"In My Life/Wildflowers/Whales & Nightingales" by JUDY COLLINS (2016 Beat Goes On Reissue - 3LPs onto 2CDs - Andrew Thompson Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"...There Are Places I Remember...With Lovers And Friends..."

I'm not quite sure what's going on with the presentation of this gorgeous 2CD reissue out of the UK (August 2016 on Beat Goes On) – but it seems to have disappeared down the numerical rabbit hole that is the Amazon sales system.

If I type in the Barcode for BGOCD 1243 into their search bar (5017261212436) – it should bring me immediately to this new August 2016 reissue (3LPs Remastered in High Definition onto 2CDs from original tapes) – but instead I’m taken to the original American issue of "In My Life" as a stand-alone Rhino CD in the late 1990s? And that applies to both Amazon UK and USA sites? I've dropped them a note to sort this out – because as it stands – you can't actually find this beautiful Beat Goes On set on either side of the pond - which does both this superb reissue label and the gorgeous music presented here a massive disservice. Anyway – here are the wild flowers and the sublime nightingales...

UK and US released August 2016 – "In My Life/Wildflowers/Whales & Nightingales" by JUDY COLLINS on Beat Goes On BGOCD 1243 (Barcode 5017261212436) offers 3LPs from 1966, 1968 and 1970 on Elektra Records Remastered in High Definition onto 2CDs from original tapes and plays out as follows:

Disc 1 (48:16 minutes):

1. Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues

2. Hard Lovin' Loser

3. Pirate Jenny

4. Suzanne

5. La Colombe - The Dove

6. Marat/Sade (Homage To Marat: Marat We're Poor, People's Reaction, Poor Old Marat) - Side 2

7. I Think It's Going To Rain Today

8. Sunny Goodge Street

9. Liverpool Lullaby

10. Dress Rehearsal Rag

11. In My Life

Tracks 1 to 11 are her sixth album (fifth studio) "In My Life" - released December 1966 in the USA on Elektra Records EKL-320 (Mono) and Elektra EKS-7320 (Stereo) - the Stereo mix is used. Arranged by JOSHUA RIFKIN and Produced by MARK ABRAHAMSON - it peaked at No. 46 on the US LP charts.

Disc 2 (78:17 minutes):

1. Michael From Mountains

2. Since You Asked

3. Sisters Of Mercy

4. Priests

5. A Ballata Of Francesco Landini (Lasso! Di Donna)

6. Both Sides Now - Side 2

7. La Chanson Des Vieux Amants (The Song Of Old Lovers)

8. Sky Fell

9. Albatross

10. Hey, That's No Way To Say Goodbye

Tracks 1 to 10 are her seventh album "Wildflowers" - released January 1968 in the USA on Elektra EKL-4001 (Mono) and Elektra EKS-74001 (Stereo) - the Stereo Mix is used. Arranged by JOSHUA RIFKIN and Produced by MARK ABRAHAMSON - it peaked at No. 5 on the US LP charts.

11. Song For David

12. Sons Of

13. The Patriot Game

14. Prothalamium

15. Oh, Had I A Golden Thread

16. Gene's Song

17. Farewell To Tarwathie

18. Time Passes Slowly

19. Marieke

20. Nightingale I

21. Nightingale II

22. Simple Gifts

23. Amazing Grace

Tracks 11 to 23 are her 9th album "Whales & Nightingales" - released November 1970 in the USA on Elektra EKS-75010 and January 1971 in the UK on Elektra K 42059. Arranged by JOHN HAENY and Produced by MARK ABRAHAMSON - it peaked at No. 17 on the US LP charts and No. 37 in the UK (her first chart LP in Britain).

The card slipcase adds a classy feel to all BGO releases and the 16-page booklet features superbly detailed JOHN O’REGAN liner notes rapping affectionate about the three platters in question and her near 50-album career (the text is peppered with black and white period photos as well as album and reissue credits). Regan is right to highlight "In My Life" as a kind of Folk-Rock watershed album in late 1966. In fact when I listen to Bryan Ferry’s cover of "Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues" on his superb 2007 covers project "Dylanesque" – it’s Judy’s slowed down cover version he draws from rather than the Bobster’s original. But the big news here is new 2016 Remasters by ANDREW THOMPSON from original tapes that sound glorious to say the least - those Elektra tapes in seriously good shape. This is a beautiful sounding reissue and BGO is clearly aware of it pronouncing it 'Mastered In High Definition - Audiophile Recording From The Original Masters'. Indeed...

Beautifully Arranged by Joshua Rifkin and Produced by Mark Abrahamson – Judy's sixth album "In My Life" saw Colorado's finest finally leave behind the pure unadorned Folk of her earlier releases on Elektra Records and fully embrace one of the most pleasing of all Sixties sounds – Folk Rock. The eleven cover versions offered here stretch across a gamut of genres and reveal smart choices on the part of a beautiful and clued-in soul – Richard Farina's ho-daddy-haircut-spoonful-of-fun clavinet-manic "Hard Lovin' Loser", Donovan's violent hash smokers in the London hippy-chic "Sunny Goodge Street", Dylan's witty and acidic "Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues" stripped down to Flute and Voice, Randy Newman's achingly sad "I Think It's Gonna Rain Today" and a double-whammy from the King of Cheer – both Leonard Cohen's "Suzanne" and "Dress Rehearsal Rag" made prettier by acoustic guitars, Judy’s soaring voice and heroes in the seaweed (her album helped launch his career). Alongside these contemporary American and British singer-songwriters sit the European 'Gauloises' cool of the ship-girls in Berholt Brecht's "Pirate Jenny", Jacques Brel's "La Colombe – The Dove" and a homage to the assassination of Jean-Paul Marat by the Marquis de Sade from the adapted German screenplay of 1963 (1966 string-up-the-aristocrats music by Richard Peaslee).

You can also chuck into that stew the Traditional sea-shanty mucky kid of "Liverpool Lullaby" – but a genuine standout has to be the titular Folk-Soul of The Beatles "In My Life". Of all the millions of Fab covers tapping their staggering catalogue – this is surely one of the most affecting – simple and beautiful and making you reminisce about those 'lovers and friends' lyrics. This is a whole album of eclectic period choices sided by songs of warmth and broken humanity that somehow all gel as one coherent whole. In fact as Hippy-Folk as the album is in places - "In My Life" still stands up and you can’t help but feel is an overlooked gem that shouldn't be. And BGO's Andrew Thompson has transferred these wonderful adaptations with skill and warmth...

Disc 2 gives us two whole albums onto 1 CD - the follow-up LP from January 1968 "Wildflowers" (her sixth release) and a jump to January 1971 for her 9th vinyl outing "Whales & Nightingales". 1971's "Whales & Nightingales" contains the global smash "Amazing Grace" – an exquisitely delicate rendition of the hymn and peace anthem – a song that finally charted Judy Collins everywhere else in the world other than just her native USA.

