"Greatest Hits Vol. Two: The ABC-Dunhill/MCA Recordings" by BOBBY BLAND (1998 Universal/MCA CD Compilation - Erick Labson Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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70ts Soul, R'n'B, Funk, Jazz Fusion
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"…You're A Link In My Chain…" 

Subtitled "The ABC-Dunhill/MCA Recordings" this 16-track 1998 USA-only CD compilation is a deceptive little bugger that packs a whole lot more punch than its naff title and sleeve would suggest. It covers the period 1973 to 1982 and therefore gives us some great-sounding remasters from a criminally under-represented part of Bland's extraordinary career.

Released July 1998 in the USA (2000 in the UK) - "Greatest Hits Vol. Two: The ABC-Dunhill/MCA Recordings" by BOBBY BLAND on Universal/MCA MCAD-11809 (Barcode 008811180928) is a 16-track CD compilation of Remasters and plays out as follows (69:33 minutes):

1. This Time I'm Gone For Good

2. Goin' Down Slow

3. I Wouldn't Treat A Dog (The Way You Treated Me)

4. Ain't No Love In the Heart Of The City

5. Yolanda

6. I Ain't Gonna Be The First To Cry

7. Today I Started Loving You Again

8. I Hate You

9. The Soul Of A Man

10. It Ain't The Real Thing

11. Sittin' On A Poor Man's Throne

12. Let The Good Times Roll [Live] with B.B. KING

13. You'd Be A Millionaire

14. Love To See You Smile

15. Recess In Heaven

16. Soon As The Weather Breaks

(US Album catalogue numbers)

Tracks 1 and 2 are from the LP "His California Album", 1973 on Dunhill 50163

Tracks 3 to 6 are from "Dreamer", 1974 on Dunhill 50169

Tracks 7 and 8 are from "Get Down With", 1975 on ABC 895

Tracks 9 to 11 are from "Reflections In Blue", 1978 on ABC 1018

Track 12 is from "Together Again...Live", 1976 on ABC-Impulse 9317

Track 13 is from "Sweet Vibrations", 1980 on MCA 5142

Track 14 is from "Come Fly With Me", 1978 on ABC 1075

Track 15 is from "Here We Go Again", 1982 on MCA 5297

Track 16 is from "I Feel Good, I Feel Fine", 1979 on MCA 3157

His 50s and 60's tracks have been done to death in the USA - and fabulous they are too - but I adore his Seventies Soul/Funk stuff more - and especially the two masterpieces that turned up on Probe Records in the UK in 1973 and 1974 - "His California Album" and "Dreamer". I've had OK-only reissues of these for years just to have the music and have dreamed of the day that either or both receive the DELUXE EDITION 2CD treatment - or even a Hip-O Select Box Set covering the full ABC/Probe years where I know the sound will be the business. 

Well this compilation goes a bit of a way towards that because it's remastered by one of Universal's top engineers ERICK LABSON (over 1000 audio restoration and remaster credits to his name) and the sound quality is gorgeous - really clean, muscular and a revelation on every track. The 12-page booklet has liner notes by long-time Blues and R'n'B historian and hero BILL DAHL whose done tons of work for Bear Family on their "Sweet Soul Music" series 1961 to 1975 (see indepth reviews for all 15 Volumes).

The slinky Steely Dan Funk Soul of "I Ain't Gonna Be The First To Cry" (lyrics from it title this review) is a joy - every instrument impressive - and of course that voice. "Today I Started Loving You Again" is another gem and the bluesy cover of Louis Jordan's "Let The Good Times Roll" with B.B. KING (live) is a welcome reminder of his illustrious R'n'B past. Sure it tapers off a bit towards the end and it could easily have had 2 more tracks - but as it stands - this overlooked and stunning-sounding MCA CD compilation is about ten dollars for US buyers and £5 for UK - and as such represents amazing value for money - a top Soul bargain.

Discover Bobby "Blue" Bland superb Soul period through "Greatest Hits Vol. Two" - and watch that phone dial light up as the bank manager begs you to stop spending money on his catalogue...

"She's Like A Swallow" by BONNIE DOBSON (2014 Big Beat CD Reissue - Nick Robbins Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"...The River That Never Runs Dry..." 

This mid-priced CD reissue from Ace’s subsidiary label Big Beat sees Bonnie Dobson’s rare US Folk debut album from 1960 remastered for the first time and reissued with it’s original track-by-track liner notes and a new interview with Bonnie conducted in 2014. Here are the wild mountain thyme details...

