"In My Room" by JACOB COLLIER (July 2016 CD on Membran - Mastered by Bernie Grundman) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"...Hotter Than June or July..."

Imagine Todd Rundgren has a love child with Tori Amos, Jon Anderson of Yes and Paul Buchanan of the Blue Nile - and on arrival into this screwed up and discordant world of ours - Jamie Callum, Take 6 and Mike Oldfield watch over the crib - taking turns to croon down at the golden child.

London laddie Jacob Collier and his gorgeous musical mishmashes tap into all of these elements and more - and his incredibly accomplished debut album "In Your Room" has taken many listeners – especially cool Jazz, Jazz Vocal and Audiophile buffs - by storm…

Signed to Quincy Jones Productions and mentored by that extraordinary organization - multi-instrumentalist and multi-vocalist Justin Collier released his first album at the staggering old age of 21. Makes you want to smack the smug little git with a tubular bell (but you can't because they're too expensive and you might not get the blood stains out). "In Your Room" - so called after the 'room' he grew up in and recorded every note on the record in - is an astonishing beginning.

Released 1 July 2016 and Mastered by Audio Engineer and long-standing genius Bernie Grundman (a multiple Grammy Nominee and winner) - Membran 234267 (Barcode 885150342671) sounds truly glorious and immediately makes you think of the ten-thousand hours of prep and sweat and toil that must have gone into getting it done. It's a long record – 58:57 minutes – and takes full advantage of the CD format's range. The last song "Don’t You Know" for instance is a plaintive ballad with real emotional punch that clocks in at a mighty nine-minutes.

The three-way foldout card-digipak gives you the usual credits as well as an informative history on his own musical journey written in his own articulate way – though oddly enough it doesn't tell you what instrument was played or where when an Mike Oldfield-moment album like this cries out for those kind of details (there are internet threads trying to disseminate on his vocal style and techniques). Comparisons to Stevie Wonder (whom he name-checks in the thank you list) and his keyboard style and grooves circa "Innervisions" in 1973 and "Songs In The Key Of Life" in 1976 have been accurately bandied about. Loads of melody - chunky chords - Jazz-Soul grooves from a white kid with a black Soul.

Though young - Collier's voice is similar in depth and sound to Jamie Callum. Collier plays, sings, arranges and writes all the complex songs. There are three notable exceptions – covers that will give you a shoe-in into how he structures songs - "You And I" from Stevie Wonder's 1980 LP "Hotter Than July" - "In The Room" from The Beach Boys 1963 LP "Surfer Girl" (itself a co-write with Gary Usher) and a Grammy winning cover of The Flintstones TV Theme done almost entirely Acapella. In fact his vocal passages in particular when he often synthesises his voice through an electronic keyboard are sweeping and amazing – Acapella taken to the next stage - like Alabama's six-piece gospel group 'Take 6' from the late Eighties and Nineties on Warner Brothers. There's even a trace of Sigur Ros magic in there too.

I could write about this obvious prodigy for days - but you need to see and hear him. If you want some YouTube highlights check out the seven minutes of "Hideaway" or the uplifting "Hajanga" from the album - and then make a beeline to his gorgeous and innovative non-album covers of "Blackbird" by The Beatles (from 1968's The White Album) and Stevie Wonder's "Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing" originally on 1974's "Fulfillingness' First Finale".

Prepare for dazzling vocal work similar to Bobby McFerrin's "Don't Worry, Be Happy" back in the Blue Note days of old. The Collier covers I've mentioned are available for 99p downloads from both iTunes and Amazon and I'd be genuinely astounded if the "Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing" version in particular isn't up for a Grammy nomination.

Here's to a bright future kid and don't listen to the four sides of Yes' "Tapes From Topographic Oceans" whatever you do…

"Reflections" by GRAHAM NASH [feat Hollies, Crosby Stills Nash & Young and more] (February 2009 Rhino/Atlantic 3 x HDCD Book Set Of Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

This Review Along With 300+ Others Is Available In My

SOUNDS GOOD E-Book on all Amazon sites

CLASSIC ROCK & POP 1970 to 1974 - Exceptional CD Remasters  

Just Click Below To Purchase for £3.95

Thousands of E-Pages - All Details and In-Depth Reviews From Discs 
(No Cut and Paste Crap)

"…Feed Them On Your Dreams…"

Featuring The Hollies, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Dave Mason of Traffic, Members of The Grateful Dead and more. Includes tracks from the albums "Crosby, Stills & Nash" (1969), "Déjà Vu" (1970), "Graham Nash/David Crosby" (1972), "Wind On The Water" (1975), "Whistling Down The Wire" (1976), "CSN" (1977) and more...

