Sweet - Give Us A Wink (1976) [FLAC] {Japan TOCP-6322}

"Sweet - Give Us A Wink"
{Japan Edition TOCP-6322}
[1st Press Original Pressing Non-Rem]

Japan Release: 1990
Label: Capitol
Originally Released March 1976
Recorded 1976, Musicland Studios, Munich except where indicated
Genre     Hard rock
Length     46:04
Label     RCA, Capitol (US)
Producer     Sweet

Track Listing:

1    Action     3:45  
2    Yesterdays Rain     5:19  
3    White Mice     5:00  
4    Healer         7:18
5    Fox On The Run     3:27
6    The Lies in Your Eyes      3:47   
7    Cockroach     4:51
8    Lady Starlight     3:13
9    Keep It In         4:58
10    4th of July    4"24

Total: 46:02

The Band:
    * Brian Connolly – lead vocals, string machine
    * Andy Scott – guitars, vocals, celli, synthesizers, voice bag
    * Steve Priest – bass, vocals, celli
    * Mick Tucker – percussion, vocals, celli, phased gong
  
Guest musicians
    * Trevor Griffin – piano solo on "Fourth of July"

Give Us a Wink is an album released in March 1976 by the British rock band Sweet. It was their first album to be fully written and produced by the band themselves. Consequently it completed the move to the hard rock style that had always been the trademark of the self-penned single B-sides backing the more pop oriented singles written by Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman ever since their breakthrough in 1971. Give Us a Wink reached #3 in Sweden, #9 in Germany and made it into the Top 20 in Norway, Canada and Australia. In the US it reached #27 but it didn't chart at all on Sweet's home territory, the UK.

Give Us a Wink contains two singles, "Action" and "The Lies in Your Eyes" that were recorded and released prior to the album itself. "Action" reached the Top 10 in 1975 in numerous European countries and Canada but stalled at #15 and the UK and #20 in the US. Though "The Lies in Your Eyes" reached only #35 in the UK, it was very popular in other parts of Europe as well as Australia. A third single, "4th of July" was released in Australia only but failed to chart.

The US version flipped the sides of the LP album and added "Lady Starlight" as 3rd track on side two, a title from the European version of the 1974 Desolation Boulevard album that wasn't available in the US at the time.

The original LP was released with a die-cut cover that caused the eye to wink as the sleeve was removed and placed back into the cover.

A digitally remastered version was issued on CD in 1999 with two bonus tracks. Another remastered version was reissued on CD in 2005 with three different bonus tracks.

"Action" has been covered by heavy metal bands Raven (on the album Rock Until You Drop), Black 'n Blue (on the album Black 'n Blue) and Def Leppard (as a UK Top 20 single and later on the album Retro Active).

___________________________________________________________________________________

Heavy Rock Masterpiece, January 23, 2003
By     Mark Gordon (Tasmania, Australia) - 

One of the remarkable things about the Sweet's discography is the incredible variety of musical styles that they traversed in just a little over a decade. In many respects this album represents Sweet's heaviest hour and also one of its finest.
Songs such as "Keep it In", "Yesterday's Rain" and "White Mice" are loaded with lots of great riffs courtesy of Andy Scott and God knows what pills Mick Tucker was on as his drumming seems almost hyperactive.
Both musicians are largely responsible for the impression one gets that much more music is contained on this album than the 40 odd minutes it actually has.
"4th of July is one of my all time favorite Sweet songs. Although released as a single, it was never as commercial as "Action" or the "Lies in your Eyes", but the meandering keyboards and subtle guitar work with the drug oriented lyrics provide for quite a surreal song which ends with one hell of a bang.
"Action" is another one of the great Sweet songs. Possibly their best. With cash registers ringing, screaming vocals and guitars dueling, this song is loaded with energy and "action" a plenty. I was fortunate living in Australia at the time because as a single, this song performed better there than in the UK and the US and received much more airplay, making it to about no.6. (Of course it made it to No 1 in Germany).
"Lies in your Eyes" is a much more commercial song. It has a very strong melody, but it does not have the musical variety of the other two singles. Once again Aussies appreciated the Sweet more than England and the US, the song making it to about number 10 in the National Charts. In fact, it even made number 1 in Australia's capital city Canberra. (Number 5 in Germany).
Brian Connolly might not have liked singing heavy rock, but he sure was damn good at it. And Steve Priest sure knew how to keep the tempo of a song up with frenetic bass playing, his vocal interludes and overlaid harmonies.
_____________________________________________
"Off the Record", the follow-up album to 'Give us a Wink", although similar, was a much lighter attempt as a rock album. And the next two albums include some material that is semi-classical (quite superb too if you can drop your preconceptions). Quite possibly the change in musical style was motivated by the fact (at last in my view) that Sweet completely mastered the heavy rock genre on this album.
If you're into heavy rock, I strongly recommend you buy this album. Others preferring Sweet's softer side should start with "Level Headed" or "Cut Above the Rest" (also both 5 star attempts but ooh so different).

Sweet - Give Us A Wink (1976) [FLAC] {Japan TOCP-6322}

Queensrÿche - Operation: Mindcrime II

*Japan Audiophile Mastering, Extensive measures taken for best sound.

Catalog No.: WPCR-12262

Label/Distributor: wint

Format: CD

Number of discs (or other units): 1

Release Date: 2006/3/29

Originally Released 2006 March 31

Recorded 2004–2005

Genre Heavy metal, progressive metal

Length 59:43

Label Rhino Entertainment

*Audiophile Upgrade: Japan Mastering Eliminates the irritating 2 to 3 second wait gaps found between each track found on the U.S. Version. The only Gaps found on the Japan Mastered Rhino Edition are the beginning track 0:00:02.00 Sec Gap and the 0:00:01.27 gap between tracks 10 & 11. Other than that, The sound mastering is identical to the U.S. Log file, minus CRC Test and Copy.

