Heads or Tales [Original recording remastered]

Heads or Tales [Original recording remastered]

Track Listings

1. Teh Flyer
2. Catwalk
3. Teh Sound Of Strangers
4. The Writing
5. Intermission
6. Social Orphan
7. The Vendetta (Still Helpless)
8. Scratching The Surface
9. Pitchman
10. Catwalk (Extended Version)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Originally released in 1983, Head Or Tales saw the group take a slightly heavier path with 'The Flyer', but stayed true to their sophisticated roots with 'Catwalk' and 'Scratching The Surface'. This remastered Reissue includes the bonus track 'Catwalk' (extended play) along with a new booklet that contains unseen photos & liner notes. SPV. 2003.

Heads or Tales,Saga,Steamhammer Us [Spv],Album Rock,Hard Rock,Pop,Prog-Rock/Art Rock,Rock,Rock/Pop


Heads or Tales [Original recording remastered]

Heads or Tales
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • A step forward and a step back
  • HEADS or TALES...original Rupert Hine production was INCREDIBLE...but.....
  • Saga Goes Pop (80's Style!)
  • Good album
  • Saga in top form
Heads or Tales
Saga
Manufacturer: Steamhammer Us [Spv]
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Progressive RockProgressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
Progressive MetalProgressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ProgressiveProgressive | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Worlds Apart
  2. Silent Knight
  3. Images at Twilight
  4. Behaviour
  5. Saga

ASIN: B00006GOEM
Release Date: 2003-02-04

Tracks:

  1. Teh Flyer
  2. Catwalk
  3. Teh Sound Of Strangers
  4. The Writing
  5. Intermission
  6. Social Orphan
  7. The Vendetta (Still Helpless)
  8. Scratching The Surface
  9. Pitchman
  10. Catwalk (Extended Version)

Album Description

Originally released in 1983, Head Or Tales saw the group take a slightly heavier path with 'The Flyer', but stayed true to their sophisticated roots with 'Catwalk' and 'Scratching The Surface'. This remastered Reissue includes the bonus track 'Catwalk' (extended play) along with a new booklet that contains unseen photos & liner notes. SPV. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars A step forward and a step back.......2007-07-24

It's quite hard to look at Heads or Tales as either an improvement or a step backwards over its predecessor, Worlds Apart. While being musically more daring, by evidence of even more elaborate and intricate dual guitar - keyboard attacks, I always had the feeling that the songwriting had suffered a bit. 'Catwalk', 'Sound of Strangers' sounded like rather unfinished songs. It's unfortunate that the songwriting didn't live up to the crowning achievement of its predecessor.

I must acknowledge, however, that Heads or Tales' crisp & raw sounding mix, coupled with very unusual digital-analog combination of sounds for its era (owed to Gilmour's PPG Wave synthesizer) did the album good for not having sounded like anything that was on the early 80s musical scene.

3 out of 5 stars HEADS or TALES...original Rupert Hine production was INCREDIBLE...but............2006-09-26

Heads or Tails was a production masterpiece. Rupert Hined drenched the album with his precise, elegant, rock/pop edge (as he did for the Fixx, Cafe Jacque, and himself, Stevie Nicks, Tina Turner among others). However, this remastered version is thin....the fullness of the original mix has been completely lost....I'm very sad...I loaned my original to a fellow music lover, who, conveniently never returned it...so, I purchased this remastered version recently. I'm thrilled to have the CD, but, very disappointed in the remastered version...I will have to go and find the original version now. Doh.

4 out of 5 stars Saga Goes Pop (80's Style!).......2004-10-30

I've loved this album ever since it came out in the early 80's. I prefer prog-rock that has a stong pop edge to it (like Yes with Trevor Rabin - 90125, Big Generator; Styx - Cornerstone, Paradise Theater; and Kansas - Audio-Visions, Vinyl Confessions) etc...

I think "Worlds Apart" is by far Saga's greatest accomplishment because it perfectly melded their earlier progressive rock sound with very accessible pop melodies, lyrics and arrangements. I think it's sort of a shame that they didn't continue in that vane for at least one more album, however...

