Rhino's ORIGINAL ALBUM SERIES of 5CD MINI BOX SETS (2010).

Many of these Artists are part of my Series "SOUNDS GOOD: Exceptional CD Remasters 1970s Rock And Pop" Download Book available to buy on Amazon to either your PC or Mac (it will download the Kindle software to read the book for free to your toolbar). Click on the link below to go my Author's Page for this and other related publications:

                       http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B00LQKMC6I

Rhino’s “ORIGINAL ALBUM SERIES”
Featuring albums from the vast WARNER ELEKTRA ATLANTIC (WEA) Catalogue Covering All Genres Of Music and all Decades (1950s to 2000s)

5CD MINI BOX SETS, REPRO SINGLE SLEEVE US LP ARTWORK

REMASTERS - It is not to be presumed that these are "REMASTERS" because sale sites state it so - they're not. I've acquired the LITTLE FEAT set and the 5CDs are the crappy Eighties issues simply repacked - which is crushingly disappointing.

Some artists like Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, The Cars, The Pretenders and Ray Charles have already been remastered in the last few years, so their sets will include those, but when you get to Rickie Lee Jones, Chaka Khan, Chris Rea, Little Feat and George Benson (to name just a few), it looks like you're getting more of the same...

So even if TOM WAITS, LEON REDBONE, BONNIE RAITT, MICHAEL McDONALD, BIG JOE TURNER, MONTROSE and PRINCE turn up in the next lot, if they're not remastered, who cares...and worse, why should anyone buy them?

ORIGINAL ALBUM SERIES by Rhino – A List
(UK RELEASE: 1 March 2010)

1. AZTEC CAMERA
(High Land, Hard Rain/Knife/Stray/Dreamland/Frestonia)

2. GEORGE BENSON
(Breezin’/Weekend In L.A./Give Me The Night/Tenderly/Big Boss Band)

3. BOOTSY’S RUBBER BAND
(Stretchin’ Out In Bootsy’s Rubber Band/Ahh…The Name Is Bootsy, Baby!/Bootsy’s Player Of The Year/This Boot Is Made For Fonk-n/Ultra Wave)

4. BREAD
(Bread/On The Waters/Manna/Baby I’m-A Want You/Guitar Man)

5. THE PAUL BUTTERFIELD BLUES BAND
(The Paul Butterfield Blues Band/East-West/The Resurrection Of Pigboy Crabshaw/In My Own Dream/Keep On Moving)

6. THE CARS
(The Cars/Candy-O/Panorama/Shake It Up/Heartbeat City)

7. HARRY CHAPIN
(Heads & Tales/On The Road To Kingdom Come/Short Stories/Sniper & Other Love Songs/Verities & Balderdash)

8. RAY CHARLES
(The Great Ray Charles/Ray Charles At Newport/The Genius Of Ray Charles/The Genius Sings The Blues/The Genius After Hours)

9. NATALIE COLE
(Everlasting/Good To Be Back/Unforgettable: With Love/Take A Look/Stardust)

10. JUDY COLLINS
(Fifth Album/In My Life/Wildflowers/Who Knows Where The Time Goes/Judith)

11. BOBBY DARIN
(Bobby Darin/Sings Ray Charles/That’s All/Things And Other Things/This Is Darin)

12. THE DETROIT SPINNERS
(Spinners/Mighty Love/New And Improved/Live/Pick Of The Litter)

13. DOKKEN
(Breaking The Chains/Tooth And Nail/Under Lock And Key/Back For The Attack/Beast From The East)

14. THE DRIFTERS [featuring CLYDE McPHATTER]
(Clyde McPhatter & The Drifters/Rockin’ & Driftin’/Save The Last Dance For Me/Under The Boardwalk/I’ll Take You Where The Music’s Playing)

15. DR. JOHN
(Gris-Gris/Babylon/The Sun, Moon & Herbs/Dr. John’s Gumbo/In The Right Place)

16. ECHO & THE BUNNYMEN
(Crocodiles/Heaven Up Here/Porcupine/Ocean Rain/Echo & The Bunnymen)

17. DUKE ELINGTON
(Will Big Bands Ever Come Back?/Jazz Violin Session/Mary Poppins/Ellington ‘65/Ellington ’66)

18. FOGHAT
(Foghat/Energized/Fool For The City/Foghat Live/Tight Shoes)

19. FOREIGNER
(Foreigner/Double Vision/Head Games/4/Agent Provocateur)

20. ARETHA FRANKLIN
(I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You/Lady Soul/Aretha Now/Spirit In The Dark/Aretha Live At The Fillmore West)

21. THE J. GEILS BAND
(The J. Geils Band/The Morning After/”Live” Full House/Bloodshot/Ladies Invited)

22. DONNY HATHAWAY
(Everything Is Everything/Donny Hathaway/Live/Extension Of A Man/In Performance (Live))

23. THE JESUS & MARY CHAIN
(Psychocandy/Darklands/Automatic/Honey’s Dead/Stoned & Dethroned)

24. RICKIE LEE JONES
(Rickie Lee Jones/Pirates/Girl At Her Volcano/The Magazine/Naked Songs – Live And Acoustic)

25. CHAKA KHAN
(Chaka/Naughty/What Cha’ Gonna Do For Me/Chaka Khan/I Feel For You)

26. KIX
(Blow My Fuse/Cool Kids/Hot Wire/Kix/Midnite Dynamite)

27. LITTLE FEAT
(Little Feat/Sailin’ Shoes/Dixie Chicken/Feats Don’t Fail Me Now/The Last Record Album)

28. LOS LOBOS
(…And A Time To Dance/How Will The Wolf Survive?/By The Light Of The Moon/The Neighborhood/Kiko)

29. THE MANHATTAN TRANSFER
(The Manhattan Transfer/Mecca For Moderns/Vocalese/Swing/The Spirit Of St. Louis)

30. THE MONKEES
(The Monkees/More Of The Monkees/Headquarters/Pisces. Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd./The Birds, The Bees & The Monkees)

31. THE POGUES
(Red Roses For Me, Rum, Sodomy & The Lash, If I Should Fall From Grace With God/Peace And Love/Hell’s Ditch)

