“Classic – The Universal Masters Collection” by THIN LIZZY. A Review of the 1999 Decca/Deram CD compilation now reissued in 2009 as "Classic".

The budget-to-mid price Series "Universal Masters Collection" spans a huge range of artists on the Universal roster of Labels - from ABC through to DONNA SUMMER - and all points in between, but this little gem given over to THIN LIZZY and their early Decca material seems to have gone largely unnoticed.

The booklet is a 4-page foldout inlay with a decent essay on the band at that time by DARYL EASLEA and a basic track listing.

But, the really good news is that all 18 of its tracks have been DIGITALLY REMASTERED and many of them are hard-to-find rarities. The compilation covers the period 1971 to 1974, their first 3 albums and the non-album 7" singles around them. As you can see from the photo they've used for the front cover of the booklet, the rocking Dublin band was still a POWER TRIO at that time - PHIL LYNOTT on Bass and Vocals (principal songwriter), ERIC BELL on Guitar and Vocals with BRIAN DOWNEY on Drums and Percussion (the famous dual-guitars of BRIAN ROBERTSON and SCOTT GORHAM began with "Nightlife" in 1974).

The albums featured here are "Thin Lizzy", their debut from April 1971, "Shades Of A Blue Orphanage", their second album from March 1972 (un-issued in the US) and their fantastic third album from September 1973, "Vagabonds Of The Western World" (on the Decca label in the UK and the London label in the USA). As the first three albums were put out onto CD in 1990, 1993 and 1993 respectively with 'ok' sound quality, these 1999 sonic upgrades are both long overdue and SUPERB into the bargain.

Here's the track-by-track breakdown (most of this info ISN'T on the outer sleeve - UK release dates used):

Track 1. Whisky In The Jar
(Their 1st UK 7" single from November 1972 and originally a non-album track. (It's actually an updated cover of a 1729 Traditional Irish air). This version is the rare ‘Promotional Edited Version' used on UK Demos and the US issue of the single; it cuts down the standard 7" release from its full running time of 5:44 minutes to a shorter 3:40 minutes)
Track 2: The Rocker
(Their 3rd UK 7" single, this is the rare ‘Edited Single Version'. It chops down the full "Vagabonds..." album cut of 5:12 minutes to 2:41 minutes, essentially editing out Eric Bell's guitar solo)
Track 3: Look What The Wind Blew In
(on "Thin Lizzy", their 1st album)
Track 4: Randolph's Tango
(Their 2nd UK 7" single from May 1973 and again a non-album track. This is credited as the ‘US Edited Single Version', but as the original UK version runs to 3:53 minutes and this cut is 3:49 minutes, it's hard to see 4 seconds as an edit!)
Track 5: Sarah (Version 1)
(on "Shades Of A Blue Orphanage")
Track 6: Things Ain't Workin' Out Down At The Farm (Version 1)
(4th of 4 tracks on the ultra-rare "New Day" EP, a UK-only 7" single-only release from 21 August 1971. The 1st track on the EP is also on this compilation - Track 12. For CD versions of the other two songs on the EP, "Remembering Part II (New Day)" and "Old Moon Madness", they can be found as bonus tracks on the 1990 issue of "Thin Lizzy")
Track 7: Vagabond Of The Western World
(Edited Single Version, it cuts down the "Vagabonds..." album track of 4:49 minutes to a running time of 4:06 minutes)
Track 8: Here I Go Again
(non-album B-side to "The Rocker")
Track 9: Buffalo Gal
(on "Shades Of A Blue Orphanage")
Track 10: Honesty Is No Excuse
(on "Thin Lizzy")
Track 11: Black Boys On The Corner
(non-album B-side to both the UK/USA 7" single "Whisky In The Jar" (spelt without an ‘e' in the UK and EUROPE, with an ‘e' in the USA)
Track 12: Dublin
(1st of 4 tracks on the ultra-rare "New Day" EP, a UK-only 7" single-only release from 21 August 1971)
Track 13: Little Darling
(a 7" single-only release from April 1974 on Decca featuring GARY MOORE (ex Ireland's SKID ROW) on Guitar)
Track 14: Brought Down
(on "Shades Of A Blue Orphanage")
Track 15: Remembering Part One
(on "Thin Lizzy". This is credited as the ‘US Edited Version', but at 6:00 minutes, it appears to me to be the same as the UK album version?)
Track 16: Chatting Today
(on "Shades Of A Blue Orphanage")
Track 17: Broken Dreams
(non-album B-side to "Randolph's Tango")
Track 18: Little Girl In Bloom
(US Edited Version, it cuts down the "Vagabonds..." album cut from 5:14 minutes to 5:06 minutes and was apparently released like this on the 1973 AMERICAN versions of the "Vagabonds..." album)

Apart from the obvious rarity nature of many of these tracks, what is thrilling is the stunning UPGRADED REMASTERING that each has been given. A comparison of "Black Boys On The Corner" is one good example. Originally only available on the 1991 CD issue of "Vagabonds..." as a bonus track in 'OK' remastered sound; the upgrade here is just breathtaking. A truly great B-side (and far more indicative of their rockin' nature than the A), it's been a fan-favourite for years and to hear it sound this good is an absolute blast...

Both "Thin Lizzy" and "Shades Of A Blue Orphanage" were penciled in for 23 February 2008 remastered re-issues with a juicy 9 bonus tracks on each, but they seem to have been pulled from the schedules indefinitely - which is infuriating...