"Wildflowers" opens with one of a Joni Mitchell double - "Michael From Mountains" which would turn up on her 1968 debut and the Side 2 opener "Both Sides Now" which Joni would eventually air on 1969's "Clouds". Both are so damn good and you can literally feel the songwriting magic emanate from their pores. Gasbag Leonard Cohen once again proves to be the perfect foil for Judy's voice and style - both "Sisters Of Mercy" and "Priests" swirling with plucked harps, tubas and carefully chosen double-bass notes (beautifully clear Remasters on these). I can live without the French baroque of "Lasso! Di Donna" but I welcome the commercial harpsichord pop of "Both Sides Now" - a No. 8 placing on 7" single in the USA in October 1968 (Elektra 45639). We return to cello melancholy with Brel's "La Chanson Des Vieux Amants" and two of her own - the heavily orchestrated "Sky Fell" and "Albatross" - both very Joni-delicate. It ends on yet another Leonard Cohen bedroom tale of lost 'love in the morning' - Judy smartly hooking into his uncanny ability to pen melodies that linger in your heart and brain.

"Whales & Nightingales" follows the same form - opening with the acoustic 'waiting by the stony gate' pleading of Joan Baez's "Song For David" that is followed by the piano waltz Jacques Brel's 'child of no complaint' "Sons Of". Brother of the well-known Irish playwright Brendan Behan - his brother Dominic penned "The Patriot Game" - a warning song to young Irishmen considering a career in the ranks of the Republicans. Avant Garde writers Aaron Kramer and Michael Sahl penned the weird-sounding "Prothalamium" where people prepare for the relentless spring by sweeping out the shadows of seasons past (all the mute birds shall sing). Folky Pete Seeger provides the album's first genuinely lovely moment - a simple piano cover of his "Oh, Had A Golden Thread" where Judy sings in earnest and admiration of the bravery of women giving birth – their children of the earth - saving us from ourselves.

Arranged and Conducted by Gene Murrow - "Gene's Song" is a Traditional played as a short instrumental on what sounds like a harmonium. This in turn segues into humped-back whale cries as Judy sings Acapella on another Traditional "Farewell To Tarwathie" - her voice floating above recordings of lapping waves and their lonesome sonar cries. Sounds a tad hippy-dip I know - but its amazingly affecting. In fact both her politics and environmental concerns are given air on this album with tracks like this and Behan's ode to Irish pain in "The Patriot Game". Bob Dylan gave her "Time Passes Slowly" - a lovely ballad that got lost on Dylan's "New Morning" album in 1970. Her own 'I' and 'II' versions of "Nightingales" are piano ballads about God not answering prayers - while the Panpipe "Simple Gifts" is a variant of 'The Lord Of The Dance' air. But the album is dominated by her ethereal rendition of the hymn "Amazing Grace" - her voice soaring in a cathedral echo - the choir joining her as they both bring the ache to a crescendo. I remember the song's impact at the time - people would cry – almost like she’d touched upon a real social longing in those years of chaos and upheaval - and somehow given it a name. I suspect all great conduit songs are like this...

Always a class act but never given the credit she's due - Stephen Stills would pen "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes" for her on the 1969 "Crosby, Stills & Nash" debut masterpiece on Atlantic Records. Based on the varied and moving music presented here - Stevie's reaction to Judy Collins doesn't surprise me a jot...

"Free" by FREE feat Paul Rodgers, Paul Kossoff, Andy Fraser and Simon Kirke (September 2016 Island Remasters 1CD Reissue – Andy Pearce/Matt Wortham Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"... Songs Of Yesterday..."

In only a matter of months platter number 2 for FREE improved on the rough edges of March 1969’s "Ton Of Sobs" debut in almost every way (they were getting there fast). But it's another decade - so we get another version with yet another sound – and despite some niggling presentation flaws - like all the other titles in this new round – what a barnstormer this 2016 reissue is.

FREE fans will know that the October 2001 and February 2002 CD reissue campaign of all seven of their albums (six studio and one live) came with great Peter Mew remasters, decent bonus tracks and expanded booklets to match - and were mid-price at the time (there has been a Japanese SHM-CD variant since in mini-LP repro artwork).

But here we are in September 2016 with another CD reissue campaign of all seven albums accompanied by an eighth - the "The Free Story" compilation (a 2LP set onto 1CD). Unfortunately these new 2016 single-disc versions strip away those brilliant bonuses entirely and unwisely substitute the hugely informative liner notes of the 2001 and 2002 issues for booklets with only band photos. Essentially for Free's self-titled second album "Free" we're back to a straightforward transfer of the 9-track 1969 LP as is. But is another purchase necessary? I'd argue its 'essential'.

Despite the neutering of bonuses and the information-less booklet – this new 2016 reissue offers us one genuinely worthy consolation prize – a new 2016 ANDY PEARCE and an uncredited MATT WORTHAM Remaster that breathes wonderful naturalistic vitality back into the album. On buying and reviewing the underrated "Highway", "Free At Last" and "Heartbreaker" CDs in this 2016 reissue cluster and loving their audio – I splashed out on more and the results are equally magical. Also with most of the eight being offered on Amazon at less than five pounds including P&P – you can of course argue that the price is right - and with their generic 'Island Remasters' see-through side panelling on the jewel case – they look good too. Here are the songs of yesterday...

UK released Friday, 9 September 2016 - "Free" by FREE on Universal/Island Remasters 473 187-1 (Barcode 602547318718) is a straightforward CD Remaster of the 9-track 1969 UK LP and plays out as follows (35:36 minutes):

1. I'll Be Creepin'

2. Songs Of Yesterday

3. Lying In The Sunshine

4. Trouble On Double Time

5. Mouthful Of Grass

6. Woman [Side 2]

7. Free Me

8. Broad Daylight

9. Mourning Sad Morning

Tracks 1 to 9 are their second studio album "Free" - released October 1969 in the UK on Island Records ILPS 9104 and November 1969 in the USA on A&M Records SP-4204. Produced by CHRIS BLACKWELL - it peaked at No. 22 on the UK LP charts (didn't chart in the USA).