32. THE PRETENDERS
(The Pretenders/Pretenders II/Learning To Crawl/Get Close/Last Of The Independents)

33. CHRIS REA
(Water Sign/Shamrock Diaries/On The Beach/The Road To Hell/Espresso Logic)

34. OTIS REDDING
(Pain In My Heart/The Great Otis Redding Sings Soul Ballads/Otis Blue: Otis Redding Sings Soul/The Soul Album/Complete & Unbelievable – The Otis Redding Dictionary Of Soul)

35. LINDA RONSTADT
(Prisoner In Disguise/Simple Dreams/Living In The USA/Mad Love/Cry Like A Rainstorm – Howl Like The Wind)

36. TODD RUNDGREN
(Runt/Runt. The Ballad Of Todd Rundgren/Faithful/Hermit Of Mink Hollow/The Ever Popular Tortured Artist Effect)

37. THE SISTERS OF MERCY
(First And Last And Always/Floodland/Vision Thing/Some Girls Wander By Mistake/A Slight Case Of Overbombing)

38. SLAVE
(Slave/The Concept/The Hardness Of The World/Just A Touch Of Love/Show Time)

39. ROD STEWART
(Foolish Behaviour/Tonight I’m Yours/Camouflage/Every Beat Of My Heart/Vagabond Heart)

40. DIONNE WARWICK
(Presenting Dionne Warwick/Anyone Who Had A Heart/Make Way For Dionne Warwick/The Windows Of The World/Valley Of The Dolls)

41. WARREN ZEVON
(Warren Zevon/Excitable Boy/Bad Luck Streak In Dancing School/Stand In The Fire (Live)/The Envoy)

ORIGINAL ALBUM SERIES - 5CD BOX SETS by Rhino - A 2010 LIST

Rhino’s “ORIGINAL ALBUM SERIES”
Featuring albums from the vast WARNER ELEKTRA ATLANTIC (WEA) Catalogue Covering All Genres Of Music and all Decades (1950s to 2000s)

5CD MINI BOX SETS, REPRO SINGLE SLEEVE US LP ARTWORK

REMASTERS - It is not to be presumed that these are "REMASTERS" because sale sites state it so - they're not. I've acquired the LITTLE FEAT set and the 5CDs are the crappy Eighties versions simply repacked - which is crushingly disappointing.

Some artists like Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, The Pretenders, Ray Charles and Warren Zevon have already been remastered in the last few years, so their sets will include those. But when you get to Rickie Lee Jones, Chaka Khan, Chris Rea, Little Feat, Bread, Echo & The Bunnymen and George Benson (to name just a few), it looks like you're getting more of the same...

So even if TOM WAITS, LEON REDBONE, BONNIE RAITT, MICHAEL McDONALD, BIG JOE TURNER, MONTROSE and PRINCE turn up in the next lot, if they're not remastered, who cares...and worse, why should anyone buy them?

ORIGINAL ALBUM SERIES by Rhino – A List
(UK RELEASE: 1 March 2010)

1. AZTEC CAMERA
(High Land, Hard Rain/Knife/Stray/Dreamland/Frestonia)

2. GEORGE BENSON
(Breezin’/Weekend In L.A./Give Me The Night/Tenderly/Big Boss Band)

3. BOOTSY’S RUBBER BAND
(Stretchin’ Out In Bootsy’s Rubber Band/Ahh…The Name Is Bootsy, Baby!/Bootsy’s Player Of The Year/This Boot Is Made For Fonk-n/Ultra Wave)

4. BREAD
(Bread/On The Waters/Manna/Baby I’m-A Want You/Guitar Man)

5. THE PAUL BUTTERFIELD BLUES BAND
(The Paul Butterfield Blues Band/East-West/The Resurrection Of Pigboy Crabshaw/In My Own Dream/Keep On Moving)

6. THE CARS
(The Cars/Candy-O/Panorama/Shake It Up/Heartbeat City)

7. HARRY CHAPIN
(Heads & Tales/On The Road To Kingdom Come/Short Stories/Sniper & Other Love Songs/Verities & Balderdash)

8. RAY CHARLES
(The Great Ray Charles/Ray Charles At Newport/The Genius Of Ray Charles/The Genius Sings The Blues/The Genius After Hours)

9. NATALIE COLE
(Everlasting/Good To Be Back/Unforgettable: With Love/Take A Look/Stardust)

10. JUDY COLLINS
(Fifth Album/In My Life/Wildflowers/Who Knows Where The Time Goes/Judith)

11. BOBBY DARIN
(Bobby Darin/Sings Ray Charles/That’s All/Things And Other Things/This Is Darin)

12. THE DETROIT SPINNERS
(Spinners/Mighty Love/New And Improved/Live/Pick Of The Litter)

13. DOKKEN
(Breaking The Chains/Tooth And Nail/Under Lock And Key/Back For The Attack/Beast From The East)

14. THE DRIFTERS [featuring CLYDE McPHATTER]
(Clyde McPhatter & The Drifters/Rockin’ & Driftin’/Save The Last Dance For Me/Under The Boardwalk/I’ll Take You Where The Music’s Playing)

15. DR. JOHN
(Gris-Gris/Babylon/The Sun, Moon & Herbs/Dr. John’s Gumbo/In The Right Place)

16. ECHO & THE BUNNYMEN
(Crocodiles/Heaven Up Here/Porcupine/Ocean Rain/Echo & The Bunnymen)

17. DUKE ELINGTON
(Will Big Bands Ever Come Back?/Jazz Violin Session/Mary Poppins/Ellington ‘65/Ellington ’66)

18. FOGHAT
(Foghat/Energized/Fool For The City/Foghat Live/Tight Shoes)

19. FOREIGNER
(Foreigner/Double Vision/Head Games/4/Agent Provocateur)

20. ARETHA FRANKLIN
(I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You/Lady Soul/Aretha Now/Spirit In The Dark/Aretha Live At The Fillmore West)

