This 'Dracula' not please me. And the reasons are:

1. The 'Dracula' story in this Rock Opera: the love sentiment of Dracula!

2. The music: Not too PFM!

3. The fact that PFM not played this Rock Opera in live concerts...! (And this is not good).

But Dracula could love other persons? For the story it is difficult to say. For the literature... Certainly no! For this motive I think that this Rock Opera transmit a not correct Dracula view!

And the music... The music... Ok... The music is not PFM. Nothing of PFM matrix (Prog or POP) is present in this 'Dracula'.

So I think that this album is one of the worst album of my discography.

Amen.

Because a band as Crimson Glory is good for a Progster? I do not have Idea. In fact in Revival Classic Metal all the new bands are good for a Progster. In my idea, because in this 'Astronomica' is not present Midnight and because the music is a Classical Revival Classic Metal, Crimson Glory is another band respect to 80's with Drenning, Black and Lords from original Crimson Glory. In a certain sense 'Astronomica' is a sort of Heavy Prog album if you reasoning in Prog terms. But this is not the problem. I have the two CD limited version by Rising Sun. Clear I prefer the 2nd CD, a live with 3 Crimson Glory classics from 80's. Is this a merit? at those time I remember the voices that took for the imminent the return of Midnight with Crimson Glory. But this has not happened. We could rejoice? Maybe! In every case, for me, 'Astronomica' is a good album but without power (see the drums sound... Too similar to D-Drum sound, for example), with good production and with a great desire for ransom. That did not happen!

Unfortunately 'Astronomica' Today transmit me these feelings.

This is the time That I spent 2 cents about 'Strange And Beautiful', the worst and ugliest album of my discography. There is a clear message? Because if not... I should shoot!

Beyond the irony ... But not too much... 'Strange and Beautiful' should have been called 'Strange and Bad'! Because even Midnight must be saved! If even the two great power ballads ('Song For Angel' and 'Deep Inside Your Heart') can save this album... I said all... (believe me right... Now I'm crying...!!!)

So it's time to draw such conclusions... More I can not write in a civil manner. 'Strange And Beautiful' is boring, unnecessary and ugly. Only the two power ballad must be saved.

— First review of this album —

No problems with compression, depression, over-compensation, just pure clear full sound, and lots of details/alterations i have not heard before - Supper's Ready was always cited for less-than-average sound quality having been squashed on a single LP side, but here it is revealed in its full glory, the 5.1 channel layout used to its full advantage especially during Willow Farm, its familiar little chirps and squeaks coming from everywhere! Remains more influential, dominant and relevant today than ever! Would have been nice to have included Revelation and Genesis Live. Track listing as follows....

Trespass - CD / SACD / DVD Looking for Someone (7:02) / White Mountain (6:44) / Visions of Angels (6:51) / Stagnation (8:46) / Dusk (4:11) / The Knife (8:53) / DVD Extras - Reissues Interview 2007 (42:35)

Nursery Cryme - CD / SACD / DVD Musical Box (10:31) / For Absent Friends (1:48) / Return of the Giant Hogweed (8:09) / Seven Stones (5:09) / Harold the Barrel (3:00) / Harlequin (2:56) / The Fountain of Salmacis (8:00) / DVD EXTRAS - Reissues Interview 2007 (36:19)

Foxtrot - CD / SACD / DVD Watcher of the Skies (7:22) / Time Table (4:46) / Get 'em out by Friday (8:36) / Can-Utility and the Coastliners (5:45) / Horizons (1:41) / Supper's Ready (23:04) / DVD EXTRAS - Reissues Interview 2007 (34:18) / Brussels, Belgium (Rock of the 70's 1972 (29:22) / Rome, Italy (Piper Club 1972) (4:07)

Selling England By The Pound - CD / SACD / DVD Dancing with the Moonlit Knight (8:02) / I Know What I Like (In your Wardrobe) (4:10) / Firth of Fifth (9:35) / More Fool Me (3:10) / Battle of Epping Forest (11:44) / After the Ordeal (4:15) / The Cinema Show (10:41) / Aisle of Plenty (1:56) / DVD EXTRAS - Reissues Interview 2007 (32:38) / Shepperton Studios, 1973 (1:00:50) / Bataclan, France 1973 (33:52)

The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway - CD / SACD / DVD The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway (4:51) /Fly on a Windshield (2:44) / Broadway Melody of 1974 (2:11) / Cuckoo Cocoon (2:13) / In the Cage (8:09) / The Grand Parade of Lifeless Packaging (2:44) / Back in N.Y.C. (5:36) / Hairless Heart (2:06) / Counting Out Time (4:12) / The Carpet Crawlers (5:11) / The Chamber of 32 Doors (5:39) / Lilywhite Lilith (2:48) / The Waiting Room (5:15) / Anyway (3:08) / Here Comes the Supernatural Anaesthetist (2:56) / The Lamia (6:56) / Silent Sorrow in Empty Boats (2:58) / The Colony of Slippermen (8:11) / Ravine (2:06) / The Light Dies Down on Broadway (3:32) / Riding the Scree (4:06) / In the Rapids (2:18) / It (4:17) / DVD EXTRAS - Reissues Interview 2007 (50:00) / Melody French TV 1974 (30:25) / Slides / Photos

