http://www.audioholics.comWhere audio and video equipment undergoes rigorous objective and subjective tests by our staff, ensuring that marketing slogans aren't the only guidelines for your home theater choices.Mon, 25 Feb 2008 20:01:06 -0000http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/cd-reviews/ravels-greatest-hit-ultimate-boleroRavel’s Bolero is a composition that rose from the depths of nonchalant dismissal by Ravel’s contemporaries to being one of the few truly recognizable melodies in classical music. Sadly, you rarely seem to see it on the concert bill these days. Perhaps it’s too disciplined for today’s classical conductors who struggle to maintain their freedom of self-expression while they pander to a diminishing audience of aging donors.Mon, 25 Feb 2008 20:01:06 -0000/reviews/software/cd-reviews/ravels-greatest-hit-ultimate-boleroCD & SACD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/cd-reviews/dj-aphrodite-v.2The British DJ Aphrodite debut album found it's way into my collection by chance. Hearing of this album through peers got me curious, so I went to the local alternative music store and purchased it. Was I suprised! Not only is this of a 'different' sort of techno-hip-hop genre, it's clarity of high's, mid's, and lows was stunning.Fri, 08 Dec 2006 03:50:21 -0000/reviews/software/cd-reviews/dj-aphrodite-v.2CD & SACD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/cd-reviews/dj-icey-the-funky-breaksI first had the pleasure of hearing this cd in the car install garages of Sensuous Sounds, Inc. a few months ago and then borrowed it from a friend a few weeks after that. The compilation's style is somewhere between house and techno rythyms, which seems to be the forte of DJ Icey.Fri, 08 Dec 2006 03:50:21 -0000/reviews/software/cd-reviews/dj-icey-the-funky-breaksCD & SACD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/cd-reviews/george-benson-thats-right-cd-reviewLast weekend I visited the local used CD store to see if I could spice up my music collection without it costing an arm or a leg. I spent about an hour looking through a few thousand CD's in anticipation of finding a few winners. What I found was disappointment, that is until I stumbled upon a used copy of George Benson's "That's Right" CD.Fri, 08 Dec 2006 03:50:21 -0000/reviews/software/cd-reviews/george-benson-thats-right-cd-reviewCD & SACD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/cd-reviews/dire-straits-brothers-in-armsThis CD was recorded in 1985 and soon became a classic thereafter. It was one if the first CD's which was mastered from a digital source as opposed to being recopied from an original analog source. While this CD may be almost 15 years old, it still stands the test of time with respect to audio fidelity and pure listening enjoyment.Fri, 08 Dec 2006 03:50:21 -0000/reviews/software/cd-reviews/dire-straits-brothers-in-armsCD & SACD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/cd-reviews/john-scofield-pat-metheny-i-can-see-your-house-from-hereTwo legendary jazz guitarist's John Scofield & Pat Metheny teamed up in 1994 to produce this masterpiece. John's style of playing guitar is much different from Pats, but when you team them up, they go together like bread and butter. John's traditional sense of style combined with Pats more melodic style of playing compliment each other with the end result being a very jazzy progressive sound not commonly found in jazz music these days.Fri, 08 Dec 2006 03:50:21 -0000/reviews/software/cd-reviews/john-scofield-pat-metheny-i-can-see-your-house-from-hereCD & SACD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/cd-reviews/lee-ritenour-collectionLee Ritenour is most noted for his unique playing style as one of the lead guitarists for the legendary jazz/rock/pop band of the 70's Steely Dan. He has since than embarked on a highly successful solo career spanning nearly 3 decades.Fri, 08 Dec 2006 03:50:21 -0000/reviews/software/cd-reviews/lee-ritenour-collectionCD & SACD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/cd-reviews/michael-franks-burchfield-ninesThis album was recorded in the mid 70's and remastered from its original analog source to CD. You may ask why I choose to review such an old CD mastered from an analog source. The answer is: It is an unbelievable transfer. The sound quality of this CD is amazing, especially for its time frame.Fri, 08 Dec 2006 03:50:21 -0000/reviews/software/cd-reviews/michael-franks-burchfield-ninesCD & SACD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/cd-reviews/pink-floyd-pulseWhen my best friend introduced me to this CD about 1 year after its' release, I was in heaven. To say the CD is a work of art in the musical sense is an understatement. If you enjoyed the original "Dark Side", I don't see how you could be disappointed with this release.Fri, 08 Dec 2006 03:50:21 -0000/reviews/software/cd-reviews/pink-floyd-pulseCD & SACD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/cd-reviews/sade-best-of-sadeReleased in 1994, Sade's "Best of Sade" CD carries an Epic record label. This CD is a compilation of Sade's best music spanning the past decade and a half. Sade's music is a fusion between jazz and pop rock, ensuring a large and loyal listener base.Fri, 08 Dec 2006 03:50:21 -0000/reviews/software/cd-reviews/sade-best-of-sadeCD & SACD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/cd-reviews/special-efx-collection Track List 1. Uptown East 2. Jamaica, Jamaica 3. Daybreak 4. Summer's End 5.