21. THE J. GEILS BAND
(The J. Geils Band/The Morning After/”Live” Full House/Bloodshot/Ladies Invited)

22. DONNY HATHAWAY
(Everything Is Everything/Donny Hathaway/Live/Extension Of A Man/In Performance (Live))

23. THE JESUS & MARY CHAIN
(Psychocandy/Darklands/Automatic/Honey’s Dead/Stoned & Dethroned)

24. RICKIE LEE JONES
(Rickie Lee Jones/Pirates/Girl At Her Volcano/The Magazine/Naked Songs – Live And Acoustic)

25. CHAKA KHAN
(Chaka/Naughty/What Cha’ Gonna Do For Me/Chaka Khan/I Feel For You)

26. KIX
(Blow My Fuse/Cool Kids/Hot Wire/Kix/Midnite Dynamite)

27. LITTLE FEAT
(Little Feat/Sailin’ Shoes/Dixie Chicken/Feats Don’t Fail Me Now/The Last Record Album)

28. LOS LOBOS
(…And A Time To Dance/How Will The Wolf Survive?/By The Light Of The Moon/The Neighborhood/Kiko)

29. THE MANHATTAN TRANSFER
(The Manhattan Transfer/Mecca For Moderns/Vocalese/Swing/The Spirit Of St. Louis)

30. THE MONKEES
(The Monkees/More Of The Monkees/Headquarters/Pisces. Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd./The Birds, The Bees & The Monkees)

31. THE POGUES
(Red Roses For Me, Rum, Sodomy & The Lash, If I Should Fall From Grace With God/Peace And Love/Hell’s Ditch)

32. THE PRETENDERS
(The Pretenders/Pretenders II/Learning To Crawl/Get Close/Last Of The Independents)

33. CHRIS REA
(Water Sign/Shamrock Diaries/On The Beach/The Road To Hell/Espresso Logic)

34. OTIS REDDING
(Pain In My Heart/The Great Otis Redding Sings Soul Ballads/Otis Blue: Otis Redding Sings Soul/The Soul Album/Complete & Unbelievable – The Otis Redding Dictionary Of Soul)

35. LINDA RONSTADT
(Prisoner In Disguise/Simple Dreams/Living In The USA/Mad Love/Cry Like A Rainstorm – Howl Like The Wind)

36. TODD RUNDGREN
(Runt/Runt. The Ballad Of Todd Rundgren/Faithful/Hermit Of Mink Hollow/The Ever Popular Tortured Artist Effect)

37. THE SISTERS OF MERCY
(First And Last And Always/Floodland/Vision Thing/Some Girls Wander By Mistake/A Slight Case Of Overbombing)

38. SLAVE
(Slave/The Concept/The Hardness Of The World/Just A Touch Of Love/Show Time)

39. ROD STEWART
(Foolish Behaviour/Tonight I’m Yours/Camouflage/Every Beat Of My Heart/Vagabond Heart)

40. DIONNE WARWICK
(Presenting Dionne Warwick/Anyone Who Had A Heart/Make Way For Dionne Warwick/The Windows Of The World/Valley Of The Dolls)

41. WARREN ZEVON
(Warren Zevon/Excitable Boy/Bad Luck Streak In Dancing School/Stand In The Fire (Live)/The Envoy)

“Waterworld” on HD DVD. A Review of the film on the now Deleted Format.

Although It’s Not The “Extended Cut” – It Has Stunning Clarity on “HD DVD”

Despised by critics on release and costing more than my weekly wages (I work in a second-hand record shop, therefore I'm a millionaire), "Waterworld" was nonetheless embraced as a B-movie classic by fans all over the world - both at the cinema on release - and then on DVD reissue later. But with the new format upon us, "Waterworld" is the kind of movie that virtually screams, "...will look great on Hi Def". However, I was told by someone who's in the movie business that the transfer of this film onto HD was a little "soft" - disappointing even. I'd like to concentrate on that, because I absolutely don't agree.

I've both a Blu Ray player and a Toshiba HD player and a quality HDMI interconnect for both - and I've been buying up the HD discs like mad recently because (a) they're dirt cheap (it's now a dead format) and (b) the picture quality is just fabulous.

I was astonished by the clarity on "Waterworld" on "HD" - beautifully transferred - and it automatically formats to fill the entire screen - so you get the full impact. It didn't look this good in the cinema, I can assure you. Ok, it's not the 'extended cut' that was issued on the USA and is preferred by some fans, but man does this look good. It's clean and revelatory in almost every frame and because very little CGI was used, the sets are all real, so nothing looks dated or added on in post-production.

I haven't seen the BLU RAY version I'll admit, but if it looks this good in transfer, then I'd say buy it...

PS: the best picture quality I've ever seen is on the HD disc of "Ray" - the Ray Charles story - unbelievable clarity and depth. What a shame this format didn't make it.

“Mark The Hard Earth” by KRIS DREVER. A Review of his 2nd Solo Album from 2010.

"…Dark Sky Above Me…Hard Earth Below…”

Formerly of folk sensation FINE FRIDAY (3 albums) and now very much part of the respected and awarded LAU (3 albums), Scottish born Drever made his stunning solo debut “Black Water” back in 2006 - and I’ve been hooked on his music ever since.

Drever then followed “Black Water” with the more overtly country almost ragtime “Honky Tonk Suite” with EAMONN COYNE later that same year - and has also done stints with the beautiful Kate Rusby and her band (we’re talking class here). With his deft acoustic guitar touches and a deep tonal voice that is the male equivalent of honey dribbling down Rusby’s frankly delicious bosom (a sight that would make many clergymen reconsider celibacy), it’s hardly surprising that this album is awaited by folk fans with bated breath and chattering teeth. I’m therefore delighted to say and a little relieved to report that after a few listens - it’s been worth the wait.

“Mark The Hard Earth” is his 2nd solo album proper and it’s being put out on Navigator Records (the label is named after a track on “Black Water” – cata no: NAVIGATOR30). It was produced by long-time collaborator and Scottish fiddle player JOHN McCUSKER and recorded, engineered and mastered with the help of CALUM MALCOLM of Blue Nile, Prefab Sprout and Simple Minds recording fame. With such talent on board, it’s hardly surprising that the audio quality is truly gorgeous – beautifully clear without ever being over-produced. The 12-page booklet offers little more than song credits and a few photos, but the card-wrap on the outside of the jewel case lends the whole thing a classy feel (44:21 minutes).