The ten missing bonus tracks on the October 2001 Island Remasters IMCD 282 (Barcode 731458622529) version are: "Broad Daylight (Single Version)", "The Worm (Single Version)", "I'll Be Creepin' (Single Version)", "Sugar For Mr. Morrison (Single Version)", "Broad Daylight (BBC Session)", "Songs Of Yesterday (BBC Session)", "Mouthful Of Grass (Solo Version)", "Woman (Alternate Version)", "Trouble On Double Time (Alternate Version)" and "Mourning Sad Morning (Alternate Version". As you can see from this list of ten missing extras (including those tasty non-album B-sides "The Worm" and "Sugar For Mr. Morrison" - your loss is considerable – most of these bonus tracks adding huge punch to the overall vibe of the 2001 reissue (the Paul Kossoff and Paul Rodgers photo spines on the jewel cases are gone too).

The new booklet is 12-pages and shows a Trident Studios Tape Box photo of 'Songs Of Yesterday' and 'Free Me' on Page 2 (dated 11 June 1969) as well as the black and whites of the band - Fraser and Kirke at the piano and organ, Rodgers singing into a mike, Koss sat down with his guitar- alongside the 'naked girl on the beach with cube photos of the band' shot that adorned the inner gatefold sleeve of the original Island/A&M Records LP. The ‘legs akimbo lady’ front cover is Page 1 and the rear sleeve with track titles and recording details moved to the rear inlay of the CD. As with the new booklet for the "Tons Of Sobs" reissue - you're also struck by how our heroes looked so much older than their young ages belied (Bassist Andy Fraser had only just turned 16 while axeman Paul Kossoff was on the cusp of 18 when they recorded the album). Beneath the see-through CD tray are pictures of the seven reissued albums with the eighth being "The Free Story" double-album compilation from 1974 (for catalogue numbers see notes below) and the CD label repro's the UK Pink 'I' Label design of Island Records in late 1969 (there are no liner notes giving history, details etc.).

But a fabulous new master from ANDY PEARCE and an uncredited MATT WORTHAM – who did such great work on Donovan, Pentangle, Frankie Miller, Thin Lizzy, Wishbone Ash, the 2012 Rory Gallagher CD remasters of his Polydor and Chrysalis catalogue - and most recently the 2016 Budgie 3CD Box Set for their MCA LPs and the new 2016 'Deluxe Editions' of the Emerson, Lake & Palmer Island Records catalogue (see reviews for them all) - resoundingly compensates for all of that distasteful compromise.

I've had the October 2001 single-disc Remaster and the 2008 Japanese SHM-CD reissues for years now – both of which rock – but this new September 2016 single-disc version is an entirely different aural beast. There's suddenly staggering naturality and presence to the whole LP (just like the other albums in this series). Pearce and Wortham let things breathe (it's a trademark of their work) and the results are powerful to say the least. Their version is muscular and meaty. This is not loudness for loudness sake – not shrill so to speak – just in your face – huge power and presence - like an original tape should be. On to the music...

Reputedly to be called "Desolation Angels" - the band settled for the simpler self titled moniker and were rewarded with a very healthy chart position of No. 22 in the UK (Bad Co. would use the name "Desolation Angels" in 1978 on their Swan Song LP). Rodgers and Fraser had become the principal songwriters and the improvement in their talents over the patchy debut is immense (they co-penned every song except "Trouble On Double Time" which was a band composition). "I'll Be Creepin'" opens proceedings with a swagger that's undeniably Free - that wicked swing they got - Fraser's Bass and Kirke's Drums anchoring Rodgers and Kossoff as they promise "...I'll hold you in my arms..." The Free Box Set of 2002 took its name from "Songs Of Yesterday" - another winner. But the album takes flight for me with the sheer musicality of "Lying in The Sunshine". Most rock bands can pull out a great riff - but can they get you with an undeniably great ballad - Zeppelin had it - and so did Free. The Acoustic guitar is so clear as is that Kirke shuffle on the drums. When Island put out "The Stealer" as a UK 45 in November 1970 to promote the "Highway" LP - they slapped the smoocher "Lying In The Sunshine" on the B-side. But then Side 1 launches into the stratosphere - the stunning boogie of "Trouble On Double Time" and the 'Albatross' inspired instrumental "Mouthful Of Grass" (used in May of the following year as the B-side to the edit of "All Right Now"). I love this double-whammy - Rock and Soul sat comfortably alongside each other - and the remaster here is glorious on both.

Side 2 returns to the business of tight-trousered Rock with "Woman" - a superb guitar hook that's immediately joined by the band sounding tight and looking for a scrap with your sub-woofers. "Free Me" is almost doomy Sabbath Blues - but what gets me is the Audio which is so clear and powerful as Rodgers sings of "...life without you...there's no tomorrow..." Island tried a version of "Broad Daylight" as Free's debut UK 45 (Island WIP 6054) but it sank without a trace despite sporting a non-album B-side in "The Worm" (one of the bonus tracks on the 2001 CD reissue). It lacked the killer punch and catchiness of "Woman" or even "Trouble On Double Time". The album ends on another slow misery chant - Rodgers singing "...think of me sometimes my love..." as a chorus of voices echo his pain (I think its Sue Armstrong who provides the female voice and I don't know whose playing the flute). I love this album and I've felt "Free" the measure of its more famous follow-up "Fire And Water".

Across the seven new 2016 reissues we probably loose thirty to thirty-five genuinely cool bonus tracks of old and all that enlightening info in the booklets too - so buying their catalogue yet again may become a chore for some fans (that Guy Stevens Blues jam is fabulous). But they’re cheap at a fiver and we do gain fabulous new audio - and for many that's probably going to be the deciding factor.

"Free" was a monster step forward for the band from the promise so evident on the "Tons Of Sobs" debut released only months earlier in 1969. They would of course go on to become proper Rock Stars with album number three in June 1970 - "Fire And Water" with the all-conquering "All Right Now" amidst its many pleasures.

If you've any love for the band - you need this new version. And yet how good is it to hear FREE and this 1969 vinyl rarity sound so awesome again after all these decades...

PS: FREE titles in the 9 Sept 2016 Island Remasters CD Reissue Series are:

1. Tons Of Sobs (March 1969 debut UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 181-5 (Barcode 602547318152)

2. Free (October 1969 UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 187-1 (Barcode 602547318718)

3. Fire And Water (June 1970 UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 187-4 (Barcode 602547318749)

4. Highway (December 1970 UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 181-9 (Barcode 602547318190)

5. Free Live! (June 1971 UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 187-6 (Barcode 602547318763)

6. Free At Last (June 1972 UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 183-9 (Barcode 602547318398)

7. Heartbreaker (January 1973 UK Final Studio LP) - Island Remasters 473 182-6 (Barcode 602547318268)

8. The Free Story (March 1974 UK 2LP Compilation) - Island Remasters 472 262-9 (Barcode 602547326294)

There is also a VINYL Box Set "FREE - The Vinyl Collection" on Universal/Island 473 187-9 released 9 September 2016 with seven LPs (Barcode 0602547318794)

PPS: Amazon have typically lumped the 2001 and 2016 issues into the same review and it would appear - the same product entry – even though they've two distinct barcodes and prices. Even if you use the correct Barcode 602547318718 for the 2016 single-disc reissue it will bring you to the 2001 reissue that Amazon lists 'with' bonus tracks. So if you're specifically after the 2016 reissue with its different remaster (or the 2001 release) - ask the supplier you're buying from what version it is they're selling. If you’re just buying the Amazon Store issue for £4.99 – it will always be the 2016 9-Track remaster you receive minus any bonuses...