Worse, "Vagabonds Of The Western World" has been slated for a 2CD DELUXE EDITION for ages now (promos even circulated in Sept of 2007 apparently), but as it's been delayed no less than 6 times by my count since February 2007 - and its 7 April 2008 UK release date has come and gone - I won't believe it’s being released until I have the damn thing in my sweaty palms!

In the meantime, for fans and newcomers alike, "Classic/Universal Masters Collection" is an excellent and cheap way of accessing their earlier and wildly underrated material until the new issues eventually come along.

As a primer to buying all three albums from that period, this collection is a top intro to a much-loved band and its much-missed leader, PHILIP PARIS LYNOTT.

Highly recommended.

“The Road Is Rocky – The Complete Studio Masters 1956-1971” by GENE VINCENT. A Review of the 2005 BEAR FAMILY 8CD BOX SET.

“Be-Bop-A-Lula…Let’s Rock Again!”

Fans of “The Screaming End” have waited all their lives for a tribute to their hero like this and the much-anticipated BCD 16257 HL doesn’t disappoint.

"The Road Is Rocky - The Complete Studio Masters 1956-1971” is typical of Bear Family's legendary excellence - released March 2005, 8 CDs are housed in label-themed 2CD jewel cases inside a 12"x12" Box Set offering up a huge 223 tracks. There's a beautifully illustrated album-sized 134-Page Hardback Book (yes hardback) and resplendent in its full-colour cover, the whole package has an air of real class about it. Genuinely - just holding it - is a thrill…

The set was compiled and produced by DEREK HENDERSON and the stunning essay on Vincent’s tortuous life is by noted expert IAN WALLIS (it’s both ruthlessly honest yet quietly affectionate). Label boss RICHARD WEIZE and TONY BARRETT (of Rockstar Records in the UK) handled the tape research with the remastering carried out by JAY RANELLUCCI, BOB IRWIN and KIP SMITH. And being Bear Family, the sound quality is GORGEOUS - first generation tapes used, meticulous transfers - a typically superlative job done.

CONTENTS:
Disc 1: label is Capitol USA 7” of “Be-Bop-A-Lula”, 27 Tracks, 64:44 minutes
Disc 2: label is Capitol USA 7” of “Lotta Lovin’”, 29 Tracks, 68:51 minutes
Disc 3: label is Capitol USA 7” Promo Sleeve of “Git It”, 28 Tracks, 61:20 minutes
Disc 4: label is Capitol USA 7” Promo of “Be Bop Boogie Boy”, 34 Tracks, 79:53 minutes
Disc 5: label is Capitol USA 7” Promo of “Wild Cat”, 28 Tracks, 63:59 minutes
Disc 6: label is Columbia UK 7” of “Private Detective”, 26 Tracks, 62:15 minutes
Disc 7: label is Challenge USA 7” Promo of “Bird-Doggin’”, 28 Tracks, 76:31 minutes
Disc 8: label is Kama Sutra USA 7” of “How I Love Them Old Songs”, 23 Tracks, 73:32 minutes

The discography by Richard Weize, RUSSELL WAPENSKY and Derek Henderson contains 210 entries from his first recordings in May 1956 in Nashville to his last two in January 1971 in London. All 7 of his Capitol albums are here - “Bluejean Bop!” from 1956 through to “The Crazy Beat Of…” from 1963 - “Shakin’ Up A Storm” from 1964 on Columbia, “Gene Vincent” on London from 1967 (Challenge in the USA) and his 3 Dandelion and Kama Sutra albums of the early Seventies. You can also sequence in both A&B of all 40 of his 7” singles (a large number of them were non-album tracks). The bluesy “Baby Blue” (his 10th UK single from 1958) is fantastic…

The book is wonderful, black and white stage shots, an adoring John Lennon looking over his shoulder, backing group the BLUE CAPS posing in the studio, the one with Eddie Cochran, Joe Brown and Billy Fury all looking so young and full of promise. I particularly dig the snap of Gene and Jet Harris with a winking Little Richard and a smiling Sam Cooke – now’s there’s a conversation you wanna hear!

Musical rarities include “Beautiful Brown Eyes” which was only available on an ultra rare French single from 1959, both the Playground and Forever US-only 7” singles from 1968 and 1969 of “Story Of The Rockers” and “Pickin’ Poppies” because all 4 sides have different mixes and finally the two exclusive tracks Vincent cut for the B&C Records compilation “Battle Of The Bands” in 1971 – his last proper studio recordings. There’s also several previously unreleased STEREO tracks.

If I was to point out a downside, it would be that he did a further 5-track live session for The Johnny Walker Show at Radio 1 in London on the 1st of October 1971 – just 11 days before he died in the USA – but it’s not included on here. It was released as “The Last Session” in 1987 by John Peel on one of his Strange Fruit/Nighttracks 12” singles – and you can’t help but feel that it should have been included.

Vincent Eugene Craddock died from liver failure on 12 October 1971 in the Emergency Room of a California hospital, aged only 36 - years of chronic alcoholism having finally done for him. It was a sad and painful finish.

But for fans the world over, he will always be the real deal – silver microphone in hand, leg thrust forward, the thrill of rock ’n’ roll literally shaking his limbs and quivering his voice. And this beautiful and loving box set only brings that home in spades.

Bear Family’s “Rocky…” is a very real reason as to why this reissue label is held in such awe. It costs for sure – but quality always does. A real winner – and well done boys - you keepers of the flame.