…Fri, 08 Dec 2006 03:50:21 -0000/reviews/software/cd-reviews/special-efx-collectionCD & SACD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/cd-reviews/jimmy-buffett-music-by-latitudeLatitude is humorously self-described as "just two people trying to be a band." A local group here in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina specializing in Jimmy Buffet music, Island Rock and Beach Music, Tom & Michelle Becker play their flavor of Jimmy Buffett-style island music all over the Grand Strand (and around the country for that matter.)Fri, 08 Dec 2006 03:50:21 -0000/reviews/software/cd-reviews/jimmy-buffett-music-by-latitudeCD & SACD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/cd-reviews/george-michael-ladies-and-gentlemenThis is a double box CD set containing a compilation of George Michael's greatest hits spanning over a decade (1984 to 1998). It contains 14 songs per CD for a grand total of 28 songs !!!Fri, 08 Dec 2006 03:50:21 -0000/reviews/software/cd-reviews/george-michael-ladies-and-gentlemenCD & SACD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/cd-reviews/marillion-this-strange-engineMarillion is a British Progressive Rock band that started out in the mid 70's and has evolved to the excellent band it is today. Steve Hogarth has been the lead singer since the late 80's and has transformed Marillion into a new modern sound which combined progressive rock with a touch of pop to appeal to the masses.Fri, 08 Dec 2006 03:50:21 -0000/reviews/software/cd-reviews/marillion-this-strange-engineCD & SACD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/cd-reviews/the-king-is-dead-long-live-the-kingContrary to Don McLean's sentiments, it was on August 16, 1977 that the music died. It did not pass in a tragic plane crash with Richie Valens, the Big Bopper and Buddy Holly, but in a Memphis bathroom. The myth of Elvis may have superseded the man, but his startling musical accomplishments live on in the hearts of millions of music lovers.Fri, 08 Dec 2006 03:50:21 -0000/reviews/software/cd-reviews/the-king-is-dead-long-live-the-kingCD & SACD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/cd-reviews/jeff-waynes-musical-version-of-the-war-of-the-worlds Sitting in the Reference System 2 (which was in transition from the old 1266-LSE speakers to the new RBH Sound CinemaSITE speakers - not installed at the time, doh!), Clint sticks in a disc and says, "Take a listen, this is so cool." Suddenly, I'm assaulted by this retro 70's disco electronic stuff.Fri, 08 Dec 2006 03:50:21 -0000/reviews/software/cd-reviews/jeff-waynes-musical-version-of-the-war-of-the-worldsCD & SACD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/cd-reviews/dave-matthews-band-stand-up-dualdisc Once, many moons ago, someone once said to me that there was music that, regardless of audience, would please all. The Dave Matthews Band (DMB) is just such a band. Like just about everyone I know, I've heard a few tracks (usually off the radio), have experienced various levels of attraction and repulsion to the music, and own (or have heard) an album or two which I am hot and cold on (love some tracks, hate others).Fri, 08 Dec 2006 03:50:21 -0000/reviews/software/cd-reviews/dave-matthews-band-stand-up-dualdiscCD & SACD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/cd-reviews/david-gray-2013-life-in-slow-motion-dualdiscLet's be honest, sometimes you have to take one for the team. My wife loved that " Babylon" song that came out a few years ago and when I saw that David Gray had a new album out, I thought I'd kill two birds with one stone.Fri, 08 Dec 2006 03:50:21 -0000/reviews/software/cd-reviews/david-gray-2013-life-in-slow-motion-dualdiscCD & SACD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/cd-reviews/steely-dan-aja-1977-cd-reviewSteely Dan's Aja represented a defining moment in my young musical development; being a jazz-lover and serious student of music (drums/percussion), I had never imagined that a Rock-and-Roll album could sound like this.Fri, 08 Dec 2006 03:50:21 -0000/reviews/software/cd-reviews/steely-dan-aja-1977-cd-reviewCD & SACD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/cd-reviews/michael-franks-skin-dive-1985For all the great releases Michael Franks had up to this point, Skin Dive really put him on the map. This