"Okie" by J.J. CALE from 1974 (June 2013 Japan-Only Universal SHM-CD Remaster in 5" Card Repro Mini LP Sleeve) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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1960s and 1970s MUSIC ON CD - Volume 1 of 3 - Exceptional CD Remasters

As well as 1960s and 1970s Rock and Pop - It Also Focuses On

Blues Rock, Prog Rock, Rock-Fusion, Psychedelic and Underground

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*** THIS REVIEW IS FOR THE JAPANESE-ONLY SHM CD REMASTER FROM 2013 ****

"...No Longer Earthly Bound..."

Since his tragic loss in July 2013 renewed interest in J.J. Cale and his wonderfully laid-back songwriting magic has never been higher - and if you want an example of just how good he was (and can sound) - then a few bob spent on this fabulous Japanese CD reissue is going to be money well spent. And more importantly to long-time fans - this actually remastered reissue has GLORIOUS SOUND trumping all other releases. Here are the gory details...

1. Crying [Side 1]

2. I’ll Be There (If You Ever Want Me)

3. Starbound

4. Rock And Roll Records

5. The Old Man And Me

6. Everlovin’ Woman

7. Cajun Moon [Side 2]

8. I’d Like To Love You Baby

9. Anyway The Wind Blows

10. Precious Memories

11. Okie

12. I Got The Same Old Blues

His 3rd studio album "Okie" was originally issued on vinyl album in April 1974 on Shelter SR-2107 in the USA and June 1974 on A&M Records AMLS 68261 in the UK (excepting one song, they're all Cale originals). Its first CD appearance was way back in 1990 on Mercury 842 102-2 - but it was an OK-sounding CD rather than a great one. A whopping 6 of its 10 tracks were remastered in 1997 for the 2CD anthology "Any Way The Wind Blows" and fans got to hear just how good it could sound. But little will prepare them for the stunning sonic attack of this 2013 remaster - beautifully transferred and fully realizing the magic that was always there.

Released in Japan 26 June 2013 - "Okie"by J.J. CALE on Universal UICY-75629 (Barcode 4988005771605) is a SHM-CD (Super High Materials) in 5" Repro US Mini LP artwork and a booklet with lyrics. The OBI mentions that this disc is part of the "Rock Impact '74" Series.

A SHM-CD doesn't require a special CD player to play it on (compatible on all) nor does it need audiophile kit to hear the benefits. It's a new form of the format that picks up the nuances of the transfer better (top quality make). I own about 10 of them and they're uniformly superb. Its total playing time is a mere 29:06 minutes but don't let that deter you - it's probably the sweetest of all his LPs.

On the subject of sound - a few words first about the remaster (and Cale's remasters in general). Both Amazon UK and USA list the 5CD mini box set "Classic Album Selection" as having 2013 remasters ("Okie" is not among them) - it doesn't. Although the CDs look exactly like the old issues, closer examination will show that each has a new catalogue number that reflects the box - but that's all. They all have the old Mercury designed labels of silver and orange lines and are precisely the same as the old Eighties and early Nineties reissues. My Mac even remembered the old track references I'd personally put in. I tried an outside source - like a desktop CD player - same thing - same old discs - absolutely not new. So where does this '2013 Remaster' claim come from? I suspect from these Japanese SHM-CD reissues which are Universal Japan issues only. The point is that the sound difference between this SHM-CD and the ordinary 'digitally mastered' disc of the 1990s is literally like chalk and cheese.

It doesn't say which engineer has done the remaster and transfer in the booklet but the work is AWESOME - truly beautiful sound on every track. If I were to nail down two that show most improvement  - it would be "Starbound" (lyrics from it title this review) and the country jaunt of "Precious Memories" - neither of which are on the 1997 Anthology. There is hiss on these tunes but the clarity of the songs is GORGEOUS. "The Old Man And Me" is beautiful too and the lone cover on the album "I'll Be There (If You Ever Want Me)" by Rusty Gabbard and Ray Price rocks along with superb clarity. Love it love it.

J.J. Cale was one of my audio heroes growing up - and his influence on Eric Clapton, Dire Straits and even John Mayer is undeniable. What a loss and what an artist. And damn the Japanese for being so good with these bloody things - because I need all 8 of them now! My long-suffering bank manager will be pleased...

