"The Singles Volume 11: 1979-1981" by JAMES BROWN (October 2011 US Hip-O Select 2CD Anthology - Seth Foster Remasters) - Vol. 11 in a Series of 11 - A Review by Mark Barry...

"…It's Too Funky in Here…Gimme Some Air!"  

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Having diligently collected all 10 Volumes in this truly incredible series of American CDs (I've reviewed 8, 9 and 10) - I baulked at Volume 11 because of the dates. Bit of a mistake that!

Why? What Volume Eleven's subtitle '1979 to 1981' doesn't tell you is that on Disc 2 there is a far wider range of dates and therefore better stuff - namely the rare and hugely desirable American 12" Promo singles from 1976 to 1981. And in my book that puts this otherwise workmanlike compilation into an altogether different stratosphere. But let's get to the details first...

UK released November 2011 (Oct 2011 USA) - "The Singles Volume 11: 1979-1981" by JAMES BROWN on Hip-O Select B0016037-02 (Barcode 602527814100) is a 2CD set of Remasters and breaks down as follows:

(Release dates and catalogue numbers below are for US 45's unless otherwise stated)

Disc 1 (77:22 minutes):

1 and 2 are "Star Generation" b/w "Women Are Something Else" - released August 1979 on Polydor PD-2005 [A-side was also issued as a Promo 7" on Polydor PRO 100]

3 is "The Original Disco Man - Short Version" - US Promo-Only 7" DJ-single version (no catalogue number)

4 and 5 are "The Original Disco Man" b/w "Let The Boogie Do The Rest" - released November 1979 on Polydor PD-2034

6 and 7 are "Regrets" b/w "Stone Cold Drag" - released January 1980 on Polydor PD-2054

8 and 9 are "Let The Funk Flow" b/w "Sometimes That's All There Is" - released April 1980 on Polydor PD-2078

10 and 11 are "Get Up Offa That Thing (Live)" b/w "It's Too Funky In Here (Live)" - released October 1980 on Polydor PD-2129

12 and 13 are "Rapp Payback (Where Iz Moses)" b/w "Rapp Payback (Where Iz Moses) (Pt. II)" - released November 1980 on T.K. Records TKX-1039.

[Note: also issued as a 12" single on T.K. Records TK D452 with a playing time of 7:02 minutes - see Disc 2]

14 and 15 are "Stay With Me" b/w "Smokin' & Drinkin'" - released March 1981 on T.K. Records TK 1042

[Note: the A-side was also issued on a 12" single on T.K. Records TK D455 - but is NOT an extended version]

16 and 17 are "Give That Bass Player Some Part I" b/w "Give That Bass Player Some Part II" - April 1981 on Polydor PD-2167

18 and 19 are "I Go Crazy" b/w "World Cycle Inc." - released IN THE UK (No US release) in July 1981 on Polydor POSP 290

Disc 2 (68:18 minutes):

1 is "Get Up Offa That Thing/Release The Pressure (12-Inch Version)" - released June 1976 as a 1-Sided PROMO 12" single on Polydor PRO 010

[Note: shortened 7" mix is on Volume 10]

2 is "If You Don't Give A Doggone About It (12-inch Version)" - released January 1978 as a PROMO 12" single on Polydor PRO 038 [credited as James Brown and the J.B.'s]

3 and 4 are "Eyesight (12-inch Version)" b/w "The Spank (12-inch Version)" - released July 1978 as a PROMO 12" single on Polydor PRO 040

[Note: 7" single mixes are on Volume 10]

5 is "For Goodness Sakes, Look At Those Cakes (12-inch Version)" - released October 1978 as a PROMO 12" single on Polydor PRO 059

6 is "It's Too Funky In Here (12-inch Version)" - released May 1979 as a PROMO 12" single on Polydor PRO 086

7 is "Star Generation (12-inch Version)" - released August 1979 as a PROMO 12" single on Polydor PRO 100

[Note: regarding 5, 6 and 7 - each of the 12" singles are essential the album versions - the shortened 7" single mixes are on Volume 10]

8. "Rapp Payback (Where Iz Moses) (12-inch Version)" - released November 1980 on T.K. Records TK D452

[Note: at 7:02 minutes, the A-side is longer than the single mix but is an edit of the full 14-minute album version on "Soul Syndrome".

The B-side of this 12" is the 7" single version of "Pt. II" - Track 13 on Disc 1]

9. "Give That Bass Player Some (12-inch Version)" - released May 1981 as a PROMO 12" single on Polydor PRO 157

[Note: at 8:38 minutes, it's exclusive and two minutes longer than the 1981 album version on "Nonstop"]

The gorgeous 28-booklet is the usual superlative liner notes by former manager and keeper-of-the-flame ALAN LEEDS with expert remastering of the 1st generation tapes by SETH FOSTER. But as other reviewers have pointed out - Disc 1 contains some terrible dogs - especially the Brad Shapiro produced stuff like "Star Generation". It's not until you get to Track 5 - the superb B-side "Let The Boogie Do The Rest" do things pick up and restore the faith. The T.K. Records "Rapp Workout" is a return-to-form, but only just - and as bristling as the 'live' versions of "Get Up Offa That Thing" and "It's Too Funky In Here" are - the studio versions trounce them. The guitar work of Troy Seals on "Let The Funk Flow" and the slightly rock-funk of "Sometimes That's All There Is" is a highlight too. The UK-only uncharacteristic instrumental B-side "World Cycle Inc." sounds like Synth Prog meets Funk ala Bob James or Deodato - it's a bit of an eye-opener - and a great inclusion.

But as I've already said Disc 2 is a different beast - absolute funky belters in blisteringly good sound quality. I've played this in the shop and the customer reaction is instant - tapping of feet and wiggling of butts as they browse the old-skool Soul racks. The irrestible sexiness of "The Spank" is fantastic stuff and the 6:35 minutes of "It's Too Funky In Here" is as brill as Seventies Funk gets. I swear if scientists examine James Brown's DNA - there'll be a gene sat on top of all the others marked FUNKYMAN NO.1 - and they'll further find that no other creature in the entire Universe (human or otherwise) has it. What a wow he was!