UK released December 2014 – "She's Like A Swallow And Other Folk Songs" by BONNIE DOBSON on Ace/Big Beat CDWID 324 (Barcode 029667432429) is a straightforward CD transfer and Remaster of her 1960 US album on Prestige International 13021 in Mono (46:09 minutes):

1. The Cruel War Is Raging

2. She’s Like A Swallow

3. The Silkie Of Sule Skerry

4. Across The Blue Mountain

5. The Prickle Holly Bush

6. Mistress Bond

7. Envoyons De L’Avant

8. Will Ye Go Laddie Go [Side 2]

9. Frankie Slide

10. Monsieur Le Cure

11. The Jam At Gerry’s Rock

12. The First Time

13. The Road To Grandmere

14. The Old Maid’s Lament

The 12-page booklet contains the original vinyl album’s track-by-track annotation on the history of the songs and a new interview with Bonnie on recording in Rudy Van Gelder’s then state-of-the-art studio at Englewood Cliffs in New Jersey (he was most closely associated with Blue Note). The album was apparently done in only 4 hours with just Bonnie and Acoustic Guitar – mostly it has to be said first takes. The audio remaster (in Mono) has been done by NICK ROBBINS at London’s Sound Mastering and is very clear. Yet despite Van Gelder’s magical name associated with the production – I’d have to say that the audio is good rather great – clear for sure – but the recordings sound rushed and a little fuzzy at times especially in the air around the guitar.

It’s an album of its time – Folk Traditionals sung by an earnest voice – history and heartbreak (“The Cruel War Is Raging” and “The Old Maid’s Lament”). I’d be the first to admit that its twee lone guitar/high voice Folk absolutely won’t be everyone’s cup of Darjeeling in 2015 - but for fans the remaster does highlight the clarity of her striking voice. Apart from the famous title track (lyrics from it title this review) - the best-known other tune here is probably “Will You Go Laddie Go” more commonly known as “Wild Mountain Thyme” – a Traditional brought to the USA by the McPeake Family of Belfast. Based on words by the Scottish Poet Robert Tannahill – the gorgeous air has been covered by many since the Fifties – Judy Collins and The Byrds in the Sixties – and faves of mine The Silencers in the Nineties and Kate Rusby in the Naughties. 

Note for everyone for sure – but fans will appreciate the presentation and the remaster...

"Rides Again" by JAMES GANG [featuring JOE WALSH] (2009 Japan-Only Geffen/Universal SHM CD Repro Reissue) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"…Ashes, The Rain And I…"

Dull as dishwater cover artwork or not - I've loved this frigging album for over 40 years now - and this gorgeous Japanese reissue has only brought that passion to a boil yet again. I wouldn't mind if it was anything new (it isn't). It's simply the remaster done by TED JENSEN in the States in 2000 slapped onto a new format and buffed up with repro artwork and an audiophile price tag - but I can't help myself. This dinky looking SHM-CD sits on my bulging shelf at home (I'm glad something's bulging in this house) along with the other Joe Walsh solo albums that followed his departure from THE JAMES GANG (also on SHM-CD). And I love them all to bits. I've always thought The James Gang were a bit special and I wouldn't be alone in this. Here are the bomber Medleys, Asshton Park Women and the Funk that numbers 49...

Released 22 April 2009 in Japan-Only on a SHM-CD in 5” Mini LP Repro Artwork -"Rides Again" by JAMES GANG on Geffen/Universal UICY-94059 (Barcode 4988005555083) breaks down as follows (35:13 minutes):

1. Funk No. 49

2. Asshtonpark

3. Woman

4. The Bomber (a) Closet Queen (b) Bolero (c) Cast Your Fate To The Wind

5. Tend My Garden [Side 2]

6. Garden Gate

7. There I Go Again

8. Thanks

9. Ashes, The Rain And I

Tracks 1 to 9 are the album "Rides Again" - released July 1970 in the USA on ABC Records S-711 and October 1970 in the UK on Probe Records SPBA 6253. Both countries sported a gatefold sleeve - this 5" repro artwork facsimiles the first pressing of the American vinyl LP with the colour painting of the band on the inner gatefold (and the "Bolero" credit in "The Bomber"). There's a 20-page booklet that has lyrics, some text in Japanese and little else. This is pretty much par for the course for these Japanese releases.

JAMES GANG was:

JOE WALSH - Guitars, Keyboards and Lead Vocals

DALE "BUGSLEY" PETERS - Bass and 6-String Guitar on "Ashes, Rain And I"

JIM FOX - Drums and Percussion

All tracks on the album are written by Joe Walsh except "Funk No. 49" which is a co-write between Walsh, Fox and Peters, "Closet Queen" within "The Bomber" is also a band co-write - while the final track "Ashes, The Rain And I" is a Joe Walsh/Dale Peters composition.

The SHM-CD format (Super High Materials) does not require a specific machine to play them on - they're simply a better form of disc created by JVC in 2008 to improve on the original CD format (unchanged since it was first put out 30 years ago). The general idea is that the sound on the SHM-CD is more defined and to my ears they do seem to extract more nuances from the transfer.