Comes with Extensive Hi Rez Artwork

Track listing

1. "Freiheit Ouvertüre" (Eddie Jackson, Jason Slater, Mike Stone) – 1:35

2. "Convict" (Geoff Tate) – 0:08

3. "I'm American" (Slater, Stone, Tate) – 2:53 (Official pre-release bootleg MP3)

4. "One Foot In Hell" (Slater, Stone, Tate) – 4:12

5. "Hostage" (Jackson, Tate, Michael Wilton) – 4:29 (Official pre-release bootleg MP3)

6. "The Hands" (Slater, Tate, Wilton) – 4:36

7. "Speed of Light" (Slater, Stone, Tate) – 3:12

8. "Signs Say Go" (Slater, Stone, Tate) – 3:16

9. "Re-Arrange You" (Slater, Stone, Tate) – 3:11

10. "The Chase" (Slater, Stone, Tate) – 3:09

11. "Murderer?" (Slater, Tate, Wilton) – 4:33

12. "Circles" (Jackson, Slater, Tate) – 2:58

13. "If I Could Change It All" (Slater, Stone, Tate) – 4:27

14. "An Intentional Confrontation" (Slater, Stone, Tate) – 2:32

15. "A Junkie's Blues" (Slater, Stone, Tate) – 3:41

16. "Fear City Slide" (Slater, Stone, Tate) – 4:58

17. "All the Promises" (Slater, Stone, Tate) – 5:10

Band

* Geoff Tate - vocals

* Michael Wilton - guitars

* Mike Stone - guitars, vocals

* Eddie Jackson - bass guitar, vocals

* Scott Rockenfield - drums

with

* Miranda Tate - backing vocals on "The Hands"

Cast

* Ronnie James Dio - Dr. X

* Pamela Moore - Sister Mary

It's been 20 years since the encarceration of Nikki and now he's torn between learning from the past or simply exacting revenge. Queensryche's follow up to classic 1988 rock concept album "Operation Mindcrime" is out now with this advanced Japanese release of "Operation: Mindcrime II." Discover the truth behind Sister Mary's death and the fate of Nikki and Dr. X (this time played by Ronnie James Dio), and hear some of the best compositions from the band in years to boot.

He awoke from a dream.

“Where am I?”

With his mind like a blank sheet of paper, he sat for hours staring at the television.

Maybe something would click.

A random news clip announces the successes of Xcide Pharmaceuticals—CLICK!

He remembered the killing. Oh, all the killing.

With no faith in humanity, no trust in society and the system, innocence is lost.

Is there meaning for such a worthless life?

The doctor, called X, said, “I will give you a mission! I will make you somebody!

I’ll show you a way into the INNER CIRCLE!”

But only morality would make him somebody.

Only morality would save him.

The church offered the prostitute Mary a way in with the promise of safety, love, and forgiveness. It was a lie.

Like a life on the street, abuse by others happens here too.

And like a flood—it begins.

All the memories.

“Kill the priest!” It was done but the satisfaction faded.

Need more, something more.

Revenge!

And the hunt began—to save his soul.

Revenge is an endless cycle of action and reaction with another.

To some, a worthy goal, but once attained, how would you feel? What then?

Would you finally have peace?

He and Mary had it all—but couldn’t see it.

True love for another is everything.

The fallout is addiction. Numb the pain.

Immersed in violence. A worthless life?

Numb the pain and sleep forever . . . ?

Listen.

Japan Review: Reviewer: 4 Stars

It is very difficult to follow up a classic like Operation Mindcrime, but the boys do a formidable job. If you are expecting the music ansd songs to be exactly like the 1st mindcrime, then you'll be disappointed. The songs are updated to a more modern feel but with that queensryche flair we've come to expect. It's nice to hear more of Pamela Moore and Dio. I enjoyed the CD very much, takes a couple of listens to get the full effect. Their best since Promised Land.

Queensryche - Operation Mindcrime II (2006) [FLAC] {Japan WPCR-12262}

Queensryche - Queensryche (1983) [FLAC] {Japan TOCP-70622}

Queensryche - Queensryche [Japan Mini LP CD]

{2003 24-bit Remaster w/Bonus Tracks - Identical Mastering/LOG as U.S. and UK versions}

Queensrÿche is an EP by the American progressive metal band Queensrÿche, released in 1983. It was originally released independently by 206 Records (run in part by the band's management). Based on the success of the EP, the band was signed to a recording contract by EMI. Queensrÿche is a reflection of the band's major musical influences, Iron Maiden and Judas Priest among them.

Catalog No.: TOCP-70622

Label/Distributor: EMI Music Japan

Format: CD

Number of discs (or other units): 1

Release Date: 2008/10/29

Originally Released August 12, 1983 Recorded Triad Studios,Redmond, Washington late summer, 1982

Genre Heavy Metal

Length 21:23

TRACK LISTING

1. "Queen of the Reich" (Chris DeGarmo) – 4:24

2. "Nightrider" (DeGarmo, Michael Wilton) – 3:47

3. "Blinded" (DeGarmo, Wilton) – 3:06

4. "The Lady Wore Black" (DeGarmo, Geoff Tate) – 6:15

5. "Nightrider" (DeGarmo, Wilton) – 4:32

6. "Prophecy" (DeGarmo) – 3:59

7. "Deliverance" (Wilton) – 3:40

8. "Child of Fire" (Wilton, Tate) – 4:36

9. "En Force" (DeGarmo) – 5:47

10. "Blinded" (DeGarmo, Wilton) – 3:26

11. "The Lady Wore Black" (DeGarmo, Tate) – 7:01

12. "Warning" (Wilton, Tate) – 4:56

13. "Take Hold of the Flame" (Tate, DeGarmo) – 5:12

14. "Queen of the Reich" (DeGarmo) – 5:21

* Tracks 5-14 recorded live at Nihon Seinen-kam, Tokyo, Japan on August 5, 1984. It was the second night of the band's tour supporting album The Warning. The performance was also released on VHS in 1984 as Live in Tokyo and is now out of print.

