The 70’s heyday of progressive rock continues its revival in the surround world with the first 5.1 mix from the band Renaissance. Cherry Red Records has released an expanded 3 CD + 1 DVD box set of their 1974 album “Turn of the Cards” featuring a new 5.1 surround sound mix of the entire album, 20 bonus tracks drawn from a newly mixed concert performance at the Academy of Music in New York from May 1974, along with previously unreleased material. While Turn of the Cards is the fifth album from the band, it is often marked as the third since it is the third from this incarnation of the group, following after “Ashes Are Burning” and “Prologue.” Each of these earlier two are considered equally… Continue Reading

The Rolling Stones need no introduction, as one of the world’s most well-known rock bands that has dominated the music scene for nearly 60 years. Fans often have their favorite eras, and it is their 1970’s output that remains my favorite period. Surround sound fans have been looking forward to additional material to immerse themselves with, other than just the one track “Sympathy for the Devil” that was released on multi-channel maxi-single SACD as a market test for Stones surround mixes way back in 2003. However, the label has dramatically changed their tune from releasing that budget 5.1 SACD to a premium deluxe edition that is likely out of reach for many fans and surround sound… Continue Reading

Earth, Wind & Fire hit their peak in 1975 with their multi-platinum album “That's the Way of the World,” excelling the band into absolute stardom with their hit title track and funky “Shining Star”. If you could have only one EWF release, this would be the best choice, and even better yet it has now been released on a quad hybrid SACD that also contains the follow-up 1976 album “Spirit.” Their powerful blend of funk and soul extends to the remainder of the album with no dull moments found within. That’s the Way of the World can easily be considered one of the strongest albums of the '70s and has been impeccably remastered by Michael J. Dutton for the Dutton Vocallian reissue label. The band… Continue Reading

Back during the mid-90’s when “Evidence” was originally recorded, composer and musician Alan Williams lost faith in the project, shelving that original incarnation after sending out promotional copies. Now a quarter century later he has resurrected the album with newly recorded vocals, some arrangement tweaks, and a completely new mix in stereo and 5.1 surround. The album has been retitled “Evidence Unearthed,” and this update bridges the gap between his time in the folk-rock band Knots and Crosses, and his more recent work with Birdsong At Morning, the later band which has been reviewed for their excellent songcraft, sound quality and surround mixes here on Hi-Res Edition. With… Continue Reading