Original produced by BILL SZYMCZYK - the album's sound was supposed to be loud and in your face (as per the liner notes) - and it is on monsters like the stunning "Funk No. 49" and "The Bomber". But I've always found it to be so sweetly delicate too on softer tracks like "There I Go Again" (Pedal Steel played by RUSTY YOUNG of POCO) and the gorgeous "Tend My Garden". Speaking of "The Bomber" - fans will know that after initial pressings of the album the 3-part song was reduced down to 2-parts on subsequent pressings - losing the centre "Bolero" piece. So "The Bomber" went from 7:05 minutes to roughly 5:40 minutes. As this disc apes the American 2000 remaster - what you get is pressing No. 1 with the full 7:05 minute version. It's a shame someone didn't take the time to add on the 2-part edit as a bonus track - but if you want that version it's on the 1998 Repertoire 2CD set "The Best Of" on Repertoire REP 4671-WR (Barcode 4009910467121). Back to the three-part version we have - Walsh cleverly mixes in Ravel's classical "Bolero" and Vincent Guaraldi's jazz piece "Cast Your Fate To The Wind" into his own rock song so you get a seven-minute guitar pyrotechnics fest that ends Side One of the LP.

Side 2 is perfect to me - the near six-minute "Tend My Garden" segues into the two-minute bluesy acoustic ditty that is "Garden Gate" - gorgeous playing and it sounds wonderful on this CD. "Thanks" is lovely too but the album's undeniable second masterpiece is the finisher "Ashes, The Rain And I" - an acoustic song laden with fabulous string arrangements by JACK NITZSCHE. It sends me every time I hear and I've ended many's a 70's FEST CD compilation with it.

OK - you could argue that it's simpler to buy the 2000 CD for less than a fiver and be done with it - and if you want the cheaper option (still with great sound) - then that's the way to go. But as a fan - if I think I can get a few more nanoseconds of sonic greatness out of this sucker - then I'm gonna be the financial sucker and buy that dinky Japanese repro with its new-fangled format thingy. I have both versions - but I must confess that I play the SHM every time because of that extra detail and warmth.

The James Gang would enlist ace guitarists Dominic Troiano and Tommy Bolin for their next lot of LPs and start another chapter. But this - "Yer Album" and "Thirds" (all with Walsh) have always tickled my funny bone. Fantastic stuff and worth the few extra quid...

"Bang/Miami" by JAMES GANG [featuring TOMMY BOLIN] (2014 Beat Goes On CD Reissue – 2LPs Remastered onto 1CD) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"…Like No Other…"

I've had the superb Repertoire 1998 "Best Of" 2CD retrospective of THE JAMES GANG for years now in order to have tracks from the 3 guitar players with the band - Joe Walsh, Dominic Troiano and TOMMY BOLIN - but that set only provided the bare bones when it came to TB's illustrious stay. Well at last - this very cool reissue gives fans both of the TOMMY BOLIN albums - and is presented in the usual classy BGO way (card slipcase, great remasters). Here are the wild horses, babes in the stables and pelicans in the pool...

UK released October 2014 – "Bang/Miami" by JAMES GANG on Beat Goes On BGOCD 1172 (Barcode 5017261211729) offers 2LPs Remastered onto 1CD and breaks down as follows (71:09 minutes):

1. Standing In The Rain

2. The Devil is Singing Our Song

3. Must Be Love

4. Alexis

5. Ride The Wind

6. Got No Time For Trouble

7. Rather Be Alone With You (A.K.A. Song For Dale)

8. From Another Time

9. Mystery

Tracks 1 to 9 are the album "Bang" - released September 1973 in the USA on Atlantic SD 7037 and January 1974 in the UK on Atlantic K 50028

TOMMY BOLIN - Guitar & Synth - Backing Vocals on "Standing In The Rain"

ROY KENNER - Lead Vocals, Percussion and Back-Up Vocals - Except on "Alexis" - which has Tommy Bolin on Lead Vocals

DALE PETERS - Bass, Fuzz Bass, Percussion and Piano and backing Vocals on "Standing In The Rain"

JIM FOX - Drums, Percussion and Piano on "Mystery"

10. Cruisin'

11. Do It

12. Wildfire

13. Sleepwalker

14. Miami Two-Step

15. Praylude/Red Skies

16. Spanish Lover

17. Summer Breezes

18. Head Above The Water

Tracks 10 to 18 are the album "Miami" - released July 1974 in the USA on Atlantic SD 36-102 and August 1974 in the UK on Atlantic K 50068

TOMMY BOLIN - All Guitars & Lead Vocals on "Spanish Lover"

ROY KENNER - Lead & Backing Vocals

DALE PETERS - Bass, Fuzz Bass, Percussion and Piano and backing Vocals

JIM FOX - Drums, Percussion, Keyboards and Backing Vocals

ALBHY GALUTEN - Synthesizer on "Head Above The Water"

The 12-page booklet has liner notes by NEIL DANIELS - album credits, some photos and a brief history of the band - but the real news is a new 2014 remaster by ANDREW THOMPSON from tapes licenced from WEA. The short but simple way of putting it is that this CD rocks - muscle and clarity - it's all there (you could almost forgive the awful Atlantic artwork for both LPs).

"Bang" is dominated by the arrival of a huge talent - guitarist TOMMY BOLIN - aged only 22 at the time and personally recommended to the band by JOE WALSH. Iowa-born Bolin had cut his teeth with small American bands like Patch Of Blue, Zephyr (on Probe Records) and Energy before joining JAMES GANG (he would famously leave them too and move on to a short but brilliant stay with England's DEEP PURPLE).