"Tons Of Sobs" by FREE (2016 'Island Remasters' CD Reissue - Andy Pearce/Matt Wortham Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"...Walk In My Shadow..."

Talk about a classy beginning – rough round the edges for sure – but would we have our FREE any other way. But it's another decade, so we get another version with yet another sound – and despite its niggling presentation flaws – what a barnstormer this 2016 reissue is.

FREE fans will know that the October 2001 and February 2002 CD reissue campaign of all seven of their albums (six studio and one live) came with great Peter Mew remasters, decent bonus tracks and expanded booklets to match - and were mid-price at the time (there has been a Japanese SHM-CD variant since in mini-LP repro artwork).

But here we are in September 2016 with another CD reissue campaign of all seven albums accompanied by an eight - the "The Free Story" compilation (a 2LP set onto 1CD). Unfortunately these new 2016 single-disc versions strip away those brilliant bonuses entirely and unwisely substitute the hugely informative liner notes of the 2001 and 2002 issues for booklets with only band photos. Essentially for Free's explosive debut "Tons Of Sobs" we're back to a straightforward transfer of the 10-track 1969 LP as is. But is another purchase necessary? I'd argue its 'essential'.

Despite the neutering of bonuses and the information-less booklet – this new 2016 reissue offers us one genuinely worthy consolation prize – a new 2016 ANDY PEARCE and an uncredited MATT WORTHAM Remaster that breathes wonderful naturalistic vitality back into the album. On buying and reviewing the underrated "Highway", "Free At Last" and "Heartbreaker" CDs in this 2016 reissue cluster and loving their audio – I splashed out on more and the results are equally magical. Also with most of the eight being offered on Amazon at less than five pounds including P&P – you can of course argue that the price is right - and with their generic 'Island Remasters' see-through side panelling on the jewel case – they look good too. Here are the tearful details...

UK released Friday, 9 September 2016 - "Tons Of Sobs" by FREE on Universal/Island Remasters 473 181-5 (Barcode 602547318152) is a straightforward CD Remaster of the 10-track 1969 UK LP and plays out as follows (39:04 minutes):

1. Over The Green Hills Pt. 1

2. Worry

3. Walk In My Shadow

4. Wild Indian Woman

5. Goin' Down Slow

6. I'm A Mover [Side 2]

7. The Hunter

8. Moonshine

9. Sweet Tooth

10. Over The Green Hills Pt. 2

Tracks 1 to 10 are their debut studio album "Tons Of Sobs" - released March 1969 in the UK on Island Records ILPS 9089 and August 1969 in the USA on A&M Records SP-4198. Produced by GUY STEVENS (Engineered by ANDREW JOHNS) - it didn't chart in either country.

The eight missing bonus tracks on the October 2001 Island Remasters IMCD 281 (Barcode 731458614920) version are: "I’m A Mover (BBC Session)", "Waitin’ On You (BBC Session)", "Guy Stevens Blues (Blues Jam)", "Moonshine (Alternate Take)", "Sweet Tooth (Early Take & Alternate Lyrics)", "Visions Of Hell (Unreleased Master Mix)", "Woman By The Sea (Alternative Version)" and "Over The Green Hills (BBC Session)". As you can see from this list of missing extras - your loss is considerable – most of these bonus tracks adding huge punch to the overall vibe of the 2001 reissue (the Paul Kossoff and Paul Rodgers photo spines on the jewel cases are gone too).

The new booklet is 12-pages and shows a Morgan Recording Studios Tape Box photo of 'Woman By The Sea' on Page 2 (dated 8 October 1968) as well as the black and whites of the band that featured on the inner gatefold sleeve of the original Island/A&M Records LP (the boys looking like squatters and vagrants in need of a good wash and several weeks in an Army boot camp). The cheery ‘blue coffin, tiger and bunny rabbit’ cover extends across the front and rear of the booklet while there are some new black and whites of our heroes looking older than their young ages belied (Bassist Andy Fraser had only just turned 16 while axeman Paul Kossoff was on the cusp of 18 when they recorded the album). Beneath the see-through CD tray are pictures of the seven reissued albums with the eighth being "The Free Story" double-album compilation from 1974 (for catalogue numbers see notes below) and the CD label repro's the UK Pink 'Orange and Black Eye Logo' Label design of Island Records in late 1969 (there are no liner notes giving history, details etc.).

But a fabulous new master from ANDY PEARCE and an uncredited MATT WORTHAM – who did such great work on Pentangle, Frankie Miller, Thin Lizzy, Wishbone Ash, the 2012 Rory Gallagher CD remasters and most recently the 2016 Budgie 3CD Box Set for their MCA LPs and the new 2016 'Deluxe Editions' of the Emerson, Lake & Palmer Island Records catalogue (see reviews for them all) - resoundingly compensates for all of that distasteful compromise.

I've had the October 2001 single-disc Remaster and the 2008 Japanese SHM-CD reissues for years now – both of which rock – but this new September 2016 single-disc version is an entirely different aural beast. There's suddenly staggering naturality and presence to the whole LP (just like the other albums in this series). Pearce and Wortham let things breathe (it's a trademark of their work) and the results are powerful to say the least. Their version is muscular and meaty. This is not loudness for loudness sake – not shrill so to speak – just in your face – huge power and presence - like an original tape should be. On to the music...

The segue of the 51-second Part 1 of "Over The Green Hills" into the manic "Worry" has always felt wrong to me. Just when you've begun to love the Acoustic Soulful Rock of "Green Hills" - it fades into wild Kossoff soloing that never really seems to go anywhere special. But what you do notice this time around is the Rodgers vocal and those drums - cleared than before. "Walk In My Shadow" opens proceedings proper - that huge FREE rocking sound - all four members of the band contributing to the song. And I love that 'feel' he sings - a trademark of his style. "Wild Indian Woman" that drove our Paul wild until she had his child suffers from hammy lyrics but I like the piano rolls that can now be heard better. Side 1 ends on an eight-and-a-half minute winner - the Led Zeppelin Bluesy hard rock of "Goin' Down Slow" - a James Oden song covered by stacks of luminaries including Howlin' Wolf, Bobby 'Blue' Bland, Jimmy Witherspoon and tons of hip sobbing white guys like Long John Baldry, Davy Graham and now Free. Kossoff gets a chance to show off while Fraser and Kirke anchor him with a rock solid rhythm as Rodgers pleads like he means it "...somebody please write my mother and tell her the shape I'm in..." (will do Paul).

