"Desolation Angels" by BAD COMPANY – March 1979 Fifth Studio Album on Atlantic Records featuring Paul Rodgers, Mick Ralphs, Boz Burrell and Simon Kirke (January 2020 UK Swan Song/Rhino 40th Anniversary '2-CD Expanded Edition' Reissue with 19 Previously Unreleased Bonus Tracks and New Jon Astley Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Desolation-Angels-40th-Anniversary-Company/dp/B081WW8RKT?crid=1AH4NWA5WQ7ZF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.p3TYHuX9KAbYlXM5JIHRTg.Bh40EbMokb8X17EhVaxrm21oUWaDMawWGY9bgRzga7A&dib_tag=se&keywords=603497849345&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1733487207&sprefix=603497849345%2Caps%2C79&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=mabasreofcdbl-21&linkId=0b7cc5fa189454dbf1c4e38c4c772783&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

RATINGS:

Overall **** to *****

Presentation *****

Audio *****

"…Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy…"

45-years ago (in March 1979 when this album was released) - I was a dapper 20-year-old Hippie/New Wave musical hybrid. I would be 21 in September 1979 and much partying was had and hangovers acquired.

Picture the scene. Me and my head-shaking teen-tribe had grown-up on 1970 to 1974 sounds - and at heart were Rock Band enthusiasts. Sure, we got into Prog and Reggae and Soul and even Jazz Funk and we embraced the hedonistic explosion of ideas and sounds and Two-Tone genres that took place across 1977, 1978 and 1979 with hair-flying gusto. But deep down inside our Desert Boots, Scandi Clogs, Cheese Cloth Shirts and patch-sewn Wranglers (thanks gals) - I remained (like many) a Zep, Deep Purple, Free, Status Quo, Montrose kind of guy with some Doobie Brothers, David Bowie, Todd Rundgren, Jethro Tull, Cockney Rebel and Lou Reed thrown in to spice up the stew. And of course, we worshiped at the babe-laden feet of the no-nonsense crotch-stroking feel-like-making-lurve Rawk of England's Bad Company - a band millions loved back in the day and for good reason. 

So, after two initial wham-bam-thank-you-mam corkers in "Bad Co." and "Straight Shooter" in 1974 and 1975 followed unfortunately by two dismissible efforts in "Run With The Pack" and "Burnin' Sky" in 1976 and 1977 – the flash very-with-it Hipgnosis gatefold artwork of "Desolation Angels" caught my ravenous eye in March 1979. For most of us rockers, Bad Co. had been away and not in a good way. So, maybe this one would return us to the party-faithful – even be good in places – God forbid! And lo – in parts at least - "Desolation Angels" was a peach.

But what makes these '2-CD Extended Edition' reissues so damn good (this is No.5 in the series – see list below) is that you are not just getting the album raw as a new Remaster – you get the process that led to it. And man are some of these Outtakes and Alternate Versions good. The band is looser, the Rock rawks and Hell – it's even fun in places. And the final let down of the "Rough Diamonds" last LP in 1982 was years away and not yet in our minds. Bad Company were back and sounding snotty. To the details and the Rock 'n' Roll Fantasies…

UK released 10 January 2020 - "Desolation Angels" by BAD COMPANY on Swan Song/Rhino R2 607224 – 603497849345 (Barcode 603497849345) is a '40th Anniversary 2-CD Expanded Edition' Reissue and Remaster of their 5th studio Album from March 1979 on Swan Song Records. It comes with upgraded Digipak packaging, a 16-page colour booklet with new interviews, 19 Previously Unreleased Tracks and it plays out as follows:

CD1 Original Album Remastered (69:44 minutes): 
1. Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy [Side 1]
2. Crazy Circles
3. Gone, Gone, Gone
4. Evil Wind
5. Early In The Morning
6. Lonely For Your Love [Side 2]
7. Oh, Atlanta
8. Take The Time
9. Rhythm Machine
10. She Brings Me Love
Tracks 1 to 10 are their fifth studio album "Desolation Angels" – released March 1979 in the UK on Swan Song SSK 59408 and March 1979 in the USA on Swan Song SS 8506. Produced by BAD COMPANY – it peaked at No.10 in the UK and No.3 in the USA on the LP charts

Bonus Tracks, Outtakes and Alternative Takes
11. Smokin' 45 (Alternative Version 1)
12. Smokin' 45 (Alternative Version 2)
13. Rock Fever (Outtake)
14. Oh, Atlanta (Slow Version with Fender Rhodes)
15. Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy (Alternative Version 1)
16. Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy (Alternative Version 2)
17. Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy (Alternative Version 3)
18. Crazy Circles (Alternative Version)

CD2 Bonus Tracks (45:16 minutes):
1. Gone, Gone, Gone (Alternative Version)
2. Early In The Morning (Alternative Version)
3. Lonely For Your Love (Alternative Version 1)
4. Take The Time (Alternative Version 1)
5. Evil Wind (Alternative Version)
6. Take The Time (Alternative Version 2)
7. Lonely For Your Love (Alternative Version 2)
8. She Brings Me Love (Alternative Version)
9. What Does It Matter (Blues Jam)
10. Rhythm Machine (Alternative Version)
11. Amen (A Capella)

The foldout card Digipak is pretty enough using those bleached white Hipgnosis photos the original LP gatefold did. But fans will prefer the four inside flaps all used to show rare 45-Single Picture Sleeves ("Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy" and "Gone, Gone, Gone" from the USA and Japan) while the 16-page colour booklet has outtake photos, a two-page period-memorabilia collage shot plus 2019 liner-notes from fan and band-admirer DAVID CLAYTON who co-authored the book 'Heavy Load: The Story Of Free'. Drummer Kirke and Guitarist Ralphs contribute memories of the mammoth 86-show American Tour that began in April 1979 where the album and its two singles were well received. And even though Bad Co. had done only four shows in years in the UK – new gigs to support the 1979 album were met with Sold Out concerts and a huge resurgence in interest. Clayton also rightly praises the quality of the work-in-progress unreleased stuff that bolster up both CDs.