"Heads Or Tales" marked a new beginning in the Saga saga (sorry), and since I love that era in music, I relished their new sound on this album. The keyboards are more dominant (and dated) yet the guitars are still quirky and rock hard enough to call it progressive.

Standout tracks according to me: The Flyer, Cat Walk, Intermission, and The Pitchman, however, I really like them all (with the exception of Scratching The Surface - too wimpy - this song is a good example of the overuse of 80's-sounding keyboards)

3 out of 5 stars Good album.......2004-08-07

Heads or Tales is Saga's fifth studio album. It was released in 1983. Along with the original nine songs, this 2003 remastered edition includes a bonus track, "Catwalk (Extended Version)." Altogether, I find the album's songwriting to be solid, the musicianship to be skilled, and the sound quality to be satisfying. The material is in a stately pop rock musical direction. I like Michael Sadler's smooth, industrious singing. My favorite compositions are "Catwalk" and "Intermission." The sophisticated-sounding "Catwalk" sports cool guitar work, while "Intermission" displays ambient, relaxing keyboard playing. The CD booklet includes the song lyrics and several color photos. The album cover artwork is creative. The CD is almost 48 minutes. Heads or Tales is a worthy album from Saga.

5 out of 5 stars Saga in top form.......2004-06-27

This is one of the best from this time period. The band is in top form all the way through the disc. Other 80's bands couldn't even come close to this level of prog-rock. This remastered edition comes with complete lyrics, photos and an extended version of 'Catwalk' which is 7.44 in length. I did find a mistake however: Social Orphan/Tracks 6 is listed as being 5.28 in length, when it is only 3.25. Sound quality is very close to the original domestic version. A metallic-sound best describes it, electronic drums(perhaps a bit too much)I was hoping for a little warmth added to the remastering i.e.: some bass added around 35hz would have been perfect. This disc has a very hot high-end, which you may or may not like. Still a very good disc from the Saga canon. 10 Tracks/48.00.
Heads or Tales
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Heads or Tales
    Saga
    Manufacturer: Sony
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
    Progressive RockProgressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
    Hard RockHard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
    Album-Oriented Rock (AOR)Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
    CDs $7 - $10CDs $7 - $10 | Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
    All Bargain TitlesAll Bargain Titles | Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
    ASIN: B000008KD7
    Release Date: 1990-10-25

    Tracks:

    1. Flyer
    2. Cat Walk
    3. Sound of Strangers
    4. Writing
    5. Intermission
    6. Social Orphan
    7. Vendetta (Still Helpless)
    8. Scratching the Surface
    9. Pitchman
    10. Cat Walk (Unabridged)
    Heads or Tales
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • A must for all SAGA fans
    • Essential Saga...
    • Wow!! I found this after searching for years!!
    • A great band becomes "Headless"...and falling
    • Buy this CD---If you can! Hard one to find--check bargain
    Heads or Tales
    Saga
    Manufacturer: Steamhammer/SPV
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
    Progressive RockProgressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
    Progressive MetalProgressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
    Hard RockHard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
    Album-Oriented Rock (AOR)Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
    RockRock | Imports | Stores | Music
    ASIN: B000025D37
    Release Date: 2002-09-03

    Tracks:

    1. Flyer
    2. Cat Walk
    3. Sound of Strangers
    4. Writing
    5. Intermission
    6. Social Orphan
    7. Vendetta (Still Helpless)
    8. Scratching the Surface
    9. Pitchman
    10. Cat Walk (Unabridged)

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars A must for all SAGA fans.......2002-09-16

    This album is the follow up to Worlds Apart. The best song for me is "the flyer". A must recording for all SAGA fans and lovers of Progressive music.

    5 out of 5 stars Essential Saga..........2002-08-02

    This is one of the best Saga releases from this time period, great songs/excellent performances/great sound quality.

    4 out of 5 stars Wow!! I found this after searching for years!!.......2002-06-13

    THANKS AMAZON!!!!! I have been looking for this on CD forever, and it is very difficult to find.

