"1" by THE BEATLES – Twenty-Seven UK and US No. 1 Single-Sides on Parlophone, Tollie, Swan, Vee Jay, Capitol and Apple Records (3 in Mono, 24 in Stereo, Many Remixed and Remastered in Stereo For The First Time). Featuring Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr with Guests Billy Preston and Phil Spector (November 2015 UK Apple/Universal CD+BLU RAY 2-Disc Compilation with Remixed Stereo, 5.1 Mixes and HD Restoration of all 27 Videos) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"...Ticket To Ride..."

 

There have been some seriously classy twofers emanating from Camp Fab in these last few decades - but this 2015 combo of CD and BLU RAY for the "1" compilation (originally issued November 2000 as a single-CD and Double-LP) is a genuinely stunning reissue.

 

I cannot imagine the amount of hours and labour that went into restoring and synching 27 film clips, but the impact of the gorgeous Audio on the CD with the Sixties imagination-gone-wild colour palette on the BLU RAY is almost overwhelming (and that is before you hear the 5.1 mixes). The Beatles and the music contained here are going on 60-years now in our lives and still they wipe the floor in terms of musical jaw-drop. Much to mutter about (UK and US 45-single catalogue numbers provided) - to the details...

 

UK 6 November 2015 - "1" by THE BEATLES on Apple/Universal 0602547567710 (Barcode 602547567710) is a CD + BLU RAY 2-Disc Reissue that Adds 27 Restored Video Clips on the BLU RAY to visually compliment the Remixed and Remastered 27-Track Audio on the CD (also has 5.1 Dolby Surround mixes on the 110-minutes BR). It plays out as follows:

 

CD (79:14 minutes):

1. Love Me Do

5 October 1962 Debut UK 7" single on Parlophone R 4949

27 April 1964 USA on Tollie 9008

This mix has Ringo on the drums - the album version has sessionman Andy White – this 45-cut is sometimes referred to as the "Original Single Version"

BLU RAY: Stage Clip filmed 27 Aug 1963 at The Little Theater, Southport, UK

 

2. From Me To You

11 April 1963 UK 7" single on Parlophone R 5015

6 May 1963 USA Vee Jay VJ 522

BLU RAY: Stage clip filmed 4 Nov 1963 at the Prince of Wales Theatre, London (Royal Variety Performance, broadcast 10 Nov 1963)

 

3. She Loves You

23 August 1963 4th UK 7" single on Parlophone R 5055

16 September 1963 USA on Swan 4152

BLU RAY: Stage clip filmed 30 Oct 1963 at the Narren-Teater, Grona Lund, Stockholm, Sweden

 

4. I Want To Hold Your Hand

23 November 1963 5th UK 7" single on Parlophone R 5084

26 December 1963 USA on Capitol 5122

BLU RAY: Stage clip filmed 25 Nov 1963 in Studio Four, Granada TV Centre, Manchester, UK

 

5. Can't Buy Me Love

20 March 1964 UK 7" single on Parlophone R 5114

16 March 1964 USA on Capitol 5150

BLU RAY: Stage clip filmed 28 April 1964 at Studio 5 A/B, Wembley Stadium, London

 

6. A Hard Day's Night

10 July 1964 UK 7" single on Parlophone R 5160

13 July 1964 USA on Capitol 5222

BLU RAY: Stage clip filmed 20 June 1965 (evening performance) at the Palais des Sports, Paris, France

 

7. I Feel Fine

27 November 1964 8th UK 7" single on Parlophone R 5200

23 November 1964 USA on Capitol 5327

BLU RAY: Stage clip filmed 23 Nov 1965 at Twickenham Film Studios, Middlesex, UK

 

8. Eight Days A Week

No UK release as a 45, was on the "Beatles For Sale" LP in Mono

15 February 1965 USA 7" single on Capitol 5371

BLU RAY: Stage clip filmed 20 Feb 1965 at Shea Stadium, New York City, USA

 

9. Ticket To Ride

9 April 1965 9th UK 7" single on Parlophone R 5265

19 April1965 USA on Capitol 5407

BLU RAY: Stage clip filmed 23 Nov 1965 at Twickenham TV Studios, Middlesex, UK

 

10. Help!

23 July 1965 10th UK 7" single on Parlophone R 5305

19 July 1965 USA on Capitol 5476

BLU RAY: Stage clip filmed 23 Nov 1965 at Twickenham TV Studios, Middlesex, UK

 

11. Yesterday

No UK release as a 45, was on the "Help!" LP in Mono

13 September 1965 USA on Capitol 5498

BLU RAY: Stage clip filmed 14 Aug 1965 in Studio 50, New York City, US

 

12. Day Tripper

13. We Can Work It Out

2 December 1965 11th UK 7" single on Parlophone R 5389 (Double-A)

6 December 1965 USA on Capitol 5555

BLU RAY: Both stage clips filmed 23 Nov 1965 at Twickenham TV Studios, Middlesex, UK

 

14. Paperback Writer

10 June 1966 12th UK 7" single on Parlophone R 5452

30 May 1966 USA on Capitol 5651

BLU RAY: Stage clip filmed 20 May 1966 at Chiswick House, Chiswick, London, UK

 

15. Yellow Submarine

16. Eleanor Rigby

5 August 1966 UK 7" single on Parlophone R 5493

8 August 1966 USA on Capitol 5715 (Double A-sided single)

BLU RAY: Undisclosed location, created in 1968

 

17. Penny Lane

17 February 1967 UK 7" single on Parlophone R 5570

13 February 1967 USA on Capitol 5810

BU RAY: Clips filmed 5 and 7 February 1967 at Stratford, London and Knole Park in Sevenoaks, Kent, UK

 

18. All You Need Is Love

7 July 1967 UK 7" single on Parlophone R 5620

7 July 1967 USA on Capitol 5964

BLU RAY: First video with invited audience filmed 25 June 1967 at Studio One, Abbey Road Studios in London, UK

 

19. Hello, Goodbye

24 November 1967 UK 7" single on Parlophone R 5655

27 November 1967 USA on Capitol 2056

BLU RAY: Stage clip filmed 10 Nov 1967 at the Saville Theatre, London, UK

 

