Review by Phil

Yet again Billy Joel proves his position in Rock history as a master songsmith with this 40th Anniversary release of 52nd Street. First of all, the straight up CD portion of this disc is damn fine but, if you have an SACD capable player this disc sparkles. Crisp, clean detail throughout with a nice bottom end, perfect mids and a top end that shimmers without heading into the land of broken glass. Sony has once again pulled out all the stops when it comes to the packaging. I love this 7" sleeve format that I will actively seek them out so bring more on. 52nd Street is something special and should be in any collectors library.

What a massive talent this guy was. A voice to die for gone too soon. A must for any music lover's library.

I already had this title on a US disc and always found it a bit flat and dull. This morning my CDJapan package arrives with this title amongst many and I'm wondering, will there be an improvement. I am very happy to announce that this is far and away the best I have ever heard this album, nice, clean detail and Harry's vocal just so heartbreakingly beautiful. What a talent.

I'm not going to bore you with the details about why this Album (in incredible 7" packaging no less) is so awesome. It just is. And the accompanying Blu-Ray is just so awesome as well. Great image, awesome sound and open region so no matter where you are on this Planet you can play it. Awesome.

After all these years "CHOBA B CCCP" still sounds good. This current release on SHMCD is a very worthy addition to any Rock fans library. Tasty, very tasty.

Elton John (along with Brandi Carlile) have brought us an album that just drips with joy. Great songs from both of these incredibly gifted people guarantees that it will be on high rotation in many a fans living rooms. A very welcome addition to any library. And the 7" packaging is top notch too.

In my review for the "Slippery When Wet" release I said I was not much of fan of Bon Jovi but, I'm always open to re-evaluating what has passed me by. My Son (God rest his Soul) was a fan and now while looking in the rear-view mirror of time I understand. They had exceptional talent, and this special 7" package just proves it. It's not just for the hardcore fans but even those of us that can appreciate talented musicians who have stood the test of time. Good stuff.

First up I am not much of a fan of Bon Jovi so was at first buying this for the 7" packaging and not much else... Until I sat down and gave it a really good listen. I now understand what all of the fuss is about way back in the day and greatly appreciate just how they conquered the world with their driving guitars and urgent percussion. "Slippery When Wet" is a great snapshot of that time and while many bands from around that period have dated very badly Bon Jovi has not. Is it a timeless classic? Yes, I think "Slippery When Wet" fits nicely.

"Wedding Album" is still odd fifty years later. Great disc to chuck on if you want to clear the house of your dinner guests. Good packaging though. * Please note that there are NO bonus tracks on this release, it's just the bog standard two track edition.

This is how an Anniversary release of an important moment in music history should be done! First up, "Born In The U.S.A." just kills my U.S pressing of the title just fantastic all round (I put that down to not only the BSCD2 spec but also the extra care Japan seems to take in all they do) and to have the bonus three discs of his tour around that time just puts everything into perspective even more. Furthermore, getting the 7" packing treatment with all the goodies is awesome. I have quite a few of these 7" releases (Pink Floyd, Santana and Lady Gaga to name a few) and I now actively seek them out wherever possible. Maybe CDJapan could get their hands on more releases and have a dedicated page devoted to them (The Lion King soundtrack is available). They are worth every single cent. Cheers.

A great introduction to one of the most popular groups of the Seventies. You not only get a great overview of their music, but you also get the added benefit of watching them in action on the included DVD. Well worth it.

I bought the 'Laughing Man Tool Box' as a gift for my nephew (who's on the Autism Spectrum) as he's a huge fan of the "Ghost In The Shell" series. He has in fact taken 3 years to learn Japanese so that he could further enjoy the nuances of the original dialogue and read the books plus it's very handy when he travels to Japan (twice so far). A very much appreciated item it has taken pride of place amongst his other 'Ghost' ephemera. Thank you.

I really liked how this album sounded drumless and it is a great companion to the original disk. But in the end casual listeners will not be impressed. For Daft Punk fans only.

An excellent double disc set of such a great album. The second disc is a great overview of just how Daft Punk worked. Well worth the money.

One of the best box sets of the last few years the ABBA collection covers everything you need for your time slip back to the seventies. Indispensable.

What a surprise this Album has turned out to be. I'm always curious as to how songs can be interpretated by others and here are several very fine examples of just that. Gabrielle Alplin nails "Dancing In The Dark" beautifully, Matt Cardle "The Power Of Love" a heartfelt rendering of the FGTH classic, Simple Minds "Brothers In Arms" would not be out of place in their live sets and Trevor Horns Instrumentals would certainly find a place in the Proms. Nice.

A great overview of what the Eagles did best. Great songwriting, impeccable harmonies and fantastic performances from all concerned. But is it an actual "Live" recording? That is still up for debate what with all the overdubs throughout. In the end though who cares? It's the Eagles and their music is all that matters. Great stuff.

A great and yet hugely under-rated album from these three great artists. On the CD side the recording is a knockout but, when it comes to the SACD content... Well, what can you say? Brilliant! Superb stuff in a great 7" package.

I already have this album as the regular issue and the U.S special edition release. Both are good but yet again Japan proves that with a little more attention to detail you can have something very special. The CD side is fantastic showcasing Billy Joel's expertise as a singer and songwriter but when you go SACD well, there is a warmth that pulls you further into his world, you are there right in front with your glass of tonic and gin wrapped in the music that speaks through the ages. You can even hear the actions of the piano as he plays away. What else is there to say? Beautiful.

A very nice introduction for anyone looking to dip their toes into the wonderful world of Nat King Cole. If it wasn't for him so many artists that came after just wouldn't be around.