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Livingston Taylor: Ink.        (2 of 2 found this review helpful)
  Review by emilsjr June 25, 2003

The highly underrated Livingston Taylor joins the SACD roster with a very enjoyable disc that is perfect for high stress days. Consisting of 2 original songs, "Our Turn To Dance" and "I Must Be Doing Something Right" as well as an eclectic collection of covers. He ranges from Ambrosia, "The ... more
  Review by Dinko June 25, 2003

After LP releases and a short life on CD, Thomas Schippers' recording of Prokofiev's Alexander Nevsky makes its way onto SACD. I have yet to encounter a better version of Alexander Nevsky. All the elements contributing to a winning performances are here gathered. Schippers' experience in opera and ... more
  Review by Tom June 25, 2003

Yes. A very unique vocal sound. I like it. I find the entire album easy to listen. I also concur that it's well recorded, but not perfect. I would rate sonics 4.5.
  Review by Tom June 25, 2003

Could not decide which to buy: Either this 23 cut album or the 30 cut Portrait of a Legend. So I bought both. There is only a few common songs on both albums. Both albums are well recorded. Portrait is probably my recommendation since it has 7 more cuts, but I recommend both. Glad that I ... more
Sam Cooke: Portrait of a Legend 1951-1964        (4 of 4 found this review helpful)
  Review by Tom June 25, 2003

This is a bargain--if you like his music. 30 cuts, over 80 minutes of music, and 25+ pages of liner notes. This brings back childhood memories. It's very well recorded. I wasn't familar with many cuts, but I am now. I've listened to this album about 5 times over he past week. Highly ... more
  Review by Tom June 24, 2003

Not sure how to rate this. I like Heart, but haven't been an avid fan. I thought the disc was too expensive. I paid $25. It also bothers me when the "live" version sounds different from the studio version. Many of the cuts sound very different. I think the recording engineers captured what Heart ... more
  Review by Russell June 23, 2003

This is a disc of mostly unaccompanied 16th century English religious choral works sung (in Latin and English) by what seems to be the Dutch equivalent of Chanticleer, the celebrated all-male a capella chorus based in San Francisco. I'm not an expert in this sort of music by any means, but the group ... more
Holst: The Planets, Britten: Four Sea Interludes - Bernstein      (5 of 6 found this review helpful)
  Review by Russell June 23, 2003

For me the prize of this disc isn't Lenny's Planets, but his searing performance of the 4 Sea Interludes from Britten's opera Peter Grimes. It's a pity that Sony didn't see fit to include the dramatic Passacaglia from the same opera or the Suite on English Folk Tunes, both of which were on the ... more
Mahler: Symphony No. 1 - San Francisco/Michael Tilson Thomas          (4 of 4 found this review helpful)
  Review by billwiese June 23, 2003

Like the other SFS Mahler SACD release of his Symph #6, I also physically attended the performance of this Symphony #1 - perhaps on the same day of its recording. Wonderful performance, and the recording lives up to the "liveness". Multichannel SACD is just wonderful, and it's backed by a top-notch ... more
Mahler: Symphony No. 6 - San Francisco/Michael Tilson Thomas          (6 of 6 found this review helpful)
  Review by billwiese June 23, 2003

I actually attended the phenonmenal performance of this work plus or minus a day or two from the actual live recording. It was just after 9/11 so there was a special significance to this performance. Between movements MTT was alerted that a San Francisco & worldwide music favorite, violinist Isaac ... more
Earth, Wind & Fire: Gratitude      (1 of 2 found this review helpful)
  Review by JW June 23, 2003

EW&F have a unique signature that transcends musical styles and has remained right there in the backgound as something I am sure I will always enjoy. I had all their albums on vinyl but sold them when I switched to CD. Somehow I never bought an EW&F CD. I think that switch occurred at the time when ... more
  Review by muzikman June 22, 2003

I was so happy to find Alive in Seattle in my mailbox one day. I had no idea it was coming, in fact, I did not think that Heart was active any longer. I think many people felt that way. Their last studio album was Heart Presents a Lovemonger's Christmas in 2001and there last legitimate studio rock ... more
  Review by emilsjr June 21, 2003