The songs are once again a mixture of lesser-known Scottish and Irish traditional airs (“O’ A’ The Airts”, “The Banks Of The Nile” and “Freedom Come A’ Ye”) and a slew of originals from contemporary rock, country and Americana artists - “This Old Song” by CALEB KLAUDER (on his “Dangerous Mes and Poisonous Yous” album) and “Shining Star” and “Wild Hurricane” by SANDY WRIGHT (an American songwriter often compared to Tom Waits or even Johnny Cash), while “Sweet Honey In The Rock” is co-written with BOO HEWERDINE (formerly of THE BIBLE) and JOHN McCUSKER. The only original of his own is the opening track “Mark The Hard Earth” – as lovely a folk song as you’re likely to hear all year (lyrics above).

The accompanying musicians include classy names he’s used many times before - Ian Carr on Guitars, Tim O’Brien on Mandolin, Banjo and Vocals, Donald Shaw on Wurly and Harmonium, John McCusker on Fiddle, Andy Seward on Bass and Phil Cunningham on Accordion. Instead of Eddi Reader or Kate Rusby, the accompanying duet vocals however go to HEIDI TALBOT on “Allegory” and “The Banks Of The Nile” while KAREN POLWART features on “Freedom Come A’ Ye”.

Musically the album is very mellow – quietly beautiful – with the old songs sitting nicely alongside the new ones. His doubled vocals on Sandy Wright’s “Wild Hurricane” are fabulous while the plaintive “O’ A’ The Airts” works its way into your heart almost immediately - washing over you like warm water. Duncan Drever’s “The Crown Of London” is a genuine modern-day beauty – Ian Carr’s guitar picking and Donald Shaw’s work on the Harmonium and Wurly so sweetly complimentary. The only track I found not so good is their short version of “The Banks Of The Nile” which they’ve also speeded up. Despite Heidi Talbot’s lovely duet vocals (similar voice to Cara Dillon) - the Fotheringay version from their lone 1970 LP runs to 8 minutes (Sandy Denny on vocals) and is so much prettier and frankly more magical. But the album ends on a very warm note - the Hamish Henderson song “Freedom Come A’ Ye” which features lovely vocal work from Karen Polwart.

I’ll admit that at first I found the whole thing a little underwhelming and it took a few listens to love it (it’s not as immediately brilliant as “Black Water”), but “Mark The Hard Earth” is yet another gem in a career that seems to know no stopping.

Lovely stuff and nice one.

LABI SIFFRE DISCOGRAPHY - UK 7" SINGLES and ALBUMS DISCOGRAPHY (1970 to 1979)

UK 7” SINGLES
1. Too Late b/w Make My Day
July 1970, Pye International 7N.25528
[Both tracks are on his 1970 vinyl debut album “Labi Siffre”, both are also on the "Labi Siffre" 2006 EMI CD Remaster]

2. Thank Your Lucky Star b/w When You Find You Need A Friend
February 1971, Pye International 7N.25542
[Initial copies came in a rare titled picture sleeve; this is the first of only two UK picture sleeves of the 1970’s (see 14); the A is on his 1971 2nd album "The Singer And The Song" (2006 EMI CD Remaster); the B-side is a non-album track - unfortunately it’s still unavailable on CD]

3. Get To The Country b/w A Feeling I Got
July 1971, Pye International 7N.25560
[Both tracks were non-album at the time of release; the A-side turns up as a bonus track on "The Singer And The Song" 2006 EMI CD reissue; the B-side is unfortunately still unavailable on CD]

4. It Must Be Love b/w To Find Love
November 1971, Pye International 7N.25572
[The A-side is from his 1972 3rd album "Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying" (2006 EMI CD Remaster); the non-album B-side is still unavailable on CD]

5. Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying b/w Why Did You Go, Why Did You Leave Me?
March 1972, Pye International 7N.25576
[The A-side is from his 1972 3rd album "Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying" (2006 EMI CD Remaster); the non-album B-side turns up a bonus track on the "Labi Siffre" 2006 CD Remaster]

6. Watch Me b/w Here We Are
July 1972, Pye International 7N.25586
[Both tracks were non-album at the time of release; the A-side turns up ONLY on the 2006 EMI CD Remaster "The Best Of"; the B-side is a bonus track on the "Labi Siffre" 2006 CD Remaster]

7. Give Love b/w Last Night Tonight
January 1973, Pye International 7N.25602
[The A-side is a remix, original version is from his 1973 4th album "For The Children"; the non-album B-side turns up as a bonus track on the "Labi Siffre" 2006 EMI CD Remaster]

8. If You Have Faith b/w Oh Me Oh My Mr. City Goodbye
October 1973, Pye International 7N.25629
[The A-side is from his 1973 4th album "For The Children"; the non-album B-side turns up as a bonus track on the "Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying" 2006 CD Remaster]

9. Dreamer b/w Turn On Your Love
August 1974, EMI Records EMI 2204
[Both tracks are from the "Remember My Song" LP]

10. Another Year b/w Some Say
January 1975, EMI Records EMI 2260
[The A-side is from the "Remember My Song" LP; B-side is from "For The Children" LP]

11. Love-A-Love-A-Love-A-Love-A-Love b/w Goodbye To Love
October 1975, EMI Records EMI 2357
[The A-side is on the 1975 vinyl album "Happy"; the B-side is non-album; the A-side is available on "The Music Of" CD from 2001]

12. Staride To Nowhere b/w Sally Came To Stay
January 1976, EMI Records EMI 2394
[Both the A&B are featured on the vinyl album "Happy" (album versions), but the "Single Mix" of the A is on the EMI 2006 Remaster CD "The Best Of"; the B-side is available on "The Music Of" CD from 2001]

13. You’ve Got A Hold On Me b/w La-De-Da-De-Da (Lost Without Your Love)
October 1976, EMI Records EMI 2526
[The A-side is non-album and is available as a bonus track on the "Remember My Song" CD from 2006; the B-side is from the "Happy?" album and is available on "The Music Of" CD from 2001]

