Search - Phenomena :: Complete Works

Amazing Work from this Unknown Project

Madman | Iowa | 03/22/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Phenomena may be one of the most bold and creative projects you've never heard of. Its all-star lineup consists of some of the most underrated musicians in the game.



I won't divulge the complex story behind these concept albums but I will say that there has been interest shown from various entities to make it into a film. Much like the albums' destiny to fade into obscurity, so has the movie. This can be attributed to a number of factors but most notably the poor management and legal complexities plaguing the group since its inception.



As far as the music goes, every track is top notch. Before I purchased this album I was concerned that the sound may be too 80s pop-rock and while occasionally the over processed synthesizers head in that direction, it never overpowers the strong rock and metal elements from the beginning to the end of each album.



"The Complete Works" consists of the first three albums with bonus tracks included on each one. The musicians include:



Glenn Hughes, Mel Galley, "Big" John Thomas, Neil Murray, Cozy Powell, Ted McKenna, Don Airey, Richard Bailey, Ray Gillen,John Wetton, Max Bacon Kyoji Yamamoto, Scott Gorham, "Big" John Thomas, Michael Sturgis, Toshihiro Niimi, Leif Johansen, Richard Bailey, Keith Murrell, and Brian May.



As you can see the albums are filled with first class players.



After nearly 15 years of silence (and legal problems), Phenomena IV: Psycho Fantasy was released with even more outstanding musicians. While I have not heard that album at the time I am writing this review, after one listen to Phenomena - The Complete Works, I made sure to order it and anxiously wait its arrival.



"

Not quite complete

M. A. Dallavalle | Michigan | 05/07/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If you are looking for the complete works, this is close but not quite. I was hoping it would include the 12" (midnight mix) of Dance With The Devil, one of the best Phenomena tracks. If you are looking for a remastered version of the first three albums, this is not it either.



What do you get:

Disc I: Phenemoena - still the best of the bunch, with the exception of some drum tracks sounding programed - you don't get any better classic 80's sound. Glen Hughes vocals are fantastic on tracks such as previously mentioned Dance With the Devil and Believe. In addition there are 5 previously unreleased tracks: Still The Night (New Recording), Karma (track from new album? 'A Room With No Windows), Coming back Strong, Assassins of The Night, Phoenix Rising (last 3 tracks from first rehearsal in 1982).



Disc II: Dream Runner- ok album that never reached the heights and excitement of first. Great collection of talent, yet...a mixed bag. I won't go into details. Also includes 2 additional tracks: Did it all for Love (New Recording), and Forever (new track).



Disc III: Inner Vision - again a mixed bag. I'm sorry but song titles like Rock House, If you want to Rock and Rock my Soul, I just have a hard time taking them seriously. Also includes 2 additional tracks: No Retreat No Surrender (New Recording, original on Dream Runner), and Scalpel & Heart.



Is this collection neccessary? If you don't previously have the first three albums and you are a Phenomena fan - yes. If you collect their albums, yes. If you have their first three albums already on cd, not really. The set does include a 16pg booklet that includes all liner notes & lyrics from all three albums (except no lyrics from 3rd, but original release does not include these either).



Overall I rate this 5-stars for first album, 3 1/2-stars for 2nd, 3-stars for 3rd. Overall collection 4-stars. If this had been remastered and included a few more extras - would have been a slam dunk."