    I have read other reviews stating that "Saga becomes headless", etc. Believe me, this is among their best. Of all the Saga recordings I have heard (which is most of them) this one ranks just below Generation 13 as their best, and just above the popular World's Apart recording.

    The Saga camp appears to be evenly divided between those who like the poppier sound of World's Apart, and the more progressive sound of Generation 13. Heads or Tails, to me, is the perfect balance between the two. Excellent guitar and keyboard work propel this CD through songs like Catwalk and Flyer, while songs like The Sound Of Strangers and Scratching The Surface show the band's broadening pop songwriting. Pitchman is an incredible display of musicianship by all of the members.

    My only problem with this recording is the mix itself. It sounds a little sterile and dated (80's sounding). There is just not a lot of depth to the mix.

    I would recommend this to Saga fans, but first-timers may wish to look toward one of the above mentioned CDs, or a compilation.

    2 out of 5 stars A great band becomes "Headless"...and falling.......2002-01-26

    As one of my best friends said; when something has reached the top, there's only one way to go: all the way down. That is precisely what "Head or Tales" represents for one of the finest rock bands ever. Probably the hardest thing to achieve was to simply follow up their debut album "SAGA" (1978). Only "Silent Knight" (1980) do the honors, both musically and lyrically speaking. The band is already showing signs of trouble in "Worlds Apart", which is basically a 2-super hits album ("On the Loose", "Wind Him Up") and a bunch of songs to fill the empty space. "Head or Tales" follows this downhill fall as only one song stands at barely the same level of Saga's prior work: "The Flyer". But by now the band has lost a lot of its personality; the complexity in the arrangements has virtually disappeared with linear redundant structures (just as most late 80's pop bands), disposable lyrics, and above all the musical virtuosity of each band member also went straight to oblivion. If you really want to hear how good these guys were as musicians then "Saga" and "Silent Knight" are the albums you want to check out. No song from "Head or Tales" is even close to a "Wind Him Up", "Don't be late", "On the Loose", or "Humble Stance" (among others). With maybe only "Scratching the Surface", and "The Pitchman" as complements to "The Flyer", the album is simply too mediocre for a band the size of Saga. It is very frustrating for hard core Saga fans, especially when we know how good they are in concert. Only then you can really have an idea of the great musicians these guys are. My last advise... don't go beyond "Head or Tales". Just get the "1978-1993 ALL THE BEST" compilation and you'll have everything you need until 1993. Any Saga album from 1994 and beyond is simply a waste of money...and time.

    4 out of 5 stars Buy this CD---If you can! Hard one to find--check bargain.......2001-08-01

    The Flyer is the best song on this CD! A great band in concert, too. Check them out, and play it loud! You will not be disappointed!
    Eternity Becomes a Lie
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • perfectly done
    • perfectly done
    Eternity Becomes a Lie
    Heads or Tales
    Manufacturer: Black
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
    RockRock | Imports | Stores | Music
    ASIN: B00000AYVP
    Release Date: 1997-01-24

    Tracks:

    1. Traitor in Me
    2. Eternity Becomes a Lie
    3. Affliction Within
    4. Lonely But Not Alone
    5. Vanishing
    6. Out of Depression
    7. Almost Had a Life
    8. Shades of Gray
    9. Morning Comes to Rescue

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars perfectly done.......2000-02-10

    This swedish group, from the small town Karlskoga, does not only copy the famous havy metal formations. They play really fresh and intelligent metal with even some romantic stuffs. With their first record they got top of many european hit lists very fast. The singer has some accent but it doesn't dissturb to listen to his very good vocal. Excellent drummer - Marcus Nowak (with Polish origin- his father was famous drummer in Poland in 60's and 70's), as a young 19-year-old rocker, plays like well experienced performer. Geniouslly he recorded all trucks by memory within one-day-session. Everyone, who like good metal or rock, should have this CD!