The girl rock group Heart plays several of their biggest hits and some interesting covers in the latest "Live" disc from Sony. Prior to listening, I was apprehensive. I have not been impressed with most of Sony's other live discs I have heard (Live in NY, Springsteen, Ozzfest). I am happy to say ... more
No Angels: When the Angels Swing        (1 of 1 found this review helpful)
  Review by emilsjr June 21, 2003

No Angles is a German Pop group that combines Girl Power with Swing type music. Although that combo may sound strange, I found this disc to be a surprisingly fun experience. It is the kind of music that can make a dreary day more fun. In multi-channel, this disc provides a very enjoyable ... more
  Review by Marc P June 21, 2003

Like the other Boudewijn de Groot album I reviewed this is again in Dutch. So if you don't speak the language don't even bother. Dutch has a very unfriendly sound to it, so even though it's a great album there is no way you're gonna like it. The recording sound great even though it is a bit dated. ... more
Noa: Now      
  Review by Marc P June 21, 2003

A great album by a great artist. I have been a Noa fan ever since I saw her at the North Sea Jazz festival in The Hague in 1994. Noa has released 4 international albums and four Israeli albums, all a great. This is her most recent album and the first to be released on SACD. The first international ... more
Doc Powell: 97th & Columbus        (0 of 1 found this review helpful)
  Review by Marc P June 21, 2003

Like the other recordings by HeadsUp this record sounds great. Sorry to say that the music is quiet boring and would be great as elevator music. Ad this one to my worst buy list.
Deep Purple: Machine Head        (7 of 7 found this review helpful)
  Review by Audiophilander June 11, 2003

There isn't much more that one can add information-wise to the reviews already presented here except to note that to my ears this presentation is much MUCH better than the version released on the other Hi-Rez format; this is based on a cursory comparison of the stereo tracks under admittedly less ... more
Live in Tokyo 1970 - Szell      (3 of 3 found this review helpful)
  Review by JW June 11, 2003

From a sonic point of view there is a Szell vs. Walter (on Sony) debate going which Walter's reissues are winning. The Szell's sound often strident and hard in the treble regions whereas the Walter SACD's have a smoother presentation. I have most of the Walters (and reviewed some of them here as ... more
Deep Purple: Machine Head        (2 of 2 found this review helpful)
  Review by emilsjr June 9, 2003

EMI hits a homerun with this classic Deep Purple album, Machine Head. Offered in stereo and multi-channel, this disc is even more impressive than Dark Side of the Moon. While I agree with the previous reviewer about the lack of the bonus tracks in stereo, do not let that stop you from enjoying a ... more
Peter Gabriel: Up        (10 of 11 found this review helpful)
  Review by emilsjr June 29, 2003

After a 10 year absence, Peter Gabriel returns with "Up". Although a majority of the music here is more about feeling "down", this album is a very solid effort. When I first listened to it on Redbook, I was disappointed. After all, it was a long wait and after hearing about the 150 songs Peter ... more
Toto: Toto IV      (1 of 2 found this review helpful)
  Review by ma June 14, 2003

Other than the massive hit singles I had never heard the whole album before. Every song on the album sounds a little different from each other. Unfortuantly so does the sound quality. While some songs sound fine others are poor. My favorite, Africa, is the worst sounding. Sony has re-released this ... more
  Review by ma June 9, 2003

I grew up listening to music such as this so my opinion is a little biased. I could listen to this album over and over and never grow tired of it. The sonics are not as good as the original vinyl albums but,I find most greatest hits albums usually don't sound as good as the original releases. Alot ... more
Mighty Sam McClain: Soul Survivor        (1 of 1 found this review helpful)
  Review by ma June 9, 2003

This is the first sacd I ever bought, and is one of the best albums I have ever heard. It is soulful blues mix that Mighty Sam McClain sings from the heart. The sound is sweet and delicate yet powerful and robust. I cannot say enough about it so just go buy it. Highly recommended!
  Review by Marc P June 9, 2003

This was one of the first SACDs I bought and even though I played it a lot when I first got it, it has been a while since I listen to it. Yesterday for the first time in maybe a year it found its way back into my SA-CD player. And I must admit I really enjoyed the experience. This thing is packed ... more
Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers: Keystone 3        (1 of 3 found this review helpful)
  Review by Marc P June 9, 2003

To be honest I never heard of Art Blakey. I saw this disc on sale on some webshop and went to amazon to listen to some soundbites. I liked what I heard and bought it. After listening to it a couple of times I can say it isn't one of my favorites but it will get its fair ammount of playing time, ... more
  Review by Marc P June 9, 2003