To sum up - I liked about half of Disc 1 but Disc 2 is chock full of totally killer funk - and for me puts this release into another realm of brilliance.

Take a punt on the twelve-inches of Volume Eleven - I think you'll be glad you did - y'all.

“The Singles Volume 11: 1979-1981” by JAMES BROWN (2011 Hip-O Select 2CD Set Of Seth Foster Remasters - Volume Eleven) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"…It's Too Funky in Here…Gimme Some Air!"  

Having diligently collected all 10 Volumes in this truly incredible series of American CDs (I've reviewed 8, 9 and 10) - I baulked at Volume 11 because of the dates. Bit of a mistake that!

Why? What Volume Eleven's subtitle '1979 to 1981' doesn't tell you is that on Disc 2 there is a far wider range of dates and therefore better stuff - namely the rare and hugely desirable American 12" Promo singles from 1976 to 1981. And in my book that puts this otherwise workmanlike compilation into an altogether different stratosphere. But let's get to the details first...

UK released November 2011 (Oct 2011 USA) - "The Singles Volume 11: 1979-1981" by JAMES BROWN on Hip-O Select B0016037-02 (Barcode 602527814100) is a 2CD set of Remasters and breaks down as follows:

(Release dates and catalogue numbers below are for US 45's unless otherwise stated)

Disc 1 (77:22 minutes):

1 and 2 are "Star Generation" b/w "Women Are Something Else" - released August 1979 on Polydor PD-2005 [A-side was also issued as a Promo 7" on Polydor PRO 100]

3 is "The Original Disco Man - Short Version" - US Promo-Only 7" DJ-single version (no catalogue number)

4 and 5 are "The Original Disco Man" b/w "Let The Boogie Do The Rest" - released November 1979 on Polydor PD-2034

6 and 7 are "Regrets" b/w "Stone Cold Drag" - released January 1980 on Polydor PD-2054

8 and 9 are "Let The Funk Flow" b/w "Sometimes That's All There Is" - released April 1980 on Polydor PD-2078

10 and 11 are "Get Up Offa That Thing (Live)" b/w "It's Too Funky In Here (Live)" - released October 1980 on Polydor PD-2129

12 and 13 are "Rapp Payback (Where Iz Moses)" b/w "Rapp Payback (Where Iz Moses) (Pt. II)" - released November 1980 on T.K. Records TKX-1039.

[Note: also issued as a 12" single on T.K. Records TK D452 with a playing time of 7:02 minutes - see Disc 2]

14 and 15 are "Stay With Me" b/w "Smokin' & Drinkin'" - released March 1981 on T.K. Records TK 1042

[Note: the A-side was also issued on a 12" single on T.K. Records TK D455 - but is NOT an extended version]

16 and 17 are "Give That Bass Player Some Part I" b/w "Give That Bass Player Some Part II" - April 1981 on Polydor PD-2167

18 and 19 are "I Go Crazy" b/w "World Cycle Inc." - released IN THE UK (No US release) in July 1981 on Polydor POSP 290

Disc 2 (68:18 minutes):

1 is "Get Up Offa That Thing/Release The Pressure (12-Inch Version)" - released June 1976 as a 1-Sided PROMO 12" single on Polydor PRO 010

[Note: shortened 7" mix is on Volume 10]

2 is "If You Don't Give A Doggone About It (12-inch Version)" - released January 1978 as a PROMO 12" single on Polydor PRO 038 [credited as James Brown and the J.B.'s]

3 and 4 are "Eyesight (12-inch Version)" b/w "The Spank (12-inch Version)" - released July 1978 as a PROMO 12" single on Polydor PRO 040

[Note: 7" single mixes are on Volume 10]

5 is "For Goodness Sakes, Look At Those Cakes (12-inch Version)" - released October 1978 as a PROMO 12" single on Polydor PRO 059

6 is "It's Too Funky In Here (12-inch Version)" - released May 1979 as a PROMO 12" single on Polydor PRO 086

7 is "Star Generation (12-inch Version)" - released August 1979 as a PROMO 12" single on Polydor PRO 100

[Note: regarding 5, 6 and 7 - each of the 12" singles are essential the album versions - the shortened 7" single mixes are on Volume 10]

8. "Rapp Payback (Where Iz Moses) (12-inch Version)" - released November 1980 on T.K. Records TK D452

[Note: at 7:02 minutes, the A-side is longer than the single mix but is an edit of the full 14-minute album version on "Soul Syndrome".

The B-side of this 12" is the 7" single version of "Pt. II" - Track 13 on Disc 1]

9. "Give That Bass Player Some (12-inch Version)" - released May 1981 as a PROMO 12" single on Polydor PRO 157

[Note: at 8:38 minutes, it's exclusive and two minutes longer than the 1981 album version on "Nonstop"]

The gorgeous 28-booklet is the usual superlative liner notes by former manager and keeper-of-the-flame ALAN LEEDS with expert remastering of the 1st generation tapes by SETH FOSTER. But as other reviewers have pointed out - Disc 1 contains some terrible dogs - especially the Brad Shapiro produced stuff like "Star Generation". It's not until you get to Track 5 - the superb B-side "Let The Boogie Do The Rest" do things pick up and restore the faith. The T.K. Records "Rapp Workout" is a return-to-form, but only just - and as bristling as the 'live' versions of "Get Up Offa That Thing" and "It's Too Funky In Here" are - the studio versions trounce them. The guitar work of Troy Seals on "Let The Funk Flow" and the slightly rock-funk of "Sometimes That's All There Is" is a highlight too. The UK-only uncharacteristic instrumental B-side "World Cycle Inc." sounds like Synth Prog meets Funk ala Bob James or Deodato - it's a bit of an eye-opener - and a great inclusion.

