"Free" by FREE feat Paul Rodgers, Paul Kossoff, Andy Fraser and Simon Kirke (September 2016 Island Remasters 1CD Reissue – Andy Pearce/Matt Wortham Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"... Songs Of Yesterday..."

In only a matter of months platter number 2 for FREE improved on the rough edges of March 1969’s "Ton Of Sobs" debut in almost every way (they were getting there fast). But it's another decade - so we get another version with yet another sound – and despite some niggling presentation flaws - like all the other titles in this new round – what a barnstormer this 2016 reissue is.

FREE fans will know that the October 2001 and February 2002 CD reissue campaign of all seven of their albums (six studio and one live) came with great Peter Mew remasters, decent bonus tracks and expanded booklets to match - and were mid-price at the time (there has been a Japanese SHM-CD variant since in mini-LP repro artwork).

But here we are in September 2016 with another CD reissue campaign of all seven albums accompanied by an eighth - the "The Free Story" compilation (a 2LP set onto 1CD). Unfortunately these new 2016 single-disc versions strip away those brilliant bonuses entirely and unwisely substitute the hugely informative liner notes of the 2001 and 2002 issues for booklets with only band photos. Essentially for Free's self-titled second album "Free" we're back to a straightforward transfer of the 9-track 1969 LP as is. But is another purchase necessary? I'd argue its 'essential'.

Despite the neutering of bonuses and the information-less booklet – this new 2016 reissue offers us one genuinely worthy consolation prize – a new 2016 ANDY PEARCE and an uncredited MATT WORTHAM Remaster that breathes wonderful naturalistic vitality back into the album. On buying and reviewing the underrated "Highway", "Free At Last" and "Heartbreaker" CDs in this 2016 reissue cluster and loving their audio – I splashed out on more and the results are equally magical. Also with most of the eight being offered on Amazon at less than five pounds including P&P – you can of course argue that the price is right - and with their generic 'Island Remasters' see-through side panelling on the jewel case – they look good too. Here are the songs of yesterday...

UK released Friday, 9 September 2016 - "Free" by FREE on Universal/Island Remasters 473 187-1 (Barcode 602547318718) is a straightforward CD Remaster of the 9-track 1969 UK LP and plays out as follows (35:36 minutes):

1. I'll Be Creepin'

2. Songs Of Yesterday

3. Lying In The Sunshine

4. Trouble On Double Time

5. Mouthful Of Grass

6. Woman [Side 2]

7. Free Me

8. Broad Daylight

9. Mourning Sad Morning

Tracks 1 to 9 are their second studio album "Free" - released October 1969 in the UK on Island Records ILPS 9104 and November 1969 in the USA on A&M Records SP-4204. Produced by CHRIS BLACKWELL - it peaked at No. 22 on the UK LP charts (didn't chart in the USA).

The ten missing bonus tracks on the October 2001 Island Remasters IMCD 282 (Barcode 731458622529) version are: "Broad Daylight (Single Version)", "The Worm (Single Version)", "I'll Be Creepin' (Single Version)", "Sugar For Mr. Morrison (Single Version)", "Broad Daylight (BBC Session)", "Songs Of Yesterday (BBC Session)", "Mouthful Of Grass (Solo Version)", "Woman (Alternate Version)", "Trouble On Double Time (Alternate Version)" and "Mourning Sad Morning (Alternate Version". As you can see from this list of ten missing extras (including those tasty non-album B-sides "The Worm" and "Sugar For Mr. Morrison" - your loss is considerable – most of these bonus tracks adding huge punch to the overall vibe of the 2001 reissue (the Paul Kossoff and Paul Rodgers photo spines on the jewel cases are gone too).

The new booklet is 12-pages and shows a Trident Studios Tape Box photo of 'Songs Of Yesterday' and 'Free Me' on Page 2 (dated 11 June 1969) as well as the black and whites of the band - Fraser and Kirke at the piano and organ, Rodgers singing into a mike, Koss sat down with his guitar- alongside the 'naked girl on the beach with cube photos of the band' shot that adorned the inner gatefold sleeve of the original Island/A&M Records LP. The ‘legs akimbo lady’ front cover is Page 1 and the rear sleeve with track titles and recording details moved to the rear inlay of the CD. As with the new booklet for the "Tons Of Sobs" reissue - you're also struck by how our heroes looked so much older than their young ages belied (Bassist Andy Fraser had only just turned 16 while axeman Paul Kossoff was on the cusp of 18 when they recorded the album). Beneath the see-through CD tray are pictures of the seven reissued albums with the eighth being "The Free Story" double-album compilation from 1974 (for catalogue numbers see notes below) and the CD label repro's the UK Pink 'I' Label design of Island Records in late 1969 (there are no liner notes giving history, details etc.).

But a fabulous new master from ANDY PEARCE and an uncredited MATT WORTHAM – who did such great work on Donovan, Pentangle, Frankie Miller, Thin Lizzy, Wishbone Ash, the 2012 Rory Gallagher CD remasters of his Polydor and Chrysalis catalogue - and most recently the 2016 Budgie 3CD Box Set for their MCA LPs and the new 2016 'Deluxe Editions' of the Emerson, Lake & Palmer Island Records catalogue (see reviews for them all) - resoundingly compensates for all of that distasteful compromise.

I've had the October 2001 single-disc Remaster and the 2008 Japanese SHM-CD reissues for years now – both of which rock – but this new September 2016 single-disc version is an entirely different aural beast. There's suddenly staggering naturality and presence to the whole LP (just like the other albums in this series). Pearce and Wortham let things breathe (it's a trademark of their work) and the results are powerful to say the least. Their version is muscular and meaty. This is not loudness for loudness sake – not shrill so to speak – just in your face – huge power and presence - like an original tape should be. On to the music...

Reputedly to be called "Desolation Angels" - the band settled for the simpler self titled moniker and were rewarded with a very healthy chart position of No. 22 in the UK (Bad Co. would use the name "Desolation Angels" in 1978 on their Swan Song LP). Rodgers and Fraser had become the principal songwriters and the improvement in their talents over the patchy debut is immense (they co-penned every song except "Trouble On Double Time" which was a band composition). "I'll Be Creepin'" opens proceedings with a swagger that's undeniably Free - that wicked swing they got - Fraser's Bass and Kirke's Drums anchoring Rodgers and Kossoff as they promise "...I'll hold you in my arms..." The Free Box Set of 2002 took its name from "Songs Of Yesterday" - another winner. But the album takes flight for me with the sheer musicality of "Lying in The Sunshine". Most rock bands can pull out a great riff - but can they get you with an undeniably great ballad - Zeppelin had it - and so did Free. The Acoustic guitar is so clear as is that Kirke shuffle on the drums. When Island put out "The Stealer" as a UK 45 in November 1970 to promote the "Highway" LP - they slapped the smoocher "Lying In The Sunshine" on the B-side. But then Side 1 launches into the stratosphere - the stunning boogie of "Trouble On Double Time" and the 'Albatross' inspired instrumental "Mouthful Of Grass" (used in May of the following year as the B-side to the edit of "All Right Now"). I love this double-whammy - Rock and Soul sat comfortably alongside each other - and the remaster here is glorious on both.