PS:
For fans, I’ve posted full LP and 7” UK discographies in two separate comments attached to this review – each references where the tracks can be found on this box set (info the book doesn’t provide you with in one place)

I’d also recommend as essential “The Outtakes”, a 2007 follow-up set by Bear Family which contains a staggering 226 tracks from 1956 to 1968 – it’s a mini 6CD box with a beautifully detailed 76-page booklet - with the vast majority of these priceless ‘in session’ gems having never been released before anywhere

And last - with regard to price, some online retailers are trying to get over £300 for this box set – don’t! It is available shrink-wrapped and as new for £129 + P&P from their distributors in the UK, Rollercoaster Records of Chalford Gloucestershire (www.rollercoasterrecords.com) or for 174 Euros + P&P from Bear Family direct at www.bearfamily.de in Germany

“The Truman Show” on BLU RAY. A Review of the 1998 Peter Weir movie now reissued on a 2009 BLU RAY.

"…Easy On The Fog…Button Cam Three…Fade Up Music…”

Watching Peter Weir’s 1998 film in 2009 is a weird and wonderful trip – if not a slightly disconcerting one at times.

First – it’s as masterful and brilliant as you remember it – a very clever unfolding story about a man whose life is permanent Candid Camera for the entire planet - living in an artificially created world with literally everyone around him being an actor. Then there’s the stunning and believable performances of a perfectly picked cast (Carey, Linney and Harris all shine). And second - with the appalling Big Brother polluting our airwaves night after night – “The Truman Show” is not just relevant eleven years later – it seems to have actually predicted our television future…

But back to the BLU RAY - the first thing you notice is the picture, which is a mixture of beautiful clarity one moment running alongside very steady DVD quality the next. Clarity highlights would include - - Noah Emmerich’s sea of freckles as he’s interviewed in the opening credits - he plays Marlon who is supposedly Truman’s best friend – always turning up with a “Brewsky” whenever there’s a problem (they actually cake and paste Noah’s face with make up to cover up his freckles in later shots). There are the pearls on Sylvia’s wrist in the library when Truman and her finally talk, the “How Does It All End?” button on her cardigan – stunning clarity. There’s Truman digging the garden in his horrible orange pants as his wife stops on her bicycle for a little product-placement (played superbly by Laura Linney)…
“Look Truman! Chef's Pal! It’s a Grater, Peeler and Dicer all in one!”
“Wow!”

You also notice the actors who went on to be huge stars, Paul Giamatti as Christof’s technical sidekick, Peter Krause from Six Feet Under and Dirty Sexy Money as one of the suits in Truman’s office and of course the ethereal beauty of Natasha McElhone who has eyes clinically proven to be deeper than the Pacific Ocean.

Harry Shearer is in there too doing a fantastic turn as the appeasing interviewer Mike Michaelson. There’s the crass reintroduction of Truman’s dead father, which is being choreographed live by manipulative experts in the overhanging control room (quote above). But the trump card is the last minute cast appointment of Ed Harris as the show’s all-powerful creator – the aptly named Christof. Harris is simply magnificent (nominated for an Oscar) all serene and quietly spoken one moment – but dictatorial the next when his little money-making baby and power trip start to get challenged by an unexpectedly spunky Truman – a man Christof’s personally trained to be scared of certain things so he won’t ever leave Seahaven…

The two extras are the same as the Special Edition DVD – so a little disappointing there. But that’s minor compared to how good the whole film looks on BLU RAY and especially how amazingly well it still stands up – a modern day masterpiece. And the scenes where Truman stops the bus in defiance and where he battles the storm on his boat trying to break free - brought tears to my eyes – fabulous stuff.

“You can’t get any away further away before you start coming back…” Truman says to Marlon about Fiji where his longed-for love Sylvia is.

It’s slightly disconcerting to find a movie character spouting such wisdom, because in 2009, our entire world feels like one big screwed up reality show that can only end badly... What a film!

“Tattoo You” by THE ROLLING STONES. A Review of the May 2009 Remaster of their August 1981 Album.

“…I Don’t Need The Aggravation…I’m A Lazy Slob…Hang Fire…”

With the old Virgin 1994 remaster and this new 2009 Polydor version 'both' clocking in at exactly 44:26 minutes, I immediately had my suspicions about this latest rehash masquerading as something new for soppy Stones fans like me and a million others. But this 2009 Polydor CD is a FANTASTIC IMPROVEMENT in sound over its 1994 predecessor - it really is...

If I were to nail down what's different - it would be the BASS and DRUMS. They're suddenly so clear now - and in some cases like "Worried About You" - it's truly startling how good they sound. In fact if feels like every single track has been uplifted out of its former rhythm section muddiness. The clarity and punch is great on everything really. STEPHEN MARCUSSEN and STEWART WHITMORE at Marcussen Mastering in Hollywood, California did the transfers and they're to be praised for their work...

As you've no doubt already read, "Tattoo You" was a ragbag of outtakes from previous albums with a few new tunes thrown in - Rockers on the A with Ballads on the B. Yet it worked - I played it to death on release - loved it - especially the soulful Side 2.

Unfortunately, the new packaging is a bit of a joke. The 'furry boot' inner sleeve that came with the original LP is reproduced in a paltry gatefold inlay, but there's no lyrics (there's a European LP that has a lyric sheet insert - they could have used that). The startling Christian Piper tattooed 'Three Paintings' are reduced to a point where the credits on the green-coloured rear sleeve are barely legible. The inlay beneath the see-through CD tray is blank - wow - push the boat out boys! But much worse - and like so many Stones LPs - guest musicians who contributed incredible work at the time are now not mentioned on reissues at all. So with all that in mind, here's a detailed breakdown to get a better lay of the land...