But as I've already said Disc 2 is a different beast - absolute funky belters in blisteringly good sound quality. I've played this in the shop and the customer reaction is instant - tapping of feet and wiggling of butts as they browse the old-skool Soul racks. The irrestible sexiness of "The Spank" is fantastic stuff and the 6:35 minutes of "It's Too Funky In Here" is as brill as Seventies Funk gets. I swear if scientists examine James Brown's DNA - there'll be a gene sat on top of all the others marked FUNKYMAN NO.1 - and they'll further find that no other creature in the entire Universe (human or otherwise) has it. What a wow he was!

To sum up - I liked about half of Disc 1 but Disc 2 is chock full of totally killer funk - and for me puts this release into another realm of brilliance.

Take a punt on the twelve-inches of Volume Eleven - I think you'll be glad you did - y'all.

“Small Faces” (Immediate LP) DELUXE EDITION by SMALL FACES. A Review Of The June 1967 Album Now Remastered & Reissued On A 2012 2CD DELUXE EDITION.

"…What Did You Do There? I Got High!"

Monday 7 May 2012 sees the UK release of a whopping four DELUXE EDITIONS for Small Faces fans (15 May 2012 in the USA) - and while number 3 in the pack lacks the celebrated glory of it’s illustrious follow up ("Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake") – "Small Faces" is for many fans 'the' criminally forgotten LP on Immediate Records. This DELUXE EDITION of it however is not without its niggles…

Here are the finite details for Universal/Sanctuary 278 134-5:

Disc 1 (52:47 minutes):

Tracks 1 to 14 are the MONO version of "Small Faces" - their 3rd studio album released 23 June 1967 in the UK on Immediate Records IMLP 008

BONUS TRACKS (15 to 22):

"Here Comes The Nice", "Itchycoo Park", "I'm Only Dreaming", "Tin Soldier", "I Feel Much Better", "(Tell Me) Have You Ever Seen Me (Alternate Mix)" (20), "Eddie's Dreaming (Alternate Mix)" (21) and "Green Circles (Take 1: Alternate Mix 3)" (22)

[Note: 20 to 22 are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED VERSIONS]

Disc 1 will also allow fans to line up the 3 x UK 7" singles that were issued (in Mono) around the LP (track number after title):

1. Here Comes The Nice (15) b/w Talk To You (11) – released 2 June 1967 on Immediate IM 050

2. Itchycoo Park (16) b/w I'm Only Dreaming (17) – released 4 August 1967 on Immediate IM 057

3. Tin Soldier (18) b/w I Feel Much Better (19) – released 2 December 1969 on Immediate IM 062

Disc 2 (53:54 minutes):

Tracks 1 to 14 are the STEREO version of "Small Faces" - on Immediate Records IMSP 008

BONUS TRACKS (15 to 23 – all are Stereo except 21 and 23 which are Mono):

"Just Passing", "Itchycoo Park", "Here Comes The Nice", "Don't Burst My Bubble", "Things Are Going To Get Better (Alternate Version)", "I Can't Make It (Session Version)", "Green Circles (Alternate Take 2)" (21), "Tin Soldier" and "(If You Think You're) Groovy (Backing Track)" (23)

[Note: 21 and 23 are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED Versions]

UK and USA LP Differences:

The American LP was belatedly released in February 1968 as "There Are But Four Small Faces" in Stereo (only) on Immediate Z12 52002 - and with different artwork front and rear. Also to accommodate their lone US hit single "Itchycoo Park" (lyrics above) – the tracks were jiggered around giving "Itchycoo Park" pride of place as Track 1 on Side 1. Essentially the US album dropped 7 tracks of the English LP ("Something I Want To Tell You", "Feeling Lonely", "Happy Boys Happy", "My Way Of Giving", "Become Like You", "All Our Yesterdays" and "Eddie's Dreaming") - took the remaining 7 and added on the 5 non-album sides of the 3 x British 7" singles mentioned above to make a 12-track LP. To sequence the AMERICAN LP in 'both' MONO and STEREO from this 2CD DELUXE EDITION you line the tracks up as follows:

MONO (CD 1)

Side 1:

1. "Itchycoo Park" (16)

2. "Talk To You" (11)

3. "Up The Wooden Hills To Bedfordshire" (13)

4. "My Way Of Giving" (6)

5. "I'm Only Dreaming" (17)

6. "I Feel Much Better" (19)

Side 2:

1. "Tin Soldier" (18)

2. "Get Yourself Together" (9)

3. "Show Me The Way" (12)

4. "Here Come The Nice" (15)

5. "Green Circles" (7)

6. "(Tell Me) Have You Ever Seen Me" (1)

STEREO (CD 2 – note – see Omissions)

Side 1:

1. "Itchycoo Park" (16)

2. "Talk To You" (11)

3. "Up The Wooden Hills To Bedfordshire" (13)

4. "My Way Of Giving" (6)

5. "I'm Only Dreaming" [see Omissions]

6. "I Feel Much Better" [see Omissions]

Side 2:

1. "Tin Soldier" (22)

2. "Get Yourself Together" (9)

3. "Show Me The Way" (12)

4. "Here Come The Nice" (17)

5. "Green Circles" (7)

6. "(Tell Me) Have You Ever Seen Me" (1)

OMMISIONS:

Eagle-eyed collectors will notice that the 35th Anniversary 2CD set that came out in 2002 in the UK on Sanctuary has 48 tracks - while this 2012 2CD Deluxe Edition has less - 45. The three that are missing are "I Can't Make It" and "Just Passing" – a 3 March 1967 UK single-only release on Decca F 12565 – it's been put on the "From The Beginning" Deluxe Edition (as befits the label). The 3rd missing track is called "Album Sampler" on Immediate AS 1. It was a 1-sided UK-only Promo 45 issued just prior to the album's release and contains Mono excerpts of 5 songs with 'groovy' advert dialogue about 'aware minds' – it runs to 3 minutes and rather clumsily it's been left off here. To add insult to injury this legendary £200+ rarity is pictured on Page 10 of the booklet. 