Audio Engineer JON ASTLEY of Who-fame has done the Remasters from original tapes and like all his transfers – muscle and clarity emanates from even the hookiest of things like the Gospel chant of Amen. Particularly digging the Smokin' 45 and Rock Fever outtakes and the Rough and Ready Blues Jam on CD2. To the bad boys and their mirror shades…

"Desolation Angels" opens with a treated guitar of "Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy" rolling across your speakers and here comes the jesters (one-two-three). It's a good start if not quite a great one. The Remaster pumps out that great guitar solo - all economy and doing the business. Acoustic guitars introduces the merry-go-round of life in 
"Crazy Circles" - a surprisingly uplifting song with more than a touch of Gordon Giltarp's 'Heartsong' in its structure. But proper riffage swagger arrives with the wickedly catchy "Gone, Gone, Gone" (better get the boys around and do some drinkin' fast). "Evil Wind" sounds amazingly clear and as it goes into that neck-jerking rhythm when the lyrics start - the extra oomph in the Remaster has upped its game - so Very Bad Co. The big ballad "Early In The Morning" ends Side 1 - sounding good if not entirely convincing - "Shooting Star" it ain't. 

Side 2 opens with "Lonely For Your Love" - an album highlight - a rollicking tune that could be AC/Dc-lite as Paul Rodgers stretches those high notes with his fantastic croaking voice. A hugely enjoyable tune. Harmonica and Rhythm combine for "Oh, Atlanta" - Rodgers an old hound dog roaming around Georgia's finest city. "Take The Time" is the kind of Bad Co. melody song I love - not rocking by any means - but just so good on the ear and head - the kind of hooky catchall that Free used to do so often. "Rhythm Machine" punches the Bass and Keyboards above a Funky Rock beat - the music man playing the Blues in his own fat-man way. Side 2 closes with what could have been single number three - the excellent mid-tempo ballad "She Brings Me Love" - another Paul Rodgers winner. The Remaster on this is gorgeous - warm and powerful. 

We now start in on the Alternates and Unreleased – and for me anyway - "Smokin' 45" is way better than some on the actual album. I like the lighter Take 1 but also dig the grittier Take 2 – very cool inclusions. Then comes another great outtake that I feel is better than "Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy" – I would have opened the album on "Rock Fever" – Ralphs doing the guitar parts with precision and heart while the organ gives it a joy that could be Humble Pie on a good day. Rodgers starts a Harmonica Blues with a shimmering electric piano note – the alternate version of "Oh, Atlanta" coming as a shock and a treat after being used the more rocking version on the released album. Then comes Takes 1, 2 and 3 of "Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy" which alter the finished version in small ways. CD1 ends with Supertramp-type walls of Acoustic Guitars on an Alternate of the rather good "Crazy Circles" (lovely gut-string guitar solo). 

For my own amusement, I programmed a new "Desolation Angels" running order for Side 1 & 2 that incorporates Album Tracks, Outtakes and Alternates and it rocks for me:

Side 1 Alternate

1. Gone, Gone, Gone (Alternate Version)

2. Smokin' 45 (Alternate Version 1)

3. Rock Fever (Outtake)

4. Evil Wind 

5. Crazy Circles

6. Early In The Morning  

Side 2 Alternate

1. Lonely For Your Love

2. Oh, Atlanta

3. Take The Time

4. Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy 

5. She Brings Me Love

CD2 gives you a real feel of the evolvement process - an 11-track 45-minute romp through the riffs and melodies. Not surprisingly it opens with the 'stealing all my booze' swagger of "Gone, Gone, Gone" - the piano boogie up there with the guitars and harmony vocals to mighty effect. The melodious Side 1 closer "Early In The Morning" gets a softer approach on the 'Alternate Version' - cool to hear but the LP cut is better. "Lonely For Your Love" is a lot heavier on Version 1 - a bit ham-fisted and you can so hear why they settled on the warmer approach of the released version. There are two Alternates for "Take The Time" where it feels that Ralphs is working out what's best for his guitar approach - Rock with a Funky flick - I like both and their raw feel. The Alternate "Evil Wind" seems to have a recording fuzzy glitch as it starts which is a shame because it grooves with real power when it gets going. 

But my faves here are the very Free-meets Bad Co of "Lonely For Your Love" and the ballad "She Brings Me Love". I never really liked "Rhythm Machine" on the album - but I dig the rawness and great Production values of 'Alternative' on CD2 (Fats Domino got our boy interested - not The Beach Boys). The Blues Jam "What Does It Matter" is a studio goof where the band are having fun - working out ideas and grooves - and yet you can hear Bad Co. magic in their even when they're goofing around. "Amen" is what you think it is - an all-vocal A Capella version of the Gospel Traditional - interesting but slightly out of place really. 

I have enjoyed these Bad Company '2-CD Expanded Edition' splurges because like Free or The Faces or Humble Pie - they are a British band that fill me with joy and great memories. 

I know that not everything on the twofer "Desolation Angels" is Primo or Grade A - but man when Bad Company were good - they were the best and that's good enough for me to press the Basket Purchase button. Recommended...

