"Elvis Is Back: Legacy Edition" by ELVIS PRESLEY (2011 RCA/Legacy 2CD Reissue and Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"…You Gave Me Love To Enjoy…Like A Bright Shiny Toy…"

Conscripted into the American Army in March 1958 and discharged two years later, Sergeant Presley was a mere 18 days back in the USA when RCA practically frog marched him into their Nashville Studios to cut some new material for a highly expectant public. So it's perhaps strange now in hindsight to think that 1960's "Elvis Is Back!" - his most beloved of studio albums - only went to Number 2 on release. But I can assure you that there is nothing second-place about this 50th Anniversary reissue. It's a gem. Here are the details...

Released 8 March 2011 in the USA (28 February in the UK) - "Elvis Is Back" by ELVIS PRESLEY on RCA/Legacy 88697 85300 2 (Barcode 886978530028) is a 2CD 'Legacy Edition' and contains 2 whole albums along with 12 x 7" single-sides (5 of which reached Number 1). Its 36 Stereo tracks break down as follows:

Disc 1 (50:43 minutes):

1. Make Me Know It

2. Fever

3. The Girl Of My Best Friend

4. I Will Be Home Again

5. Dirty, Dirty Feeling

6. Soldier Boy [Side 2]

7. Such A Night

8. It Feels So Right

9. Girl Next Door Went A’ Walking

10. Like A Baby

11. Reconsider Baby

Tracks 1 to 12 are the US LP "Elvis Is Back!" - released 8 April 1960 on RCA Victor LPM-2231 [Mono] and LPS-2231 [Stereo]

Tracks 13 and 14 are "Stuck On You" and "Fame And Fortune" - the A&B-sides of RCA Victor 47-7740 - released 23 March 1960

Tracks 15 and 16 are "It's Now Or Never" and "A Mess Of Blues" - the A&B sides of RCA Victor 47-7777 - released 5 July 1960

Tracks 17 and 18 are "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" and "I Gotta Know" - the A&B sides of RCA Victor 47-7810 - released 1 November 1960

Track 19 is "Surrender" - the A-side of RCA Victor 47-7850 - released 7 February 1961

Disc 2 (39:23 minutes):

1. There’s Always Me

2. Give Me The Right

3. It’s A Sin

4. Sentimental Me

5. Starting Today

6. Gently

7. I’m Comin’ Home [Side 2]

8. In Your Arms

9. Put The Blame On Me

10. Judy

11. I Want You With Me

12. I Slipped. I Stumbled, I Fell

Tracks 1 to 12 are the US LP "Something For Everybody" - released 17 June 1961 on RCA Victor LPM-2370 [Mono] and LSP-2370 [Stereo]

Track 13 is "I Feel So Bad" - the A-side of RCA Victor 47-7880 - released 2 May 1961

Tracks 14 and 15 are "(Marie's The Name) His Latest Flame" and "Little Sister" - the A&B-sides of RCA Victor 47-7908 - released 8 August 1961

Tracks 16 and 17 are "Good Luck Charm" and "Anything That's Part Of You" - the A&B sides of RCA Victor 47-7992 - released 27 February 1962

The really big news in 2011 is a new VIC ANESINI remaster with truly beautiful sound quality. Anesini is not new to Elvis reissues; he handled the 2CD 'Legacy Editions' of "Elvis Presley" and "From Elvis In Memphis" as well as the 4CD set "The Complete '68 Comeback Special" - with unanimous praise heaped on all three.

Musically - like Sam Cooke's "Night Beat" (1963 on RCA) and Roy Orbison's "Lonely And Blue" (1961 on Monument) - these Elvis Presley 'Living Stereo' recordings have long been the stuff of audiophile wet dreams. The previous reference point is the 2005 "Follow That Dream" 2CD reissue where the sound quality is superb  - and yet here - it is somehow elevated even further. The effect is instantaneous - Otis Blackwell's "Make Me Know It" is the album opener and every instrument is wonderfully clear and full of HUGE presence. That's followed by Presley's stripped-down version of the Little Willie John/Peggy Lee classic "Fever" - with razor sharp audio on Bob Moore's Double Bass and Buddy Harmon's Percussive shuffles and snare-drum whacks.