Across 64 tracks, 3CDs and a career spanning 40 years – Graham Nash's offering in the on-going solo reissues for CROSBY, STILLS, NASH and YOUNG gives you a whopping 32 previously unreleased tracks, a fabulously detailed booklet and the whole kit and caboodle remastered into sparkly HDCD. Here are the harmonising English-Boy done-good details…

Released February 2009 – "Reflections" by GRAHAM NASH on Rhino/Atlantic 8122-79935-8 (Barcode 081227993580) is 3 x HDCD Book Set of Remasters with Previously Unreleased Material that breaks down as follows:

Disc 1 (74:52 minutes):

1. On A Carousel – THE HOLLIES (February 1967 UK 7” single on Parlophone R 5562, A-side, Mono)

2. Carrie Anne – THE HOLLIES (May 1967 UK 7” single on Parlophone R 5602, A-side, Mono)

3. King Midas In Reverse – THE HOLLIES (September 1967 UK 7” single on Parlophone R 5637, A-side, Mono)

4. Marrakesh Express – CROSBY, STILLS & NASH

5. Pre-Road Downs – CROSBY, STILLS & NASH

6. Lady Of The Island – CROSBY, STILLS & NASH (tracks 4 to 6 are from the album “Crosby, Stills & Nash” released June 1969 in the USA on Atlantic SD 8229 and in the UK on Atlantic 588 189)

7. Our House – CROSBY, STILLS, NASH & YOUNG

8. Teach Your Children – CROSBY, STILLS, NASH & YOUNG (tracks 7 and 8 originally on the album “Déjà Vu” released March 1970 in the USA on Atlantic SD 7200 and in the UK on Atlantic 2401 001. Track 8 is a Previously Unreleased Mix)

9. Right Between The Eyes – GRAHAM NASH (Previously Unreleased Demo)

10. I Used To Be King – GRAHAM NASH (Previously Unreleased Alternate Mix)

11. Simple Man – GRAHAM NASH (Previously Unreleased Alternate Mix)

12. Man In The Mirror – GRAHAM NASH (Previously Unreleased Alternate Mix)

13. Better Days – GRAHAM NASH (Previously Unreleased Alternate Mix)

14. Military Madness – GRAHAM NASH (Previously Unreleased Alternate Mix)

15. Sleep Song – GRAHAM NASH (Previously Unreleased Alternate Mix)

16. Chicago/We Can Change The World – GRAHAM NASH (Previously Unreleased Alternate Mix)

17. Southbound Train – CROSBY & NASH

18. Immigration Man – CROSBY & NASH (tracks 17 and 18 on the album “Graham Nash / David Crosby” released April 1972 in the USA on Atlantic SD 7220 and May 1972 in the UK on Atlantic K 50011)

19. Wild Tales – GRAHAM NASH (Previously Unreleased Alternate Mix)

20. Prison Song – GRAHAM NASH (Previously Unreleased Alternate Mix)

21. Oh! Camil (The Winter Soldier) – GRAHAM NASH (Previously Unreleased Alternate Mix)

22. On The Line – GRAHAM NASH (Previously Unreleased Alternate Mix)

23. You’ll Never Be The Same – GRAHAM NASH (Previously Unreleased Alternate Mix)

24. Another Sleep Song – GRAHAM NASH (Previously Unreleased Alternate Mix)

Disc 2 (74:38 minutes):

1. To The Last Whale: Critical Mass/Wind On The Water – DAVID CROSBY / GRAHAM NASH

2. Fieldworker – DAVID CROSBY / GRAHAM NASH

3. Cowboy Of Dreams – DAVID CROSBY /  GRAHAM NASH

4. Love Work Out – DAVID CROSBY and GRAHAM NASH (tracks 1 to 4 are from the album “Wind On The Water” released October 1975 in the USA on ABC Records ABCD-902 and January 1976 in the UK on Polydor 2310 428)

5. Marguerita – DAVID CROSBY and GRAHAM NASH (on the album “Whistling Down The Wire” released July 1976 in the USA on ABC Records ABCD-956 and in the UK on Polydor 2310 468)

6. Taken At All – CROSBY. STILLS, NASH & YOUNG (Previously Unreleased Alternate Mix)

7. Mutiny – CROSBY, NASH (on the album “Whistling Down The Wire” released July 1976 in the USA on ABC Records ABCD-956 and in the UK on Polydor 2310 468)

8. Just A Song Before I Go – CROSBY, STILLS & NASH (on the album “CSN” released June 1977 in the USA on Atlantic SD 19104 and in the UK on Atlantic K 50369)

9. Cold Rain – GRAHAM NASH (Previously Unreleased mix)

10. Cathedral – CROSBY, STILLS & NASH (originally on the album “CSN” released June 1977 in the USA on Atlantic SD 19104 and in the UK on Atlantic K 50369 – this is a Previously Unreleased Mix)