Side 2 returns to the business of tight-trousered Rock with "Woman" - a superb guitar hook that's immediately joined by the band sounding tight and looking for a scrap with your sub-woofers. "Free Me" is almost doomy Sabbath Blues - but what gets me is the Audio which is so clear and powerful as Rodgers sings of "...life without you...there's no tomorrow..." Island tried a version of "Broad Daylight" as Free's debut UK 45 (Island WIP 6054) but it sank without a trace despite sporting a non-album B-side in "The Worm" (one of the bonus tracks on the 2001 CD reissue). It lacked the killer punch and catchiness of "Woman" or even "Trouble On Double Time". The album ends on another slow misery chant - Rodgers singing "...think of me sometimes my love..." as a chorus of voices echo his pain (I think its Sue Armstrong who provides the female voice and I don't know whose playing the flute). I love this album and I've felt "Free" the measure of its more famous follow-up "Fire And Water".

Across the seven new 2016 reissues we probably loose thirty to thirty-five genuinely cool bonus tracks of old and all that enlightening info in the booklets too - so buying their catalogue yet again may become a chore for some fans (that Guy Stevens Blues jam is fabulous). But they’re cheap at a fiver and we do gain fabulous new audio - and for many that's probably going to be the deciding factor.

"Free" was a monster step forward for the band from the promise so evident on the "Tons Of Sobs" debut released only months earlier in 1969. They would of course go on to become proper Rock Stars with album number three in June 1970 - "Fire And Water" with the all-conquering "All Right Now" amidst its many pleasures.

If you've any love for the band - you need this new version. And yet how good is it to hear FREE and this 1969 vinyl rarity sound so awesome again after all these decades...

PS: FREE titles in the 9 Sept 2016 Island Remasters CD Reissue Series are:

1. Tons Of Sobs (March 1969 debut UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 181-5 (Barcode 602547318152)

2. Free (October 1969 UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 187-1 (Barcode 602547318718)

3. Fire And Water (June 1970 UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 187-4 (Barcode 602547318749)

4. Highway (December 1970 UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 181-9 (Barcode 602547318190)

5. Free Live! (June 1971 UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 187-6 (Barcode 602547318763)

6. Free At Last (June 1972 UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 183-9 (Barcode 602547318398)

7. Heartbreaker (January 1973 UK Final Studio LP) - Island Remasters 473 182-6 (Barcode 602547318268)

8. The Free Story (March 1974 UK 2LP Compilation) - Island Remasters 472 262-9 (Barcode 602547326294)

There is also a VINYL Box Set "FREE - The Vinyl Collection" on Universal/Island 473 187-9 released 9 September 2016 with seven LPs (Barcode 0602547318794)

PPS: Amazon have typically lumped the 2001 and 2016 issues into the same review and it would appear - the same product entry – even though they've two distinct barcodes and prices. Even if you use the correct Barcode 602547318718 for the 2016 single-disc reissue it will bring you to the 2001 reissue that Amazon lists 'with' bonus tracks. So if you're specifically after the 2016 reissue with its different remaster (or the 2001 release) - ask the supplier you're buying from what version it is they're selling. If you’re just buying the Amazon Store issue for £4.99 – it will always be the 2016 9-Track remaster you receive minus any bonuses...

"Tons Of Sobs" by FREE (2016 'Island Remasters' CD Reissue - Andy Pearce/Matt Wortham Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"...Walk In My Shadow..."

Talk about a classy beginning – rough round the edges for sure – but would we have our FREE any other way. But it's another decade, so we get another version with yet another sound – and despite its niggling presentation flaws – what a barnstormer this 2016 reissue is.

FREE fans will know that the October 2001 and February 2002 CD reissue campaign of all seven of their albums (six studio and one live) came with great Peter Mew remasters, decent bonus tracks and expanded booklets to match - and were mid-price at the time (there has been a Japanese SHM-CD variant since in mini-LP repro artwork).

But here we are in September 2016 with another CD reissue campaign of all seven albums accompanied by an eight - the "The Free Story" compilation (a 2LP set onto 1CD). Unfortunately these new 2016 single-disc versions strip away those brilliant bonuses entirely and unwisely substitute the hugely informative liner notes of the 2001 and 2002 issues for booklets with only band photos. Essentially for Free's explosive debut "Tons Of Sobs" we're back to a straightforward transfer of the 10-track 1969 LP as is. But is another purchase necessary? I'd argue its 'essential'.

Despite the neutering of bonuses and the information-less booklet – this new 2016 reissue offers us one genuinely worthy consolation prize – a new 2016 ANDY PEARCE and an uncredited MATT WORTHAM Remaster that breathes wonderful naturalistic vitality back into the album. On buying and reviewing the underrated "Highway", "Free At Last" and "Heartbreaker" CDs in this 2016 reissue cluster and loving their audio – I splashed out on more and the results are equally magical. Also with most of the eight being offered on Amazon at less than five pounds including P&P – you can of course argue that the price is right - and with their generic 'Island Remasters' see-through side panelling on the jewel case – they look good too. Here are the tearful details...

UK released Friday, 9 September 2016 - "Tons Of Sobs" by FREE on Universal/Island Remasters 473 181-5 (Barcode 602547318152) is a straightforward CD Remaster of the 10-track 1969 UK LP and plays out as follows (39:04 minutes):

1. Over The Green Hills Pt. 1

2. Worry

3. Walk In My Shadow

4. Wild Indian Woman

5. Goin' Down Slow

6. I'm A Mover [Side 2]

7. The Hunter

8. Moonshine

9. Sweet Tooth

10. Over The Green Hills Pt. 2

Tracks 1 to 10 are their debut studio album "Tons Of Sobs" - released March 1969 in the UK on Island Records ILPS 9089 and August 1969 in the USA on A&M Records SP-4198. Produced by GUY STEVENS (Engineered by ANDREW JOHNS) - it didn't chart in either country.