I love "It Feels So Good" with the sexy slink of Scotty Moore's guitar and the schmooze of Floyd Cramer's piano tinkling. It all leads up the big-duo finishers - "Like A Baby" (lyrics above) and "Reconsider Baby". In his musical and vocal element - Elvis lets rip on these stunning bluesy workouts. The effect has always removed the pain of the Vegas years for fans and will instantly stop any Presley sceptic within a ten-mile radius. And by the time you reach the saxophone of Boots Randolph half way through "Reconsider Baby" - the audio onslaught is just incredible. Never mind 'living stereo' - you'll think these guys are in your living room... 

The 2nd album is a bit of a forgotten gem too. Tracks 1 to 6 are "The Ballads Side" with 7 to 12 being "The Rhythm Side". Highlights include his chipper version of Charlie Rich's "I'm Coming Home" while "Put The Blame On Me" is great Sixties pop. And it all sounds wonderful. The singles too are embarrassingly strong - the sexy strut of the kissing song "Stuck On You" and the reworking of the Clovers hit "There's No Tomorrow" which would eventually became the huge Salsa hit "It's Now Or Never". Brilliant. 

The packaging is lovely to look at. A 3-way card digipak features the gorgeous "Elvis Is Back!" colour artwork on the front with the "Something For Everybody" full-colour sleeve on the inside flap. There are full-colour repros of the US pictures sleeves for "His Latest Flame" and "It's Now Or Never" (a contender for his best ever picture sleeve) featured beneath the see-through CD trays - while the 24-page booklet is crammed full of spot-on discography stuff by lifetime fan and keeper of the flame - ERNST MIKAEL JORGENSEN - a name Presley fans will be comfortable with (even if his wording is a little flowery here and there). There are the 'bonus' G.I. snapshots that came with original gatefold albums, snaps of Elvis with Frank Sinatra about to do the Timex TV Special, more US 7" picture sleeves, trade adverts, holding his Army discharge papers up etc. Jorgensen also rightly praises behind-the-scenes heroes like Producer STEVE SHOALS and RCA's perfectionist Studio-Engineer BOB PORTER and his Telefunken U-47 microphones. It's very nicely done...

Niggles - a look at the total playing time of each disc and RCA is not exactly pushing the digital boat out here. And when you reference the incredible 53 tracks of the 2005 "Follow That Dream" 2CD reissue - some may feel it would have been better to do 2 separate Legacy Editions - one for "Elvis Is Back!" and another for "Something For Everybody" - both featuring copious amounts of 'outtakes' and the elusive LPM MONO mixes of both albums. There are two B-sides missing when there was plenty of room to include them. But like the Legacy Edition of "Elvis Presley" (his explosive 1956 debut album), which is presented in a similar way - you could also argue that what you've actually got here is less fussy and more defined. It's a matter of personal opinion I suppose.

To sum up - "Elvis Is Back! Legacy Edition" is a timely reminder of his genius and a STEREO gem in his otherwise patchy Sixties catalogue. It boasts a fabulous new remaster, affectionate presentation by a man who cares and isn't going to break your bank balance either. I'd say snap it up and then proceed with haste to the MONO "Elvis Presley" to see what all the fuss is about (see separate review).

I'd better go now because I can feel a need to tame "...a team of wild horses..."

The King folks - remember him this way...

PS: For other Vic Anesini Remasters - see my reviews for "Be What You Want..." the 4CD Box Set by HALL & OATES, the Legacy Edition of "Couldn't Stand The Weather" by STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN and the Legacy Edition of "Tomorrow The Green Grass" by THE JAYHAWKS. He has also done the much-praised Columbia issues of Simon And Garfunkel's back catalogue and the already mentioned Roy Orbison album "Lonely And Blue"

"Elvis Presley (Legacy Edition)" by ELVIS PRESLEY. A Review Of The 2011 2CD Reissue.

