Ellen Sejersted Bødtker – SONaR (2009) [Blu-ray Audo / BDMV / 11 GB / 2L-051]

Album title: SONaR
Composer: Magnar Åm (1952 -)
Performer: Ellen Sejersted Bødtker , Oslo Kammersolister , Hildegunn Riise , Grex Vocalis / Carl Høgset
Genre: Classical
Label: 2L (Lindberg Lyd)
Location: Ris Church, Norway
Release date: January 2009
Recording date: January and August 2007

Original source: PCM 96kHz/24bit
Quality: Blu-ray Audio
Duration: 0:58:10
Video: MPEG-4 AVC 84 kbps / 1080p / 24 fps / 16:9 / High Profile 4.1
Audio #1: LPCM 5.0 / 96 kHz / 11520 kbps / 24-bit
Audio #2: DTS-HD MA 5.0 / 96 kHz / 5931 kbps / 24-bit (DTS Core: 5.0 / 48 kHz / 1509 kbps / 24-bit)
Audio #3: LPCM 2.0 / 96 kHz / 4608 kbps / 24-bit
Size:11 GB

SONaR – A celestial sonic world of harps, strings and angels. Composed and performed specially for the surround sound format.

vere meininga – concerto for harp and strings
det var mjukt – for soprano and harp
dette blanke no – concerto for harp and angels

“SONaR is a sound signal sent out to create an echo from whatever it may encounter and thus reveal the unknown. I think we all send our symbolic sonars into physical and spiritual space, in a constant search for meaning. At least I do. And my life and music represent both this child’s sonars and the universe’s ever-unfolding answer.” – Magnar Åm
“The music is insistent, powerful and existential, bringing out the dramatic qualities of the instrument. In the cadenza the electric harp with all its effects carries on a dialogue with its acoustic counterpart, as if the new and the ancient world were melting together; a Mongolian shepherd’s song winds its way between the strings.” – Ellen Sejersted Bødtker

2l.no

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2 min read

TrondheimSolistene – DIVERTIMENTI (2008) [Blu-ray Audo / BDMV / 42.3 GB / 2L-050]

Album title: DIVERTIMENTI
Сomposer: Benjamin Britten (1913-1976); Grazyna Bacewicz (1909-1969); Bela Bartok (1881-1945); Terje Bjorklund (1945 -)
Performer: TrondheimSolistene; Øyvind Gimse, conductor
Genre: Classical

Label: 2L (Lindberg Lyd)
Location: Selbu Church, Norway
Release date: May 2008
Recording date: November 2007

Original source: Mastering in DXD (352.8kHz/24bit)
Quality: Blu-ray Audio
Duration: 1:08:58
Video: MPEG-2 9000 kbps / 1080p / 24 fps / 16:9
Audio#1: LPCM 5.1 / 192 kHz / 27648 kbps / 24-bit
Audio#2: LPCM 2.0 / 192 kHz / 9216 kbps / 24-bit
Audio#3: DTS-HD MA 5.1 / 192 kHz / 12990 kbps / 24-bit (DTS Core: 5.1 / 48 kHz / 1509 kbps / 24-bit)
Audio#4: Dolby TrueHD 5.1 / 192 kHz / 13122 kbps / 16-bit (AC3 Embedded: 5.1 / 48 kHz / 640 kbps)
Audio#5: Dolby Digital 5.1 / 48 kHz / 640 kbps
Size: 42.3 GB

TrondheimSolistene collaborates with 2L for a new album, following their award-winning Mozart violin concertos with Marianne Thorsen. DIVERTIMENTI features challenging string orchestra repertoire by Britten, Bacewicz, Bjørklund, and Bartók’s Divertimento. It’s the first music-only commercial recording on Blu-ray, marking a world premiere. The divertimento genre, originating in the 19th century, was meant for light, cheerful social occasions. Typically scored for small string ensembles, divertimenti were uncomplicated and elegant. Over time, the genre evolved, influencing virtuosic chamber music styles. Modern composers have refined the divertimento into a chamber-symphonic showpiece. The album showcases a diverse selection of technically demanding works. TrondheimSolistene highlights the genre’s historical and contemporary significance. DIVERTIMENTI blends tradition with innovation in a groundbreaking format.

