“Encouraging Words” by BILLY PRESTON (October 2010 Apple 'Expanded Edition' CD Remaster In Card Repro Artwork) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"…Learn To Live The Golden Rule…

...Don't Go Through Life Playing A Fool..."

"Encouraging Words" was the second and last album on Apple Records for long-time friend and sometimes-collaborator with The Beatles - American keyboardist and Soul Singer BILLY PRESTON. And along with his excellent debut LP from the year before (1969's "That's The Way God Planned It") - “Encouraging Words” is not just one of the Apple labels better offerings - it's a criminally forgotten Seventies Soul gem and arguably the best album of Preston’s long career. Here are the promising details…

UK released 25 October 2010 - "Encouraging Words" by BILLY PRESTON on Apple 5099990823923 (Barcode the same) is an 'Expanded Edition' CD Remaster with Three Bonus Tracks (One Previously Unreleased) that breaks down as follows (54:44 minutes):

1. Right Now

2. Little Girl

3. Use What You Got

4. My Sweet Lord

5. Let The Music Play

6. The Same Thing Again

7. I’ve Got A Feeling

8. Sing One For The Lord

9. When You Are Mine

10. I Don’t Want You To Pretend

11. Encouraging Words

12. All Things (Must) Pass

13. You’ve Been Acting Strange

Tracks 1 to 13 are the LP "Encouraging Words" released September 1970 in the UK on Apple SAPCOR 14 (Stereo only) and on Apple ST-3370 in the USA.

BONUS TRACKS:

14. As Long As I Got My Baby

15. All That I Got (I'm Gonna Give It To You)

Tracks 14 and 15 first released on the 1993 CD reissue."As Long As I Got My Baby" (a Billy Preston song) was intended to be the B-side of Preston's version of "My Sweet Lord" on Apple 29 (scheduled for September 1970 release in the UK) - but was withdrawn. “All That I Got (I'm Gonna Give It To You)" was co-produced with GEORGE HARRISON and released as a 7" single on 30 January 1970 in the UK on Apple 21 (a co-write between Preston and Doris Troy). It's B-side "As I Get Older" is on the "That's The Way God Planned It" CD reissue as a bonus (track 14) - both songs were non-album at the time of release.

16. How Long Has the Train Been Gone.

Track 16 is Previously Unreleased and new to this 2010 CD reissue (a co-write with Bruce Fisher). The song was recorded in January 1970 and then later re-recorded for Preston's 1973 album on A&M Records - "Everybody Loves Some Kind Of Music" (he would also re-record "When You Were Mine" for his 1976 A&M album "Billy Preston").

BOOKLET/PACKAGING:

Noted writer and music lover ANDY DAVIS does the new liner notes for the disappointingly weedy 12-page booklet (EMI pushes the boat out again people). But with what little text he has been afforded, Davis does at least fill it with properly informative details - and it's peppered with some very tasty full-page colour photos of Preston from the time. No UK singles were issued around the record (possibly why it disappeared so quick), but there is a full-page reproduction of an advert for the American single of "My Sweet Lord" on Apple 1826 (it also names Radio Stations supporting the song).

PLAYERS:

The cast is impressive (if not a little vague) - GEORGE HARRISON co-produced the entire album with Preston, ERIC CLAPTON played guitar on 3 tracks - "Right Now", "Use What You Got" and "Encouraging Words". RINGO STARR and KLAUS VOORMAN are said to be on Drums and Bass respectively, while DELANEY BRAMLETT also plays guitar on "Encouraging Words" with Eric. The Rhythm Section for THE TEMPTATIONS are on there (Bass, Guitarist, Drums) while members of SAM and DAVE'S band played Drums and Bass too. Both MADELINE BELL and DORIS TROY provided beautiful soulful backing vocals (Doris Troy's lone album on Apple "Doris Troy" was released the week earlier - 4 September 1970) while the EDWIN HAWKINS SINGERS are on "My Sweet Lord" and "Sing One For The Lord".

CONTENT:

Six of the 13 are Billy Preston originals with "My Sweet Lord" and "All Things (Must) Pass" being George Harrison compositions. "Let The Music Play", "The Same Thing Again" and "Sing One For The Lord" are co-writes with Jesse Kirkland, James Herndon and George Harrison respectively. Which leaves two cover versions - The Beatles' "I've Got A Feeling" and "You've Been Acting Strange" by Ronnie Lee Williams (also covered by Merry Clayton on her 1970 "Gimme Shelter" album). Unlike some of the other Apple issues, there are no extra tracks via download. But the really big news is the SOUND...

SOUND:

The same team that handled the much-praised 09/09/09 Beatles remasters have done this - GUY MASSEY, STEVE ROOKES, PHIL HICKS and SIMON GIBSON. I always thought the initial 1993 reissue was dull-as-dishwater soundwise - well not so now because the audio quality here is BEAUTIFUL - a massive improvement. It also makes you reassess a lot of the songs and appreciate more Harrison's excellent production contributions.

"Right On" is a superb opener and sets the tone for the overall funky feel of the album (surely it would have been a hit single). "When You Are Mine" is a sweetheart too as is "Use What You Got" (with great wah-wah guitar from Clapton). Very cool stuff. Conversely - the two most famous 'early versions' of Harrison classics "My Sweet Lord" and "All Things (Must) Pass" are the ones that work the least well for me. Not so the stunning blues-soul of "The Same Thing Again" co-written with the noted Gospel singer James Herndon - it's a monster. It had customers coming to the counter in our shop wanting to know which 'Ray Charles' tune we were playing (praise indeed).