"…Please Don’t Excite Me…"

Even the most ardent of Presley fans will look at this 'Legacy Edition' of his explosive debut album – and yawn – even grumble a little.
RCA is milking it again. They’d be right of course. But I’m reviewing "Elvis Presley (Legacy Edition)" because there are far too many plus points in its favour to have it ignored (especially the superlative new remastered sound). But let's get to the details first…

UK released Monday 26 September 2011 - RCA/Legacy 8869796183 2 contains 2 whole albums and the A&B-sides of 6 x 7" singles. Its 36 MONO tracks break down as follows:

Disc 1 (40:21 minutes):
1. Blue Suede Shoes
2. I'm Counting On You
3. I Got A Woman
4. One-Sided Love Affair
5. I Love You Because
6. Just Because
7. Tutti Frutti
8. Trying To Get To You
9. I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Cry (Over You)
10. I'll Never Let You Go (Little Darlin')
11. Blue Moon
12. Money Honey

13. Heartbreak Hotel
14. I Was The One
15. My Baby Left Me
16. Lawdy, Miss Clawdy
17. Shake, Rattle And Roll

Tracks 1 to 12 are his debut US LP "Elvis Presley" – released 23 March 1956 on RCA Victor LPM-1254 [Mono Only]
Tracks 13 and 14 are "Heartbreak Hotel" and "I Was The One" – the A&B-sides of RCA Victor 47-6420 released 27 January 1956
Track 15 is "My Baby Left Me" – the B-side of "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" (Track 13 on Disc 2) on RCA Victor 47-6540 released 4 May 1956
Tracks 16 and 17 are "Lawdy, Miss Clawdy" and "Shake, Rattle And Roll" – the A&B-sides of RCA Victor 47-6642 released 31 August 1956

Disc 2 (41:54 minutes):
1. Rip It Up
2. Love Me
3. When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again
4. Long Tall Sally
5. First In Line
6. Paralyzed
7. So Glad You're Mine
8. Old Shep
9. Ready Teddy
10. Anyplace Is Paradise
11. How's The World Treating You
12. How Do You Think I Feel

13. I Want You, I Need You, I Love You
14. Hound Dog
15. Don't Be Cruel
16. Any Way You Want Me (That's How I Will Be)
17. Too Much
18. Playing For Keeps
19. Love Me Tender
(From the 20th Century-Fox Cinema Scope Production "Love Me Tender")

Tracks 1 to 12 are his 2nd US album "Elvis" – released 19 October 1956 on RCA Victor LPM-1382 [Mono Only]
Track 13 is "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" – the A-side of RCA Victor 47-6540 released 4 May 1956 [the B-side is Track 15 on Disc 1]
Tracks 15 and 14 are "Don't Be Cruel" and "Hound Dog" – the A&B-sides of RCA Victor 47-6604 released 13 July 1956
[Note: "Hound Dog" was the B-side in the USA, but the tracks were reversed in the UK on HMV POP 249 with "Hound Dog" as the A]
Tracks 19 and 16 are "Love Me Tender" and "Any Way You Want Me (That's How It Will Be)" – the A&B-sides of RCA Victor 47-6643 released 28 September 1956
Tracks 17 and 18 are "Too Much" and "Playing For Keeps" – the A&B-sides of RCA Victor 47-6800 released 4 January 1957

Fast approaching a distance of nearly 60 years - it's difficult for us in 2011 to even imagine the musical and cultural Atomic Bomb that was Elvis Presley in 1956. Beginning with an opening salvo of "Heartbreak Hotel" on the 27th of January (which quite probably changed the fabric of the known universe), RCA then bombarded the American continent with releases - 12 x 7” singles, as many 4-track EPs and 2 whole albums. They even took the then unprecedented step of releasing all 12 of the "Elvis Presley" album tracks on 6 singles on the same day - 31 August (RCA Victor 6636 to 6641) with “Lawdy, Miss Clawdy” being number 7 - also put out on the 31st of August. Had Elvis Aaron Presley flatulated profusely into a Soda bottle in 1956 – RCA would probably have tried to chart it.

But the really big news today is a new VIC ANESINI remaster - and the sound is just BEAUTIFUL. These stark MONO tracks needed the deftest of engineering touches and he's delivered. Tracks like "Trying To Get To You" and "Blue Moon" still retain hiss – but it hasn’t been compressed to buggery for effect – Anesini has allowed the eeriness of them to breath. Others however are just amazing – Scotty Moore’s lovely guitar playing on the Don Robertson cover "I'm Counting On You" is clear as a bell - as is Elvis' heavily echoed vocals. The cover of the Ray Charles Atlantic Records hit "I Got A Woman" has DJ Fontana's slapping drums just whacking out of your speakers like they’re going to invade your living room.