Marco Borsato is the most popular artist in the Netherlands. He started out in a TV show called "the soundmix show". He did a song by Billy Vera and won the finals that year. His carreer didn't take off at first, being half Italian/Dutch he recorded in Italian. This choice was a bad one, people in ... more
Blof: Omarm      
  Review by Marc P June 9, 2003

Blof is a great band, they make fantastic songs and this album is filled with some of the best they ever recorded. The only bad thing about this album is the fact no one outside of The Netherlands and Belgium will be likely to buy it because it's all in Dutch. To bad really, because it's a nice ... more
Mahler: Symphony No. 3 - San Francisco/Michael Tilson Thomas          (0 of 3 found this review helpful)
  Review by rsbeck June 8, 2003

This is the only recording of Mahler's 3rd to which I have listened, so if you want to hear comparisons to other renditions, I cannot help you. I can tell you that this is a wonderful performance that is only marred by some slight background hiss and crackle, which is most disturbing in the quiet ... more
The Rolling Stones: Beggars Banquet        (1 of 1 found this review helpful)
  Review by LemmyCaution June 8, 2003

Not a review - - The CD Art is I what the original European/British release carried. It was apparently deemed inappropriate for US release.
Dvorak: Symphony No. 9, Overtures - Ashkenazy          (2 of 3 found this review helpful)
  Review by flyingdutchman June 8, 2003

I found the recording of the Overtures to actually be more compelling than the Symphony itself. The sound is more enveloping and the performances full of joy and spirit. Askenazy's recording of the symphony is beautiful in the first movement, but loses the gravitas of the second movement by going to ... more
Patricia Barber: Modern Cool        (1 of 1 found this review helpful)
  Review by rsbeck June 7, 2003

I'm having a hard time getting it out of my SACD player. It really rewards multiple listenings. Mobile Fidelity has done a masterful job here, as usual, and the sonics are impeccable.
Alison Krauss: Live          (0 of 1 found this review helpful)
  Review by Marc P June 4, 2003

This album is the fourth Alison Krauss SACD I bought and I love it like all the other ones. Sound quality is great and the music is fantastic.
Peter Gabriel: Shaking the Tree      (2 of 2 found this review helpful)
  Review by Marc P June 4, 2003

I don't really like Peter Gabriel but I do like some of his songs. So I thought buying this greatest hits collection would be a good idea. Well even though I like most of the songs the sound quality is pretty bad. At it's best the disc sounds like a good cd, at it's worst like a bad cd. So my advice ... more
Boudewijn de Groot: Voor de Overlevenden        (1 of 1 found this review helpful)
  Review by Marc P June 4, 2003

This recording was originally released in 1966. Boudewijn de Groot was at the top of his game at that time. He became famous because of his protest songs during the 60’s. He was the Dutch answer to people like Bob Dylan. This album is a Dutch classic, filled with classic pop/folk songs. For the ... more
Solo - Yo-Yo Ma        (0 of 2 found this review helpful)
  Review by Marc P June 4, 2003

This recording sounds great, but the music doesn't do it for me. This disc won't find its way to my player often.
Babyface: The Day      (0 of 2 found this review helpful)
  Review by Marc P June 4, 2003

This is an ok album nothing special. I bought it on sale and it's worth the 10 Euro I paid for it, would never have bought it full price.
  Review by Marc P June 4, 2003

Not much to add to the comments of the other reviewer. Sound quality is great music is good but nothing really special.
  Review by Tom June 3, 2003

I've always liked Janis and have two LPs and several of her CDs, but for some reason, never bought this one. I can understand why this CD was so popular. I have the Essential Janis CD which is very well recorded. The Cheap Thrills SACD is superior. But sonically, the recording falls a little short. ... more
Peter Gabriel: Us      (2 of 2 found this review helpful)
  Review by bdautch June 3, 2003

The material in this album is a bit, well...glib, in comparison to earlier Peter Gabriel efforts. It is akin to a person who goes from being an Angry Young Man to becoming a father, and he suddenly sees the joy and wisdom in communication and togetherness. It's a very solid album all the way around, ... more
Louis Armstrong: Ambassador Satch      (1 of 2 found this review helpful)
  Review by bdautch June 2, 2003