Albums in the BAD COMPANY 2-CD Expanded Edition Series

1. Bad. Co [June 1974 Debut] 
April 2015 UK Swan Song/Rhino 081227955540 (Barcode is the same number)
13 Bonus Tracks – 10 Previously Unreleased Tracks Plus 3 Others First Issued in March 1999

2. Straight Shooter [April 1975 Second Album]
April 2015 UK on Swan Song/Rhino 081227955533 (Barcode is the same)
14 Bonus Tracks including Alternative Takes and Unreleased

3. Run With The Pack [January 1976 Third Studio Album]
May 2017 UK on Swan Song/Rhino 081227953645 (Barcode is the same)
14 Bonus Tracks including Alternative Takes, Demos and Previously Unreleased Outtakes

4. Burnin' Sky [March 1977 Fourth Studio Album]
May 2017 UK on Swan Song/Rhino 081227953676 (Barcode is the same)
14 Bonus Tracks including Alternative Versions, Outtakes, Rough Mixes

5. Desolation Angels [March 1979 Fifth Studio Album]
January 2020 UK Swan Song/Rhino R2 607224 – 603497849345 (Barcode 603497849345) 
19 Bonus Tracks including Previously Unreleased (all), Outtakes, Alternative Versions

NOTE:
Issued 2 August 2019 in the UK-EU - Bad Company's 'The Swan Song Years 1974-1982' on Swan Song/Rhino R2 584500 - 603497854592 (Barcode 603497854592) is a 6CD Box Set that contains 2015, 2017 and 2019 Remasters of their first five studio albums (as listed above) - but also has a new 2019 Remaster of their final studio album "Rough Diamonds" originally issued August 1982. 

There was/is a September 1994 UK CD Reissue of "Rough Diamonds" on Swan Song 7567-92452-2 (Barcode 075679245229) available singularly with a Ted Jensen Remaster – but the new 2019 Jon Astley Remaster version is only available in this Box Set.  

"Run With The Pack" by BAD COMPANY – January 1976 UK and US Third Studio Album on Swan Song Records featuring Paul Rodgers, Mick Ralphs, Boz Burrell and Simon Kirke (May 2017 UK Swan Song '2-CD Expanded Edition' with The Album Remastered on CD1 and CD2 Containing 14 Previously Unreleased Tracks – Jon Astley Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Run-Pack-Deluxe-Bad-Company/dp/B06XFR47N2?crid=262N24B4AKHXB&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LqqMwZI2hPCTNMgatDYvkpa_Abuow6r3vrrX680cBPY.Uhh50t8dogH_dKhIUB6fYcoH7wKZxLxcOPE-Drc_C6Q&dib_tag=se&keywords=081227953645&qid=1709668094&sprefix=081227953645%2Caps%2C116&sr=8-3&linkCode=ll1&tag=mabasreofcdbl-21&linkId=276cc02280053f3ad15f4a8230a7bc65&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

This Review Along With 145 Others Is Available In My

SOUNDS GOOD E-Book on all Amazon sites

MORE THAN A FEELING 

1976

Your All-Genres Guide To 

Exceptional CD Reissues & Remasters

Thousands of E-Pages - All Details and In-Depth Reviews From Discs

Just Click Below To Purchase (No Cut and Paste Crap)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/MORE-THAN-FEELING-All-Guide-Exceptional-ebook/dp/B0BGT69MVZ?crid=1RTTPB6MEK9Y7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.aCLqQD_0x4Xc4Kd7CEKllFnbfqhZ11PdMT_72etNzX9uk4_p_dYzE7ix7BD2qIIrl8-pAv90HElKfIB-_ZesIaS7TKJ-pDCFTgEP2k9aFX6a08GeBKgOKqyKHE6gcf0WacJEY4AKfVHlvo1EyZXb-psq6hf7c8WNvfvSSQUcNdP73WQfDavTWOHn5u81XeWCHJ47XMXWJqovt2Cx2c7BHgnvhCDYy23xFnpilpsAe90.T6uf-EhIxX_KJ8LfLu5E7Pk739m39vwP0A9sw0LfGno&dib_tag=se&keywords=more+than+a+feeling+mark&qid=1717663975&sprefix=more+than+a+feeling+mark%2Caps%2C78&sr=8-4&linkCode=ll1&tag=mabasreofcdbl-21&linkId=02abe7807076077061be2311e2d581b1&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

RATING: ****

"...Silver, Blue & Gold..."

After the barn-storming of the self-titled "Bad Co." debut album in 1974 and especially "Straight Shooter" in 1975 with its two huge hits "Good Love Gone Bad" and "Feel Like Making Love" – it seemed that the ex-Free mob known as Bad Company could do no wrong. Island's coolest Rock Band seemed to take the best of what made Free (before them) so damn special and enhance that simple Rock sound for the rest of that halcyon decade. 

Then the Classic Seventies Rock band made the (perceived at the time) more than slightly lacklustre "Run With The Pack" and by early 1976 – that initial twofer outburst was already dust. Despite healthy chart positions of No. 4 in the UK and No.5 in the States where the album secured one-million sales – the writing seemed already on the washed-out wall for Bad Co. Their third studio effort was always the first LP fans would part with when hitting secondhand record shops and even in 2024 its less than £2.00 price-tag speaks volumes. The two studio efforts that followed "Burnin' Sky" and "Desolation Angels" (1977 and 1979) got lost in the Punk and New Wave explosion that made Bad Co music sound dated and tired in a cheesy macho way.

But – and this is always the big but – in hindsight - and with this toppermost 2017 Remaster and a slurry of very cool outtakes on CD2 (all fourteen of them unissued) – it is time to do right by your mangy cur once again. 