Albums in the June 2013

J. J. CALE

Japan-Only SHM-CD Reissue Series in Mini LP Repro Sleeves are:

1. Naturally (1972 - his debut) on Universal UICY-75627 (Barcode 4988005771582)

2. Really (1973) on Universal UICY-75628 (Barcode 4988005771599)

3. Okie (1974) on Universal UICY-75629 (Barcode 4988005771605)

4. Troubadour (1976) on Universal UICY-75630 (Barcode 4988005771612)

5. "5" (1979) on Universal UICY-75631 (Barcode 4988005771629)

6. Shades (1981) on Universal UICY-75632 (Barcode 4988005771636)

7. Grasshopper (1982) on Universal UICY-75633 (Barcode 4988005771643)

8. No. 8 (1983) on Universal UICY-75634 (Barcode 4988005771650)

"The Royal Scam" by STEELY DAN - May 1976 Fifth Studio Album on ABC Records featuring Donald Fagen and Walter Becker with Guests (2008 and 2011 JAPAN-Only Geffen/Universal 'SHM-CD' Reissue in MINI LP ARTWORK) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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1976

Your All-Genres Guide To 

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"...Crossed A Diamond With A Pearl..."

The Dan's fifth studio platter "The Royal Scam" arrived with some serious anticipation on the part of fans and musician insiders alike (I can remember Robert Plant of Zeppelin raving about its musical structures at the time) - and typically it didn't disappoint.

Continuing on from the Praying Mantis artwork of 1975's "Katy Lied" (itself a wee bit of a cynical beast) – Donald Fagen and Walter Becker's 1976 LP opus saw a fractured social and political world reflected in snarling reptiles atop cold unfeeling skyscrapers ready to devour a homeless man trying to get some forty-winks at the base of their monetary pedestals. "…I've got a case of dynamite…I could hold out here all night…" - screamed one of the album's miscreants in the lyrics to "Don't Take Me Alive" and you're fairly certain that he's to be taken seriously or seriously taken out - whichever arrives first.

Steely Dan's "The Royal Scam" was not Laura Ashley nice – it hissed and sneered and felt harsh - and you can understand now why the upbeat "Here At The Western World" (recorded apparently at the same sessions) was left off the album – it just didn't fit into the holes-in-my-shoes real-world cruelty of "The Royal Scam". I've always loved the song and it would eventually turn up on the ABC Records "Greatest Hits" double-album in 1977 much to the band's chagrin (they hadn't given permission to its release) and has remained an unexpected highlight on retrospective compilations and Box Set reissues ever since.

But in 2018 – what version of the Danster's fifth album do you buy on CD? For such an audiophile band – there's actually only three choices for "The Royal Scam". First up is the Fagen/Becker approved 1999 remaster that is widely available in every territory – the UK variant is MCA Records 811 708-2 (Barcode 5011781170825) and can be bought for under a five spot if you're on a budget. Third and latest is a Japanese 'Free Soul 20th Anniversary' reissue from 21 May 2014 on Geffen/Universal UICY-76193 (Barcode 4988005821515) that comes in a plain jewel case with an Obi strip.

But the second reissue is the one I want to deal with – the Japanese-only reissue in MINI LP REPRO ARTWORK on the 'SHM-CD FORMAT' which uses the 1999 Fagen/Becker/Nichols Remaster. Our poison first came to us in the land of the rising sun 25 June 2008 on Geffen/Universal UICY-93519 sporting the newish SHM-CD format – a Super High Materials disc promising better fidelity (a different sort of CD playable on all machines). This version was then 'reissued' 29 Dec 2011 (again in Japan) with the same catalogue number, the same mini repro LP artwork and the same Barcode 4988005518330. If you copy and paste 'either' barcode above into the search bar on Amazon - you will get the different entries and their varying prices [Note: with regard to repro artwork there was also a Japanese 'paper sleeve collection' issue released 3 May 2000 with Mini LP Repro artwork on MCA Records MVCZ-10076 (Barcode 4988067040565) – itself reissued 14 March 2007 - but nether were on the SHM-CD format]. Let's get to the music...