Personnel

* Geoff Tate - vocals

* Chris DeGarmo - guitar

* Michael Wilton - guitar

* Eddie Jackson - bass guitar

* Scott Rockenfield - drums

History

When the original EP was recorded in 1982, Queensrÿche did not even exist. The band was then known as The Mob, and their lineup consisted of guitarists Chris DeGarmo and Michael Wilton, bassist Eddie Jackson and drummer Scott Rockenfield. Vocalist Geoff Tate was the lead singer of another local band, Myth. He had performed with The Mob on a few occasions, and was asked to join the band for the EP's recording sessions.

When Queensrÿche was released, it sold extremely well for an independent release, and received a glowing review in Kerrang! magazine. Soon after, Tate left Myth and joined Queensrÿche as their full-time vocalist. In the summer of 1983, Queensrÿche signed with EMI, who re-released Queensrÿche. The EMI version is nearly identical to the one released on 206 Records.

To support the EP, Queensrÿche embarked on their first tour and opened for Quiet Riot, Dio and Twisted Sister. The tour ended in November, and soon after the band began preparations for their first full-length album, The Warning.

________________________________________________________________________________

Queensryche - Queensryche (1983) [FLAC] {Japan TOCP-70622}

Queensryche - The Warning (1984) [FLAC] {Japan TOCP-70623}

Queensryche - The Warning [Japan Mini LP CD]

{2003 24-bit Remaster w/Bonus Tracks - Identical Mastering/LOG as U.S. and UK versions}

4thPart of a five-album Queensryche Cardboard sleeve (mini LP) reissue series featuring the albums "Queensryche," "The Warning," "Rage For Order," "Operation: Mindcrime," and "Empire." 2003 24-bit Remastering identical to U.S. and UK versions.

Description

Cardboard sleeve (mini LP) reissue from Queensryche featuring digital remastering from 2003. Part of a five-album Queensryche Cardboard sleeve (mini LP) reissue series featuring the albums "Queensryche," "The Warning," "Rage For Order," "Operation: Mindcrime," and "Empire."

The Warning is the first full-length album by Queensrÿche, released on 7 September 1984

The original tracklisting for the album was changed by mix engineer Val Garay under orders from EMI America against the wishes of the band. This original intended sequence is identical to the final tracklisting but with the following exceptions: "NM 156" as the opening song and "Warning" as the second to last track, displacing "Child of Fire"

Catalog No.: TOCP-70623

Label/Distributor: EMI Music Japan

Format: CDNumber of discs (or other units): 1

Release Date: 2008/10/29

Originally Released September 7, 1984

Recorded Abbey Road Studios and Mayfair Recording,London, England

Genre Heavy metal, progressive metal

Length 48:36

Label EMI America Records

Track listing

1. "Warning" (Geoff Tate, Michael Wilton) – 4:46

2. "En Force" (Chris DeGarmo) – 5:16

3. "Deliverance" (Wilton) – 3:21

4. "No Sanctuary" (DeGarmo, Tate) – 6:05

5. "NM 156" (DeGarmo, Tate, Wilton) – 4:38

6. "Take Hold of the Flame" (DeGarmo, Tate) – 4:57

7. "Before the Storm" (Tate, Wilton) – 5:13

8. "Child of Fire" (Tate, Wilton) – 4:34

9. "Roads to Madness" (DeGarmo, Tate, Wilton) – 9:40

10. "Prophecy" (DeGarmo, Tate) - 4:00

11. "The Lady Wore Black (Live)" (DeGarmo, Tate) – 5:23

12. "Take Hold of the Flame (Live)" (DeGarmo, Tate) – 5:06

Personnel

* Geoff Tate – vocals

* Chris DeGarmo – guitar, background vocals

* Michael Wilton – guitar background vocals

* Eddie Jackson – bass, background vocals

* Scott Rockenfield – drums

* Michael Kamen – conductor

Queensryche - The Warning (1984) [FLAC] {Japan TOCP-70623}

Queensryche - Rage For Order (1986) [FLAC] {Japan TOCP-70624}

Queensryche - Rage For Order [Mini LP CD]
{2003 24-bit Remaster w/Bonus Tracks - Identical Mastering/LOG as U.S. and UK versions}

3rd Part of a five-album Queensryche Cardboard sleeve (mini LP) reissue series featuring the albums "Queensryche," "The Warning," "Rage For Order," "Operation: Mindcrime," and "Empire." 2003 24-bit Remastering identical to U.S. and UK versions. 