I’d admit that musically the second LP "Elvis" with the truly turgid "Old Shep" tests my patience, but again its opener (a cover of the fabulous Little Richard rocker "Rip It Up") has gorgeous cymbal clarity – then piano – and so on. The jaunty "When My Blue Turns To Gold Again" sounds incredible - so good it could almost be Stereo. The singles too are an embarrassment of riches – Lloyd Price's "Lawdy, Miss Clawdy" (lyrics above) and the Big Joe Turner/Bill Haley classic "Shake, Rattle And Roll" are both pristine. But my heart lies with "Love Me" – his best ever ballad and a vocal joy on the "Elvis" album. It's as sweet as a nut. Fans will lose it for this.

The packaging is good too. A 3-way card digipak features the debut album cover on the front (with a pink sticker full of details) with the “Elvis” full-colour sleeve on the inside flap. Classy Black and White photos of Elvis in his prime are featured beneath the see-through CD trays - while the 24-page booklet is crammed full of spot-on discography stuff by lifetime fan and keeper of the flame – ERNST MIKAEL JORGENSEN – a name Presley fans will be comfortable with. There are also nicely placed colour shots of those lovely US EPs in the text, trade adverts, in-studio snaps of Elvis at work etc. It’s very nicely done…

Content – a look at the total playing time of each disc and RCA is not exactly pushing the digital boat out here. And when you reference the incredible 71 tracks of the 2005 "Follow That Dream" 2CD reissue of "Elvis Presley" - some may feel it would have been better to do 2 separate Legacy issues – one for "Elvis Presley" and another for "Elvis" – both featuring copious amounts of 'outtakes'. How cool would it have been to hear previously unreleased versions of "Heartbreak Hotel" and "Love Me Tender"? But – you could also argue that what you've actually got here is less fussy and more defined. It’s a matter of personal opinion I suppose.

To sum up – "Elvis Presley (Legacy Edition)" is a timely reminder of his genius and the sheer global impact of that mercurial year - 1956.
It boasts a fabulous new remaster, affectionate presentation by a man who cares and it’s retailing for less than eight quid online.
I'd say snap it up and proceed with haste to the 2CD Legacy Edition of 1960's "Elvis Is Back" - another gem only this time in STEREO.

I’d better go now because I can feel a lip curl coming on and a need to corrupt the youth of America with my hip gyrations.

The King – remember him this way...


PS: the USA site of Amazon seems to be suggesting that "Blue Moon" is missing from Disc 1 - it isn't. And for other Vic Anesini Remasters - see my reviews for "Be What You Want..." the 4CD Box Set by HALL & OATES, the Legacy Edition of "Couldn't Stand The Weather" by STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN and the Legacy Edition of "Tomorrow The Green Grass" by THE JAYHAWKS

PPS: for fans who wish to sequence all the 45’s and EP’s surrounding these 2 albums, I’ve typed up a detailed discography below referencing this 2CD release.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ELVIS PRESLEY – USA 7” single, EP and LP DISCOGRAPHY
Referencing the 2CD set “Elvis Presley (Legacy Edition)”
Released 26 September 2011 in the UK (27 September 2011 in the USA)

Layout: [1/13] = Disc 1, Track 13 … [2/15] = Disc 2, Track 15 etc
All tracks are MONO – all tracks marked * were non-album on original release

USA 7” SINGLES:

1. Heartbreak Hotel [1/13] * b/w I Was The One [1/14] *
USA 45 released 27 January 1956 on RCA Victor Records 47-6420

2. I Want You, I Need You, I Love You [2/13] * b/w My Baby Left Me [1/15] *
USA 45 released 4 May 1956 on RCA Victor Records 47-6540

3. Don’t Be Cruel [2/15] * b/w Hound Dog [2/14] *
USA 45 released 13 July 1956 on RCA Victor Records 47-6604

4. Blue Suede Shoes [1/1] b/w Tutti Frutti [1/7]
USA 45 released 31 August 1956 on RCA Victor 47-6636

5. I Got A Woman [1/3] b/w I’m Counting On You [1/2]
USA 45 released 31 August 1956 on RCA Victor 47-6637

6. I’m Gonna Sit Right Down And Cry (Over You) [1/9] b/w I’ll Never Let You Go (Little Darlin’) [1/10]
USA 45 released 31 August 1956 on RCA Victor 47-6638

