Search - Focus :: Master of the Vaults

Approach with caution...

eveoflove | North York, Ontario Canada | 07/10/2004

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Made in UK in 2004, Serial# CRP-1112, Playing Time 62:17Please note that this review is for the CD version of the release (not the DVD, which is different!)I have lots of bad things to say about this release, but I'll begin with the positive features...Most of the tracks are live recordings; "House Of The King" and "Focus" (the vocal version) are the only exceptions...
The band (including Jan Akkerman) is in great shape!Unfortunately, there are lots of disappointing facets:First, contrarily to the statement on the artwork (the front of the booklet reads "Special Collectors Edition with Enhanced Video Footage"), this CD has NO VIDEO PORTION. Strangely enough, the back of the CD says, in very small print, "... click on the run icon in the Curved Air folder..." Yeah, right! Talk about "cookie-cutter" artwork!Second, the mastering is really low volume; and I mean really, really low (you should reset your volume after playing it, otherwise your walls will crack!)Thirdly, there are a few strange editing appearances: "La Cathedrale De Strasbourg" actually begins with 4 minutes from the previous track, "Hamburger Concerto" ?!?So perhaps this "edition" will soon be replaced by a "proper" pressing, because the missing "30 minutes of amazing archive film" was a great disappointment.But on the bright side, the live performances (CRANK IT UP!!!) are exhilirating, and very very different than on their "Live At The Rainbow" album. I must, however, recommend the DVD release instead..."