20. Lady Madonna

15 March 1968 17th UK 7" single on Parlophone R 5675

18 March 1968 USA on Capitol 2138

BLU RAY: Video clip filmed 11and 14 February 1968 at Studio Three, Abbey Road Studios and Chappell Studios, both in London, UK

 

21. Hey Jude

30 August 1968 18th UK 7" single on Apple R 5722 (1st on Apple)

26 August 1968 USA on Capitol 2276

BLU RAY: Video clip filmed 4 Sep 1968 at Twickenham TV Studios, Middlesex, UK

 

22. Get Back

11 April 1969 19th UK single on Apple R 5777

5 May 1969 USA on Apple 2490

Credited to THE BEATLES with BILLY PRESTON – the single release of "Get Back" is a different version to one on the "Let It Be" LP

BLU RAY: Film footage taken 30 January 1969 on top of the Apple Offices rooftop in Saville Row, London

 

23. The Ballad Of John And Yoko

30 May 1969 20th UK 7" single on Apple R 5786 [1st UK 7" in STEREO]

4 June 1969 USA on Apple 2531

Features vocal lead by John Lennon with backup from Paul

BLU RAY: Filmed between January and April 1969, undisclosed locations

 

24. Something

25. Come Together

31 October 1969 UK 7" single on Apple R 5814

6 October 1969 USA on Capitol 2654

Double-A single – both tracks on the "Abbey Road" LP

BLU RAY: Something filmed October 1969 in Berkshire, Mull of Kintyre and Surrey – no details for Come Together

 

26. Let It Be

6 March 1970 22nd UK 7" single on Apple R 5833

11 March 1970 USA on Apple 2764

Credited to THE BEATLES with Billy Preston - features a different guitar solo by George Harrison than the album cut on "Let It Be"

BLU RAY: Filmed 31 January 1969 at Apple Studio in Saville Row in London

 

27. The Long And Winding Road

Not issued as a 45 in the UK, included on the May 1970 LP "Let It Be"

11 May 1970 USA on Apple 2832

BLU RAY: Filmed 31 January 1969 at Apple Studio in Saville Row in London

 

NOTES:

Tracks 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21 were all Non-LP tracks in the UK at the time of their release

Tracks 8, 11 and 27 not issued as 45-singles in the UK – issued USA

Tracks 1 to 3 Remixed into MONO - 4 to 27 Remixed into STEREO

All original British 60ts singles were released in Mono right up to "The Ballad Of John And Yoko" which became their first STEREO release – so Tracks 4 to 22 are new in STEREO for the "1" compilation.

 

BLU RAY (110 minutes, All Regions)

PCM Stereo Mixes, DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1 Mixes

For details on Film Clips see CD entries 1 to 27

 

The 2015 Audio Restoration, Mixing and Mastering was carried out by GILES MARTIN, SAM OKELL, MILES SHOWELL and TIM YOUNG at Abbey Road Studios whilst the colossal work done on Picture Restoration involved a team of almost 13 headed by MARK BENNICI (all are listed in the booklet). The remaining Beatles - PAUL McCARTNEY and RINGO STARR - also provides new Audio Commentaries and Video Introductions.

 

The 24-page booklet has new liner notes from MARK ELLEN of Old Grey Whistle Test and Mojo magazine fame, their Producer GEORGE MARTIN gets a page and there is an exceptionally detailed discography for every track that includes the visuals too. Alongside period photos of the Fabs, Worldwide Picture Sleeves from the collections of two uber-fans and the usual credit pages that go on for days – it’s an impressive display and reeks of class. To the tunes and visuals...

 

While you are missing cool flipsides like "This Boy" and "Yes It Is" from the early years where their three-part harmonies were so fresh, mid period songwriting leaps like George Harrison's B-side "The Inner Light" ("Lady Madonna" was the A) on to the stunning later material - John Lennon's fabulous riffage on "Revolution" (the "Hey Jude" B-side) or his lead vocal on "Don't Let Me Down" – what you get is a seriously great listen. You're struck with awe at how good they were. Most of these tracks were only SINGLES back in the day - yet most bands in 2023 would kill a beloved granny for 10% of such craft and talent.

 

I would admit that It is kind of a shock to go into STEREO come Track 4 onwards - "I Want To Hold Your Hand", "Eight Days A Week" and "Help!" – so used to the MONO from before – but I am loving it. The separation is evened up – not the crude a-bit here and a-bit-there version we used to get on Stereo vinyl LPs. The 2015 STEREO remixes of "Paperback Writer" and "Day Tripper" packs a mean left hook too and that string quartet on "Eleanor Rigby" juxtapositioned to Ringo Starr going all kiddy on "Yellow Submarine" is a stroke of mood-play genius.

 

So by the time you get to "Hey Jude", the Harrison ballad "Something", John getting all Walrus Gumbo and Toe Jam football on "Come Together" – it is hard not to allude to the oft said description – surely this man is the Son of Good – or they were the 'best band ever in the history of the world'. None of it feels like an accolade too far. But as a 1970 teen, it will always be "Let It Be" and the American single "The Long And Winding Road" that move me still and reduce me to mush. Soundwise literally everything seems up for grabs here - and in a thrilling new way too.

 

The footage is almost overwhelming too - we have seen clips of New York City Shea Stadium and the Saville Row January 1969 Apple Studios rooftop footage in London (the "Let It Be" film) - but wow what a treat to see them in this mind-blowing definition. I've never seen the Swedish foot either for "She Loves You" - the US clip for "Yesterday" and the montages for "Ballad" etc. Wow. 

"1" was a sensation when it was first issued November 2000, fifteen years prior to this update in November 2015 - but the Footage effort here is phenomenal and a truly worthy upgrade. Mother Mary came to me and said to "Let It Be" - amen to that....

"Stand! The Woodstock Experience" by SLY & THE FAMILY STONE – April 1969 US Fourth Studio Album on Epic Records in Stereo, July 1969 in the UK on Direction Records featuring Sly, Rose and Freddie Stone with Larry Graham, Cynthia Robinson, Gregg Errico and more (July 2009 UK Columbia/Legacy The Woodstock Experience 2CD Limited Edition Set Reissue featuring the album Remastered on CD1 [No Bonus Tracks] with an Unreleased Live Set from the August 1969 Festival on CD2 [17 Aug 1969] – Vic Anesini and Bob Irwin Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

 

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"...Different Strokes For Different Folks..."

