"So What" by JOE WALSH (October 2004 JAPAN-ONLY Universal CD Reissue and Remaster in Mini LP Repro Artwork Packaging) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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Joe Walsh's 3rd studio albums for ABC has been on CD in the USA since the early 1990s, but sound-wise, it's an ok-only non-remastered bog standard issue with a crap slip of paper for an inlay. And for an audiophile's dream of an album (beautifully produced by Walsh and John Stronach) is a huge let down. That is until now.

 

On the 21st of October 2004 - Joe Walsh's first three solo LPs were finally reissued in remastered CD form but only in Japan. "Barnstorm" (his 1972 debut) on Universal UICY-9477 (Barcode 4988005376398), "The Smoker You Drink, The Player You Get" (1973 2^nd LP) on Universal UICY-9478 (Barcode 4988005376404) and "So What" (1974 3^rd LP) on Universal UICY-9479 (Barcode 4988005376411). They came in detailed mini-LP US album repro sleeves (complete with hard-card gatefolds for the first two and "So What's embossed inner sleeve) and were 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), they quickly became very expensive collector's items. There have been 2009 and further reissues too - but only in Japan.
 

"So What" has guest appearances from Randy Meisner, Don Henley and Glenn Frey of The Eagles with J.D. Souther and Dan Fogelberg contributing too (so sad to hear of his recent loss). "Turn To Stone", "Time Out". "Help Me Through The Night" and the gorgeous melodic rock of "County Fair" are just some of the highlights.

As Japanese imports, "So What" and the other 2 titles are not cheap for sure and you'll have to root them out to buy them (eBay/Amazon USA), but they're worth every penny. Joe Walsh and Eagles fans have been waiting for these for years.

Come on Universal - re-issue the great man's catalogue in the UK - and do it properly! Why do we have to look abroad for decent issues?