It opens with the almost Montrose like "Standing in The Rain" and immediately the guitar leaps out at you. His fantastic slide playing comes Kossoff-like again on the slinky and menacing "The Devil Is Sing Our Song". "Must Be Love" brings up the boogie pace firmly into Foghat territory while Bolin takes lead vocals on "Alexis" - a number that starts out all acoustic pretty about a young girl in New Orleans but then towards the end launches into an electric guitar workout that is just stunning (reminds me of Craig Chaquico's blistering axework on "Ride The Tiger" - the opening track on Jefferson Starship's 1974 album "Dragonfly").

There was clearly a venture into top shelf Gregg Allman territory on the "Miami" opener "Cruisin' Down The Highway". It goes into chugging boogie with "Do It" and "Wildfire" where the band sounds not unlike an American version of Bad Company. I've always loved the beautiful keyboard "Praylude" lead in to "Red Skies" - reminds me of Joe Walsh on "Smoker" at his ambitious song-structure best (Bolin's delicate flicking up and down the strings as triangles tingle in the background is gorgeous). "Spanish Breeze" is an extraordinarily tender acoustic ballad ("her words were almost frightening...") - it has a loveliness and songwriting grace about it (co-written with Jeff Cook - lyrics above). "Summer Breezes" could have been a single and it ends on the plaintive "Head Above The Water".

"Maybe you'll get back on your feet again..." - Kenner sings on "Head Above The Water". Thomas Robert Bolin would be lost to us only two years after these albums were put out - he died aged only 26 in December 1976. At least this fantastic remaster celebrates his amazing sonic legacy with real style. Well done to all involved...

"Yer' Album" by THE JAMES GANG [featuring JOE WALSH] (2000 MCA Records CD Reissue - Bill Szymczyk/Ted Jensen Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"...Hardware Contingencies..."

Forgiving the cornball artwork (three very un-Rock 'n' Roll photos taken on Bill Szymczyk's camera down by the waterfalls in Kent, Ohio centred by a sepia oldie of the famous American outlaws) and that throwaway Hicksville title "Yer' Album" - I loved everything about THE JAMES GANG. They made a huge sound for a Trio and of course at the centre of that rattle and hum for their first three albums was the brilliance of Joe Walsh's songwriting and playing - the stuff of melodic axeman legend (a man who rocks The Eagles to this day).

That’s not to say that there isn’t indulgence a-plenty on here – unfortunately there is. The nine-minute cover version of The Yardbirds' "Lost Woman" and the twelve-minute Side 2 finisher "Stop" especially are often cited as guilty culprits (Walsh clearly didn't have enough original material). A Gerry Ragavoy and Mort Schumann song initially released by Howard Tate in December 1967 on Verve Records (a Soul dancer with lyrics) and subsequently featured on the "Super Session" album in September 1968 as a guitar-instrumental by Al Kooper and Mike Bloomfield - "Stop" most notably comes in for some serious stick. Although it mixes elements of both the Tate and Kooper/Bloomfield takes on the song – TJG's version ambles on for twelve minutes before finishing on silly in-studio dialogue about '...You're not done! Dunn's in California!' An edit would have better. 

Speaking of which - that giggling-in-the-studio "Stone Rap" that opens Side 2 soon tests a person's patience too – but it was an album of the time and when they weren't tweaking accomplished studio cuts like "Collage" and "Take A Look Around" with the new Producer whizz-kid Bill Szymczyk (fresh from triumphs with B. B. King) – they let rip - and laid-down those cuts live. Walsh alludes to this in his short liner-notes-input – they were young and new. I'd argue therefore that despite liberties-taken - this is a 'takes it as you find it' record and you have to allow for that. Here are the CD Reissue/Remaster details...

US released 6 June 2000 - "Yer' Album" by THE JAMES GANG on MCA Records 088 112 282-2 (Barcode 008811228224) is a straightforward CD Remaster of the original 11-track 1969 Debut LP and plays out as follows (49:58 minutes):

1. Introduction (credited as "Tuning part One" on the original LP)

2. Take A Look Around

3. Funk No. 48

4. Bluebird

5. Lost Woman

6. Stone Rap [Side 2]

7. Collage

8. I Don't Have The Time

9. Wrapcity In English

10. Fred

11. Stop

Tracks 1 to 11 are their debut "Yer' Album" - released October 1969 in the USA on Bluesway/ABC Records BLS-6034 and February 1970 in the UK on Stateside SSL 10295. Produced by BILL SZYMCZYK - it entered at 199 and peaked at No. 83 in the US LP charts (didn't chart UK). "Bluebird" is a Buffalo Springfield cover written by Stephen Stills, "Lost Woman" is a Yardbirds cover and "Stop" is a Jerry Ragavoy and Mort Schumann song first aired by Howard Tate and also covered by Al Kooper and Mike Bloomfield. Joe Walsh wrote "Take A Look Around", "Wrapcity In English" and "Fred". "Funk No. 48" was co-written by Joe Walsh, Jim Fox and Tom Kriss - "Collage" written by Joe Walsh and Patrick Cullie and "I Don't Have The Time" by Joe Walsh and Jim Fox.