 

I loved this clever series – five cracking studio albums from 1969 given a tie-in with the most notorious love-in of 1969 – three days in August that was the legendary Woodstock Festival. This time up is the Funk-meisters themselves Sly Stone and his Family of (well) Stoners giving it different strokes for different folks (shooby dooby-dooby). And a winner it is too. It wants to take you higher - here are the details...

 

UK released August 2009 - "Stand! The Woodstock Experience" by SLY and THE FAMILY STONE on Epic/Legacy 88697 482412 (Barcode 886974824121) is 2CD Limited Edition Set with the "Stand!" album on CD1 (no Bonus Tracks) and the Previously Unreleased complete Sly and The Family Stone Woodstock Performance on Sunday, 17 August 1969 on CD2. Inside a Card Slipcase (a Series of Five Releases, see list below) – you get two Mini LP Oversized Card Repro Sleeves – the Live Set being new and a fold-out poster for The Woodstock Festival. It plays out as follows:

 

CD1 "Stand!" (41:42 minutes):

Side 1

1. Stand! (3:10 minutes)

2. Don't Call Me N*****, Whitey (5:59 minutes)

3. I Want To Take You Higher (5:24 minutes)

4. Somebody's Watching You (3:21 minutes)

5. Sing A Simple Song (3:57 minutes)

Side 2

6. Everyday People (2:22 minutes)

7. Sex Machine (13:48 minutes)

8. You Can Make It If You Try (3:43 minutes)

Tracks 1 to 8 are their fourth studio album "Stand!" – released April 1969 in the USA on Epic BN 26456 (Stereo only) and July 1969 in the UK on Direction 8-63655 (Stereo only). Charting 3 May 1969 and Produced by SLY STONE – the album peaked at No. 3 on the US Billboard R&B charts and No. 13 on the US Billboard Rock LP charts (didn't chart UK).

 

CD2 (50:18 minutes):

"Recorded Live At The Woodstock Music & Art Fair, Sunday, August 17, 1969"

1. M' Lady

2. Sing A Simple Song

3. You Can Make It If You Try

4. Everyday People

5. Dance To The Music

6. MEDLEY: Music Lover/Higher

7. I Want To Take You Higher

8. Love City

9. Stand!

Tracks 1 to 4 and 7 to 9 are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED; Tracks 5 and 6 first appeared on the original 1970 US 3LP set "Woodstock: Music From The Original Soundtrack And More" on Cotillion SD 3-500.

 

Visually all five of these celebrationary 2CD sets are properly gorgeous. The impact of the two oversized Mini LP Card Sleeves in their thick Matt feel covers (each has an inner too with new liner notes) is immediate and pleasing. You kind of wish Sony would have done the same with other important releases on their impressive roster. The two-sided fold out poster is the same in each issue – the artist on one side with a generic Woodstock crowd photo on the other side – still it looks the part. VIC ANESINI did the tremendous Remasters – a name across huge swathes of the Sony catalogue – Santana, Paul Simon, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Aerosmith, Carole King, Mott The Hoople, Elvis Presley, Stevie Ray Vaughan and many more.

 

Niggles - immediately you notice with the album that the rather tasty Five Bonus Tracks that were on the April 2007 Legacy Edition CD Reissue and Remaster are AWOL from CD1 – three Mono single versions – "Stand!", "I Want To Take You Higher" and "You Can Make It If You Try" (unissued Mono mix) plus the then Unreleased outtakes "Soul Clappin' II" and the Instrumental "My Brain (Zig-Zag)" – shame that when there was obviously room. I can understand however the need to keep the album sans embellishments.

 

But that said – the album still impresses. Has there every been a more impressive social statement vs. fun vs. booty-shaking 45-single like "Everybody People" – its socially conscious lyrics reflecting the turmoil of America 1969. May 2016 saw Playing For Change do one of their famous star-laden videos for "Everybody People" with Musicians Jack Johnson, Keb Mo, Paula Fuga, Jason Mraz, Bernie Williams and Paula Abdul aided by Actors Tim Robbins, Alfre Woodard, Forest Whittaker and more. It's clocked up nearly 3-million views in 2023 and comments of being moved to tears are frequent. Back to the music...the near 14-minute instrumental "Sex Machine" that dominates Side 2 feels like a James Brown funk-showcase – the band showing off as they go from smooth Soul to P-Funk in one long chunk. But I prefer the LP-ender "You Can Make It If You Try" – melody, smart lyrics, the whole vibe just great and still cool after all these decades.

 

With feedback and equipment issues (Sly talks of this on stage), it is not surprising that the first four tracks on CD2 remained in the can. But make no mistake – the Remaster has brought out the tightness, confidence and sheer stage-storming power of the band. "Sing A Simple Song" has them cooking as they yah-yah and big mama the crowd into submission. Given this notorious concert, the audio on the live "You Can Make It If You Try" is shockingly good – the brass and funky Bass and Drums hitting your speakers with as much clarity as you could hope given the setting of August 1969. At last the 2:22 minutes of "Everybody People" on the album (always been too short) gets stretched out to 4:25 minutes live with enthusiastic crowd clapping. The album had been released in April 1969 on Epic Records to acclaim and the "Everyday People" 45-single issued in February 1969 had instantly climbed to No. 1 R&B and made huge impacts. So without a break, Sly takes no stopping chances and segues the song immediately into a MEDLEY where he does his slick-showman damnedest to get the crowd throwing up peace signs.

 

The band is cooking by the time they get to the boom-lakka-lakka call and response of "I Want To Take You Higher" – Harmonica Funk shaking the stage while the brass and guitars of "Love City" from their November 1968 album "Life" talks of long hair and people singing – a message that chimes with the audience. Sly brings it all home with a near Gospel rendition of the album's title track "Stand" – a nice version that brings out the sheer musicality in the song.

 

I bought all five of these "Woodstock Experience" twofers and am so glad I did. Take me higher baby...