1. Start Me Up [begun in 1975, returned to in 1978 as a "Some Girls" possible]
2. Hang Fire [another "Some Girls" outtake, features IAN STEWART on Piano]
3. Slave [This is an Extended Version - see PS below]
4. Little T&A [Lead Vocals and Bass by Keith Richards, Ian Stewart on Piano - T&A is street slang for certain parts of a woman's anatomy]
5. Black Limousine [the only track on the album co-credited to RONNIE WOOD, it features Mick Jagger on Lead Vocals and Harmonica with Ian Stewart on Piano - backing track dated as far back as "Exile" in 1972]
6. Neighbours [features' both' the legendary SONNY ROLLINS and BOBBY KEYES on Saxophones]
7. Worried About You [features BILLY PRESTON on Piano, WAYNE PERKINS on Lead Guitar and SOLO and OLLIE BROWN on Percussion]
8. Tops [features MICK TAYLOR on Guitar with NICKY HOPKINS on Piano; a Mick Taylor "Exile" outtake - wasn't given a writers credit - sued and won]
9. Heaven [co-producer CHRIS KIMSEY plays Piano on this]
10. No Use In Crying [features Nicky Hopkins on Piano]
11. Waiting On A Friend [features Mick Taylor on Guitar, Sonny Rollins on Saxophone and JIMMY MILLER of "Sticky" fame on Percussion]

The clarity of the guitar solo on "Slave" is awesome as is the swirling magic of "Heaven", but best of all is the beautiful axework by Wayne Perkins on the Side 2 opener "Worried About You". I think it's the best guitar solo on a Stones album anywhere and its clarity now is fabulous.

To sum up - I know the packaging and presentation leave a lot to be desired, but as I listen to the lovely Piano tinkering of Nicky Hopkins on "No Use In Crying" and the three lads harmonising on Backing Vocals - I don't care - I love it. The sound is wonderful and a major improvement over what went before.

The buggering truth is that once you hear these remasters, you're screwed - you'll have to have them all... Damn!

Despite niggles, it's recommended - big time.

PS: there's an anomaly worth noting...

When "Tattoo You" was originally released on Vinyl and Cassette in August 1981 (Rolling Stones CUNS 39114 in the UK and COC 16052 in the USA), the 3rd track on Side 1 "Slave" clocked in at about 3:20 minutes. So when the first ever CD version of it came out on CBS in 1989 it naturally reflected that timing.

However the May 1994 Virgin remaster put out an anomaly without telling anyone - their CD version was inexplicably extended to 6:31 minutes - that error is repeated here - and very much to the benefit of fans because the "Extended Version" of "Slave" is sensational. With the legendary Sonny Rollins playing on Saxophone and Billy Preston on Keyboards, the lengthy mix now sounds like "Can't You Hear Me Knocking" Part 2 from "Sticky Fingers". A huge chunky guitar riff throughout, great Jagger vocals, Sax wailing - it absolutely rocks (apparently there's a version with Jeff Beck on guitar in the can somewhere too).

What should have happened here of course is that the original LP timing be used on this CD - with both the Jeff Beck mix and the Extended Version put on as bonus tracks at the end, but that's for another day and another reissue...

“Tea For A Tillerman” by CAT STEVENS. A Review of the 2008 DELUXE EDITION 2CD Remaster from 2008 of his Iconic 1970 Island Records album.

…NOT NEW - NOT IMPROVED…AVOID…

When you put a CD-Album or CD-R into a Mac or PC linked to the Net, it automatically seeks out the Gracenote Media Database to get the track list and classification details. If you've already altered it before and are looking at it again - your computer recognizes the disc and any alterations you made - it remembers it - and shows you those details next time you put it in. Common practice all over the world for millions of music lovers using iTunes as a database...

So imagine my astonishment when I put in the 2008 supposedly new remaster of Cat Stevens' "Tea For A Tillerman" into my computer after I've unwrapped the shrink-wrap and up comes my OLD DISC with its altered details! Why? Because this is NOT an improved version as indicated on its packaging and in adverts, but the 2000 version all of us already have. The tracks timings are exactly the same (36:46 minutes) and there is NO NEW REMASTER.

And if that's not bad news enough - when I opened the other Cat Stevens DELUXE EDITION "Teaser And The Firecat" which I also bought this morning - it's NOT CHANGED EITHER. They are exactly the same as the old versions - NEITHER is any improvement to discs you can purchase on line for peanuts.

When I then turn to the packaging and booklet to find an explanation, there are three references to 'remaster' - first is on the sticker, second is Page 7 of the booklet which tells you it was 'recently' remastered by Ted Jensen (no date) and last on Page 27 which again mentions his name (but again no date). It slyly and deliberately doesn't mention "when" it was done...in short, this is an old disc masquerading as a new one and is deliberately deceptive about it.

But there's worse - I bought this DELUXE EDITION of Tillerman on the strength of a track on the recent 3CD Island Folk-Rock Box set "Meet On The Ledge". Track 2 on Disc 2 is Tillerman's "On The Road To Find Out" which has been given a 2009 remaster by DENIS BLACKHAM - and the sound is ASTONISHING - a huge improvement over the 2000 version. When you hear how good this 'whole' album could have sounded, it makes this deceptive lazy rip-off even more difficult to stomach.

Disc 2 doesn't make up for much either (36:49 minutes). While the bonus tracks on "Teaser" (see separate review) are excellent, these aren't. Admittedly there is two indispensable gems on here for fans - the demo versions of "Wild World" and "Miles from Nowhere" - they're beautiful. But the rest of the live tracks are poor man's filler. Any why weren't these demos put on the initial release in 2000 in the first place...