"Encouraging Words" is a brilliantly brassy dancer with a message for the 'kids' to be kind, stay in school and don't get suckered (lyrics above). It really is so good. The brass, the great production and the remaster combine to fill your room with superlative soul-funk. But for me the absolute dog's undercarriage is the fabulous Beatles-meets-Gospel "Sing One For The Lord" - Preston's huge organ playing combines with the choir feel of the backing vocals, George's meaty guitar riff and a lingering Sitar-sounding instrument called the Indian Tamboura which floats over the whole thing - it's a stunning cross-pollination of cultures and music and as close to post-Beatles magic as you can get.

Although a little hissy - the new song "How Long Has The Train Been Gone" is a slow soulful gem - it's fantastic - I can't believe its been lingering in vaults all these years. And like the new bonus track "Something's Got To Change" on the "That's The Way God Planned It" CD reissue (see separate review) - it's that rarest thing, a genuine must-have bonus track.

Niggles - the gatefold card sleeve is nice to look at for sure, but the booklet and overall packaging feel lightweight (what EMI could get away with). The CD should have one of those gauze inner bags to protect it - a problem that no record company seems to want to acknowledge (scuffing and damage). They're minor points I know, but worth making...

To sum up - I've loved rehearing this forgotten peach of an album in this hugely improved sound quality - Seventies Soul lovers 'need' to discover this great record. I'm also reminded of crying uncontrollably when I saw Billy Preston play "Isn't It A Pity" live with Eric Clapton and that fantastic band at the "Concert For George" in The Royal Albert Hall in 2002 - magical. Too many losses man...remember them and him this way…

PS: see also my reviews for other releases in this October 2010 series:

"That's The Way God Planned It" (1969) by Billy Preston, "Doris Troy" (1970), "James Taylor" (1968), "Is This What You Want?" (1969) by Jackie Lomax, "Magic Christian Music" (1969), "No Dice" (1970), "Straight Up" (1972) and "Ass" (1973) by Badfinger

"That's The Way God Planned It" by BILLY PRESTON (October 2010 UK Apple 'Expanded Edition' CD Reissue and Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"…Don't Put Off Tomorrow…What You Can Do Today…"

Having played on the "Let It Be" album, become the only other named artist on a Beatles 7" single ("Get Back") and done the rooftop concert with The Fabs - Billy Preston’s signing to their Apple Records label was something of a foregone conclusion. But what pleases now in 2015 (all those decades later) is that his two albums on their corporate record company were both underrated corkers - right up their with the majors offerings of the time (and featured a host of big league guests and songs associated with the Beatles Solo catalogue).

Monday 25 October 2010 saw 14 of the Apple Label albums remastered and reissued alongside "Come And Get It" - a first-time-ever label Best Of compilation. This reissue for Preston’s debut on Apple is one of them. "That's The Way God Planned It" was the first of two outings for long-time friend and sometimes collaborator with The Beatles - American keyboardist and Soul Singer Billy Preston. And along with its superb 1970 follow up LP "Encouraging Words" - it's one of the labels better offerings. Here are the Heavenly details…

UK released 25 October 2010 - "That's The Way God Planned It" by BILLY PRESTON on Apple/EMI 5099990824128 (Barcode 5099990824128) is an 'Expanded Edition' CD Remaster with Four Bonus Tracks and plays out as follows (53:52 minutes):

1. Do What You Want [Side 1]

2. I Want To Thank You

3. Everything's Alright

4. She Belongs To Me

5. It Doesn't Matter

6. Morning Star

7. Hey Brother [Side 2]

8. What About You

9. Let Us Get Together Right Now

10. This Is It

11. Keep It To Yourself

12. That's The Way God Planned It (Parts 1 & 2)

Tracks 1 to 12 are the LP "That's The Way God Planned It" released 22 August 1969 in the UK on Apple SAPCOR 9 (Stereo only) and on Apple/Capitol ST-3359 in the USA.

BONUS TRACKS:

13. Through All Times

14. As I Get Older

15. That’s The Way God Planned It (Alternate Version)

16. Something’s Got To Change [Previously Unreleased]

Tracks 13 to 15 are the 3 bonus tracks given with the 1991 reissue. The writer of "Through All Times" is unknown, "As I Get Older" is an instrumental co-written with Sylvester Sly Stone Stewart and produced by Ray Charles - while Eric Clapton plays guitar on the Alternate Version of the “That’s The Way God Planned It”. Track 16 is a new bonus track for this 2010 issue - the previously unreleased fully formed song - a cover of “Something's Got To Change” by Johnny Johnson and The Bandwagon

Two UK singles came off the album with one non-album 7" that followed: 

1. "That's The Way God Planned It" b/w "What About You"

(Released 25 June 1969 in the UK on Apple APPLE 12 - it reached number 11 in July 1969 on the UK pop charts)

2. "Everything's All Right" b/w "I Want To Thank You"

(Released 17 October 1969 in the UK on Apple APPLE 19)

3. "All That I Got (I'm Gonna Give It To You)" b/w "As I Get Older"

(Released 30 January 1970 in the UK on Apple APPLE 21 - the A-side is on the "Encouraging Words" reissue as a bonus (Track 15), the B-side is Track 14 on here; both songs were non-album at the time of release)

BOOKLET/PACKAGING:

Noted writer and music lover ANDY DAVIS does the new liner notes for the disappointingly weedy 12-page booklet (EMI pushes the boat out again people). But with what little text he has been afforded, Davis does at least fill it with properly informative details - and it's peppered with some very tasty colour photos of Harrison and Preston in the studio. Derek Taylor's original LP sleeve notes are taken off the back cover artwork and placed inside the inner gatefold of the card - the collage of 6 black and white photos on the rear sleeve stay on the back.