 

The five 2009 titles in "The Woodstock Experience" series are (UK issues):

 

1. Jefferson Airplane - uses the "Volunteers" album and has an 8-track live album recorded 17 Aug 1969

Catalogue No: RCA/Legacy 88697 48240 2 (Barcode 886974824022)

 

2. Janis Joplin - uses the "I Got Dem Ol' Kozmic Blues Again Mama!" debut album and has a 10-track live album recorded 17 Aug 1969

Catalogue No: Columbia/Legacy 88697 48243 2 (Barcode 886974824329)

 

3. Santana - uses the "Santana" debut album and has an 8-track live album recorded Saturday 16 Aug 1969

Catalogue No: Columbia/Legacy 88697 48242 2 (Barcode 886974824220)

 

4. Sly & The Family Stone - uses the "Stand!" album and has a 9-track live disc recorded 17 Aug 1969

Catalogue No: Epic/Legacy 88697 48241 2 (Barcode 886974824121)

 

5. Johnny Winter - uses the "Johnny Winter" album and has an 8-track live disc recorded 17 Aug 1969

Catalogue No: Columbia/Legacy 88697 48244 2 (Barcode 886974824428)

"Sweet Dreams: The Anthology" by ROY BUCHANAN - Albums Tracks from 1970 to 1978 on Polydor and Atlantic Records including Seven Previously Unreleased (September 1992 UK Universal/Polydor/Chronicles 2CD Compilation with Ted Jensen Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

 

This Review Along With 145 Others Is Available In My

SOUNDS GOOD E-Book on all Amazon sites

MORE THAN A FEELING 

1976

Your All-Genres Guide To 

Exceptional CD Reissues & Remasters

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

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"...Dual Soliloquy..."

This career 'Anthology' for the guitar virtuoso Roy Buchanan in Universal's 'Chronicles' Series of 2CD compilations unfortunately opens in the worst possible way. You have to wade through four genuine clunkers to get to the goods, but man when you do - you so get the slew of 5-star ratings.

 

This twofer maybe old now in 2023 (it's been reissued probably twice since 1992), but I've seen it online for about six quid or less, and that's a whole lot of dids for not a lot of quids. To the bent notes and floppy hats...

 

UK released 28 September 1992 - "Sweet Dreams: The Anthology" by ROY BUCHANAN on Universal/Polydor/Chronicles 517 086-2 (Barcode 731451708626) is a 26-Track 2CD 'Chronicles Anthology' of Remasters that plays out as follows:

 

CD1 (75:24 minutes):

1. Baltimore *

2. Black Autumn *

3. The Story Of Isaac *

4. There'll Always Be *

5. Sweet Dreams

6. Pete's Blues

7. The Messiah Will Come

8. Tribute To Elmore James

9. After Hours

10. Five String Blues

11. C.C. Ryder (Live) *

12. My Baby Says She's Gonna Leave Me

13. Please Don't Turn Me Away

14. Country Preacher

15. Wayfaring Pilgrim

Tracks 1 to 4 and 11 are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED 

Tracks 5 to 7 are from his debut album "Roy Buchanan" released September 1972 in the UK on Polydor 2391 042 and September 1972 in the USA on Polydor PD 5033 

Tracks 8 to 10 are from "Second Album" released February 1973 in the UK on Polydor 2391 062 and February 1973 in the USA on Polydor PD 5046

Tracks 12 and 13 from the album "That's What I Am Here For" released February 1974 in the USA on Polydor PD 6020 and in the UK on Polydor 2391 114

Tracks 14 and 15 from the album "In The Beginning" released December 1974 in the USA on Polydor PD 6035, February 1975 in the UK as "Rescue Me" on Polydor 2391 152.

CD2 (77:16 minutes):

1. Down By The River (Live) *

2. I'm A Ram (Live)

3. I'm Evil (Live)

4. Good God Have Mercy

5. If Six Were Nine

6. Green Onions

7. Soul Dressing (Live In Japan)

8. Hey Joe (Live In Japan)

9. Fly...Night Bird 

10. Turn To Stone 

11. Dual Soliloquy * 

Tracks 1 and 11 are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED *

Tracks 2 and 3 from the album "Live Stock" released August 1975 in the USA on Polydor PD 6048 (no UK issue) - September 1975 in Germany on Polydor 2391 192

Tracks 4 and 5 from the album "A Street Called Straight" released October 1976 in the UK on Polydor 2391 233 and May 1976 in the USA on Atlantic SD 18170

Track 6 from the album "Loading Zone" released July 1977 in the UK on Polydor 2391 295 and June 1977 in the USA on Atlantic Records SD 18219

Tracks 7 and 8 from the single-album "Live In Japan" released May 1978 in JAPAN on Polydor Records MPF1105

Tracks 9 and 10 are from the album "You're Not Alone" released May 1978 in the USA (no UK issue) on Atlantic Records SD 19170

The 20-page booklet features a history of the mercurial/tragic guitar player from Arkansas and his trademark Telecaster surgically woven into his hips. Penned in March 1992, longtime music chronicler COLIN ESCOTT does a great job of explaining the sometimes torturous journey Buchanan made - a genius on the axe but with no distinctive vocals that stood out - he was forever trying to find an out front vehicle that maybe only Billy Price got to on the "That's What I Am Here For" album in 1974. When I worked at Reckless Records in both Islington and Berwick Street in Soho, Buchanan albums would come and go without too many people noticing or bluntly caring. While he could play to make the hairs on the back on your neck stand up and do a polka - he could seem to get it together on a cohesive LP. Still the TED JENSEN Remasters are fabulous and I've never heard that rare "Live In Japan" album, so that's a treat. To the music...

We are given four songs from his unreleased first album "The Prophet" touted for release sometime in 1971 on Polydor Records (recordings took place in October 1969, January, July and November 1970 and February 1971). Charlie Daniels and his group act as the backing band (Bob Wilson on keyboards with Tim Drummond on Bass) - provided three of the tunes - "Baltimore", "Black Autumn" and "There'll Always Be" - whilst number four was a Leonard Cohen cover version of "The Story Of Isaac". But laughably for an album supposedly showcasing Buchanan's extraordinary Jeff Beck-like chops on the axe, you hear little of it and Daniels has a terrible voice and the material is plodding at best. 

