"Against The Grain" by RORY GALLAGHER (September 2012 Sony/Capo/Legacy CD Reissue - Andy Pearce and Matt Wortham Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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CLASSIC 1970s ROCK On CD - Exception Remasters  

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"…Can You Hear That Sound…"

"Against The Grain" is one of five new 2012 CD, Download and Vinyl reissues covering Rory Gallagher's 'studio' album period at Chrysalis Records between 1975 and 1979. His Polydor Label years (1971 to 1974) were released in full in January 2012 (see list below). The next set of studio and live album reissues are due in early 2013 - all supervised by Donal Gallagher - his brother, tour manager and keeper of the flame.

So what's different? In a nutshell - cheaper price, restored artwork with upgraded packaging and 2012 remastering from the original tapes. Here are the finite details...

Released 24 September 2012 in the UK (9 October 2012 in the USA) - "Against The Grain" by RORY GALLAGHER is on Sony/Capo/Legacy 88725461492 (Barcode 887254614920) and comes in a card digipak rather than a jewel case with two bonus tracks. They originally showed up (previously unreleased at the time) on the 1999 CD version (49:28 minutes total playing time).

1. Let Me In

2. Cross Me Off Your List

3. Ain’t Too Good

4. Souped-Up Ford

5. Bought And Sold

6. I Take What I Want [Side 2]

7. Lost At Sea

8. All Around Man

9. Out On The Western Plain

10. At The Bottom

The original vinyl album was released October 1975 in the UK and USA on Chrysalis CHR 1098 (it charted at number 121 in the States). "Against The Grain" marked his debut for the British label Chrysalis Records.

BONUS TRACKS:

11. Cluney Blues

12. My Baby, Sure

SOUND:

When "Against The Grain" was first re-issued on CD by Da Capo in February 1999 - the tapes were remixed and remastered by Tony Arnold - giving it a sound some found a little shrill. That first reissue also altered the original artwork in a terrible way. This time the original tapes have been returned to by ANDY PEARCE and MATT WORTHAM and remastered as 'untampered' versions in August 2012 at Wired Masters Studios in London - and little is going to prepare Gallagher fans for this. They've done a fantastic job. Right from the opening explosion of "Let Me In" - the sound is so full of power and incredible clarity - and stays that way to the end...

PACKAGING:

...And how good is to see the back of the dreadful artwork that blighted the 1999 reissue (in fact all 5 of the gatefold digipaks are gorgeous to look at - proper repros of the original LPs). The foldout 3-way inlay of old has been replaced in 2012 by a 12-page booklet with Donal Gallagher's song-by-song liner notes reproduced again. But as well as other colour photos - there's two new inclusions - CAMERON CROWE'S wonderful appraisal of Rory and the album from The Rolling Stone magazine in 1976 - and a review of the LP by SIMON FRITH in the same issue. The card digipak repros the lovely original album artwork (back and front), the CD itself is a picture disc and there's even a new photo beneath the see-through plastic tray. And priced at roughly a fiver sterling - this is a classy little reissue for not a lot of wonga.

MUSIC:

The album was self-produced and featured the line-up that had been with him since "Blueprint" in 1973 - GERRY McAVOY on Bass, LOU MARTIN on Keyboards and ROD De'ATH on Drums. Rory covered everything else - Vocals, Guitars and Harmonica.

The 10-track LP had 7 originals and three brilliantly chosen cover versions - Sam and Dave's Stax hit "I Take What I Want", Leadbelly's lonesome Blues "Out On The Western Plain" and a stunning slide guitar/harmonica working of "All Around Man" by Bo Carter of The Mississippi Sheiks (a 1930's Black Vocal Group Rory greatly admired).

For me "Against The Grain" was the first studio album to capture the sheer guitar-blast of Rory Gallagher live. Even now the six-and-a-half-minute slide mayhem of "Souped-Up Ford" is absolutely astonishing - roaring out of your speakers like it’s going to soil the furniture. He lets it rip - as does Lou Martin on keys - and it's hair-raising stuff. "Bought & Sold" may have referred back to the bitterness he still felt about the treatment of TASTE (his band) - but it was a chipper little rocker - and became a staple of his live set from 1975 onwards. "Lost At Sea" is unusual and a real grower - an almost Prog feel to the odd chord changes in it (fab clarity on the bass and drums). His acoustic take of Huddy Ledbetter's Cowboy song "Out On The Western Plain" is eerily clear - squeaking of chairs and strings - beautiful sound now. But I have to admit to a fave. I used to go to a Saturday night dance in Dublin in Clontarf called "The Grove" (there's a YouTube program on it done by RTE) where his joyous cover of Sam & Dave's "I Take What I Want" ended each Summer evening in a blaze of longhair and sweat. Yum yum...