Description

Cardboard sleeve (mini LP) reissue from Queensryche featuring digital remastering from 2003. Part of a five-album Queensryche Cardboard sleeve (mini LP) reissue series featuring the albums "Queensryche," "The Warning," "Rage For Order," "Operation: Mindcrime," and "Empire."
Rage for Order is the second album by Queensrÿche, released in 1986

Catalog No.: TOCP-70624
Label/Distributor: EMI Music Japan
Format: CD
Number of discs (or other units): 1
Release Date: 2008/10/29
Originally Released June 27, 1986
Recorded M.D.H. Studios, Bellevue, WA
Genre     Heavy metal, progressive metal
Length     45:59
Label     EMI America Records

Track listing
   1. "Walk in the Shadows" – 3:34
   2. "I Dream in Infrared" – 4:18
   3. "The Whisper" – 3:36
   4. "Gonna Get Close to You" – 4:37
   5. "The Killing Words" – 3:56
   6. "Surgical Strike" – 3:23
   7. "Neue Regel" – 4:55
   8. "Chemical Youth (We Are Rebellion)" – 4:15
   9. "London" – 5:06
  10. "Screaming in Digital" – 3:37
  11. "I Will Remember" - 4:25
  12. "Gonna Get Close to You (12" version)" (Lisa Dalbello) - 5:46
  13. "The Killing Words (Live)" (DeGarmo, Tate) - 4:10
  14. "I Dream in Infrared (1991 acoustic remix)" (Tate, Wilton) - 4:02
  15. "Walk in the Shadows (Live)" (DeGarmo, Tate, Wilton) - 3:39
  Personnel

    * Geoff Tate - vocals, keyboards
    * Chris DeGarmo - guitar, background vocals
    * Michael Wilton - guitar, background vocals
    * Eddie Jackson - bass, background vocals
    * Scott Rockenfield - drums, percussion
    * Neil Kernon - keyboards

Queensryche - Rage For Order (1986) [FLAC] {Japan TOCP-70624}

Queensryche - Operation Mindcrime (1988) [FLAC] {Japan TOCP-70625}

Queensrÿche - Operation: Mindcrime [Mini LP CD]
{2003 24-bit Remaster w/Bonus Tracks - Identical Mastering/LOG as U.S. and UK versions}

2nd Part of a five-album Queensryche Cardboard sleeve (mini LP) reissue series featuring the albums "Queensryche," "The Warning," "Rage For Order," "Operation: Mindcrime," and "Empire." 2003 24-bit Remastering identical to U.S. and UK versions.

Description
Cardboard sleeve (mini LP) reissue from Queensryche featuring digital remastering from 2003. Part of a five-album Queensryche Cardboard sleeve (mini LP) reissue series featuring the albums "Queensryche," "The Warning," "Rage For Order," "Operation: Mindcrime," and "Empire."

Operation: Mindcrime is Queensrÿche's third full-length album, which was released on May 3, 1988. It is a concept album about a man becoming disillusioned with American society, and joining in a conspiratorial plot to assassinate its corrupt leaders, with spoken dialogue between songs that advances the story and ties the songs together. In January 1989, it ranked #34 on Kerrang! magazine's "100 Greatest Heavy Metal Albums Of All Time".

Catalog No.: TOCP-70625
Label/Distributor: EMI Music Japan
Format: CD
Number of discs (or other units): 1
Release Date: 2008/10/29
Originally Released May 3, 1988
Recorded 1987–1988
Kajem/Victory Studios,
Gladwyne, Pennsylvania, USA
Genre Heavy metal, progressive metal
Length 59:04
Label EMI

Track listing

1. "I Remember Now" (Chris DeGarmo, Geoff Tate, Michael Wilton [1]) – 1:17
2. "Anarchy-X" (DeGarmo) – 1:27
3. "Revolution Calling" (Tate, Wilton) – 4:42
4. "Operation: Mindcrime" (DeGarmo, Tate, Wilton) – 4:43
5. "Speak" (Tate, Wilton) – 3:42
6. "Spreading the Disease" (Tate, Wilton) – 4:07
7. "The Mission" (DeGarmo) – 5:46
8. "Suite Sister Mary" (DeGarmo, Tate) – 10:41
9. "The Needle Lies" (Tate, Wilton) – 3:08
10. "Electric Requiem" (Scott Rockenfield, Tate) – 1:22
11. "Breaking the Silence" (DeGarmo, Tate) – 4:34
12. "I Don't Believe in Love" (DeGarmo, Tate) – 4:23
13. "Waiting for 22" (DeGarmo) – 1:05
14. "My Empty Room" (Tate, Wilton) – 1:28
15. "Eyes of a Stranger" (DeGarmo, Tate) – 6:39

BONUS TRACKS
16. "The Mission (Live)" (DeGarmo) - 6:11
17. "My Empty Room (Live)" (Tate, Wilton) -2:43

Band

* Geoff Tate - Vocals
* Chris DeGarmo - Guitar, background vocals
* Eddie Jackson - Bass, background vocals
* Michael Wilton - Guitar, background vocals
* Scott Rockenfield - Drums, percussion, keyboards

Cast

* Pamela Moore - as Sister Mary
* Anthony Valentine - as Dr. X
* Debbie Wheeler - as the Nurse
* Mike Snyder - as the Anchorman
* Scott Mateer - as Father William
* The Moronic Monks of Morin Heights - Choir

History

During the tour promoting the 1990 album Empire, Operation: Mindcrime was performed in its entirety. The stage show featured video, animation and guest singer Pamela Moore as Sister Mary. This live show was successful enough that the band released it as a box set called Operation: LIVEcrime. The story was initially explored in a series of video clips for MTV in the 1989 VHS video, Video: Mindcrime.

Before filming Video: Mindcrime, the band shot a one-off promotional video in 1988 for the song "Speak" which only consisted of performance footage and did not include any of the story concepts that dominated the album.

In the United States, the album was certified gold a year after its release and was certified platinum in 1991.

In 2003, a 24-bit remastered version of Operation: Mindcrime was released that included live versions of "The Mission" and "My Empty Room" as bonus tracks.

In 2005, Operation: Mindcrime was released as part of a box-set along with Nature's Perfect Paneling Machine.