It isn't until Tracks 5 and 6 from his self-titled debut album "Roy Buchanan" (September 1972) that you start to instantly hear the pyrotechnics he had on a guitar that everyone talked about. The Don Gibson song "Sweet Dreams" that titles the compilation is very cool (he learned it from Tommy McLain's version and not the more famous Gibson or Paty Cline hits), but the slow Blues Rock of "Pete's Blue" (his own composition) is mind-blowing for 1972. Things boogie-up nicely for "Second Album" (February 1973) when he gives us the R&B guitar-and-piano jaunt of "Tribute To Elmore James". Two more cuts surface from that second studio album - a firy Blues in "After Hours" and more of the same in "Five String Blues" - both six minutes plus pieces showing why RB was described in the press as the 'The Best Unknown Guitarist In The World'. It proved a popular album (more coherent than the debut) and shifted units in the USA especially - hitting No. 86 on the Billboard Rock LP charts and enjoying a stay of 13 weeks (his debut had hit No. 107 in September 1972). 

The old 50ts R&B dancer "C.C. Ryder" is next and becomes the fifth Previously Unreleased track. Recorded May 1973 live at The Marquee Club in London - his other four musicians do well to keep up with his 6:49 minutes of slow shuffle to fast building of the song (his playing is fantastic throughout). As a newbee, it's a total find, coming on like John Mayall's Seventies Band on fire and does much to wash the taste of those first four out of your Anthology mouth (one reviewer who had heard the test pressing of the LP described it as 's' two letters and a 't' sending Polydor Records in a new recordings needed panic. "My Baby Says She's Gonna Leave Me" features Billy Price on Lead Vocals while RB goes ape on the pinging guitar notes throughout. UK released February 1974, at least Price gave the whole "That's What I Am Here For" album a Soulful-Rock vibe which moved RB's sound on from just Blues or Rock ("Please Don't Turn Me Away" is the same). "Country Preacher" is a piano-tinkering guitar-lilting short one that comes as a pleasant interlude after all the flash playing that's preceded it. But it is whomped by the fantastic Soulful slow Blues of "Wayfaring Pilgrim" - his playing just so damn good whilst guest Neil Larsen gives us a fabulous piano solo. Both "Country Preacher" and "Wayfaring Pilgrim" were on the February 1975 UK album "Rescue Me" which was called "In The Beginning" in the USA and issued December 1974 there.  

Over on CD2 we get five great live tracks, two from the rarely seen Japan-only LP of 1978, two others from the US album "Live Stock" that didn't get a UK release and the first - a Previously Unreleased Slow Blues of 9:17 minutes duration - Buchanan sounding a lot like Stevie Ray Vaughan goofing off on a mellow Peter Green vibe as he covers Neil Young's "Down By The River". Once again, it's slow boil is bolstered by Billy Price on Vocals with Malcolm Lukens on Keyboards and is a very cool find. Things get funky with a cover of Al Green's "I'm A Ram" recorded the same night as the Previously Unreleased track - Buchanan letting rip - brilliant playing and feel from the band. Acoustic guitar leads in the soft Southern States good moonshine vibe of "Good God Have Mercy" - Buchanan taking Lead Vocals. He then lays into Hendrix's "If Six Were Nine" giving it a Sly Stone/Prince funk-up, Lukens providing the low-rider keyboards that sound so War. The "Loading Zone" studio LP of 1977 saw him give us an 8:09 instrumental version of "Green Onions" - the famous Stax hit for Booker T & The MG's, whilst the Japanese live album throws up Booker T hit No. 2 in the shape of "Soul Dressing" - another instrumental just short of 7:00 minutes (the respectful crowd lets him solo ala Carlos Santana). 

 

By the time we hit 1978, a sort of Fusion sound has set in, very Gary Wright 'Dream Weaver' - the lovely floating "Fly...Night Bird" featuring Jean Roussel on Keyboards (he'd played on Cat Stevens albums in 1972). But my crave is a full-on grunge guitar run at Joe Walsh's fabulous "Turn To Stone". Walsh initially premiered it his first solo album after The James Gang - "Barnstorm" in 1972. Joe then returned to it for December 1974's "So What" album, but this in a more polished/sophisticated form. Buchanan has taken elements of both versions and put in his own floating piano funky fills atop guitar flourishes - making the 5:46 minutes of "Turn To Stone" a true highlight on this 'Anthology' for me. It comes to an end where it began - a whopping 12:06 minutes of "Dual Soliloquy" recorded July 1972 at the record plant for the debut but Previously Unreleased until here. Penned by him, it's just Roy Buchanan on the guitar without any others - and it's a find. Admittedly a tad more hissy than you would want it to be, "Dual Soliloquy" begins with peaceful strums that he builds in pace. But what gets you is the sheer musicality of it - and it feels like he's just goofing off. Music Historian Colin Escott quite rightly points out that it's a proper way of remembering him - one seriously great American guitarist capable of beauty and pyrotechnics in the same breath. 

 

His loss in August 1988 robbed us of a Jeff Beck, an Eddie Van Halen - even a Jimi. But "Sweet Dreams: The Anthology" will help you remember why people were so impressed and remain so to this day... 

"Rory Gallagher: 50th Anniversary Edition" by RORY GALLAGHER – May 1971 UK Debut Solo Album [ex Taste] on Polydor Records – Guest Musician Vincent Crane of Atomic Rooster on Two Tracks (September 2021 UK UMC/Polydor 50th Anniversary Edition 2CD Reissue in a Three-Way Gatefold Card Digipak With Repro Artwork, 18 Rare Tracks on CD2, 16 of which are Previously Unreleased - Plus a New 2021 Remix and Remaster of the Album by Martin Dubka and Frank Arkwright on CD1 at Abbey Road) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"...Take Him Home Right Away..."

 

Under the supervision of Donal Gallagher (his older brother and former tour manager)  - Irish guitar hero RORY GALLAGHER had his LP back-catalogue first reissued onto CD in 1998, 2000, 2012, and now into 2021 for a round of 50^th Anniversary Multi-Format reissues. But is the new lot worth it – HELL YES!

 

Everything here has been upped for this outing – least not of all a New Remix and Remaster that leaves all previous attempts pretty much in the dust. Lots to wave at, here are the details for Axe Hero No.1...