The two bonus tracks that ended the 1999 reissue reappear again too - "Cluney Blues" is a jaunty instrumental while "My Baby, Sure" is a Rockabilly tune with some great fun dialogue before it starts...

For many - Rory's classic period was with Polydor Records in the early Seventies - and like so many fans - I adore those albums with a passion. But having just waded through all 5 of these 24 Sep 2012 reissues of his Chrysalis studio records - I'm absolutely blown-away by how good they are. While so many rock acts floundered (especially after 1975) - Rory just kept putting out one gem after another. If anything - I'm tempted to say that these albums are where his real genius lies.

Like most Irishmen, I can't be rational about Rory Gallagher. I saw him and his band as a teenager live in Dublin in the early Seventies and the experience was mind-blowing (I'm actually in the audience at Dublin on Irish Tour '74). I then bought every album he ever put out after that and always looked forward to hearing where his flying fingers would take me next.

Rory was sadly lost to us in 1995 through liver failure - and it still hurts to think that this most unassuming and brilliant of guitar heroes is gone. "Against The Grain" is a gem - and frankly "Calling Card" from 1976 is even better.

Whole-heartedly recommended...and what a blindingly great player he was. In fact if you want an inkling of his astonishing playing - check out YouTube footage of him playing “Souped-Up Ford” in Germany in 1980 where the wild crowd invade the stage and he just keeps on playing then finishes the number on top of a speaker stack…

The Eleven Titles in the 2012 RORY GALLAGHER Remasters Series

- CD Digipaks, Downloads and 'Music On Vinyl' LPs:

16 January 2012 CD DIGIPAK and DOWNLOAD:

1. "Rory Gallagher" (May 1971 debut) – released January 2012 on Sony/Capo/Legacy 88691917352 (Barcode 886919173529)

2. "Deuce" (November 1971 2^nd studio LP) – released January 2012 on Sony/Capo/Legacy 88691917372 (Barcode 886919173727)

3. "Live! In Europe" (May 1972 1^st Live LP) – released January 2012 on Sony/Capo/Legacy 88691917432 (Barcode 886919174328)

4. "Blueprint" (February 1973, 3^rd studio album) – released January 2012 on Sony/Capo/Legacy 88691917452 (Barcode 886919174526)

5. "Tattoo" (November 1973, 4^th studio album) – released January 2012 on Sony/Capo/Legacy 88691917462 (Barcode 886919174625)

6. "Irish Tour '74" (July 1974, 2^nd Live Set, 2LPs onto 1CD) – released January 2012 on Sony/Capo/Legacy 88691917472 (Barcode 886919174724)

27 February 2012 VINYL:

1 to 6 above also released 27 February 2012 on Limited Edition 180-gram vinyl versions on the "Music On Vinyl" Label

24 September 2012 CD DIGIPAK and DOWNLOAD:

7. "Against The Grain" (October 1975, 5^th studio album) – released September 2012 on Sony/Capo/Legacy 88725461492 (Barcode 887254614920)

8. "Calling Card" (August 1976, 6^th studio album) – released September 2012 on Sony/Capo/Legacy 88725461472 (Barcode 887254614722)

9. "Photo-Finish" (October 1978, 7^th studio album) – released September 2012 on Sony/Capo/Legacy 88725461462 (Barcode 887254614623)

10. "Top Priority" (September 1979, 8^th studio album) – released September 2012 on Sony/Capo/Legacy 88725461452 (Barcode 88725461452)

11. "Jinx" (April 1982) – released September 2012 on Sony/Capo/Legacy 88725461432 (Barcode 887254614326)

22 October 2012 VINYL: 

7 to 11 above also released 22 October 2012 on Limited Edition 180-gram vinyl versions on the "Music On Vinyl" Label

PS: Most of the eleven above have been reissued since 2012 in standard jewel cases but have different catalogue numbers and barcodes. The jewel case version of "Deuce" for instance is Barcode 886919369625 and has the restored artwork, picture CD and expanded booklet of the 2012 issue. So if you want the 'digipak' repro artwork versions – use the Barcodes provided above when ordering...