In 2006, EMI released a deluxe Operation: Mindcrime box set that included the 2003 remaster, as well as an audio disc of a November 15, 1990 Hammersmith Odeon concert, with the band performing the entire album, and a bonus DVD containing Video: Mindcrime and bonus clips.

The sequel, Operation: Mindcrime II, was released on April 4, 2006, with Ronnie James Dio taking over the role of Dr. X. The subsequent tour consisted of the band performing both Operation: Mindcrime and its sequel in their entireties, back-to-back, with actors, props, an elaborate stage set, and a video screen. The live act from that tour also definitively answered the long-asked question, "Who killed Mary?"

Story

The album begins with the protagonist, Nikki, lying in a hospital bed. He lies in a nearly catatonic state, unable to remember anything but snippets from his past. Suddenly, Nikki has a violent flashback in which his memories come flooding back in a torrent ("I Remember Now", "Anarchy-X"). He remembers how, as a heroin addict and would-be political radical frustrated with contemporary society, he was manipulated into joining a supposed secret organization dedicated to revolution ("Revolution Calling"). At the head of this organization is a political and religious demagogue known only as Dr. X, who, manipulating Nikki through a combination of his heroin addiction and brainwashing techniques (à la The Manchurian Candidate), uses Nikki as an assassin. Whenever Dr. X uses the word "mindcrime" Nikki becomes his docile puppet, a state which Dr. X uses to command Nikki to undertake any murder that the Doctor wishes ("Operation: Mindcrime", "Speak"). Through one of Dr. X's probable associates, a corrupt priest named Father William, Nikki is offered the services of a prostitute-turned-nun named Sister Mary. Details are vague whether these services are sexual or simply emotional ("Spreading the Disease"), though the lyrics for "Suite Sister Mary" seem to indicate that is the first time they engage in sex ("Your precious cross is gone. It made me wait so long for what you gave to everyone"). However, through his friendship and growing affection toward Sister Mary, Nikki begins to question the nature of what he is doing ("The Mission"). Dr. X notices this and, seeing a potential threat in Mary, orders Nikki to kill both her and the priest. Nikki goes to Mary's church and kills the priest, but after confronting Mary fails to comply with the command to murder her ("Suite Sister Mary"). He and Mary decided to leave the organization together, and Nikki goes to Dr. X to tell him that they are out. Dr. X, however, reminds Nikki that he is an addict, and that he is the only one who can provide his daily fix ("The Needle Lies"). Nikki leaves conflicted and returns to Mary, only to find her dead ("Electric Requiem"). He cannot cope with the loss, as well as the possibility that he himself may have killed her and not known it, and begins to succumb to insanity ("Breaking the Silence", "I Don't Believe in Love"). The police, arriving on the scene, arrest him for Mary's murder and the murders he committed for Dr. X ("Waiting for 22"). Because he is in a near-catatonic state, he is put into a hospital, where he starts to remember… ("My Empty Room", "Eyes of a Stranger").

Queensryche - Operation Mindcrime (1988) [FLAC] {Japan TOCP-70625}

Queensrÿche - Empire (1990) [FLAC] {Japan TOCP-70626}

Queensrÿche - Empire [Japan Mini LP CD]

{TOCP-70626 08' JPN Release}

1st Part of a five-album Queensryche Cardboard sleeve (mini LP) reissue series featuring the albums "Queensryche," "The Warning," "Rage For Order," "Operation: Mindcrime," and "Empire." 2003 24-bit Remastering identical to U.S. and UK versions.

INFO!
Empire is the fourth full-length album by Queensrÿche, released on 4 September 1990. The power ballad "Silent Lucidity" was a cross-over hit, reaching #1 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks and #9 on the Billboard Hot 100, which helped the album reach triple-platinum status. The songs "Jet City Woman", "Della Brown", and "Another Rainy Night (Without You)" create a miniature concept album within the first half of "Empire," as they are linked by audio effects that bring the listener from one audio background to another seamlessly. "Empire" could arguably be included within this series, as the song begins with voices on an answering machine (as are also used in "Another Rainy Night"), though its subject is more of a stretch to relate.

Catalog No.: TOCP-70626
Label/Distributor: EMI Music Japan
Format: CD
Number of discs (or other units): 1
Release Date: 2008/10/29
Originally Released August 20, 1990
Recorded Spring 1990
Genre Heavy metal, progressive metal
Length 64:15
Label EMI America

Track listing

1. "Best I Can" (DeGarmo) – 5:34
2. "The Thin Line" - (DeGarmo, Tate, Wilton) – 5:42
3. "Jet City Woman" (DeGarmo, Tate) – 5:22
4. "Della Brown" (DeGarmo, Rockenfield, Tate) – 7:04
5. "Another Rainy Night (Without You)" (DeGarmo, Jackson, Tate) – 4:29
6. "Empire" (Tate, Wilton) – 5:24
7. "Resistance" (Tate, Wilton) – 5:42
8. "Silent Lucidity" (DeGarmo) – 5:48
9. "Hand on Heart" (DeGarmo, Tate, Wilton) – 5:33
10. "One and Only" (DeGarmo, Wilton) – 5:54
11. "Anybody Listening?" (DeGarmo, Tate) – 7:41

BONUS TRACKS!
12. "Last Time in Paris" - (DeGarmo, Tate) - 3:52
13. "Scarborough Fair" - (Simon, Garfunkel) - 3:51
14. "Dirty Lil Secret" - (DeGarmo, Tate) - 4:07

# Michael Wilton - Guitars, Vocals
# Chris DeGarmo - Guitars, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, 12-String Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals
# Geoff Tate - Vocals, Keyboards
# Eddie Jackson - Bass, Vocals
# Scott Rockenfield - Drums, Percussion
# Randy Gane - answering machine message on "Another Rainy Night (Without You)"
# Michael Kamen - Orchestral arrangements

W/ARTWORK!