But then the album suddenly delivers a classic - and typically it’s the first Rodgers/Fraser credit on the LP - Side 2's fantastic opener "I'm A Mover". The massive riffage and the rhythm-section’s chug feel huge here - genuinely exciting even after all these years. We're then hit with cover number 2 - Booker T & The MG's "The Hunter" which was first aired by Albert King in August 1967 on his Stax Album "Born Under A Bad Sign". Others who'd had a go at its adaptable riff included Ike & Tina Turner, Blue Cheer and Pacific, Gas & Electric - whilst FREE would return to it with a barnstorming version on the "Free Live" album in 1971 - the crowd screaming wildly during Kossoff's incendiary solo. Time for some misery - "...sitting in a graveyard...waiting for the dawn...leaning on my tombstone...'til the night is gone..." Rodgers moans (nice) - another band effort at the Blues. "Sweet Tooth" could have been a great single to follow the non-album "Broad Daylight" which Island tried as a 45 in the UK in March 1969 (Island WIP 6054) - huge drums on this one. And were back to “Over The Green Hills” with Part 2 - two minutes of an Acoustic ballads pining for nature and clean air in the lungs.

Across the seven new 2016 reissues we probably loose thirty to thirty-five genuinely cool bonus tracks of old and all that enlightening info in the booklets too - so buying their catalogue yet again may become a chore for some fans (that Guy Stevens Blues jam is fabulous). But they’re cheap at a fiver and we do gain fabulous new audio - and for many that's probably going to be the deciding factor.

"Tons Of Sobs" is a powerful debut but it's patchy too if we’re being truthful. And yet how good is it to hear FREE and this 1969 vinyl rarity sound so awesome again after all these decades...

PS: FREE titles in the 9 Sept 2016 Island Remasters CD Reissue Series are:

1. Tons Of Sobs (March 1969 debut UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 181-5 (Barcode 602547318152)

2. Free (October 1969 UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 187-1 (Barcode 602547318718)

3. Fire And Water (June 1970 UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 187-4 (Barcode 602547318749)

4. Highway (December 1970 UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 181-9 (Barcode 602547318190)

5. Free Live! (June 1971 UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 187-6 (Barcode 602547318763)

6. Free At Last (June 1972 UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 183-9 (Barcode 602547318398)

7. Heartbreaker (January 1973 UK Final Studio LP) - Island Remasters 473 182-6 (Barcode 602547318268)

8. The Free Story (March 1974 UK 2LP Compilation) - Island Remasters 472 262-9 (Barcode 602547326294)

There is also a VINYL Box Set "FREE - The Vinyl Collection" on Universal/Island 473 187-9 released 9 September 2016 with seven LPs (Barcode 0602547318794)

PPS: Amazon have typically lumped the 2001 and 2016 issues into the same review and it would appear - the same product entry – even though they’ve two distinct barcodes and prices. Even if you use the correct Barcode 602547318152 for the 2016 single-disc reissue it will bring you to the 2001 reissue that Amazon lists 'with' bonus tracks. So if you're specifically after the 2016 reissue with its different remaster (or the 2001 release) - ask the supplier you're buying from what version it is they're selling. If you’re just buying the Amazon Store issue for £4.99 – it will always be the 2016 10-Track remaster you receive...

"Shooting At The Moon" by KEVIN AYERS and THE WHOLE WORLD (2003 EMI/Harvest 'Expanded Edition' CD Reissue - Peter Mew Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

  

"…Gemini Child…"

Ex Wilde Flowers and Soft Machine Bassist and Songwriter KEVIN AYERS would pump out eight eclectic and often utterly brilliant albums between 1969 and 1978 – six on EMI’s Harvest and the other two on Island Records.

Time now for the digital variants of those fondly remembered doo-dahs and you have to say that EMI/Harvest have done a totally sterling job reissuing the lot on CD. The first batch of four came in June 2003 and the remainder in September 2009 (the last two on download only) – all bolstered with great bonus tracks and quality Peter Mew Remasters.

Soft Machine's Robert Wyatt jumped ship - but October 1970's "Shooting At The Moon" continued on from the Witty/Eccentric Rock of November 1969’s debut album "Joy Of A Toy". But for that difficult platter number two they were credited as Kevin Ayers And The Whole World and the band containing such future luminaries as Lol Coxhill, David Bedford, Mick Fincher and a pre "Tubular Bells" Mike Oldfield. Here are the longhaired memories...

UK and Europe released June 2003 (reissued September 2005) – "Shooting At The Moon" by KEVIN AYERS and THE WHOLE WORLD on EMI/Harvest 07243-582777-2-2 (Barcode 724358277722) is an 'Expanded Edition' CD Remaster and plays out as follows (67:15 minutes):

1. May I?

2. Rheinhardt & Geraldine/Colores Para Delores

3. Lunatic's Lament

4. Pisser Dans Un Violon

5. The Oyster And The Flying Fish [Side 2]

6. Underwater

7. Clarence In Wonderland

8. Red Green And You Blue

9. Shooting At The Moon

Tracks 1 to 9 make up the album "Shooting At The Moon" issued October 1970 in the UK on Harvest SHSP 4005 (no US release). Produced by KEVIN AYERS and KEITH JENNER (Engineer Peter Mew) - all songs by KEVIN AYERS.

BONUS TRACKS:

10. Gemini Child - Recorded June 1970 - first released on the February 1976 UK compilation LP "Odd Ditties" on Harvest SHSM 2005

11. Puis Je? - Non-album song - B-side to the 9 October 1970 UK 7" single for "Butterfly Dance" on Harvest HAR 5027 – French language version of the A

12. Butterfly Dance - Non-album song - A-side to the 9 October 1970 UK 7" single on Harvest HAR 5027

13. Jolie Madame - Recorded November 1970 - released as an album outtake on the "Odd Ditties" LP from February 1976 on Harvest SHSM 2005

14. Hat - Previously Unreleased 'Take 4' recorded 20 May 1970

MUSICIANS:

KEVIN AYERS, DAVID BEFORD, LOL COXHILL, MIKE OLFIELD and MICK FINCHER

Guests:

ROBERT WYATT – Vocals on "Colores Para Delores"

BRIDGET St. JOHN - Duet Vocals on "The Oyster And The Fish" and the outtakes "Jolie Madame" and "Hats [Take 4]"

Compiled, researched and produced by noted Canterbury Scene genre expert MARK POWELL (of Esoteric Recordings) – the 16-page booklet is festooned with rare photos and a detailed history of the album's genesis and fruition (black and white snaps of the boys swilling beer in a pub, brooding on someone's carpet and playing live in Hyde Park between recording sessions for the album). The colour photograph variants of the snaps that turned up on the rear sleeve grace Page 8 (where did all that hair go?) along with a handwritten note and display diagram from Ayers as to where he wanted the band photos to go on the album sleeve. Powell's liner notes fill in the history gaps - original members of Pink Floyd Peter Jenner and Andrew King liking Ayers' Acoustic demos - Drummer Mike Fincher joining the ranks although Robert Wyatt did fill in on some of the live dates and how the session outtake "Hat" contained Dandelion Records folky BRIDGET ST. JOHN on vocals (Ayers would eventually re-record it as "Hat Song" for the "Rainbow Takeaway" album in 1978). But all of that is trumped by the superb Audio...

