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

Adriano Celentano – C’e Sempre Un Motivo (2004) [SACD / Clan Celentano – CLN 2055-6 / Sony Music – 518973 6]

Adriano Celentano - C'e Sempre Un Motivo (2004)

Title: Adriano Celentano – C’e Sempre Un Motivo (2004)
Genre: Rock, Latin, Pop
Format: MCH SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

“C’è sempre un motivo” is an album by Italian singer, songwriter, comedian, actor, film director and TV host, Adriano Chelentano. It was originally released in 2004. The album includes previously unreleased song, written by Fabrizio De Andre before his death and given to Celentano by De Andre’s wife Dori Ghezzi. Also included a version of “Il Ragazzo Della Via Gluck” – interpreted in duet with Cesaria Evora.

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1 min read

Adiemus – Songs Of Sanctuary (1995) [Reissue 2003] [SACD / Venture – SACDVE 925]

Adiemus - Songs Of Sanctuary (1995) [Reissue 2003]

Title: Adiemus – Songs Of Sanctuary (1995) [Reissue 2003]
Genre: Classical, Ambient
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Adiemus is a collaboration between composer Karl Jenkins, arranger Mike Ratledge, and vocalist Miriam Stockley. Both Jenkins and Ratledge are former Soft Machine members, with Ratledge handling programmed percussion. The project features the London Philharmonic and additional vocals by Mary Carewe. The album aims to create modern music using classical forms like rondo and ternary, avoiding traditional songs. Vocals consist of vowel and consonant sounds, treating the voice as an instrument without lyrics. Stockley and Carewe’s layered harmonies, alongside the orchestra, produce a massive, choral-like sound. The music blends African-tribal and Celtic-style melodies within classical structures. The result is a hybrid reminiscent of Enya and Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Adiemus delivers a powerful, universal soundscape driven by vocal and orchestral layers. It stands out for its innovative fusion of classical forms and global musical influences.

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1 min read

Aaron Heick and John Di Martino Romantic Jazz Trio – Smooth Operator (2021) [SACD / Venus Records – VHGD-371]

Aaron Heick and John Di Martino Romantic Jazz Trio - Smooth Operator (2021) [Venus Japan]

Title: Aaron Heick and John Di Martino Romantic Jazz Trio – Smooth Operator (2021) [Venus Japan]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + DSF DSD64 + Hi-Res FLAC

Outside of the New York music scene, multi-instrumentalist Aaron Heick’s name may not be as well known as some of his colleagues. But it doesn’t matter; he’s had a rich, varied career. This well-traveled, seasoned pro has played with some of the most prominent musicians in jazz, pop, reggae, funk, world, and classical music. Those who really know what’s going on in music know him.

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1 min read