2l.no

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2 min read

Aimee Mann – Lost In Space (2002) [MFSL 2003] [SACD / Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab – UDSACD 2021]

Aimee Mann - Lost In Space (2002) [MFSL 2003]

Title: Aimee Mann – Lost In Space (2002) [MFSL 2003]
Genre: Rock
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Aimee Mann’s Lost in Space carries a vivid narrative strength, amplified by her Magnolia soundtrack prominence. The album’s autumnal mood, with layered keyboards and shifting chords, enhances her eloquent lyrics. Major-minor shifts, like in “Guys Like Me,” add ironic twists to her storytelling. Themes of alienation and metaphorical addiction run through tracks like “This Is How It Goes” and “High on Sunday 51.” Mann’s wordplay, such as “heroine” versus “heroin,” deepens the album’s introspective tone. Recorded in Ryan Freeland’s home studio, subtle electronic touches complement the low-tech arrangements. Despite its dark themes, Lost in Space showcases Mann’s unmatched skill in crafting poetic regret. The album underscores her status as a spectacularly underrated songwriter, masterfully exploring depression’s peculiar beauty.

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1 min read

Aimee Mann – Bachelor No.2 Or The Last Remains of the Dodo (2000) [MFSL 2004] [SACD / Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab – UDSACD 2025]

Aimee Mann - Bachelor No.2 Or The Last Remains of the Dodo (2000) [MFSL 2004]

Title: Aimee Mann – Bachelor No.2 Or The Last Remains of the Dodo (2000) [MFSL 2004]
Genre: Rock
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Aimee Mann’s Bachelor No. 2, or the last remains of the dodo shares four songs with her Magnolia soundtrack, written and recorded concurrently. Despite similarities, Bachelor No. 2 has a distinct, intimate, and fragile identity, feeling quintessentially like Mann’s work. The album showcases Mann’s confidence and her strongest songwriting to date. Produced by multiple producers and co-written with songwriters like Jon Brion, it maintains a cohesive sound. Mann’s literate, clever, and melancholic style is perfectly matched by crisp, layered arrangements of guitars and keyboards. The detailed production enhances her melodic songs without overpowering their intimacy. This is Mann’s most compelling and consistent work as a writer and performer. While not a grandiose masterpiece, Bachelor No. 2 is her finest record yet.

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1 min read

Aerosmith – Toys In The Attic (1975) [SACD 2002] [SACD / Columbia – CS 57362]

Aerosmith - Toys In The Attic (1975) [SACD 2002]

Title: Aerosmith – Toys In The Attic (1975) [SACD 2002]
Genre: Hard Rock
Format: MCH SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Aerosmith’s third album, Toys in the Attic, perfected their blend of Rolling Stones-inspired raunch and Led Zeppelin-style riffs. The album’s success stems from sharper songwriting and a clear sense of purpose. Joe Perry delivers iconic riffs in tracks like “Walk This Way,” “Toys in the Attic,” and “Sweet Emotion.” Steven Tyler embraces sleazy themes, drawing from dirty blues like “Big Ten Inch Record” for lyrical inspiration. Tyler’s playful, sex-charged lyrics shine in songs like “Walk This Way,” “Sweet Emotion,” and “Uncle Salty.” Perry’s gritty, exaggerated riffs lead the band’s raw, greasy sound. Unlike their influences—Rolling Stones, New York Dolls, and Led Zeppelin—Aerosmith lacked menace or mystique, focusing instead on gritty, fun hard rock. Toys in the Attic captures the band’s street-wise, blooze-driven attitude, setting them apart in hard rock.

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1 min read

Aerosmith – Rocks (1976) [Reissue 2000] [SACD / Columbia – CS 57363]

Aerosmith - Rocks (1976) [Reissue 2000]

Title: Aerosmith – Rocks (1976) [Reissue 2000]
Genre: Hard Rock
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Rocks, Aerosmith’s fourth studio album released in 1976, is hailed as their rawest and most rocking work. AllMusic praised it for capturing the band’s unfiltered energy, while Rolling Stone ranked it No. 176 on its 500 Greatest Albums list. The album influenced hard rock and heavy metal bands like Guns N’ Roses, Metallica, and Nirvana. Commercially successful, it shipped platinum upon release and later achieved quadruple platinum status. Three singles charted on the Billboard Hot 100, with “Back in the Saddle” and “Last Child” reaching the Top 40. Despite escalating drug use, Aerosmith nearly surpassed their previous masterpiece, Toys in the Attic. Fans often debate whether Toys or Rocks is the band’s definitive work, but Rocks excels in raw intensity. Key tracks include the menacing “Back in the Saddle,” funky “Last Child,” and gritty “Rats in the Cellar.” Lesser-known songs like “Combination,” “Get the Lead Out,” and “Nobody’s Fault” are equally vital. The album closes with the ballad “Home Tonight” and the rock-star tale “Lick and a Promise,” cementing Aerosmith’s indestructible aura.