PLAYERS:

The cast of musicians involved is impressive - KEITH RICHARDS on Bass, GINGER BAKER on Drums, ERIC CLAPTON and GEORGE HARRISON on Guitars with both MADELINE BELL and DORIS TROY providing beautiful soulful backing vocals (Doris Troy was in fact signed to the label on the strength of her work here). George Harrison handled all Producing except "Hey Brother" and Keep It To Yourself", which along with the B-side "Through All Times" were done by Wayne Schuler.

CONTENT:

Six of the 12 are Billy Preston originals with "Hey Brother" (a derivative of "Hey Joe") being co-written with Jesse Kirkland. Three others are co-writes too, this time with soon-to-be label mate Doris Troy - "Everything's All Right", "This Is It" and "Let Us All Get Together Right Now". Which leaves two cover versions - Bob Dylan's "She Belongs To Me" and "Morning Star" by American Blues founder father W.C. Handy. Unlike some of the other Apple issues, there are no extra tracks via download. But the really big news is the sound...

SOUND:

The same team that handled the much-praised 09/09/09 Beatles remasters has done this - GUY MASSEY, STEVE ROOKES, PHIL HICKS and SIMON GIBSON. I always though the initial 1991 reissue was dull-as-dishwater soundwise - well not so now because the audio quality here is BEAUTIFUL - a massive improvement. The kick off the drums and vocals is fantastic - the piano intro on "Let Us All Get Together Right Now" is stunning (lyrics above). It makes you reassess a lot of the songs and appreciate more Harrison's excellent production contributions.

Highlights for me include the wonderfully uptempo "I Want To Thank You" which feels like it stepped right out of a 1968 Northern Soul session - and the almost Aretha Franklin gospel vibe of "Let's Us All Get Together Right Now". The irresistible dancer beat and cautionary lyrics about keeping your trap shut when it comes to matters of love in "Keep It To Yourself" are so Motown - great stuff. But the best is kept until last. While the initial 3 bonus tracks are ok - not so the newly found "Something's Got To Change" - it's shockingly good. The closest approximation would be "I Want To Thank You" - the new song is a brass-laden dancer with male backing vocals - and it's that rarest of things, a genuine must-have bonus track.

Niggles - the gatefold card sleeve is nice to look at for sure, but the booklet and overall packaging feel lightweight (what EMI could get away with). The CD should have one of those gauze inner bags to protect it - a problem that no record company that issues these card sleeves seems to want to acknowledge (scuffing and damage). And like so many of the LPs on this erratic vanity label - it's a good record rather than a great one.

To sum up - fans will love it, while skeptics may have to rethink this underrated LP and artist. Recommended - especially given the massive improvement in sound quality and that great bonus track…

“Thin Lizzy” by THIN LIZZY - 1971 UK Debut LP (2010 Decca 'Expanded Edition' CD Remaster with 9 Bonus Tracks) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"…Look What The Wind Just Blew In…"

This new 18 October 2010 CD on Decca 984 447-7 (Barcode 602498444771) remasters Thin Lizzy's debut album for Decca/London Records in 1971 and adds on a further 9 bonus tracks (it was initially slated for a 25 February 2008 release, but cancelled). 

Here's a detailed breakdown for the Expanded CD Remaster of "Thin Lizzy" by THIN LIZZY (71:40 minutes):

1. The Friendly Ranger At Clontarf Castle

2. Honesty Is No Excuse

3. Diddy Levine 

4. Ray-Gun

5. Look What The Wind Blew In

6. Eire [Side 2]

7. Return Of The Farmer’s Son

8. Clifton Grange Hotel 

9. Saga Of The Ageing Orphan 

10. Remembering

Tracks 1 to 10 are the debut album “Thin Lizzy” issued on 30 April 1971 in the UK on Decca SKL 5082 (London PS 594 in the USA). 

The album was well received - especially by Britain’s influential RADIO 1 DJ David "Kid" Jensen, who championed the band and their platter as much as he could. In 1973 Kid Jensen put substance to his love of the band by turning up as the vocalist in the story song “The Hero & The Madman” on “Vagabonds Of The Western World”. The style of Lizzy’s debut was a mixture of Rock, Folk and even some Jazzy and Progressive elements. It highlighted Lynnot’s great voice and lyrics and Eric Bell’s superbly diverse guitar playing. The catchy riff of “Look What The Wind Blew In” (lyrics above) would have made a good lead off single, but no 7” ever came off the album. Standing alone it makes for a warm listen, but it’s the bonuses on this issue that make it an all together most tasty beast.

BONUS TRACKS:

Track 11 is “The Farmer”, the A-side of Lizzy’s legendary debut single on Parlophone Records DIP 513. Issued in IRELAND-ONLY, it was mistakenly credited to THIN LIZZIE and released on the last day of July 1970. Its first CD appearance came on the superb “Vagabonds Kings Warriors Angels” 4CD Box Set from 2001. As the band was an unknown, its release in that summer of 1970 went completely unnoticed and legend has it that it shifted less than 100 copies. A genuine rarity, the definitive authority that is the Record Collector Rare Record Price Guide of 2012 lists it at £1000, but try finding one! Its inclusion here in upgraded sound quality is a genuine bonus to fans (it wasn’t on the original 1991 re-issue CD). As to the song itself, it’s not a great track by any stretch of the imagination - it’s also the only song in their cannon to feature the original keyboardist Eric Wrixon. Unfortunately, its equally rare and unheard B-side, “I Need You”, ISN’T represented on this new reissue (no explanation) - a very real shame that.