1. Kid Charlemagne [Side 1]

2. The Caves Of Altamira

3. Don't Take Me Alive

4. Sign In Strange

5. The Fez

6. Green Earrings [Side 2]

7. Haitian Divorce

8. Everything You Did

9. The Royal Scam

The original vinyl album "The Royal Scam" first appeared in May 1976 in the USA on ABC Records ABCD-931 and June 1976 in the UK on ABC Records ABCL 5161. Produced by GARY KAZT – the album peaked at No. 15 on the US LP charts. The core band was Singer and Keyboardist Donald Fagen, Bassist Walter Becker and Guitarist Dennis Dias with a host of session players…

LEAD VOCALS: Donald Fagen

GUITARS: Walter Becker, Larry Carlton, Dennis Dias, Dean Parks and Elliot Randall

KEYBOARDS: Donald Fagen, Victor Feldman, Paul Griffin and Don Grolnick

BASS: Walter Becker and Chuck Rainey

DRUMS: Rick Marotta and Bernard Purdie

PERCUSSION: Gary Coleman and Victor Feldman

HORNS: Chuck and Bob Findley, Slyde Hyde, Jim Horn, Plas Johnson and John Klemmer

BACKING VOCALS: Donald Fagen, Venetta Fields, Clydie King, Shirley Matthews, Michael McDonald (of The Doobie Brothers) and Timothy B. Schmit (of The Eagles)

The Japanese 5" facsimile sleeve uses the American artwork with the inner card sleeve also replicated. Additionally it also comes with the 1999 fold-out booklet by Fagen/Becker from the international CD releases, its own 16-page white booklet with all liner notes in Japanese (unfortunately), an Obi strip and a protective plastic re-sealable outer. The fold-out Fagen/Becker inlay wisely prints the lyrics on one side so you can actually read them as well as all the recording credits (unfortunately neither took the time to explain who played what on what track). The Remaster was carried out by original album Engineer ROGER NICHOLS at Digital Atomics Studios in Miami and like Producer Gary Katz - Roger Nichols is a name synonymous with the band and their sound.

What is a SHM-CD and does it sound better than the standard 1999 issue that's available very cheaply? Some say yes, others say it's a con. It was developed in 2008 by JVC as a brand new form of CD with far better retrieval capabilities. The problem is that they are ONLY available in JAPAN and usually at considerably higher cost. Also one of the biggest arguments put forward 'against' them is that you need a high-end player to get the best out of these CDs. I don't agree. I own about 25 of these beauties and the sound on all is more than impressive - it's in the musicality - it's in the details.

From the moment the Funk keyboards of "Kid Charlemagne" kick in - you can feel the oomph. Larry Carlton's amazingly musical yet off-kilter fretwork feels more pronounced too and as Donald roars "...is there gas in the car.." like he's just swallowed a whole tin of prunes and is in a fretful hurry to get somewhere - you can safely say job done. But if I'm honest (and it's strange for such an audiophile band) - the Production values seem to take a massive audio plunge on track 2 - one of my all-time fave Steely Dan songs - "The Caves Of Altamira". Just when you were hoping that the brass section so integral to the songs grower melody would feel beefier - you only get a very slight improvement and you have to crank the 'before the fall...when they wrote it on the wall' tune to get any real power out of it. The lyrics still affect me after all these decades - "...the busy world was not for me...so I went and found my own..." - but the sound is good rather than great. It's odd because both "Don't Take Me Alive" and "Sign In Stranger" (Pepe has a scar from ear to ear - he'll make your mug-shots disappear) are the opposite - sonic marvels that kick with the force of an ornery mule - the guitars and brass-breaks in both pumping out of your living-room speakers with bad intent. It's like the Production on "The Caves Of Altamira" slipped somehow - I don't know. But what I do know is that the Side 1 finisher "The Fez" sounds way more alive as it shuffles to its holy man end on swirling keyboards and spitting camels (won't be able to do it without your fez on boys).