The eight missing bonus tracks on the October 2001 Island Remasters IMCD 281 (Barcode 731458614920) version are: "I’m A Mover (BBC Session)", "Waitin’ On You (BBC Session)", "Guy Stevens Blues (Blues Jam)", "Moonshine (Alternate Take)", "Sweet Tooth (Early Take & Alternate Lyrics)", "Visions Of Hell (Unreleased Master Mix)", "Woman By The Sea (Alternative Version)" and "Over The Green Hills (BBC Session)". As you can see from this list of missing extras - your loss is considerable – most of these bonus tracks adding huge punch to the overall vibe of the 2001 reissue (the Paul Kossoff and Paul Rodgers photo spines on the jewel cases are gone too).

The new booklet is 12-pages and shows a Morgan Recording Studios Tape Box photo of 'Woman By The Sea' on Page 2 (dated 8 October 1968) as well as the black and whites of the band that featured on the inner gatefold sleeve of the original Island/A&M Records LP (the boys looking like squatters and vagrants in need of a good wash and several weeks in an Army boot camp). The cheery ‘blue coffin, tiger and bunny rabbit’ cover extends across the front and rear of the booklet while there are some new black and whites of our heroes looking older than their young ages belied (Bassist Andy Fraser had only just turned 16 while axeman Paul Kossoff was on the cusp of 18 when they recorded the album). Beneath the see-through CD tray are pictures of the seven reissued albums with the eighth being "The Free Story" double-album compilation from 1974 (for catalogue numbers see notes below) and the CD label repro's the UK Pink 'Orange and Black Eye Logo' Label design of Island Records in late 1969 (there are no liner notes giving history, details etc.).

But a fabulous new master from ANDY PEARCE and an uncredited MATT WORTHAM – who did such great work on Pentangle, Frankie Miller, Thin Lizzy, Wishbone Ash, the 2012 Rory Gallagher CD remasters and most recently the 2016 Budgie 3CD Box Set for their MCA LPs and the new 2016 'Deluxe Editions' of the Emerson, Lake & Palmer Island Records catalogue (see reviews for them all) - resoundingly compensates for all of that distasteful compromise.

I've had the October 2001 single-disc Remaster and the 2008 Japanese SHM-CD reissues for years now – both of which rock – but this new September 2016 single-disc version is an entirely different aural beast. There's suddenly staggering naturality and presence to the whole LP (just like the other albums in this series). Pearce and Wortham let things breathe (it's a trademark of their work) and the results are powerful to say the least. Their version is muscular and meaty. This is not loudness for loudness sake – not shrill so to speak – just in your face – huge power and presence - like an original tape should be. On to the music...

The segue of the 51-second Part 1 of "Over The Green Hills" into the manic "Worry" has always felt wrong to me. Just when you've begun to love the Acoustic Soulful Rock of "Green Hills" - it fades into wild Kossoff soloing that never really seems to go anywhere special. But what you do notice this time around is the Rodgers vocal and those drums - cleared than before. "Walk In My Shadow" opens proceedings proper - that huge FREE rocking sound - all four members of the band contributing to the song. And I love that 'feel' he sings - a trademark of his style. "Wild Indian Woman" that drove our Paul wild until she had his child suffers from hammy lyrics but I like the piano rolls that can now be heard better. Side 1 ends on an eight-and-a-half minute winner - the Led Zeppelin Bluesy hard rock of "Goin' Down Slow" - a James Oden song covered by stacks of luminaries including Howlin' Wolf, Bobby 'Blue' Bland, Jimmy Witherspoon and tons of hip sobbing white guys like Long John Baldry, Davy Graham and now Free. Kossoff gets a chance to show off while Fraser and Kirke anchor him with a rock solid rhythm as Rodgers pleads like he means it "...somebody please write my mother and tell her the shape I'm in..." (will do Paul).

But then the album suddenly delivers a classic - and typically it’s the first Rodgers/Fraser credit on the LP - Side 2's fantastic opener "I'm A Mover". The massive riffage and the rhythm-section’s chug feel huge here - genuinely exciting even after all these years. We're then hit with cover number 2 - Booker T & The MG's "The Hunter" which was first aired by Albert King in August 1967 on his Stax Album "Born Under A Bad Sign". Others who'd had a go at its adaptable riff included Ike & Tina Turner, Blue Cheer and Pacific, Gas & Electric - whilst FREE would return to it with a barnstorming version on the "Free Live" album in 1971 - the crowd screaming wildly during Kossoff's incendiary solo. Time for some misery - "...sitting in a graveyard...waiting for the dawn...leaning on my tombstone...'til the night is gone..." Rodgers moans (nice) - another band effort at the Blues. "Sweet Tooth" could have been a great single to follow the non-album "Broad Daylight" which Island tried as a 45 in the UK in March 1969 (Island WIP 6054) - huge drums on this one. And were back to “Over The Green Hills” with Part 2 - two minutes of an Acoustic ballads pining for nature and clean air in the lungs.

Across the seven new 2016 reissues we probably loose thirty to thirty-five genuinely cool bonus tracks of old and all that enlightening info in the booklets too - so buying their catalogue yet again may become a chore for some fans (that Guy Stevens Blues jam is fabulous). But they’re cheap at a fiver and we do gain fabulous new audio - and for many that's probably going to be the deciding factor.

"Tons Of Sobs" is a powerful debut but it's patchy too if we’re being truthful. And yet how good is it to hear FREE and this 1969 vinyl rarity sound so awesome again after all these decades...

PS: FREE titles in the 9 Sept 2016 Island Remasters CD Reissue Series are:

1. Tons Of Sobs (March 1969 debut UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 181-5 (Barcode 602547318152)

2. Free (October 1969 UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 187-1 (Barcode 602547318718)

3. Fire And Water (June 1970 UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 187-4 (Barcode 602547318749)

4. Highway (December 1970 UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 181-9 (Barcode 602547318190)

5. Free Live! (June 1971 UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 187-6 (Barcode 602547318763)

6. Free At Last (June 1972 UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 183-9 (Barcode 602547318398)

7. Heartbreaker (January 1973 UK Final Studio LP) - Island Remasters 473 182-6 (Barcode 602547318268)

8. The Free Story (March 1974 UK 2LP Compilation) - Island Remasters 472 262-9 (Barcode 602547326294)

There is also a VINYL Box Set "FREE - The Vinyl Collection" on Universal/Island 473 187-9 released 9 September 2016 with seven LPs (Barcode 0602547318794)

PPS: Amazon have typically lumped the 2001 and 2016 issues into the same review and it would appear - the same product entry – even though they’ve two distinct barcodes and prices. Even if you use the correct Barcode 602547318152 for the 2016 single-disc reissue it will bring you to the 2001 reissue that Amazon lists 'with' bonus tracks. So if you're specifically after the 2016 reissue with its different remaster (or the 2001 release) - ask the supplier you're buying from what version it is they're selling. If you’re just buying the Amazon Store issue for £4.99 – it will always be the 2016 10-Track remaster you receive...