Although the performances on Ambassador Satch are, well, proficient, the overall disc leaves me wanting more. See, because they were touring around Europe, I think Louis and the All-Stars wanted to play songs they were sure everyone would know. This leads to a bit of a "Greatest Hits" aura that ... more
Billy Joel: 52nd Street      (1 of 1 found this review helpful)
  Review by emilsjr June 1, 2003

Like Toto's "IV", Sony re-released Billy Joel's "52nd street" with this mutli-channel/stereo release. Like other Sony re-releases, the disc features an improved stereo mix. The original stereo release was my very first SACD purchase. And based on that version, I agree with the sonics review from ... more
Toto: Toto IV      (3 of 3 found this review helpful)
  Review by emilsjr June 1, 2003

Toto made it big with their best album IV. Sony has released this disc twice, with the second being this multi-channel/stereo release. The original stereo only release was marked by lackluster sonics and annoying pop sounds that were sprinkled throughout the disc. This was one of my very first ... more
Air Supply: The Definitive Collection        (3 of 3 found this review helpful)
  Review by emilsjr June 1, 2003

I am sure that Air Supply must hold the record for the most songs that contain the word "Love" in the title. I guess that is approriate. To their credit, Air Supply never pretended to be anything but they are, a Soft Ballad group. I guess that deserves some respect. From "Lost in love" to "Making ... more
Beethoven: Piano Concertos Nos. 2 & 4 - Kovacevich/Davis        (7 of 8 found this review helpful)
  Review by sgb June 1, 2003

This particular recording has been a favorite of mine since its inital release nearly thirty years ago. Stephen Kovacevich (or Bishop-Kovacevich. if you prefer) appeals as one of those pianists whose playing is rather forthright and precise, giving us here a rather lyrical presentation of the ... more
Laura Fygi: At Ronnie Scotts        (4 of 4 found this review helpful)
  Review by hobo June 1, 2003

This is a singer you simply have to like if you like Ella Fitzgerald. She has a low , sometimes sensual sound. The recording is live in the famous prestigious jazz club Ronnie Scott's . It is not clear if this is a real DSD recording. I think it's not because it is mixed by Mike Butcher in Holland ... more
Peter Gabriel: Shaking the Tree      (7 of 7 found this review helpful)
  Review by emilsjr June 1, 2003

After So and before Us, Peter Gabriel culled together 16 of his greatest songs onto one cd. Most people complain that "In Your Eyes" was not included. This was a personal decision made by Mr Gabriel and so no complaints here. However, there is a lot to complain about this SACD. Since all of his ... more
Copland: Appalachian Spring, El Salon Mexico etc. - Bernstein      (7 of 7 found this review helpful)
  Review by Russell May 31, 2003

Another true classic recording has arrived on SACD, courtesy of Sony. This time it's Leonard Bernstein's vital and inspired interpretations of four Copland favorites: Appalachian Spring, Billy the Kid, Rodeo, and El Salon Mexico. Lenny is fully in his element here, and IMO these performances, ... more
  Review by dmx May 31, 2003

Good quality, warm, background hiss is estetic and very close to the vinal
Deep Purple: Machine Head        (2 of 3 found this review helpful)
  Review by JW July 3, 2003

It's a pity and a shame* that the record company decided to add three bonus tracks to the Mch layer alone. The Mch layer gets an alternate mix of 'Maybe I'm A Leo' and 'Lazy', plus the slow blues "When A Blind Man Cries'. That leaves the 2Ch person with just over 37 minutes of what is arguably great ... more
  Review by JW July 3, 2003

Accessable and flowing baroque musique. The first 6 Introduttiones have a similar theme and style which in my opinion is the reason that these may not stand the test of time as 'great' music, but they are a stylish companion to a nice meal with friends :-) I found the most interesting part of this ... more
Miles Davis: Kind of Blue      (2 of 2 found this review helpful)
  Review by JW June 29, 2003

I can understand why Marc in his review below says that there is not much to say about this album, I mean where do you start! But it made me smile since this is probably the most talked/written about Jazz album in history. And if you had to explain what jazz is to an alien I guess you should play ... more
The Police: Synchronicity      (9 of 11 found this review helpful)
  Review by JW July 18, 2003

Synchronicity starts of alright with The Police's familiar, intelligent and catchy pop-rock, sprinkled with a little jazz. But after the first song it goes downhill for me, culminating in the horrible, atonal primal screams of 'Mother'. I'd hate to ask the group what on earth happened that day...I ... more
Beck: Sea Change      (1 of 4 found this review helpful)
  Review by Tom May 27, 2003