I don't know to what level Yusef was involved in this, but it is surely not in keeping with his beliefs or commitment to his fans to have this rip-off in the marketplace. The DELUXE EDITIONS of "Tillerman" and its companion "Teaser" should be withdrawn by UNIVERSAL and replaced with proper 2009 remasters.

What a disappointment and what a bad taste left in the mouth... AVOID.

“Somethin’ Else – The Ultimate Collection” by EDDIE COCHRAN. A Review of the February 2009 'Bear Family' 8CD Box Set.

"…No Harm Done…Just Havin’ Some Fun…On The Weekend…”

It's astonishing to think that when Ray Edward Cochran was taken from us in a freak car accident while on tour in England in April 1960 - he was only 6 months into his 21st year and had already clocked up over 200 recordings - the bulk of which are presented in this eagerly awaited and sumptuous box set...

"Somethin' Else - The Ultimate Collection" is typical of Bear Family's legendary excellence - released February 2009, 8 CDs are housed in label-themed 2CD jewel cases inside a 12"x12" Box Set offering up a huge 262 tracks. There's a beautifully illustrated album-sized 194-Page Hardback Book that is a truly a thing of beauty.

The set was compiled and prepared across several years by noted expert ANTOON VAN OLDEREN and Bear Family label boss RICHARD WEIZE. But this kind of quality and high-art finish doesn't come cheap - there's little change out of one hundred & fifty pounds - even online.

The remastering was handled by 'BOPPIN' BOB JONES, JAY RANELUCCI and PETER J. REYNOLDS - and being Bear Family - the sound quality is GORGEOUS - first generation tapes used, meticulous transfers - a typically superb job done. It's distributed in the UK by John Beecher's Rollercoaster Records of Chalford, Gloucestershire.

CONTENTS:
Disc 1, 35 Tracks, 74:13 minutes
Disc 2, 35 Tracks, 74:10 minutes
Disc 3, 34 Tracks, 76:45 minutes
Disc 4, 24 Tracks, 50:27 minutes
Disc 5, 24 Tracks, 60:04 minutes
Disc 6, 43 Tracks, 78:17 minutes
Disc 7, 28 Tracks, 62:09 minutes
Disc 8, 39 Tracks, 63:32 minutes

For US fans there's the first 3 singles on Ekko as The Cochran Brothers, the lone 7" on Crest, the 14 that followed on Liberty (A&B for each) and the 3 Liberty albums proper from 1957, 1960 and 1962. For UK fans there's the 13 London singles followed by the 10 Liberty ones and the 4 important albums - "Singin' To My Baby" (1958), "The Eddie Cochran Memorial Album" (1960), "Cherished Memories" (1962) and "My Way" (1964). I've checked and they're ALL on here.

The 70's to 90's gave us major EMI retrospectives - the "Legendary Masters" 2LP set from 1972, the 4LP "20th Anniversary" box from 1980 and the "Eddie Cochran" 6LP/4CD box of 1988 - the bulk of these are here too (with some omissions). On top of that, Tony Martin's ROCKSTAR label of the UK carried the flag for Cochran for years and put out 9 EPs and 9 LPs worth of material (much unreleased) - the bulk (not all) of these reissues are also here.

The songs themselves consist of master versions, alternate takes, stereo mixes, interviews, live tracks, false starts and studio chatter - and as you can imagine, it's a mixture of the great and the un-listenable (the stereo stuff on Disc 5 is thrilling while the live tracks are badly recorded and filled with screaming...)

THE HARDBACK BOOK:
The book is both gobsmacking and problematic. Firstly it's bent and curved when you take it out (other buyers have had the same) because the binding can't take the weight. And while the endless photographs of British, Irish, German, Spanish, Japanese, Dutch and even Israeli 7"s, 78"s, EPs and Albums are a wonder to behold and most are in colour - there's an unforgivable 'lack' of info beneath or beside them. Text should be embellishing all of these snaps - chart positions, B-sides, writers credits, what album it came off - but nothing - there isn't even release dates on them...

Take Page 161 - you're shown his July 1958 UK debut LP on London HA-U 2093 with another sleeve beneath it - Liberty LBY 1158. There's no explanation that LBY 1158 is the May 1963 reissue of HA-U 2093 - there's no track list for either LP - there's no rear sleeves pictured either. All the Rockstar photos are slightly blurred - like their copies of copies. And disappointingly there's no printed US or British discographies for easy reference - numerical pointers as to where the tracks are on this massive box. (I've created my own for fans in the 'Comment' box - both singles and albums).

What is good is the 5000-word essay by Stuart Coleman peppered with rare full-sized photos combined with stunning outtake stills and global posters for his 3 movies "The Girl Can't Help It", "Untamed Youth" and "Go, Johnny Go". My favourite photos are on Page 37 where the beautiful actress Yvonne Lime from "Untamed Youth" holds Eddie's cheeks in her hands with a look of pure affection and then on Page 66 there's Cochran and his flame Sharon Sheeley flicking through records racks in a Hollywood vinyl store - she clearly in love with him and unable to hide her pride.

The Discography between Pages 99 and 118 is more of a jazz-style date-by-date Sessionography compiled by Antoon van Olderen, STUART COLMAN, RUSS WAPENSKY and RICHARD WEIZE. 133 entries start with his earliest stuff in mid 1953 through to his last recordings in February 1960 for the "Boy Meets Girls" UK TV Show - including all session work and collaborations in between. You find out that the June 1961 UK single "Weekend" b/w "Cherished Memories" on London HLG 9362 has exclusive mixes - different to the US versions. And that "Git It" has Bass Vocals by none other than friend and fellow rock 'n' roller EDDIE COCHRAN. Also I count a little under 10 previously unreleased versions exclusive to this box, with the bulk of others having appeared on albums/CDs now long deleted.

