"So What" by JOE WALSH (June 2015 US Audio Fidelity SACD Hybrid CD Reissue – Kevin Gray Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry and Comparison to Japanese Remasters...

This Review and 241 More Like It Can Be Found In My AMAZON e-Book 

PICK UP THE PIECES - 1974

Your All-Genres Guide To Exceptional 

CD Reissues and Remasters 

Classic Albums, Compilations, 45's...

All In-Depth Reviews From The Discs Themselves

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"...Open My Eyes Again..."

Originally vinyl released December 1974 in the USA and January 1975 in the UK on Dunhill/ABC Records – Joe Walsh's fabulous "So What" album has had something of a colourful history on CD reissue.

I think this will probably be the fourth time I've reviewed the American guitar hero's third studio album (this issue warrants another go round). But before I get into this lovely-sounding 2015 SACD-Hybrid reissue - some history first with regard to the reissue-audio surrounding this record...

“So What” has been available on a US CD for years but the original issue is an ok-only mid-90's non-remastered bog-standard version with a crap information-less slip of an inlay. And for an audiophile's dream of an album is a huge let down.

Things changed in October 2004 when Japan re-issued "Barnstorm" (1972), "The Smoker You Drink, The Player You Get" (1973) and "So What" (1974) on STANDARD CDs in 24-bit remastered form in full US REPRO MINI LP SLEEVES. As usual with Japanese reissues – the 5” card sleeve repro attention to detail dazzled. The “So What” issue came with its embossed outer and inner sleeves and both Smoker & Barnstorm in their hard-card gatefolds – all very tastefully done. I bought all three at the time and the sound was fabulous - especially on Smoker & So What. 24-bit remastered by HITOSHI TAKIGUCHI in Universal's Mastering Studios - not surprisingly they sold out almost immediately and across the next few years (with no equivalent domestic releases) quickly became very expensive collector's items.

22 April 2009 and all 3 of the above were reissued again in Japan - but now on the SUPER HIGH MATERIALS format (SHM-CD) - "Barnstorm" on Universal UICY-94062 (Barcode 4988005555113), "The Smoker You Get, The Player You Get." on Universal UICY-94063 (Barcode 4988005555120) and "So What" on Universal UICY-94064 (Barcode 4988005555137). There was also an additional title not in the original list - his 4th album - the 1976 live set "You Can't Always Argue With A Sick Mind" on Universal UICY-94065 (Barcode 4988005555144) – it came with 2009 Remastering and Card Outer/Inner Sleeves artwork. The repro artwork on these 2009 reissues (including lyric booklets) is exactly the same as the 2004 issues - as is the mastering - the ONLY difference is that the CD itself is a higher spec SHM-CD and each of the first three has a different catalogue number and Barcode.

3rd issue is the first 3 of the above 2009 SHM-CDs reissued on 23 February 2011. Again they’re Japan-only - same artwork - limited editions – but this time with a different catalogue number for each. "Barnstorm" is Universal UICY-75005 (Barcode 4988005644916), "The Smoker You Get, The Player You Get." is Universal UICY-75006 (Barcode 4988005644923) and "So What" is Universal UICY-75007 (Barcode 4988005644930). I’ve got a copy of that gorgeous reissue too and it was the best audio to that point (see separate review).

Which finally brings us to reissue number four - this 2015 American Audiophile version that I feel may be the best so far...

US released 29 June 2015 - "So What" by JOE WALSH on Audio Fidelity AFZ 214 (Barcode 780014221423) is an SACD HYBRICD-CD Reissue – a Limited Numbered Edition of 5000 Copies newly mastered by KEVIN GRAY at his recently-formed 'Cohearent Audio Studios' in California's San Fernando Valley (36:33 minutes total playing time).

1. Welcome To The Club [Side 1]

2. Falling Down

3. Pavane Of The Sleeping Beauty

4. Time Out

5. All Night Laundromat Blues

6. Turn To Stone [Side 2]

7. Help Me Thru The Night

8. County Fair

9. Song For Emma

Tracks 1 to 9 are his 3rd solo album “So What” - released December 1974 in the USA on ABC/Dunhill Records DSD-50171 and January 1975 in the UK on ABC Records ABCL 5055. Produced by JOE WALSH and JOHN STRONACH (except "Song For Emma" by BILL SZYMCZYK) – the album peaked at No 11 in the US LP charts (didn’t chart UK). All songs by Joe Walsh except “Pavane” which is “Pavane De La Belle Au Bois Dormant” from “The Mother Goose Suite” by Maurice RAVEL.