7. Trying To Get To You [1/8] b/w I Love You Because [1/5]
USA 45 released 31 August 1956 on RCA Victor 47-6639

8. Blue Moon [1/11] b/w Just Because [1/6]
USA 45 released 31 August 1956 on RCA Victor 47-6640

9. Money Honey [1/12] b/w One-Sided Love Affair [1/4]
USA 45 released 31 August 1956 on RCA Victor 47-6641

10. Lawdy, Miss Clawdy [1/16] * b/w Shake, Rattle And Roll [1/17] *
USA 45 released 31 August 1956 on RCA Victor 47-6642

11. Love Me Tender [2/19] * b/w Any Way You Want Me (That’s How I Will Be) (2/16] *
USA 45 released 28 September 1956 on RCA Victor 47-6643

12. Too Much [2/17] * b/w Playing For Keeps [2/18] *
USA 45 released 4 January 1957 on RCA Victor 47-6800

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USA 7” EXTENDED PLAYS (EPs):
Notes: as you can see from EP numbers 3 and 6 - certain tracks are marked [-]; they're NOT on this 2CD Legacy Edition, but are easily available elsewhere.

1. "Elvis Presley" on RCA Victor EPA-747
Released: 23 March 1956 (a single-disc EP with 4-tracks – see entry 2)
A1: Blue Suede Shoes [1/1] A2: Tutti Frutti [1/7]
B1: I Got A Woman [1/3] B2: Just Because [1/6]

2. "Elvis Presley" on RCA Victor EPB-1254
Released: 23 March 1956 (a double-disc EP with 8-tracks)
A1: Blue Suede Shoes [1/1] A2: I’m Counting On You [1/2]
B1: I Got A Woman [1/3] B2: One-Sided Love Affair [1/4]
A1: Tutti Frutti [1/7] A2: Tryin’ To Get To You [1/8]
B1: I’m Gonna Sit Right Down And Cry B2: I’ll Never Let You Go

3. "Heartbreak Hotel" on RCA Victor EPA-821
Released: 20 April 1956
A1: Heartbreak Hotel [[1/13] A2: I Was The One [1/14]
B1: Money Honey [1/12] B2: I Forgot To Remember To Forget [-]

4. "Elvis Presley" on RCA Victor EPA-830
Released: 8 June 1956
A1: Shake, Rattle And Roll [1/17] A2: I Love You Because [1/5]
B1: Blue Moon [1/11] B2: Lawdy, Miss Clawdy [1/16]

5. "The Real Elvis" on RCA Victor EPA-940
Released: 17 August 1956
A1: Don’t Be Cruel [2/15] A2: I Want You, I Need You, I Love You [2/13]
B1: Hound Dog [2/14] B2: My Baby Left Me [1/15]

6. "Anyway You Want Me" on RCA Victor EPA-965
Released: 21 September 1956
A1: Anyway You Want Me (That’s How It Will Be) [2/16] A2: I’m Left, You’re Right, She’s Gone [-]
B1: I Don’t Care If The Sun Don’t Shine [-] B2: Mystery Train [-]

7. "Elvis, Volume I" on RCA Victor EPA-992
Released: 19 October 1956
A1: Rip It Up [2/1] A2: Love Me [2/2]
B1: When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again [2/3] B2: Paralyzed [2/6]

8. "Elvis, Volume II" on RCA Victor EPA-993
Released: 19 October 1956
A1: So Glad You’re Mine [2/7] A2: Old Shep [2/8]
B1: Ready Teddy [2/9] B2: Anyplace Is Paradise [2/10]

9. "Love Me Tender" on RCA Victor EPA-4006
Released: 21 November 1956
A1: Love Me Tender [2/19] A2: Let Me [-]
B1: Poor Boy [-] B2: We’re Gonna Move [-]

10. "Strictly Elvis" on RCA Victor EPA-994
Released: 25 January 1957
A1: Long Tall Sally [2/4] A2: First In Line [2/5]
B1: How Do You Think I Feel [2/12] B2: How’s The World Treating You [2/12]

"The Dark Side Of The Moon" by PINK FLOYD (September 2011 UK EMI 'Discovery Edition' 1CD Reissue and Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"…All That You Love…All That You Hate…”

I've reviewed the 2011 remasters of Pink Floyd's "Meddle" (1971), "Obscured By Clouds" (1972) and "Wish You Were Here" (1975) - all three are sonically amazing but hugely disappointing on the packaging front (miniscule booklets that exclude original details and don't expand your knowledge a jot). Its pretty much an identical story here...