Over on Side 2 the full blown grubby cynic kicks in with "Green Earrings" - its curve-ball keyboard notes snaking out of your speakers like they're about to spit at your granny asleep in the rocking-chair by the fire. As Fagen hisses snatches of words (the rings of rare design) - you afraid to dance along with it lest it be some kind of mortal sin and a pissed-off God is watching. No such problem with the unlikely single "Haitian Divorce" where Babs and Clean Willie are in love (they say). No tears and no remorse as they get their quickie separation and Charlie gets to put more lotion in his kinky hair as the Preacher's face turns red. Even know it's a fantastic groove, the voice-box guitar only adding to its kinky so-and-so rhythms. We're then hit with what I feel is the album sleeper - "Everything You Did" where Donald wants to hear everything in the filthy mind of a roller skater as he threatens to get a gun and shoot down her lover. And it ends on the long and builder-magisterial title track where we 'feel the glory' of "The Royal Scam" - that bank of stunning female backing vocals giving the Blues Drone Beat such underlying power (trouble in the city of St. John and the Promised Land). It's a great end to a really great album. And "Aja" would follow in 1977 cementing their musical and innovative legend way beyond the decade...

To sum up - yes these SHM-CD reissue suckers are pricey - and they really should be domestically available at a much cheaper price. But if you've any love for this stunning Seventies band - then you owe it to yourself to indulge in one. Problem - you'll probably want the other 6 titles in this series on this format too and your bank manager will definitely want your guts for garters. Now back to the entirely reasonable rational in the lyrics from just another scurvy brother - "...I'm a book-keeper's son...I don't want to shoot no one...I crossed my old man back in Oregon...Don't take me alive..." Nice one Don…nice one son…

By way of info on STEELY DAN Japanese Audiophile CDs and their variants. 

This list is accurate to June 2018...

SHM-CD (Jewel Case AND Mini Repro LP Artwork Versions):

1. "Can't Buy A Thrill" (1972)

(i) Standard Jewel Case SHM-CD released 12 October 2011 on Geffen/Universal UICY-20122 (Barcode 4988005639240) – 1999 Remaster

(ii) Mini LP Repro Artwork SHM-CD released 29 December 2011 on Geffen/Universal UICY-93515 (Barcode 4988005518293) – 1999 Remaster

2. "Countdown To Ecstasy" (1973)

(i) Standard Jewel Case SHM-CD released 12 October 2011 on Geffen/Universal UICY-25036 (Barcode 4988005677754) – 1999 Remaster

(ii) Mini LP Repro Artwork SHM-CD released 29 December 2011 on Geffen/Universal UICY-93516 (Barcode 4988005518309) – 1999 Remaster

(iii) Mini LP Repro Artwork SHM-CD re-released 30 July 2014 on Geffen/Universal UICY-76427 (Barcode 4988005831552) - features 2014 DSD Remastering from original US analogue master tapes and HR Cutting on the Disc

3. "Pretzel Logic" (1974)

(i) Standard Jewel Case SHM-CD released 12 October 2011 on Geffen/Universal UICY-25037 (Barcode 4988005677761) – 1999 Remaster

(ii) Mini LP Repro Artwork SHM-CD released 29 December 2011 on Geffen/Universal UICY-93517 (Barcode 4988005518316) – 1999 Remaster

(iii) Mini LP Repro Artwork SHM-CD re-released 24 September 2014 on Geffen/Universal UICY-76524 (Barcode 4988005838209) - features 2014 DSD Remastering from original US analogue master tapes and HR Cutting on the Disc

4. "Katy Lied" (1975)

(i) Standard Jewel Case SHM-CD released 12 October 2011 on Geffen/Universal UICY-25038 (Barcode 4988005677778) – 1999 Remaster

(ii) Mini LP Repro Artwork SHM-CD released 29 December 2011 on Geffen/Universal UICY-93518 (Barcode 4988005518323) – 1999 Remaster

5. "The Royal Scam" (1976)

(i) Standard Jewel Case SHM-CD released 12 October 2011 on Geffen/Universal UICY-25039 (Barcode 4988005677785)

(ii) Mini LP Repro Artwork SHM-CD released 29 December 2011 on Geffen/Universal UICY-93519 (Barcode 4988005518330)

Version (ii) was originally issued 25 June 2008 with the same artwork, catalogue number and barcode. The 29 Dec 2011 version is technically a reissue

6. "Aja" (1977)

(i) Standard Jewel Case SHM-CD released 23 January 2008 on Geffen/Universal UICY-90764 (Barcode 4988005502070)

(ii) Standard Jewel Case SHM-CD released 24 June 2009 on Geffen/Universal UICY-91430 (Barcode 4988005560810)

(iii) Standard Jewel Case SHM-CD re-released 12 October 2011 on Geffen/Universal UICY-25040 (Barcode 4988005677792)

