Apocalypse

Fool that I am, I'm a sucker for re-releases because they inevitably boast re-mastered sound, bonus tracks, enhanced packaging, etc. This 2016 release boasts none of those things, and this is no improvement at all over the Columbia Contemporary Masters edition of this from the 80's or 90's. That, in fact, sounds a lot better than this did when I A-B'ed them and has liner notes, which this doesn't. Not sure at all why, besides the hope for $$$'s that Talking Elephant bothered to put this bare bones version out.Complaints aside, this is an essential album in the MO/McLaughlin catalog. McLaughlin's composition, his and the band's playing, George Martin's production, and the arrangements for orchestra and band are all totally 5 star material. They also represent a big departure from the mighty original MO. If you don't have this, and can't find a copy of the older Columbia release (currently to be had for less than $3.00, here at Amazon), then it's worth seeking out this edition. Otherwise, take a pass and learn from my misguided attempt to find a "better version".

Unlike many of the other commentators, I did not hear this album when it came out, but only recently. Of all the fusion albums I have heard, this one is the most successful, that is, not dated by arrangements long since discarded. Other factors take the album into the first rank, namely, Gayle Moran's singing on cut 3 (though unfortunately interrupted by a rote choral round [very dated!] midway through), and McLaughlin's playing, and his composing. Difficult material to handle, no doubt, but well handled by producer George Martin. On almost every cut, the big orchestra and the small one interact well; and in this sort of collaboration, 'almost every' is praise indeed.

If I could only keep 10 albums, Apocalypse would be one of them. I first heard it in LP form, when I was 14 years old, one hot summer in Phoenix, Arizona. It has always reminded me of the more dramatic parts of the Arizona landscape, not to mention the spectacular monsoon storms we have. At first, I played side one the most. I love the beautiful, contemplative piano piece that starts the album, "Power Of Love." And "Vision Is A Naked Sword" would make a perfect soundtrack for the super-charged lightning storms I've witnessed in Arizona. But eventually, "Wings Of Karma" and "Hymn to Him" also grew on me.Recently my husband and I went on a second honeymoon, a driving trip through Arizona. It was January, and we passed a power plant in the middle of a desolate flood plain. A giant plume of steam hung over the plant, held in place by the super-cold air. "Vision Is A Naked Sword" was playing on our car stereo -- it was one of those moments you remember the rest of your life.People who review music sometimes have a tendency to be overly intellectual. When you listen to Apocalypse, rely on your gut. Don't compare it to other albums, let it stand on its own merits. I own 2 copies -- I just bought a 3rd to give my brother. I hope it NEVER goes out of print (or at least, not in my lifetime). I'll always love it.

To have been alive during the time Mahavishnu Orchestra was making music is one of the high points of my musical life. I only wish I could have seen them live (both incarnations). John McLaughlin has always been a spiritual seeker, and nowhere is that more evident than his composition and instrumentation on Apocalypse. His guitar work on this album is STILL stimulating and exciting as well as being amazingly complex even to this day. JM is a true master of his instrument. Since the first time I heard him on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert I've been a fan. This has been a favorite of mine for around forty years now. Sure, there are faults, and it's DEFINITELY not everyone's cup of tea, but Mahavishnu Orchestra was not destined to appeal to everyone. It's one of those recordings I had / have in Vinyl, Eight Track, Cassette, CD, and I've seen some videos that are pretty neat... I guess by now you can tell I'm a fan...LOL... If you hear it I truly hope you enjoy it.

An excellent CD, brings back memories. Good to hear it again

Thanks!

Excellent album, and very well recorded by Sir George Martin.