THE JAMES GANG was:

JOE WALSH - Lead Guitar, Keyboards and Lead Vocals

TOM KRISS - Bass and Flute

JIM FOX – Drums

Their "Yer' Album" debut LP hit US shops in its natty gatefold hard-card sleeve in October 1969 on Bluesway/ABC Records - while Blighty had to wait until February 1970 to see it emerge on Stateside. The elaborate pencil drawing by Ladimer Jeric that adorned the inner gatefold takes up all of one side of the four-leaf foldout inlay that also features new comments from Joe Walsh and Jim Fox on the recordings – but no other insightful liner notes unfortunately (the real James Gang photo used on the front cover is beneath the see-through CD tray and the collage photo of the rear sleeve is on the rear inlay).

But the big news is a BILL SZYMCZYK and TED JENSEN Remaster from original tapes - and this unwieldy beast has never sounded better - the acoustics on "Collage" beautifully clear while the band letting rip on the lengthy solo passages of "Stop" sounding like they're on stage in your living room. A nice job done of a difficult transfer...

It opens with 40 seconds of strings and acoustic-guitar referred to on the original album label as "Tuning Part One" - now simply called "Introduction". It immediately segueways into the brill "Take A Look Around" - a typically hooky Walsh keyboard melody with silly word play at the end (it titles this review). Before the single "Funk No.49" from the next album "Rides Again" put them on the chart-map in 1970 - we get its predecessor "Funk No. 48". It rocks in a similar way but it has to be said not as good as the re-done hit did. Far better is their cover of Buffalo Springfield's "Bluebird" - a song so many bands seemed to take to heart. Susan Carter did a version of it with guesting Blood, Sweat & Tears types on her 1970 LP "Wonderful Deeds And Adventures" on Columbia - while Bonnie Raitt did another on her self-titled debut album in 1971 on Warner Brothers (see reviews for both). Here The James Gang add strings and backwards guitars initially only to Neil Young its ass with some hard-rocking thereafter. I've always been ambivalent towards the 'live in the studio' version of "Lost Woman" where TJG sound like Led Zeppelin trying to work out who they are and not quite succeeding. It's good for sure if you like a whig out (dig that Bass and Drums battle) but it's never been my cup of Java really...

After a few moments of stop-start waffle about Take 1 and Take 3 - we get the sublime "Collage"- the kind of song that indicated just how touching Walsh could be as a songwriter when he stopped thrashing his scratch-plate for ten seconds. Over in England Stateside Records debuted the band on 45 a month before the album was released with "Collage" – using it as the B-side to "Funk No. 48" (January 1970 - Stateside SS 2158). But the British single did no business and is (like the UK pressed album) a collectable now. "I Don't Have The Time" is a little too frantic for its own good - while the Gershwin-titled "Wrapcity In English" turns out to be a forlorn string-intro to "Fred" - a droning Walsh riff that goes into a cool Prog guitar flourish towards the finish. And it ends on "Stop" - dominating the Side and the LP with someone else's song.

It's not all genius for sure - but it's Joe Walsh - and that's enough to make me weak at the knees. And I'm thrilled that this CD rocks. Yer' album - I dig it y'all...

"Get Into Something" by THE ISLEY BROTHERS (June 1997 Epic Associated/Legacy 'Rhythm & Soul' CD Reissue - Tom Ruff Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"...Say What You Wanna Say...

Let The Children Play Where They Wanna Play...

...That’s Freedom..."

Sandwiched between "The Brothers: Isley" in November 1969 and the stunning covers-album "Givin’ It Back" in September 1971 – Soul's elder-statesmen THE ISLEY BROTHERS saw their March 1970 album "Get Into Something" fail. Despite the seriously great music contained within – four relatively successful singles - and funky breaks that have made the album a huge collectable in the years ever since - "Get Into Something" failed to chart at the time of release - perhaps a product-overload for American punters.

This 1997 Remastered CD was part of Epic/Legacy's 'Rhythm & Soul Series' of CD Reissues in the late 90’s covering artists like Bill Withers, Cab Calloway, Big Maybelle, Aretha Franklin, The O'Jays, The Treniers, Major Lance and The Isley Brothers (to name but a few). It was then subsequently bundled with four other period LPs by The Isley Brothers into the "Original Album Classics" 5CD Mini Box set in 2008 – and again newly remastered for the amazing and all-encompassing 23CD Box Set "The RCA Victor & T-Neck Album Masters (1959-1983)" issued in August 2015. For this review we're going to deal with the first 1997 Remaster – just the stand-alone album. Here is the inventory...