 

UK released 3 September 2021 - "Rory Gallagher: 50^th Anniversary Edition" by RORY GALLAGHER on UMC/Polydor 3544487 (Barcode 602435444871) is a 2CD Expanded Reissue with a New 2021 Remix and Remaster of the album on CD1 and 18 Rare Tracks on CD2 (16 are previously Unreleased) that plays out as follows:

 

CD1 - "Rory Gallagher" 2021 Remix and Remaster - (47:50 minutes):

1. Laundromat [Side 1]

2. Just The Smile

3. I Fall Apart

4. Wave Myself Goodbye

5. Hands Up

6. Sinner Boy [Side 2]

7. For The Last Time

8. It's You

9. I'm Not Surprised

10. Can't Believe It's True

Tracks 1 to 10 are his debut solo album (after two studio albums with Taste) "Rory Gallagher" – released May 1971 in the UK on Polydor 2383 044 and May 1971 in the USA on Atco Records SD 33-368. Produced by RORY GALLAGHER and Engineered by EDDIE OFFORD – it peaked at No. 32 in the UK, but didn’t chart USA.

 

CD2 - Bonus Tracks (73:21 minutes):

Tangerine Studio Sessions

1. Gypsy Woman

2. It Takes Time

3. I Fall Apart

Tracks 1 and 2 first appeared on the 1999 CD reissue of "Rory Gallagher" as Bonuses and again as Bonuses on the January 2012 Sony/Capo/Legacy reissue too – they are exciting band-version covers of Muddy Waters and Otis Rush songs (respectively). Track 3 is an album outtake and the first of the 16 PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED versions on CD2. Tracks 4 to 18 are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED.

 

Alternate Takes

4. At The Bottom - Alternate Take 3

5. At The Bottom - Alternate Take 4

6. Advision Jam

7. Laundromat - Alternate Take 1

8. Just The Smile - Alternate Take 1

9. Wave Myself Goodbye - Alternate Take 2

10. Hands Up - Alternate Take 2

11. Sinner Boy - Alternate Take 3

12. For The Last Time - Alternate Take 1

13. It's You - Alternate Take 2

14. I'm Not Surprised – Alternate Take 1

 

Live On The BBC – "Sounds Of The Seventies 1971" – Off-Air Recordings

15. For The Last Time (Live At The BBC)

16. Laundromat (Live At The BBC)

17. It Takes Time (Live At The BBC)

18. I Fall Apart (Live At The BBC)

 

Band was:

RORY GALLAGHER – Lead Guitar and Vocals, Mandolin, Harmonica and Alto Saxophone on the album version of "Can't Believe It's True"

GERRY McAVOY – Bass

WILGAR CAMPBELL – Drums and Percussion

Guest:

Vincent Crane of Atomic Rooster plays Piano on "Wave Myself Goodbye" and "I'm Not Surprised"

 

The 12-Page booklet in broken into two informational conversations by folks who were there in 1970 and 1971 – the first with Rory's brother, Manager and long-time keeper of his reissue flame – DONAL GALLAGHER. The second comes from Bassist GERRY McAVOY – a familiar sight on Rory's legendary live gigs – stood solid – hammering away with gusto and joy. McAvoy was touring with a band called Deep Joy while Rory also knew Wilgar Campbell from a group called The Method. They met – rehearsed and fused. McAvoy talks on his joining the band and the order of songs - it's a nice read but one that weirdly leaves out the album release date or catalogue numbers? A nice touch though is the array of Rock Newspaper clippings from the period that are spread beneath the two see-through CD tracks and the colour photos of Rory clearly young and enjoying himself as a free solo artist.

 

Still that minor 2CD booklet glitch is firmly kicked out to touch when you clap ears on what has to be the definitive Remaster of this obscure album – it is balls-to-the-wall stunning done by (FRANK ARKWRIGHT at Abbey Road Studios). Two Remaster heroes of mine Andy Pearce and Matt Wortham did the 2012 reissue which was fab – but even that is bettered by this beautiful 2021 Remix and Remaster. When I play the last two tracks on Side 2 – the criminally forgotten piano/guitar of "I'm Not Surprised" or the blistering Rock-Jazz of "Can't Believe It's True" where he plays Alto Sax behind great lead guitar soloing – so very Ten Years After actually – the Audio is fantastic.This is a HUGE upgrade and deserves all the 5-star ratings its been receiving.

 

If I was to use one word to describe this remaster it would be 'fresh' - everything somehow sounds new - clean, present, none too trebled up the nines - and it's easy to hear why Donal and Daniel Gallagher (Rory's nephew) would want these new versions in the marketplace.  While the guitars of the opener are in your face (and for all the right reasons) - the harmonica in the background of "Laundromat" is still part of the mix - it's not rammed out front for effect - nicely handled - don't mess with the original. The Bass is so sweet now on "Sinner Boy" as the guitar pans from speaker to speaker in the solo (lyrics above). In fact his backing band of GERRY McAVOY on Bass and WILGAR CAMPBELL on Drums and Percussion can be heard 'so' clearly on every track - very impressively transferred. VINCENT CRANE of Atomic Rooster and Arthur Brown fame puts in superb keyboard work on two tracks - "Wave Myself Goodbye" and "I'm Not Surprised".

 

The long mid-tempo Blues of "For The Last Time" has been a huge favourite of mine for decades now - I've put in on loads of 70's Fest compilations as an example of an unfairly forgotten nugget. The guitar solo at the end of the track is beautifully clear. The witty and languid "Wave Myself Goodbye" sounds fabulous too. But the sonic-best has to be the last two album cuts - the acoustic Fats Domino R 'n' B of "I'm Not Surprised" and the John Coltrane jazz-influenced seven-minutes of "Can't Believe It's True" where Rory puts in rare Alto Sax playing (double-tracked). The last in particular makes for an odd Gallagher listening experience (he was experimenting) - but a great one nonetheless - and I'd forgotten how good his guitar work is towards the end as he harmonics his way to the final fade.

 

At 73:21 minutes, you cannot accuse CD2 of scrimping and saving. 2021 divides the 18 into three distinct sections, three Tangerine Studio Sessions two of which have turned up before, eleven Alternate Takes and four live-in-the-studio BBC Sessions that were off-air recordings. Wow-city goes to the two exciting cover versions – his guitar playing on the Otis Rush track "It Takes Time" is arguably better than anything on the actual LP – and the audio is HUGE. Track 3 appears to be a band run-through of the album cut "I Fall Apart" and again it is great – well recorded and featuring a more fluid solo that rivals the guitar on the actual LP track. He speeds up the chorus bit which doesn’t quite work and that’s probably why he changed it to the released version. An all right dialogue introduces two takes of "At The Bottom" – an acoustic and harmonica romp that will thrill fans – gorgeous audio quality – the song would eventually show in 1975 on his first Chrysalis Records album "Against The Grain" (the second Alternate uses electric guitar instead of acoustic).