Deep LP dives like "Simple Man", "Silver, Blue & Gold" and "Do Right By Your Woman" are fabulous Bad Co tunes and sound suddenly HUGE on this '2-CD Expanded Edition' from Rhino/Swan Song. Throw in an inspired cover version of an Coasters Fifties R&B tune on Atlantic Records ("Young Blood"), the kicking radio-friendly opener "Live For The Music" and a couple of power ballads on either side – and "Run With The Pack" might just be one of those guilty-pleasure albums you return to more than the lauded pieces in their catalogue. Maybe its rainbow is overdue – to the Young Blood…

UK released 26 May 2017 – "Run With The Pack" by BAD COMPANY on Swan Song 081227953645 (Barcode 081227953645) is a '2-CD Expanded Edition' with the 10-Track Album Remastered on CD1 and 14 Previously Unreleased Tracks on CD2 that pans out as follows:

CD1 "Run With The Pack" Original Album Remaster (36:39 minutes):
1. Live For The Music [Side 1]
2. Simple Man
3. Honey Child
4. Love Me Somebody
5. Run With The Pack
6. Silver, Blue & Gold [Side 2]
7. Young Blood
8. Do Right By Your Woman
9. Sweet Lil' Sister
10. Fade Away 
Tracks 1 to 10 are their third studio album "Run With The Pack" – released January 1976 in the UK on Island ILPS 9346 and Swan Song SS 8415 in the USA. Produced by BAD COMPANY – it peaked at No.4 in the UK LP charts and No.5 in the USA.

CD2 "Run With The Pack" Bonus Tracks (51:09 minutes):
1. Live For The Music (Take 1, Alternative Guitar and Vocal) 3:35 minutes
2. Simple Man (Take 3, Early Mix) 3:41 minutes
3. Honey Child (Early Mix, Alternative Guitar Sound) 3:20 minutes
4. Run With The Pack (Extended Version, Alternative Vocals) 6:00 minutes
5. Let There Be Love (Take 1, Previously Unreleased Outtake) 4:11 minutes
6. Silver, Blue & Gold (Take 1, Early Mix) 5:14 minutes
7. Young Blood (Alternative Vocal) 2:45 minutes
8. Do Right By Your Woman (Alternative Vocal) 2:55 minutes
9. Sweet Lil' Sister (Live/Studio Backing Track) 4:31 minutes
10. Fade Away (Early Mix, Alternate Guitar Solo) 2:54 minutes
11. Do Right By Your Woman (Acoustic Version) 2:57 minutes
12. (I Know) I'm Losing You (Studio Jam, Previously Unreleased Outtake) 3:22 minutes
13. Young Blood (Alternative Version) 2:44 minutes
14. Fade Away (Island Studios Demo) 3:00 minutes

BAD COMPANY was:

PAUL RODGERS - Lead Singer, Keyboards, Guitar (Harmonica on "Do Right By Your Woman")

MICK RALPHS - Lead Guitar

BOZ BURRELL - Bass

SIMON KIRKE - Drums

These '2-CD Extended Editions' all come in a gatefold card Digipak - a threeway foldout two Swan Song logo CDs and usually a flap depicting the original master tape boxes (same here). The 16-page booklet features new liner notes from DAVID CLAYTON who promptly declares "Run With The Pack" as a bit of a guilty-pleasure nay even favourite. The text is peppered with rare Euro Picture Sleeves (Germany, Turkey), Tour Posters, Trade Adverts, Publicity Photos and interviews with Singer Paul Rodgers and Drummer Simon Kirke. It's a nice job done and Remaster Engineer JON ASTLEY who did much of The Who catalogue has done a fabulous job with the Remasters. In fact I can't stop playing CD2 as an alternate album - the outtakes and alternate versions are that good. 

Of the fourteen on CD2 fans will leap to Track 5 "Let There Be Love" - an unreleased Ralphs smoocher that is mid-tempo - its good without being great - but is a definite asset here. Better is the extended mix of "Run With The Pack" which has more guitar but they were right to tighten it up. Fans will thrill to a genuine fave like "Silver, Blue & Gold" having a Take 1 on here - it's remarkably similar to the finished version but just as lovely and lilting (time it takes for a love to go cold). Ralphs does cool guitar strums that smack of such musicality - a rainbow overdue. And dig those end-of-song vocal interplays they didn't use on the LP mix. 

Their grungy cover version of The Coasters 1957 Atco Records B-side "Young Blood" gets a grittier take - the call and response voices not as witty as the finished version (they were still working it out). But it is so well recorded - the band Funky as they Rock. Then the magic hammers home - an Alternate of "Do Right By Your Woman" - it's not as 'produced' as the finished version but that gorgeous Free/Bad Co. lilt is still there in its seductive flange sway. You get an Acoustic Version of "Do Right..." later (Track 11) which has a count-in and gorgeous audio - slide acoustics - I dig this the most even if it feels like they probably dubbed the original vocals over re-recorded acoustic guitars. And then a Harmonica echoed and lonesome. The second genuine outtake comes in a studio jam on piano doing "(I Know) I'm Losing You" - the old Motown hit the Faces turned into a Rock-Soul anthem. It's ramshackle for sure but damn is it cool to hear them still sound so good (even on a throwaway). And I prefer the Demo of "Fade Away" to the finished LP cut - feels more genuine.

These 'Deluxe Editions' are a hit and miss affair especially if the core album doesn't have the greatest reputation in the pantheon of Rawk Glory. But Bad Company's "Run With The Pack" in this 2-CD Expanded Edition form from 2017 is a winner. And as I say, I keep going back to Disc 2 as my go-to Play. Fantastic stuff really...

