0人の方が、このレビューに｢共感｣しています。
　2011/08/11

Inventory collects all of the Buzzcocks’ singles on EMI, including the debut EP, Spiral Scratch (which originally appeared on New Hormones). It’s a nice package, with all of the CD singles in vinyl replica sleeves. The box housing the singles is handsomely designed, reflecting the style of the group’s single and album artwork. For die-hard fans of the Buzzcocks, it is not entirely essential considering most will have everything here already; however, it’s nice to see the original artwork rather than all of the singles lumped together on a disc or two. Most of the compilations over the years (the best being Singles Going Steady and Operator’s Manual) omit b-sides and of course the indie debut EP.

Most important is the music within. The foursome produced some of the finest singles of the punk era or otherwise. There is an addictive blend of pop and punk, and the band just wasn’t angry enough to do otherwise. Collectors can do know wrong in fetching this box set. which is still available. Those interested in an introduction to the Manchester band might best do well with either of the aforementioned collections. Finally, all of the tracks minus those on Spiral Scratch are available on the recently reissued 2 disc sets of the three EMI albums--which also include other goodies fans will enjoy.

0人の方が、このレビューに｢共感｣しています。
　2010/08/20

Praise ＆ Blame marks a significant turning point in an amazing musical career that has spanned nearly five decades. Tom Jones, the Welsh Wonder whose fame rose quickly in the 1960s, with hits like What’s New, Pussycat?, Help Yourself, She’s a Lady and Delilah, returns with his follow-up to 2008’s highly successful 24 Hours. This time, the soul/r n’b flash of that record’s Nellie Hooper assisted sound is gone, and in its place is a much grittier atmosphere.

The overall tone is spiritual, with the Bob Dylan penned What Good Am I? opening, setting the overall feel of belief and doubt. Lead off single Did Trouble Me is an introspective highlight on the album, giving meaning to the life of the song’s wayward soul. Burning Hell, made famous by John Lee Hooker, gets the nails a bit dirtier, with its raw blues structure and Tom’s astounding vocals. He may have just gotten better with age, and at 70, there appears to be no stopping the man who once was nearly finished, until a creative re-birth in the 1980s. On Praise ＆ Blame, Jones proves once again that not only is he a remarkable vocalist, but also a gifted interpreter of song.

Praise ＆ Blame is easily the best record Jones has recorded in some time--perhaps it is also his most consistent and satisfying. Fans will be pleased, and newcomers just might find something to enjoy from the Welsh Wonder!

A triumph.