The vinyl LP "The Dark Side Of The Moon" by PINK FLOYD was originally released 10 March 1973 on Harvest SMAS-11163 in the USA and 24 March 1973 in the UK on Harvest Records SHVL 804.

This 26 September 2011 single-disc version (released 27 Sep 2011 in the USA) on EMI 50999 028955 2 9 (Barcode 5099902895529) is a straightforward 10-track remaster of that Number 1 studio album. 

A 2CD 'Experience' Edition and a 6-Disc 'Immersion' Box Set are also released Monday 26 September 2011 (see separate entries for details). This single-disc 'Discovery' reissue comes in a gatefold card sleeve with a newly laid-out 12-page inlay inside (total playing time 42:59 minutes).

1. Speak To Me

2. Breathe

3. On The Run

4. Time

5. The Great Gig In The Sky

6. Money [Side 2]

7. Us And Them

8. Any Colour You Like It

9. Brain Damage

10. Eclipse

[Note: original copies of the vinyl LP famously came with 2 posters, 2 stickers and a titled 'Pink Floyd The Dark Side Of The Moon' sticker on the front - this new issue doesn't feature any of these original items, but instead simply uses the now familiar untitled ‘prism' artwork]

JAMES GUTHRIE and JOEL PLANTE at the Das Boot Recording Studios in Tahoe in California handled all the PINK FLOYD albums in this 14-title reissue series – including "The Dark Side Of The Moon" (Guthrie is a Sound Engineer associated with the band since 1978). The original 1st generation master tapes have obviously been given a thorough going over because it truly feels like each segment has had a staggering amount of time spent on them - worrying out every single nuance possible. The audio result is truly impressive.

God knows how many times this 'cash cow' of an album has been reissued on CD - and yet another version will probably make even the most die-hard of fans yawn and even feel a little angry. But - outside of the amazing SACD version of 2003 - this new 2011 'Discovery' edition is absolutely the best it's ever going to be for those of us with a lesser budget. The now famous opening heart-beat and 'loony' voices of "Speak To Me" sound extraordinary - which in turn lead into the sonic wall of "Breathe (In The Air)" - and it's a WOW. The remaster hasn't dampened anything or over-amplified it for the sake of volume (the dreaded loudness wars so many talk of) - it's just 'there' - all the instruments present and swirling around your speakers in superlative clarity. 

And while "Time", "Money" and the lovely "Us And Them" were always going to be audio wonderland with their myriad effects and top-drawer Alan Parsons’s production values - it's the last track on Side 1 that impresses the most. The truly gorgeous and innovative "The Great Gig In The Sky" is on the 'Immersion' mega box set in its original bare-bones state - later beefed up with the incredible Acapella Vocal of CLARE TORRY - and what a smart move that was. Even in its very quiet opening and ending passages - it sounds BEAUTIFUL - and not for the first time brought a tear to a weary eye. I also love the "Any Colour You Like" instrumental on Side 2 (some DJs have been mixing it in with Dance and Funk 12" in their sets) and by the time "Eclipse" finishes this concept of concept albums (lyrics above) - it's very hard not to be impressed at the work Guthrie and Plante have done here. 

I wish I could say the same for the staggeringly unimaginative packaging. The 'Pink Floyd' logo you see in all the photos advertising these new reissues turns out to be a sticker on the outer shrink-wrap that gets lost the second you unpeel it. The card sleeves are like The Beatles 09/09/09 EMI reissues - glossy and flimsy - so they smudge with finger prints the second you open them and are easy to bend and crease. The CD itself has the new generic artwork (the sticker design on the outer packaging) repeated in different colour variations throughout the series - a sort of Turquoise and Pale Green for "Meddle", a garish Red and Pink for "Obscured By Clouds", Blue and Green for "Wish You Were Here" and here - Black And Grey for "Dark Side..." But where's the beautiful band poster, the two Hipgnosis-designed stickers, the deep blue triangle/prism Harvest label of the English LP? This ludicrous new design has no relevance to the original and speaking of the disc itself - there's no protective gauze sleeve for the CD either so it will scuff on repeated plays. The inner glossy gatefold could easily have featured these - instead we get two useless sepia-tinted pictures of the pyramids - how imaginative...