There are minor artwork niggles too. The 2002 CD had a card wrap with the UK artwork on the outside (which is right and proper), but rather cleverly the foldout inlay inside featured 5" artwork for the US "There Are But Four Small Faces" LP as its lead page with the rear LP artwork on the back page. This new booklet relegates the American front cover to a snap shot on Page 21 and the rear sleeve has disappeared altogether. Worse than that however is the missing STEREO versions of "I Feel Much Better" and "I'm Only Dreaming" (on the 2002 2CD set) which would have allowed American fans to sequence their version of the album complete. All these exclusions are a tad sloppy to say the least. Music wise – the point would be that if you want "Album Sampler" and especially those 2 Stereo versions – then don't throw away that old Sanctuary issue just yet.

UNRELEASED:

As already highlighted above there are 5 PREVIOUSLY UNISSUED VERSIONS - unfortunately the liner notes don’t make any reference to them. In fairness to Mark Paytress – he probably didn’t have access to what was being lined up for the release as he composed his appraisals – but again – it short-changes the fans info-wise. What is here however is very good. The "Green Circles" outakes are excellent and the mythical "Groovy" track now appears as a 'backing track' when some thought it didn't exist at all.

PACKAGING:

The first thing you notice about this Deluxe Edition is the quality of the reproduction. The album sleeve pictured on the 2002 Sanctuary double had slightly faded colours – no such mistake here. The front sleeve repro is really crisp - beautifully done - as are the superb images in the booklet. The inner flaps of the foldout digipak have Melody Maker and Record Mirror reviews from 1967, the original mono LP label is reproduced beneath the see-through plastic trays and each CD is a different picture disc. The 24-page booklet is gorgeous – rare European picture sleeves for "Tin Soldier" and "Here Comes The Nice" (the German issue of this is a belter), pictures of ultra-rare Emidisc Acetates, publicity shots of The Small faces with Immediate label notables like PP Arnold, Chris Farlowe and Twice As Nice - and even an Olympia Sound Studios master-tape box. The new liner notes are by respected writer MARK PAYTRESS and are filled with facts and recent interviews with Jones and McLagan. It’s a lovely thing to look at and a solid read.

SOUND:

But the real meat for fans will be the NEW REMASTERS from best-ever sources and overseen by surviving members of the band - KENNEY JONES and IAN McLAGAN. Tape Research and Recovery is by ROB CAIGER, Tape Restoration and Transfer from Analogue is by ROB KAYLACH and Mastering by NICK ROBBINS. The punch is fantastic especially on fan favourites like "Get Yourself Together", that great guitar opening on "Talk To You" and the psychedelic swirl of "Green Circles". I find the sonic difference between the MONO and STEREO mixes is marked – I thought "My Way Of Giving" in Mono is fabulous - while the opening "Darlings Of Wapping…" dialogue and brass of "All Our Yesterdays" is HUGE in Stereo. The drums, bass and acoustic guitars on "Up The Wooden Hills…" sound amazing - as does the piano-happy intro to the album finisher "Eddie's Dreaming". Fans will love the clarity on the brilliant singles – gems like "Tin Soldier" and "Here Comes The Nice".

To sum up – part of me feels I should dock a star for those sloppy exclusions – but I've been enjoying the listen too much (the sound and overall presentation just 'so' good). This double also made be bite the bullet and acquire the first two Deluxe Editions as well – the Decca sets "Small Faces" and "From The Beginning" - and I can report that they’re truly gorgeous too.

Will we ever know their like again – I doubt it. In fact the dialogue in the "Album Sampler" promo bragged that the Small Faces were "small of stature, but great of music…" – and on the strength of these reissues – you have to say that the Immediate Records motormouth was absolutely on the money. It really is "all too beautiful…"

“Ogdens’ Nut Gone Flake” by SMALL FACES. A Review Of The 1968 Album Now Remastered And Reissued Onto A 3CD DELUXE EDITION In 2012.

“Are You All Sitty Comftybold Two Square On Your Botty? Then I’ll Begin…”

**** THIS REVIEW IS FOR THE 2012 3CD 'DELUXE EDITION' ***

Monday 7 May 2012 sees the UK release of a whopping four DELUXE EDITIONS for Small Faces fans (15 May 2012 in the USA) - and for many their 1968 masterpiece "Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake" (a Number 1 album in the UK) will be 'the' jewel in a very tasty set of crowns.

Here are the finite details for Universal/Sanctuary 276 523-5:

Disc 1 (38:30 minutes):

Tracks 1 to 12 are the MONO version of "Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake" - their fourth studio album released 24 May 1968 in the UK on Immediate Records IMLP 012

Disc 2 (41:17 minutes):

Tracks 1 to 14 are all PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED (Track 8 Previously Unreleased on CD)

1. Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake (Early Session Version - Mono)

2. Afterglow (Alternate USA Mix - Stereo)

3. Long Agos And Worlds Apart (Alternate USA Mix - Stereo)

4. Rene, The Dockers Delight (Early Session Mix - Stereo)

5. Song Of A Baker (Alternate USA Mix - Stereo)

6. Lazy Sunday (Alternate USA Mix - Stereo)

7. Happiness Stan (Backing Track - Mono)

8. Bun In The Oven (Early Session Mix - Mono)

9. The Fly (Take 4 - Instrumental Version - Stereo)

10. Mad John (Take 7 - Early Session Version - Stereo)

11. HappyDaysToyTown (Alternate USA Mix - Stereo)

12. Kamikhazi (Take 7 - Backing Track - Mono)

13. Every Little Bit Hurts (Early Session Mix - Mono)

14. Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake (Alternate Take - Phased Mix - Stereo)

Disc 3 (38:21 minutes):

Tracks 1 to 12 are the STEREO version of "Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake" - on Immediate Records IMSP 012

[Note: in advance of the album "Lazy Sunday" b/w "Rollin' Over" was released 5 April 1968 as a 7" single in the UK on Immediate IM O64 (mono mixes above).