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"Calling Card" by RORY GALLAGHER - August 1976 Studio Album on Chrysalis Records - Co-Produced With Roger Glover Of Deep Purple (September 2012 UK Sony/Capo/Legacy CD Reissue and Andy Pearce/Matt Wortham Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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MORE THAN A FEELING 

1976

Your All-Genres Guide To 

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"...When The Blues Comes Calling With Its..."

"Calling Card" is one of five new 2012 CD, Download and Vinyl reissues covering Rory Gallagher's 'studio' album period at Chrysalis Records between 1975 and 1979. His Polydor Label years (1971 to 1974) were released in full in January 2012 (see list below). The next set of studio and live album reissues are due in early 2013 - all supervised by Donal Gallagher - his brother, tour manager and keeper of the flame.

So what's different? In a nutshell - cheaper price, restored artwork with upgraded packaging and 2012 remastering from the original tapes. Here are the finite details...

Released 24 September 2012 in the UK (9 October 2012 in the USA) - "Calling Card" by RORY GALLAGHER is on Sony/Capo/Legacy 88725461472 (Barcode 887254614722) and comes in a card digipak rather than a jewel case with one Previously Unreleased Bonus Track (50:45 minutes total playing time).

1. Do You Read Me [Side 1]

2. Country Mile

3. Moonchild

4. Calling Card

5. I’ll Admit You’re Gone

6. Secret Agent [Side 2]

7. Jack-Knife Beat

8. Edged In Blue

9. Barley & Grape Rag 

The original vinyl album was released August 1976 in the UK and USA on Chrysalis CHR 1124 (it charted at number 32 in the UK and 163 in the States). It was co-produced with ROGER GLOVER of DEEP PURPLE and was Rory's 2nd studio LP (after 1975's "Against The Grain") for the British label Chrysalis Records.

BONUS TRACK:

10. Where Was I Going To? [Previously Unreleased]

SOUND:

When "Calling Card" was first re-issued on CD by Da Capo in August 1998 - the tapes were remixed and remastered by Tony Arnold - giving it a sound some found a little shrill. That first reissue also altered the original artwork in a not so complimentary way.

This time the original tapes have been returned to by ANDY PEARCE and MATT WORTHAM and remastered as 'untampered' versions in August 2012 at Wired Masters Studios in London - and like the sonic blast of "Against The Grain" that went before it in 1975 - they've done a fantastic job. Right from the opening thump of drums on "Do You Read Me" - the sound is full of power and wonderful clarity - and stays like that all the way to the end...

BONUS TRACKS:

There is however an anomaly in the 'bonus track' situation. The original 1998 CD offered two - a pair of previously unreleased cuts called "Rue The Day" and "Public Enemy (B-Girl Version)". 'Neither' appears on this new 2012 version - instead in their place is a 'new' previously unreleased track called "Where Was I Going To?" - a studio outtake from the original sessions. With regard to the two that are now MIA - Donal Gallagher's original liner notes explained something of their origins - "Public Enemy (B-Girl Version)" was an early take with different lyrics of "Public Enemy No.1" which finally showed up on the "Top Priority" album in 1979 - while "Rue The Day" was a rocking outtake - albeit crudely recorded. Sloppily the new liner notes don't tell us jack about the new song "Where Was I Going To?" - but it is good (extremely personal words for Rory actually) and a worthy addition. The point of course is - don't ditch that old 1998 CD just yet because it appears that for now - those two bonuses are 'exclusive' to that reissue...

PACKAGING:

The dreadfully garish altered artwork that blighted the 1998 reissue has thankfully been replaced with a repro of the original album cover (in fact all 5 of the gatefold digipaks are gorgeous to look at). The old foldout 3-way inlay is replaced in 2012 by a 12-page booklet. But as well as new colour photos - there's two new inclusions - a review of the album from England's Melody Maker magazine in October 1976 and a reminiscence of Rory written by producer and friend Roger Glover in October 1995. Both are nice additions and poignant too... The CD itself is a picture disc and priced at roughly a fiver sterling - this is a classy little reissue for not a lot of wonga.