Ultimately it's down to the music - and as I sit here listening to "Weekend" and "Jeannie, Jeannie, Jeannie" in STEREO - tears are in my eyes. God bless you Eddie Cochran wherever you may be...

Wallet-buster or not - and despite the book niggles - this is a stone 5-star recommended.

PS: this review is dedicated to "Boppin'" Bob Jones who died in April 2009 - he remastered 1000's of recordings for Ace Records, Bear Family and other top reissue labels and brought joy to millions of fans.

- DISCOGRAPHY - USA SINGLES -
Release Date Order USA 7” singles Discography for EDDIE COCHRAN
A-side backed/with B-side, Label and Catalogue Number, Year Of Release
[Bear Family “Somethin’ Else” 2009 8CD Box Set references]
(Note: Any other relevant and additional information)

COCHRAN BROTHERS [Eddie and Hank Cochran – not related nor brothers]
1. Mr. Fiddle b/w Two Blue Sing Stars (Ekko 1003, June 1955)
[A is on Disc 1 Track 8 – B is on Disc 1 Track 9]

2. Guilty Conscience b/w Your Tomorrow Never Comes (Ekko 1005, July 1955)
[A is on Disc 1 Track 10 – B is on Disc 1 Track 11]

3. Tired And Sleepy b/w Fool’s Paradise (Ekko 3001, May 1956)
[A is on Disc 1 Track 18 – Disc 1 Track 19]

EDDIE COCHRAN
4. Skinny Jim b/w Half Loved (Crest 1026, July 1956)
[A is on Disc 2 Track 1 – B is on Disc 2 Track 2]
(Note: there is another overdubbed version of the A “Skinny Jim” on the 1962 UK LP “Cherished Memories” on Liberty LBY 1109 and there are 4 takes of the B “Half Loved” – all are on this Bear Family Box)

5. Sittin’ In The Balcony b/w Dark Lonely Street (Liberty F-55056, February 1957)
[A is Disc 2 Track 7 - B is Disc 1 Track 31]

6. Mean When I’m Mad b/w One Kiss (Liberty F-55070, May 1957)
[A is Disc 2 Track 8 – B is Disc 2 Track 9]
(Note: this is the only Cochran single issued in a picture sleeve during his lifetime; it’s extremely rare and commands $1000+)

7. Drive In Show b/w Am I Blue (Liberty F-55087, July 1957)
[A is Disc 2 Track 12 – B is Disc 2 Track 10]

8. Twenty Flight Rock b/w Cradle Baby (Liberty F-55112, November 1957)
[A is Disc 2 Track 18 – B is Disc 2 Track 11 (missed B in the Sessionography)]
(A is Version 2, Version 1 is on his July 1958 debut British LP “Singin’ To My Baby”, London HA-U 2093)

9. Jeannie, Jeannie, Jeannie b/w Pocketful Of Hearts (Liberty F-55123, January 1958)
[A is Disc 2 Track 26 – B is Disc 2 Track 24]

10. Pretty Girl b/w Teresa (Liberty F-55138, May 1958)
[A is Disc 2 Track 25 – B is Disc 2 Track 28]
(Note: A is exclusive mix to the USA; there is a different version on the UK 7” single London HL-G 9464)

11. Summertime Blues b/w Love Again (Liberty F-55144, July 1958)
[A is Disc 2 Track 30 – B is Disc 2 Track 33 (Note British ‘A’ Differs To US)]

12. C’mon Everybody b/w Don’t Ever Let Me Go (Liberty F-55166, October 1958)
[A is Disc 3 Track 6 – B is Disc 3 Track 5]
(Note: A is known as the “Speeded Up” version and appears on both UK/USA 7” singles, but there’s a STEREO version with guitar overdub and running at the correct speed on the UK-only 1984 LP “Portrait Of A Legend” on Rockstar RSR LP 1008)

13. Teenage Heaven b/w I Remember (Liberty F-55177, February 1959)
[A is Disc 3 Track 8 – B is Disc 3 Track 9]

14. Somethin’ Else b/w Boll Weevil Song (Liberty F-55203, July 1959)
[A is Disc 3 Track 17 – B is Disc 3 Track 18]

15. Hallelujah, I Love Her So b/w Little Angel (Liberty F-55217, November 1959)
[A is on Disc 3 Track 26 – B is on Disc 3 Track 25]
(Note: A is a Ray Charles cover and the spelling of it doesn’t use an exclamation mark as his original did at the end of the word Hallelujah, but a comma. There’s two further versions of “Hallelujah…” – an echoed version with strings which first appeared on the UK’s 1980 4LP box set “20th Anniversary Album” on United Artists ECSP 20 and a STEREO version on the UK-only 1984 LP “Portrait Of A Legend” on Rockstar RSR LP 1008; both of these versions are on the BF box set. There are 10 versions of the B-side “Little Angel” – the master is an overdubbed version of Take 10. The other versions are Take 1, 3, 5, 6 9 and 2 further version of 10 – all are on this box. Also worthy of note is that the 1st version of Take 10 is exclusive to the Bear Family set – it’s a different STEREO cut to the one that appeared on the Rockstar LP of 1984.)

