Sean Noonan’s Brewed By Noon – Stories To Tell (2007) MCH SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Sean Noonan’s Brewed By Noon – Stories To Tell (2007)
SACD Rip | SACD ISO | DST64 2.0 & 5.0 > 1-bit/2.8224 MHz | 64:33 minutes | Front/Rear Covers | 3,23 GB
or FLAC 2.0 Stereo (converted with foobar2000 to tracks) 24bit/96 kHz | Front/Rear Covers | 1,37 GB
Features Stereo and Multichannel Surround Sound | Songlines Recordings # SGL SA1563-2

Drummer, composer, storyteller Sean Noonan describes himself as an ‘Irish griot’, one who collects tales, legends, and life stories over the course of his journeys and transforms them into the raw material that informs not only his drumming, but the entirety of the music he creates. The stories Sean and his band tell in these 10 pieces are exceptionally diverse. You can pick out elements of blues, rock, soul, jazz and improv in various combinations, adding in Celtic and west African song-forms, lyrics, melodic content and instrumental approaches, but all transformed in the process of development.

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Shaman Elephant – Wide Awake but Still Asleep (2020) [Official Digital Download 24bit/48kHz]

Shaman Elephant – Wide Awake but Still Asleep (2020)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/48 kHz | Time – 40:17 minutes | 480 MB | Genre: Rock
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Karisma Records

When Shaman Elephant’s debut album “Crystals” hit the streets in late 2016, Prog fans sat up and took notice of a band that was able to demonstrate an uncanny skill in the art of blending 60’s and 70’s psychedelia with progressive rock, and who sounded impressive not just in the studio, but also on stage – as fans who witnessed their shows in Norway and Europe are able to attest. And now, after honing those skills even further, Shaman Elephant are back with “Wide Awake but Still Asleep”, an album that demonstrates just how much the band has matured as songwriters and musicians, whilst not losing any of that considerable Shaman Elephant charm.

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George Szell, The Cleveland Orchestra – Schumann: Symphonies 2 & 4: Weber: Oberon Overture (2001) SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

George Szell, The Cleveland Orchestra – Schumann: Symphonies 2 & 4: Weber: Oberon Overture (2001)
PS3 Rip | SACD ISO | DSD64 2.0 > 1-bit/2.8224 MHz | 61:28 minutes | 2,88 GB
FLAC 2.0 Stereo (PS3 ISO extract / Weiss Saracon conversion) 24bit/88.2 kHz | 1,48 GB
Japan Import | Year: 1960, 2001 | Full Scans | 3% Recovery Info

… the recording sounds as though it had been made just last week. George Szell and the Clevelanders render Schumann in the grand manner of the middle of the last century, before the horrendous politically correct, period instruments craze hit the classical world. To anyone who’s heard any of the more “authentic” recordings of the last couple of decades, this may sound somewhat bombastic, but that’s what makes this music so wonderful.!

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Samanà – Ascension (2019) [Official Digital Download 24bit/44,1kHz]

Samanà – Ascension (2019)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/44,1 kHz | Time – 49:01 minutes | 536 MB | Genre: Indie Pop, Alternative
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Fatcat Records

Ascension is the passage from one plane of thought and existence to another, though deliberations of love, loss and freedom. The album, which was composed in the remote valleys of Wales solely by Rebecca Rose Harris and Franklin Mockett, offers ruminations’ of solitude in the isolation of nature. Each song is a meditation laid to tape, forming an album of a natural order of thought and feeling to take us to great heights.

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George Szell, The Cleveland Orchestra – Schumann: Symphonies 1, 3 & Manfred Overture (2001) SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

George Szell, The Cleveland Orchestra – Schumann: Symphonies 1, 3 & Manfred Overture (2001)
PS3 Rip | SACD ISO | DSD64 2.0 > 1-bit/2.8224 MHz | 63:40 minutes | 2,99 GB
FLAC 2.0 Stereo (PS3 ISO extract / Weiss Saracon conversion) 24bit/88.2 kHz | 1,55 GB
Japan Import | Year: 1960, 2001 | Full Scans | 3% Recovery Info

These performances remain as great as ever, and the remastering is a source of wonder; if you don’t own these recordings, here’s a rare chance to correct the oversight. Take advantage of it while you can.

Magical and stunning music! You don’t have to spend a fortune going back to vinyl, these SACD versions of 50 year-old analog recordings contain all that warmth and transparency you’re looking for. It’s not about digital vs analog, it’s about superb reproduction qualities with no gimmicks or artificial studio effects.

Szell’s Schumann is a MUST for any serious listener of nineteenth-century music. These discs are not merely an essential addition to a collection: this is the only account of the Schumann symphonies you should have. So why Schumann? And why Szell?

