being Hawkwind and always giving value for money. As well as a poster-size foldout cover, you also got two booklets, one telling the story of the Space Ritual joining the dots between songs, the other giving you all the information you could possibly want about the tour.
Deep Purple – Days May Come Days May Go
Deep Purple recorded “Days May Come Days May Go” in 1975 at a very interesting time in their career. But they didn’t release it until 2000. “Days May Come, Days May Go” is certainly worth bending an ear to. Just to see what could have been.
Heavy Metal
Jimmy Page – Outrider
For those dogs that like their Led Zeppelin without any frills, this is the bone for you.
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band – Next
Although Alex’s career did not really catch fire until late, when it finally did, it sure burned bright. If “The Sensational Alex Harvey Band” is a mystery to you, pay attention. Alex Harvey was one of the greatest ringmasters to have ever strode across the field of Rock’ n’ Roll.
Iggy Pop and the Stooges – Raw Power
In 1972 Iggy Pop and the Stooges third album Raw Power hit British music fans like a bolt of lightning.
Deep Purple – Days May Come Days May Go
Deep Purple recorded “Days May Come Days May Go” in 1975 at a very interesting time in their career. But they didn’t release it until 2000. “Days May Come, Days May Go” is certainly worth bending an ear to. Just to see what could have been.
Progressive Rock
Flash – Flash
“Flash” had a vibrancy and optimism that transcended all the stereotypes of seventies rock music. They really loved their music and it always showed. They were Flash – their life was short but burned bright. They came and went in a Flash.
Hawkwind – Space Ritual ‘Live’
Fortunately for us all, several Hawkwind shows were recorded, and the best of two from Liverpool and Manchester have been spliced together to give the complete experience, all done in the correct running order. This was first released as a double album in 1973 at the price of a single album, Hawkwind being Hawkwind and always giving value for money. As well as a poster-size foldout cover, you also got two booklets, one telling the story of the Space Ritual joining the dots between songs, the other giving you all the information you could possibly want about the tour.
Wishbone Ash – Argus ‘Then Again Live’
Argus was voted album of the year by very influential British Music Paper Sounds. Sold-out world tours followed, creating a huge fan base. An album that should be in every record collection.
Hard Stuff – Bulletproof
The musicianship is never anything but superb; for that alone, the album cannot be faulted. The best and heaviest thing on the album is the John Gustafson-written ‘Sinister Minister’ with its crunchy guitar licks and bass-heavy driven rhythm.
Threshold – Legends of the Shires
It’s impossible to pick out highlights on Legends of the Shires as the album is best served to be listened to in its entirety. But after a brief introduction, the second song, Small Dark Lines, shows off Threshold’s combined power. Heavy riffing over a pounding beat with determined vocals—an aural battering.
Guest Posts
Headspace – I Am Anonymous
I Am Anonymous is a concept album that is about “You the listener and your relationship with humanity, ultimately the battles fought within the mind from child to adult.”
Thunder – Stage
Thunder are now bigger and better than ever, no longer a support band or even playing theatres, but arenas and headlining festivals. The new songs blend in seamlessly with the old. I mean, of course, they are Thunder songs, so it would be disappointing if they didn’t. Laughably, Danny Bowes, in between song banter, has not changed in thirty years. The crowds lap it up, so why should it change?
Groundhogs – Split
Split would definitely fall into the Blues/Rock category, but there are certainly tinges of Progressive Rock in this power trio’s fiery instrumental breaks. Of course, by now the focal point of the group was Tony McPhee, singing in his distinctive fashion and ripping the blues out of his guitar with great long solos in the live arena.
Scorpions headline at rain-hit Ramblin’ Man Fair
Scorpions’ lead singer Klaus Meine and his band brought the house down with a string of classic hits.