14. Do The Best You Can b/w Hot And Dirty In The City
January 1977, EMI Records EMI 2577
[The A-side was a single-only release and a contender for the Eurovision Song Contest of 1977; the non-album B-side turns up as a bonus track on the 2006 EMI CD Remaster of "Remember My Song"]

15. Solid Love b/w You Hurt Me
March 1978, EMI Records EMI 2750
[The A-side was a single-only release and a contender for the Eurovision Song Contest of 1978 and turns up as a bonus track on the 2006 EMI CD Remaster of "Remember My Song"; the B-side is from the 1975 vinyl album "Happy?" and is available on "The Music Of" CD from 2001]

16. One World Song b/w We Got Love
December 1979, EMI Records EMI 5023 (in Picture Sleeve, Eurovision Song contest entry)
[Credited to LABI and JACKIE; B-side co-written with BOB JAMES, both non-album; neither is available on CD]

UK ALBUMS:
1. "Labi Siffre", 1970, Pye International NSPL 28135
[Matt Single Sleeve, No Inserts]

Side 1:
1. Too Late
2. Words [a Bee Gees cover]
3. Something On My Mind
4. Maybe Tomorrow
5. You And I Should Be Together
6. I Don’t Know What’s Happened To The Kids Today
Side 2:
1. I Love You
2. Make My Day
3. A Little More Line
4. Maybe [a Nilsson cover]
5. River
6. Love Song For Someone
[Except where note, all songs by Labi Siffre]

2006 EMI CD Remaster (EMI 0946 356891 2 9) - Bonus Tracks:
13. Why Did You Go, Why Did You Leave Me? [Non-Album B-side – see UK Singles 5]
14. I Just Couldn’t Live Without Her [Previously Unreleased]
15. Last Night Tonight [Non-Album B-side – see UK Singles 7]
16. Maybe When We Dance [Previously Unreleased]
17. Ask Me To Stay [Previously Unreleased]
18. Here We Are [Non-Album B-side – see Singles 6]

2. “The Singer And The Song”, July 1971, Pye International NSPL 28147
[Laminated Gatefold Sleeve, No Inserts]

Side 1:
1. There’s Nothing In The World Like Love
2. You’re Lovely
3. A Number Of Words
4. Who Do You See
5. Not So Long Ago
6. The Shadow of Our Love
7. When I’m On My Own You Are On My Mind
Side 2:
1. Rocking Chair
2. Interlude
3. Thank Your Lucky Star
4. Talk About
5. Talkabout
6. Relax
7. Bless The Telephone
8. Summer Is Coming
9. Goodbye
[All songs by Labi Siffre]

2006 EMI CD Remaster (EMI 0946 356980 2 2) - Bonus Tracks:
16. Get To The Country [non-album single track – see UK SINGLES 3]
17. Till Nightime Comes Along [Previously Unreleased]
18. Fallin’ For You [Previously Unreleased]
19. Oh What A Day [Previously Unreleased]
20. Just A Face [Previously Unreleased]
21. Seasons Come, Seasons Go [Previously Unreleased]

3. “Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying”, October 1972, Pye International NSPL 28163
(The sleeve credits the title of the album 'without' commas - “Crying Laughing Loving Lying”, but the label credits the title 'with' commas “Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying” (the 7" single is also with commas)]
[Matt Gatefold Sleeve + Lyrics Insert]

Side 1:
1. Saved
2. Cannock Chase
3. Fool Me A Goodnight
4. It Must Be Love
5. Gimme Some More
6. Blue Lady
Side 2:
1. Love Oh Love Oh Love
2. Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying
3. Hotel Room Song
4. Till Forever
5. Come On Michael
[All songs by Labi Siffre]

2006 EMI CD Remaster (EMI 0946 356927 2 3) - Bonus Tracks:
13. You Make It Easy [Previously Unreleased]
14. Good Old Days [Previously Unreleased]
15. Pristine Verses [Previously Unreleased]
16. You’ll Let Me Know [Previously Unreleased]
17. Oh Me Oh My Mr. City Goodbye [Non-album B-side – see UK SINGLES 8]
18. For The Lovin’ [Previously Unreleased]

4. “For The Children”, 1973, Pye International NSPL 28182
[Matt Gatefold Sleeve + Lyrics Insert]
Side 1:
1. Somesay
2. Children Of Children
3. Entertainment Value
4. Odds And Ends
5. Prayer
Side 2:
1. Let’s Pretend
2. Someday
3. If You Have Faith
4. For The Children
5. Give Love
[All songs by Labi Siffre]

2006 EMI CD Remaster (EMI 0946 356887 2 6) - Bonus Tracks:
11. So What! [Previously Unreleased]

5. “The Best Of”, November 1974, EMI Records EMC 3056
Side 1:
1. Make My Day
2. Too Late
3. Watch Me
4. My Song
5. For The Children
6. It Must Be Love
7. Prayer
Side 2:
1. Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying
2. Nothing In The World Like Love
3. If You Have Faith
4. Somesay
5. Fool Me A Goodnight
6. (Just) A Little More Line
7. Give Love

6. “Remember My Song”, March 1975, EMI Records EMC 3065
[Matt Single Sleeve, No Inserts]
Side 1:
1. I Got The…
2. Another Year
3. Down
4. Old Time Song
5. The Vulture
Side 2:
1. Dreamer
2. Sadie And The Devil
3. Turn On Your Love
4. Remember My Song

2006 EMI CD Remaster (EMI 0946 356884 2 9) - Bonus Tracks:
10. You’ve Got A Hold On Me (Non-album A-side – see UK SINGLES 11)
11. Hot And Dirty In The City (Non-album B-side – see UK SINGLES 12)
12. Solid Love (Non-album A-side – see UK SINGLES 13)

7. "Happy", November 1975, EMI Records EMC 3098
[Laminate Single Sleeve, No Inserts]
Side 1:
1. Love-A-Love-A-Love-A-Love-A-Love
2. You Hurt Me
3. Doctor, Doctor
4. Second Time Around
5. Would You Dance?
Side 2:
1. Supaluvva
2. Staride To Nowhere
3. You’ve Done Something To My Heart
4. Sally Came To Stay
5. La-De-Da-De-Da (Lost Without Your Love)
[All songs by Labi Siffre]