But the skimpy booklet is the biggest disappointment. It has the lyrics of the original album (which were on the inner gatefold) reset in the new booklet against a background of god-awful Storm Thorgerson images. Of the millions of words written about this most famous of rock records, there isn't even a history on the album. There's no pictures of European and Worldwide 7" sleeves for "Money" and "Time" (singles lifted off the album), no pictures of the band, no 7" edit versions etc - naught to get your teeth into. OK - it does look nice and does the job adequately - but that's all. It's a lazy-assed approach on behalf of EMI and undermines the sterling work done on the sound front. I hate to come across like some nick-picking fanboy here, but it would have been nice to actually 'discover' something on this so-called 'Discovery' version (docked a star for that).

To sum up - the remaster is gobsmacking - a stone five stars - but sadly we get mediocre presentation that completely undermines the original power of the vinyl album when you got it in your hands all those decades ago. Still - with the truly beautiful sonic upgrade thrown in - the casual listener is advised to dig in, rediscover and enjoy.

Despite my gripes about presentation - "Meddle", "Obscured By Clouds" and the wonderful "Wish You Were Here" should be your next port of call. I suspect many music lovers will feel exactly the same...

PS: fans of memorabilia should note that for this launch - HMV London is giving away a titled banded-envelope containing 6 colour postcards in the same style as the one in the original "Wish You Were Here" LP (girl diving into a lake) for customers who purchase 2 titles in this reissue campaign. They're gorgeous and will probably become future collectables.

PS: fans of memorabilia should note that for this launch - HMV London is giving away a titled banded-envelope containing 6 colour postcards in the same style as the one in the original "Wish You Were Here" LP (girl diving into a lake) for customers who purchase 2 titles in this reissue campaign. They’re gorgeous and will probably become future collectables.

"Wish You Were Here" by PINK FLOYD - September 1975 UK LP on Harvest (September 2011 EMI Reissue and Remaster and January 2016 Pink Floyd Records Reissue) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"…Lost Souls Swimming In A Fish Bowl…"

I've reviewed the 2011 remasters of Pink Floyd's "Meddle" (1971), "Obscured By Clouds" (1972) and "The Dark Side Of The Moon" (1973) – all of which are sonically amazing - but hugely disappointing on the packaging front (miniscule booklets that exclude original details and don’t expand your knowledge a jot). It's pretty much an identical story here. But let's get to the details first...

1. Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Parts 1 to 5) [Side 1]

2. Welcome To The Machine

3. Have A Cigar [Side 2]

4. Wish You Were Here

5. Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Parts 6 to 9)

The LP "Wish You Were Here" was originally released 12 September 1975 on Columbia Records PC 33453 in the USA and 15 September 1975 on Harvest Records SHVL 814 in the UK.

This 26 September 2011 single-disc version (released 27 Sep 2011 in the USA) on EMI 50999 028945 2 2 is a straightforward 5-track remaster of that studio album. 

A 2CD 'Experience' Edition and a 6-Disc 'Immersion' Box Set both arrive on 7 November 2011 (see images below). 

This single-disc 'Discovery' reissue comes in a gatefold card sleeve with a newly laid-out 12-page inlay inside (total playing time 44:18 minutes).

[Note: original UK copies of the vinyl LP came in a 'black' shrink-wrap with a centered circular 'clasping-hands' sticker obscuring the cover underneath (US issues had 'blue' shrink-wrap). This new issue doesn’t feature either of those, but instead simply uses the now familiar artwork underneath - two men shaking hands (one of them on fire).]

Like all the other albums in this 14-title reissue series - JAMES GUTHRIE and JOEL PLANTE have remastered "Wish You Were Here" at the Das Boot Recording Studios in Tahoe in California (Guthrie is a Sound Engineer associated with the band since 1978). The original 1st generation master tapes have obviously been given a thorough going over because it truly feels like each segment has had a staggering amount of time spent on them - worrying out every single nuance possible. The audio result is truly impressive.