PETER MEW (who originally engineered the record back in the day) has remastered the first generation tapes at Abbey Road Studios (February 2003) and has done a typically stunning job – really beautiful Sound Quality. Mew has handled hundreds of CD reissues including Dr. Feelgood, Davie Bowie, Deep Purple, Donovan, Blodwyn Pig, Electric Light Orchestra, Free, Jethro Tull, Duncan Browne, Horslips, Man, Robin Trower (and many more) – I've reviewed all of the ones mentioned. His work here is amongst his best and Ayers specifically asked for Mew to carry out the transfers.

The first nine-minute song comes in three separate parts - (a) is "May I?" which opens with traffic and our Kevin asking some pretty girl could he sit and stare at her for a while - her looks enough to lift his dreary day (the audio here is amazing). But that soon gives way to some rather dated-sounding Jazz Rock in (b) "Rheinhardt & Geraldine" which unfortunately descends into some unlistenable backwards tapes (drunk on despair) and finally returns to the opening music in "Colores Para Delores" which supposedly features Robert Wyatt but I'm buggered if I can actually hear him. Things get all Velvet Underground Rock-Funky with a two-parter - first up is "Lunatics Lament" - think "Loaded" meets the debut with an incessant Bass and Organ and treated vocals. That's followed by the notorious "Pisser Dans Un Violon" that sounds like an eight-minute bad trip - staccato noises attacking your speakers but I'm afraid little else - it's an appalling waste of space and time.

Side 2 opens with the sea-shanty "The Oyster And The Fish" and its acoustic strums and combined vocals (Ayers and Bridget St. John) sound incredible. "Underwater" sounds like its title - pianos and bent bass notes giving it their best rendition of gurgles - more nonsense. "Clarence In Wonderland" is short but typically Ayers - a 'sitting on the beach' ditty about a woman who approaches him and makes him a 'wine' offer he can't refuse (feels like the musicians all accepted her boozy invite too). "Red Green And You Blue" is pretty but the title song "Shooting At The Moon" is more hard work than it should be.

The Bonus Tracks rescue what I feel is a patchy LP - the stand-alone "...Lady lady won't you come here quick..." 7" single of "Butterfly Dance" has a charming French language version of "May I?" on its flip-side - both way better than all of the more indulgent tracks on the album.  Even the outtake "Gemini Child" feels like a song that should have been on the LP too while Bridget St. John's French language vocals on "Jolie Madame" again feel like they were destined for the record but dropped for something more Avant Garde.

So there you have it – in 2016 "Shooting At The Moon" is awfully dated for sure and yet occasionally brilliant too and even beautiful in places (it was 1970 after all). Both David Bedford and Mike Oldfield would return for the beginning of the biggies - 1972's "Whatevershebringswesing" - and thereafter his albums would get progressively better ("Bananamour" from 1973 and "The Confessions Of Dr. Dream And Other Stories" from 1974 are truly wonderful things). And those extras are worth owning too.

"Shooting At The Moon" was and still is hard work - but it's a fantastic sounding reissue of a Kevin Ayers rarity you never see on original vinyl LP and if you've any love for the record - then start your moon shots here...

PS: see also my reviews for his other EMI/Harvest 'Expanded Edition' CD Remasters:

"Joy Of A Toy" (1969 Debut), "Whatevershebringswesing" (1972), "Bananamour" (1973), "The Confessions Of Dr. Dream And Other Stories" (1974), "Sweet Deceiver" (1975) and "Yes We Have No Mananas, Get Your Mananas Today" (1976)

"T.Rex: Deluxe Edition" by T.REX [feat Marc Bolan and Mickey Finn] (2014 Universal/A&M 2CD 'Deluxe Edition' Reissue - Sean Magee Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"...Jewels Upon Her Lips..."

In May 1970 - Marc Bolan and Mickey Finn were still TYRANNOSAURUS REX for "Beard Of Stars" (their fourth platter under that Jurassic band name). But by the release of their self-titled fifth LP in December of that same year – the dynamic Hippy-Folk duo had wisely shortened it to T. REX and began to 'Bolan Boogie' for real. And that's where this uplifting yet oddly infuriating Universal 2CD 'Deluxe Edition' comes in.

The December 1970 album "T. Rex" was Marc Bolan going Electric – itching to rock 'n' roll your daughter and wear spangly stuff in his hair on Thursday night's 'Top Of The Pops'. And followed by the brilliant and uber-catchy "Ride A White Swan" 7" single in October 1970 – the tail end of 1970 really was the first time the British Public began to sit up and notice a genuine Pop Star in their midst. "...Wear your hair long baby..." as Bolan urged in the lyrics. Let's get to the details and the jewels on his lips...

UK released March 2014 - "T. Rex: Deluxe Edition" by T. REX on Universal/A&M 534 732-2 (Barcode 600753473221) is a 2CD 'Deluxe Edition' Remaster and plays out as follows:

Disc 1 (58:34 minutes):

The Original Album

1. The Children Of Rarn

2. Jewel

3. The Visit

4. Childe

5. The Time Of Love Is Now

6. Diamond Meadows

7. Root Of Star

8. Beltane Walk

9. Is It Love?

10. One Inch Rock

11. Summer Deep

12. Seagull Woman

13. Suneye

14. The Wizard

15. The Children Of Rarn

Tracks 1 to 15 are their fifth album (first as T. Rex) "T. Rex" - released 18 December 1970 in the UK on Fly Records HIFLY 2 and in the USA on Reprise RS 6440

BONUS TRACKS:

16. Ride A White Swan - 1st single as T. Rex - 9 October 1970 UK 7" single on Fly Records BUG 1, Non-Album Track, A-side

17. Summertime Blues - Non-Album Track, 2nd B-side to "Ride A White Swan" - the LP track "Is It Love?" was Track 1 on the B-side