A pleasant surprise for both sonics and presentation. It's now one of my top 10 favorates.
Miles Davis: Miles Smiles      (4 of 4 found this review helpful)
  Review by JW May 27, 2003

Once you make it through Miles Davis' traditional jazz period you end up with Miles Smiles, the start of the more improvisational Miles. By this time it's 1966. When I reviewed "Nefertiti" ('67) I called it a bridge to the more modern Miles. The same counts for this album, and perhaps even more so. ... more
Miles Davis: Seven Steps to Heaven      (4 of 4 found this review helpful)
  Review by JW May 27, 2003

This 1963 album is another one in Miles' classical jazz tradition. Swapping out Wynton Kelly for Herbie Hancock meant a slight change in character as compared to the "Someday My Prince Will Come" release from 2 years earlier. Miles Davis was in the process of forming a new band and that's why you ... more
Chet Baker: Chet        (4 of 4 found this review helpful)
  Review by JW May 27, 2003

Orrin Keepnews, the producer of this recording, says in the original liner notes that "Although this album is entirely devoted to explorations of the ballad mood, it includes considerable variety." and he is absolutely right on. From the opening bars you also notice this is one of the best Analogue ... more
Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 5 & 7 - Kleiber        (3 of 4 found this review helpful)
  Review by Rpower May 27, 2003

I had been wanting a recording of Kleiber/VPO's Beethoven Symphonies 5 & 7 for years and was happy to see them both on a single disc in recent months. I had contemplated getting the CD version when I found out this was available in MC SACD. I found it at Best Buy for $15.99, so I couldn't ... more
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6, Francesca da Rimini - Ashkenazy          (3 of 3 found this review helpful)
  Review by Rpower May 27, 2003

I had been looking for a current performance of Tchaikovshy's Symphony No. 6 recorded in DSD as it has always been one of my favorite classical pieces. When I saw the this new Exton SACD by Vladimir Ashkenazy and the Philharmonia Orchestra, I knew I had a good contender for an excellent performance ... more
Alison Krauss: Live          (0 of 1 found this review helpful)
  Review by hobo May 23, 2003

This sacd has a good live sound. Great atmosphere, (I should be because it is live). I like this cd very much. The recording is good, very direct. Her voice is beautiful but that should be no surprise. As far as i can see it is a direct DSD recording. very good, i play it a lot and it never bores ... more
Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No. 3 etc. - Lang Lang          (4 of 7 found this review helpful)
  Review by hobo May 23, 2003

I have the reachmaninov recording form George Bolet for years now. This recording from Telarc is very good, problably better. Very musical. The Steinway sounds very natural. The higher notes sound very open and 'round' You can almost imagine a Steinway in your room. This is a sound i never heard on ... more
Schubert: Unfinished Symphony, Beethoven: Symphony No. 5 - Walter      (1 of 2 found this review helpful)
  Review by JW May 23, 2003

These are two monuments of the classical reportoire, conducted by another 'monument' in the form of Bruno Walter. The performances here are very good in my view. The sound quality of this particular Walter disc is of a lesser quality than Walter's Brahms or Mozart SACD's - both worth seeking out as ... more
Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition etc. - Cleveland Orchestra/Maazel        (2 of 5 found this review helpful)
  Review by JW May 23, 2003

Moussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition was inspired by a memorial exhibition of water colours and drawings by his friend and architect, Victor Hartmann. It was written in 1873 and consists of ten parts, representing in essense a walk through an art gallery. Originally it was meant to be a solo ... more
Tchaikovsky, Mendelssohn: Violin Concertos - Stern      (9 of 10 found this review helpful)
  Review by JW May 23, 2003

This is such beautiful music and so beautifully played ! Classical music at its best in my view and simply invigorating to listen to. If you want to convince someone to get into SACD, this is as good a place to start as any! Both of these works are well known. The flowing melodies of the Concerto in ... more
Miles Davis: Someday My Prince Will Come      (4 of 4 found this review helpful)
  Review by JW May 22, 2003