    5 out of 5 stars perfectly done.......2000-02-10

    This swedish group from a small town Karslkoga is making not only a copy of famous have metal formations. They really play fresh metal, with excellent skils. Singer has an accent but it doesn't dissturb to listen to his good vocal. Excellent drummer, very young (I know him personally) 19 year-old, plays like long- experienced rocker. He recorded all trucks by memory within one-day-session. Incredibble! Everybody, who like metal, should have this CD ! That is pitty the group doesn't exist any longer!
    Eternity Becomes a Lie
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Eternity Becomes a Lie
      Heads or Tales
      Manufacturer: Black Mark Records
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
      ASIN: B00008ESEJ
      Release Date: 1996-01-23

      Tracks:

      1. Traitor in Me
      2. Eternity Becomes a Lie
      3. Affliction Within
      4. Lonely But Not Alone
      5. Vanishing
      6. Out of Depression
      7. Almost Had a Life
      8. Shades of Gray
      9. Morning Comes to Rescue
      Heads or Tales
      Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
      • A must for all SAGA fans
      • Essential Saga...
      • Wow!! I found this after searching for years!!
      • A great band becomes "Headless"...and falling
      • Buy this CD---If you can! Hard one to find--check bargain
      Heads or Tales
      Saga
      Manufacturer: Steamhammer/SPV
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
      Progressive RockProgressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
      Progressive MetalProgressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
      Hard RockHard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
      Album-Oriented Rock (AOR)Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
      ASIN: B000001QIG
      Release Date: 1995-04-16

      Tracks:

      1. The Flyer
      2. Cat Walk
      3. The Sound Of Strangers
      4. The Writing
      5. Intermission
      6. Social Orphan
      7. The Vendetta (Still Helpless)
      8. Scratching The Surface
      9. The Pitchman
      10. Cat Walk (Unabridged)

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars A must for all SAGA fans.......2002-09-16

      This album is the follow up to Worlds Apart. The best song for me is "the flyer". A must recording for all SAGA fans and lovers of Progressive music.

      5 out of 5 stars Essential Saga..........2002-08-02

      This is one of the best Saga releases from this time period, great songs/excellent performances/great sound quality.

      4 out of 5 stars Wow!! I found this after searching for years!!.......2002-06-13

      THANKS AMAZON!!!!! I have been looking for this on CD forever, and it is very difficult to find.

      I have read other reviews stating that "Saga becomes headless", etc. Believe me, this is among their best. Of all the Saga recordings I have heard (which is most of them) this one ranks just below Generation 13 as their best, and just above the popular World's Apart recording.

      The Saga camp appears to be evenly divided between those who like the poppier sound of World's Apart, and the more progressive sound of Generation 13. Heads or Tails, to me, is the perfect balance between the two. Excellent guitar and keyboard work propel this CD through songs like Catwalk and Flyer, while songs like The Sound Of Strangers and Scratching The Surface show the band's broadening pop songwriting. Pitchman is an incredible display of musicianship by all of the members.

      My only problem with this recording is the mix itself. It sounds a little sterile and dated (80's sounding). There is just not a lot of depth to the mix.

      I would recommend this to Saga fans, but first-timers may wish to look toward one of the above mentioned CDs, or a compilation.

      2 out of 5 stars A great band becomes "Headless"...and falling.......2002-01-26

      As one of my best friends said; when something has reached the top, there's only one way to go: all the way down. That is precisely what "Head or Tales" represents for one of the finest rock bands ever. Probably the hardest thing to achieve was to simply follow up their debut album "SAGA" (1978). Only "Silent Knight" (1980) do the honors, both musically and lyrically speaking. The band is already showing signs of trouble in "Worlds Apart", which is basically a 2-super hits album ("On the Loose", "Wind Him Up") and a bunch of songs to fill the empty space. "Head or Tales" follows this downhill fall as only one song stands at barely the same level of Saga's prior work: "The Flyer". But by now the band has lost a lot of its personality; the complexity in the arrangements has virtually disappeared with linear redundant structures (just as most late 80's pop bands), disposable lyrics, and above all the musical virtuosity of each band member also went straight to oblivion. If you really want to hear how good these guys were as musicians then "Saga" and "Silent Knight" are the albums you want to check out. No song from "Head or Tales" is even close to a "Wind Him Up", "Don't be late", "On the Loose", or "Humble Stance" (among others). With maybe only "Scratching the Surface", and "The Pitchman" as complements to "The Flyer", the album is simply too mediocre for a band the size of Saga. It is very frustrating for hard core Saga fans, especially when we know how good they are in concert. Only then you can really have an idea of the great musicians these guys are. My last advise... don't go beyond "Head or Tales". Just get the "1978-1993 ALL THE BEST" compilation and you'll have everything you need until 1993. Any Saga album from 1994 and beyond is simply a waste of money...and time.