12. Dublin

13. Remembering Part II (New Day)

14. Old Moon Madness

15. Things Ain’t Working Out Down at The Farm

Tracks 12 to 15 make up what’s known as the “NEW DAY” EP. Recorded across 3 days in July 1971, the non-album 4-track Extended Play was released in Britain after the album on 20 August 1971 as Decca F 13208. Most copies came in a Decca Label Bag, but rare ones carried a beautiful gatefold picture sleeve (very rare and again very expensive – £300+ - I’ve only ever seen one in my life). It was also a MAXI PLAY EP, in other words it spun at LP speed of 33 1/3.  Its four tracks were laid out as follows: 

Side A: 1. Dublin 2. Remembering Part II (New Day) 

Side B: 1. Old Moon Madness 2. Things Ain’t Working Out Down at The Farm

Their first outing on compact disc came on the 1991 reissue of the album as its only bonus tracks, and in the relatively early days of CD issues, the sound quality was good, but not great. In 2000 two of the tracks turned up on the “Classic – The Universal Masters Collection” set in hugely improved sound quality. This October 2010 issue is the first time ALL FOUR TRACKS are presented in the one place in truly exceptional remastered sound quality.  Eric Bell’s guitar work on “Remembering Part II (New Day”) is just great and makes this extended release makes for a much more rocking listening experience. 

16. Look What The Wind Blew In

17. Honesty is No Excuse 

18. Dublin 

19. Things Ain’t Working out Down At The Farm 

Tracks 16 to 19 are 'December 1977' remixes and re-workings – they first turned up on the 1979 UK Decca compilation album “The Continuing Saga Of The Ageing Orphans” and have never been on CD before. They contain guitar and keyboard ‘extra’ contributions from Midge Ure (of Ultravox) and Gary Moore. However, in order to sequence that 1979 compilation from CD you’ll need 3 CD remasters - “Thin Lizzy”, “Shade Of A Blue Orphanage” and the DE edition of “Vagabonds Of The Western World” (see my review). 

BOOKLET:

The newly upgraded 16-page booklet is peppered with black and whites photos of the boys looking confident and chipper and a very cool and rare poster naming them as the support act to the FACES on the 8th of October 1971 in the Royal Ballroom at Boscombe in Bournemouth. The knowledgeable and detailed liner notes by MARK POWELL go into the band’s history as Orphanage, Phil’s stint with Ireland’s Skid Row, their debut single on Parlophone in Ireland and their eventual signing to Decca in the UK. It’s very well written and its all been run by Philomena - Phil's mum.

SOUND:

As with "Shades Of A Blue Orphanage" and the 2CD Deluxe Edition of "Vagabonds Of The Western World", PASCHAL BYRNE has remastered this 2010 CD with hugely improved results. I've raved about his work before (see my reviews for "Ain't No Saint" the 4CD John Martyn box set and "Blues From Laurel Canyon" by John Mayall), and this set is no different. The first generation tapes have been used - not too brash - fantastic presence - each track a revelation. 

CONTENT:

Taking their name from a character in the 'Beano' comic book called "Tin Lizzie", the band were still a three-piece at this point - PHILIP LYNOTT on Vocals and Bass, ERIC BELL on Guitars and Keyboards with BRIAN DOWNEY on Drums. The famous dual guitar blasts of Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson are years away, so those expecting "Fighting" or "Jailbreak" should really look further ahead. 

SCOTT ENGLISH produced the stage-rehearsed 10 songs in 5 days in January 1971 – and the result was a great debut rather than just a starting point. Rockers like “Look What The Wind Blew In” and the Hendrix-influenced “Ray-Gun” sat comfortably alongside more folky offerings like “Honesty Is No Excuse” and the early Horslips folk-rock vibe of “The Friendly Ranger Of Clontarf Castle” (I come from Clontarf in Dublin). The bass and plucked guitar of “Clifton Grange Hotel” is fantastically clear and the hiss that seemed to inflict previous versions of “Saga Of The Ageing Orphan” is largely gone.  The “New Day” EP sounds far better too over the 1991 CD issue. And I love the rocking guitar work put in by Midge Ure on the 1977 modernised remix of “Things Ain’t Working Out Down At The Farm”.  Very nice indeed…

To sum up – lovers of lesser-known Seventies rock sound invest in this - the remaster is fabulous, the bonus tracks genuinely good and I picked it up for less than a fiver. 

Recommended like the refreshing breeze on Dublin’s Dollymount Beach. 