MUSIC:

The album featured the line-up that had been with him since "Blueprint" in 1973 - GERRY McAVOY on Bass, LOU MARTIN on Keyboards and ROD De'ATH on Drums. Rory covered everything else - Vocals, Guitars and Harmonica.

The 9-tracks are all Rory Gallagher originals (as is the new bonus track) and "Calling Card" is probably his more commercially accessible record. It opens with the brilliantly funky-rock of "Do You Read Me" with its choppy guitar riff and driving drum beat (so huge now). It continues with a double-whammy of speedy rockers "Country Mile" and "Moonchild" - both of which slayed the crowds in his live shows of the time. But then comes probably my all-time fave Rory track - the fabulous bass and guitar blues of "Calling Card" (lyrics from it title this review). It's a nugget I've plopped onto many a 70's FEST CD compilation (always brings the punters to the counter asking after it). The clarity on it is fantastic - Lou Martin's great piano-playing slinkily complimenting throughout. The largely acoustic "I'll Admit You're Gone" is a genuine surprise - containing what has to be some of his most personal and painful lyrics - it's not something you expect of him - yet it is affecting. The overdubbed guitars are gorgeous too.

It continues with two more fan favourites - the boogie of "Secret Agent" and the wonderful seven-minute choppy chug of "Jack-Knife Beat" - and man do they sound good. And once again - just when you think you have him pigeonholed - he hits you with the jaunty yet hurting "Edged In Blue" (which Chris Wright of Chrysalis wanted to be a single). The album finishes in "Pistol Slapper Blues" ragtime style with a National Steel guitar track called "Barley & Grape Rag". Great stuff...

For me 1975's "Against The Grain" was the first 'studio' album to capture the sheer guitar-blast of Rory Gallagher 'live'. 1976's "Calling Card" only cemented that new freshness - but in a classier way. In some respects "Calling Card" is a bit more subdued that its 'souped-up' predecessor but is more accomplished somehow - and is still one of my favourites. In fact for me this and "Against The Grain" are up there as 2012 CD reissues of the year.

Like most Irishmen, I can't be rational about Rory Gallagher. I saw him and his band as a teenager live in Dublin in the early Seventies and the experience was mind-blowing (I'm actually in the audience at Dublin on Irish Tour '74). I then bought every album he ever put out after that and always looked forward to hearing where his flying fingers would take me next.

Rory was sadly lost to us in 1995 through liver failure - and it still hurts to think that this most unassuming and brilliant of guitar heroes is gone. God bless you mate - we miss you. 

Whole-heartedly recommended...as are all the titles in this wicked little reissue series.

The Eleven Titles in the 2012 RORY GALLAGHER Remasters Series

CD Digipaks, Downloads and 'Music On Vinyl' LPs:

16 January 2012 CD DIGIPAK and DOWNLOAD:

1. "Rory Gallagher" (May 1971 debut) – released January 2012 on Sony/Capo/Legacy 88691917352 (Barcode 886919173529)

2. "Deuce" (November 1971 2^nd studio LP) – released January 2012 on Sony/Capo/Legacy 88691917372 (Barcode 886919173727)

3. "Live! In Europe" (May 1972 1^st Live LP) – released January 2012 on Sony/Capo/Legacy 88691917432 (Barcode 886919174328)

4. "Blueprint" (February 1973, 3^rd studio album) – released January 2012 on Sony/Capo/Legacy 88691917452 (Barcode 886919174526)

5. "Tattoo" (November 1973, 4^th studio album) – released January 2012 on Sony/Capo/Legacy 88691917462 (Barcode 886919174625)

6. "Irish Tour '74" (July 1974, 2^nd Live Set, 2LPs onto 1CD) – released January 2012 on Sony/Capo/Legacy 88691917472 (Barcode 886919174724)

27 February 2012 VINYL:

1 to 6 above also released 27 February 2012 on Limited Edition 180-gram vinyl versions on the "Music On Vinyl" Label

24 September 2012 CD DIGIPAK and DOWNLOAD:

7. "Against The Grain" (October 1975, 5^th studio album) – released September 2012 on Sony/Capo/Legacy 88725461492 (Barcode 887254614920)

8. "Calling Card" (August 1976, 6^th studio album) – released September 2012 on Sony/Capo/Legacy 88725461472 (Barcode 887254614722)