      4 out of 5 stars Buy this CD---If you can! Hard one to find--check bargain.......2001-08-01

      The Flyer is the best song on this CD! A great band in concert, too. Check them out, and play it loud! You will not be disappointed!
      Heads or Tales
      Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
      • A well hidden gem that should be known
      Heads or Tales
      Jamie Notarthomas
      Manufacturer: Soulamander Records
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Folk | Styles | Music
      Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
      ASIN: B0001GCBBO
      Release Date: 2003-09-02

      Tracks:

      1. Divided
      2. Chasing Dreams
      3. Mastery of Content
      4. Learning to Fly
      5. Ballad of Judas
      6. Hiawatha's Holy Curse
      7. Dream in a
      8. I Believe Inyou
      9. Man of Peace
      10. Tail of the Ancient Mariner
      11. Big Blue
      12. Under Regret
      13. LTF (Reprise)
      14. Sky Blue (CD Bonus)

      Product Description

      1. Divided 2. Chasing Dreams 3. Mastery of Content 4. Learning to Fly 5. Ballad of Judas 6. Hiawatha's Holy Curse 7. Dream in A 8. I believe in You 9. Man of Peace 10. The Tail of the Ancient Mariner 11. Big Blue 12. Under Regret 13. LTF(Reprise) 14. Sky

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars A well hidden gem that should be known.......2004-04-09

      This has been one of my favorite albums for a long time. Jamie is a poet- music in the tradition of the greatest storytellers.

      He is also a musicians musician... Trey Anastasio and John Popper both appear on this album... get it, share it.
      Heads Or Tales
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Heads Or Tales
        Saga
        Manufacturer: Steamhammer
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
        Progressive MetalProgressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
        ASIN: B000LX2Q26
        Heads Or Tales
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          Heads Or Tales
          Saga
          Manufacturer: Steamhammer
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
          Progressive MetalProgressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
          ASIN: B000LX2YFU
          Heads or Tales
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            Heads or Tales

            ProductGroup: Music
            Binding: Audio CD

            Funk RockFunk Rock | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music
            ASIN: B00004SA3F
            Release Date: 2000-03-03

            Tracks:

            1. Head
            2. Rasta
            3. FAT
            4. Found you
            5. Moonrace
            6. Heartache
            7. Indian
            8. Bend
            9. Tailspin
            10. D.C.T.

            Album Description

            Diversified proficent musical adventures from funky fusion heads. Rich vocals and soaring guitar float upon a driving and daring rhythm section reminicent of Rush and the Red-Hot-Chilli-Peppers. We all need more Reason in our lives.

            Rap Music:

            1. Heaven Help the Fool
            2. Holly & the Italians
            3. Horizontal
            4. How to Be Found
            5. Icicle Works [Import]
            6. In Between Evolution
            7. Introspection [Import]
            8. Life of the Party
            9. Like Cats & Dogs
            10. Little Red Record [Import]

            Rap Music

            rap music

            Recommended Music:

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            Music: In to the Mix, Vol. 2: The Second Coming

            The Velvet Touch Of Los Straitjackets

            The Time Is Now [Explicit Lyrics]

            The Very Best of Al Green [Import]

            Song to the Siren: Live in San Sebastian (two-disc set: CD & DVD) [Live]

            The NuYorican Funk Experience, Vol. 2: Further Adventures in Latin Soul [Import]

            The French Perspective

            Trance [Import]

            Thoughts of You

            Triple Trouble 2 [CD-single] [EP] [Import]

            Mozart: Piano Sonatas Vol 2 / Walter Klien

            Pop Music pop-music-07