DIE ORIGINAL AMIGA ALBEN (1977 - 1987, 7 CD SET)

Stern Combo Meissen, "Die Original Amiga Alben". This is a box-set of the first 7 CDs released by Stern Combo Meissen on Amiga, an East German sanctioned label. If you're new to Stern Combo Meissen, and you want a quick, easy, and cheap way of getting up to speed, you might consider this box set. Here's a run-down of all 7 albums and my ratings for each. More in-depth reviews for the first 5 albums can be found under each individual album's page.

1. Stern Combo Meissen (aka "No. 1") Their first full-length release, is a mixed bag of live tracks, some excellent, and all pleasant. 3 stars.

2. Weisses Gold. Their first studio concept album. Fans of The Psychedelic Ensemble, or any keyboard driven prog will revel in this album. 4 stars.

3. Der Weite Weg. Unfortunately, this is a disappointing departure from the trajectory established by their first two albums. 2 stars.

4. Reise Zum Mittelpunkt Des Menschen. Perhaps their best effort, and certainly the one exhibiting the most ELP influence. 4 stars.

5. Stundenschlag. A transition album bridging prog and commercial pop. Still enough proggy elements to keep you entertained. 3 stars.

6. Taufrisch. Fully entrenched in the 1980's synth pop, new wave, MTV, radio music. Nicely done, but not prog. 1 star.

7. Nachte. More 1980's pop. Think Thompson Twins, Thomas Dolby, INXS. Again it's well done, but not prog. 1 star.

Four good albums, one somewhat forgettable, and two that aren't prog but are acceptably good '80's pop. Overall, a good buy. Four stars.