11. Barrel Of Pain (Half-Life) – GRAHAM NASH

12. Magical Child – GRAHAM NASH (11 and 12 originally on the album “Earth & Sky” released March 1980 in the USA on Capitol SWAK-12014 and in the UK on Capitol EA-ST 12014. Track 12 is a Previously Unreleased Alternate Mix) 

13. Song For Susan – CROSBY, STILLS, NASH

14. Wasted On The Way - CROSBY, STILLS, NASH (13 and 14 on the album “Daylight Again” released July 1982 in the USA on Atlantic SD 19360 and in the UK on Atlantic K 50896)

15. Love Is The Reason – GRAHAM NASH (Previously Unreleased Alternate Mix)

16. Raise A Voice - CROSBY, STILLS, NASH (on “Allies” (Live) released June 1983 on Atlantic 78-0075-1)

17. Clear Blue Skies - CROSBY, STILLS, NASH (Previously Unreleased version)

18. Lonely Man - CROSBY, STILLS, NASH (Previously Unreleased song)

19. Sad Eyes – GRAHAM NASH (Previously Unreleased Alternate Mix)

20. Water From The Moon – GRAHAM NASH (Previously Unreleased song)

21. Soldiers Of Peace - CROSBY, STILLS, NASH & YOUNG (on the album “American Dream” released November 1988 in the USA on Atlantic 7 81888-1 and in the UK on Atlantic WX 233)

Disc 3 (74:55 minutes):

1. If Anybody Had A Heart – CROSBY, STILLS & NASH

2. Chippin’ Away – GRAHAM NASH (on the album “Innocent Eyes” released April 1986 in the USA on Atlantic 7 81888 1 and Atlantic WX 233 in the UK)

3. After The Dolphin – CROSBY, STILLS & NASH

4. House Of Broken Dreams - CROSBY, STILLS & NASH (1, 3 and 4 on the album “Live It Up” released June 1990 on LP in the UK and USA on Atlantic 7567 82101-1)

5. Unequal Love – GRAHAM NASH (Previously Unreleased version)

6. Liar’s Nightmare – GRAHAM NASH (Previously Unreleased version)

7. Heartland – CROSBY, STILLS, NASH & YOUNG (on the album “looking Forward” released November 1999 on CD on East West 9362 47436-2)

8. These Empty Days – CROSBY, STILLS & NASH (on the album “After The Storm” released August 1994 on CD on East West 7567 82654-2)

9. Try To Find Me – GRAHAM NASH (Previously Unreleased song)

10. Two Hearts – CAROLE KING and GRAHAM NASH (Previously Unreleased version)

11. Behind The Shades – GRAHAM NASH (Previously Unreleased song)

12. Michael (Hedges Here) – GRAHAM NASH (Previously Unreleased version)

13. I Surrender – CROSBY, NASH

14. Live On (The Wall) – CROSBY, NASH (tracks 13 and 14 are on the 2CD set “Crosby Nash” released 2004 on Sanctuary 06076-84683-2 in the USA and Sanctuary SANDD293 in the UK and Europe)

15. Dirty Little Secret – GRAHAM NASH

16. We Breathe The Same Air – GRAHAM NASH (Previously Unreleased song)

17. Grace – CROSBY, NASH

18. Jesus Of Rio – CROSBY, NASH

19. In Your Name – GRAHAM NASH (Previously Unreleased song)

The audio remaster handled by Graham Nash, Bernie Grundman and John Nowland are truly gorgeous – full of life and presence – really superb work done and care taken. Nowland was involved with the brilliant Neil Young NYA CD remasters over the last few years and Bernie Grundman is a long-established engineer of considerable note. You feel care was taken with each and every track. The 150-page booklet is properly gorgeous – a glossy paperback rammed with colour photos, album sleeves, reminiscences on all the songs, contributions from his vast array of musician friends (household names one and all) and images of his alter life as a painter, artist and photographer. And while the David Crosby Box Set “Voyage” from 2006 had his career on Discs 1 and 2 with all the Previously Unreleased stuff entirely allocated to (a stunning) Disc 3 – the Nash box chooses to mix them in – in chronological order.

Disc 1 opens with a triple-whammy winner of Hollies hits followed quickly by three Nash contributions to the debut CSN album in turn followed by his lovely “Our House” from “Déjà Vu”. We’re then hammered with a slew of 17 alternate versions and this is where I feel some problems arise. Some like “I Used To Be A King” and the acoustic take of “Another Sleep Song” are really excellent - but songs that I love like “Better Days”, “Military Madness” and “On The Line” get lesser or ‘countrified’ versions - when I really wanted upgraded remastered originals.