MUSICIANS:

JOE WALSH – Guitars, Keyboards and Lead Vocals

KENNY PASSERELLI – Bass on "Turn To Stone", "Help Me Thru The Night" and "County Fair"

JOE VITALE – Drums on "Welcome To The Club"

RON GRINEL – Drums on “Falling Down” and “Time Out”

RUSS KUNKEL – Drums on "Song For Emma"

GUILLE GARCIA – Congas on "Turn To Stone"

TOM STEPHENSON – Organ on “Welcome To The Club”, “Turn To Stone” and “County Fair”

LEONARD SOUTHWICK – Harmonica on "All Night Laundry Mat Blues"

JIMMIE HASKELL and BILL SZYMCZYK – Arrangements on "Song For Emma"

JAMES BOND – Acoustic Bass on “Song For Emma”

DON HENLEY, GLENN FREY and RANDY MEISNER of EAGLES – Backing/Harmony Vocals on "Turn To Stone" and "Help Me Thru The Night" (Don Henley also co-wrote the lyrics on "Falling Down" and sings Backing Vocals on "Time Out")

JOHN DAVID SOUTHER – Backing Vocals on "Time Out"

DAN FOGELBERG – Acoustic Guitar, Backing Vocals on "All Night Laundry Mat Blues"

BRYAN GAROFALO and JODY BOYER – Backing Vocals on "Falling Down"

PACKAGING:

The outer card wrap is numbered on the rear – a limited edition in gold of 5000. Beneath the die-cut card slipcase is a standard jewel case with a functional eight-page booklet that reproduces the artwork of the original LP including that lovely inner sleeve with all the musician credits. Both the Dunhill/ABC Records labels for Side 1 and 2 of the US LP fill up page 7 but disappointingly with all these AF releases – there’s no new liner notes. But the real deal here is the sound...

AUDIO:

So is 2015's AF release worth the spondulicks – yes it is. Kevin Gray's reputation as an Audio Engineer of real class is pretty formidable – 38 years of tape transfer experience with musical giants like Universal and Sony. I've reviewed and sung the praises of CDs sprinkled with his magic touch - “Second Helping” by Lynyrd Skynyrd, “12 Songs” by Randy Newman and Walsh's own “The Smoker You Drink, The Player You Get”. He's done another fabulous job here and I notice the CD playing time is 10-seconds longer than my 2009 Japanese Remaster (quids in eh!).

To the music... Predating Joe Walsh joining the Eagles band in 1976 for their iconic “Hotel California” album – “So What” famously featured three members of the US Country Rock Vocal Supergroup – Don Henley, Glenn Frey and Randy Meisner. All three sing backing harmonies on Side 2's "Turn To Stone" and "Help Me Thru The Night" - while Don Henley not only sings on Side 1's "Falling Down" – he co-wrote the lyrics. Other notables are Tom Stephenson's Organ sound that adds so much to “Turn To Stone” and Henley and John David Souther's subtle oohing backing vocals to the wicked guitar groove of “Time Out” (Souther is practically an honorary Eagle too).

That slight hiss to the opener “Welcome To The Club” is still there - but the Vitale drum whacks and Passarelli Bass lines are much more evident too. The very audiophile Acoustic Rock of “Falling Down” is just stunning – chewing up my B&W speakers as that gorgeous melodic sound he gets swirls around your listening room like a ballerina enjoying herself. He plays everything on the classical interlude - the huge synths on the Maurice Ravel excerpt "Pavane Of The Sleeping Beauty" razor-sharp and full of emotional power. There won’t be many fans that won’t greedily flick to the punch of "Time Out" – only this time they’ll be treated to real muscle. What a thrill to hear this superb little Walsh melodic Rock tune get the balls it’s always deserved. The witty but silly Side 1 ender "All Night Laundry Mat Blues" is a short bit of fun - but beautifully produced nonetheless and it sounds awesome here.