"Fire And Water" by FREE (2016 Island Remasters CD - Andy Pearce/Matt Wortham Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"... Let’s Raise The Parking Rate..."

There are few Classic Seventies Rock fans that don't worship at the unfussy feet of ILPS 9120. But it's another decade, so we get another version with yet another sound – and despite its niggling flaws – what a barnstormer this 2016 reissue is.

FREE fans will know that the October 2001 and February 2002 CD reissue campaign of all seven of their albums (six studio and one live) came with great Peter Mew remasters, decent bonus tracks and expanded booklets to match - and were mid-price at the time. Then fans were hit with the motherlode – the 18 March 2008 2CD 'Deluxe Edition' set of "Fire And Water" on Universal/Island 5306090 (Barcode 600753060902) with copious amounts of bonus cuts, previously unreleased material, tasty presentation and fab sound. There has been Japanese SHM-CD variants since and a recent beautiful Half-Speed Remaster on VINYL done at Abbey Road in 2016.

But here we are in September 2016 with another CD reissue campaign of all seven albums accompanied by an eight - the "The Free Story" compilation (a 2LP set onto 1CD). Unfortunately these new 2016 single-disc versions strip away those brilliant bonuses entirely and unwisely substitute the hugely informative liner notes of the 2001 and 2002 issues for booklets with only band photos. Essentially for "Fire And Water" and we’re back to a straightforward transfer of the 7-track 1970 LP as is – but is another purchase necessary? I'd argue its 'essential'.

Despite the neutering of bonuses and the information-less booklet and even the sloppy wrong-order of tracks on the rear inlay (see photos below) – this new 2016 reissue offers us one genuinely worthy consolation prize – a new 2016 ANDY PEARCE and an uncredited MATT WORTHAM Remaster that breathes wonderful naturalistic vitality back into the album.

On buying and reviewing the underrated "Highway", "Free At Last" and "Heartbreaker" CDs in this 2016 reissue cluster and loving their audio – I splashed out on more and the results are equally magical. In fact I'd say that "Fire And Water" here has had more real work done on it than ever before and fans will need this in their homes. Also with most of the eight being offered on Amazon at less than five pounds including P&P – you can of course argue that the price is right - and with their generic 'Island Remasters' see-through side panelling on the jewel case – they look good too. Here are the details for Mr. Big and his great big hole in the ground...

UK released Friday, 9 September 2016 - "Fire And Water" by FREE on Universal/Island Remasters 473 187-4 (Barcode 602547318749) is a straightforward CD Remaster of the 7-track 1970 UK LP and plays out as follows (35:43 minutes):

1. Fire And Water

2. Oh I Wept

3. Remember

4. Heavy Load

5. Mr. Big [Side 2]

6. Don’t Say You Love Me

7. All Right Now

Tracks 1 to 7 are their 3rd studio album "Fire And Water" - released 26 June 1970 in the UK on Island Records ILPS 9120 and August 1970 in the USA on A&M Records SP-4268. Produced by FREE and JOHN KELLY (Engineered by ROY ROGER) - it peaked at No. 2 on the UK LP charts and No. 17 in the USA.

The six missing bonus tracks on the October 2001 Island Remasters IMCD 284 (Barcode 731458622727) version are: "Oh I Wept (Alternate Vocal Take)" from the "Bumpers" 2LP Island Sampler, "Fire And Water (New Stereo Mix)", " Fire And Water (BBC Session)", "All Right Now (BBC Session)", "All Right Now (Single Version)" and "All Right Now (First Version)". As you can see from this list of missing extras - your loss is considerable – most of these bonus tracks adding huge punch to the overall vibe of the 2001 reissue.

The new booklet is 16-pages and shows an 8-Track Tape-Box photo of their most famous song 'All Right Now' on Page 2 (dated 8 March 1970) as well as other black and white photos of the band and the lyrics to the songs (which is new and welcome). Even without any album release info or background details (not even a catalogue number) – its actually the prettiest of the booklets I've seen so far. Beneath the see-through CD tray are pictures of the seven reissued albums with the eight being "The Free Story" double-album compilation from 1974 (for catalogue numbers see notes below) and the CD label repro's the UK Pink 'I' Label logo design of Island Records in early 1970. There's no liner notes giving history, details etc. and the track list for the album on the rear inlay is sloppily in the wrong order (the booklet is right).

But a fabulous new master from ANDY PEARCE and an uncredited MATT WORTHAM – who did such great work on Pentangle, Frankie Miller, Thin Lizzy, Wishbone Ash, the 2012 Rory Gallagher CD remasters and most recently the 2016 Budgie 3CD Box Set and the new 'Deluxe Editions' of the Emerson, Lake & Palmer Island catalogue (see reviews for them all) - resoundingly compensates for all of that distasteful compromise.

I've had the October 2001 single-disc Remaster and the March 2008 Deluxe Edition 2CD Reissues for years now – both of which rock – but this new September 2016 single-disc version is an entirely different aural beast. There's suddenly staggering naturality and presence to the whole LP. Pearce and Wortham let things breathe (it's a trademark of their work) – and this notoriously lo-fi recording which was apparently rejected by Island's Chris Blackwell on first hearing – has always been a brute to get right. In a recent interview with Andy Pearce on the old dog and bone – I've learned than he and Wortham (both huge fans of the band) spent more hours with “Fire And Water” than any of the others and are proud of the outcome (even if Universal forgot to credit Wortham in the booklet - a fact they're trying to rectify on the second run). The results are powerful to say the least. Their version is muscular and meaty. This is not loudness for loudness sake – not shrill so to speak – just in your face – huge power and presence - like an original tape should be. In short this CD sounds fabulous. On to the music...

Prepped by the edited single of "All Right Now" in May 1970 which raced up to number 2 in the British charts (Island WIP 6082) - the vinyl album delivered what the public seemed to already know - here was a truly great British Rock band hitting its stride. And while Lead Singer PAUL RODGERS and Guitarist PAUL KOSSOFF always pull the plaudits – both SIMON KIRKE the Drummer and especially the Bassist ANDY FRASER added so much to the mix too. Andy Fraser was only 18 at the time and along with Rodgers they co-wrote five of the sevens songs - "Fire And Water", "Remember", "Heavy Load", "Don’t Say You Love Me" and of course the mighty slayer "All Right Now". Kossoff co-wrote "Oh I Wept" with Rodgers and Fraser also had a part in the fabulous "Mr. Big" as it was written by all four.