Another gem from Miles Davis' acoustic period. This March, 1961 recording features John Coltrane (ts on track 1 and 5), Hank Mobley (ts on all but track 5), Wynton Kelly (p), Paul Chambers (b) and Jimmy Cobb and Philly Joe Jones alternating on drums. The track listing is as follows: 1. Someday My ... more
Dvorak: Slavonic Dances - Fischer          (2 of 10 found this review helpful)
  Review by JW May 22, 2003

Fifteen pounds Dvorak pocketed for his first 8 Slavonic Dances ! After that he was asked to do another set, for the first 5 of which he received a similar amount of money. Fortunately the entire second series ended up being more profitable for him because overall he received about ten times what he ... more
Miles Davis: A Tribute to Jack Johnson      (2 of 2 found this review helpful)
  Review by JW June 16, 2003

This 1970 soundtrack - did anyone ever see this movie I wonder? - is dedicated to Jack Johnson who was a prize fighter at the beginning of the 20th century. It features John McLaughlin on guitar, Michael Henderson on Fender bass, Bill Cobham on drums, Herbie Hancock on keyboards and Hammond organ ... more
Michel Camilo: Triangulo          (2 of 2 found this review helpful)
  Review by ravnspore May 22, 2003

An interesting mix of latin and jazz, in that order. Camilo is a master on the piano and Anthony Jackson fantastic on the bass. Horacio Hernandez has got "4" arms on drums and percussion. So technically as masterful performance, but sitting through the whole (SA) CD can be a little bit boring as ... more
  Review by ravnspore May 22, 2003

With a huge assembly of star performers like Marcus Miller, Dennis Chambers, Jay Beckenstein etc., the performances are top-notch, but the overall production borders on "smooth", although some of Weather Reports' catalogue is quiet catchy in a "pop" kind of way and therefore lends itself to a ... more
Toto: Hydra      (1 of 2 found this review helpful)
  Review by ravnspore May 22, 2003

An improvement over the CD, but only marginally! The follow up to TOTO's monster debut album, this is one of the more "special" TOTO albums, more progressive, less pop. It spawned one of TOTO's best hits , "99", a true TOTO classic. Recorded in the early 80's this is one of those 80's albums that ... more
Ray Brown, Monty Alexander, Russell Malone          (1 of 1 found this review helpful)
  Review by ravnspore May 22, 2003

Ray Brown recorded this just before his death at 82 years. It is amazing to hear a 82 year old playing the upright bass as if he was born yesterday!. Overall a pretty amazing performance from these 3 and the 2 "younger" ones have to play "hard" to keep up with Mr. Brown, but they deliver ... more
Natalie Cole: Ask a Woman Who Knows        (2 of 4 found this review helpful)
  Review by ravnspore May 22, 2003

Nice enough, but I wish she would make an album of swinging big band style music instead of all the "sugar-coated" ballads. Saying that Cole's chops are outstanding compared to the hord of other singers who claim to be "jazz-singers"! The reason for me wanting the more big band style is that on ... more
Miles Davis: In A Silent Way      (1 of 1 found this review helpful)
  Review by ravnspore May 22, 2003

Another classic from Miles. A demanding listen for some - maybe, with it's ultra long tracks. With 3 keyboardists, 1 guitar player, one saxophonist plus drums and bass and not forgetting Miles, it is almost a "big" band, but the playing is - as the title suggests - very slow and intimate. In ... more
Joe Satriani: Strange Beautiful Music      (2 of 2 found this review helpful)
  Review by ravnspore May 22, 2003

Bought this album just to have another SACD surround disc, and expecting that the sound would be a little harsh, as that was my experience with other SACD's like Journey Greatest Hits (although not 5.1) But to my surprise this is a fantastic SACD. The sonics are fantastic and the mix is fantastic - ... more
Spyro Gyra: In Modern Times        (3 of 3 found this review helpful)
  Review by ravnspore May 21, 2003

I have been a Spyro Gyra fan for more than 20 years and they are a fantastic band who grows on you for every new CD and that they are now doing SACD and in surround makes the experience even better, as you can hear what a special band they are. OK, I hear you saying that this is smooth jazz but ... more
Britten: War Requiem etc - Hickox        (3 of 4 found this review helpful)
  Review by SimonTJU May 20, 2003

As I understand, this is one of the first high resolution CD's of this label. Britten was mastered from 16/44 (info from discs cover). Dispite this, the sonic is increadibly analog like! I couldn't hear any harshness and brightness, usually, associated with such PCM mastering. Superb transparency, ... more
Piazzolla: Orchestral Works - Castagna        (2 of 2 found this review helpful)
  Review by SimonTJU May 20, 2003