Extras 1970 - 1975 - CD / SACD / DVD Happy the Man (7 single) (3:10) / Twilight Alehouse (B-side (I Know What I Like) (7:48) / Going out to get You (Demo) (4:55) / Shepherd (BBC Nightride) (4:04) / Pacidy (BBC Nightride) (5:44) / Let us now make Love (BBC Nightride) (6:16) / Provocation (Genesis plays Jackson) (4:10) / Frustration (Genesis plays Jackson) (3:42) / Manipulation (Genesis plays Jackson) (3:49) / Resignation (Genesis plays Jackson) (3:01) / DVD EXTRAS - Reissues Interview 2007 (6:00) / Box Set 1967 - 1975 VH1 Special / Midnight Special 1973

I am not much of a reviewer but I will give this album my best shot. I suspect readers already know that Murple was one of many one-shot italian bands in the 70's to release a fantastic album and then disappear for lack of money and/or interest. After 35 years, they are back again with the original lineup. It's hard for me to not continually compare their classic 73 album to this one but I have listened to this one several times with an open mind and must say that it has grown to be an excellent album to my ears. My 4-star rating may confuse others or what have you but I have my reasons for it:

1. They seem to have continued where they left off in 1973. They're still using the tasty analog key sound of the 70's.

2. There's enough classical influences in the music and it does not seem they have tried to go with the neo sound of the plastic keyboard. Kudos to them for this. There are some terrific el-piano pieces albeit short.

3. I do not hear repititous droning drum beats that seem to be a fixture in today's music. Instead, the drummer seems to be experimenting either with high hat sections, snares, etc.... All too often in today's music, it almost sounds like many bands employ a drum machine or a drummer who's afraid to wander outside of the 4/4 | bass drum boom boom boom | bass drum boom boom boom.... The drums do not sound digital on this album. Another reason I prefer the 70's sound is due to hearing more experimentation with the drummer

4. Some really nice choral sections in a few pieces.

5. The bass player plays some really nice melody lines.

6. There's some really nice relaxing melodic music on this album including a classic accoustical guitar piece.

Yes the album is under 34 minutes long but I've never had a problem with that. I strongly feel that I'd rather have a 33 minute album of quality material thruought rather than a 79 minute album that has 50- 60 minutes of filler on it.

Murple does not sound uninspired or like they came back to the studio just for business. Rather I feel they decided to pick up where they left off with Io sono murple. That album (as does this album) employs quiet sections as well as bombastic sections sprinkled with nice keyboards/drums and bass.

In my opinion, one of the much better reunion albums from 70's italian prog acts. To my ears, maybe the best. I recall being disappointed with Metamorfosi's paradiso and still feel that way and each additional listen to that one confirms my disappointment as Inferno was just so much better. This one is different. After several listens, it sounds better and better and I have to say parts of this album are in check with Io Sono Murple. You could do worse to play Io Sono Murple and this album together. They're really both like part 1 and part 2 and the songs could actually be interchangable.

Great job Murple. Welcome back. I can only hope that you don't wait another 35 years. But if you never release another album again, I'm grateful you all came back in the studio to release this.

Thank you!!!

Lonely Land is the second studio album from Swedish progressive rock act Landberk. Or it´s actually a re-recording of their debut album Riktigt Äkta ( 1992) which had Swedish lyrics. Lonely Land has English lyrics and is probably more interesting for most listeners. For me who understand Swedish ( How much depends on which dialect is used) Riktigt Äkta is the preferable one of those two albums. Lonely Land is great too though and an excellent addition to my collection.

The music is pretty eclectic with both symphonic prog, heavy prog and folky elements and fans of the mellotron sound should find great listening pleasure here. The vocals are great most of the time but there are flaws. As it was the case with the first song on Riktigt Äkta called I Nattens Timma ( Night Hour), the best song on the album is also the English language version of that same song called Waltz of the dark riddle. Beautiful sombre song. It´s probably one of my favorite songs not only on these two albums but of of all songs I´ve heard in my life. The rest of the songs are also great and varied progressive rock that´s way above average for our beloved genre. It´s not excellent all the way through though and there are weaker moments on the album.

The musicianship is great and the production is pretty good.

Lonely Land is a small 4 star rating from me and maybe only a big 3 star rating because of the weaker moments but I´ll stretch as I feel that the overall impression is way above average. you just gotta listen to that opening song. What a powerful moment. As I said above it´s an aquired taste if you´ll prefer the Swedish or the English language version of the album but my recommendation goes to the Swedish version.