"Thirty Years Of Maximum R&B" by THE WHO – July 1964 to October 1991 Releases on Fontana, Brunswick, Reaction, Track, Decca and MCA Records featuring Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend, John Entwistle and Keith Moon with Dave Arbus (of East of Eden), Kenny Jones (of The Small Faces and Faces), Nicky Hopkins, John "Rabbit" Bundrick, Tim Gorman, Simon Phillips, Steve Bolton (of Atomic Rooster) and more (July 1994 UK Polydor 4CD 79-Track Cardboard Long Box including 14 Previously Unreleased with Andy MacPhearson, Jon Astley and Tim Young Remixes and Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

**** Rating

 

"...Join Together With The Band..."

 

When the unholy triumvirate of "Tommy" (May 1969), "Live At Leeds" (May 1970) and "Who's Next" (August 1971) hammered my squishy Irish noggin with riffage and anarchic lyrics a go-go – I was like most early Seventies teens – gone baby gone. I still have originals of them all on UK vinyl and in best nick possible (I even have the Headhunters Advert inner bag that came with first pressings of "Who's Next" in 1971 – serious nerdsville). In fact, I only have to look at the front sleeve of Next and I will always see wee-weeing on a concrete structure as a thing of unparalleled joy. "Quadrophenia" took our breath away in 1973 (another stunning themed double-album on Track Records) and thereafter (like so many others I suspect) all the Jules and Jims and Slip Kids have held a candle aloft for The Who most of our adult lives...

 

So back in the heady Nineties days of CD Box Set wonder-loads – like many a drooling dolly dimplecheeks, I awaited the July 1994 Box Set "Thirty Years Of Maximum R&B" by The Who with a frankly unnerving amount of physical excitement. And while it made great efforts in prep and sounded great and looked the presentation part too, I honestly found that the need for balancing desired studio tracks with Previously Unreleased live versions of them instead (to satiate fans like me) actually did for the Box (CD4 especially) and not necessarily in a good way.

 

Don't get me wrong - I love this guitar-jumping Moon-Loon gigglefest thing to death (and in July 2024 it will itself celebrate a 30^th Anniversary). But if I am properly honest, it's a 4-star listen with 5-star presentation. Let's see action...

 

UK released 5 July 1995 - "Thirty Years Of Maximum R&B" by THE WHO on Polydor 521 751-2 (Barcode 731452175120) is a 79-Track 4CD Cardboard Long Box Set (including 14 Previously Unreleased) with New Remasters and Remixes that play out as follows:

 

CD1 (75:49 minutes):

1. Pete Townshend Dialogue (Live At Long Beach Arena, 1971, Previously Unreleased)

2. I'm The Face (July 1964 UK Debut 45-single as The High Numbers, Fontana TF 480, A-side – Newly Remixed, B-side is Track 4 on CD1)

3. Here 'Tis (Recorded 1964 in London as The High Numbers, Previously Unreleased, Bo Diddley cover version)

4. Zoot Suit (see Track 2 on CD1)

5. Leaving Here (Recorded 1964 in London as The High Numbers, First Issued on the November 1985 LP compilation "Who's Missing" on MCA Records, Remixed for the Box Set)

6. I Can't Explain (January 1965 UK 45-single on Brunswick 05926, A-side – their debut single as The Who and first song-writing credit on a 45 for PT – also their first 45 to chart as The Who in the USA on Decca 31725, released there in February 1965 and peaked at No. 93 on Billboard)

7. Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere (May 1965 UK 2^nd 45-single on Brunswick 05935, A-side – also used as the theme to the BBC Pop Music Programme 'Ready Steady Go!' – features unannounced BBC Interview Intro with PT)

8. Daddy Rolling Stone (B-side of "Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere" – see Track 7 – an Otis Blackwell song)

9. My Generation (October 1965 UK third 45-single on Brunswick 05944, A-side)

10. The Kids Are Alright (from the debut UK LP "My Generation" released December 1965 in the UK on Brunswick LAT 8616, April 1966 in the USA as "The Who Sing My Generation" on Decca DL 4664 – both in Mono)

11. The Ox (as per Track 10, Instrumental with Nicky Hopkins guesting on Piano)

12. A Legal Matter (as per Track 10)

13. Pete Dialogue recorded Live At Leeds University, 14 February 1970 – Previously Unreleased - see Track 14)

14. Substitute (Track 14 from the "Live At Leeds" LP, May 1970, UK on Track Records 2406 001, USA on Decca DL 79175 – for further LAL songs see Track 27 and 28 on CD2)

15. I'm A Boy (August 1966 UK 45-single, Reaction 591004, A-side)

16. Disguises (November 1966 UK 5-Track Extended Play EP "Ready Steady Who" on Reaction 592001, Track 1, Side 1)

17. Happy Jack Jingle (0:31 seconds of studio dialogue)

18. Happy Jack (December 1966 UK 45-single, Reaction 591010, A-side)

19. Boris The Spider (from the second studio album "A Quick One", December 1966 in the UK on Reaction 593 002, issued May 1967 in the USA as "Happy Jack" on Decca DL 4892 (Mono) and Decca DL 74892 (Stereo). Same LP as the UK variant but with the song "Heat Wave" replaced by "Happy Jack" that was only a single in the UK)

20. So Sad About Us (as per Track 19)

21. A Quick One, While He's Away (9:39 minutes, a combination mix of the original LP version with a live version recorded for The Rolling Stones Rock And Roll Circus in December 1968)

22. Pictures Of Lily (April 1967, UK 45-single, Track 604002, A-side)

23. Early Morning Cold Taxi (Recorded October 1967 – Previously Unreleased)

24. Coke 2 (0:48 seconds of guitar-riffage singing Coca Cola)

25. The Last Time (June 1967, UK 45-single, Track 604006, A-side – a Rolling Stones cover done in support of Jagger and Richards being arrested on Drug Charges – the B-side is "Under My Thumb")