16. Three Steps To Heaven b/w Cut Across Shorty (Liberty F-55242, March 1960)
[A is on Disc 3 Track 32 – B is on Disc 3 Track 33]
(Note: A is Version 2 in Mono - a Version 2 in STEREO and Version 1 in MONO both appeared on the UK’s 1980 4LP box set “20th Anniversary Album” on United Artists ECSP 20; all 3 takes are on this Bear Family Box. The B-side master for “Cut Across Shorty” is a ‘speeded-up’ version of Take 21 – however, the ‘correct speed’ version of Take 21 appeared on the UK’s 1980 2LP set “20th Anniversary Album” on United Artists ECSP 20 while a STEREO version of the take appeared on the UK-only 1984 LP “Portrait Of A Legend” on Rockstar RSR LP 1008; all 3 takes are on this Bear Family box.)

17. Lonely b/w Sweetie Pie (Liberty F-55278, August 1960)
[A is on Disc 2 Track 32 – B is on Disc 2 Track 23]
(Note: there is a second version of A with overdubs available on the 1962 USA LP “Never To Be Forgotten” on Liberty LRP 3220; both takes are on this BF box.)

18. Weekend b/w Lonely [Liberty F-55389, December 1961]
[A is on Disc 3 Track 14 – B is on Disc 2 Track 32]
(Note: there is a STEREO version of “Weekend” on the UK-only 1984 LP “Portrait Of A Legend” on Rockstar RSR LP 1008 – both takes are on this BF box. “Lonely” is as per the A entry for number 17.)

- DISCOGRAPHY - UK SINGLES -
EDDIE COCHRAN - Release Date Order UK 7” SINGLES discography
With reference to where the tracks can be located on the Bear Family 2009 8CD Box Set “Somethin’ Else – The Ultimate Collection”

1. 20 Flight Rock b/w Dark Lonely Street, London HLU 8386 (April 1957)
[A is Disc 1 Track 28 - B is Disc 1 Track 31]

2. Sittin’ In The Balcony b/w Completely Sweet, London HL-U 8433 (June 1957)
[A is on Disc 2 Track 7 – B is on Disc 1 Track 29]
(Note: B is Version 1, Version 2 is on the British LP “Singin’ To My Baby”)

3. Summertime Blues b/w Love Again, London HL-U 8702 (September 1958)
[A is on Disc 4 Track 1 - B is on Disc 2 Track 33]
(Note: the A “Summertime Blues” is a different mix to the US version and exclusive to the UK single – the US version has reverb and fading at the end, the UK version is without reverb and has an ending. The B is the same for both UK and US singles, but there is a different overdubbed vocal version on the 1962 USA LP “Never To Be Forgotten” on Liberty LRP 3220)

4. C’mon Everybody b/w Don’t Ever Let Me Go, London HL-U 8792 (January 1959)
[A is on Disc 3 Track 6 – Disc 3 Track 5]

5. Teenage Heaven b/w I Remember, London HL-U 8880 (June 1959)
[A is on Disc 3 Track 8 – B is on Disc 3 Track 9]

6. Somethin’ Else b/w Boll Weevil Song, London HL-U 8944 (September 1959)
[A is on Disc 3 Track 17 – B is on Disc 3 Track 18]

7. Hallelujah, I Love Her So b/w Little Angel, London HL-W 9022 (January 1960)
[A is on Disc 3 Track 26 – B is on Disc 3 Track 25]

8. Three Steps To Heaven b/w Cut Across Shorty, London HLG 9115 (May 1960)
[A is on Disc 3 Track 32 – B is on Disc 3 Track 33]

9. Sweetie Pie b/w Lonely, London HLG 9196 (September 1960)
[A is on Disc 2 Track 23 – B is on Disc 2 Track 32]
(Same Takes but the A & B are reversed to the USA issue on Liberty F-55278)

10. Weekend b/w Cherished Memories, London HLG 9362 (June 1961)
[A is on Disc 3 Track 14 – B is on Disc 3 Track 34]
(Both A & B-side takes were exclusive to this UK release)

11. Jeannie, Jeannie, Jeannie b/w Pocketful Of Hearts, London HL-G 9460 (November 1961)
[A is on Disc 2 Track 26 – B is on Disc 2 Track 24]

12. Pretty Girl b/w Teresa, London HLG 9464 (November 1961)
[A is Disc 4 Track 6 - B is Disc 2 Track 28]
(Note: the A is an exclusive mix to the UK release; there is a different version on the USA 7” single on Liberty F-55138 – it’s also on the BF box)

13. Undying Love b/w Stockin’s ‘N’ Shoes, London HLG 9467 (November 1961)
[A is on Disc 2 Track 14 – B is on Disc 2 Track 19]

14. Never b/w Think Of Me, Liberty LIB 10049 (October 1962)
[A is on Disc 2 Track 22 – B is on Disc 3 Track 15]

15. My Way B/w Rock ‘n’ Roll Blues, Liberty LIB 10088 (April 1963)
[A is on Disc 3 Track 10 – B is on Disc 3 Track 11]

16. Drive In Show b/w I Almost Lost My Mind, Liberty LIB 10108 (August 1963)
[A is on Disc 2 Track 12 – B is on Disc 4 Track 20]

17. Skinny Jim b/w Nervous Breakdown, Liberty LIB 10151 (April 1964)
[A is on Disc 2 Track 1 – B is on Disc 3 Track 3]

18. C’mon Everybody b/w Summertime Blues, Liberty LIB 10233 (April 1966)
[A is on Disc 3 Track 6 – Disc 4 Track 1]
(Note: see 3 for Notes on “Summertime Blues”)

19. Three Stars b/w Somethin’ Else, Liberty LIB 10249 (December 1966)
[A is On Disc 3 Track 13 – B is on Disc 3 Track 17]
(A is exclusive to the UK single)

