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Soundboard 9.4 - What a great year for Santana, really it all came together 71-72 and they were smart to record a number of shows in preparation for the live album release that became known as "Lotus" (the Japan 1972 show which is great). Any one of these other ’72 shows could have been the album as they are all stellar.
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Sale!Audience 8.9 - Just the right amount of sonic clarity and separation of instruments with “live atmosphere” to make for a realistic listening experience. Sounds much like what you could have expected having been there. This was also the last show of the tour. Excellent!
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Audience 9.4 - This is just one of those very lucky evenings where all the elements came together for a great result – good taper location, excellent house sound, excellent music performed. Each instrument is articulate and exists within its own frequency so there’s no overcrowding, it’s a joy to listen to!
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Sale!Soundboard 9.7 - From the very beginning you know you are in for quite a thrill ride with this one. As good as it gets, highly recommended!
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Audience 8.5 - There are some shows where the ratings numbers cannot tell the story. This is certainly the best example of that. I overlooked this show in the past, I did not, could not, get past the “wall of sound” factor. Now, thanks to modern mastering techniques, this recording has morphed into a real gem. Is it better? Yes! Is it perfect? No. But, perhaps while some would still find it too much to handle, other will find it to be a ton of fun. The tapers were real close to the mains, but managed to keep levels just low enough to prevent the dreaded distortion, but in so doing got a tape without dynamics, or at least one dynamic which is SUPER loud intense power – which if you are a hard core Rush fan, will REALLY tickle your fancy when you pop this on the stereo. It’s almost like a heavy metal concert! Unbridled fury, simply an intense concert and intense recording, let yourself get into it, and your ears will adjust and you will find that the audio frequency range here is comfortable to the ears even though it’s off the charts in massiveness.
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Heyoka - The Spirit of Revelation 2-LP. Gatefold cover colored vinyl limited edition double album filled with incredible late 70s progressive hard rock from this unheralded Texas group. Mention the name Heyoka to any self respecting rock music aficionado in the state of Texas and chances are they remember this legendary 70s hard rock band. Without a doubt this band was one of the greatest unsigned bands ever to originate from Texas. Opening for every major touring act that passed through San Antonio, including Rush’s first tour of America, this band even had a song featured on MTV in the early 80’s, before it got unceremoniously banned. They featured two guitarists, a singer that played flute, keyboards, and a crack rhythm section. The music is reminiscent of Jethro Tull and Kansas, but retaining a unique quality all its own that will take the listener on a musical journey evoking Native American imagery under the mystical guide of Black Elk. All tracks recorded between the years 1977 and 1986, almost all previously unissued. For those into classic era Rush, Kansas, Jethro Tull, Thin Lizzy and the like. An absolute must-have release! This double album collection features bonus tracks not found on the CD version! Also comes with a 12 x 24 color poster! (m/m/m) THIS RECORD IS NOW OFFICIALLY OUT OF PRINT! This copy (on the website) is the last. TRACKS: Side A: 1. Thunderdreamer 2. Wooden Birds 3. The Quest 4. And The Pessimist Fled Side B: 1. Metamorphosis 2. The Monotony of Change 3. Change My Ways 4.Danger Stranger* Side C. 1. The Trilogy: I Passage II Restrictions III Revelations Side D. 1. Taking Notes/Feel It* 2. It’s All Gonna Be Alright 3. Video Madness 4.Disco Sux * bonus tracks only on vinyl version
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Audience 8.5 - This band, while known as a blues band, played at rock and roll volume. That is why most of their 70’s recordings are either muddy or distorted. This one is creeping up to the very edge of distortion but it does not cross over – it does max out the headroom of the tape though. Look at the rating, it’s a very, very good recording considering the scarcity…and the amazing set list! Come on, if you are a fan, dive into this one!
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Audience 7.8 - I can handle an average audience tape as long as the guitar is clear, and this one thankfully showcases guitar in the mix and man, I am glad because he is TEARING it up here! At times even the mix gets really good and clear, like the taper is maneuvering for better position so this is a strong 7.8.
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CD 1-2 - Audience 8.7 - Most Who collectors may already be familiar with this set, sounds like a good tape source is used and it is complete (hence the title) . But wait a minute – we have the second show now too – how is it? CD 3-4 - Audience 8.2 - Somebody tried heroically to remaster this and I have to say, knowing what it used to sound like, they did a great job. Still some noise artifacts present, but man they did bring out a LOT from this unappreciated recording. Kudos to the sound guy! Worth having this set now.
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Soundboard 8.8 - Another strange board tape, probably because they used different effects in their live performance that had to be run through the board. Sometimes you also get a little over-driving when the kick drum pedal hits. It’s a blasting board tape, extremely kinetic and strange at times but a lot of fun too.
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Audience 8.7 - So it’s kind of in the middle of the venue and so you sacrifice a little clarity in the low mid but man, somebody did know what they were doing here. It’s very clear in the upper end, there’s no real boominess or echo either. It’s the best middle of the floor aud tape I think I have ever heard, and the best part is the band is really cooking. I think you will be happy with this.
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Audience 9.1 - Coming from the original master tape, this show circulated online claiming 1st generation source and let me tell you, just toss that one out because ladies and gentlemen prepare to ENTER THE PALLADIUM and be blown away! After adjusting position during first song, the rest of the show (with just one or two minor dropouts) really soars to great heights both sonically and performance-wise. A crisp, airy but tight sound very close up front and no distortion, tape noise, or artifacts. Simply put, if you are a Rush fan, you need this.
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Audience 7.8 - Everyone knows of this one, it’s one of the MUST HAVE’S for Rush fans but that doesn’t mean it is perfect audio – there’s a bit of distortion (not too much) and some phasing here and there, and other little flaws but man oh man, just do yourself a favor and get it because it is one of the painfully few times the band performed The Necromancer and here it is in reasonably good quality and it does KILL in every sense of the word. Again, a MUST have!