PS: see also my reviews for the 2010 versions of "Shades Of A Blue Orphanage", the long-delayed 2CD Deluxe Edition of "Vagabonds Of The Western World" as well the Deluxe Editions of "Night Life", "Fighting", "Jailbreak", "Johnny The Fox", "Live And Dangerous" and the single disc reissue of "Bad Reputation" as well the compilation for the Eric Bell years "Classic Thin Lizzy: The Universal Masters Collection"…

"Shades Of A Blue Orphanage" by THIN LIZZY - March 1972 UK Second Studio Album on Decca Records featuring Thin Lizzy as a Trio - Philip Lynott, Eric Bell and Brian Downey (October 2010 UK Universal/Decca 'Expanded Edition' CD Remaster Of Their 2nd Album For Decca Records In 1972) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"…When We Were Kids…We Were Headed For…Number One"

This new 18 October 2010 CD on Decca 984 448-2 (Barcode 602498444825) Remasters "Shades Of A Blue Orphanage" - Thin Lizzy’s second album for Decca Records in 1972 - and in an 'Expanded Edition' CD adds on a further 9 bonus tracks (it was initially slated for a 25 February 2008 release but cancelled). Here’s a detailed breakdown (77:57 minutes):

1. The Rise And Dear Demise Of The Funky Nomadic Tribes

2. Buffalo Gal

3. I Don’t Want To Forget How To Jive

4. Sarah

5. Brought Down

6. Baby Face

7. Chatting Today

8. Call The Police

9. Shades Of A Blue Orphanage
Tracks 1 to 9 are the album “Shades Of A Blue Orphanage” issued 10 March 1972 in the UK on Decca TXS 108 (original UK copies had a fetching gatefold sleeve - 'no' corresponding US release on London Records).

BONUS TRACKS: 
Tracks 10 and 11 are “Whisky In The Jar” and “Black Boys On The Corner”, the A & B-sides of their second UK 7” single released 3 November 1972 on Decca F 13355. “Whisky In The Jar” (spelt with an ‘e’ only on American issues) was the real starting point for Thin Lizzy’s global success. “Whisky” is a traditional Irish air dating back as far as 1729 and was originally only meant to be a jokey B-side dashed off in the studio to accompany “Black Boys On The Corner” on the A (far more representative of their rocking sound). But British DJ’s flipped the single and “Whisky” became the hit. It finally charted January 1973 and eventually rose to number 6.
[Note: the version used here is commonly known as the ‘Full Single Version’ at 5:44 minutes. However a 7” ‘edit’ of the track was quickly pressed up for BBC Radio play and the US 7” single on London - this ‘edit’ version at 3:44 minutes is elsewhere - on the 2CD Deluxe Edition of “Vagabonds Of The Western World”]

Tracks 12, 13 and 14 are “Buffalo Gal”, “Sarah” and “Brought Down”
The version of “Sarah” presented here turned up on the 2003 CD compilation “Rockers’, but still some further explanation of these ‘first appearance on CD’ 1977 remixes is needed. The last compilation album touching on the 1971-1974 period of Thin Lizzy was called “The Continuing Saga Of The Ageing Orphans” released in the UK in March 1978 on Decca SKL 5298. Of it’s 11 tracks, 3 were untouched cuts off the “Vagabonds Of The Western World” album – “Mama Nature Said”, “The Hero And The Madman” and “Vagabond Of The Western World”. But the other 8 tracks were December 1977 remixes and remakes of old Decca material where Lynott, Gary Moore and Midge Ure of Ultravox redid them in the studio. All 8 have been spread across the 3 x 2010 reissues – so the purchase of the Deluxe Edition of “Vagabonds” AND the '2010’ extended editions of “Thin Lizzy” and “Shades Of A Blue Orphanage” will finally allow fans to acquire these ‘missing’ remakes and sequence that entire compilation album.

Tracks 15 to 18 are “Suicide”, “Black Boys On The Corner”, “Saga Of The Ageing Orphans” and “Whisky In The Jar”. They are all previously unreleased and were recorded for the “BBC Radio 1 John Peel Session” on 14 November 1972.

BOOKLET:
The newly upgraded 16-page booklet uses an outtake photo of the shot that adorned the back and inner album cover, the three boys wandering through a wintry St. Stephen’s Green Park in central Dublin on the 10th of January 1972. There are several period photos of the young band, the words to “Shades Of A Blue Orphanage” are reproduced as per the original album artwork (lyrics above) and there’s even a Promotional 1-page Blurb from Decca too. Don’t know if I like the “Digitally Remastered” logo pasted into the front cover of the booklet where you can’t remove it – but it’s a minor niggle. The knowledgeable liner notes by MARK POWELL are superb and it’s all been run by Philomena – Phil’s mum.

SOUND:
As with "Thin Lizzy" and the Deluxe Edition of "Vagabonds Of The Western World", this 2010 CD has been remastered with great results by PASCHAL BYRNE. I've raved about his work before (see my reviews for "Ain't No Saint" the 4CD John Martyn box set and "Blues From Laurel Canyon" by John Mayall), and this set is no different. The first generation tapes have been used - not too brash - fantastic presence - each track a revelation.

CONTENT:
The Lizzies were still a three-piece at this point - PHILIP LYNOTT on Vocals and Bass, ERIC BELL on Guitars and Keyboards with BRIAN DOWNEY on Drums. The famous dual guitar blasts of Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson are years away, so those expecting “Fighting” or “Jailbreak” should really look further ahead.

With Lynott’s melody capabilities expanding fast, the album was a strange mix of styles - sensitive singer-songwriter on “Brought Down” to out-and-out rocker on “Baby Face” and “Call The Police” - and even Salsa Dancer Man on “Chatting Today”. Other highlights include the opening drums and guitar of “The Rise And Dear Demise…” where the band sounds not unlike a demented Blodwyn Pig at first and then suddenly morphs into a funky AWB – great stuff and it has huge sound. The lovely “Buffalo Gal” (used as a B-side to “Little Darling” in 1974) is a sweetheart of a tune and sounds superb here. You couldn’t say the same of the short but awful “I Don’t Want To Forget About The Jive” - its mock rock ‘n’ roll construction just doesn’t work.
“Sarah” is another very pretty ballad featuring beautiful piano accompaniment by CLODAGH SIMONDS of Irish Folk-Rock act Mellow Candle. It’s known as 'Version 1' because he revisited the track title on the “Black Rose” album in 1979 and had a hit with it. Simonds also adds Harpsichord and Mellotron to the seven-minute big album finisher “Shades Of A Blue Orphanage”.