20. Three Steps To Heaven b/w Eddie’s Blues, Liberty LIB 10276 (May 1967)
[A is on Disc 3 Track 32 – B is on Disc 3 Track 20]

21. Summertime Blues b/w Let’s Get Together, Liberty LBF 15071 (June 1968)
[A is on Disc 4 Track 1 – B is on Disc 3 Track 4]
(Note: see 3 for Notes on “Summertime Blues”)

22. Somethin Else b/w Milk Cow Blues, Liberty LBF 15109 (1968)
[A is on Disc 3 Track 17 – B is on Disc 3 Track 21]

23. C’mon Everybody b/w Mean When I’m Mad, Liberty LBF 15366 (June 1970)
[A is on Disc 3 Track 6 – B is on Disc 2 Track 8]

24. Somethin’ Else b/w Three Steps To Heaven, United Artists UP 35361 (April 1972)
[A is on Disc 3 Track 17 – Disc 3 Track 32]

25. Summertime Blues b/w Cotton Picker, United Artists UP 35408 (July 1972)
[A is on Disc 4 Track 1 – B is on Disc 2 Track 6]
(B is on the United Artists 2LP set UAS 9959 “Legendary Masters No.4”)

26. Summertime Blues b/w C’mon Everybody, United Artists UP 35796 (March 1975)
[A is on Disc 4 Track 1 – B is on Disc 3 Track 6]
(Note: see 3 for Notes on “Summertime Blues”)

27. C’mon Everybody b/w Milk Cow Blues, United Artists UP 36121 (June 1976)
[A is on Disc 3 Track 6 – B is on Disc 3 Track 21]

28. C’mon Everybody b/w Don’t Ever Let Me Go, United Artists Silver Spotlight Series UP 603 (June 1979)
[A is on Disc 3 Track 6 – B is on Disc 3 Track 5]

“Teaser And The Firecat” by CAT STEVENS. A Review of the May 2009 DELUXE EDITION 2CD Remaster Of His 1971 Island Records LP.

“…I’ll Never Make The Same Mistake…No Never Never…”

There's something wrong here and it needs to be pointed out.

As I played this supposedly 'new' 2009 remaster, I began to compare the suspiciously similar sound and playing times to my old 2000 version and to my amazement, they're exactly the same (32:56 minutes for both). There is - in other words - no sound improvement whatsoever on this version over the one you can pick up on line for less than three pounds. It's the same disc. I mean literally to the second...

How are they able to fool us? Slyly. When you look at the liner notes on Page 23 of the booklet, it rather craftily states, "digitally remastered by Ted Jensen", but it doesn't tell you "when". The notes on Page 7 do the same thing, 'recently' it tells you, but again no date. You go back to the booklet of the 2000 version and there's his name. Amazing how Universal missed that...

Worse, the sticker on the outside wrap-around plastic (which is all you can see when you're buying it) leads you to believe that this a fresh remaster - it isn't. And the bad news doesn't stop there - the 2008 DELUXE EDITION of "Tea For A Tillerman" is the same - a 2000 version by Ted Jensen masquerading as something new (with one or two notable exceptions (the two superb demos), Disc 2 is full of dispensable live versions).

Deceptions aside, let's be clear about this - the sound on the 2000 remaster of this album in particular is LOVELY. So why bitch about it? Because until you've heard an upgraded version, you don't know how fabulous it ‘could' have sounded...what you've been denied.

If you want an idea, go to iTunes and catch a snippet listen to the "On The Road To Find Out" track by Cat Stevens on the May 2009 "Meet On The Ledge" 3CD Island Records Folk-Rock Anthology Box Set. It's Track 2 Disc 2 and has a new 2009 Denis Blackham remaster - the sound quality is ASTONISHING - just glorious - a huge improvement in clarity over the 2000 version. It's how this DELUXE EDITION and the "Tillerman" one should have sounded.

However, for rabid fans, the good news is that Disc 2 (34:36 minutes) has some genuinely stunning tracks on it actually worthy of the title 'bonus'. "Rubylove", "If I Laugh", "Changes IV", "How Can I Tell You" and "Morning Has Broken" are all Vocals/Acoustic demo versions recorded in Morgan Studios in London in February 1971 (a month before the album was recorded) and they're beautiful. Stripped down and bare, the almost fully formed melodies come shining through. The famously superb piano work by Rick Wakeman of Yes on the finished version of "Morning Has Broken" is replaced here with an acoustic guitar, which makes for a fascinating listen.

"Moonshadow" was recorded live at the Troubadour Club in Los Angeles in 1971 and features album session-man ALUN DAVIES on Guitar and Vocals - it's well recorded and a lovely version. "Bitterblue" is a Royal Albert Hall performance from 1972, but it's not great because the sound quality is rubbish. Better is the World-Music Meets-Acapella version of "Peace Train" from 2003, which throws a new slant on an overly familiar song.

The booklet reproduces lots of full colour stills from the Teaser animation film, lyrics to the songs, reminiscences from producer Paul Samwell-Smith and guitarist Alun Davies - and so on - but none of it takes the bad taste of Disc 1 out of my mouth.

What a disappointment - especially given the excellence of the bonus material.

Given that the DELUXE EDITION of "Tea For A Tillerman" is the same - a 2000 version you already own pretending to be something new - I feel these titles should be withdrawn.

I don't know how Yusef can rabbit on about truth when these two reissues fundamentally lie to his fans and newcomers to his music. Pretty packaging or not - docked 2 stars out of 5 for what appears to me to be blatant misrepresentation..