(iv) Mini LP Repro Artwork SHM-CD re-released 29 December 2011 on Geffen/Universal UICY-93520 (Barcode 4988005518347)

(v) Mini LP Repro Artwork SHM-CD re-released 25 September 2013 on Geffen/Universal UICY-75768 (Barcode 4988005782274) – HR Cutting

(vi) Non SHM CD Issue (standard CD) in a Standard Jewel Case re-released 17 May 2017 on Geffen/Universal UICY-78312 (Barcode 4988031220726)

7. "Gaucho" (1980)

(i) Standard Jewel Case SHM-CD released 12 October 2011 on Geffen/Universal UICY-25041 (Barcode 4988005677808)

(ii) Mini LP Repro Artwork SHM-CD released 29 December 2011 on Geffen/Universal UICY-93521 (Barcode 4988005518354)

PLATINUM SHM-CD (Mini LP Repro Artwork inside a White Bordered Box):

"Can't Buy A Thrill", "Katy Lied" and "The Royal Scam" – not issued on this format as of March 2018

1. "Countdown To Ecstasy" (1973)

(i) Released 30 July 2014 on Geffen/Universal UIGY-9566 (Barcode 4988005831590) - features 2014 DSD Remastering from original US analogue master tapes

2. "Pretzel Logic" (1974)

(i) Released 24 September 2014 on Geffen/Universal UICY-40085 (Barcode 4988005838155)

3. "Aja" (1977)

(i) Released 25 September 2013 on Geffen/Universal UICY-40007 (Barcode 4988005782175)

SHM-SACD:

These Japanese SHM-SACD releases require a CD player that has SUPER AUDIO playback facilities - they will NOT PLAY IN A STANDARD PLAYER. There are two variants of Remasters - 2010 DSD versions done exclusively in Japan and based on Japanese original analogue tapes – and 2014 variants based on US analogue tapes with HR Disc Cutting. The 2014 variants come in white-bordered boxes like the Platinum SHM-CD issues.

"Can't Buy A Thrill" and "Katy Lied" – not issued on this format as of March 2018

1. "Countdown To Ecstasy"

(i) Released 30 July 2014 on Geffen/Universal UIGY-9566 (Barcode 4988005831590) – Cardboard Sleeve Mini LP Packaging - features 2014 DSD Remastering from original US analogue master tapes and HR Cutting on the Disc

(ii) Released 24 August 2016 on Geffen/Universal UIGY-15005 (Barcode 4988031161814) – Standard Jewel Case Reissue - features 2014 DSD Remastering from original US analogue master tapes

2. "Pretzel Logic" (1974)

(i) Released 24 September 2014 on Geffen/Universal UIGY-9568 (Barcode 4988005838223) - Cardboard Sleeve Mini LP Packaging - features 2014 DSD Remastering from original US analogue master tapes and HR Cutting on the Disc

(ii) Released 24 August 2016 on Geffen/Universal UIGY-15004 (Barcode 4988031161807) – Standard Jewel Case Reissue -- features 2014 DSD Remastering from original US analogue master tapes

3. "The Royal Scam" (1976)

(i) Released 28 September 2011 on Geffen/Universal UIGY-9501 (Barcode 4988005653628) – Withdrawn

4. "Aja" (1977)

(i) Released 30 June 2010 on Geffen/Universal UIGY-9026 (Barcode 498800 5614384) – features 2010 DSD Remastering

(ii) Re-released 26 November 2014 on Geffen/Universal UIGY-9591 (Barcode 4988005857439) –features 2010 DSD Remastering

5. "Gaucho" (1980)

(i) Released 24 October 2010 on Geffen/Universal UIGY-9039 (Barcode 4988005633330) in oversized Card Repro Artwork

(ii) Released 26 November 2014 on Geffen/Universal UIGY-9592 (Barcode 4988005857446) in SACD Jewel Case

UHQCD with MQA-Technology

(Ultimate Hi Quality CD encoded with Master Quality Authenticated Tech)  

1. "Pretzel Logic" (1974) – released 20 June 2018 on Geffen/Universal UICY-40199 (Barcode 4988031277430)

2. "The Royal Scam" (1976) – released 20 June 2018 on Geffen/Universal UICY-40200 (Barcode 4988031277447)

3. "Aja" (1977) – released 20 June 2018 on Geffen/Universal UICY-40201 (Barcode 4988031277454)

"Pretzel Logic" by STEELY DAN - 1974 Third Studio Album on ABC Records (USA) and Probe Records (UK) (June 2018 JAPAN-Only Geffen/Universal 'UHQCD' Reissue with MQA-Technology - 2014 Flat Transfer Used) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"...Charlie Freak..."