The extras are fantastic. To hear “Black Boys On The Corner” after nearly 4 decades sound this punchy and ballsy is a genuine blast for me – I’ve always loved this stunning non-album cut. The early version of “Suicide” (it would eventually turn up on 1975’s “Fighting”) features stunning slide guitar work from Bell – a great different take on the tune. It’s followed by a cool live version of “Black Boys…” that’s as powerful as the studio version. A very well produced “Saga Of The Ageing Orphan” (from the first album) is surprisingly pretty – deft touches everywhere. But while Eric Bell is almost note-for-note perfect in the live rendition of “Whisky”, Phil unfortunately sounds like he’s lost his voice. Still, it’s great to have these precious gems after all those years languishing in Auntie’s dusty knickers…

To sum up – the album may not appeal to everybody for sure, but the remaster is fabulous, the bonus tracks genuinely good and I picked it up for less than a fiver.

Recommended lke a good pint of Guinness that's been given time to settle.

PS: see also my reviews for the 2010 versions of "Thin Lizzy" and the long-delayed 2CD Deluxe Edition of "Vagabonds Of The Western World". See also my November and December 2023 reviews for 'two' Vinyl sets (2LPs Purple - 4LP Box set) and one 3CD/BLU RAY Deluxe Set of "Vagabonds Of The Western World" for its '50th Anniversary'...

“Vagabonds Of The Western World” by THIN LIZZY. A Review Of The Long-Delayed 2010 2CD DELUXE EDITION Of Their 3rd Album From 1973.

This review is 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

 "… Ooh! I’d Do Anything For You…'Cause You’re A Rocker…"

To my knowledge this troubled “DELUXE EDITION” (Decca 984 194-9) has had no less than 7 release dates - May, July and November of 2007 were first cited, then January, February and April of 2008 - and now it finally arrives Monday 18 October 2010 without the tiniest bit of fanfare. It has a 2007 Copyright date on the rear so it’s effectively been delayed three and a half years. But has it been worth the wait – yes absolutely. But to the considerable details first…

DISC 1 - Decca 984 195-0 (77:52 minutes):
Tracks 1 to 8 are their 3rd album “Vagabonds Of The Western World” released 21 September 1973 in the UK on Decca SKL 5170.
(It was released as London XPS 636 in the USA, but contained a very-slightly edited version of “Little Girl In Bloom”; it’s the full UK version that is used here)

Tracks 9 and 10 are their 2nd UK 7” single from May 1973, “Randolph’s Tango” and “Broken Dreams”. Both tracks on Decca F 13402 were non-album at the time.
(Note: the version of “Randolph’s Tango” that is used here is known as the ‘Full Version’ at 3:49 minutes - the promo-only 7” edit at 2:25 minutes is Track 17)

Tracks 11 and 12 are their 3rd UK 7” single and the first to feature a track off the album. “The Rocker” was issued as a 7” single in the UK in November 1973 on Decca F 13467 and is an edited version (2:41 as opposed to the album’s 5:12 minutes). It was backed with another non-album Phil Lynott track, the jaunty “Here I Go Again”.

Track 13, “Cruising In The Lizzymobile” is non-album also. It’s correct title is “A Ride In The Lizzy Mobile” and is a genuine Thin Lizzy vinyl rarity as it was only ever issued on the B-side of the 7” GERMAN release of “The Rocker”. Its CD debut first came on the “Vagabonds Kings Warriors Angels ” 4CD box set in 2001. Its rare picture sleeve is reproduced in the booklet.

Tracks 14 and 15 are from the GARY MOORE period of Thin Lizzy. “Little Darling” (featuring superb brass arrangements by Fiachra French) was originally issued 11 April 1974 in the UK as a 7” SINGLE-ONLY release on Decca F 13574 (it’s B-side “Buffalo Girl” is on the 2010 remaster of “Shades Of A Blue Orphanage”). “Sitamoia” first turned up in August 1976 as an exclusive track on the compilation LP “Remembering Part 1” on Decca SKL 5249 and was also later issued on a UK 3-track 7” EP in January 1978 on Decca F 13748.

Track 16 is the ‘December 1977 Overdubbed & Remixed Version’ of “Slow Blues” which features Gary Moore on Guitar and Keyboards (it’s released for the first time on CD here).

Tracks 17 and 18 are the UK ‘Radio Promotional Edited Versions’ of “Randolph’s Tango” (2:25 minutes) and “Whisky In The Jar” (3:43 minutes)
[Note: “Whisky In The Jar” and its non-album B-side “Black Boys On The Corner” are on the 2010 CD remaster of “Shades Of A Blue Orphanage”].