UK released June 1997 – "Get Into Something" by THE ISLEY BROTHERS on Epic Associated/Legacy 487514 2 (Barcode 5099748751423) is a straightforward CD Remaster of the 10-Track 1970 album on T-Neck Records and plays out as follows (39:46 minutes):

1. Get Into Something

2. Freedom

3. Take Inventory

4. Keep On Doin'

5. Girls Will Be Girls [Side 2]

6. I Need You So

7. If He Can You Can

8. I Got To Find Me One

9. Beautiful

10. Bless Your Heart

Tracks 1 to 10 are the LP "Get Into Something" – released March 1970 in the USA on T-Neck TNS 3006 (reissued December 1970 with the same catalogue number) – no UK release. All tracks are originals.

The 12-page booklet has new liner notes from GEOFFREY HIMES called "You Picked The Right Time" - his explanations and obvious enthusiasm for this superb band pouring out of every factoid. There are some photos of Ronald, Kelly and Rudy - America's 'Soul Train' TV program - publicity photos as well as repros of those US T-Neck 45s. There are the usual reissue credits and a gorgeous CD transfer/master from TOM RUFF at Sony Studios in New York. Let's get to the music...

A Part One 3:51 minute edit of the 7:28 minute album cut for the opening title track "Get Into Something" was chosen as the album’s third 45 in September 1970 on T-Neck TN 924 (with Part II on the flipside). But despite its fantastic piano funk groove, brass interludes and ‘follow me’ pleading from Ronald Isley – it managed only No. 25 on the US R&B charts (No. 89 Pop). It fact the song and its cool groove became more famous after the event with samplers using that chicken scratch guitar and ‘gimme some drums’ break half way through on their Break Dance and Hip Hop mixes for years. Bloody shame no one at Legacy thought to put the separated edits on the end as Bonus Tracks.

It seems strange now to think that the obviously joyous "Freedom" was considered as the real winning single on the LP from the off – a message song with an irresistible hook more in keeping with the emerging feelings of the day (lyrics from it title this review). It was fourth single in December 1970 on T-Neck TN 927 and with Side 2’s "I Need You So" as the B-side – it rose to No. 16 on the R&B charts.  Both "Take Inventory" and the rapping "Keep On Doin’" are firmly in the manic Funk department – both snapping at James Brown’s heels over on Polydor. The dreadfully cloying "Girls Will Be Girls" is the first clunker – but even that managed a No. 22 placing on the American R&B chart when it was released in June 1970 on T-Neck TN 921 (credited as "Girls Will Be Girls, Boys Will Be Boys" with "Get Down Off The Train" from "The Brothers: Isley" album earlier in the year as the B-side).

Geoffrey Himes’ honest liner notes aren’t exactly kind to "I Need You So" – a little-too-pleading ballad drowned in strings – not the LP’s finest moment despite a sweet vocal from Ronald and equally tasty Vocal Group harmonies from the boys. Things improve immeasurably with the Guitar-Funk of "If He Can Do It" – a nasty little butt-shaking number you would imagine Jimi Hendrix would have flipped for. "Beautiful" tells us that its fab to talk to people and see birds in the sky – but the "It’s Your Thing" groove of "Bless Your Heart" that shines more – ending the album on a dancer’s high. They would go onto the magnificence of 1971's "Givin' It Back" - one of my all time fave-rave Soul albums - and one that’s entirely made up of reinterpreted cover version done in that fab Isley Brothers style.

"...If you want to get into something...come on and follow me..." - Ronald Isley sang on the title track 47-years ago. Time to answer that Funky call...

"Evensong/Fantasia Lindum" by (THE) AMAZING BLONDEL (2004 Beat Goes On Reissue - 2LPs Remastered onto 1CD) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"...Shine On Your Celestial Light..."

Imagine The Incredible String Band had a three-way with Tir na n'Og and Gryphon and the offspring produced was Steeleye's Span's awkward child.

AMAZING BLONDEL will not be for everyone - ye old English rhymes about buxom wenches beneath willow wood - celestial lights up on Old Moot Hill and lute-wielding hairy men dancing Lady Marion's Galliard at the Siege of Yaddlethorpe (if you get my pint of mead).

UK released on the very adventurous Island Records in 1970 and 1971 (on both sides of the pond no less) – The Amazing Blondel and these two brilliant albums was part of the Fairport Convention/Fotheringay/Pentangle led Folk Revival sweeping the country and student campuses at the time. But our minstrel heroes veered away from the new hybrid of Folk Rock and went back to very ancient roots indeed. Theirs was a mission to tap into the deeply distant past - airs and tunes and instruments gathering dust in unloved Elizabethan museum spaces.

But I hear you say - that's all very nice and historically tickety-boo - but isn't most of that stuff unlistenable pigeon doo-dah. Well no - because amidst all the madrigals, pipe organs, harmoniums, tabor pipes and lutes - lurk pretty melodies - and a trio of enthusiastic Englishmen ready to glockenspiel your sorry city ass. At the time it was fresh and even daring. It’s dated now of course and does suffer from some serious hippy overtones laced with mushrooms and dodgy real ale choices. But there’s so much to love here too and this BGO Remaster is audibly fabulous (2 full albums for the price of one – how very trade union of them).

Here are the lullabies, galliards and merry dances on St. Crispin's Day...

