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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 7.4 - 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.