18. Jewel - BBC Radio One, Top Gear, Recorded 26 Oct 1970, Broadcast 7 Nov 1970

19. Woodland Bop Medley (i) Woodland Bop (ii) Conesuala (iii) The King Of The Mountain Cometh (iv) Woodland Bop

BBC Radio, John Peel's Sunday Concert, 20 Dec 1970

20. Beltane Walk - Backing Track, Mixed For BBC Radio One Club, 29 March 1971 (prepared on 2 March 1970)

21. Summertime Blues - BBC Radio One, Dave Lee Travis Show, 9 December 1970

Disc 2 (59:36 minutes):

1. The Children Of Rarn Suite

2. Jewel (Alternate Take)

3. The Visit (Alternate Take)

4. The Time Of Love Is Now (Alternate Take)

5. Diamond Meadows (Alternate Take)

6. Root Of Star (Alternate Take)

7. Beltane Walk (Alternate Take)

8. Is It Love? (Alternate Take)

10. Summer Deep (Alternate Take)

11. Seagull Woman (Alternate Take)

12. Suneye (BBC Radio One, Top Gear, 26 Oct 1970)

13. The Wizard (Alternate Take)

14. The Children Of Rarn (Take 6)

15. Ride A White Swan (Mono) - BBC TV, Top Of The Pops, 12 November 1970

16. Dark Lipped Woman (Home Demo)

17. Deep Summer (Alternate Take)

18. Meadows Of The Sea (Electric Demo)

All PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED except Tracks 1 and 12

The four inner flaps of the gatefold card digipak are filled with repro's of NME reviews, Fly Records promotional leaflets and sepia-tinted photos of MARC BOLAN and MICKEY FINN. The original British LP came with a die-cut front sleeve where the colour photo of the two on the front would come away from the cover and is pictured on the front of the jam-packed 24-page booklet. CLIVE JONES conceived, compiled and did the Tape Research - co-ordinating his extensive efforts with JOE BLACK at Hey Joe! and NIGEL LEES at Thurderwing Productions. MARK PAYTRESS - former leading light at the Record Collector Magazine well known worldwide authority on all things Marc Bolan did the hugely detailed liner notes. They’re peppered with a large number of unseen photos, memorabilia, the lyrics and a repro of a rare "Ride A White Swan" picture sleeve. SEAN MAGEE did the mastering at Abbey Road Studios using original tapes and the Audio is different to Gary Moore's version from 2004 for the single disc reissue that came in a card slipcase. There's wonderful clarity on this new go-round of familiar material.

I'd love to state categorically that "T. Rex" is an undiscovered masterpiece - even as a fan I couldn't say that with a straight face. After a 53-second intro in "The Children Of Rarn" (the final version also under the same name is 36-seconds) - we soon get down to something way more Funky-Rock - the wickedly good "Jewel" - a nasty groove that's still exciting to me - especially that grungy sound he gets and that wild ending. That promising start is followed by five Folkies - "The Visit", "Childe" and "The Time Of Love Is Now" amongst them - those warbling acoustic strums a little clearer. It's not until we reach "Beltane Walk" does that 'commercial' T. Rex start to register and I've always loved "Is It Love?" - another clever groover. But the side and even the whole album is dominated by the nine-minute new Rex sound of "The Wizard". The "...what's it called Marc?" dialogue that preceded the 'studio chatter' version of "Ride A White Swan" along with "Poem", Take 4 of "The Visit" and the Alternate Take of "One Inch Rock" that tail-ended the 2004 Remaster are oddly absent - replaced with BBC stuff - the best of which for me is their great cover of Cochran's "Summertime Blues". Amidst Disc 2's rarities - the fifteen and a half minute version of "The Children Of Rarn" is hard to take in one swallow but that "Dark Lipped Woman" demo is fascinating as is the Electric demo of "Meadows Of The Sea".

The precursor to "Electric Warrior" in September 1971 – "T. Rex" had that hangover Tyrannosaurus material that Bolan did well to ditch. So it’s a transitional album and has always suffered from that. In fact I’d argue that the now forgotten British compilation LP "Bolan Boogie" from May 1972 (a UK No. 1) was the LP "T. Rex" wanted to be all along but just never got there.

Still there’s much to love and even though it may cost you a wee bit more than its initial LP price of 42s 5d - this T. REX 'DE' has wickedly good audio and transitional stuff worth shelling out on...

"Tales From Topographic Oceans: Definitive Edition" by YES (October 2016 Panegyric 3CD/1BLU RAY Reissue with Steve Wilson Remixes) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"...Fusions Of Wonder..."

Porcupine Tree's STEVEN WILSON has transformed the back catalogues of King Crimson and Jethro Tull in the last five years with his meticulous and sensational digital transfers – not to mention Gentle Giant, XTC, Caravan, Emerson, Lake And Palmer and Hawkwind all benefitting from his even-handed yet sympathetic ear. Artists trust their work to this man precisely because he has a love for their complexity and the technical know-how to match his and their musical passions (Ian Anderson of Tull will have their music go nowhere else). But fans of England's best experimental band YES have been licking their lips in glee over this one – Progressive Rock's most ambitious and commercially successful adventure ever – the 4-sided double-album monster that was and still is "Tales From Topographic Oceans" (December 1973, Atlantic K 80001 in the UK - Atlantic SD 2-908 in the USA).

The net-blurbs tell us that the 'go to' man for Classic Rock Masters has been working on "Tales..." for three years on and off. Well - it was worth every painstaking minute because our Stevie has wrenched absolute magic out of his aural trick bag once again. YES fans are going to have a Topographic coronary when they get a load of the fabulous audio – but I've docked it a star overall (four stars) for what I feel is the staggeringly unimaginative visual presentation - especially after all that hype and such a long wait. Here is the revealing science of details and Linear Pulse Code Modulations (LPCM to You and I mate)...