9. "Photo-Finish" (October 1978, 7^th studio album) – released September 2012 on Sony/Capo/Legacy 88725461462 (Barcode 887254614623)

10. "Top Priority" (September 1979, 8^th studio album) – released September 2012 on Sony/Capo/Legacy 88725461452 (Barcode 88725461452)

11. "Jinx" (April 1982) – released September 2012 on Sony/Capo/Legacy 88725461432 (Barcode 887254614326)

22 October 2012 VINYL: 

7 to 11 above also released 22 October 2012 on Limited Edition 180-gram vinyl versions on the "Music On Vinyl" Label

PS: Most of the eleven above have been reissued since 2012 in standard jewel cases but have different catalogue numbers and barcodes. The jewel case version of "Deuce" for instance is Barcode 886919369625 and has the restored artwork, picture CD and expanded booklet of the 2012 issue. So if you want the 'digipak' repro artwork versions – use the Barcodes provided above when ordering...

“Top Priority” by RORY GALLAGHER (September 2012 Sony/Capo/Legacy CD - Andy Pearce and Matt Wortham Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

This Review Along With 500 Others Is Available In My

SOUNDS GOOD E-Book on all Amazon sites

CLASSIC 1970s ROCK On CD - Exception Remasters  

Just Click Below To Purchase for £3.95

Thousands of E-Pages - All Details and In-Depth Reviews From Discs 
(No Cut and Paste Crap)

"…Won't You Follow Me…Where I'm Bound…"

"Top Priority" is one of five new 2012 CD, Download and Vinyl reissues covering Rory Gallagher's 'studio' album period at Chrysalis Records between 1975 and 1979. His Polydor Label years (1971 to 1974) were released in full in January 2012 (see list below). The next set of studio and live album reissues are due in early 2013 - all supervised by Donal Gallagher - his brother, tour manager and keeper of the flame. 

So what's different? In a nutshell - cheaper price, restored artwork with upgraded packaging and 2012 remastering from the original tapes. Here are the finite details...

Released 24 September 2012 in the UK (9 October 2012 in the USA) - "Top Priority" by RORY GALLAGHER on Sony/Capo/Legacy 88725461452 (Barcode 88725461452) is an 'Expanded Edition' CD Reissue and new Remaster. It comes in a card digipak (rather than a jewel case) and features two Bonus Tracks (46:40 minutes): 

1. Follow Me

2. Philby

3. Wayward Child 

4. Keychain 

5. At The Depot 

6. Bad Penny [Side 2]

7. Just Hit Town 

8. Off The Handle

9. Public Enemy No. 1

The original vinyl album was released September 1979 in the UK and USA on Chrysalis CHR 1235 (it charted at number 56 in the UK and Number 140 in the States). "Top Priority" was his 4th studio LP for the British label – continuing on from the blisteringly good run of "Against The Grain" in 1975, "Calling Card" in 1976 and "Photo-Finish" in 1978.

BONUS TRACKS: 

10. Hell Cat 

11. The Watcher 

SOUND:

When "Top Priority" was first re-issued on CD by Da Capo in February 1999 – the tapes were remixed and remastered by Tony Arnold – giving it a sound some found a little shrill. That first reissue also altered the original artwork. This time the original tapes have been returned to by ANDY PEARCE and MATT WORTHAM and remastered as 'untampered' versions in August 2012 at Wired Masters Studios in London. They’ve done a great job – the sound is very clear and muscular – still full of piss and vinegar for sure but less showy than before. And the original white sleeve album artwork has been restored in the digipak and inner layout. 

PACKAGING:

The foldout 3-way inlay of 1999 has been replaced with a 2012 12-page booklet with Donal Gallagher's song-by-song liner notes reproduced again. But as well as other colour photos – there’s a new inclusion – Michael Davis' article on the album in Creem Magazine from January 1980. The card digipak repros the lovely original album artwork (back and front), the CD itself is a picture disc and there’s even a repro live photo beneath the see-through plastic tray that appeared on the lone single issued off the album – "Philby". It looks the business and sounds great too – and for fiver sterling - is a classy little reissue for not a lot of wonga. 