 

"Advision Jam" is an instrumental guitar piece with both boys in attendance – Advision referring to the studio where they were recording – and again as something new – it feels very Rory unleashed and cool. Take 1 of "Laundromat" feels a little too weedy compared to the finished track, but the acoustic "Just The Smile" is magic – his soling going in a different searching direction – trying to find what to use and what to drop. But it is so damn good, and again with just gorgeous clean audio. Acoustic and Vincent Crane on Piano combine in another super-clean take – this time a rollicking "Wave Myself Goodbye". Three electric rockers follow – a rough and grungy "Hands Up" – a quite-at-first "Sinner Boy" that quickly takes off into a riffing vehicle with wicked slide towards the final part.

 

Things go mellow even Bluesy with Take 1 of "For The Last Time" - an acidic attack on the bad management breakup of Taste – I love the guitar feel – his playing fluid and inspired. I was never convinced by the jaunty "It's You" on Side 2 of the album, but somehow this almost poppier version rescues it. There is some dialogue between the booth and Rory before "I'm Not Surprised", but he quickly gets down to business with Vincent Crane again helping out on piano –a nice addition to this casual but wickedly good take where the band almost feels Faces in its ramshackle. As was the way of BBC studio shows, the audio is good but compromised, so it is a pleasant surprise that Rory keeps it live, simple and down so you can hear his guitar.

 

Originally released May 1971 on Polydor in the UK and Atco in the USA (with all tracks self-penned and also self-produced) - his unflashy deliberately softer debut didn't do huge chart business in either country for the 23-year old - and has always been hard to find on original vinyl ever since. The British Polydor Super original in particular has become increasingly expensive in Auctions (much like the TASTE studio albums from 1969 and 1970). So this double CD-set for under a tenner with nice packaging and toppermost sound is a great way of acquiring a rarity at a very reasonable cost.

 

Like most Irishmen, I can't be rational about Rory Gallagher. I saw him and his band as a teenager live in Dublin in the early Seventies and the experience was mind-blowing. I then bought every album he put out after that for years to come and always looked forward to hearing where his flying fingers would go to next. But what I was not expecting is that this release could be so damn good – especially CD2 which is brilliant and revelatory.

 

Rory was sadly lost to us in 1995 through liver failure - and it still hurts to think that this most unassuming and brilliant of guitar heroes is gone. He's up there now as far as I'm concerned - talking the Blues with all the greats. And I for one will be buying the rest of these reissues with a sense of excitement and affection.

"If I Could Only Remember My Name" by DAVID CROSBY – February 1971 US and UK Debut Solo Album on Atlantic Records featuring Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Stephen Stills, Members of The Grateful Dead, Santana and Jefferson Airplane (October 2021 UK Rhino '50th Anniversary Expanded Edition' 2CD Reissue and New Remaster with 14 Bonuses, 11 of which are Unreleased) - A Review by Mark Barry...

 

"...Music Is Love..."

 

*** 50th Anniversary Expanded Edition 2CD Version ****

 

Although slammed by many press types on its 1971 release – David Crosby's debut solo album "If I Could Only Remember My Name" has gone on to become almost mythical among its many devotees – including me.

 

Featuring an astonishing line up that included Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Stephen Stills, Members of The Grateful Dead, Santana and Jefferson Airplane - some have even suggested that in hindsight it's the best solo effort to come out of the mighty Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young camp. I'm not so sure about that, but "...Remember..." is certainly up there, and somehow its trippy-Rock soundscapes seem to grow and re-captivate new generations as the years pass.

 

The last decent Remaster go-round was a November 2006 issue by Rhino that featured a CD and a DVD-A (Rhino R2 73204 - Barcode 081227320423) - itself replacing the basic 1990 remaster single-disc issue. Well at last (and not before its Deluxe Edition time), Crosby's Psychedelic Folk debut solo LP gets a 2CD treatment in the form of a '50th Anniversary Expanded Edition'. Disc 1 retains the extra outtake of "Kids And Dogs" the 2006 issue had, while Disc 2 has over one-hour of new 'Bonus Tracks' - most of which are Previously Unreleased. There's a lot to go through, so let's get laughing...

 

UK released 15 October 2021 - "If I Could Only Remember My Name" by DAVID CROSBY on Rhino/Atlantic 603497843398 - R2 659054 (Barcode 603497843398) is a '50th Anniversary Expanded Edition' 2CD Reissue and Remaster with 14 Bonus Tracks (11 of which are Previously Unreleased - 3 are from previous rarity compilation sets) that plays out as follows:

 

Disc 1 'Original Album' (51:43 minutes):

Side 1:

1. Music Is Love [written by David Crosby, Graham Nash & Neil Young] – features Graham Nash on Guitar and Vocals with Neil Young on Guitar, Bass, Vibraphone and Congas

2. Cowboy Movie [written by David Crosby] – features Gerry Garcia on Guitar, Phil Lesh on Bass, Mickey Hart on Drums and Bill Kreutzmann on Tambourine (all from The Grateful Dead)

3. Tamalpais High (At About 3) [written by David Crosby] – features Graham Nash on Guitar, Gerry Garcia on Guitar, Phil Lesh on Bass and Bill Kreutzmann on Tambourine (all from The Grateful Dead) with Jorma Kaukonen of Jefferson Airplane on Guitar

4. Laughing [written by David Crosby] – features Gerry Garcia on Pedal-Steel Guitar, Phil Lesh on Bass, Mickey Hart on Drums and Bill Kreutzmann on Tambourine (all from The Grateful Dead) with Graham Nash and Joni Mitchell on Backing Vocals