As you open Disc 2 you’re hit with the vocal magnificence of “To The Last Whale…” and the guitar funk of “Love Work Out”. “Just A Song Before I Go” from 1977’s “CSN” sounds amazing – fantastic audio-quality - as does the Alternate of “Magical Child”. But as we get further into the Eighties and Nineties the quality varies enormously. On the one hand you get the naff “Chippin’ Away” siding with the genuinely moving – a really lovely alternate version of “Unequal Love” – intimate and in your living room. The non-album “Water From The Moon” is awful cod-rock while “House Of Broken Dreams” from the underrated “Live It Up” CSNY set from 1990 is excellent (“separate houses, separate hearts…”). I liked a lot of what was on the 2CD “Crosby/Nash” 2004 set including their hurting version of Marc Cohn’s “I Surrender”. It ends on “In Your Name” – a prayer to God to “stop all this killing in your name…” – a sweet ballad and a cool way to finish the box.

It’s not all genius for sure and some of the stuff on Disc 2 and 3 is too maudlin and middle of the road - but what is here is beautifully remastered and presently in drop-dead gorgeous surroundings. Time to reappraise. Man were they a talented bunch…

"Morrison Hotel/Hard Rock Cafe" LP by THE DOORS (Remastered and Inside Rhino's 1999 'Complete Studio Recordings' 7CD Box Set) - A Review by Mark Barry...

or 

"...Spy In The House Of Love..." 

Back when Rhino were amongst the best reissue labels in the world (with access to unlimited primo material from the prestigious WEA umbrella of labels) – they regularly produced fabulous Box Sets like “The Complete Studio Recordings” by THE DOORS. Their six studio albums from 1966 to 1971 plus one filled-out disc of 'Essential Rarities' – all of them in meticulously reproduced Mini LP Sleeves.

But while the explosive and hugely influential self-titled debut album "The Doors" along with winners like October 1967's "Strange Days" and July 1969's "Soft Parade" have always gathered the plaudits – for me – my poison has always been their cool Seventies output - especially the first two of the decade – February 1970's "Morrison Hotel/Hard Rock Café" and April 1971's "L.A. Woman". 

Often shortened to just "Morrison Hotel" – The DOORS' first LP of the new Hard Rock decade was an accomplished blast – a band renewed and ready to take on all-comers. Opening with the fantastic Rock-Blues of "Roadhouse Blues" and working its way to the hooky "Peace Frog" and on the very-Doors sound of "Maggie McGill" – I've always felt it's been overlooked in favour of their more famous predecessors. Let's get to 'the spies in the house of love'…

You can buy the "Morrison/Hard Rock Cafe" album as a March 2007 Rhino single-disc 'Expanded Edition' with 10 Bonus Tracks fro less than six quid – but my preferred tipple is part of a pricier box set that keeps it simple. USA released November 1999 – "Morrison Hotel" the 11-track album is Disc 5 in "The Complete Studio Recordings" Box Set by THE DOORS on Rhino 62434-2 (Barcode 075596243421). This beautifully presented reissue is a 5½ x 5½-inch CUBE BOX with a flip-ribboned-lid (the artwork is a collage of Elektra records album sleeves). Inside are 8 slots – one for the sumptuous booklet and 7 albums in oversized 5½” card repro sleeves (one of which is a Rarities set). The STEREO mixes have been used for all six Studio albums and "Morrison Hotel" plays out as follows (37:24 minutes):

Side 1 'Hard Rock Café':

1. Roadhouse Blues

2. Waiting For The Sun

3. You Make Me Real

4. Peace Frog

5. Blue Sunday

6. Ship Of Fools

Side 2 'Morrison Hotel':

7. Land Ho!

8. The Spy

9. Queen Of The Highway

10. Indian Summer

11. Maggie M’Gill

Tracks 1 to 11 are their 5th studio album "Morrison Hotel/Hard Rock Café" - released 12 February 1970 in the USA on Elektra EKS 75007 (April 1970 in the UK with the same catalogue number). Produced by PAUL A. ROTHCHILD – it peaked at No. 4 in the USA and No. 12 in the UK.

This box set hits you on two fronts – and in my book – the two that matter – sound and presentation. Housed in individual slots  - the attention to detail on the Repro Card sleeves is just superb. The CDs for 1 to 3 have Brown Elektra Records labels, 4 and 5 have Red and 6 is the Butterfly variant as per the 1967 to 1971 vinyl albums. "Strange Days", "The Soft Parade" and "Morrison Hotel" have their Inner Bags repro’d with “The Doors” and “Waiting For The Sun” all with Elektra Records Label Bags (and gatefolds where applicable). And of course there’s the beautiful die-cut sleeve of “L.A. Woman” with its plastic and inner yellow bag (very tasty indeed). The Essential Rarities Disc also sports a gatefold card sleeve. The properly chunky and beautifully laid-out booklet is over 60-pages long with essays on each album (time-lined), lyrics to all at the rear and a plethora of period photos and memorabilia peppering the text throughout (liner notes by DAVE DiMARTINO). It’s a fabulous read. And with regard to "Morrison Hotel..." there’s gorgeous out-take photographs by Henry Diltz of the album cover – colour snaps both inside and outside of the 'Hard Rock Café' on East 5th Street, Los Angeles that was featured on the sleeve (the worldwide chain of restaurants filled with music memorabilia took their name from this album).