MUSIC: 

Like "Photo-Finish" before it – the album is again co-produced with Alan O'Duffy and the band a three-piece - Gerry McAvoy on Bass and Ted McKenna on Drums while Rory covered everything else – Vocals, Guitars, Harmonica and Dulcimer. All songs are RG originals and have a harder-hitting feel than previous outings. The guitar solo on the really strong opener "Follow Me" for instance is fantastic – and now remastered to its full string-screeching sonic potential (lyrics from it title this review). "Philby" sings of the infamous British spy Kim Philby and sees Rory play an unusual instrument – a 60's Coral Electric Sitar he borrowed from Pete Townshend. Both the fast "Wayward Child" and the stunning slow rocking of "Keychain" have guitar-playing on them that would many sit up and take notice – fab stuff. The frantic pace continues with the rip-roaring layers of "At The Depot" while the chugging "Bad Penny" is typically Rory – and became a huge live staple. A genuine blast is "Just Hit Town" which rocks like a monster and would give ZZ Top or Ted Nugent a run for their money. It ends in the bluesy "Off The Handle" which has a mean streak running through it and wild harmonica warbling and a tribute to a favourite B-movie of his youth "Public Enemy No.1". 

BONUSES: The two fast-paced studio outtakes "Hell Cat" and "The Watcher" that came with the 1999 version as 'bonus tracks' reappear here and are worthy rocking additions – even if the experimental vocal treatment on "The Watcher" doesn’t quite work (and you can hear why it was left in the vaults).  

For many - Rory's classic period was with Polydor Records in the early Seventies – and like so many fans – I adore those albums with a passion. But having just waded through all 5 of these 24 Sep 2012 reissues of his Chrysalis studio records – I'm absolutely blown-away by how good they are. While so many rock acts floundered (especially after 1975) – Rory just kept putting out one gem after another. If anything – I'm tempted to say that these albums are where his real genius lies. 

Like most Irishmen, I can't be rational about Rory Gallagher. I saw him and his band as a teenager live in Dublin in the early Seventies and the experience was mind-blowing (I'm actually in the audience at Dublin on Irish Tour '74). I then bought every album he ever put out after that and always looked forward to hearing where his flying fingers would take me next.

Rory was sadly lost to us in 1995 through liver failure - and it still hurts to think that this most unassuming and brilliant of guitar heroes is gone. "Top Priority" is a great way to remember him - and frankly the other 4 titles in this 2nd phase are pretty much the same.

All five reissues are whole-heartedly recommended…and what a blindingly great player he was. 

The Eleven Titles in the 2012 RORY GALLAGHER Remasters Series

CD Digipaks, Downloads and 'Music On Vinyl' LPs:

16 January 2012 CD DIGIPAK and DOWNLOAD:

1. "Rory Gallagher" (May 1971 debut) – released January 2012 on Sony/Capo/Legacy 88691917352 (Barcode 886919173529)

2. "Deuce" (November 1971 2^nd studio LP) – released January 2012 on Sony/Capo/Legacy 88691917372 (Barcode 886919173727)

3. "Live! In Europe" (May 1972 1^st Live LP) – released January 2012 on Sony/Capo/Legacy 88691917432 (Barcode 886919174328)

4. "Blueprint" (February 1973, 3^rd studio album) – released January 2012 on Sony/Capo/Legacy 88691917452 (Barcode 886919174526)

5. "Tattoo" (November 1973, 4^th studio album) – released January 2012 on Sony/Capo/Legacy 88691917462 (Barcode 886919174625)

6. "Irish Tour '74" (July 1974, 2^nd Live Set, 2LPs onto 1CD) – released January 2012 on Sony/Capo/Legacy 88691917472 (Barcode 886919174724)

27 February 2012 VINYL:

1 to 6 above also released 27 February 2012 on Limited Edition 180-gram vinyl versions on the "Music On Vinyl" Label

24 September 2012 CD DIGIPAK and DOWNLOAD:

7. "Against The Grain" (October 1975, 5^th studio album) – released September 2012 on Sony/Capo/Legacy 88725461492 (Barcode 887254614920)

8. "Calling Card" (August 1976, 6^th studio album) – released September 2012 on Sony/Capo/Legacy 88725461472 (Barcode 887254614722)

9. "Photo-Finish" (October 1978, 7^th studio album) – released September 2012 on Sony/Capo/Legacy 88725461462 (Barcode 887254614623)

10. "Top Priority" (September 1979, 8^th studio album) – released September 2012 on Sony/Capo/Legacy 88725461452 (Barcode 88725461452)

11. "Jinx" (April 1982) – released September 2012 on Sony/Capo/Legacy 88725461432 (Barcode 887254614326)

22 October 2012 VINYL: 

7 to 11 above also released 22 October 2012 on Limited Edition 180-gram vinyl versions on the "Music On Vinyl" Label

PPS: Most of the eleven above have been reissued since in standard jewel cases – but have different catalogue numbers and barcodes (the jewel case barcode issue for “Deuce” fro instance is 886919369625 and is minus the two bonus tracks). So if you want the ‘digipak’ repro artwork versions – use the Barcodes provided above...