The simplicity of "Fire And Water" is still touching somehow – barely any credits – no inner sleeve – just the basic cover and the music. The rear sleeve of the American LP on A&M Records (Tan Label) simply referred to the big hit single as "All Right Now" (5:32 minutes) - but the British album had been preceded by a truncated 7" single in May 1970 with the instrumental "Mouthful Of Grass" from their 2nd album "Free" as its B-side (superb two-sider if ever there was one) - so they called it '(Long version)' on the original Island LP sleeves so that fans would know there was a difference between the LP cut and the 45.

It opens with "Fire And Water" where the elements have apparently '...made you their daughter...' and immediately you're struck by the power of the band. The remaster is fantastic – FREE in your living room – drums and guitars - all hairy and wearing unbuttoned shirts as they leer at your worryingly interested underage daughter. The surprisingly lovely "Oh I Wept" feels incredibly clean - that strummed guitar and gently patted high-hat followed by Fraser's clear-as-a-bell Bass - a wonderful job done. "Remember" still has that slightly odd guitar arrangement with the riff upfront and the licks in the background - it's clearer as Rodgers sings '...wish I had you near me...' like he's already pining for a less cluttered life. "Heavy Load" closes Side 1 on an 'ancient song' where the Piano features strongly - adding a Soulfulness to Free's brand of 'rawk'.

Side 2 is perfection to me - only three tracks - but each an absolute balls-to-the-wall winner. "Mr. Big" has Rodgers warning a potential suitor of his girl to watch out no matter what his connections are. The thud of that opening Drum followed by superb Kossoff Guitar and Fraser's wickedly effective Bass run make "Mr. Big" feel the single that should have followed "All Right Now". The Bass is incredible in the Remaster - dominating your speaker cones throughout even as Kossoff sails off into that drawn-notes solo before the big chiming build-up. Surely they're best ballad - "Don't Say You Love Me" is unfortunately still smitten with heavy amounts of tape hiss which I noticed was dampened for the 2008 version. Here its way more obvious but does sound warmer as the band kicks in around 1:30 minutes. And what can you say about their signature song "All Right Now" - it comes roaring out of your speakers here like it was recorded yesterday and not 46 years ago. This transfer alone should sooth the savage naysayers - well done Remaster boys...

Across the seven new 2016 reissues we probably loose thirty to thirty-five genuinely cool bonus tracks of old and all that enlightening info in the booklets too - so buying their catalogue yet again may become a chore for some fans. But they’re cheap at a fiver and we do gain fabulous new audio - and for many that's probably going to be the deciding factor.

"Fire And Water" is back with a bang - and how good is it to hear FREE sound so awesome again after all these decades...

PS: FREE titles in the 9 Sept 2016 Island Remasters CD Reissue Series are:

1. Tons Of Sobs (March 1969 debut UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 181-5 (Barcode 602547318152)

2. Free (October 1969 UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 187-1 (Barcode 602547318718)

3. Fire And Water (June 1970 UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 187-4 (Barcode 602547318749)

4. Highway (December 1970 UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 181-9 (Barcode 602547318190)

5. Free Live! (June 1971 UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 187-6 (Barcode 602547318763)

6. Free At Last (June 1972 UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 183-9 (Barcode 602547318398)

7. Heartbreaker (January 1973 UK Final Studio LP) - Island Remasters 473 182-6 (Barcode 602547318268)

8. The Free Story (March 1974 UK 2LP Compilation) - Island Remasters 472 262-9 (Barcode 602547326294)

There is also a VINYL Box Set "FREE - The Vinyl Collection" on Universal/Island 473 187-9 released 9 September 2016 with seven LPs (Barcode 0602547318794)

PPS: Amazon have typically lumped the 2001, 2008 and 2016 issues into the same review and it would appear - the same product entry – even though they’ve three distinct barcodes and prices. Even if you use the correct Barcode 602547318268 for the 2016 single-disc reissue it will bring you to the 2008 2CD Deluxe Edition entry. So if you're specifically after the 2016 reissue with its different remaster - ask the supplier you're buying from what version it is they're selling. If you’re just buying the Amazon Store issue for £4.99 – it will always be the 2016 7-Track remaster you receive...

"Heartbreaker" by FREE (2016 Universal/Island Remasters CD Reissue - Andy Pearce and Matt Wortham Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"...Wishing Well..."

Another decade, another version and another sound - FREE fans will know that the February 2002 CD reissue campaign of all seven of their albums (six studio and one live) came with great Peter Mew remasters, decent bonus tracks and expanded booklets to match - and were mid-price at the time.

But here we are in September 2016 with another reissue campaign of all seven albums accompanied by "The Free Story" compilation (a 2LP set onto 1CD) that strips away those brilliant bonuses entirely – and unwisely substitutes their hugely informative liner notes for booklets with only band photos.

But (and this is a big but) – these new 2016 reissues do offer us one genuinely worthy consolation prize - 2016 ANDY PEARCE and an uncredited MATT WORTHAM Remasters that breath wonderful naturalistic vitality back into the albums. On buying and reviewing "Highway" and "Free At Last" and loving their audio – I splashed out on four more and the results are equally magical.

Also with most of the eight being offered on Amazon at less than five pounds including P&P – you can of course argue that the price is right - and with their generic 'Island Remasters' see-through side panelling on the jewel case – they look good too. Bottom line - what fans are essentially getting here is great new sound but lesser discs (one step forward, two steps back etc). That said - here are the wishing wells...

UK released Friday, 9 September 2016 - "Heartbreaker" by FREE on Universal/Island Remasters 473 182-6 (Barcode 602547318268) is a straightforward CD Remaster of the 8-track 1973 UK LP and plays out as follows (35:52 minutes):

1. Wishing Well

2. Come Together In The Morning

3. Travellin In Style

4. Heartbreaker

5. Muddy Water [Side 2]

6. Common Mortal Man

7. Easy On My Soul

8. Seven Angels

Tracks 1 to 8 are their 6th and final studio album "Heartbreaker" - released January 1973 in the UK on Island Records ILPS 9217 and in the USA on Island SW-9324. Produced by FREE and engineered by Richard Digby-Smith - it peaked at No. 9 on the UK LP charts and No. 47 in the USA.

The six missing bonus tracks on the 2002 Island Remasters IMCD 288 version are: "Wishing Well (US Mix)",  "Let Me Show You" (non-album B-side to the November 1972 UK 7" single for "Wishing Well" on Island WIP 6146), "Muddy Water (Alternate Vocals)", "Hand Me Down/Turn Me Round (Prospective Album Track)", "Heartbreaker (Rehearsal Version)" and "Easy On My Soul (Rehearsal Version)". As you can see from this list of missing extras - your loss is considerable - every one of these bonus tracks adding huge punch to the overall vibe of the 2002 reissue.