Side 2 begins with the big one - the gorgeous "Turn To Stone". It must have been around February 1975 when I tuned into Bob Harris on the BBC Rock show "The Old Grey Whistle Test" and they ran a film of a clay Don Quixote character on a horse riding away into the animation sunset as those guitars swayed and the organ note kicked in. It was mesmerizing back then and is doubly so here – real punch and clarity to the transfer. "Help Me Thru The Night" was always an audiophile ballad – gorgeous guitar playing on both acoustic and lead electric – those swaying harmony vocals – it’s all so much better now. And "County Fair" surely has his best zippy licks and guitar work ever – that staggering end portion where the drums finally lift off and the guitars leap and moan in slide heaven.

In 1973 his 3-year old daughter Emma was tragically killed in a car accident (hit by a drunk-driver) and the resultant "Song For Emma" literally aches with that unimaginable pain. I’ve always found it difficult to listen to - but "Song For Emma" is incredibly mature songwriting - the strings sweeping up and down - a truly beautiful tribute and a crushing moment on an album that had mostly been fun prior. The Remaster here only adds to that dynamic – potent stuff indeed.

Should you opt for the 2009 Japanese SHM-CD with its great sound and beautiful repro artwork – or go for the more accessible 2015 Audio Fidelity issue with equally cool audio? It’s much of a muchness to some I know – but as a lifetime fan of the "So What" album - I find I’m playing the AF version almost exclusively. Open my eyes again indeed...

"Blue River/Stages: The Lost Album" by ERIC ANDERSEN - A Review Of His 1971 (and lost 1973) Columbia Albums - Now Remastered Onto 2CDs By Beat Goes On of the UK In 2014...

“…Candles At The Feet Of The Compassionate Patron Saint Of Youth…” 

Pennsylvania born folky musician/poet ERIC ANDERSEN has a recorded history that reads like some tragi-comedy that really shouldn’t be that funny. After a seven-album run between 1965 and 1970 (5 with Vanguard and 2 with Warner Bothers) – he signed to Columbia Records and finally saw limited chart action with “Blue River” in 1972. It reached the unfairly low placing of 169. But then his record company ‘lost’ his follow-up LP (see story below). A virtual unknown outside of certain circles even to this day – I can only hope that this stunning double CD reissue alters that run of bad breaks because this is a doozy of a release – it really is. Here are the longhaired tape-box mix-ups…

UK released September 2014 – Beat Goes On BGOCD 1159 (Barcode 5017261211590) offers up two albums onto 2CDs as follows:

Disc 1 (46:55 minutes):

1. Is It Really Love After All

2. Pearl’s Goodtime Blues

3. Wind And Sand

4. Faithful

5. Blue River

6. Florentine

7. Sheila

8. More Often Than Not

9. Round The Bend

Tracks 1 to 9 are his 8th solo album – “Blue River” was first released July 1972 in the USA on Columbia Records KC 31062 and February 1973 in the UK on CBS Records S 65145

BONUS TRACKS:

10. More Often Than Not (Outtake from the “Blue River” Sessions)

11. Round The Bend (first issued on the 1999 Sony/Legacy CD reissue of “Blue River”)

Disc 2 (58:17 minutes):