“Photo Finish” by RORY GALLAGHER (September 2012 Sony/Capo/Legacy CD Reissue - Andy Pearce and Matt Wortham Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

This Review Along With 500 Others Is Available In My

SOUNDS GOOD E-Book on all Amazon sites

CLASSIC 1970s ROCK On CD - Exception Remasters  

Just Click Below To Purchase for £3.95

Thousands of E-Pages - All Details and In-Depth Reviews From Discs 
(No Cut and Paste Crap)

"…Feel The Heat Of The Fire…"

"Photo-Finish" is one of five new 2012 CD, Download and Vinyl reissues covering Rory Gallagher's 'studio' album period at Chrysalis Records between 1975 and 1979. His Polydor Label years were released in full in January 2012 (see list below). The next set of studio and live album reissues are due in early 2013 - all supervised by Donal Gallagher - his brother, tour manager and keeper of the flame.

So what's different? In a nutshell - cheaper price, restored artwork with upgraded packaging and 2012 remastering from the original tapes. Here are the finite details...

Released 24 September 2012 in the UK (9 October 2012 in the USA) - "Photo-Finish" by RORY GALLGHER on Sony/Capo/Legacy 88725461462 (Barcode 887254614623) in an 'Expanded Edition' CD Remaster and comes in a card digipak rather than a jewel case (50:11 minutes).

1. Shin Kicker

2. Brute Force And Ignorance

3. Cruise On Out

4. Cloak & Dagger

5. Overnight Bag

6. Shadow Play [Side 2]

7. The Mississippi Sheiks

8. The Last Of The Independents

9. Fuel To The Fire 

The original vinyl album (tracks 1 to 9) of "Photo-Finish" was released October 1978 in the UK and USA on Chrysalis CHR 1170 (it charted at number 116 in the States) and was his 3rd studio LP for the British label – continuing on from the blisteringly good run of "Against The Grain" in 1975 and "Calling Card" in 1976. 

BONUS TRACKS:

10. Early Warning

11. Juke Box Annie

Tracks 10 and 11 were Previously Unreleased outtakes from the sessions that first appeared on the 1998 CD reissue

SOUND:

When "Photo-Finish" was first re-issued on CD by Da Capo in September 1998 – the tapes were remixed and remastered by Colin Failey and Tony Arnold – giving it a sound some found a little shrill. This time the original tapes have been returned to by ANDY PEARCE and MATT WORTHAM and remastered as 'untampered' versions in August 2012 at Wired Masters Studios in London. They've done a great job – the sound is very clear and muscular – still full of piss and vinegar for sure but less showy than before.

PACKAGING:

The foldout 3-way inlay of 1998 has been replaced with a 2012 12-page booklet that restores the original artwork. Donal Gallagher's song-by-song liner notes of old are reproduced again – but as well as colour photos – there's a new inclusion – David Fricke's article on the album in Circus Magazine from January 1979. The card digipak repros the lovely original album artwork (back and front), the CD itself is a picture disc and there's even a live photo beneath the see-through plastic tray. It looks the business and sounds great – and for fiver sterling - is a classy little reissue for not a lot of wonga.