"Afterglow" was also released as 7" single in the UK (credited as "Afterglow Of Your Love") in March 1969 on Immediate IM 077 with the non-album track "Wham Bam Thank You Man" as its B-side.

That song is NOT on here]

PACKAGING:

Since Universal stopped using titled plastic slip-around wraps on their DELUXE EDITIONS - they've plumed instead for a bit of sticky tape at the base that you have to cut and split to get open - not the most graceful of presentations it has to be said. But once inside the detail is impressive. As fans will know "Ogdens'..." was released in the most beautiful and elaborate artwork designed by Mick Swan - a foldout five-flaps circular-sleeve based on a Victorian tobacco tin (name changed by the boys to avoid copyright infringement). Folded out in full - it featured two colour prints on the inside and 4 black and white snaps of the band on the other flaps. The Mono and Stereo CDs contain 'variants' of the gorgeous colour prints by Pete Brown and Nick Tweddell (the actual LP ones are in the booklet) while Gered Mankowitz's black and white 'spider's web' snaps of the band that filled each of the other circles are reproduced on the card flaps. Beneath the two see-through CD trays are repros of the labels for Side 1 and Side 2 of the original 1968 Stereo LP.

The booklet is lovely - 24 colour pages filled with Immediate memorabilia, rare worldwide 7" picture sleeves for both "Lazy Sunday" and "Afterglow Of Your Love" and even a battered-looking Scotch tape box. The liner notes by MARK PAYTRESS are typically informative and fact-filled (such a good writer) and give you great insights into the album's formation, Stanley Unwin's "Unwinese" gobbledegook English that fills Side 2's "Happiness Stan" suite and indeed the general creative mayhem that surrounded this most beloved of English albums. I particularly like the Immediate Records trade advert that uses a re-wording of "Our Father" (The Lord's Prayer) to sell the LP ("...and deliver us Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake..." etc) - blinding!

SOUND:

But the real meat for fans will be the NEW REMASTERS from best-ever sources and overseen by surviving members of the band - KENNEY JONES and IAN McLAGAN. Tape Research and Recovery is by ROB CAIGER, Tape Restoration and Transfer from Analogue is by ROB KAYLACH and Mastering by NICK ROBBINS - and man have they collectively done a bang-up job. Little will prepare fans for the sonic whack off this...

"Ogdens'..." for me has always been a two-sided production job - Side 1 is good - but Side 2 is stupendous - and that feeling continues on this reissue. The extensive use of guitar 'phasing' on Side 1 gives the tracks that evocative 60t's feel for sure - but it also sounds sonically compromised somehow - Side 2 does not. Take the strings and opening Stanley Unwin dialogue on "Rollin' Over" (his words title this review) - it's unbelievably clear and full of presence. Then when the band does kick in with that riff and harmonica blasting - it's awesome. The drums and acoustic guitars that open "Mad John" are HUGE - as is the drums and organ on the STEREO mix of "The Journey". The last remaster I had was good - but this is so much better and musically sweeter. And "Lazy Sunday" has never sounded so glorious. "Song Of A Baker", "Rene" - it's all a triumph...

UNRELEASED:

A "...1, 2, 3, 4..." vocal count-in gives us a stringed-up and heavily phased "Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake" that is fascinating - and even in its unfinished form - sounds extraordinary - like something from another world. Unfortunately you can understand why the 'Alternate USA Stereo' mixes have stayed in the can - Marriott's vocals echoed to a ridiculous degree in the mix - almost to a point where it's all you hear. Better is the 'Early Session Mix' of "Rene" which accentuates the drums and sees the piano and organ stretch out (the lyrics still make me laugh). The opening plucked strings of "Happiness Stan" sound bare without Unwin's witty vocals following - but I love the harpsichord and keyboard playing to the fore as the song progresses. "Bun In The Oven" turns out to be an early session version of "Rollin' Over" which is rougher than the finished article but just as powerful. Even in rehearsal mode Steve Marriott lays into Brenda Holloway's Motown classic "Every Little Bit Hurts" with great results and feeling. "The Fly" is an acoustic instrumental version of "The Hungry Intruder" with a count-in and along with another band-instrumental "Kamikhazi" (so-funky-Small Faces) for me are the highlights on here.

NIGGLES:

The cracking non-album B-side to "Afterglow Of Your Love" is "Wham Bam Thank You Man" - but it’s nowhere to be seen. Nor is the near 7-minute Alternate Stereo version of “Wham…” that turned up on the "Darlings Of Wapping Wharf Launderette" 2CD set in 1999 - strange omissions to say the least. Maybe they're been kept back for that other missing piece in the jigsaw - the Immediate Records double-album "Autumn Stone" from 1969? Most fans will already have "Wham Bam..." track from preceding comps of course - but it's a point worth making. And bluntly I miss the sheer visual impact of the vinyl album artwork...(vinyl is due in full repro glory soon).

To sum up - while Disc 2 may not exactly set the Universe on fire - there are some unheard nuggets worth the admission price. But for me it's the brilliantly released remasters that thrill the most. Both Jones and McLagan are to be praised for keeping the recorded legacy of Steve Marriott and Ronnie Lane alive - and in such style.

What a band - and what an album. 44 years on and it still blows you away.

"What up man!" indeed.

“Jurassic Park – Augmented Reality Edition BLU RAY”. A Review Of The 2012 Reissue In Universal’s “100th Anniversary” Series.

“…Clever Girl…”

*** THIS REVIEW IS FOR THE 2012 'AUGMENTED REALITY' BLU RAY ***

Part of Universal Studios "100th Anniversary" celebrations - there are 15 UK-released titles in this 23 April 2012 BLU RAY and DVD series - and "Jurassic Park" is one of them - an "Augmented Reality" issue.