*** A Review for the June 2018 Geffen/Universal 'UHQCD' Reissue 

From Japan with MQA-Technology ***

I should have known better before I pre-ordered this newbee - but I didn't check the fine print enough. I should explain.

In 2014 in Japan there was a flurry of 'flat transfer' remasters onto fancy new CD formats from original UK and USA tapes of huge Rock and Soul classic LPs. I bought "Sticky Fingers" by The Rolling Stones (a real favourite of mine) - a Platinum Ultra Super Duper whatever for about £35 and I hated it.

The 'flat transfer' seems to have been the reissue business's answer to the 'loudness' issue moaned about by so many audiophiles – over-trebling etc - something that can be overly done if in the wrong hands.  But 'flat' is exactly what I got when I bought that Stones issue - no oomph - no feeling of the remaster revealing something - it was just dead, clinical and cold. The 2009 Stephen Marcussen Remaster of "Sticky Fingers" is available for about a fiver or less and is all you need – fabulous Audio with real clarity and punch. The same applies to the 2000-issued Steely Dan CD Remaster by Becker, Fagen and Katz of "Pretzel Logic" – again available for about a fiver or cheaper.

Which brings us to 2018. Despite what some sites are saying (that you’re being offered a new 2018 master) this ludicrously expensive Japan-only Steely Dan reissue uses the 2014 Japanese 'flat transfer' Remaster and I’m afraid it's dull, dull, dull - no matter how Hi Quality the CD may be. It also encoded with MQA-Technology (Master Quality Authenticated) – something that few players have.

I’m playing this newly formatted CD on a Marantz 6006 CD and PM combo through Bower & Wilkins floor-standing speakers with award winning leads (good kit in other words). But from the second those pings at the very beginning of "Rikki Don't Lose That Number" swim around your right and left channels - you know you're in trouble. It sounds clean for sure but it just doesn't sound right. The music feels dead somehow – not warm or revelatory. It doesn't help either that apart from a few winners on Side 1 and the title track on Side 2 – much of Side 2 of "Pretzel Logic" is amongst the worst of their catalogue. Let's get to details of the release itself...

Japan-Only released 20 June 2018 - "Pretzel Logic" by STEELY DAN on Geffen/Universal UICY-40199 (Barcode 4988031277430) is an ‘Ultimate Hi Quality CD’ Reissue with MQA-technology of the 11-Track 1974 album using the Japan-Only Flat Transfer Remaster (33:58 minutes). 

MANABU MATSUMURA did the DSD flat transfer from original American Master Tapes - edited in DSD at Universal Music Studios in Tokyo in 2014. Some sites are suggesting that this is a new 2018 master but the booklet clearly states 2014. Also issued 20 June 2018 - the other two titles by Steely Dan in this UHQCD series are "The Royal Scam" on Geffen/Universal UICY-40200 (Barcode 4988031277447) and "Aja" on Geffen/Universal UICY-40201 (Barcode 4988031277454). You will notice that these are flat-transfers from 2014 too.

Developed by Memory-Tech in Japan as an upgrade to the HQCD format and designed to be a Hi Res alternative to the lesser/compromised quality provided by most Audio Streaming - this new 'Ultimate High Quality CD' hard copy version or 'UHQCD' for short is a different kind of disc and manufactured in a new way (it comes with a green colour label coating). Using high-fluidity photopolymer beneath the polycarbonate layer (standard CDs have only the polycarbonate layer) – the idea is that more can be extracted from every one of the pits thus providing more detail in the music. The DSD Master is available at 352.8kHz/24 Bit High Resolution but apparently plays best and harnesses the full potential of the disc if your player is MQA-enabled (Master Quality Authenticated).