The last Dixie Dregs album from first era, well, now only Dregs, they left their Dixie behind now. Industry standard is from 1982, but again nothing special in their music, every piece can enter on any previoses DD album easely. The same jazz-fusion combined with excellent violin interplays and some country chops here an there, not bad really, but nothing special either. Guitar of Steve Morse did a great job again, but he don't shines like on other DD albums, he only play some fine and intruiging moments but not over the top ones i might say. We have here some pieces with vocals that sometimes reminds me of Kansas Drastic measures or Vinyl conffesion era, same AOR mood, but not bad , only not so intristing as the fellowers americans. The best pieces the opening track Assembly line or the meaningfull title Where's Dixie?So again a good album no doubt but kinda far from the shining moments from What if .3 stars for this one.

Safe is the fourth studio album from Polish progressive rock act Collage. Collage third album Moonshine (1994) is considered a classic Polish progressive rock album and deservedly so IMO. To follow up on an album many people believe is a masterpiece or at least an excellent album is a very hard task and even though Safe is not as significant a release as Moonshine I think Collage succeeds pretty well after all.

The musical style hasn´t changed much since Moonshine and we´re still treated with very melodic progressive rock dominated by keyboards and synths. The guitars from Mirek Gil are also very beautiful and melodic while the characteristic and untamed drumming from Wojtek Szadkowski is somewhat toned down on Safe. He still delivers some great drumming though. The vocals from Robert Amirian are in Steve Hogarth style ( Marillion) which means that they have a slight hard rock sound to them while still maintaining the melodic qualities. I am normally not a big fan of that kind of vocal style but it works pretty fine here. The music is predominantly influenced by bands like Marillion and IQ. Very rooted in eighties progressive rock ( neoprog if you will).

Like Moonshine the album is very long. The playing time is 71:01 minutes but there are several great songs on Safe which means that the album never gets trivial. I really enjoy songs like Eight Kisses and One of Their Kind but I don´t think any of the songs here are weak.

The musicianship is excellent. Lots of great performances here and the compositional level is also very high.

The production is a bit more balanced than the very pompeous and grand production on Moonshine. It´s even a bit warm. It´s still a grand production with dominant keyboards though.

Moonshine is without a doubt Collage´s main work and if you´re new to the band you should start with that one but Safe is not far behind and if you like Moonshine chances are you´ll enjoy Safe very much as well. It´s not my biggest 4 star rating ever but a 4 star rating it is.

Hero is a forgotten italian group from mid '70's who plays heavy prog. Their selftitled only album from 1974 bring nothing new under the heavy prog flag, but holds good pieces, that needs maybe a better attention by prog listners. This album is so rare that took me ore than 4 month to find it, on Cd, the original release on vinyl from 1974 is lost somewhere in dust of time and worth fortunes for collectors. Anyway is pretty rare even on Cd, and not many listners heared about this italian band. Their music is heavy prog with keybords arrangements and nice shifts between guitar and predominant instrument keys, but don't expect to another ELP influenced album. The most unintristing thing here is the voice of Robert Deller, who is not a bad vocalist, but don't shines at all, he only sings the notes. Now the music remainds me in places with early german bands Walpurgis and Dull Knife, and on piece Knock, the manner of interpretation of Robert Deller on voice is like on any Vand Der Graaf Generator album from early'70's, he realy is one on one with Peter Hammill here. The music as I said is heavy prog but very vague in contrast with what other bands done it in that times, seams thay didn't manage to creat something realy great, that's why this album is a good one but nothing special. This band remains unknown even for italian scene not to mention the rest of the planet. Influences are from german heavy prog scene and in places from Van Der Graaf Generator and even that dark atmosphere from King Crimson music mostly in arrangements. Finaly the best pieces are Childrens game, the longest track from here Clapping and Smiling and Dew drops, the rest are only ok. I will give to this album 2.5 rounded to 3, not realy bad but nothing to talk about either. One of those bands that for one reason or other goes into oblivion.

Fifth studio album by this overlooked band named Excelsior from 1998 . I have real doubts if this is their best effort as everybody mentioning here. To me is less intristing that the prior album ntil etenity , and I will explain why. Whil the previous album was the most acomplished Mastemind album in every sens, and was the most diverse in manner of interpretation, this one Exclsior doesn't bring anything new, realy, just good pieces and solid musicianship but I think this is not enought to be a very strong album. The ideas lack of straight direction, only ex Stratovarius, Yngwie Malmsteen, etc keyboard player - Jens Johansson save the album to be un usual one and nothing more, that doesn't mean is a bad album or the two brothers are weak here or borind, no they just do a good job, nothing excellent or groundbraking. All the pieces has same level, no one in front here. The music as we used to, eclctic driven key prog with jazzy interplays here and there. Anyway the musicianship is good as always on Mastermind. So a good album, no doubt, but nothing special either, 3 stars and I realy don't understand why the reviewers considered this one as their best album, and even better then Until eternity who for sure beats this one Excelsior for miles away.