Each of these re-releases has generic "100th Anniversary" card-wrap packaging on the outside with matching artwork on the inside box (no repackaging of old discs). The full series list (including US titles of which there are a lot more) is in the 'comment' section attached to this review…

So what is "Augmented Reality"? It's a 3D mini-show that's built into the front sleeve of each release. You download the free "Universal 100 App" from their website to your Smartphone or Tablet (iPhone 3GS or above, iPad 2, Android and other high-end devices) - you open the download and hold your phone/tablet over the front sleeve. It wirelessly loads and then begins playing a 3D display that lasts about 20 seconds - in this case you're looking down at a Velocaraptor attacking a Tyrannosaurus Rex while the Rex lets out that distinctive roar. That's it I'm afraid. Pretty silly stuff and over as soon as its begun.

Better however is the 'price' - this is the first time Universal has reissued BLU RAY retailing at less than ten pounds - these singular discs are eight quid in most places - the DVDs two for a tenner. And it’s the first time "Jurassic Park" has been on BLU RAY as a single disc outside of the "Ultimate" Box Set (and with copious extras – some of which are new).

PRINT QUALITY:

Truth told it's not great. I recently reviewed "The Blues Brothers" in this series and before that the "Back To The Future" Trilogy Box Set – both of which have fabulous print quality. I wish I could say the same for "Jurassic Park". A large amount of the time there are dollops of shimmering grain on the print – especially if the scenes are indoors – of which there are a lot. You wouldn't think this would put you off - but at times it's so prevalent (computer room sequences with Samuel Jackson and Richard Attenborough) – it's all you see. And while the T.Rex attack sequence is still mind-blowing – as are the Velocaraptor chases inside the main facility - time has caught up with the rest of the prehistoric renderings – many of the dinosaur special effects shots looking decidedly dated and every so slightly out-of-focus. 

SOUND:

Given a full on 7.1 surround remaster - the SOUND QUALITY is exceptional from the get go. Even on standard audio systems something as ordinary as the opening shot of trees blowing in the dark comes to life – leaves rustling and creature shrieks fill every corner of your room. It adds incredible power to so many scenes. I just wish the actual watch was better – but like "Close Encounters Of A Third Kind" – the BLU RAY seems to have made the viewing experience worse and not better – accentuating all too often how bad the print is.

PACKAGING MISTAKES/EXTRAS:

First up - some marketing bright spark has also stuck a lengthy "Lifetime Of Memories" Universal sticker right across the back of ‘each release’ advertising holidays and prizes you can win - except that it completely covers that part of the back-cover which tells you what BONUSES on the disc. In other words you cannot visually tell what's actually on this release - even as you hold it in your hand! It's a simple mistake - but a staggeringly stupid one - and I'd argue sabotages sales of otherwise excellent titles.

And when you peel off the sticker – more carelessness. The card-wrap tells you there's a 'never-before-seen 6-part documentary featuring all-new interviews with Directors Steven Spielberg and Joe Johnston – cast and crew including…William H Macy'. THERE ISN'T. That blurb belongs to the 5-disc "Ultimate" Box Set. What you do get however is impressive - the first '3-parts' of that documentary - and an impressive 12 (not 13 as the box says) archival featurettes of old. You have to say that it’s sloppy presentation to say the least and Universal could surely be had legally for advertising something that isn't on here? But – and it's worth re-stating this – what's on here is EXTENSIVE and properly indepth (see full list below).

The film itself is still hugely entertaining and a milestone in special effects development. The cup of water on the dashboard rippling as T.Rex approaches – the vegetation-eating long-necked Brachiosaurus nudging the children and Sam Neill in the tree – climbing the fence and getting off of it just before the electricity comes on – outrunning the 'meatosaurus' in one of the theme park cars with Jeff Goldblum caustically remarking afterwards "You think that was part of the tour?" – Bob Peck's face and remark as the Raptor ambushes him from the side instead of the front (dialogue above) - the 'When Dinosaurs Ruled The Earth' banner falling to the ground at the end… "Jurassic Park" is Director Steven Spielberg at his entertaining best - expertly racking up so many scenes with palpable tension and thrills.  

To sum up then – the silly gimmick packaging, content misrepresentation and sometimes disappointing picture quality aside – the single disc of "Jurassic Park" gives you a lot of bang for your buck. But I still can't help feel that if you can plum the extra for the Ultimate Box Set (same thing for the "Back To The Future” Trilogy set too) – then the multiple is a far better buy.

A good release then (and with great extras) - just don't expect that "Perfect Hi-Def Picture" as per the blurb on the back of the box.

BLU RAY Specifications:

VIDEO: 1080p High-Definition Widescreen 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio

AUDIO: English DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Japanese DTS Surround 5.1

SUBTITLES: English SDH (Deaf/Hard Of Hearing), French, Italian, German, Spanish, Japanese, Cantonese, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, Icelandic, Korean, Norwegian, Portuguese, Swedish and Traditional Mandarin

SPECIAL FEATURES:

1, Return To Jurassic Park: Dawn Of A New Era (NEW – Part 1 of 6)

2. Return To Jurassic Park: Making Prehistory (NEW – Part 2 of 6)

3. Return To Jurassic Park: The Next Step In Evolution (NEW – Part 3 of 6)

4. Archival Featurettes:

1. The Making Of Jurassic Park

2. Original Featurette On The Making Of The Film

3. Steven Spielberg Directs Jurassic Park

4. Hurricane In Kauai Featurette

5. Behind The Scenes:

1. Early Pre-Production Meetings

2. Location Scouting

3. Phil Tippett Animatics: Raptors In The Kitchen

4. Animatics: T-Rex Attack

5. ILM and Jurassic Park: Before And After The Visual Effects

6. Foley Artists

7. Storyboards

8. Production Archives

6. Theatrical Trailer

7. Jurassic Park: Making The Game

8. My Scenes

LOWRY DIGITAL Transfers and Restorations - A List (May 2012)