The UHQCD disc is backwards compatible so plays on all CD players – but if you play it on a standard machine - the UHQCD gives you a 44.1kHz/16 Bit Resolution which as far as I know is only just above what you’re getting anyway (there are lists online of MQA-enabled CD players like the Arcam CDS50 – most start at £500 and upwards). Despite the fact that 99% of players don’t have MQA - the blurbs all state that even on standard equipment if you use one of these new UHQCD discs – you will hear a noticeable audio improvement – but I personally don’t hear it.

Equally as disappointingly is the rather lacklustre presentation; the 20-page white booklet provided for UICY-40199 offers you nothing but Japanese language and what is provided is simply the 1999 liner notes translated with lyrics added on (all Japanese). There is also a separate three-way fold out inlay for the ‘Ultimate Hi Quality CD’ format but – yes you guessed it – it’s entirely in Japanese so you can’t understand a word. In the absence of Mini LP Repro artwork – you get a plastic cover-art wrap with built-in Obi on the outside of the standard jewel case (see photos) but again there’s no info in English so it doesn’t amount to much (the inner gatefold is blank). 

Despite all that techno mumbo-jumbo above – I’m left feeling nothing. And I’m amazed that the audiophile boffins behind this would launch a new format with ONLY Japanese language inserts – what about the rest of the English speaking world! And I’d upgrade that silly plastic outer wrap too...Platinum SHM-CD Box Sets look a hundred times swankier and aesthetically pleasing.

In fairness perhaps I need to hear a UHQCD on a player that is MQA-enabled and on an album that isn't a flat transfer. But for the moment this seems like yet another advertised expensive upgrade that isn’t one.

In the end it can only be your own ears that judge – so I would say try to hear this new format first before you buy and thereby avoid wasting a lot of money like I did...

"Faro Annie" by JOHN RENBOURN (March 2018 Music On CD Reissue with 2002 Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

This Review Along With Almost 300 Others Is Available In My

SOUNDS GOOD E-Book on all Amazon sites

1960s and 1970s MUSIC ON CD - Volume 3 of 3

- Exceptional CD Remasters

As well as 1960s and 1970s Rock and Pop - It Also Focuses On

Blues Rock, Prog Rock, Psych, Avant Garde, Underground

Folk-Rock, Singer-Songwriter, Country Rock and more

Just Click Below To Purchase for £3.95

Thousands of E-Pages - All Details and In-Depth Reviews From Discs

(No Cut and Paste Crap)

"...Year Of The Riverboat..."

Although it doesn't say it anywhere on this latest March 2018 UK/Euro released edition of John Renbourn's much loved 1972 LP "Faro Annie" - what you have here is a reissue of a Castle Music CD Remaster done in 2002 - released July 2002 on Castle Music CMRCD534 - Barcode 5050159153428 to be exact (and to confuse matters further - itself reissued in 2016). 

Music On CD Reissues tend to be basic affairs and this unfortunately is no different - a bare bones gatefold slip of paper as an inlay which just about tells you who did what. They tend to piggyback on other people's reissue work and although the Remaster Engineer is not named - I had the original Castle Music CD reissue for years and its audio was/is gorgeous - same here (licensed from Sanctuary/BMG). Let's get to the White House Blues...

UK/EURO released 2 March 2018 - "Faro Annie" by JOHN RENBOURN on Music On CD MOCCD13553 (Barcode 8718627226605) is a straightforward 11-Track CD Remaster (2002 version) of his 1972 LP that plays out as follows (42:13 minutes):

1. White House Blues [Side 1]

2. Buffalo Skinners

3. Kokomo Blues

4. Little Sadie

5. Shake Shake Mamma

6. Willy O'Winsbury [Side 2]

7. The Cuckoo

8. Come On In My Kitchen

9. Country Blues

10. Faro Annie

11. Back On The Road Again

Tracks 1 to 11 are his 7th solo studio album "Faro Annie" - released February 1972 in the UK on Transatlantic Records TRA 247 and August 1972 in the USA on Reprise MS 2082. Produced by BILL LEADER - all tracks are Folk and Blues Traditionals arranged by Renbourn except  "Faro Annie" which is written by Danny Thompson, John Renbourn, Sue Draheim and Terry Cox with three cover versions by named artists being - "Come On In My Kitchen" by Robert Johnson, "Country Blues" by Dock Boggs and "Back On The Road Again" by Ian Campbell.