But all of this is nothing to the AUDIO… Remastered from the original analogue 2-track master tapes to 96K/24-bit digital by BRUCE BOTNIK and BERNIE GRUNDMAN at Bernie Grundman Studios in California in August 1999 – the sound quality is mindblowingly good (Bruce Botnik was the original engineer). Sure there’s been other remasters since and even fatter boxes – but for me – the audio detail presented here has never been surpassed. The only obvious shame is the absence of the rare MONO mixes on 1 to 3 – especially on the stunning debut where the differences are acute (many fans prefer the MONO). But in my book that doesn’t take away from the superlative warmth and presence these remasters have.

Side 1 of the album is called 'Hard Rock Café' and opens with a bona-fide rocking winner – the barroom swagger of "Roadhouse Blues" – a 12-bar tune so good that Status Quo covered it for their "Piledriver" album on Vertigo in late 1972. We return to 60ts weird for "Waiting For The Sun" – a cleverly paced mid-tempo ramble with a Rock riff pumping up the chorus (Robby Kreiger playing up a storm on the guitar). Back to fights in saloons with the barrelhouse piano boogie of "You Make Me Real" - Jim growling out the song title while the band lets rip. But then we get the real deal - a truly fantastic rocker in the shape of the short but brilliant "Peace Frog". You would think with lyrics like "...Blood on the streets runs a river of sadness..." and Jim getting all prophet during the spoken bridge - that the tune is all doom and gloom - but for something so down - it's impossibly poppy and 'so' Doors. The only annoying this is the dead-stop ending that's crudely done on CD but segues into the lovely "Blue Sunday" on the LP. The audio on both of these tracks is sensational. The Side 1 finisher "Ship Of Fools" is another Audio winner - the bass, guitar and organ - all crystal clear and full of presence.

Side 2 opens with a sea-shanty rocker in the shape of "Land Ho!" - I used to dismiss this track but now I love it - catchy as a Californian suntan. "Queen Of The Highway" tells us "...she was a princess...he was a monster...black dressed in leather..." - a chugger with a caustic lyric at its poisonous centre (will things work out for the most beautiful people in the world). Based on the 1954 novel by Anais Nin "Spy In The House Of Love" - Morrison shortens it to "The Spy" - a wicked groove allied with his literary fixations. The album’s most trippy track "Indian Summer" wafts into existence - yet just when you think you have the measure of its floating way - the melody just elevates into something special with Krieger picking away as Jim sings "I love you" - and you can't help but think he means it. It ends on the very-Doors "Maggie M'Gill" where they sound like an angrier Dylan circa "Blonde On Blonde" where Jim roars "...people down there really like to get it on!". If you do buy the box set - Track 3 of the 73-minute 'Essential Rarities' disc offers up a live version of “Roadhouse Blues” recorded at Madison Square Gardens in New York. Superb...

Despite being deleted pretty quickly – "The Complete Studio Recordings" was one of those Box Sets you saw cropping up all of the time. But whilst common once – in 2016 it’s not so much any more - with some dealers trying to procure over £200 for a sealed copy. You can still nail it for under £50 in certain places - and if you can't afford that (you're getting their whole catalogue remember) - then just go for the 2007 'Expanded Edition' single-disc variant that can be procured from many online sellers for less than a fiver (including P&P).

"...I'm a spy in the house of love..." - Jim Morrison sang on "The Spy" and "...I've been singing the Blues ever since the world began..." on "Maggie M'Gill" - like fate was already hanging over him - passing through - not staying - just observing before he moved on to something better.

Impossibly cool and still brilliant - "Morrison Hotel/Hard Rock Cafe" by The Doors needs to be in your home in any incarnation...

"Hot Rats" by FRANK ZAPPA (2012 Zappa Records CD Reissue – with 2008 Bernie Grundman Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"...Son Of Mrs. Green Genes..."

It's hard not to look at Christine Frka's frizzy-haired mad-as-a-dingbat-on-acid stare as she peaks over a wrecked/abandoned Beverley Hill's swimming pool on the cover of Frank Zappa's iconic Jazz-Rock album "Hot Rats" - and not smile. In some ways she summed up the adventure contained within the grooves – gonna be a little frizzled around the edges by the time you're done (Miss Christine was one of the all-girl group The GTOs - Girls Together Outrageously – another Bizarre Records act – she talked Frank into signing Alice Cooper).