LOWRY DIGITAL Restorations and Transfers onto DVD and BLU RAY
Lowry is famously associated with Disney and James Bond (see separate lists below),
and superlative transfers of Star Wars, Raiders Of The Lost Ark and Lord Of The Rings -
As of 2008 the company is now known as "Reliance MediaWorks" incorporating Lowry Digital (founder JOHN D. LOWRY died in January 2012)

A LIST OF THEIR RESTORATION WORK ON MOVIES (Alphabetical)
May 2012

CLASSIC FILMS (1921 to 1989)

The Absent-Minded Professor (Disney, 1961)

Alice In Wonderland (Disney, 1951)

Alien (1979, Ridley Scott)

Aliens (1986, James Cameron)

All About Eve (1950)

All The President's Men (1976)

Anatomy Of A Murder (Hitchcock, 1959)

Bambi (Disney, 1942)

The Black Cauldron (Disney, 1985) 

The Black Hole (Disney, 1979)

The Blue Lagoon (1980)

Breakfast At Tiffany's (1961)

The Bridge On The River Kwai (1957)

Brief Encounter (1946)

Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid (1969)

Captain From Castile (1947, Tyrone Power)

Carmen Jones (1954, Dorothy Dandridge and Harry Belafonte)

Casablanca (1942)

The China Syndrome (1979)

Chinatown (1974)

Cinderella (Disney, 1950)

Citizen Kane (1941)

Clear And Present Danger (1994)

Close Encounters Of The Third Kind (1977)

The Cookie Carnival (1935)

Crocodile Dundee (1986)

The Curse Of Frankenstein (1957)

Darling (1965)

Diamonds Are Forever (James Bond, 1971)

Doctor Zhivago (1965)

Dirty Dancing (1987)

Dr. No (James Bond, 1962

Dumbo (Disney, 1941)

The Egyptian (1954, Victor Mature and Jean Simmons)

Fantasia (Disney, 1940)

Fantastic Voyage (1966)

Fatal Attraction (1987)

Flashdance (1983)

Footloose (1984)

The Fox And The Hound (Disney, 1981)

From Russia With Love (James Bond, 1963)

Funny Face (Audrey Hepburn, 1957)

Gaslight (1944)

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (Jane Russell and Marilyn Monroe, 1953)

The Ghoul (1933)

Giant (1956)

The Godfather (1972)

The Godfather, Part II (1974)

Goldfinger (James Bond, 1964)

Gone With The Wind (1939)

Grease (1978)

The Great Race (Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis, 1965)

Henry V (1889)

How To Marry A Millionaire (Marilyn Monroe, 1953)

The Importance Of Being Earnest (1952)

Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom (1984)

Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade (1989) [Indiana Jones 1st film - see "Raiders..."]

Ice Castles (1979)

The In-Laws (1979)

It's A Wonderful Life (James Stewart, 1946)

The Jungle Book (Disney, 1967)

The Keep (1983)

Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)

Lady And The Tramp (Disney, 1955)

The Lady Vanishes (1938)

Leave Her To Heaven (Gene Tierney, 1945)

Licence To Kill (James Bond, 1989)

The Life And Death Of Colonel Blimp (1943)

Little Women (1933)

The Little Mermaid (Disney, 1989)

The Living Daylights (James Bond, 1987)

The Love Bug (Disney, 1968)

Madeleine (1950)

Manhatta (1921)

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (James Stewart, 1962)

The Man With The Golden Gun (James Bond, 1974)

Mary Poppins (Disney, 1964)

The Mercenary (1968)

Mildred Pierce (1945)

Moby Dick (1956)

Moonraker (James Bond, 1979)

The Natural (Robert Redford, 1984)

Niagara (Marilyn Monroe, 1953)

A Nightmare On Elm Street (1984)

North By Northwest (1958)

Now, Voyager (1942)

Octopussy (James Bond, 1983)

An Officer And A Gentleman (1982)

Old Yeller (Disney, 1957)

Oliver & Company (Disney, 1987)

Oliver Twist (1948)

Once Upon A Time In The West (1968)

101 Dalmatians (Disney, 1961)

On Her Majesty's Secret Service (James Bond, 1969)

The Parent Trap (Disney, Hayley Mills original, 1961)

The Passionate Friends (1949)

Peter Pan (Disney, 1953)

Pinocchio (Disney, 1940)

Pollyanna (Disney, 1960)

The Poseidon Adventure (1972)

The Private Life Of Sherlock Holmes (1973)

Prizzi's Honor (1985)

Raiders Of The Lost Ark (1981 - Indiana Jones 1st film)

Rashomon (1950)

Rear Window (1954)

Robin Hood (Disney, 1973)

The Rescuers (Disney, 1977)

The Robe (Richard Burton and Jean Simmons, 1953)

Roman Holiday (Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn, 1953)

The Rose Tattoo (1955)

Sabotage (1936)

Sabrina (Humphrey Bogart and Audrey Hepburn, 1954)

Saturday Night Fever (1977)

The Scarlett Pimpernel (1934)

The Seven Year Itch (Marilyn Monroe, 1955)

Singin' In The Rain (1952)

Sleeping Beauty (Disney, 1959)

The Spirit Of St. Louis (1957)

The Spy Who Loved Me (James Bond, 1977)

Stagecoach (1939)

Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979)

Star Trek VI: The Voyage Home (1986)

Star Wars (Episode IV: A New Hope) (1977)

Star Wars Episode V; The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Star Wars Episode VI; Return Of The Jedi (1983)

Sunset Boulevard (1952)

The Ten Commandments (1956)

The Terminator (James Cameron, 1984)

Them! (1954)

This Happy Breed (1944)

Thunderball (James Bond, 1965)

THX 1138 (1971)

To Catch A Thief (1955)

Top Gun (1986)

