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*** THIS REVIEW IS FOR THE JAPANESE-ONLY SHM CD REMASTER FROM 2013 ****
"...No Longer Earthly Bound..."
Since his tragic loss in
July 2013 renewed interest in J.J. Cale and his wonderfully laid-back
songwriting magic has never been higher - and if you want an example of just
how good he was (and can sound) - then a few bob spent on this fabulous
Japanese CD reissue is going to be money well spent. And more importantly to
long-time fans - this actually
remastered reissue has GLORIOUS SOUND trumping all other releases. Here are the
gory details...
1. Crying [Side 1]
2. I’ll Be There (If You
Ever Want Me)
3. Starbound
4. Rock And Roll Records
5. The Old Man And Me
6. Everlovin’ Woman
7. Cajun Moon [Side 2]
8. I’d Like To Love You Baby
9. Anyway The Wind Blows
10. Precious Memories
11. Okie
12. I Got The Same Old Blues
His 3rd studio album
"Okie" was originally issued on vinyl album in April 1974 on Shelter
SR-2107 in the USA and June 1974 on A&M Records AMLS 68261 in the UK
(excepting one song, they're all Cale originals). Its first CD appearance was
way back in 1990 on Mercury 842 102-2 - but it was an OK-sounding CD rather
than a great one. A whopping 6 of its 10 tracks were remastered in 1997 for the
2CD anthology "Any Way The Wind Blows" and fans got to hear just how
good it could sound. But little will prepare them for the stunning sonic attack
of this 2013 remaster - beautifully transferred and fully realizing the magic
that was always there.
Released in Japan 26 June
2013 - "Okie"by J.J. CALE on Universal UICY-75629 (Barcode 4988005771605) is a SHM-CD (Super
High Materials) in 5" Repro US Mini LP artwork and a booklet with
lyrics. The OBI mentions that this disc is part of the "Rock Impact
'74" Series.
A SHM-CD doesn't require a
special CD player to play it on (compatible on all) nor does it need audiophile
kit to hear the benefits. It's a new form of the format that picks up the
nuances of the transfer better (top quality make). I own about 10 of them and
they're uniformly superb. Its total playing time is a mere 29:06 minutes but
don't let that deter you - it's probably the sweetest of all his LPs.
On the subject of sound - a
few words first about the remaster (and Cale's remasters in general). Both
Amazon UK and USA list the 5CD mini box set "Classic Album Selection"
as having 2013 remasters ("Okie" is not among them) - it doesn't.
Although the CDs look exactly like the old issues, closer examination will show
that each has a new catalogue number that reflects the box - but that's all.
They all have the old Mercury designed labels of silver and orange lines and
are precisely the same as the old Eighties and early Nineties reissues. My Mac
even remembered the old track references I'd personally put in. I tried an
outside source - like a desktop CD player - same thing - same old discs -
absolutely not new. So where does this '2013 Remaster' claim come from? I
suspect from these Japanese SHM-CD reissues which are Universal Japan issues
only. The point is that the sound difference between this SHM-CD and the
ordinary 'digitally mastered' disc of the 1990s is literally like chalk and
cheese.
It doesn't say which
engineer has done the remaster and transfer in the booklet but the work is
AWESOME - truly beautiful sound on every track. If I were to nail down two that
show most improvement - it would be
"Starbound" (lyrics from it title this review) and the country jaunt
of "Precious Memories" - neither of which are on the 1997 Anthology.
There is hiss on these tunes but the clarity of the songs is GORGEOUS.
"The Old Man And Me" is beautiful too and the lone cover on the album
"I'll Be There (If You Ever Want Me)" by Rusty Gabbard and Ray Price
rocks along with superb clarity. Love it love it.
J.J. Cale was one of my
audio heroes growing up - and his influence on Eric Clapton, Dire Straits and
even John Mayer is undeniable. What a loss and what an artist. And damn the
Japanese for being so good with these bloody things - because I need all 8 of
them now! My long-suffering bank manager will be pleased...
Albums in the June 2013
J. J. CALE
Japan-Only SHM-CD Reissue Series in Mini LP Repro Sleeves are:
1.
Naturally (1972 - his debut) on Universal UICY-75627 (Barcode 4988005771582)
2.
Really (1973) on Universal UICY-75628 (Barcode 4988005771599)
3.
Okie (1974) on Universal UICY-75629 (Barcode 4988005771605)
4.
Troubadour (1976) on Universal UICY-75630 (Barcode 4988005771612)
5.
"5" (1979) on Universal UICY-75631 (Barcode 4988005771629)
6.
Shades (1981) on Universal UICY-75632 (Barcode 4988005771636)
7.
Grasshopper (1982) on Universal UICY-75633 (Barcode 4988005771643)
8.
No. 8 (1983) on Universal UICY-75634 (Barcode 4988005771650)
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