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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 7.4 - Pretty average recording of a rare gig not seldom traded. The good news for collectors is that it has been remastered to reveal more in the tape (more music that is). It’s just really loud, and it distorts, you have to appreciate that it was recorded at all, now that we know just how scarce these early 80’s recordings are. On the plus side, there are moments where it is much clearer - like the guitar solo and mellower parts. I would recommend this to the collector who focuses on classic DLR era Halen, to have the best version wrapped up in eye-popping packaging. This show is complete, every second captured for posterity.
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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!
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Audience 8.8 - This recording has been attributed to a soundboard radio broadcast but I highly doubt that. For one thing, listen to the vocals, that should be a dead giveaway. That all being said, the recording is very, very good, a little on the bright side but it is still smokin’ hot and not to be missed.
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Audience 8.4 - This is a special recording, mainly because it reveals another element to the live experience – a really rocking band with a rocking bassist. What do I mean? Well, you actually hear John Paul Jones CLEARLY defined notes, and I don’t mean it is a bass heavy recording. It’s actually more mid range, but man, what a revelation to actually hear every note from the bass and very raunchy, dirty guitar tone from Jimmy Page. A clear and strong, but a little crispy in the upper mid to high frequencies, recording. Still, everyone should really get this one. Total electric excitement!