MUSIC:

Co-produced with Alan O’Duffy – for the album the band remained a three-piece with Gerry McAvoy on Bass and Ted McKenna on Drums while Rory covered everything else – vocals, guitars, harmonica and mandolin. His double tracking of electric lead (which began with "Against The Grain") added extraordinary power to many songs – the guitar solo on "Brute Force & Ignorance" for instance is just blistering – and now remastered to its full sonic potential. "Cruise On Out" sees him lashing into a fast one – screaming as he launches into a typically finger-licking solo. The lone cover - the traditional Delta blues of "Mississippi Sheiks" is turned into a slow paced Johnny Winter number – great stuff. The same applies to the chugging ZZ Top production given to the bluesy "Fuel To The Fire" – drums, bass and guitars – all sounding just blinding now (lyrics from it title this review). The two studio outakes that came with the 1998 reissue are here again – the rocking "Early Warning" and the jaunty acoustic/harmonica "Juke Box Annie"- both excellent and actually warranting the word ‘bonus’. All in all – a bit of a belter really…

For many Rory's classic period was with Polydor Records in the early Seventies – and like so many fans – I adore those albums with a passion. But having just waded through all 5 of these 24 Sep 2012 reissues of his Chrysalis studio records – I'm absolutely blown-away by how good they are. While so many rock acts floundered (especially in the mid to late Seventies) – Rory just kept putting out one gem after another. If anything – I'm tempted to say that these albums are where his real genius lies. Playing back "Shin Kicker", "Cloak And Dagger" and "Last Of The Independents" is a rocking pleasure and not a nostalgia chore.

Like most Irishmen, I can't be rational about Rory Gallagher. I saw him and his band as a teenager live in Dublin in the early Seventies and the experience was mind-blowing (I'm actually in the audience at Dublin on Irish Tour '74). I then bought every album he ever put out after that and always looked forward to hearing where his flying fingers would take me next.

Rory was sadly lost to us in 1995 through liver failure - and it still hurts to think that this most unassuming and brilliant of guitar heroes is gone. "Photo-Finish" is a great way to remember him - and frankly the other 4 titles in this 2nd phase are pretty much the same.

All five reissues are whole-heartedly recommended…

The Eleven Titles in the 2012 RORY GALLAGHER Remasters Series 

- CD Digipaks, Downloads and 'Music On Vinyl' LPs:

16 January 2012 CD DIGIPAK and DOWNLOAD:

1. "Rory Gallagher" (May 1971 debut) – released January 2012 on Sony/Capo/Legacy 88691917352 (Barcode 886919173529)

2. "Deuce" (November 1971 2nd studio LP) – released January 2012 on Sony/Capo/Legacy 88691917372 (Barcode 886919173727)

3. "Live! In Europe" (May 1972 1st Live LP) – released January 2012 on Sony/Capo/Legacy 88691917432 (Barcode 886919174328)

4. "Blueprint" (February 1973, 3rd studio album) – released January 2012 on Sony/Capo/Legacy 88691917452 (Barcode 886919174526)

5. "Tattoo" (November 1973, 4th studio album) – released January 2012 on Sony/Capo/Legacy 88691917462 (Barcode 886919174625)

6. "Irish Tour '74" (July 1974, 2nd Live Set, 2LPs onto 1CD) – released January 2012 on Sony/Capo/Legacy 88691917472 (Barcode 886919174724)

27 February 2012 VINYL:

1 to 6 above also released 27 February 2012 on Limited Edition 180-gram vinyl versions on the "Music On Vinyl" Label

24 September 2012 CD DIGIPAK and DOWNLOAD:

7. "Against The Grain" (October 1975, 5th studio album) – released September 2012 on Sony/Capo/Legacy 88725461492 (Barcode 887254614920)

8. "Calling Card" (August 1976, 6th studio album) – released September 2012 on Sony/Capo/Legacy 88725461472 (Barcode 887254614722)

9. "Photo-Finish" (October 1978, 7th studio album) – released September 2012 on Sony/Capo/Legacy 88725461462 (Barcode 887254614623)

10. "Top Priority" (September 1979, 8th studio album) – released September 2012 on Sony/Capo/Legacy 88725461452 (Barcode 88725461452)

11. "Jinx" (April 1982) – released September 2012 on Sony/Capo/Legacy 88725461432 (Barcode 887254614326)

22 October 2012 VINYL:

7 to 11 above also released 22 October 2012 on Limited Edition 180-gram vinyl versions on the "Music On Vinyl" Label

PPS: Most of the eleven above have been reissued since 2012 in standard jewel cases but have different catalogue numbers and barcodes. The jewel case version of "Deuce" for instance is Barcode 886919369625 and also has the restored artwork, picture CD and expanded booklet of the digipak 2012 issue. But if you want the 'digipak' repro artwork versions – be sure to use the Barcodes provided above when ordering...