Queensryche - Empire (1990) [FLAC] {Japan TOCP-70626}

Bon Jovi - Slippery When Wet (1986) [DualDisc CD-DVD] {FLAC-ISO}

Bon Jovi - Slippery When Wet [5.1 Surround CD/DVD]
{DVDFab Platinum ISO Image No Compression!}

The DVD side also includes 5 PROMO VIDEOS from the album in 5.1 Surround:

The DVD side contains the same 10 CD tracks as the CD side, but in high resolution 5.1 surround and stereo for DVD-Audio players & Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround and Stereo for standard DVD players also. NO WATERMARKS!

Slippery When Wet is the third studio album by Bon Jovi, released in August 1986 by Mercury Records. Slippery When Wet was an instant commercial success. The album features songs that are today considered as Bon Jovi's most well-known tracks such as "You Give Love A Bad Name", "Livin' on a Prayer" and "Wanted Dead or Alive". It spent eight weeks at number one on Billboard 200. Slippery When Wet is the band's best-selling album to date, with over 12 million copies sold in the United States and over 28 million copies worldwide[2] and received diamond certification from the Recording Industry Association of America. It was named the top selling album of 1987 by Billboard,[3] and is currently the 21st best-selling studio album of all time. The album is featured in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.

# DualDisc Audio CD (September 20, 2005)
# Original Release Date: September 20, 2005
# Number of Discs: 1
# Format: Dual Disc
# Label: Island / Mercury
Released August 18, 1986
Recorded Little Mountain Sound Studios, Vancouver, BC
Genre Hard rock, glam metal, heavy metal[1]
Length 43:42
Label Mercury Records (USA)
Vertigo Records (Europe)

Disc: 1 (CD Side)

Track listing

1. "Let It Rock" Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora 5:25
2. "You Give Love a Bad Name" Bon Jovi, Sambora 3:44
3. "Livin' on a Prayer" Bon Jovi, Sambora, Child 4:09
4. "Social Disease" Bon Jovi, Sambora 4:18
5. "Wanted Dead or Alive" Bon Jovi, Sambora 5:08
6. "Raise Your Hands" Bon Jovi, Sambora 4:16
7. "Without Love" Bon Jovi, Sambora, Child 3.30
8. "I'd Die for You" Bon Jovi, Sambora 4:30
9. "Never Say Goodbye" Bon Jovi, Sambora 4:48
10. "Wild in the Streets" Bon Jovi 3:54

Disc: 2 (DVD Side)

1. Let It Rock [5.1 Surround]
2. You Give Love a Bad Name [5.1 Surround]
3. Livin' on a Prayer [5.1 Surround]
4. Social Disease [5.1 Surround]
5. Wanted Dead or Alive [5.1 Surround]
6. Raise Your Hands [5.1 Surround]
7. Without Love [5.1 Surround]
8. I'd Die for You [5.1 Surround]
9. Never Say Goodbye [5.1 Surround]
10. Wild in the Streets [5.1 Surround]

Plus 5 Bonus Videos in 5.1 Surround

1. YOU GIVE LOVE A BAD NAME
2. LIVIN' ON A PRAYER
3. WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE
4. NEVER SAY GOODBYE
5. WILD IN THE STREETS

Jon Bon Jovi – lead vocals
Richie Sambora – guitars, guitar synths, backing vocals, talkbox on "Livin' on a Prayer"
Alec John Such – bass, backing vocals
Tico Torres – drums, percussion
David Bryan – keyboards, piano, synthesizer, various noises, backing vocals

Album notes
Bon Jovi: Jon Bon Jovi (vocals); Richie Sambora (acoustic & electric guitars, guitar synthesizer, talk box, background vocals); Dave Bryan (keyboards, background vocals); Hugh McDonald (bass, background vocals); Tico Torres (drums, percussion).
Recorded at Little Mountain, Vancouver, British Columbia.
All tracks have been digitally remastered using 20-bit technology by George Marino (Summer 1998, Sterling Sound, New York, New York).
This video compilation includes interviews of the band.
Bon Jovi: Jon Bon Jovi (vocals); Richie Sambora (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, synthesizer, background vocals); Dave Bryan (keyboards, background vocals); Alec John Such (bass instrument, background vocals); Tico Torres (drums, percussion).
Slippery When Wet wasn't just a breakthrough album for Bon Jovi; it was a breakthrough for hair metal in general, marking the point where the genre officially entered the mainstream. Released in 1986, it presented a streamlined combination of pop, hard rock, and metal that appealed to everyone -- especially girls, whom traditional heavy metal often ignored during the '80s. Slippery When Wet was more indebted to pop than metal, though, and the band made no attempt to hide its commercial ambition, even hiring an outside songwriter to co-write two of the album's biggest singles. The trick paid off as Slippery When Wet became the best-selling album of 1987, beating out contenders like Appetite for Destruction, The Joshua Tree, and Bad.
Part of the album's success could be attributed to Desmond Child, a behind-the-scenes songwriter who went on to write hits for Aerosmith, Michael Bolton, and Ricky Martin. With Child's help, Bon Jovi penned a pair of songs that would eventually define their career -- "Living on a Prayer" and "You Give Love a Bad Name" -- two teenage anthems that mixed Springsteen's blue-collar narratives with straightforward, guitar-driven hooks. The band's characters may have been down on their luck -- they worked dead-end jobs, pined for dangerous women, and occasionally rode steel horses -- but Bon Jovi never presented a problem that couldn't be cured by a good chorus, every one of which seemed to celebrate a glass-half-full mentality. Elsewhere, the group turned to nostalgia, using songs like "Never Say Goodbye" and "Wild in the Streets" to re-create (or fabricate) an untamed, sex-filled youth that undoubtedly appealed to the band's teen audience. Bon Jovi weren't nearly as hard-edged as Mötley Crüe or technically proficient as Van Halen, but the guys smartly played to their strengths, shunning the extremes for an accessible, middle-of-the-road approach that wound up appealing to more fans than most of their peers. "It's alright if you have a good time," Jon Bon Jovi sang on Slippery When Wet's first track, "Let It Rock," and those words essentially served as a mantra for the entire hair metal genre, whose carefree, party-heavy attitude became the soundtrack for the rest of the `80s. ~ Andrew Leahey

