Island Pictures

Dark, disturbing, percussive, and theatrical are words that come to mind when listening to this unique album from the mid 70's. Influences include early Peter Gabriel, Gentle Giant, Il Balletto di Bronzo, ELP, and even John Cage. "Empty Bottles", the 23-minute bonus track, is almost worth the price of the CD. It is quite different from the first 5 tracks, and emphasizes complex jamming (improvised?). A couple of the last tracks from the original album tend to drag a bit due to slow tempos. But, after the complex sections in the first 4 tracks, the slower tempos at the end of the album are more than a welcome relief.

Charting Island’s rise from its very origins in to the modern age, War Ina Babylon not only provides a fascinating insight into the changing sound of Jamaican music over the past 40 years, but also brings together some of the greatest ska, rock steady and reggae recordings of all time.

This fantastic four-CD set from the veteran British rockers includes all 75 of their A-sides (many of them being radio edits not available on the original albums) plus Jump That Rock (Whatever You Want), their 2008 collaboration with the German techno act Scooter. Love 'em or hate 'em, Status Quo have been rockin' the charts for four decades. While they remain living legends and rock icons in the U.K., Europe, South America, and elsewhere, they can't even get arrested in the States! The "hip" U.K. press love to take as many potshots at them as possible, which is all the more reason to loveQuo. But we all know that, deep down (deeper and down), those critics probably have a soft spot for quite a few of Quo's hits but will never admit to it in public. At any rate, the band has always managed to maintain a certain quality level that may not always touch the stars, but, at the least, will always rock the house!

Talk about rockers rollin'! This fantastic four-CD set from the veteran British rockers includes all 75 of their A-sides (many of them being radio edits not available on the original albums) plus Jump That Rock (Whatever You Want), their 2008 collaboration with the German techno act Scooter. Love 'em or hate 'em, Status Quo have been rockin' the charts for four decades. While they remain living legends and rock icons in the U.K., Europe, South America, and elsewhere, they can't even get arrested in the States! The "hip" U.K. press love to take as many potshots at them as possible, which is all the more reason to loveQuo. But we all know that, deep down (deeper and down), those critics probably have a soft spot for quite a few of Quo's hits but will never admit to it in public. At any rate, the band has always managed to maintain a certain quality level that may not always touch the stars, but, at the least, will always rock the house!

Standard two CD pressing of the veteran British Rock band's 2008 career-spanning collection, released to coincide with their 40th Anniversary. From the Psychedelic Garage Pop of 1968's 'Pictures Of Matchstick Men' through to the 12 bar blues of 'Whatever You Want' - a sound that the band became synonymous with throughout the '70s and '80s - this collection highlights why Status Quo have become one the UK's best loved Rock groups.

… With engineering credits given to Eroc back in 1974 this album blends heavy jazz and progressive rock elements into a very captivating album. I do not really think this album fits the genre of the Krautrockers and instead feels more like Canterbury as a sub genre. Musically these guys were amazing too mixing saxes, organ, guitar with a steady core of bass and drum in support. My favorite track is the self titled Kentalope Island which creates a Sun-Ra like space vibe to the mix. A very interesting album and for those who like to explore in new directions will likely find a little relief here.