Side 2

5. What Are Their Names [written by David Crosby. Gerry Garcia, Phil Lesh, Michael Shrieve and Neil Young] – features Neil Young on Electric Guitar, Gerry Garcia and Phil Lesh of The Grateful Dead on Guitar and Bass, Michael Shrieve of Santana on Drums with Paul Kantner, Grace Slick and David Freiberg of Jefferson Airplane on Backing Vocals as well as Graham Nash and Joni Mitchell

6. Traction In The Rain [written by David Crosby] – features Laura Allan on Autoharp and Backing Vocals with Graham Nash also on Backing Vocals

7.  Song With No Words (Tree With No Leaves) [written by David Crosby] – features Gregg Rolie and Michael Shrieve of Santana on Keyboards and Drums, Jack Cassidy and Jorma Kaukonen of Jefferson Airplane on Bass and Electric Guitar, Gerry Garcia of The Grateful Dead on Guitar with Graham Nash on backing Vocals

8. Orleans [a Traditional song adapted by David Crosby] – Vocals and Guitars by David Crosby only

9. I'd Swear There Was Somebody Here [written by David Crosby] – All Vocals by DC

Tracks 1 to 9 are his debut solo albums (after The Byrds and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young) "If I Could Only Remember My Name" - released 22 February 1971 in the USA on Atlantic Records SD 7203 and Atlantic 2401 005 in the UK. Produced by DAVID CROSBY - it peaked at No. 12 on the US Billboard charts.

 

BONUS TRACK

10. Kids And Dogs (Unreleased David Crosby Outtake first issued 6 November 2006 on the US 2-Disc Deluxe Edition reissue of "If I Could Only Remember My Name" on Rhino R2 73204) - the Demo Version of this outtake is on Disc 2 and is PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED

 

Disc 2 'Bonus Tracks' (51:08 minutes):

Demos:

1. Riff 1 (Recorded March 1968)

2. Tampalas High (at About 3)

3. Kids And Dogs

4. Games (Tracks 2 to 4 produced by Paul A. Rothchild, Recorded 28 March 1968)

5. Laughing (Recorded 31 May 1968 at Western Recorders, Hollywood, California)

6. Song With No Words (Tree With No Leaves) - Recorded 1969, first appeared September 1991 on the US 4CD Box Set 'CSN' on Atlantic 82319 - features Graham Nash and Crosby only on Guitars and Scat Vocals

7. The Wall Song

8. Where Will I Be? (Tracks 7 and 8 recorded 1970, no other details provided)

Sessions:

9. Cowboy Movie (Alternate Version) - first appeared on the November 2006 US 3CD Book Set "Voyage" on Rhino/Atlantic R2 77628 - features NEIL YOUNG on Lead Guitar, plus JERRY GARCIA on Second Guitar with PHIL LESH and MICKEY HART all of THE GRATEFUL DEAD)

10. Bach Mode (Pre-Critical Mass)

11. Coast Road

12. Dancer

13. Fugue 

All Tracks on Disc 2 PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED except Tracks 6 and 9 noted above

 

Housed in a three-way foldout card sleeve, the pretty gold sticker (pictured) advises us that Crosby's Genre Defining Debut Solo Album is being given the bells and whistles its always deserved. There are unreleased photos on the inner flaps, a page of handwritten lyrics and a new 20-page booklet with updated liner notes from STEVE SILBERMAN. The album credits/reissue details are on Pages 18 and 19 and as you can see from the track list above features a huge array of famous types all contributing.

 

A posse of names have been involved in the Tape Transfers and Remasters - Mastered by DAVE COLLINS at his studios in Los Angeles with Plangent Processes Tape Restoration & Speed Corrections carried out by JAMIE HOWARTH and JOHN CHESTER. The very quiet Demos on Disc 2 are a teeny-weeny bit hissy, but not so it would put you off - the clarity and warmth of them is lovely. The remaster on the album is gorgeous and hasn't dampened any of the hiss that is so evident on tracks like "Tamalpais" and "What Are Their Names". It's not been ramped up for effect either – it's just right – full of presence and that extraordinary build of instruments that fills so many of the songs. Wonderful stuff.

 

Even now it's hard to imagine who the two 45s taken off the record were aimed at – "Music Is Love" b/w "Laughing" in April 1971 on Atlantic 2792 and "Orleans" b/w "Traction In The Rain" in July 1971 on Atlantic 2809. But all 4 tracks are magical to me now. And yet despite all the starry names listed above – one of the biggest contributions to a song comes from the lesser-known musician LAURA ALLAN who plays gorgeous licks on an Autoharp on "Traction In The Rain" (she sadly passed away in 2006). And there's the sublime harmony vocal Joni Mitchell puts in on "Laughing" with Graham Nash (sends me every time). Two stunning Acapella finishers "Orleans" and "I'd Swear There Was Somebody Here" have Crosby soloing to ethereal effect – both clocking in at less than two minutes each - but with the impact of ten.

 

The seven-minute outtake "Kids & Dogs" is hissy for sure but what a nugget. Fabulous stuff. I do however think its a damn shame that the live version of "Traction In The Rain" on Disc 3 of the stunning David Crosby "Voyage" Box Set of 2006 – is absent here. It was recorded in 1971 and sounds glorious. Still if that absence steers you towards that amazing overhaul of his career then that's a job well done (the entirely unreleased Disc 3 is unbelievably good). And it's still astonishing to hear the down and dirty guitar battle that takes place between Neil young and Jerry Garcia on that Alternate Version of "Cowboy Movie" - absolutely astonishing stuff that runs to 10:57 minutes. Fans will also love the echoed Acapella vocals of "Bach Mode (Pre-Critical Mass)" which at 1:59 minutes is short, but oh so sweet. "Coast Road" is so pretty - a fully formed band number that just goofs initially on the acoustics (like much of the album) - but then becomes this gorgeous vibe song about driving into California in the sunshine - what a find. "Dancer" is the same – 5:03 minutes of doubled-vocals humming around an acoustic guitar that has Joni Mitchell just about audible in the background (weird the liner notes do not note this). And on it goes...

 

"If I Could Only Remember My Name" is the kind of album that you turn to – it's peaceful on your brain – lifts your spirit up and evokes a warmth that never fades with time (Carole King's "Tapestry" has the same kind of magic – and again from 1971). Now it's bolstered up with extras in 2021 that are worth the forking out. A wonderful album and a top quality Rhino reissue then. Makes me mushy just looking at it…