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Swedish Chamber Orchestra, Thomas Dausgaard – Schubert: Symphonies Nos 1 & 2 (2014) MCH SACD ISO

Swedish Chamber Orchestra, Thomas Dausgaard – Schubert: Symphonies Nos 1 & 2 (2014)
PS3 Rip | SACD ISO | DST64 2.0 & 5.1 > 1-bit/2.8224 MHz | 76:35 minutes | Digital Booklet | 3,52 GB

On the final disc of a complete cycle, Thomas Dausgaard and the Swedish Chamber Orchestra offer us their readings of Franz Schubert’s first two symphonies. Written between 1813 and 1815, by a composer still in his teens, both works exemplify the influences of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven on the young man – something which was long regarded as a weakness: until well into the twentieth century (with just a few exceptions) their existence was of interest primarily to archivists. They nevertheless contain abundant proof of Schubert’s melodic genius – for instance in the Andante of Symphony No.1 – and other trademarks of the composer are already in evidence: his beloved ‘Wanderer’ rhythm in the finale of the Second Symphony, and throughout his confident and individual handling of form and harmony. The previous three discs in the cycle have met with critical acclaim and distinctions, with many reviewers welcoming the fresh approach towards the undisputed masterpieces (the ‘Unfinished’ and the ‘Great C major’) as well as to the less familiar earlier works. The present disc include two fillers, of which one is the rarely heard Funeral March from the unfinished opera Adrast from 1819-20, Schubert’s second attempt in the genre. Far better known is the closing work, the well-loved ‘Rosamunde Overture’. Composed around the same time as Adrast, it was actually part of the music to the melodrama Die Zauberharfe, but has later become associated with the incidental music to Rosamunde, Fürstin von Zypern, which Schubert would write some three years later.

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Sviatoslav Richter – Piano Sonata No.16 D845 & No.17 D850 (2012) SACD ISO

Sviatoslav Richter – Piano Sonata No.16 D845 & No.17 D850 (2012)
SACD ISO | DST64 2.0 > 1-bit/2.8224 MHz  | 01:15:20 minutes | 1,03 GB | Genre: Classical | © Praga Digitals

Juxtaposition of the First and Seconde Grande Sonate for pianoforte of 1825, one a melancholic, intimate effusion that will not smile even in its concluding rondo, voluntarist and threatening; the other, brimming with frothy joy close to a stylized Tyrolienne, then a refined Ländler whose emotional invention heralds Bruckner, followed by a moderato as light as it is timeless in its innocent, inalterable gaiety. A portrait such as only Richter the painter knew how to compose.

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Sviatoslav Richter – Schubert: Piano Sonata No.3 D664 & No.21 D960 (2012) SACD ISO

Sviatoslav Richter – Schubert: Piano Sonata No.3 D664 & No.21 D960 (2012)
SACD ISO | DST64 2.0 > 1-bit/2.8224 MHz  | 01:19:19 minutes | 1,06 GB | Genre: Classical | © Praga Digitals

Richter conquered Paris with this kind of Schubert scores. The last and immense Piano Sonata No.21 in B flat major, D 960 (1828) stayed a long time in his repertoire chasing the ‘small’, once faciend sonatas. He captures the brillant ambiguity of these serie of exclamations, more a cycle of irmpromptus than a real sonata dixit Beethoven, its strict architecture opposing its instinctive imaginativness. Richter exudes overwhelming charm of an isolated Impomptu before respecting the post mozartian baroau approach in the 1819 small A major Sonata D 664.

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Scorpions – Blackout (1982) [Audio Fidelity 2014] SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Scorpions – Blackout (1982) [Audio Fidelity 2014]
PS3 Rip | SACD ISO | DSD64 2.0 > 1-bit/2.8224 MHz | 36:37 minutes | Scans included | 1,48 GB
or FLAC(converted with foobar2000 to tracks) 24bit/88,2 kHz | Full Scans included | 733 MB

Blackout was the Scorpions’ first majorly successful album, due to its clever balance of pop/rock (the title track), power ballads (“When the Smoke Is Going Down”), and catchy heavy metal (“Dynamite,” “No One Like You”). Vocalist Klaus Meine had a throat operation prior to the record’s release, and surprisingly, his voice sounds more melodic and lively than ever. The rest of the band sounds great as well, and the album is highlighted by the fast-paced performances of guitarists Rudolf Schenker and Matthias Jabs. Blackout has arguably been called the Scorpions’ best record ever, and that statement is not unjust — it has more energy than anything else they have ever released.

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Scorpions & Berliner Philharmoniker – Moment Of Glory (2000) [Reissue 2002] MCH SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Scorpions & Berliner Philharmoniker – Moment Of Glory (2000) [Reissue 2002]
PS3 Rip | SACD ISO | DST64 2.0 & 5.1 > 1-bit/2.8224 MHz | 70:14 minutes | Scans | 4,5 GB
or FLAC(converted with foobar2000 to tracks) 24bit/88,2 kHz | 61:37 mins | Scans | 1,23 GB
Features Stereo & Multichannel Surround sound | Genre: Rock, Classical

On the heels of Metallica’s similarly conceived S&M comes the Scorpions’ Moment of Glory, a presentation of past favorites (plus three new songs) with full orchestral backing courtesy of the Berlin Philharmonic. The rock instrumentation blends in best on the ballads, but some of the up-tempo rockers can also be pretty exciting, if a little bombastic. That said, the Scorpions’ music isn’t always complex enough to suggest interesting ways of augmenting the original arrangements – but since this is more a specialty item for diehards in the first place, that won’t likely matter in the end. Some fans may be disappointed that Klaus Meine gives way to guest vocalists on a couple of tunes, but overall, this is a variation on the Scorpions’ signature sound that loyalists will probably enjoy quite a bit.