The new booklet is 12-pages and shows a Tape-Box Photo of the Entire Side 2 'Master Reel' on Page 2 (dated 21 Nov 1972) as well as other black and white photos of the band (now a five-piece with the loss of Kossoff). Although the band was now Paul Rodgers, Simon Kirke, John 'Rabbit' Bundrick and Tetsu Yamauchi – Paul Kossoff played guitars on all tracks except "Muddy Water" and "Easy On My Soul". There's a photo of PK on Page 5 and the other four on the remaining pages (you also get the lyrics that were on the white inner sleeve). Beneath the see-through CD tray are pictures of the seven reissued albums with the eight being "The Free Story" double-album compilation from 1974 (for catalogue numbers see notes below) and the CD label repro's the UK 'pink rim palm-tree' label logo of Island Records in early 1973. There's no liner notes giving history, details etc.

But a fabulous new remaster from ANDY PEARCE and an uncredited MATT WORTHAM – who did such great work on Pentangle, Frankie Miller, Thin Lizzy, Wishbone Ash, the 2012 Rory Gallagher CD remasters and most recently the 2016 Budgie 3CD Box Set for their MCA LPs and the 'Deluxe Editions' of Emerson, Lake & Palmer's Island catalogue (see reviews for them all) - resoundingly compensates for all of that distasteful compromise. 

I've had the 2002 remaster and the Japanese 2008 SHM-CD reissue – both of which rock – but this version is way better to my ears. There's suddenly staggering naturality and presence to the whole LP. Pearce let things breathe (it's a trademark of his) – and their last self-produced studio album "Heartbreaker" has always had a bit of an aural beastie – far heavier than their previous efforts. Like the CD Remasters of "Highway" and "Free At Last"  – Pearce and Wortham’s version is muscular and meaty. This is not loudness for loudness sake – not shrill so to speak – just in your face – huge power and presence - like an original tape should be. In short this CD sounds fabulous...

The presence of long-time sessionman and songwriter John "Rabbit" Bundrick (filling in for PK) is felt in his decidedly Led Zeppelin heavy tracks "Muddy Water" and "Common Mortal Man". And along with Rodgers, Kossoff, Kirke and Yamamuchi – he also had a hand in their hugely popular single "Wishing Well" which eventually peaked January 1973 in the UK at No. 7 (Island WIP 6146 with the non-album "Let Me Show You" on the B-side – one of the bonus cuts on the 2002 CD Remaster). "Wishing Well" opens proceedings on Side 1 with an aggressive FREE getting lippy with your living room. Rodgers gives us the more languid "Come Together In The Morning" which gets Soulful come the sing-a-long chorus (it’s a wee bit hissy but you really can now hear those Kossoff guitar fills). Maybe the British public was bored with Free by March 1973 explaining why such a cool little single like "Travellin' In Style" on Island WIP 6160 didn’t chart originally or as a reissue on Island WIP 6223 in March 1974 (both versions had the ballad "Easy On My Soul" on the B-side). Rodgers then stumps up a heavy-heavy hitter in the title track "Heartbreaker" – ending Side 1 on a hard-rocking note.

Side 2 opens with the Soulful "Heartbreaker" – a '...the first time you deceive her...you’ve broken her spell...' warning about lying to your woman and afterwards forever walking in the rain with your emotional shoes untied. I love the way the piano interplays (Bundrick working his own song) with Rodger’s great vocal on this forgotten song - an underrated Free classic. Bundrick supplies again with "Common Natural Man" - another mid-tempo keyboard song with a Soulful feel - but this time about drugs where our weary man is buying/selling his future for 'three bucks a share' - just another sucker 'standing in line...for a fantastic time'. Rodgers gives us the final two - the lovely sway of "Easy On My Soul" and the huge even menacing "Seven Angels" where he gets all Biblical on us with '...in my right hand is the sword of truth...in my left hand is the fire of love...' - fantastic guitar work from Kossoff - for me amongst his inspired best...

Across the seven new 2016 reissues we probably loose thirty to thirty-five genuinely cool bonus tracks of old and all that enlightening info in the booklets too - so buying their catalogue yet again may become a chore for some fans (docked a star for less instead of more). But they’re cheap at a fiver and we do gain fabulous new audio - and for many that's probably going to be the deciding factor. And how good is to hear them sound so awesome again after all these decades...

PS: FREE titles in the 9 Sept 2016 Island Remasters CD Reissue Series are:

1. Tons Of Sobs (March 1969 debut UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 181-5 (Barcode 602547318152)

2. Free (October 1969 UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 187-1 (Barcode 602547318718)

3. Fire And Water (June 1970 UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 187-4 (Barcode 602547318749)

4. Highway (December 1970 UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 181-9 (Barcode 602547318190)

5. Free Live! (June 1971 UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 187-6 (Barcode 602547318763)

6. Free At Last (June 1972 UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 183-9 (Barcode 602547318398)

7. Heartbreaker (January 1973 UK Final Studio LP) - Island Remasters 473 182-6 (Barcode 602547318268)

8. The Free Story (March 1974 UK 2LP Compilation) - Island Remasters 472 262-9 (Barcode 602547326294)

There is also a VINYL Box Set "FREE - The Vinyl Collection" on Universal/Island 473 187-9 released 9 September 2016 with seven LPs (Barcode 0602547318794)

PPS: Amazon have typically lumped the 2002 and 2016 issues into the same review and it would appear - the same product entry. Even if you use the correct Barcode 602547318268 it will bring you to the 2002 entry - so if you're specifically after the 2016 reissue with its different remaster - ask the supplier you're buying from what version it is they're selling.

"Free At Last" by FREE (2016 Universal/Island Remasters CD Reissue - Andy Pearce and Matt Wortham Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"...Little Bit Of Love..."

Another decade, another version and another sound - FREE fans will know that the February 2002 CD reissue campaign of all seven of their albums (six studio and one live) came with great Peter Mew remasters, decent bonus tracks and expanded booklets to match - and were mid-price at the time.

But here we are in September 2016 with another reissue campaign of all seven albums accompanied by "The Free Story" compilation (a 2LP set onto 1CD) that strips away those brilliant bonuses entirely – and unwisely substitutes their hugely informative liner notes for booklets with only band photos.

But (and this is a big but) – these new 2016 reissues do offer us one genuinely worthy consolation prize - 2016 ANDY PEARCE and an uncredited MATT WORTHAM Remasters that breath wonderful naturalistic vitality back into the albums. On buying and reviewing "Highway" and "Heartbreaker" and loving their audio – I splashed out on four more and the results are equally magical. Also with most of the eight being offered on Amazon at less than five pounds including P&P – you can of course argue that the price is right - and with their generic 'Island Remasters' see-through side panelling on the jewel case – they look good too. But what real fans are essentially getting is great new sound - but lesser discs (one step forward, two steps back etc). That said - here are the little bits of love...