MUSICIANS:

JOHN RENBOURN - Lead Vocals (except where noted below), Lead Guitars, Sitar and Harmonica

DORRIS HENDERSON - Vocals on "White House Blues", "Kokomo Blues" and "Back On The Road Again"

SUE DRAHEIM - Fiddle on "Willy O'Winsbury", "Little Sadie" and "Country Blues"

PETE DYER - Harmonica on "Come On In My Kitchen" and "Kokomo Blues"

DANNY THOMPSON - Bass on "Faro Annie" and "Shake Shake Mamma"

TERRY COX - Drums on "Faro Annie" and "Shake Shake Mamma"

The gatefold inlay does at least reproduce Renbourn's short, slightly nutty (and at times very funny) liner notes that appeared on the rear of the original 1972 LP as well as the photos of his five guest musicians - including most notably the American lady singer Dorris Henderson who featured as a duet partner on Renbourn's ultra rare British debut LP "There You Go!" from 1965 on Columbia Records SX 6001 (she lived in the UK and once was Lead Vocalist for Elektra's group Eclection). His old muckers Danny Thompson and Terry Cox from Pentangle are here as is Pete Dyer who would later join Stray in 1975 over on Dawn Records and Sue Draheim who would join the ranks of The Albion Band on Pegasus and Island Records (UK Folkies Ashley Hutchings of Fairport Convention and Steeleye Span and Shirley Collins of the Collins Sisters). To the music at hand...

"Faro Annie" opens with a gorgeous and simple Folk duet on "White House Blues" – Dorris Henderson and her paired-back vocals softly accompanying Renbourn's Lead without ever grandstanding or stealing from it. The Acoustic Audio is gorgeous on this Side 1 starter as is on the next song - his first use of the Sitar on the Traditional "Buffalo Skinners" - a tune of seven able-bodied men hitting the Westward Road into New Mexico - a place where their pleasures will end and their hardship begin. Harmonica playing Pete Dyer (later with Stray) joins Dorris with John on the jaunty "Kokomo Blues" - a baby-don't-you-hear-me-cry sexy shuffle that sees JR give it some wah-wah electric guitar too.

"Little Sadie" is actually a dark murder ballad with county jails, judges and juries and love in the first degree - Sue Draheim's fiddle adding a fabulous Americana feel to Renbourn's acoustic playing. Cleverly arranged - "Shake Shake Mamma" sees Danny Thompson's trademark Double Bass sound and Terry Cox's Drums come sliding in to end Side 1. Turns out she’s a North Kentucky big fat woman - hips just like a snake and our hero's gotta buy that gal a diamond ring (don’t do it Johnny – resist you pillock). And don't you just love that electric wah-wah guitar addition Renbourn features throughout.

The King-as-prisoner-in-Spain - "Willy O'Winsbury" is an exile and birthing-song rolled into one that's been done in several forms (The Bothy Band and more) - Sue Draheim's fiddle-playing adding an extra layer of sadness to the tale of woe as his daughter Janet marries to help Daddy's politics. The second use of Sitar follows with the slightly sinister "The Cuckoo" - an emotionally cautious tale of gambling and love. I never could resist Acoustic Blues and when it's combined with a warbling Little Walter type harmonica - I'm a goner - so his cover of Robert Johnson's "Come On In My Kitchen" is a fabulous sounding Blues chugger with Dyer playing a blinder. Legendary Appalachian Banjo picker Dock Boggs provides the next cover - a fiddle and acoustic duet on "Country Blues" - a funeral song full of graveyard grounds and such like finality worries. The self-penned "Faro Annie" provides the albums only Pentangle moment - a sort of Jazzy Folk-Rock instrumental jaunt with Renbourn taking Harmonica duty this time while Sue plays second Fiddle to Cox and Thompson on Drums and Bass. The album ends on an upbeat note - Dorris Henderson once again joining Renbourn on an Ian Campbell song about a musician's life in "Back On The Road Again".

For sure Renbourn's voice has never been the strongest in the world and you'd be hard pressed to find the kind of guitar-playing histrionics that his pal Bert Jansch would produce on his solo LPs with ease. But "Faro Annie" is a lovely album - the kind of record you listen to all the way through – quietly soaking up all those Americana via Blighty tunes.

And it sounds great on this Music On CD Reissue too. Job done...