Arc (2006)

Considering that Edip Akbayram was still active in 2006 and, in fact, enjoying a comeback of sorts in Turkey, some people might think this two-CD self-titled album is a career-encompassing "best-of." Truth is, there is no indication whatsoever in this album's booklet as to where these 24 tracks come from, but the press release states they are "the best psych tracks from his first two albums and many related singles," which would imply that the tracks were all recorded in the early '70s. An important figure in Turkish pop music, Akbayram and his band Dostlar were among the most successful at integrating Western instruments and structures into local music. What they came up with is an infectious, personal, and deeply honest form of psychedelic rock…

Animation is the third solo album by Jon Anderson, and it shows both hearkenings to the other two and a new energy and direction. When he recorded the first album, Olias of Sunhillow, he was a member of Yes. That album has a strong progressive rock texture, being composed of longer pieces that all weave into one conceptual piece. It is also important to note that that release is a true "solo" work, Anderson performing virtually every sound on the record. By the time he released Song of Seven, both his professional status (he was no longer a member of Yes) and musical theory seemed to have changed. The album was for more pop-oriented, although a few points (the title track, most notably) still contained strong progressive rock tendencies…

The Gliss master with SFO Soundtribe 3 - the Spirits Burning Crew. What it says on the tin. Fantastic! Elegant west coast grooves featuring Daevid’s glissando guitar with the spirits burning crew from San Francisco arranged & produced by Don Marino Falcone. These CDs are in matt black card covers with silver and white printing. This is the twelfth of a 20CD series, each release a limited pressing of 1000 copies only - no more will be pressed.

The Nightwish story offers up a spectacular dramatic arc, and Mape Ollila grabs it with both hands. He has clearly been close and personal with the people he interviewed for the book, and this shows up in the candid statements that find their way onto the page. No stone is left unturned, whether it is about personal chemistry, contractual wrangling, or simple old-fashioned rock stars getting trashed. –Jarkko Jokelainen, Helsingin Sanomat …