UK released Friday, 9 September 2016 - "Free At Last" by FREE on Universal/Island Remasters 473 183-9 (Barcode 602547318398) is a straightforward CD Remaster of the 9-track 1972 UK LP and plays out as follows (36:02 minutes):

1. Catch A Train

2. Soldier Boy

3. Magic Ship

4. Sail On

5. Travellin’ Man

6. Little Bit Of Love [Side 2]

7. Guardian Of The Universe

8. Child

9. Goodbye

Tracks 1 to 9 are their 5th studio album "Free At Last" - released June 1972 in the UK on Island Records ILPS 9172 and in the USA on A&M Records SP-4349. Produced by FREE and engineered by Richard Digby-Smith - it peaked at No. 9 on the UK LP charts and No. 69 in the USA.

The six missing bonus tracks on the 2002 Island Remasters IMCD 287 version are "Burnin' (Molten Gold) (Alternate Take)",  "Honky Tonk Women", "Magic Ship (Alternate Mix)", "Little Bit Of Love (Alternate Mix)", "Guardian Of The Universe (Paul Rodgers Solo Version)" and "Child (Early Version)". As you can see from this list of missing extras - your loss is considerable - every one of these bonus tracks adding huge punch to the overall vibe of the 2002 reissue.

The new booklet is 12-pages with a March 1972 Tape-Box Photo of "Little Bit Of Love" on Page 2, other black and white and colour photos and reissue credits on the centre colour spread (the band looking very much like the archetypical hairy-rockers they were) - but there's no liner notes giving history, details etc. Beneath the see-through CD tray are pictures of the seven reissued albums with the eight being "The Free Story" double-album compilation from 1974 (for catalogue numbers see notes below) and the CD label repro's the UK 'pink rim palm-tree' label logo of Island Records in 1972.

But a fabulous new master from ANDY PEARCE – who did such great work on Pentangle, Frankie Miller, Thin Lizzy, Wishbone Ash, the 2012 Rory Gallagher CD remasters and most recently the 2016 Budgie 3CD Box Set for their MCA LPs and the 'Deluxe Editions' of the Emerson, Lake & Palmer Island catalogue (see reviews for them all) - resoundingly compensates for all of that distasteful compromise. 

I've had the 2002 remaster and the Japanese 2008 SHM-CD reissue – both of which rock – but this version is way better to my ears. There's suddenly staggering naturality and presence to the whole LP. Pearce let things breathe (it's a trademark of his) – and their self-produced "Free At Last" album has always had a hugely accomplished sound. Like the CD Remaster of "Highway" – Pearce and Wortham’s version is muscular - not loudness for loudness sake – not shrill so to speak – just in your face – huge power and presence - like an original tape should be. In shirt this CD sounds fabulous...

I have to admit that I’m taken aback by June 1972’s "Free At Last" – I’d forgotten how good it is and remembered it in a less than favourable light – but just for Side 2 alone it gets five stars. And like "Highway" – I’d argue "Free At Last" is a bit of an overlooked gem. It opens with the hooky riffage of "Catch A Train" and you're walloped with huge Production values - Kossoff screaming out those notes and the band sounding very close to early Bad Co. The slow drum march of "Soldier Boy" builds into a guitar tale of a kid 'standing on the battlefield' hearing that bugle call to destiny (Drums and Bass are amazing on the new Remaster). I've always loved the swagger of "Magic Ship" - that wicked interplay between guitar and piano. Island Records used the wonderful "Sail On" as the B-side to the May 1972 UK 7" single for "Little Bit Of Love" (Island WIP 6129). Side 1 ends with the groovy "Travelling Man" - another sexy Rock slink from Free.

I know people rave on about "All Right Now" and "The Stealer" and "Wishing Well" and so many more - but for me the single "Little Bit Of Love" that opens Side 2 is FREE at their brilliant Rock-Soul best - and here it sounds just incredible - gorgeous clarity (don't deny your feeling inside indeed). "Guardian Of The Universe" still seems unfinished or something - like they were trying for something but never quite getting there. No such problems with the fabulous acoustic Rock of "Child" - a really great FREE ballad. And again I'd dismissed "Goodbye" before as just another mid-tempo ballad - but here the Remaster has brought out those drums and Kossoff notes that punctuate the song. "Free At Last" is not a masterpiece - but it's a damn good Seventies Rock record and brother that's good enough for me...

Across the seven new 2016 reissues we probably loose thirty to thirty-five genuinely cool bonus tracks of old and all that enlightening info in the booklets too - so buying their catalogue yet again may become a chore for some fans (docked a star for less instead of more). But they’re cheap at a fiver and we do gain fabulous new audio - and for many that's probably going to be the deciding factor. And how good is to hear them sound so awesome after all these decades...

PS: FREE titles in the 9 Sept 2016 Island Remasters CD Reissue Series are:

1. Tons Of Sobs (March 1969 debut UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 181-5 (Barcode 602547318152)

2. Free (October 1969 UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 187-1 (Barcode 602547318718)

3. Fire And Water (June 1970 UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 187-4 (Barcode 602547318749)

4. Highway (December 1970 UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 181-9 (Barcode 602547318190)

5. Free Live! (June 1971 UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 187-6 (Barcode 602547318763)

6. Free At Last (June 1972 UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 183-9 (Barcode 602547318398)

7. Heartbreaker (January 1973 UK Final Studio LP) - Island Remasters 473 182-6 (Barcode 602547318268)

8. The Free Story (March 1974 UK 2LP Compilation) - Island Remasters 472 262-9 (Barcode 602547326294)

There is also a VINYL Box Set "FREE - The Vinyl Collection" on Universal/Island 473 187-9 released 9 September 2016 with seven LPs (Barcode 0602547318794)

PPS: Amazon have typically lumped the 2002 and 2016 issues into the same review and it would appear the same product entry. Even if you use the correct Barcode 602547318398 it will bring you to the 2002 entry - so if you're specifically after the 2016 reissue - ask the supplier what version it is they're selling.

"Highway" by FREE (2016 Universal/Island Remasters CD Reissue - Andy Pearce and Matt Wortham Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"...I'm The Stealer...Gonna Steal Your Love..."

This is the kind of CD reissue that does my nut in - one step forward and two steps back. Some explanation is needed...