After five incendiary albums with The Mothers Of Invention since 1966 (two of which were doubles) – it was time for the inevitable Solo LP proper from Frank Zappa and instead of Vocal Group pastiches and Comedy Soundtracks – Zappa went Rock in a very Jazzy way and never looked back. "Hot Rats" even hit No 9 in the UK charts in late February 1970 – his first and highest chart placing in good old Blighty (the Bizarre Records LP scraped into 173 in the USA).

His CD reissues from this period have been dogged with controversy. Having acquired the rights to own back catalogue - Zappa began remixing the masters to what many felt were sacred cows – even adding posthumous parts that weren't on the originals thereby altering their very nature (he argued he was the artist). Most notorious is the extra four minutes of music added on to the 12:53 of "The Gumbo Variations" on the 1995 Rykodisc CD reissue. Using the Zappa approved 'edit' master of the 1969 album – this BERNIE GRUNDMAN 2008 Remaster goes back to basics and yet still packs a lot of punch especially in those huge instrumental stretches within "Willie The Pimp", "Son Of Mrs. Green Genes" and the Saxophone-driven "The Gumbo Variations". Here are the 'little umbrellas'...

UK released July 2012 – "Hot Rats" by FRANK ZAPPA on Zappa Records 0238412 (Barcode 824302384121) is a straightforward transfer of the original 1969 LP onto CD (using a 2008 remaster) and plays out as follows (43:19 minutes):

1. Peaches En Regalia [Side 1]

2. Willie The Pimp

3. Son Of Mrs. Green Genes

4. Little Umbrellas [Side 2]

5. The Gumbo Variations

6. It Must Be A Camel

Tracks 1 to 6 are the album "Hot Rats" – released early October 1969 in the USA on Bizarre/Reprise RS 6356 and February 1970 in the UK on Reprise RSLP 6356  (re-issued July 1971 in the UK on Reprise K 44078).

Players were:

FRANK ZAPPA – Guitars, Octave Bass & Percussion

IAN UNDERWOOD – Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone & Keyboards (solo on "The Gumbo Variations")

CAPTAIN BEEFHEART – Vocals on "Willie The Pimp"

SUGAR CANE HARRIS – Violin on "Willie The Pimp" and "The Gumbo Variations"

JEAN LUC PONTY – Violin on "It Must Be A Camel"

LOWELL GEORGE – Guitar (uncredited)

MAX BENNETT – Bass on all except "Peaches En Regalia"

SHUGGIE OTIS – Bass on "Peaches En Regalia"

JOHN GUERIN – Drums on "Willie The Pimp", "Little Umbrellas" and "It Must Be A Camel"

PAUL HUMPHREY – Drums on "Son Of Mr. Green Genes" and "The Gumbo Variations"

RON SELICAO – Drums on "Peaches En Regalia"

The fold-out inlay reinstates the colour photos on the inner gatefold of the original LP and those not quite complete musician credits – but unfortunately very little else. Someone could have produced the lyrics to the only song with vocals on it – "Willie The Pimp" – or even explained about the album's intricate history on LP and CD – but alas – you barely get the BG remaster mention and that's it. Still at least the Audio is restored and wicked into the bargain...

The album opens with perhaps his most famous piece – the instrumental "Peaches En Regalia" which features the Bass playing of future Columbia Records guitar whizz Shuggie Otis. Great audio as those keyboard overdubs punch in. The mighty Captain Beefheart adds his considerable larynx to "Willie The Pimp" giving the 9:23 minutes an anchor – but what shines even more is Frank's Guitar soloing giving the piece an almost hypnotic feel as it stoner-rocks along defying all conventional wisdom as to what a Pop Song should be.

The battle between Zappa's Guitar, Sugar Cane Harris' Violin and Paul Humphrey’s extraordinary Drumming on relentless groove of "The Gumbo Variations" certainly tests the Remaster to the max and Bernie Grundman has seen to it that you can appreciate the individual contributions and crescendo all at the same time. The Piano and Flute passages on "Little Umbrellas" are fuller and the almost lounge-room vibe of the Piano and Drums on "It Must Be A Camel" is very clear - a sort of five-minute 'settle down' piece of Jazz Rock that ends the album on a mellow vibe.

The only real let down is the average presentation (sans regalia more than peaches) – otherwise here's one sizzling rodent you need in your suburban pool Mrs. Green Genes...

This review is part of my SOUNDS GOOD Music Book Series. One of those titles is CLASSIC 1970s ROCK - an E-Book with over 245 entries and 2100 e-Pages - purchase on Amazon and search any artist or song (click the link below). Huge amounts of info taken directly from the discs (no cut and paste crap). 