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning Surround Sound and Stereo Mix Remaster!, September 20, 2005
By Jason W. Bellenger (Byron Center, Michigan, USA)

This review is from: Slippery When Wet (Audio CD)
Now this is how a DualDisc is done!!! Mercury Records has done a wonderful job with this classic 1986 album. Not only do we get a new August 2005 stereo remaster by George Marino at Sterling Sound, New York, but we also get an excellent 5.1 surround sound mix by Jeff Fura-- which restores some tracks to longer mixes, including "Livin' On A Prayer" and "Raise Your Hands". The real treat here is the new surround sound mix of "Never Say Goodbye", complete with a new introduction! It sounds awesome! The album has never sounded better!

If that wasn't enough, Mercury have generously included the 5 music videos pulled from the album: You Give Love A Bad Name, Livin' On A Prayer, Wanted Dead Or Alive, Never Say Goodbye, and Wild In The Streets -- all directed by Wayne Isham.

The package also includes lyrics, a biography, and photos. The surround sound mix is available on both DVD-Audio players and standard DVD players.

Hopefully we will see DualDisc versions of more Bon Jovi albums to follow shortly.
__________________________________________________________________________

4 1/2 Stars

AllMusic Review by Andrew Leahey

Slippery When Wet wasn't just a breakthrough album for Bon Jovi; it was a breakthrough for hair metal in general, marking the point where the genre officially entered the mainstream. Released in 1986, it presented a streamlined combination of pop, hard rock, and metal that appealed to everyone -- especially girls, whom traditional heavy metal often ignored during the '80s. Slippery When Wet was more indebted to pop than metal, though, and the band made no attempt to hide its commercial ambition, even hiring an outside songwriter to co-write two of the album's biggest singles. The trick paid off as Slippery When Wet became the best-selling album of 1987, beating out contenders like Appetite for Destruction, The Joshua Tree, and Bad.

Part of the album's success could be attributed to Desmond Child, a behind-the-scenes songwriter who went on to write hits for Aerosmith, Michael Bolton, and Ricky Martin. With Child's help, Bon Jovi penned a pair of songs that would eventually define their career -- “Living on a Prayer” and “You Give Love a Bad Name” -- two teenage anthems that mixed Springsteen's blue-collar narratives with straightforward, guitar-driven hooks. The band's characters may have been down on their luck -- they worked dead-end jobs, pined for dangerous women, and occasionally rode steel horses -- but Bon Jovi never presented a problem that couldn’t be cured by a good chorus, every one of which seemed to celebrate a glass-half-full mentality. Elsewhere, the group turned to nostalgia, using songs like “Never Say Goodbye” and “Wild in the Streets” to re-create (or fabricate) an untamed, sex-filled youth that undoubtedly appealed to the band’s teen audience. Bon Jovi weren't nearly as hard-edged as Mötley Crüe or technically proficient as Van Halen, but the guys smartly played to their strengths, shunning the extremes for an accessible, middle-of-the-road approach that wound up appealing to more fans than most of their peers. “It’s alright if you have a good time,” Jon Bon Jovi sang on Slippery When Wet’s first track, “Let It Rock,” and those words essentially served as a mantra for the entire hair metal genre, whose carefree, party-heavy attitude became the soundtrack for the rest of the ‘80s.

PW: BON_JOVI.iso

Ratt - Infestation (2010) [FLAC] (JPN Pressing)

Ratt - Infestation +BONUS [Japan CD] RRCY-21364

Track List:
01. Eat Me Up Alive
02. Best Of Me
03. A Little Too Much
04. Look Out Below
05. Last Call
06. Lost Weekend
07. As Good As It Gets
08. Garden Of Eden
09. Take A Big Bite
10. Take Me Home
11. Don't Let Go
Japanese Bonus Track:
12. Scattered

Band:
Stephen Pearcy - vocals
Warren DeMartini - guitar
Carlos Cavazo - guitar
Robbie Crane - bass
Bobby Blotzer - drums

Production:
Produced by Michael Baskette

Review:
I was looking forward to Ratt's first studio album in over a decade, but after their average 1999 self-titled return I wasn't expecting too much. So it is with great pleasure to announce that not only has Infestation exceeded my expectations, it completely blew them out of the water! This may just be Ratt's best album since 1986's Dancing Undercover as it captures the band's signature sound perfectly and is heavier and dirtier than either Reach For The Sky or Detonator.
I'm not sure what has lead to the re-energization of Ratt -- maybe it is the addition of Quiet Riot's Carlos Cavazo sharing guitar duties with Warren DeMartini -- but the 'rodent rockers' aren't just phoning this one in. No way, this sounds like a band that is hungry once again... it is the perfect return to form. The opener "Eat Me Alive" harkens back to Invasion Of Your Privacy's "You're In Love", only played with even more aggression. This is exactly what I wanted to hear from new Ratt, although the type of song I never thought they'd be capable of writing again. The lead single "Best Of Me" sounds like Ratt attempting Van Halen circa 1984 while "A Little Too Much", "Look Out Below", "Lost Weekend", "Garden Of Eden" and "Take A Big Bite" are great additions to the band's classic catalogue.
The only time Infestation let me down was on the ballad "Take Me Home" and the final cut "Don't Let Go". It is a disappointing way to end an otherwise perfect CD, an album that rocks hard and displays a legendary band finding their footing once again. Singer Stephen Pearcy sounds great, then again he has always delivered in a studio setting, but it is the tandem of DeMartini and Cavazo that steal the show with riff after riff.
For me Infestation is the biggest surprise in a long time, because I honestly didn't think Ratt had it in them to create music this good at this point in their career. This is a CD that really caught me off guard. All too often an 80s band will say they are returning to their roots only to leave you scratching your head wondering what they are listening to. In this case Ratt was right on the money... Infestation is the rebirth of the classic Ratt sound.