UK released Friday, 7 October 2016 – "Tales From Topographic Oceans: Definitive Edition" by YES comes in two forms - a 2CD/2DVD-A version and this - the 3CD/1BLU RAY version on Panegyric GYRBD80001 (Barcode 633367901026). It plays out as follows:

2016 STEREO MIXES (for all three CDs)

Disc 1 CD (59:30 minutes):

1. The Revealing Science Of God – Dance Of The Dawn (Side 1 of the 2LP set - New 2016 Stereo Mix)

2. The Remembering – High The Memory (Side 2 of the 2LP set - New 2016 Stereo Mix)

3. The Ancient – Giants Under The Sun (Side 3 of the 2LP set - New 2016 Stereo Mix)

Disc 2 - CD (66:42 minutes):

1. Ritual – Nous Somme Do Soleil (Side 4 of the 2LP set - New 2016 Stereo Mix)

ADDITIONAL TRACK:

2. Dance Of The Dawn (New 2016 Stereo Mix)

ALTERNATE ALBUM:

3. Dance Of The Dawn (Studio Run-Through)

Disc 3 - CD (79:20 minutes):

1. High The Memory (Studio Run-Through)

2. Giants Under The Sun (Studio Run-Through)

3. Ritual (Live, Zurich, April 1974)

SINGLE EDITS:

4. The Revealing Science Of God (Single Edit - New 2016 Stereo Mix)

5. The Remembering (Single Edit - New 2016 Stereo Mix)

6. The Ancient (Single Edit - New 2016 Stereo Mix)

7. Ritual (Single Edit I - New 2016 Stereo Mix)

8. Ritual (Single Edit II - New 2016 Stereo Mix)

Disc 4 – Definitive Edition BLU RAY DISC:

2016 STEREO MIXES - LPCM Stereo 24/96

1. The Revealing Science Of God

2. The Remembering

3. The Ancient

4. Ritual

5. Dance Of The Dawn (Extended Version of 'The Revealing Science Of God')

5.1 SURROUND MIXES - 24/96 LPCM & DTS-HD MA

6. The Revealing Science Of God

7. The Remembering

8. The Ancient

9. Ritual

10. Dance Of The Dawn (Extended Version of 'The Revealing Science Of God')

ORIGINAL STEREO MIXES - Flat Transfer from Original Master - LPCM Stereo 24/192

11. The Revealing Science Of God (Stereo Mix)

12. The Remembering (Stereo Mix)

13. The Ancient (Stereo Mix)

14. Ritual (Stereo Mix)

BLU RAY Exclusives:

ALTERNATE TAKES - LPCM Stereo 24/96

15. Dance Of The Dawn (Studio Run-Through)

16. High The Memory (Studio Run-Through)

17. Giants Under The Sun (Studio Run-Through)

18. Ritual (Live, Zurich, April 1974)

SINGLE EDITS - LPCM Stereo 24/96

19. The Revealing Science Of God (Single Edit)

20. The Remembering (Single Edit)

21. The Ancient (Single Edit)

22. Ritual (Single Edit I)

23. Ritual (Single Edit II)

2016 STEREO INSTRUMENTAL MIXES - LPCM Stereo 24/96

24. The Revealing Science Of God

25. The Remembering

26. The Ancient

27. Ritual

28. Dance Of The Dawn (Extended Version of 'The Revealing Science Of God')

VINYL TRANSFERS - UK Needle-Drop Transfer - LPCM Stereo 24/96

29. The Revealing Science Of God

30. The Remembering

31. The Ancient

32. Ritual

US BANDED PROMO Needle-Drop Transfer - LPCM Stereo 24/96

33. The Revealing Science Of God

34. The Remembering

35. The Ancient

36. Ritual

For such a prestigious release - I was expecting visual fireworks - but the outer box slipcase has the Roger Dean painting front cover artwork only and nothing on the rear - no details of any kind. Both the gatefold 2-disc cardholders are identical - even the booklet has the same artwork. Inside each card sleeve are the four discs - but they're housed in blank black card inners without any track details (they’re only in booklet). Where's the alternate Roger Dean artwork for the second card gatefold - or how about making the card inners interesting with tour posters - magazine advert campaigns - tape boxes - even the original Atlantic LP labels.

The first gatefold card sleeve with Disc 1 and 2 in it has the beautiful inner gatefold of the original 1973 double but the lyrics and explanations of the songwriting are barely readable and not featured in larger form in the booklet. The second card sleeve with Discs 3 and 4 has at least a live shot on the band on the inner gatefold and different RD artwork on the CD label - but that's it. The oversized 20-page booklet is a pleasant enough affair but large parts of it are taken up with just tracks-lists. Pages 2 and 3 show Steve Howe standing beside the massive American billboard advert for 'Tales From Topographic Oceans on Atlantic Records & Tapes' - but I've seen it before.

On the upside there's a nice collage of concert tickets - rare label variants from around the world peppering the text – shots of their stage show from the American tour and of course Steve Wilson's copious notes on the Audio Sources and how to get the best out of the BLU RAY's massive storage capacity. The SID SMITH liner notes (penned July 2016) are suitably informational and smartly written - but with all that visual repetition there's simply no oomph to the entire package - and not using alternate Roger Dean artwork somewhere seems like a very badly missed opportunity. I do like the BLU RAY menu that opens with the album cover in black and white that then slowly morphs into glorious colour on my 55" tele with the Roger Dean 'YES' logo finally appearing as if by magic beneath the 'Topographic' LP title. And the choices within the three principal selections (2016 Mixes, Original Mixes and Audio Extras) are bewildering if not massively repetitive.

But at least all that underwhelming distaste pales when you actually play the albums – the new 2016 Stereo Mixes by Steve Wilson churning up details and clarity everywhere. I remember playing this dense 2LP beastie side to side back in the day – my poor worried parents concerned for their boy's sanity amidst all those synths and layered vocals and Sanskrit lyrics and his endless gawking at the encapsulated colour photos on the inner gatefold (more clouds - yum yum). Slagged off and beloved in equal measure – I've always thought of "Tales..." as breathtaking in its reach and this reissue only rams that home even more. That huge Wakeman synth solo during "The Revealing Science Of God" – the sheer prettiness of Side 2's opening passage as they sing of '...velvet sailors...' and '...moments that start to linger...' - the adventurous percussive Side 3 with rattling cymbals and those manic rhythms where Howe's guitar does a Japanese hula-hula dance on your speakers - ending in my favourite part - the brilliant and varied "Ritual" - Squire making his Bass heard above all that Mellotron and that genius break into percussive chanting and then dancing - 'Nous Somme Du Soleil' indeed.

I hadn't expected much from the 'Studio Run-Through' Alternatives or a live version of "Ritual" - but how wrong can you be. When Howe goes into that solo at the end of "Ritual" he's ripping up and down the frets like a demented Robert Fripp and then it changes into that bizarre percussive section that sounds vaguely Chinese - in the live environment - it's explosive stuff and the band’s playing virtuosity a thing of genuine wonder.

When I worked in Reckless Records in Soho – even the album’s name would engender giggles and sighs of disbelief. The young ones would look at me corkscrewed when I told them of its lofty chart position – is he mad? Yes's "Tales From Topographic Oceans" went No. 1 in the UK on release in December 1973 and achieved No. 6 in the USA - incredible for such a challenging double and a music-form referred to as naff only two years later.

Time has proven the public right – and Steven Wilson has done this YES music a powerful justice. I just wish I wasn’t so nonplussed by the visuals for something I loved so much (docked a star for that). Over to you...