UK released 14 June 2004 - "Evensong/Fantasia Lindum" by (THE) AMAZING BLONDEL on Beat Goes On BGOCD 626 (Barcode 5017261206268) offers 2LPs Remastered onto 1CD and plays out as follows (70:28 minutes):

1. Pavan

2. St. Crispin's Day

3. Spring Season

4. Willowood

5. Evensong

6. Queen Of Scots

7. The Ploughman [Side 2]

8. Old Moot Hill

9. Lady Marion's Galliard

10. Under The Greenwood Tree

11. Anthem

Tracks 1 to 11 are their 2nd studio album "Evensong" (as THE AMAZING BLONDEL) - released December 1970 in the UK on Island ILPS 9136 and February 1971 in the USA on Island SMAS-9302. Produced by PAUL SAMWELL-SMITH.

12. Fantasia Lindum [Side 1, 20:25 minutes]

Prelude and Theme

Song "Swifts, Swains and Leafy Lanes"

Dance "Jig Upon Jig"

Theme (Lutes and Recorder)

Dance Galliard "God Must Doubt"

Song "Lincolnshire Lullaby"

Dance "Basse Danse"

Theme (Lute Duet)

Dance "Quatre Bras Pavan"

Song "Celestial Light" (For Lincoln Cathedral)

Dance "Coranto"

Them (Lutes and Recorders)

End

13. To Ye [Side 2]

14. Safety In God Alone

15. Two Dances

(a) Almaine (b) Bransie "For My Ladys' Delight"

16. Three Seasons Almaine

17. Siege Of Yaddlethorpe

Tracks 12 to 17 are their 3rd studio album "Fantasia Lindum" (as AMAZING BLONDEL) - released November 1971 in the UK on Island ILPS 9156 and December 1971 in the USA on Island SW-9310. Produced by PAUL SAMWELL-SMITH.

(THE) AMAZING BLONDEL was:

JOHN DAVID GLADWIN - Lead Vocals, Lute, Theorboe, Cittern and Double Bass

TERENCE ALAN WINCOTT - Crumhorn, Recorders, Pipe-Organ, Tabor Pipe, Tabor, Flute, Harmonium, Lute, Harpsichord, Woodwinds, Percussion and Vocals

EDWARD BAIRD - Lute, Cittern, Glockenspiel, Dulcimer and Vocals

Other Musicians:

Chris Karan - Percussions

Adam Skeaping - Viola de Gamba and Violone

Jim Capaldi (of Traffic) - Drums on "Siege Of Yaddlethorpe"

The 12-page booklet features the lyrics to both LPs in that old English typeface - some black and white live photos of the trio and new highly entertaining liner notes from noted writer ALAN ROBINSON (dated January 2004). There are no credits for the Remaster but it sounds like Andrew Thompson's work. As both records are largely acoustic instruments - this is the kind of transfer that benefits from a delicate touch. Take the beautiful instrumental passage at the title track "Evensong" plays out which is followed by the short instrumental "Queen Of Scots" - both sparkling with clarity and full of presence - a very sweet job done.

Their debut "The Amazing Blondel And A Few Faces" had surfaced in May 1970 on Bell SBLL 131 in the UK (now a £300 rarity) and has been reissued separately. But their 2nd studio album "Evensong" from December 1970 was a giant leap forward and the UK issue came in a typically lovely Gatefold Sleeve courtesy of Island Records (repro'd in the booklet). Let's get to their unique type of new old-music...

Just what kind of instrument a Trumhorn, a Tabor or a Theorboe actually is remains an ecclesiastical mystery - but we're "...off to the Holy Wars to fight the Saracen..." on the opener "Pavan". Ladies of pleasure are mentioned in both "Pavan" and St. Crispin's Day" (using their ye old name beginning with 'w' and I don’t mean wenches) - but it's the impossibly pretty "Spring Season" that really catches the ear. This tale of 'courting' on dark nights that are dwindling and fires that need less kindling is properly lovely and featured as an example of excellence on the stunning 2009 "Meet On The Ledge" 3CD Box Set covering Island's Folk-Rock output (see separate review). "The Ploughman" is another gushing love song with a Harmonium anchoring a light but sweet melody. It spins its lovely way into your heart with yearning words like "...If I were a Weaver...I'd weave the tresses in your hair...Plait them with ribbons of gold...and bless each ringlet, curl and fold..."

Years of untold pain continue and are sung by all three in the strangely jolly "Old Moot Hill" - another air where a hurting soul wishes he was the lucky suitor come calling as she sits "...combing auburn hair before retiring to bed..." Our players ask another lady to come discreetly and meet "Under The Greenwood Tree" where he dreams of more nights of shameless love – if only her dowry wasn’t promised to another. The album ends with the huge Harmonium sound of "Anthem" where you half expect someone to walk down the aisle in a countryside church wedding at dusk as the boys (all dressed as Will Scarlett) sing like a choir "...your guiding light shines clear...through the twilight till the dawn..."