On original 1975 vinyl and even later Audiophile represses, this most loved of their albums has always been a sonic disappointment – and frankly the 1994 remastered CD wasn’t a whole lot better either. That’s no longer the case. Little will prepare fans for "Have A Cigar" (sung by fellow Harvest Records label mate Roy Harper) and "Wish You Were Here" (the two opening tracks on Side 2). The funky keyboards and choppy guitars of "Have…" are unbelievably clear – huge in your speakers - while David Gilmour's acoustic guitar lead that comes in at about 1:10 minutes on "Wish…" is simply gorgeous (lyrics above).

The power of the synths on "Welcome To The Machine" still thrills, but the album's centerpiece has always been the 9-part "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" which is spread across both sides of the album (Parts 1-5 opening Side One, Parts 6-9 ending Side 2). Suddenly it's as if a fog has been lifted off the recordings – by the time it hits Dick Parry’s astonishing sax solo at 11:10 minutes – I'll admit to having the same chills I had when I first heard it - all those innocent years ago. Another surprise is how good Parts 8 and 9 on Side 2 are – superb keyboard work from Rick Wright and often forgotten in favour of the more famous Parts 1 to 5 on Side 1. It's an impressive remaster, it really is – Guthrie and Plante are to be praised for their work here.

I wish I could say the same for the staggeringly unimaginative packaging. The 'Pink Floyd' logo you see in all the photos advertising these new reissues turns out to be a sticker on the outer shrink-wrap that gets lost the second you unpeel it. The card sleeves are like The Beatles 09/09/09 EMI reissues - glossy and flimsy - so they smudge with finger prints the second you open them and are easy to bend and crease. The CD itself has the new generic artwork (the sticker design on the outer packaging) repeated in different colour variations throughout the series - a sort of Turquoise and Pale Green for "Meddle", a garish Red and Pink for "Obscured By Clouds", Black and Gray for "Dark Side…" and for "Wish You Were Here" we get Blue and Green. But where is the beautifully designed sticker that graced original album sleeves on both sides of the pond - or the superb logo on the original label? This ludicrous new design has no relevance to the original and speaking of the disc itself - there’s no protective gauze sleeve for the CD either so it will scuff on repeated plays. They’ve put the postcard that came with original albums as a centre-spread in the booklet instead of printing it separately – one of the biggest bands in the world and we get this cheapo shit…

But the skimpy booklet is the biggest disappointment. Although it has the lyrics (like this is a major improvement) it seems little different to the 1994 issue. It has no history on the album (it was about Syd Barrett and the music industry), no pictures of European and Worldwide 7" sleeves for "Have A Cigar" (the single lifted off the album), the different US album artwork etc. There are a few pictures of the band in the studio; the gatefold has the man swimming through sand (newish), but naught else to get your teeth into. OK - it does look nice and does the job adequately - but that's all. It's a lazy-assed approach on behalf of EMI and undermines the sterling work done on the sound front. I hate to come across like some nick-picking fan boy here, but it would have been nice to actually 'discover' something on this so-called 'Discovery' version (docked a star for that). And the superb 17:32 minute Parts 1 to 7 'Edit' of "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" on the 2001 2CD Best of "Echoes" is A.W.O.L. too. 

To sum up – I’m thrilled to say we finally get five-star sound for this truly unique album, but sadly only 3-star presentation in my book. Still - with the truly beautiful sonic upgrade - the casual listener is advised to dig in, rediscover and enjoy...

Die-hard fans however might want to wait for the Japanese Editions that will inevitably arrive in 2012 on the far superior SHM-CD format (a better make of CD playable on all players). With their faithfully reproduced artwork and audiophile reproduction - they may give your bank manager a cold sweat - but they will absolutely be the ones to get if the best is all you'll accept. 

On hearing this - "Meddle", "Obscured By Clouds" and the magnum opus that is "The Dark Side Of The Moon " should be your next port of call. I suspect many will feel exactly the same...

PS: fans of memorabilia should note that for this launch - HMV London is giving away a titled banded-envelope containing 6 colour postcards in the same style as the one in the original LP (a girl diving into a lake) for customers who purchase 2 titles in this reissue campaign. They’re gorgeous and will probably become future collectables.

2CD VERSION

IMMERSION BOX MULTIPLE ITEMS VERSION