[This album is available on CD but under another name - "The Music Of..." from 2001 (see separate review); the 7" single mix of "Staride To Nowhere" is on the 2006 EMI CD Remaster "The Best Of"]

8. “The Best Of” (March 2006 EMI CD Remaster Compilation)
1. Something Inside So Strong
2. It Must Be Love
3. Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying
4. I Got The...
5. Vulture
6. Thank Your Lucky Star
7. A Little More Line
8. Another Year
9. My Song
10. Make My Day
11. Watch Me
12. Children Of Children
13. Sparrow In The Storm [from “The Last Songs”, Live Tracks Recorded in 1998 – finally released in 2006]
14. Dreamer
15. Staride To Nowhere (7” Single Version)
16. There's Nothing In The World Like Love
17. Why Isn't Love Enough [from “The Last Songs”, 2006]
18. If You Have Faith
19. Prayer

Labi Siffre UK DISCOGRAPHY – UK SINGLES and ALBUMS DISCOGRAPHY (1970 to 1979)

UK 7” SINGLES
1. Too Late b/w Make My Day
July 1970, Pye International 7N.25528
[Both tracks are on his 1970 vinyl debut album “Labi Siffre”, both are also on the "Labi Siffre" 2006 EMI CD Remaster]

2. Thank Your Lucky Star b/w When You Find You Need A Friend
February 1971, Pye International 7N.25542
[Initial copies came in a rare titled picture sleeve; this is the first of only two UK picture sleeves of the 1970’s (see 14); the A is on his 1971 2nd album "The Singer And The Song" (2006 EMI CD Remaster); the B-side is a non-album track - unfortunately it’s still unavailable on CD]

3. Get To The Country b/w A Feeling I Got
July 1971, Pye International 7N.25560
[Both tracks were non-album at the time of release; the A-side turns up as a bonus track on "The Singer And The Song" 2006 EMI CD reissue; the B-side is unfortunately still unavailable on CD]

4. It Must Be Love b/w To Find Love
November 1971, Pye International 7N.25572
[The A-side is from his 1972 3rd album "Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying" (2006 EMI CD Remaster); the non-album B-side is still unavailable on CD]

5. Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying b/w Why Did You Go, Why Did You Leave Me?
March 1972, Pye International 7N.25576
[The A-side is from his 1972 3rd album "Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying" (2006 EMI CD Remaster); the non-album B-side turns up a bonus track on the "Labi Siffre" 2006 CD Remaster]

6. Watch Me b/w Here We Are
July 1972, Pye International 7N.25586
[Both tracks were non-album at the time of release; the A-side turns up ONLY on the 2006 EMI CD Remaster "The Best Of"; the B-side is a bonus track on the "Labi Siffre" 2006 CD Remaster]

7. Give Love b/w Last Night Tonight
January 1973, Pye International 7N.25602
[The A-side is a remix, original version is from his 1973 4th album "For The Children"; the non-album B-side turns up as a bonus track on the "Labi Siffre" 2006 EMI CD Remaster]

8. If You Have Faith b/w Oh Me Oh My Mr. City Goodbye
October 1973, Pye International 7N.25629
[The A-side is from his 1973 4th album "For The Children"; the non-album B-side turns up as a bonus track on the "Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying" 2006 CD Remaster]

9. Dreamer b/w Turn On Your Love
August 1974, EMI Records EMI 2204
[Both tracks are from the "Remember My Song" LP]

10. Another Year b/w Some Say
January 1975, EMI Records EMI 2260
[The A-side is from the "Remember My Song" LP; B-side is from "For The Children" LP]

11. Love-A-Love-A-Love-A-Love-A-Love b/w Goodbye To Love
October 1975, EMI Records EMI 2357
[The A-side is on the 1975 vinyl album "Happy"; the B-side is non-album; the A-side is available on "The Music Of" CD from 2001]

12. Staride To Nowhere b/w Sally Came To Stay
January 1976, EMI Records EMI 2394
[Both the A&B are featured on the vinyl album "Happy" (album versions), but the "Single Mix" of the A is on the EMI 2006 Remaster CD "The Best Of"; the B-side is available on "The Music Of" CD from 2001]

13. You’ve Got A Hold On Me b/w La-De-Da-De-Da (Lost Without Your Love)
October 1976, EMI Records EMI 2526
[The A-side is non-album and is available as a bonus track on the "Remember My Song" CD from 2006; the B-side is from the "Happy?" album and is available on "The Music Of" CD from 2001]

14. Do The Best You Can b/w Hot And Dirty In The City
January 1977, EMI Records EMI 2577
[The A-side was a single-only release and a contender for the Eurovision Song Contest of 1977; the non-album B-side turns up as a bonus track on the 2006 EMI CD Remaster of "Remember My Song"]

15. Solid Love b/w You Hurt Me
March 1978, EMI Records EMI 2750
[The A-side was a single-only release and a contender for the Eurovision Song Contest of 1978 and turns up as a bonus track on the 2006 EMI CD Remaster of "Remember My Song"; the B-side is from the 1975 vinyl album "Happy?" and is available on "The Music Of" CD from 2001]

16. One World Song b/w We Got Love
December 1979, EMI Records EMI 5023 (in Picture Sleeve, Eurovision Song contest entry)
[Credited to LABI and JACKIE; B-side co-written with BOB JAMES, both non-album; neither is available on CD]

UK ALBUMS:
1. "Labi Siffre", 1970, Pye International NSPL 28135
[Matt Single Sleeve, No Inserts]

Side 1:
1. Too Late
2. Words [a Bee Gees cover]
3. Something On My Mind
4. Maybe Tomorrow
5. You And I Should Be Together
6. I Don’t Know What’s Happened To The Kids Today
Side 2:
1. I Love You
2. Make My Day
3. A Little More Line
4. Maybe [a Nilsson cover]
5. River
6. Love Song For Someone
[Except where note, all songs by Labi Siffre]