1. Baby, I’m Lonesome

2. Moonchild River Song

3. Can’t Get You Out Of My Life

4. Woman, She Was Gentle

5. Time Run Like A Freight Train

6. It’s Been A Long Time

7. Wild Crow Blues

8. Be True To You

9. I Love To Sing My Ballad, Mama (But They Only Wanna Hear Rock And Roll)

10. Dream To Rimbaud

11. Make It Last (Angel In The Wind)

12. Lie With Me

13. Soul Of My Song

Tracks 1 to 13 are his ‘lost’ 9th album “Stages” - supposed to appear on Columbia Records in 1973. There’s a history to the album that needs explanation. Meant to be the spiritual follow-up to “Blue River” – tracks were recorded in Nashville in late 1972 and early 1973 and the sessions went well – using pretty much the same crew as the first album and the same delicate vibes and arrangements. But then disaster struck. In Columbia’s transitional confusion - they lost all the tapes (even the artwork) and Andersen was left stranded without career momentum and no answers. Amazingly they remained ‘lost’ until a diligent lady at Columbia called Amy Herot sent out a system-wide search only to be told in October 1989 that 40 boxes of tapes had been ‘found’ in the New York vaults. Columbia brought in mastering geniuses DENNY PURCELL and GREGG CALBI to deal with Tracks 1 to 10 - the usable ‘vintage’ recordings on his lost masterpiece “Stages”. Tracks 11, 12 and 13 were re-recorded by a virtual Country Rock supergroup in late 1990 featuring RICK DANKO on Bass/Backing Vocals with GARTH HUDSON on Accordion (both of course from THE BAND) with SHAWN COLVIN on Backing Vocals.  WILLIE NILE also played Guitar on “Soul Of My Song”. The Sony/Legacy CD of “Stages: The Lost Album” finally appeared in 1991 to widespread critical acclaim. Which brings us back to this Beat Goes On set…

The 24-page booklet has a superb essay on Andersen’s musical career/troubles/vindication by noted writer JOHN O’REGAN and full session details. There are photos of him with Baez and Dylan in 1975, Patti Smith in 1971 and even Shawn Colin and Rick Danko at the 1990 re-recording sessions. There’s also an outer card slipcase – it’s the usual classy affair from BGO. But best of all is a sparkling new remaster from ANDREW THOMPSON – each album shining like a diamond. The audio quality is beautiful – clarity and warmth.

Musically this is singer-songwriter territory with a Country twist. “Blue River” is a lovely album – very plaintive and soft on the ear. His Gram Parsons voice may not appeal to everyone – but the melodies are classy and work their way into your heart. The classy opener sets the pace and style – “Is It Really Love At All” – sounding not unlike James Taylor’s “Mud Slide Slim…” album from 1971. Piano introduces the perky “Pearl’s Goodtime Blues” feeling not unlike a “Stage Fright” outtake by The Band. The gorgeous title track “Blue River” features a rare backing vocal on the chorus from none other than JONI MITCHELL and another lady song “Sheila” is just as pretty. It gets a little Leonard Cohen on “Come To My Bedside, My Darlin’” with its bedroom lyrics and rolling acoustic guitar. He ends with an accordion romp through the old Hank Williams nugget “Why Don’t You Love Me?” sounding not unlike mid 90’s Steve Earle. The whole album feels like a lost classic – and on re-hearing – it is.

It’s clear from the 1991 results that 1973’s “Stages” would surely have broken the charts for him. It opens with the plaintive “Baby, I’m Lonesome” with backing vocal from his ex wife DEBBIE GREEN ANDERSEN (she’s also on the ending of “Can’t Get You Out Of My Life”. The truly lovely “Moonchild River Song” features a delicate backing vocal from DAN FOGELBERG that so compliments the country melody. But then you’re hit the album’s undeniable masterpiece – the sublime eight and half minutes of “Time Run Like A Freight Train” which is part Tim Buckley, part James Taylor and part Nick Drake. It’s just gorgeous – acoustic guitars and pretty melody searing their way into your heart (“..she asked for a symphony…I only gave her a song…”). Special mention should go to GLEN SPREEN on Hammond B3 organ and DAN FOGELBERG adding so much to the layered vocals on the lovely chorus (his explanation of the song titles this review).

“Wild Crow Blues” is dedicated to his early Seventies pal and neighbour PATTI SMITH and it features LEON RUSSELL on Electric Wurlitzer, EDDIE HINTON on Acoustic Guitar and TROY SEALS (brother of Jim from Seals and Crofts) on Electric Guitar. “Woman She Was Gentle” has a duet vocal with JOAN BAEZ. He evens goes a bit Country Rock on “I Love To Sing My Ballad, Mama” but it’s the least convincing of the tunes on here. It ends with the Folk of “Dream To Rimbaud” which maintains an acoustic rhythm throughout punctured by eerie Pedal Steel from veteran player WELDON MYRICK. The three new recordings are superb too – so impressive - especially “Lie With Me” and “Soul Of My Song” with gorgeous work from SHAWN COLVIN in complimenting his (by now) deeper 1990 vocals.