As I understand, this is one of the first high resolution CD's of this label. Piazolla was mastered from 24/48(info from discs cover). Dispite this, the sonic is increadibly analog like! I couldn't hear any harshness and brightness, usually, associated with such PCM mastering. Superb transparency, ... more
Chick Corea: Rendezvous in New York          (10 of 11 found this review helpful)
  Review by ravnspore May 20, 2003

My first ever Chick Corea album, and it is a double-sacd with live performances from a row of shows in New York, to celebrate his 60th birthday. This is a Hybrid SACD, with CD, Stereo-SACD and 5.1 tracks. This if sort of a "best of live". Corea has done many different things over the years, from ... more
Spyro Gyra: Original Cinema        (2 of 2 found this review helpful)
  Review by muzikman May 19, 2003

This is the second release for Spyro Gyra on the Telarc affiliated Heads Up label. This format is SACD hybrid that plays on all SACD and CD players. The 6-channel discrete surround (DSD) or multi-channel sound is compatible only with the new SACD players. Even though I did not listen to this CD on ... more
Bon Jovi: Bounce      (0 of 2 found this review helpful)
  Review by agentalbert May 19, 2003

First off, this IS the worst album of Bon Jovi's career. It has a grungy mix as if they were trying to channel Alice in Chains. Its lacking in the catchy pop hooks that gave Bon Jovi their longevity. For BJ fans who must have this album, the SACD is a good value. It's budget priced, and includes ... more
Mozart, Mendelssohn: Violin Concertos - Eschkenazy/Boni          (2 of 8 found this review helpful)
  Review by JW May 22, 2003

Sometimes knowing too much can be a disadvantage. The reason I start my review like this is that people who's opinion on classical music I respect, say that Eshkenazy is playing off-key, or more accurately that there is something wrong with his intonation. Now, it is because of this recently ... more
Miles Davis: Nefertiti      (6 of 6 found this review helpful)
  Review by JW May 24, 2003

This album (1967) still falls into Miles Davis' acoustic and traditional jazz period. But you can see the change coming on this fourth coop with his quintet. "Nefertiti" features Herbie Hancock (piano), Wayne Shorter (ts), Ron Carter (bass) and Tony Williams (drums). The change I referred to is the ... more
Bill Evans Trio: Waltz For Debby        (5 of 6 found this review helpful)
  Review by JW May 20, 2003

This is the second (live) album cut from an afternoon session at New York's Village Vanguard jazz club in 1961. The first album is called "Sunday At The Village Vanguard" (SATVV is reviewed here on sacdinfo.com* as well). "Waltz For Debbie" is different in that it is a more even portrait of the Bill ... more
Ozzfest 2002 Live Album      (1 of 1 found this review helpful)
  Review by Rinkrat May 18, 2003

When I saw names like System of a Down and Rob Zombie and then the word "Multichannel", I could hardly get the money out fast enough to pay for this and get home. I cranked it and waited for the onslaught. I was thouroughly let down after only a few tracks. The recording it terrible and the ... more
Jorma Kaukonen: Blue Country Heart        (0 of 2 found this review helpful)
  Review by Rinkrat May 18, 2003

I saw this on a few people's favorite disk list and decided to give it a try. Well now it'll make a good coaster because I'll never listen to it again. It's bad, and I mean really bad. Uninspired folk music that makes the Greatful Dead spin in their graves. Don't waste your money on this rubbish, ... more
David Bowie: Heathen      (1 of 7 found this review helpful)
  Review by Rinkrat May 18, 2003

I picked this up based upon these glaring reviews and I've got to tell you I wasted my money. Sure the sound is great but Mr. Bowie is over the hill and is just going through the motions. Oh well, at least I can put it on Ebay and recoup a part of the money. I'll be happy when "Hunky Dory" and ... more
Beck: Sea Change      (11 of 12 found this review helpful)
  Review by Rinkrat May 18, 2003

I just got an SACD player and have been picking up a few discs including this one, I've had a few hits and more misses. I like the Stones remasters and of coutse Pink Floyd DSOTM, but I have to admit, THIS is my favorite disc so far. On first listening I could hardly believe it was Beck. There is no ... more
Chopin: Etudes Opp. 10, 25 - Perahia      (1 of 6 found this review helpful)
  Review by jbcortes May 16, 2003