Apocalypse was recorded in 1974 by a newly reformed Mahavisnu Orchestra alongside the famous producer George Martin and incorporates his knowledge of orchestration along with John McLaughlins knowledge of jazz fusion.This is a beautiful album from the very start. The first track "Power of Love" kicks off with a soft piano joined by a beautiful slow brass section. Add in McLaughlins acoustic work and it's 4 minutes of pure musical beauty. Add in tracks like Smile of the beyond (beautiful orchestra work and vocals) and the energy of Vision and Wings of Karma (beautiful orchestra soundtrack type intro) along with Hymn to Him and it creates a diverse mix of classical, jazz and perhaps rock!From the start to the end the orchestrations on this album are beautifully crafted and blend superbly with McLaughlins visions throughout. The drumming by Michael Walden, although not as energetic as Billy Cobham is still amazing and a vital element to proceedings. McLaughlins guitar work on this album is fantastic, both acoustic and electric. It takes you places you thought guitar would never take you.If you're a Mahavisnu fan but still don't own this, imagine the work on the first two albums and incorporate it with an orchestra that only Martin could come up with and there's your end result. If you're a fan of jazz fusion, buy this album and revel in it! If you love guitar, listening or playing, buy this album and revel in it!In my opinion, a jazz fusion classic, and a massive step from the early (might I add excellent) Mahavisnu albums into what would be Visions of the Emerald beyond. Some bands get criticized for resting on their laurels but after the break through that the Mahavisnu Orchestra had in the early 70's and the subsequent break up of the first band, McLaughlin moved further with this album that any other jazz fusion band at the time.

Mahavishnu John McLaughlin war damal für mich eine Initialzündung. Sein Gitarrenspiel hat mich umgehauen und meinen Musikalischen Horizont im Folgenden sehr erweitert. Höre alle Scheiben vom Mahavishnu Orchestra immer noch sehr gerne.

Als ich wieder mal eine CD von John Mc Laughlin hörte, fiel mir die LP Apocalypse aus den Siebzigern, die ich damals liebte, ein. Da ich die LP schon lange nicht mehr besitze, entschloss ich mich nun, mir die CD zuzulegen. Und ich muss sagen, ich bin noch genauso von dieser Musik begeistert wie damals. Sie wirkt für heutige Hörgewohnheiten kein bißchen verstaubt, weder im Sound und Arrangement noch in Aufnahmequalität und Balance der einzelnen Instrumente (vor allem in Zusammenhang mit dem London Symphony Orchester) . John McLaughlin, der für alle Kompositionen und den Text des Titels "Smile Of The Beyond" verantwortlich zeichnet, hat hier ein für mich einzigartiges Werk geschaffen, dass nur so vor Emotionalität und Spiritualität sprüht, auch wenn es an der ein oder anderen Stelle etwas patetisch daher kommt. Aber das tut dieser Musik keinen Abbruch. Durch seine symphonische Struktur ist es auch für Freunde der klassischen Musik geeignet, die dem Jazz und Rock nicht abgeneigt sind.

Dopo tanti anni ho sentito la voglia di riascoltare questo disco.Ed è stato subito amore! Sempre bello e pieno di emozione. Avevo a casa il vinile ma ormai inascoltabile, il CD invece oltre ad essere comodo è ben registrato e si ascolta bene.Solito servizio Amazon, tutto perfetto

to have as a collectionneur

calidad precio inmejorable

Les articles sont de grande qualité, les livraisons sont assez rapides.

prodotto eccellente,spedizione veloce e precisa ,disco che cercavo da tanto, e finalmente ho potuto riascoltarlo in breve tempo buon lavoro

An amazing music that still sounds great 30 years after it was recorded. The compositions, arrangements, and the craftsmanship of Mahavishnu are amazing. Well recorded CD and very inexpensive. Delivered promptly.

Tout est OK

Somehow I had missed this sublime recording of the Mahavishnu Orchestra, reformed in 1974, albeit with different musicians. Jerry Goodman on violin was an almost impossible act to follow, but Jean-Luc Ponty does a terrific job. John McLaughlin is of course as masterful as ever. And they blend beautifully with the London Symphony Orchestra. Without doubt this is a jewel in my collection.

I can't believe I've been listening to the same music as the previous five reviewers. I'm a big fan of John McLaughlin (although I wish he had never decided to call himself Mahavishnu - how pretentious was that?), and George Martin did great work with the Beatles, but they should both have been ashamed of themselves for producing this album. The orchestral music reminds me of film music - quite good film music, a bit like the "Lord of the Rings" sound track, say - while the "jazz" was more like stuff from Camel or Focus, so not bad. But both could have done better, and the combination really doesn't work - it ends up sounding like rather superior elevator music.John McLaughlin fans should probably listen to the album to make up their own minds, but I would suggest trying to borrow it first.