DISC 2 - Decca 984 195-1 (64:02 minutes):
Tracks 1 to 5 are a “BBC Radio 1 In Concert” (recorded live 26 July 1973 at the Golders Green Hippodrome in London)

Tracks 6 and 7 are a “BBC Radio 1 John Peel Session” (recorded 31 July 1973)

Track 8 is a “BBC Radio 1 Rock On Session” (recorded 26 February 1974)

Tracks 9 to 12 are a “BBC Radio Bob Harris Session” (recorded 6 March 1974)

Track 13 is a “BBC Radio 1 John Peel Session” (recorded 4 April 1974)

[Notes: tracks 5 and 12, “Suicide” and “Showdown” feature Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson]

PACKAGING:
There isn’t a plastic wrap like previous Deluxe Editions, instead there’s a similar-looking ‘Deluxe Edition’ paper band running around the entire double digipak at the bottom and you have to cut it from sealed to open the side. Both inner flaps contain the lyrics and black & white session photos that were on either side of the rare insert that came with original UK LPs. The “Legend Of The Vagabond” story on the rear cover of the album artwork is reproduced too and the 16-page booklet has a detailed assessment of the album and the band’s history to that point by compiler and noted writer MARK POWELL. The power trio of Phil Lynott, Eric Bell and Brian Downey are also pictured.

The iconic and especially commissioned artwork of Dublin artist Jim Fitzpatrick (a theme followed through to Jailbreak, Johnny The Fox and Black Rose) is fully displayed. Fitzpatrick’s artwork was steeped in romantic Gaelic folklore and he was kind of Ireland’s answer to England’s Roger Dean (Yes, Badger, Greenslade album sleeves). Fitzpatrick and Lynott were lifetime friends and he produced over 250 pieces of art for Lizzy and Phil.

SOUND:
The original 1991 CD reissue has been sounding decidedly dated for decades, the 2001 box set versions were an improvement, but these 2007 polish-ups are subtly wonderful. I’ve raved about PASCHAL BYRNE’S work before (see my reviews for “Ain’t No Saint” the 4CD John Martyn box set and “Blues From Laurel Canyon” by John Mayall), and this set is no different. The first generation tapes have been remastered – not too brash – fantastic presence – each track a revelation. As a rabid fan of this album since a spotty teenager in Dublin, to hear these tracks punch above the belt like this is a genuine thrill. As the blistering slide guitar work of Eric Bell opens “Mama Nature Said”, you can at last hear the organ work of JAN SCHELHAAS in the background (ex Gary Moore band, later with Caravan & Camel) and the clarity of Downey’s drumming on “Gonna Creep Up On You” is awesome. The rather silly Kid Jensen talking track “The Hero & The Madmen” is probably best left alone (whether it sounds good or not), but Eric Bell’s truly fantastic guitar work on the full version of “The Rocker” still astonishes (lyrics above).

CONTENT:
The previously unreleased remake of “Slow Blues” is OK, but you can’t help but feel that something already good should have been left well enough alone. The single edits and very cool non-album B-sides are a huge bonus and the sound quality is ace throughout. But what I wasn’t prepared for was the quality of the live stuff on Disc 2. Powell’s liner notes describe the July 1973 Hippodrome set as ‘blistering’ and he’s not joking – absolutely on fire, Eric Bell comes out doing an almost note for note version of “The Rocker” that is stunning. And it’s also great to hear live versions of “Sitamoia” and “Little Darling” at last sounding so alive. Speaking of which - although it doesn’t say in the liner notes, I’d swear the incredible guitar work between tracks 9 and 13 (especially on the unbelievably good “Black Boys On The Corner”) - is Gary Moore.

To sum up – die-hard fans may have a lot of it already, but the improved sound will be a big draw. The 8-track album by itself may not tempt many newcomers, but for me the huge amount of truly excellent bonus material make it another 2010 'Reissue Of The Year'.

God bless you Phillip Paris Lynott wherever you may be – and what a band.


PS: The last compilation album touching on the 1971-1974 period of Thin Lizzy was called "The Continuing Saga Of The Ageing Orphans" released in the UK in 1979 on Decca SKL 5298. Of it's 11 tracks, 3 were untouched cuts off the "Vagabonds Of The Western World" album - "Mama Nature Said", "The Hero And The Madman" and "Vagabond Of The Western World". But the other 8 tracks were December 1977 remixes and remakes of old Decca material. They contained guitar and keyboard contributions from Gary Moore and Midge Ure. The purchase of this Deluxe Edition of "Vagabonds..." AND the '2010' extended editions of their debut "Thin Lizzy" and their 2nd album "Shades Of A Blue Orphanage" will finally allow fans to acquire the missing 8 tracks and along with the 3 from "Vagabonds..." sequence the entire album. See also my separate reviews for "Thin Lizzy" and "Shades Of A Blue Orphanage".

"The Continuing Saga Of The Ageing Orphans"
Compiling The 1979 Decca LP From The 3 x 2010 Thin Lizzy CD Remasters.

Side 1:
1. Things Ain't Working Out Down On The Farm (Track 19, "Thin Lizzy" 2010)
2. Buffalo Gal (Track 12, "Shades Of A Blue Orphange" 2010)
3. Sarah (Track 13, "Shades Of A Blue Orphanage" 2010)
4. Honesty Is No Excuse (Track 17, "Thin Lizzy" 2010)
5. Look What The Wind Blew In (Track 16, "Thin Lizzy" 2010)
6. Mama Nature Said (Track 1 - Disc 1, "Vagabonds Of The Western World" 2010 2CD Deluxe Edition)
[Note: 1 to 5 are all 1977 remixes and reworkings - 1 features MIDGE URE of Ultravox on Guitar]

Side 2:
1. The Hero And The Madman (Track 2 - Disc 1, "Vagabonds Of The Western World" 2010 2CD Deluxe Edition)
2. Slow Blues (Track 16 - Disc 1, "Vagabonds Of The Western World" 2010 2CD Deluxe Edition)
3. Dublin (Track 18, "Thin Lizzy" 2010)
4. Brought Down (Track 14, "Shades Of A Blue Orphanage" 2010)
5. Vagabond Of The Western World (Track 5 - Disc 1, "Vagabonds Of The Western World" 2010 2CD Deluxe Edition)
[Note: 2, 3 and 4 are all remixes and reworkings - 2 features Gary Moore on Guitar and Keyboards and 3 features Midge Ure of Ultravox on Guitar]

“1967 – 1970” by THE BEATLES. A Review Of The 2010 2CD Reissue Of 1973’s Iconic “Blue” Album.