I've read this at CDBANQ.com :

Description

* Japanese-only edition CD.
* Digitally remastered with superior sound quality
* Complete obi-strip & Japanese introductory/lyrics sheets included

I must say i agree but "is it real or just me "???
Please check if you have the "regular" edition and tell me
The bonus track is a really good one

ENJOY
I didn't add the special jpn artwork (no scanner) but i will try to provide it a bit later



Password: Ratt - Infestation (2010) [FLAC] (JPN Pressing)

Ratt - Out Of The Cellar
{Mini LP SHM-CD 09' 24-bit digital remastering}

For the lovely and beautifully spirited QS

Cardboard sleeve reissue from Ratt featuring the high-fidelity SHM-CD format (compatible with standard CD players) and the 24-bit digital remastering. Part of five-album Ratt SHM-CD cardboard sleeve reissue series featuring albums "Out Of The Cellar," "Invation Of Your Privacy," "Dancing Undercover," "Reach For The Sky," and "Detonator."

Format CD
Release Date 2009/09/23
Availability Out of Print
Catalog No. WPCR-13566
Number of discs 1
Item weight 80g
Label/Distributor Warner Music Japan
Released March 23, 1984
Recorded 1983-1984
Genre: Glam metal, heavy metal, hard rock
Length 36:41
Label Atlantic

The Billboard 200 #7 1984

Track Listing

1. "Wanted Man" Cristofanilli/Crosby/Pearcy 3:37
2. "You're in Trouble" Crosby/DeMartini/Pearcy 3:16
3. "Round and Round" Crosby/DeMartini/Pearcy 4:22
4. "In Your Direction" Pearcy 3:30
5. "She Wants Money" Croucier 3:04
6. "Lack of Communication" Croucier/Pearcy 3:52
7. "Back for More" Crosby/Pearcy 3:42
8. "The Morning After" Crosby/DeMartini/Pearcy 3:30
9. "I'm Insane" Crosby 2:54
10. "Scene of the Crime" Crosby/Croucier 4:54

Total Time: 37:21

* Stephen Pearcy - Lead vocals
* Warren DeMartini - Lead guitar
* Robbin Crosby - Lead guitar
* Juan Croucier - Bass guitar
* Bobby Blotzer - Drums, Percussion
___________________________________________________

Out of the Cellar is the breakthrough album by glam metal band Ratt, released in 1984 (see 1984 in music). Produced by Beau Hill, the album features their best-known hit, "Round and Round", and other hits such as "Wanted Man", "Back for More" (the song was originally on the Ratt EP), and "Lack of Communication". "Back For More" was originally written by "Stephen Pearcy" and apparently, Matt Thorne AKA "Matt Thorr", although Thorne was not credited for the song until the 2005 album Rat Attack "Round and Round Greatest Hits". on "Cleopatra Records". "In Your Direction" was a song that Pearcy wrote and had since Mickey Ratt, "I'm Insane" and "Scene Of The Crime" were songs that Crosby had pre-Ratt.

It is RIAA certified Triple Platinum album.

The model on the album cover is Tawny Kitaen, better known for her appearances in Whitesnake music videos, and the same year's teen-aimed film Bachelor Party. As she was long-time girlfriend to guitarist Robbin Crosby at that time, she also appeared in the "Back For More" music video.

In 2003 Metal-Rules.com named "Out of the Cellar" number 3 of their "Top 50 Glam Metal Albums". They also named it number 67 of their "Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums of All Time".

4 1/2 Star Review by Eduardo Rivadavia AllMusic Guide

Ratt's aptly named debut album, Out of the Cellar, may have suggested they were underdogs of the then burgeoning L.A. glam metal scene, but this five-piece made up of brash young San Diego transplants and relative local veterans was in fact a force to contend with, and already gunning for the top of the heap. Having established a good buzz with their eponymous EP one year earlier, and then signed with powerhouse Atlantic Records as a result, Ratt now transposed their high-energy hard rock (derived from usual suspects Van Halen and Aerosmith, plus the staccato riffing of Judas Priest) into a multi-platinum-bound juggernaut that reached number seven on the Billboard charts, and initially outsold the more notorious Shout at the Devil, released months earlier by their friendly rivals Mötley Crüe. Not that it's difficult to understand why, since Out of the Cellar was a consistently entertaining listen from start to finish, thanks to strong album tracks like "Wanted Man," "Back for More," and the frenetic "I'm Insane," and also spawned a massive MTV and radio smash with "Round and Round." After all, a single gigantic hit is all a band needs, and "Round and Round" was an absolute monster, peaking at number 12 on the charts and going on to achieve immortality as one of the defining songs of the 1980s. It was also an impossible act to follow, as things turned out, and even though Ratt would continue to prosper for years to come, Out of the Cellar eventually came to represent a premature career high point.

Ratt - Out Of The Cellar (1984) [FLAC] [Japan WPCR-13566}