"The Cry Of Love" by JIMI HENDRIX - March 1971 Album (September 2014 UK Sony/Legacy/Experience Hendrix CD Reissue - BERNIE GRUNDMAN Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"…Set Her Free…." 

Like so many fans of "The Cry Of Love" - I came to the album via the original March 1971 vinyl LP housed in that tasty gatefold sleeve (Track Records 2408 101 in the UK). Even in cartoon form  - Jimi Hendrix looked like the coolest being on earth. I loved it to bits at the time (especially the leap forward in his songwriting) and across the years I've had battered copies of it rotating on dusty turntables ever since.

When CDs finally arrived - with the exception of a quickly withdrawn Euro version in 1991 on Polydor 847 242-2 - this posthumous album stubbornly refused to show in its original form. 

Then in April 1997 the Hendrix Estate put out the double-album Hendrix had 'probably' intended onto a single CD - calling it "First Rays Of The New Rising Sun". It combined tracks from that other 1971 posthumous album "Rainbow Bridge" and another tampered set "War Heroes" from 1972. But the artwork was different and to me the original 'feel' of "The Cry Of Love" I'd grown up with was completely gone.

But at last in September 2014 - here it is again - and in original 10-track form - a brand new CD Reissue and Remaster for "The Cry Of Love" by JIMI HENDRIX on Sony/Legacy/Experience Hendrix 88843099652 (Barcode 888430996526). 

The August 1970 lyrics from the original artwork are reproduced on the last page of the booklet and this time the reissue comes in a simple see-through jewel case rather than a fancy card digipak. Even through the 12-page booklet features a load of tasty live shots (the inlay beneath the see-through tray is the same) - there's only a credits page at the rear and no new essay on the album's place or its importance in his cannon of work. It's functionary at best when you would have hoped that a company called 'Experience Hendrix' would have actually honoured the man with some words you could 'experience'. 

But the real bee's knees here is a new BERNIE GRUNDMAN remaster from the original tapes and wow is the only appropriate response (40:20 minutes):

1. Freedom [Side 1]

2. Drifting

3. Ezy Ryder

4. Night Bird Flying

5. My Friend

6. Straight Ahead [Side 2]

7. Astro Man

8. Angel

9. In From The Storm

10. Belly Button Window

JIMI HENDRIX - Guitars and Vocals (all songs written by JH)
BILLY COX - Bass
MITCH MITCHELL - Drums 

Guests:
BUZZY LINHART - Vibes on "Drifting"
STEVE WINWOOD and CHRIS WOOD - Backing Vocals on "Ezy Rider"
BUDDY MILES - Drums on "Ezy Rider"
BILLY ARMSTRONG - Percussion of "Ezy Rider"
PAUL CARUSO - Harmonica on "My Friend"
KEN PINE - 12-String Guitar on "My Friend"
JIMMY MAYES - Bass on "My Friend"
NOEL REDDING - Drums of "My Friend"
EMERETTA MARKS - Background Vocals on "In From The Storm" 

Right from the moment "Freedom" leaps out of the speakers - the layered guitars and rhythm section seem so much clearer and not amped up for the sake of it. "Night Flying Bird" (one of my faves) is mind-blowing - those sliding lead in guitars and that funky backdrop - so cool and clever (lyrics from it title this review). Again Mitchell's cymbals and drums throughout "Straight Ahead" sound fabulous and the lovely "Drifting" has always been an equal for me to the more famous and revered "Angel" (which in itself sounds magical). I'd swear there's reduced hiss on "Belly Button Window" without compromising the space around the voice and guitar (which we now know was merely a demo) and that bass rattles at you on "Astro Man" with a renewed power. In facts it's so cool to just have it back as it was - and sounding this good.

"Back from the storm..." - Jimi sings on "In From The Storm". Indeed he is...and how...

"Selected Works 1973-1999" by EAGLES - A Review Of Their 2000 Elektra 4CD Book Set - Now Reissued In 2013 Into A Card Slipcase and Bernie Grundman Remasters...

“…Pretty Maids All In A Row…” 

Originally released as a Long Book in November 2000 - this November 2013 reissue on Elektra 8122796239 reduces that "Selected Works 1973-1999" 4CD retrospective into a manageable card slipcase and keeps the four-themed CDs, the booklet (24-pages) and best of all - the superb Bernie Grundman/Richard Davis remasters. Here are the witchy women, ornery outlaws and dry-roasted desperados...