26. I Can't Reach You (from their third studio album "The Who Sell Out", December 1967 on Track 612 002 (Mono) and 613 002 (Stereo) – January 1968 USA on Decca DL 4950 (Mono) and DL 74950 (Stereo) – see also Tracks 1 to 10 on CD for more)

27. Girl's Eyes (Recorded in 1967 – Previously Unreleased)

28. Bag O'Nails (0:05 seconds)

29. Call Me Lightning (June 1968, UK 45-single, Track 604023, B-side of "Dogs")

NOTES on CD1:

Tracks 3, 23 and 27 are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED Songs; other tracks are versions as noted

 

CD2 (75:45 minutes):

1. Rotosound Strings (0:06 seconds)

2. I Can See For Miles (October 1967, UK 45-single, Track 604011, A-side, also on "The Who Sell Out" LP)

3. Mary-Anne With The Shakey Hand (from their third studio album "The Who Sell Out", December 1967 on Track 612 002 (Mono) and 613 002 (Stereo) – January 1968 USA on Decca DL 4950 (Mono) and DL 74950 (Stereo))

4. Armenia City In The Sky (as per Track 3 on CD2)

5. Tattoo (as per Track 3 on CD2)

6. Our Love Was (as per Track 3 on CD2)

7. Rael 1 (as per Track 3 on CD2)

8. Rael 2 (Recorded 5 July 1967 in New York, 0:52 seconds, Previously Unreleased)

9. Track Records/Premier Drums (0:31 seconds)

10. Sunrise (as per Track 3 on CD2)

11. Russell Harty Dialogue (0:21 seconds)

12. Jaguar (Recorded November 1967 in London, Edited Version of a Previously Unreleased Recording)

13. Melancholia (Recorded May 1968 in London – Previously Unreleased)

14. Fortune Teller (Recorded May 1968 in London – Previously Unreleased)

15. Magic Bus (October 1968, UK 45-single, Track 604024, A-side)

16. Little Billy (first appeared on the September 1974 LP compilation "Odds And Sods" on Track Records 2406 116 (UK) and October 1974 in the USA on MCA Records MCA 2126)

17. Dogs (June 1968, 45-single, Track 604023, A-side – for B-side see Track 29 on CD1)

18. Overture (from the 2LP studio set "Tommy", May 1969 UK on Track 613 013/4, May 1969 USA on Decca DXSW 7205)

19. Acid Queen (see Track 18 on CD2)

20. Abbie Hoffman Incident (0:16 seconds, Live At Woodstock, see Track 21)

21. Underture (Version Recorded Live At Woodstock, 17 Aug 1969 and Finally Issued on the 2LP Soundtrack set "The Kids Are Alright" in June 1979 (UK Polydor 2675 179, USA on MCA Records MCA2-11005)

22. Pinball Wizard (see Track 18 on CD2)

23. I'm Free (see Track 18 on CD2)

24. See Me, Feel Me – Live (Tommy track recorded Live At Leeds University, 14 February 1970 – Previously Unreleased)

25. Heaven And Hell – Live (July 1970, UK 45-single, Track 2094 002, a John Entwistle song and B-side to "Summertime Blues")

26. Pete Dialogue (0:36 seconds)

27. Young Man Blues – Live (from the "Live At Leeds" LP, May 1970, UK on Track Records 2406 001, USA on Decca DL 79175 – a Mose Allison cover version - for more LAL songs see also Track 14 on CD1)

28. Summertime Blues – Live (see Track 27 on CD2 – an Eddie Cochran cover version – LP cut)

NOTES on CD2:

Tracks 8, 12, 13, 14 and 24 are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED

 

CD3 (75:01 minutes):

1. Shakin' All Over – Live (see Track 27 on CD2)

2. Baba O'Riley (from the LP "Who's Next", August 1971 UK on Track 2408 102, August 1971 USA on Decca 79182)

3. Bargain (original studio song on the "Who's Next" LP – this version recorded Live at San Francisco Civic Auditorium, 12 December 1971 and first released on the November 1985 US LP compilation "Who's Missing" on MCA Records MCA-5641)

4. Pure And Easy (first appeared on the September 1974 LP compilation "Odds And Sods" on Track Records 2406 116 (UK) and October 1974 in the USA on MCA Records MCA 2126)

5. The Song Is Over (as per Track 2 on CD3)

6. Studio Dialogue (0:47 seconds)

7. Behind Blue Eyes (as per Track 2 on CD3)

8. Won't Get Fooled Again (as per Track 2 on CD3, for another variant of a "Who's Next" LP song see also "My Wife", Track 11 on CD4)

9. The Seeker (Edit) (March 1970, UK 45-single, Track 604036, A-side)

10. Bony Maronie (Recorded at the Young Vic Theatre, London, 26 April 1971 and first issued on the June 1988 UK 4-Track CD Single for the reissue of "Won't Get Fooled Again" on Polydor POCD 917 – also 12" Single on Polydor POSPX 917)

11. Let's See Action (October 1971, UK 45-single, Track 2094 012, A-side)

12. Join Together (June 1972, UK 45-single, Track 2094 102, A-side)

13. Relay (January 1973, UK 45-single, Track 2094 106, A-side)

14. The Real Me (original version on the double-album "Quadrophenia" – released October 1973 – This Version recorded January 1979 during auditions for Kenney Jones to become the new drummer with The Who – Previously Unreleased)

15. 5:15 (Single Mix) (Full Version on "Quadrophenia" – This Edit released October 1973, UK 45-single, Track 2094 115, A-side)