"Fantasia Lindum" goes for broke with the whole of Side 1 being one long 20-minute mishmash of 13-segments – and it’s frankly brilliant, brave and musically beautiful Suite with certain instruments a shoe-in for an album in 1973 called "Tubular Bells". The playing on this side-long opus is magical and the Remaster really brings the beauty of pinging acoustic strings, Dulcimers and Harpsichords into your living room. As they sing “...Crimsoned fragrance expounding...adorn your dreamfields tonight...” – you get lost in the voices and that unique sound they make and you also can’t help but feel that £30 as a Record Collector Price Guide quote is too low for these rare Pastoral Folk masterpieces.

For sure this music isn’t going to be everyone’s idea of Newcastle Brown Ale – but I urge you to seek out The Amazing Blondel in all its old-world diversity and unique British beauty. Shine on your celestial light indeed. And eh by gum but them were the days...

"A Night At The Opera: 30th Anniversary Collectors Edition" by QUEEN - December 1975 UK LP on EMI Records (November 2005 EMI Records CD+DVD Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"…You Make Me Live…" 

Too many anniversaries and way too many excuses to reissue a classic yet again - but which is the best version to buy of this iconic Seventies album? I'd argue the '30th Anniversary Collectors Edition' beats all the others on two fronts that should matter - an amazing CD remaster on Disc 1 - and a genuinely fan-pleasing Bonus DVD with heaps of quality extras. Here is the Scaramouche and do the Fandango...

Released November 2005 - "A Night At The Opera: 30th Anniversary Collectors Edition" by QUEEN on EMI 00946 3 38478 2 5 (Barcode 094633845725) is a CD and DVD Reissue/Remaster and breaks down as follows:

Disc 1 (43:08 minutes):

1. Death On Two Legs (Dedicated To...

2. Lazing On A Sunday Afternoon

3. I'm In Love With My Car

4. You're My Best Friend

5. '39

6. Sweet Lady

7. Seaside Rendezvous

8. The Prophet's Song [Side 2]

9. Love Of My Life

10. Good Company

11. Bohemian Rhapsody

12. God Save The Queen

Tracks 1 to 12 are their 4th album "A Night At The Opera" - released December 1975 in the UK on EMI Records EMTC 103 and in the USA on Elektra 7E-1053

DVD, PAL, 4:3 (No Region Coding):

The DVD had months of preparation where the original tapes were microscopically remastered into a 5.1 Surround Mix thereby genuinely giving the best possible remaster. It also features for the first time visuals for every track on the album (the original video for "Bohemian Rhapsody" has been digitally restored) with "Good Company" created especially for this release. The Main menu allows you to select the album in PCM 24-Bit STEREO or 5.1 SURROUND as well as allowing Song Selection. Off the Set Up tag - you also find the option to play each of the twelve tracks and their videos with an Audio Commentary (mostly Brian May). There are even lyrics and subtitles in English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish.

KRIS FREDRICKSSON and BOB LUDWIG are the team responsible for the Audio Restoration and Mastering (they also did "A Day The Races" - see separate review) and the Audio is stunning to say the least - probably (as Brian may thinks) - the best teh album will ever sound. 

While many of the original of-the-time videos looks decidedly blurry (despite cleaning it's the way they were lit and shot) - the new videos have allowed the band to put together hundreds of images and memorabilia shots for say "Lazing On A Sunday Afternoon" - it's properly amazing stuff and must have taken forever to do.

The outer 30th Anniversary Plastic Slip Case looks nice at first but is so prone to serious scuffing given any kind of use. The gatefold digipak has BRIAN MAY liner notes on the extensive work put into the reissue and an embossed front sleeve like the original vinyl album did. The beautifully laid-out 20-page booklet keeps it simple - just the lyrics with photos of the band and album artwork interspersed between the words. Both the CD and the DVD have the famous David Costa crest and logo.

Having had the 1994 CD for years - the upgrade in sound here is kind of shocking. The wild guitar and piano intro of "Death On Two Legs" now sounds properly mean - as do the Brian May screaming guitar parts on "I'm In Love With My Car". That keyboard opening on "You're My Best Friend" is punching with the menace of an irate kangaroo while the grungy guitars of "Sweet Lady" flit from speaker to speaker with a vengeance - coming at you in clever Roy Thomas Baker production ways.

But if there was one track on this album that would show sure-fire improvement over previous versions (apart from the obvious "Bohemian Rhapsody") - it was always going to be near nine-minute Side 2 monster "The Prophet's Song". Wow! The vocal gymnastics by Mercury and indeed the whole band now comes at you with astonishing clarity (this must surely have made its way into the grey matter of a young Kate Bush). And then there's 'that' song - "Bohemian Rhapsody". I'm of the age when I remember the video on Top Of The Pops astonishing audiences everywhere across the Christmas of 1975 and into the New Year. It sounds fantastic and I can't hear that amazing guitar break now without thinking about the 'dudes' giving it some head banging in the car.

2015 will see a 40th Anniversary and greed will no doubt dictate yet another uber deluxe reissue - but as Brian May says in this 2005 reissue "I doubt if it can ever be bettered!" He's been there and back on this one...and he would know...