2006 EMI CD Remaster (EMI 0946 356891 2 9) - Bonus Tracks:
13. Why Did You Go, Why Did You Leave Me? [Non-Album B-side – see UK Singles 5]
14. I Just Couldn’t Live Without Her [Previously Unreleased]
15. Last Night Tonight [Non-Album B-side – see UK Singles 7]
16. Maybe When We Dance [Previously Unreleased]
17. Ask Me To Stay [Previously Unreleased]
18. Here We Are [Non-Album B-side – see Singles 6]

2. “The Singer And The Song”, July 1971, Pye International NSPL 28147
[Laminated Gatefold Sleeve, No Inserts]

Side 1:
1. There’s Nothing In The World Like Love
2. You’re Lovely
3. A Number Of Words
4. Who Do You See
5. Not So Long Ago
6. The Shadow of Our Love
7. When I’m On My Own You Are On My Mind
Side 2:
1. Rocking Chair
2. Interlude
3. Thank Your Lucky Star
4. Talk About
5. Talkabout
6. Relax
7. Bless The Telephone
8. Summer Is Coming
9. Goodbye
[All songs by Labi Siffre]

2006 EMI CD Remaster (EMI 0946 356980 2 2) - Bonus Tracks:
16. Get To The Country [non-album single track – see UK SINGLES 3]
17. Till Nightime Comes Along [Previously Unreleased]
18. Fallin’ For You [Previously Unreleased]
19. Oh What A Day [Previously Unreleased]
20. Just A Face [Previously Unreleased]
21. Seasons Come, Seasons Go [Previously Unreleased]

3. “Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying”, October 1972, Pye International NSPL 28163
(The sleeve credits the title of the album 'without' commas - “Crying Laughing Loving Lying”, but the label credits the title 'with' commas “Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying” (the 7" single is also with commas)]
[Matt Gatefold Sleeve + Lyrics Insert]

Side 1:
1. Saved
2. Cannock Chase
3. Fool Me A Goodnight
4. It Must Be Love
5. Gimme Some More
6. Blue Lady
Side 2:
1. Love Oh Love Oh Love
2. Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying
3. Hotel Room Song
4. Till Forever
5. Come On Michael
[All songs by Labi Siffre]

2006 EMI CD Remaster (EMI 0946 356927 2 3) - Bonus Tracks:
13. You Make It Easy [Previously Unreleased]
14. Good Old Days [Previously Unreleased]
15. Pristine Verses [Previously Unreleased]
16. You’ll Let Me Know [Previously Unreleased]
17. Oh Me Oh My Mr. City Goodbye [Non-album B-side – see UK SINGLES 8]
18. For The Lovin’ [Previously Unreleased]

4. “For The Children”, 1973, Pye International NSPL 28182
[Matt Gatefold Sleeve + Lyrics Insert]
Side 1:
1. Somesay
2. Children Of Children
3. Entertainment Value
4. Odds And Ends
5. Prayer
Side 2:
1. Let’s Pretend
2. Someday
3. If You Have Faith
4. For The Children
5. Give Love
[All songs by Labi Siffre]

2006 EMI CD Remaster (EMI 0946 356887 2 6) - Bonus Tracks:
11. So What! [Previously Unreleased]

5. “The Best Of”, November 1974, EMI Records EMC 3056
Side 1:
1. Make My Day
2. Too Late
3. Watch Me
4. My Song
5. For The Children
6. It Must Be Love
7. Prayer
Side 2:
1. Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying
2. Nothing In The World Like Love
3. If You Have Faith
4. Somesay
5. Fool Me A Goodnight
6. (Just) A Little More Line
7. Give Love

6. “Remember My Song”, March 1975, EMI Records EMC 3065
[Matt Single Sleeve, No Inserts]
Side 1:
1. I Got The…
2. Another Year
3. Down
4. Old Time Song
5. The Vulture
Side 2:
1. Dreamer
2. Sadie And The Devil
3. Turn On Your Love
4. Remember My Song

2006 EMI CD Remaster (EMI 0946 356884 2 9) - Bonus Tracks:
10. You’ve Got A Hold On Me (Non-album A-side – see UK SINGLES 11)
11. Hot And Dirty In The City (Non-album B-side – see UK SINGLES 12)
12. Solid Love (Non-album A-side – see UK SINGLES 13)

7. "Happy", November 1975, EMI Records EMC 3098
[Laminate Single Sleeve, No Inserts]
Side 1:
1. Love-A-Love-A-Love-A-Love-A-Love
2. You Hurt Me
3. Doctor, Doctor
4. Second Time Around
5. Would You Dance?
Side 2:
1. Supaluvva
2. Staride To Nowhere
3. You’ve Done Something To My Heart
4. Sally Came To Stay
5. La-De-Da-De-Da (Lost Without Your Love)
[All songs by Labi Siffre]

[This album is available on CD but under another name - "The Music Of..." from 2001 (see separate review); the 7" single mix of "Staride To Nowhere" is on the 2006 EMI CD Remaster "The Best Of"]

8. “The Best Of” (March 2006 EMI CD Remaster Compilation)
1. Something Inside So Strong
2. It Must Be Love
3. Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying
4. I Got The...
5. Vulture
6. Thank Your Lucky Star
7. A Little More Line
8. Another Year
9. My Song
10. Make My Day
11. Watch Me
12. Children Of Children
13. Sparrow In The Storm [from “The Last Songs”, Live Tracks Recorded in 1998 – finally released in 2006]
14. Dreamer
15. Staride To Nowhere (7” Single Version)
16. There's Nothing In The World Like Love
17. Why Isn't Love Enough [from “The Last Songs”, 2006]
18. If You Have Faith
19. Prayer

“What It Takes – The Chess Years [Expanded Edition]” by KOKO TAYLOR. A Review of the 2009 “Hip-O Select” CD Compilation.

This review is part of my "SOUNDS GOOD: Exceptional CD Remasters Soul, Funk & Jazz Fusion" Download Book available to buy on Amazon to either your PC or Mac (it will download the Kindle software to read the book for free to your toolbar). Click on the link below to go my Author's Page for this and other related publications:

                       http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B00LQKMC6I

“…Blues Heaven…Must Be Mighty Sweet…”

Hip-O Select B0013186-02 is a reissue of a deleted 18-track 1991 CD compilation – now with 6 bonus tracks added on. It has the same front artwork, but a live photo spreads itself across the 3 flaps of the card tri-gatefold on the inside, while the booklet is expanded to 16-pages. More importantly, it has truly stunning 2009 remastering by ace tape expert ERICK LABSON (has over 850 credits to his name - including most of the entire Chess catalogue).