16. Bell Boy (as per Track 14 on CD3)

17. Love Reign O'er Me (as per Track 14 on CD3)

NOTES on CD3:

Track 14 is PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED

 

CD4 (76:17 minutes):

1. Long Live Rock (first appeared on the September 1974 LP compilation "Odds And Sods" on Track Records 2406 116 (UK) and October 1974 in the USA on MCA Records MCA 2126 – also released April 1979 in the UK on a 3-Track Retro Compilation 45-Single on Polydor WHO 2)

2. Life With The Moons (1:43 minutes)

3. University Challenge (0:30 seconds)

4. Slip Kid (from the October 1975 LP "The Who By Numbers" on Polydor 2490 129 in the UK, USA on MCA Records MCA 2161)

5. Poetry Cornered (0:39 seconds)

6. Dreaming From The Waist (studio version on the 1975 LP "The Who By Numbers" – this version recorded live at Swansea Football Grounds, 12 June 1976 – Previously Unreleased)

8. Blue Red And Grey (as per Track 4 on CD4)

9. Life With The Moons 2 (0:46 seconds)

10. Squeeze Box (as per Track 4 on CD 4, also UK 45-single, January 1976, Polydor 2121 275, A-side)

11. My Wife (original studio version on the "Who's Next" – this version recorded live at Swansea Football Grounds, 12 June 1976 – Previously Unreleased)

12. Who Are You (Single Edit, 5:00 minutes, July 1978, Polydor WHO 1, A-side – Full Version on the August 1978 LP "Who Are You" – see Track 13 on CD4)

13. Music Must Change (from the August 1978 "Who Are You", UK on Polydor WHOD 5002 and USA on MCA Records MCA 3050)

14. Sister Disco (see Track 13 on CD4)

15. Guitar And Pen (see Track 13 on CD4)

16. You Better You Bet (from the March 1981 LP "Face Dances", UK on Polydor WHOD 5003, US On Warner Brothers WB HS 3516 – also February 1981 UK 45-single on Polydor WHO 4)

17. Eminence Front (from the September 1982 LP "It's Hard" on Polydor WHOD 5066)

18. Twist And Shout – Previously Unreleased

19. I'm A Man – Previously Unreleased

20. Pete Dialogue (0:37 seconds)

21. Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting) (from 1991 tribute album to Elton John called "Two Rooms")

NOTES on CD4:

Tracks 6, 11, 18 and 19 are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED

 

The 72-page long-format colour booklet is comprehensive and pleasingly detailed. Principal songwriter and founder of The Who Pete Townshend starts his 3-page March 1994 notes on Page 5 with a typically self-deprecating analysis of his four-man brawling brat. PT is also unrepentant and rightly so – literally telling his and Keith Moon's detractors to f-off in the last few sentences. But also – deep amidst the post hurt and rancor is a pride that his band broke down so many doors and are beloved for a reason. Following that is a series of essays – Keith Altham on The Who in Britain (fabulous photos, gig flyers, reviews, Moon in a dress) that in turn is followed by a fabulous Chris Charlesworth piece on their broader reach that includes a month-by-month and year-by-year timeline.

 

But my fave piece of scripture is the Dave Marsh piece on The Who in America. Marsh wrote the first book on Springsteen, did loads of Rolling Stone Magazine stuff and a book on The 1001 Great Singles of All Time etc. Marsh explains how the band didn't really mean much there until well into 1966, after the release of their second album (entitled "Happy Jack" in the USA after the single). The live aspect of The Who too is also (not surprisingly) given serious verbiage. They blew people's heads off and still do with only Daltrey and Townshend left of the original four. Last is a track-by-track breakdown (where, when, which album, 45-single etc) that is followed by a full singles and LP discography wisely providing both UK and US releases (debut was 1965 in the UK, 1966 in the USA – the second album had a different title and slightly altered track list and so on). Explanations too – compilers Chris Charlesworth and Jon Astley talk about tapes (or lack of them) for the Previously Unreleased stuff for a whole page - in many cases justifying decisions and putting to bed rumors about better versions. In short (forgive the pun), the long booklet is a visual feast and even now in 2023 as I write this, a seriously great deep dive into every aspect of this fab band. The color photos and endless memorabilia shots, picture sleeves, press hoopla – is fantastic to look at – especially of course the Sixties and Seventies stuff when they along with other huge British exports like Jethro Tull, Humble Pie, Pink Floyd, Yes and The Stones – became among the biggest and most popular bands in the World. Even the title of the Box Set is followed with the moniker 'The Best Rock 'n' Roll Band In The World'.

 

The 1994 Box Set was Remixed, Remastered and Sequenced by ANDY MacPHEARSON and JON ASTLEY with CD Mastering done by JON ASTLEY and TIM YOUNG. You can hear not just the Volume - but Care. They knew this was a prestige release and due diligence has been done. To the music...

 

CD1 opens with anger (of course), Pete giving the crowd some shut up - this is a Rock & Roll concert not a f-in tea-party diatribe before we launch into a truly fantastic sounding "I'm The Face" by The High Numbers. Fans are then treated to a Previously Unreleased Bo Diddley cover "Here Tis" – an all night long shuffler with Harmonica driven R&B rhythms (good but not nearly as exciting as the debut single). The snappiest dresser B-side "Zoot Face" could really have been any British R&B act of 1964 aping the American scene – but what it does have is lovely clarity in the audio – drums, Bass, strummed guitar and picked out notes. Better is "Leaving Here" where The Who shows their love of Motown – an Eddie Holland cover version that had only been released in the USA in early December 1963 (Motown M-1052, A-side). Already that drum and guitar sound they mastered is already there – even if the recording is compromised in its obvious weedy nature.