20,000 Leagues Under The Sea (1954)

A View To A Kill (James Bond, 1985)

Young And Innocent (1937)

You Can't Take It With You (Frank Capra Director - James Stewart, 1938)

You Only Live Twice (James Bond, 1967)

MODERN FILMS (1990 to 2012)

Aladdin (Disney, 1992)

Almost Famous (2000)

Aliens Of The Deep (2005)

American Psycho (2000)

Assault On Precinct 13 (2005 Remake)

The A-Team (2010)

Avatar (2009)

Beauty And The Beast (Disney, 1991)

Big Momma's House 3 (2010)

The Black Swan (2010)

Born Too Soon (1993)

Bridge To Terabithia (2007)

Cedar Rapids (2011)

Coraline (2009)

The Country Bears (Disney, 2002)

The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button (2008)

The Da Vinci Code (2006)

The Day After Tomorrow (2004)

Die Another Day (James Bond, 2002)

Eat, Pray, Love (2010)

Face/Off (1997)

Fantasia 2000 (Disney, 1999)

Fast And Furious 4 (2009)

Fight Club (1999)

Flipped (2010)

The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005)

Fright Night (2011 Remake)

George Of The Jungle (Disney, 1997)

The Godfather, Part III (1990)

Goldeneye (James Bond, 1995)

Hall Pass (2011)

The Hangover II (2011)

Harold And Kumar Go To White Castle ((2004)

The Hunt For Red October (1990)

How Do You Know (2010)

Jay And Silent Bob Strike Back (2001)

Journey To The Centre Of The Earth 3D (2008)

Justin Beiber: Never Say Never (2011)

King Arthur (2004)

The Lion King (Disney, 1994)

Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring (2001)

Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers (2002)

Lord Of The Rings" Return Of The King (2003)

Miami Vice (2006)

National Lampoon's Van Wilder (2002)

Night Of The Living Dead

Open Range (2003)

Pan's Labyrinth (2006)

Patriot Games (1992)

Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987)

The Preacher's Wife (1996)

Public Enemies (2009)

Real Steel (2011)

The Rescuers Down Under (Disney, 1990)

Rudy (1993)

Rush Hour (1998)

Rush Hour 2 (2001)

Saw 3D - The Final Chapter (2010)

Se7en (1995)

Shark Night 3D (2011)

Shutter Island (2010)

The Social Network (2010)

Star Trek: First Contact (1996)

Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)

Star Wars Episode II: Attack Of The Clones (2002)

Step Up 3D (Disney/Touchstone 2010)

Titanic (1997) (2012 Blu Ray Release)

Titanic in 3D (2012)

Tomorrow Never Dies (James Bond, 1997)

Transformers - Dark Of The Moon 3D (2011)

The Tree Of Life (2011)

True Lies (1994)

The Truman Show (1998)

U2 3D (IMAX Presentation) (2008)

Winnie The Pooh (Disney, 2011)

Worlds Apart (2008)

The World Is Not Enough (James Bond, 1999)

X Games 3D: The Movie (2009)

X-Men (2000)

Yogi Bear (2010)

Zodiac (2007)

JAMES BOND

Dr. No (James Bond, Sean Connery, 1962)

From Russia With Love (James Bond, Sean Connery, 1963)

Goldfinger (James Bond, Sean Connery, 1964)

Thunderball (James Bond, Sean Connery, 1965)

You Only Live Twice (James Bond, Sean Connery, 1967)

On Her Majesty's Secret Service (James Bond, George Lazenby, 1969)

Diamonds Are Forever (James Bond, Sean Connery, 1971)

Live And Let Die (James Bond, Roger Moore, 1973)

The Man With The Golden Gun (James Bond, Roger Moore, 1974)

The Spy Who Loved Me (James Bond, Roger Moore, 1977)

Moonraker (James Bond, Roger Moore, 1979)

For Your Eyes Only (James Bond, Roger Moore, 1981)

Octopussy (James Bond, Roger Moore, 1983)

A View To A Kill (James Bond, Roger Moore, 1985)

The Living Daylights (James Bond, Timothy Dalton, 1987)

Licence To Kill (James Bond, Timothy Dalton, 1989)

Goldeneye (James Bond, Pierce Brosnan, 1995)

Tomorrow Never Dies (James Bond, Pierce Brosnan, 1997)

The World Is Not Enough (James Bond, Pierce Brosnan, 1999)

Die Another Day (James Bond, Pierce Brosnan, 2002)

DISNEY

Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs (1937)

Pinocchio (Disney, 1940)

Fantasia (Disney, 1940)

Dumbo (Disney, 1941)

Bambi (Disney, 1942)

Cinderella (Disney, 1950)

Alice In Wonderland (Disney, 1951)

Peter Pan (Disney, 1953)

20,000 Leagues Under The Sea (1954)

Lady And The Tramp (Disney, 1955)

Old Yeller (Disney, 1957)

Sleeping Beauty (Disney, 1959)

Pollyanna (Disney, 1960)

101 Dalmatians (Disney, 1961)

The Absent-Minded Professor (Disney, 1961)

The Parent Trap (Disney, Hayley Mills original, 1961)

Mary Poppins (Disney, 1964)

The Jungle Book (Disney, 1967)

The Love Bug (Disney, 1968)

Robin Hood (Disney, 1973)

The Rescuers (Disney, 1977)

The Black Hole (Disney, 1979)

The Fox And The Hound (Disney, 1981)

The Black Cauldron (Disney, 1985) 

Oliver & Company (Disney, 1987)

The Little Mermaid (Disney, 1989)

Beauty And The Beast (Disney, 1991)

Aladdin (Disney, 1992)
The Lion King (Disney, 1994)

George Of The Jungle (Disney, 1997)

Fantasia 2000 (Disney, 1999)

The Country Bears (Disney, 2002)
Step Up 3D (Disney/Touchstone, 2010)
Winnie The Pooh (Disney, 2011)