There’s a photograph of Andersen with Tom Paxton and Phil Ochs circa 1964 on the last page of the booklet – you can’t but think that all these heroes of Americana are only now been fully appreciated.

A gorgeous reissue – beautifully presented and sounding just amazing – well done to all at BGO and a definite reissue of 2014 for me…

"The Innocent Age" by DAN FOGELBERG - November 1981 Double-Album on Full Moon and Epic Records with Joni Mitchell as a Guest (September 2012 UK Beat Goes On 2CD Remaster of the 1981 Double-Album) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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This Review and 209 more are in my E-Book

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LET'S GO CRAZY - 80ts Music On CD

Your All-Genres Guide To Exceptional CD Reissues and Remasters

Classic Albums, Compilations, 45s

All In-Depth Reviews from the Discs Themselves

Over 1,650 e-Pages of Info

(No Cut and Paste Crap)

"...Wealthy The Spirit…"

I purchased these superb sounding Dan Fogelberg 2CD reissues by Beat Goes On Records of England way back and have been meaning to review them ever since. 

I've covered Volume 1 "Home Free" (1972) / "Souvenirs" (1974), Volume 2 "Captured Angel" (1975) / "Nether Lands" (1977) and Volume 3 "Twin Sons Of Different Mothers" (1978) / "Phoenix" (1980) in separate reviews. Here are the details for Volume 4 that deals with his expansive and brilliant double-album from 1981 that featured a rare guest spot by Joni Mitchell on duet vocals. To details...

UK released 10 September 2012 - "The Innocent Age" by DAN FOGELBERG on Beat Goes On BGOCD 1073 (Barcode 5017261210739) is a 2CD set of Remasters that make up the 17 tracks of his 7th vinyl album (a 2LP set) "The Innocent Age" - first issued November 1981 in the USA on Full Moon KE2 37393 and in the UK on Epic EPC 88533.

Discs 1 (39:40 minutes):

1. Nexus [Side 1]

2. The Innocent Age

3. The sand And The Foam

4. In The Passage

5. Lost In The Sun [Side 2]

6. Run For The Roses

7. Leader Of The Band

8. Same Old Lang Syne

Disc 2 (40:50 minutes):

1. Stolen Moments [Side 3]

2. The Lion's Share

3. Only The Heart May Know

4. The Reach

5. Aireshire Lament [Side 4]

6. Times Like These

7. Hard To Say

8. Empty Cages

9. Ghosts

Like the other reissues in this superb series - the packed 24-page booklet is excellent - all artwork reproduced, lyrics, full credits and liner notes in this case by noted writer DAVID WELLS. With the lovely outer card wrap/slipcase it automatically feels like a classy presentation. But the big news for fans is the fabulous remasters. ANDREW THOMPSON at Sound Performance in London has done the deed (he's handled large numbers of BGO's reissues) and his transfers on this 2CD set are beautifully handled. On to the music...

It opens with a belter "Nexus" and a rare cameo appearance on duet 'descant' vocals by JONI MITCHELL. The guitar solo in the song combined with the vocals still sends me to this day (lyrics above). Respectfully dedicated to the Buffalo Springfield, track 2 "The Innocent Age" is pure Fogelberg magic where he plays all the instruments and employs lovely harmony vocals from BF original band member RICHIE FURAY.

The album was a smash (it hit Number 6 on the charts - rare for a double) and spawned 4 hit singles - "Same Old Lang Syne", "Hard To Say", "Leader Of The Band" and "Run For The Roses" (with Al Perkins on Steel Guitar). Other favorites include the Emitt Rhodes acoustic funk of "Stolen Moments" and the gorgeous ballad "Only The Heart May Know" featuring an aching vocal duet with EMMYLOU HARRIS. "The Reach" is equally as beautiful ("it's father and son...it's the way it's been done...") - the melody and lyrics reduce me to tears every time. Wonderful stuff really - all of it...

I posted a note on Dan Fogelberg's website when he sadly succumbed to cancer in December 2007 - yet another teenage hero of mine gone to the great gig in the sky.

Luckily this and all the other beautiful-sounding 2CD reissues in this superb Beat Goes On series do his musical legacy proud. Well done to all involved and RIP you lovely songsmith...