FREE fans will know that the February 2002 CD reissue campaign of all seven of their albums (five studio and one live) came with great Peter Mew remasters, decent bonus tracks and expanded booklets to match - and were mid-price at the time. But here we are in September 2016 with another reissue campaign of all seven albums accompanied by "The Free Story" compilation (a 2LP set onto 1CD) that strips away those brilliant bonuses entirely – and unwisely substitutes the hugely informative liner notes for band photos.

But – these 2016 reissues do offer us one genuinely worthy consolation prize - new 2016 ANDY PEARCE and an uncredited MATT WORTHAM Remasters that breath wonderful naturalistic vitality back into the albums. With the eight being offered on Amazon at a less than five pounds sixty-five pence per CD reissue – you can of course argue that the price is right and with their generic 'Island Remasters' see-through side panelling on the jewel case – they look good too. But what real fans are essentially getting is great new sound - but lesser discs (one step forward etc). Here are the neutered nadges...

UK released Friday, 9 September 2016 - "Highway" by FREE on Universal/Island Remasters 473 181-9 (Barcode 602547318190) is a straightforward CD Remaster of the 9-track late 1970 UK LP and plays out as follows (36:02 minutes):

1. The Highway Song

2. The Stealer

3. On My Way

4. Be My Friend

5. Sunny Day [Side 2]

6. Ride On Pony

7. Love You So

8. Bodie

9. Soon I Will Be Gone

Tracks 1 to 9 are their 4th studio album "Highway" - released December 1970 in the UK on Island Records ILPS 9138 and February 1971 in the USA on A&M Records SP-4278. Produced by FREE and engineered by Andy Johns - it peaked at No. 40 on the UK LP charts (didn't chart in the USA).

The six missing bonus tracks on the 2002 Island Remasters version are "My Brother Jake (7" Single Mix)",  "Only My Soul" (April 1971 non-album B-side to "My Brother Jake" released in the UK on Island WIP 6100), "Ride On A Pony (BBC Session)", "Be My Friend (BBC Session)", "Rain (Alternative Version)" and "The Stealer (7" Single Version Edit)". As you can see from this list of missing extras - your loss is considerable - every one of these bonus tracks adding huge punch to the overall vibe of the 2002 reissue.

The new booklet is 12-pages with a Tape-Box Photo of "The Stealer" on Page 2, other band photos and reissue credits on the centre colour spread (both guitarist Paul Kossoff and bassist Andy Fraser get a page each) - but there's no liner notes giving history, details etc. Beneath the see-through CD tray are pictures of the seven reissued albums with the eight being "The Free Story" double-album compilation from 1974 (for catalogue numbers see notes below). But a fabulous new remaster from ANDY PEARCE and an uncredited MATT WORTHAM – who did such great work on Pentangle, Frankie Miller, Thin Lizzy, Wishbone Ash, the 2012 Rory Gallagher CD remasters for his Polydor and Chrysalis catalogue and most recently the 2016 3CD Budgie Box Set for their MCA LPs and the Emerson, Lake & Palmer 'Deluxe Editions' for their Island catalogue (see reviews for them all) - resoundingly compensates for all of that distasteful compromise. 

I've had the 2002 remaster and the Japanese 2008 SHM-CD reissue – both of which rock – but this version is better to my ears. There's suddenly staggering naturality and presence to the whole LP. Pearce and Wortham let things breathe (it's a trademark of their work). For sure there's trace amounts of hiss and the new result is possibly louder than the other pressings – but its not loudness for loudness sake – not shrill so to speak – just in your face – huge power and presence - like an original tape should be. Buggering thing is I'll now need the lot if they all sound this good...

As an album December 1970's "Highway" has always been second fiddle to the mighty "Fire And Water" from earlier in the year (May 1970) with it's all conquering "All Right Now". But I'd argue it's the band's "Powerage" or "Communiqué" or "Goat's Head Soup" or "Tusk" - a record that followed monsters and therefore gets unfairly overlooked and slagged off. Granted a tune like the dreadfully weedy "Bodie" is not classic Free no matter how well the Acoustic Guitars now leap out of the mix. But check out the opener "The Highway Song" and suddenly that ramshackle British Rock thing The Stones and Mott The Hoople had in spades starts to fill your living room with trouser-filling swagger (look out ladies). The album cut of the truly fabulous "The Stealer" at 3:16 minutes is actually better than the slightly longer single mix at 3:23 minutes which has different guitar parts and a more accentuated Andy Fraser bass. Here the 2016 LP Version has amazing power - that fantastic 'she stood on the corner' riffage now has the gonads it’s always cried out for (surely Free at their best). Side 1 shows the mellow side of singer Paul Rodgers and songwriting bassist Andy Fraser when they end the A with two superb mid-tempo tunes "On My Way" and "Be My Friend" - massively underrated Free songs – beautiful remasters for both cuts too.

"Sunny Day" opens Side 2 in the same mellow mood - it's a song I honestly didn't think much of at first but now dig - especially as it's followed by the album's other nugget - the fab "Ride On A Pony" which should have been the follow-on single from "The Stealer". The remaster has given it oomph in every area. The Mellotron that featured on "Be My Friend" returns for the pretty and affecting "Love You So" - a very sweet Free ballad. I never could abide "Bodie" but it's followed by an epic "Soon I Will Be Gone" which sounds utterly amazing on this remaster.

Across the seven reissues we probably loose thirty to thirty-five genuinely cool bonus tracks and all that enlightening info in the booklets too - so buying their catalogue yet again may become a chore for fans (docked a star for less instead of more). But we do gain fabulous new audio - and for many that's probably going to be the deciding factor.

Bugger but Universal/Island wins again - because if they all sound as good as "Highway" - I'm gonna have to own the lot...

PS: FREE titles in the 9 Sept 2016 Island Remasters CD Reissue Series are:

1. Tons Of Sobs (March 1969 Debut UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 181-5 (Barcode 602547318152)

2. Free (October 1969 UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 187-1 (Barcode 602547318718)

3. Fire And Water (June 1970 UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 187-4 (Barcode 602547318749)

4. Highway (December 1970 UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 181-9 (Barcode 602547318190)

5. Free Live! (June 1971 UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 187-6 (Barcode 602547318763)

6. Free At Last (June 1972 UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 183-9 (Barcode 602547318398)

7. Heartbreaker (January 1973 UK Final Studio LP) - Island Remasters 473 182-6 (Barcode 602547318268)

8. The Free Story (March 1974 UK 2LP Compilation) - Island Remasters 472 262-9 (Barcode 602547326294)

There is also a VINYL Box Set called "FREE - The Vinyl Collection" on Universal/Island 473 187-9 released 9 September 2016 with seven LPs (Barcode 0602547318794)