Released November 2009 in the USA, February 2010 in the UK, “What It Takes – The Chess Years [Expanded Edition]” breaks down as follows (73:06 minutes):

1. I Got What It Takes (1964 USA 7” single on Checker 1092, A – see also 19)
2. Don’t Mess With The Messer (1969 USA LP “Koko Taylor” on Chess LP 1532)
3. Whatever I Am, You Made Me (as per 2)
4. I’m A Little Mixed Up (as per 2)
5. Wang Dang Doodle (1966 USA 7” single on Checker 1135, A)
6. (I Got) All You Need (1966 USA 7” single on Checker 1174, A)
7. (Just) Love Me (1967 USA 7” single on Checker 1166, A)
8. What Came First The Egg Or The Hen [B-side of 7, duet vocals with Willie Dixon)
9. Insane Asylum (as per 2 – duet vocals with Willie Dixon)
10. Fire (as per 2 – duet vocals with Willie Dixon)
11. I Don’t Care Who Knows (1968 USA 7” single on Checker 1210, A)
12. Twenty Nine Ways (To My Baby’s Door) (as per 2)
13. Blue Prelude [Previously Unreleased, Recorded November 1971]
14. I Need More And More (1972 USA LP “Basic Soul” on Chess CH-50018)
15. Um Huh My Baby (as per 14)
16. Bills, Bills & More Bills (as per 14)
17. Let Me Love You Baby (as per 14)
18. I Got What It Takes [Live Duet With MUDDY WATERS] (1972 USA 2LP set “Blues/Rock Avalanche – The Montreaux Festival” on Chess 2CH-60015)

BONUS TRACKS:
19. What Kind Of A Man Is That? (B-side of 1 – a Koko Taylor original)
20. Blues Heaven (1966 USA 7” single on Checker 1135, A – Willie Dixon co-write with Dick LaPalm)
21. Tell Me The Truth (1966 USA 7” single on Checker 1148, A – a Johnnie May Dunson song)
22. Good Advice (B-side of 21 – a J.B. Lenoir cover)
23. Separate Or Integrate (1967 USA 7” single on Checker 1210, A)
24. Tease Your Man (1972 USA 7” single on Chess 2132, A)

Tracks 1 to 3, 5 to 12, 14 to 18 and 23 to 24 are all written by WILLIE DIXON
Track 20 is co-written by WILLIE DIXON and DICK LaPALM
Other track credits listed above

With a powerhouse voice that could level tall buildings from ten paces, Koko Taylor truly met her soul mate in Chess’ principal songwriter – the mighty Willie Dixon. He wrote 18 of the tracks on here and co-wrote one other – his presence is everywhere. With the house-band containing the cream of the Blues crop (Lafayette Leake on Piano, Buddy Guy and Johnny “Twist” Williams on Guitars and a host of others – including Willie Dixon on Bass), it’s no wonder that these slices of Sixties Blues and R’n’B boogie along so brilliantly.

But the real revelation is the SOUND – I’ve raved about Erick Labson’s work before, but the lad’s excelled himself here – beautiful clarity and depth – in your face for all the right reasons. Fans will thrill to the care given – infused no doubt with the same affection that exudes from ANDY McKAIE’s typically excellent liner notes. It’s a shame though that they didn’t picture either of her albums “Koko Taylor” (a ragbag of tracks from ’65, ’67 and ’69 finally issued in 1969) and the “Basic Soul” LP from 1972 – but that’s offset against a colour photo of her debut Checker 45 “I Got What It Takes” on 1092 – what a lovely sight. Its fab B-side “Blues Heaven” is also here (lyrics above). The previously unreleased and exclusive-to-this-set “Blue Prelude” is a slow blues Joe Bishop/Gordon Jenkins song and it’s excellent.

Koko has been poorly served by Chess reissues across the last two decades – until now. With her passing in June 2009 at the age of 80, Memphis’ Cora Taylor is finally done proud by this lovely and wonderful reissue. Top marks to all involved – and another goodie from Hip-O Select.

Recommended.

For info purposes - a Checker Records (Chess) Discography
USA 7" singles:

1. I Got What It Takes b/w What Kind Of A Man Is This (1964, Checker 1092)
2. Don't Mess With The Messer b/w Whatever I Am, You Made Me (1965, Checker 1106)
3. Good Advice b/w When I Think Of My Baby (1965, Checker 1140)
4. Good Advice b/w Tell The Truth (1965, Checker 1148)
5. What Came First The Egg Or The Hen b/w (Just) Love Me (1967, Checker 1166)
6. (I Got) All You Need b/w All Money Spent (1967, Checker 1174)
7. Fire b/w Insane Asylum (1968, Checker 1191)
8. Separate Or Integrate b/w I Don't Care Who Knows (1968, Checker 1210)
9. Tease Your Man b/w That's The Way Love Is (1972, Chess 2132)

LPs:
“Koko Taylor”, October 1969 USA LP on Chess LPS-1532 [Produced by Willie Dixon]

Side 1:
1. Love You Like A Woman
2. I Love A Lover Like You
3. Don’t Mess With The Messer
4. I Don’t Care Who Knows
5. Wang Dang Doodle
6. I’m A Little Mixed Up

Side 2:
1. Nitty Gritty
2. Fire
3. Whatever I Am, You Made Me
4. Twenty-Nine Ways
5. Insane Asylum
6. Yes, It’s Good For You

“Basic Soul”, 1972 USA LP on Chess CH-50018 [Produced by Willie Dixon]

Side 1:

1. It’s A Poor Dog
2. Let Me Love You Baby
3. Bills, Bills And More Bills
4. I Need More And More
5. Love Me To Death

Side 2:
1. That’s The Way Love Is
2. Um Huh My Baby
3. Please Your Man
4. Pollution
5. Violent Love