CD spawned his first Top 40 single ( Your Secret's Safe With Me ) as well as video, and became Frank's biggest seller to date.Fri, 08 Dec 2006 03:50:21 -0000/reviews/software/cd-reviews/michael-franks-skin-dive-1985CD & SACD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/cd-reviews/fourplay-fourplay-1991-cd-reviewThe jazz super-group Fourplay was born out of a collaboration first appearing on Bob James' Grand Piano Canyon , and consists of the following accomplished musicians: Bob James (keyboards), Lee Ritenour (guitars), Nathan East (bass and vocals), and Harvey Mason (drums and percussion).Fri, 08 Dec 2006 03:50:21 -0000/reviews/software/cd-reviews/fourplay-fourplay-1991-cd-reviewCD & SACD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/cd-reviews/yellowjackets-yellowjackets-1981The Yellowjackets are what I call one of the jazz super-groups of my generation. Their success has been both critical and commercial (they've won multiple Grammy awards), and their longevity (over 20 releases in over 20 years) is nearly unparalleled.Fri, 08 Dec 2006 03:50:21 -0000/reviews/software/cd-reviews/yellowjackets-yellowjackets-1981CD & SACD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/cd-reviews/mike-stern-upside-downside-1986-cd-reviewMike Stern's debut CD launched a successful solo recording career that continues to this day (and I have every one of his releases). His instantly recognizable playing style is only matched in virtuosity by his talented composition skills.Fri, 08 Dec 2006 03:50:21 -0000/reviews/software/cd-reviews/mike-stern-upside-downside-1986-cd-reviewCD & SACD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/cd-reviews/donald-fagen-morph-the-cat-2006-cd-reviewIt's finally here: another Steely…err…Donald Fagen CD! This once-per-decade phenomenon (Fagen's third solo release since 1982) has been highly anticipated by Steely Dan fans everywhere, and I'm happy to say it was worth the wait.Fri, 08 Dec 2006 03:50:21 -0000/reviews/software/cd-reviews/donald-fagen-morph-the-cat-2006-cd-reviewCD & SACD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/cd-reviews/dave-weckl-master-plan-1990From the time Dave Weckl burst on the scene as the drummer in Chick Corea's Electric Band, you could tell he was something special. It wasn't just his technical virtuosity, or his integration of electronic triggers into his acoustic setup, or his unique phrasing or counterpoint grooves: it was the way he did everything within the context of the music.Fri, 08 Dec 2006 03:50:21 -0000/reviews/software/cd-reviews/dave-weckl-master-plan-1990CD & SACD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/cd-reviews/michael-franks-dragonfly-summer-1993Michael Franks was in top form for this release: catchy, cynical lyrics and great music from great musicians. By the time he got to the 1990's, Michael Franks was basically assembling different bands for groups of tracks on each release, and Dragonfly Summer was no exception.Fri, 08 Dec 2006 03:50:21 -0000/reviews/software/cd-reviews/michael-franks-dragonfly-summer-1993CD & SACD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/cd-reviews/yellowjackets-politics-1988Politics won the Yellowjackets a Grammy for "Best Jazz Fusion Performance". The "new" band had finally settled in featuring originals Russell Ferrante (keyboards) and Jimmy Haslip (bass) along with newcomers Marc Russo (sax) and William Kennedy (drums).Fri, 08 Dec 2006 03:50:21 -0000/reviews/software/cd-reviews/yellowjackets-politics-1988CD & SACD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/cd-reviews/jeff-lorber-worth-waiting-for-1993-cd-reviewFans of the 1970's group Jeff Lorber Fusion (like me) were thrilled when, after a seven year hiatus from solo recordings, he returned to his fusion jazz roots with this release that was, well, Worth Waiting For .Fri, 08 Dec 2006 03:50:21 -0000/reviews/software/cd-reviews/jeff-lorber-worth-waiting-for-1993-cd-reviewCD & SACD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/cd-reviews/jeff-lorber-flipside-2005While it didn't win the Grammy, Flipside was deservedly nominated for "Best Pop Instrumental Performance" in 2005. Over the years, Jeff Lorber has had success as a performer, producer, arranger, and composer. The last decade or so has seen his career return to its jazz fusion roots with several solo instrumental releases.Fri, 08 Dec 2006 03:50:21 -0000/reviews/software/cd-reviews/jeff-lorber-flipside-2005CD & SACD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/cd-reviews/ray-obiedo-perfect-crime-1989Ray Obiedo's excellent debut release was followed by five more over the next 10 years, after which he seemingly disappeared from the music scene. While the decline in jazz recording artist contracts is largely to blame, I had always thought that such a dynamic talent would continue recording and releasing music own his ownFri, 08 Dec 2006 03:50:21 -0000/reviews/software/cd-reviews/ray-obiedo-perfect-crime-1989CD & SACD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/cd-reviews/ray-obiedo-sweet-summer-days-1997While all six of Ray Obiedo's CD's are quite good, I'd have to say this one was the "sweetest". If I had to rank them, I would place Sweet Summer Days a very close second to his debut release: Perfect Crime.Fri, 08 Dec 2006 03:50:21 -0000/reviews/software/cd-reviews/ray-obiedo-sweet-summer-days-1997CD & SACD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/cd-reviews/mike-stern-between-the-lines-1996Let's establish one thing from the start: Mike Stern is one of the greatest jazz guitarists of our time. He is unique stylistically, musically, and technically. By the time this CD was released, Stern had enjoyed ten years of both critical and commercial recording success.Fri, 08 Dec 2006 03:50:21 -0000/reviews/software/cd-reviews/mike-stern-between-the-lines-1996CD & SACD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/cd-reviews/tom-petty-highway-companion-2006Tom Petty was recently quoted in USA Today as saying that he feels "relevant." And for a 55 year-old rock star to feel relevant in today's "flavor-of-the-month" music scene is really saying something. We should all be thankful that Petty's music continues to rise above the noise of a marketplace filled with TV show contest winners masquerading as recording artists.Fri, 08 Dec 2006 03:50:21 -0000/reviews/software/cd-reviews/tom-petty-highway-companion-2006CD & SACD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/cd-reviews/yellowjackets-blue-hats-1997The Yellowjackets were into what I call their third "band" by the time of this release, having added the great Bob Mintzer on sax and woodwinds (replacing Marc Russo). The core rhythm section of Russell Ferrante on keyboards, Jimmy Haslip on bass and William Kennedy on drums, remained intact, and their musical virtuosity shows.Fri, 08 Dec 2006 03:50:21 -0000/reviews/software/cd-reviews/yellowjackets-blue-hats-1997CD & SACD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/cd-reviews/wolfmother-2006-cd-reviewSo you find yourself in your 1970's kitchen hankerin' for some classic rock. Let's say you start with some Zeppelin, then stir in some Rush and Styx, and for good measure, a sprinkle of Spinal Tap. Mix it all together, then let it bake for about 30 years. The result? WOLFMOTHER, circa 2006.Fri, 08 Dec 2006 03:50:21 -0000/reviews/software/cd-reviews/wolfmother-2006-cd-reviewCD & SACD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/cd-reviews/dave-weckl-band-synergy-1999Dave Weckl's fifth CD would have been just another good one in a string of many save one thing: the addition of guitar great Buzz Feiten to his usual outstanding rhythm section of Tommy Kennedy on bass and Jay Oliver on keyboards.Fri, 08 Dec 2006 03:50:21 -0000/reviews/software/cd-reviews/dave-weckl-band-synergy-1999CD & SACD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/cd-reviews/the-bittersweets-2013-the-life-you-always-wanted-2006If you are like me, turning on the tv or radio these days can be discouraging. What is passing for music in the mainstream today is depressing. American Idol has actually become a legitimate launching pad for a record deal. A parade of beautiful (and even not-so-beautiful) people singing cheesy songs written by someone else, competing for 15 minutes of fame.Fri, 08 Dec 2006 03:50:21 -0000/reviews/software/cd-reviews/the-bittersweets-2013-the-life-you-always-wanted-2006CD & SACD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/cd-reviews/rodney-lee-the-satellite-orchestra-2006You could say this is the review I've been waiting over 20 years to write; I've known Rodney Lee since the day we walked into our first Jazz Ensemble rehearsal at the University of Texas in Austin, TX.Fri, 08 Dec 2006 03:50:21 -0000/reviews/software/cd-reviews/rodney-lee-the-satellite-orchestra-2006CD & SACD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/cd-reviews/fourplay-x-2006Fourplay X may be their strongest release in over 10 years, and is a welcome relief after their previous weak outing (Journey). It's nice to see this jazz super-group still going strong at ten CD's, even if a couple of them include a "Greatest Hits" and a Christmas-themed release.Fri, 08 Dec 2006 03:50:21 -0000/reviews/software/cd-reviews/fourplay-x-2006CD & SACD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/cd-reviews/ytcracker-2013-nerd-life If you knew me, it wouldn't surprise you that I will occasionally mess around on Podcast.net trying to find the worst podcasts just so I can mock them. If they're really bad, I'll send them to all my friends. Well, one day I came across one that used a track from ytcracker as their opening music.Fri, 08 Dec 2006 03:50:21 -0000/reviews/software/cd-reviews/ytcracker-2013-nerd-lifeCD & SACD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Software