Disc 1 "The Early Years" (49:44 minutes)
1. Take It Easy ("Eagles", 1972)
2. Hollywood Waltz ("One Of These Nights", 1975)
3. Already Gone ("On The Border", 1974)
4. Doolin'-Dalton ("Desperado", 1973)
5. Midnight Flyer ("On The Border", 1974)
6. Tequila Sunrise ("Eagles", 1972)
7. Witchy Woman ("Eagles", 1972)
8. Tran Leaves Here This Morning ("Eagles", 1972)
9. Outlaw Man ("Desperado", 1973)
10. Peaceful Easy Feeling ("Eagles", 1972)
11. James Dean ("On The Border", 1974)
12. Saturday Night ("Desperado", 1973)
13. On The Border Dean ("On The Border", 1974)

Disc 2 "The Ballads" (58:26 minutes):
1. Wasted Time Reprise
2. Wasted Time ("Hotel California", 1976)
3. I Can't Tell You Why ("The Long Run", 1979)
4. Lyin' Eyes ("One Of These Nights", 1975)
5. Pretty Maids All In A Row ("Hotel California", 1976)
6. Desperado ("Desperado", 1973)
7. Try And Love Again ("Hotel California", 1976)
14. The Best Of My Love ("On The Border", 1974)
8. New Kid In Town ("Hotel California", 1976)
9. Love Will Keep Us Alive (1 of 4 new tracks on "Hell Freezes Over", 1994)
10. Sad Café ("The Long Run", 1979)
11. Take It To The Limit ("One Of These Nights", 1975)
12. After The Thrill Is Gone ("One Of These Nights", 1975)

Disc "The Fast Lane" (69:55 minutes):
1. One Of These Nights Intro
2. One Of The Nights ("One Of These Nights", 1975)
3. Disco Strangler ("The Long Run", 1979)
4. Heartache Tonight ("The Long Run", 1979)
5. Hotel California ("Hotel California", 1976)
6. Born To Boogie (outtake from "The Long Run" sessions - previously unreleased)
7. In The City ("The Long Run", 1979)
8. Get Over It (2 of 4 new tracks on "Hell Freezes Over", 1994)
9. King Of Hollywood ("The Long Run", 1979)
10. Too Many Hands ("One Of These Nights", 1975)
11. Life In The Fast Lane ("Hotel California", 1976)
12. The Long Run ("The Long Run", 1979)
13. Long Run Leftovers (instrumental outtakes from "The Long Run" sessions)
14. The Last Resort ("Hotel California", 1976)
15. Random Victims Part 3 (outtakes from various recordings sessions)

Disc 4 "The Millennium Concert" (59:53 minutes):
1. Hotel California
2. Victim Of Love
3. Peaceful Feeling
4. Please Come Home For Christmas
5. Ol' 55
6. Take It To The Limit
7. Those Shoes
8. Funky New Year
9. Dirty Laundry
10. Funk 49
11. All She Wants To Do Is Dance
12. The Best Of My Love
Recorded live at The Staples Centre, Los Angeles, 31 December1999

When this rather dull looking 4-disc set came out in 2000 - fans were both thrilled and let down. The themes given to the first three CDs were cleverly sequenced for sure - giving the listener an EAGLES song experience that touches well know bases but also throws in some of those forgotten album gems like say "Saturday Night", "Train Leaves Here This Morning", "Try And Love Again" and "Pretty Maids All In A Row". But it doesn't take a genius to look at the total playing times of the CDs (especially Disc 1 and 2) and wonder - why so much empty space? And in 2000 - this sucker wasn't cheap either...

Fast forward thirteen years later - and it's 2013 reissue into a card slipcase (four-way foldout holder inside) whilst boasting on online price tag of just seven pound coins - represents a far better buy (and not just in terms of its more manageable and very pretty `mini' box set packaging - but in the exclusives that aren't available anywhere else). The booklet has great liner notes by DAVID WILD with interviews, period photos, a note from original Producer Bill Szymczyk and Glenn Frey. Then there's the real deal - the gorgeous Bernie Grundman/Richard F. W. Davis remasters which brings stuff like "Doolin' Dalton", "I Can't Tell You Why" and the full version of "One Of These Nights" to life - warm, clear and beautifully produced.

The live show is good rather than great and suffers from the hugeness of the event - the duelling guitars on "Hotel California" feeling like their way back in the mix and instead of being out front. The "Funky New Year" track is good and "Please Come Home For Christmas" pleasant - but it takes Joe Walsh's "Funk 49" to really liven up things.

Written by Pete Vale, Jim Capaldi and Paul Carrack - "Love Will Keep Us Alive" showed that that melody magic hadn't disappeared and in the Elevens - the Eagles now seem more comfortable with their own legend than ever.

Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Joe Walsh, Randy Meisner, Don Felder and Timothy B. Schmit - what a line-up of talent. Put this cowboy builder in your ten gallon hat real soon...