 

Things return to Who brilliance with "I Can't Explain" – a single that sounded old and new at the same time – a fantastic urgency to it. Without any warning, "Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere" is preceded by dialogue where Pete is being grilled by a particularly plummy sounding DJ as he introduces their new bash-and-trash sound. The instrumental "The Ox" exemplifies their truly wild side – a thrasher from the My Generation debut album that features Nicky Hopkins equalling the squealing guitar mayhem with his piano playing. You could argue that the Box should have used the original 45-single mix for "Substitute" but here they set up the live single with unheard Pete dialogue from the Live At Leeds concert on 14 Feb 1970 and it so works. In August 1966 there were few bands saying I'm A Boy - I'm a head case - I'm A Boy – And My Ma Won't admit it. Kinda cool too to hear the lesser-appreciated grunge guitar of "Disguises" from the "Ready Steady Who" EP – more thematic cross-dressing references. The audio on "Happy Jack" is fabulously clear – Bass and Drums given clarity. The unreleased "Early Morning Cold Taxi" is OK but far better is the "Dogs" deep dive B-side "Call Me Lightning" which ends CD1 perfectly.

 

The first ten tracks on CD2 are essentially "The Who Sell Out" sessions and album (new in 1994). There is good and superfluous. While "Sunrise" is a gem (Pete on Acoustic) – the supposed Previously Unreleased Rael 2 is a 52-second nonsense – the Russell Harty jokey dialogue is witty for twenty seconds. Both the edited "Jaguar" and "Melancholia" are excellent unreleased outtakes as is the cover version of "Fortune Teller". But if I want real Who magic I go to Track 15 for "Magic Bus" – a piece of 45-single genius that combines Cochran acoustic with riffage towards the end. Do I need Pete telling a political activist to f-off at Woodstock while they launch into a wobbly recording of "Underdog" (eventually issued on the 1979 Kids Are Alright Movie Soundtrack) – not really. At least "Pinball Wizard" sounds amazing as the Tommy tracks begin to kick in. It rollicks home with the excellence of "Dogs" and the emergence of them as a Seventies powerhouse with "Live At Leeds" beginning to make its presence known. I never really liked the flipside "Heaven And Hell" if I am honest but I love that Previously Unreleased Pete Dialogue intro that sets up the Mose Allison and Eddie Cochran covers from "Live At Leeds" – the band tight and on fire even when trashing it.

 

CD3 is the one I play more than all others (and CD4 the one I ignore). The sheer power of The Who doing their version of the Johnny Kidd & The Pirates classic "Shakin' All Over" (even if it still has that cackle) is liable to punish your speakers (listen to Pete soloing, Entwistle hammering the Bass while Moon anchors it all on his kit). But then another kind of magic starts with Dave Arbus of East of Eden guesting on Violin for the magnificent "Baba O'Riley" – the keyboards and out there in the fields Side 1 opener from the August 1971 "Who's Next" album. I admit to tears on this – I go to mush over it. Daltrey suddenly sounds like the best vocalist ever – and then that riff just sees the song take off. This is a sophisticated-sounding Who – a band finding a sound and a zone where it all meshes into something huge. Teenage wasteland had never sounded like this. I would have much preferred the studio version of "Bargain" – instead we get the December 1971 live version finally issued in 1985 on the "Who's Missing" album. It is powerful, but it does not flow as well as the LP cut would have.

 

The March 1973 recording of "Pure And Easy" follows that is followed by the 1971 Side 1 finisher "The Song Is Over" from "Who's Next" – but despite the date difference – the placing works (sing my heart to the Infinite Sea). The witty studio dialogue ahead of "Behind Blue Eyes" works too – setting up the pain with a laugh. And what can you say about the 8:30 minutes of "Won't Get Fooled Again" – the full LP version given to fans in Remastered Riffage Monster Wallop and not the edited single version (15 June 1971) - Wow! There is a rare Apple Label Acetate of the 45-single displayed as the centrepiece of the credits page ("Won't Get Fooled Again" as an Acetate – yummy). We then get a huge fave of mine and one of their forgotten gems "The Seeker" (1970) – the first of four stand-alone 45s they did in the Seventies. The others are here too - "Let's See Action" (October 1971), "Join Together" (June 1972, Acetate pictured too) and "Relay" (December 1973). CD3 then romps home with an unreleased and a trio from "Quadrophenia" including two fab winners in "5:15" and the majestic "Love Reign O'er Me".

 

CD4 is a bummer for me. I like the singles "Squeeze Box", "Who Are You", "You Better You Bet" and the magnificent "Eminence Front" from the swansong of sorts LP "It's Hard" which was prepped for single release but withdrawn. "Eminence Front" is featured in many Who Live Shows nowadays precisely because (like "The Seeker") - it's one of those songs that deserves reappraisal and thrills the crowd. But the replacement of live tracks for studio versions and the backwards retro of "Twist And Shout" (even if it is previously unreleased) do not come across great. For sure deep LP cuts like "Guitar And Pen" and "Slip Kid" will get any fan-vote, but somehow the sequencing all feels like a let down.

 

In the end, I cannot be rational about The Who nor this "Thirty Years Of Maximum R&B" 4CD Box Set. It rocks like a stone mason with a demonically possessed chisel and a leery look in his one good eye. 

 

Speaking of which - U2, The Rolling Stones, The Who and AC/DC have all laid claim at one point in time to being 'The Best Rock 'n' Roll Band In The World'. 

 

Truth be told – they all are – but The Who in their voluminous prime – Yippie Ki-Yay Mo-Fo's!