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Sam Fender – Seventeen Going Under (2021) [Official Digital Download 24bit/96kHz]

Sam Fender – Seventeen Going Under (2021)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/96 kHz | Time – 45:21 minutes | 971 MB | Genre: Pop
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Polydor Records

The loss of youth and young manhood and the trials of adolescence have provided ample inspiration for musicians since forever. The latter, in particular, has been well encapsulated by US rockers Sharon Van Etten (‘Seventeen’, 2019) and Olivia Rodrigo (‘Brutal’, 2021) in recent years, but the former is one that Sam Fender has mastered like few others. It’s a topic that requires a delicate approach; the transition from boy to man is assumed to be dominated by bravado, and often overshadows causes that need a closer look.

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Duke Ellington – Ellington In Order, Volume 3 (1930-31) (2023) [Official Digital Download 24bit/44,1kHz]

Duke Ellington – Ellington In Order, Volume 3 (1930-31) (2023)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/44,1 kHz | Time – 02:52:51 minutes | 1,40 GB | Genre: Jazz
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Legacy Recordings

Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington (April 29, 1899 – May 24, 1974) was an American jazz pianist, composer, and leader of his eponymous jazz orchestra from 1923 through the rest of his life.

Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Ellington was based in New York City from the mid-1920s and gained a national profile through his orchestra’s appearances at the Cotton Club in Harlem. A master at writing miniatures for the three-minute 78 rpm recording format, Ellington wrote or collaborated on more than one thousand compositions; his extensive body of work is the largest recorded personal jazz legacy, and many of his pieces have become standards. He also recorded songs written by his bandsmen, such as Juan Tizol’s “Caravan”, which brought a Spanish tinge to big band jazz.

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Diane Maltester – Wild Swans: Nancy Bachmann Chamber Works (2023) [Official Digital Download 24bit/96kHz]

Diane Maltester – Wild Swans: Nancy Bachmann Chamber Works (2023)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/96 kHz | Time – 01:18:50 minutes | 1,31 GB | Genre: Classical
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Navona

Diane Maltester and Nancy Bachmann take listeners on a mesmerizing musical journey with WILD SWANS. Contemporary composer Nancy Bachmann’s exquisite music entices listeners with an artist’s pallet of expressive and progressive sounds. Released under Navona Records, this extraordinary album showcases Bachmann’s compositions for the superbly talented clarinetist, Diane Maltester.

WILD SWANS takes flight through compositions for voice, woodwind quintet, trios, duos, and unaccompanied clarinet. The wings of Bachmann’s imaginative energy and Maltester’s interpretive virtuosity transport the listener to beautiful and exotic destinations.

As one explores the transcendent compositions on WILD SWANS Bachmann’s brilliance and versatility shine through on every track, illuminated by the extraordinary artistry of Maltester and all her collaborators. A captivating mix of wildness and grace!

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Sara K. – No Cover (2003) [Official Digital Download 24bit/96kHz]

Sara K. – No Cover (2003)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/96 kHz | Time – 58:15 minutes | 1,10 GB | Genre: Blues
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Chesky Records

Through her unique voice and heart-wrenching songs, Sara K. has taken us down rocky roads and into smoky bars to create stunning portraits of life and love. Now you can fully experience the raw emotion and pure energy of Sara K. in concert on No Cover. Featuring classics like “If I Could Sing Your Blues” (with special guest Chuck Mangione), “Horse I Used To Ride,” and “I Couldn’t Change Your Mind,” as well as new songs like the bluesy “Ball ‘n Joint,” this electrifying performance was recorded and filmed inside the acoustically-rich St. Peter’s Church in New York.

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Depeche Mode – Sounds Of The Universe The 12” Singles (2023) [Official Digital Download 24bit/44,1kHz]

Depeche Mode – Sounds Of The Universe The 12” Singles (2023)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/44,1 kHz | Time – 03:28:47 minutes | 3,17 GB | Genre: Synth-pop
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Venusnote Ltd.

Sounds Of The Universe | The 12″ Singles, a deluxe collector’s edition box set, contains seven 12″ vinyl discs presenting singles–including Wrong, Peace, the double A-side Fragile Tension/Hole To Feed–alongside B-sides, remixes, dub versions and other recordings contemporaneous to Depeche Mode’s 12th studio album, Sounds Of The Universe, originally released by Mute Records in April 2009.

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