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2 min read

Aerosmith – Just Push Play (2001) [SACD / Columbia – CS 62088]

Aerosmith - Just Push Play (2001)

Title: Aerosmith – Just Push Play (2001)
Genre: Hard Rock
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

After Nine Lives underperformed, Aerosmith took action to revitalize their sound. Steve Tyler and Joe Perry took control of production, working with Mark Hudson and Marti Frederiksen, nicknamed the Boneyard Boys. This isn’t a full band effort, but Hudson and Frederiksen’s influence helps make Just Push Play tighter and savvier than anything since Pump. The album lacks enough memorable songs and includes awkward moments, like the title track’s “f*ckin’ A” chorus and the oddly named “Trip Hoppin’.” Tracks like “Avant Garden” feel out of touch, reflecting the band’s refusal to act their age. Despite flaws, Just Push Play is a sleek, classicist hard rock record. It’s Aerosmith’s best work in nearly a decade, especially on catchy tracks like “Jaded.” The album doesn’t match the comebacks of Permanent Vacation or Pump. The dated sexy robot cover art contrasts with the relatively fresh music. Just Push Play shows Aerosmith regaining form, making its missteps forgivable.

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1 min read

Aerosmith – O, Yeah! Ultimate Aerosmith Hits (2002) [SACD / Columbia – C2S 86700]

Aerosmith - O, Yeah! Ultimate Aerosmith Hits (2002)

Title: Aerosmith – O, Yeah! Ultimate Aerosmith Hits (2002)
Genre: Hard Rock
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

O, Yeah! Ultimate Aerosmith Hits is a double-CD greatest hits album by Aerosmith, covering their career up to 2002. It features their biggest hits in chronological order, including both Columbia and Geffen eras. The album includes two new songs, “Girls of Summer” and “Lay it Down.” As the sixth Aerosmith hits collection, it’s the first to combine both label periods. Hits like “Mama Kin,” “Jaded,” and both versions of “Walk This Way” are included. Some tracks, such as “Draw the Line” and “Pink,” are presented in remixed forms that enhance their sound. “Girls of Summer” is a strong addition, though “Lay it Down” is less impressive. While nearly all major hits are present, fan favorites like “Lord of the Thighs” and “Chip Away the Stone” are absent. The second disc focuses heavily on the less-acclaimed Get a Grip era onward, which weakens its impact. Despite being comprehensive for casual fans, it doesn’t fully capture Aerosmith’s essence like Rocks or Pump.

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2 min read

Adriel Gomez-Mansur – Recital (2006) [SACD / Avanti Classic – 5414706 10252]

Adriel Gomez-Mansur - Recital (2006)

Title: Adriel Gomez-Mansur – Recital (2006)
Genre: Classical
Format: MCH SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Adriel Gomez-Mansur’s debut album, recorded at age 17, showcases remarkable musical maturity. The Argentinean pianist avoids flashy repertoire, opting for introspective pieces like Liszt’s Consolation No. 3 and Schumann’s Traumerei. His selections highlight serene and reflective works, defying expectations for a young artist. Gomez-Mansur’s performances reveal depth and sensitivity beyond his years. The album includes virtuosic pieces like Rachmaninov’s Op. 32 Preludes and Scriabin etudes, played with technical finesse. His focus remains on the composers’ intentions, not self-display. The result is a genuine, musical journey, not a showcase of technique. This debut establishes Gomez-Mansur as an astonishingly talented young pianist.

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1 min read

Adriano Celentano – Le Volte Che Celentano E’ Stato 1 (2003) [SACD / Clan Celentano – CLN 2052 6 / Sony Music 513686 6]

Adriano Celentano - Le Volte Che Celentano E' Stato 1 (2003)

Title: Adriano Celentano – Le Volte Che Celentano E’ Stato 1 (2003)
Genre: Rock, Pop
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Adriano Celentano is an Italian singer, songwriter, comedian, actor, film director and TV host. He is the best-selling Italian singer, and the best-selling male artist of Italy. “Le Volte Che Celentano E’ Stato 1” is his “Super Best” compilation album released in 2003. From the early 60s to today, this compilation will give you a very good panorama of this amazing performer.

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1 min read