I'm not a huge fan of Chopin, so I'm not a good judge of the artistic quality of this record. All I can say is that I'm really disappointed with the sound, especially after reading somewhere that it was first-rate. The piano sounds like it's being played under water, or behind a blanket, remote, ... more
The Byrds: Greatest Hits      (0 of 1 found this review helpful)
  Review by swanlee May 16, 2003

Just wanted to add the sonics are not that bad average at worst. Alot of the songs don't have a ton of instruments going on so some of it is minimalistic. Still give you the nice smooth analog feel of SACD though and to me that counts a lot. Bonus tracks are worth the price of admission BTW and 8 ... more
Tangerine Dream: Rubycon        (3 of 3 found this review helpful)
  Review by swanlee May 16, 2003

Just wanted to add best Ambient SACD disc, so if you like ambient stuff you need to buy this now.
Roxy Music: The Best of Roxy Music        (0 of 2 found this review helpful)
  Review by swanlee May 16, 2003

Is this ever going to come out? been on pre-release for two years now.
  Review by swanlee May 16, 2003

This was considered the Stones SGt.Peppers rip-off album and it's pretty easy to tell why, just look at the cover. But it's still a pretty good album flows very well from start to finish and is worth picking up. Sonics are great as the effects used jump right out at you, the mix and mastering are ... more
Roger Waters: In The Flesh      (1 of 1 found this review helpful)
  Review by swanlee May 16, 2003

Good performance, gotta add a little on sonics though. It sounds very muddy and non dynamic not a good recording at all and SACD just seems to enhcance what's bad here. Sounds like you have a bit of cotton in your ears when you listen to it.
  Review by swanlee May 16, 2003

This SACD is not to bad except for one song Wheel in the Sky sound like they recorded off of AM radio. not kidding either it sounds terrible. Remember those little plascit records that would come in ceral boxes? Those had better sound quality than Wheel in the Sky. The rest of the SACD is not bad ... more
Bryan Ferry: Frantic        (1 of 2 found this review helpful)
  Review by swanlee May 16, 2003

Picked this up from amazon germany, found a link and had to guess german to get through the option to order. Overall though it came in about 1 week to the USA. Ebay might be an option to find this also. To put it mildy this is a really great album. Never been the biggest Ferry solo fan although I'm ... more
Blue Oyster Cult: Agents of Fortune      (1 of 1 found this review helpful)
  Review by swanlee May 16, 2003

First off think was stereophile or one of the mags that trashed the SACD version of agents of fortune all I can sy to that is they are wrong and to use your own ears. While the SACD version won't make you think the unearthed some lost artifact of pop history is does sound really good. This album ... more
The Police: Every Breath You Take        (2 of 5 found this review helpful)
  Review by ddarch88 May 16, 2003

A speaker test...for those who dare... When you are home alone...turn the volume control to the highest point you EVER play at...put in this SACD...forward to Every Breath You take...take your normal listening seat...push play!! Okay, I know I am cheating...this is not a review of this entire ... more
Miles Davis Quintet: Cookin' with the Miles Davis Quintet        (7 of 7 found this review helpful)
  Review by JW May 28, 2003

This is the first in a series of 4 famous albums by what to some is the best Miles Davis band ever. Just check-out the line-up: Miles himself on trumpet of course, John Coltrane (tsax), Red Garland (piano), Paul Chambers (bass), Philly Joe Jones (drums). The other 3 albums are Steamin' (available on ... more
Peter Gabriel: Passion - The Last Temptation of Christ      (2 of 3 found this review helpful)
  Review by JW May 30, 2003

"We recorded some of the finest singers and soloists in the field of world music and set the score on a backdrop of traditional North African rhythmns and sounds. It was a wonderful experience working with (...) musicians (...) from Pakistan, Turkey, India, Ivory Coast, Bahrain, Egypt, New Guinea, ... more
Mozart: Sinfonia Concertante, Concerto Violin & Piano - Midori        (6 of 6 found this review helpful)
  Review by ddarch88 May 16, 2003

I am just beginning my excursion into classical music, so forgive my naivete. I bought this SACD on a whim, having had a gift certificate for Best Buy and having wanted to hear something classical in the format. I was unfamiliar with the works, and chose them mostly because I like most Violin ... more

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