"…Mother Mary Comes To Me…Speaking Words Of Wisdom…"

Commonly known as the "Blue Album", the 2LP vinyl set "1967 - 1970" became an instant classic when it was first released in April 1973 (as did its "Red" counterpart "1962-1966"). When they were finally reissued onto the new CD format in 1993 however, they caused consternation because of their extortionate full price.

So is this newly remastered 2010 mid-priced 2CD reissue on EMI/Apple 5099990674723 any better - the answer is an emphatic 'yes'.

PACKAGING:
The first thing you notice is that the clunky double jewel-case of the 1993 reissue has been dumped for a three-way foldout card sleeve. The centre and right flaps picture the photograph on the inner gatefold of the original vinyl double album (St. Pancras Old Church in London, 27 July 1969, The Beatles with the public looking through the railings - it's the same photo on the "Red" album). It also houses the two CDs - CD1 has the full Apple label (14 tracks, 51:15 minutes) and the 2nd CD has the half Apple logo (14 tracks, 48:43 minutes). The vinyl set is yet to come, the Digital Download versions are available from 25 Oct 2010 and there's also an issue that lumps both the Blue & Red reissues together as one package in late November.

The left flap houses a new 32-page booklet. The lyrics are intact from the inner sleeves of the original album issue, there's new liner notes by BILL FLANAGAN the MTV Executive and author of "Evening's Empire" (a book on Rock in the Sixties) and there's plenty of superb colour photos from the period - it's impressively done. Downsides - some complained that the 09/09/09 card digipak sleeves for The Beatles reissues were easy to smudge once out of the shrinkwrap and worse - the inner flaps easy to tear as you removed the disc. I'm afraid these are the same. I suppose I would have been naïve of us to think that EMI would actually listen to the complaints of 2009 about packaging, but they haven't - the need for these issues to look the same as the preceding ones has overridden all considerations... Having said that, I still think they look great - substantial even...

PLAYING TIMES:
Unlike the "Red" issue which could easily have fitted onto 1CD (and even included bonus tracks), as you can see from the playing times provided above, it would not have been possible with this set. Anyway - EMI would of course argue that a single CD issue of this most `iconic' of double albums would fundamentally alter the aesthetic of the original release. At least this time, this 2CD reissue is at mid price, so we're not being charged for the privilege of separation.

TRACK CHOICES:
The compilation itself is basically the A-sides of all their UK 7" singles releases between 1967 and 1970 in chronological release date order with a few key album tracks thrown in for good measure. Eagle-eye fans would therefore note that up to and including "Get Back" - ALL Beatles UK 7" singles for that period were issued only in MONO ("The Ballad Of John & Yoko" was their 1st STEREO single in the UK). So the tracks on the album should reflect that - the MONO single mixes. But EMI did nothing of the sort. They're all in STEREO (there's 4 MONO on the "Red" set) and i would argue that accuracy's loss is the listener's gain, because the STEREO versions used here are awesome.

SOUND:
Although the compilation is copyrighted to 2010 (released Monday 18 Oct 2010 in the UK and 19 Oct 2010 in the USA), the liner notes don't try to hide that these are the 2009 remasters by the same team who did the much-praised Beatles catalogue of 09/09/09. The sound quality is fantastic - breathtaking clarity on instruments - the piano and guitars on "Lady Madonna", the jet screeching in at the opening of "Back In The U.S.S.R", the brass on "All You Need Is Love", Billy Preston's superb keyboard work on "Let It Be", the wonderfully loose live feel of "Don't Let Me Down" (best B-side ever?) - and so on.

CONTENT:
But what impresses most is the actual listen itself. Even now, it's truly shocking to hear just how accomplished The Beatles became during this ludicrously productive period.
And diversity of writers crept in too. There's the 3 Harrison gems "While My Guitar Gently Weeps", "Old Brown Shoe" and the magical "Something" while Ringo gets the witty "Octopus' Garden". Leaving the rest as Lennon-McCartney originals. And what an embarrassment of riches they are...

7" perfection comes twice - "Strawberry Fields Forever" b/w "Penny Lane" and arguably the greatest single ever released - "Hey Jude" b/w "Revolution" (melodious Paul on the A with rockin' blistering John on the B). Most bands would kill a close relative to get anywhere near this level of genius. And by the time you get to the ballads at the end of Disc 2 - "The Long And Winding Road" and "Across The Universe" - adjectives begin to fail you... Were The Beatles really 'this' good - the answer is yes - and always will be.

To sum up - the sound on these new reissues is fabulous; the packaging better than the 1993 versions and each is being sold at mid-price - available in most places for less than the price of a single new album. You can't help but think that millions of people globally will take one look at these beauties on a shelf somewhere and slap them straight into their shopping baskets. And rightly so...

I've loved re-hearing these classic Beatles songs in this beautiful sound quality - I really have - and despite some minor packaging quibbles - the 2010 version of the "Blue" album is wholeheartedly recommended.

See also my review for the "Red" album