"History Of Rhythm And Blues 1952-1957, The" by VARIOUS ARTISTS – 109 Tracks Across 4 CDs including Little Junior Parker, Elvis Presley, Billy 'The Kid' Emerson, Howlin' Wolf, B.B. King, Sonny Boy Williamson, Ray Charles, Etta James, The Drifters, Muddy Waters, Little Esther, The Moonglows, The Spaniels, Little Willie John, Otis Blackwell, Mahalia Jackson, Lloyd Price, Fats Domino, Slim Harpo, Carl Perkins, Little Richard, Jimmy Reed, Smiley Lewis, Professor Longhair, The Coasters, Rufus Thomas, Little Walter, Ruth Brown, Soul Stirrers, Big Maybelle, Clarence 'Frogman' Henry and more (June 2010 UK Rhythm And Blues Records 4CD Card Digibook Box Set – Volume 3 of 4) - A Review by Mark Barry...

 

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"MANNISH BOY" 

BLUES, VOCAL GROUPS, DOO WOP, ROOTS

RHYTHM 'n' BLUES and ROCK 'n' ROLL ON CD 

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 *****

 

"...Baby Let's Play House... "

 

Released in June 2010 - this 4CD box set is the 3rd issue in a series of 4 releases from Rhythm And Blues Records - a new label out of the UK specializing in quality compilations from the golden eras of American race music.

 

The first and second volumes of "The History Of Rhythm And Blues 1925-1942" and "...1942-1952" were issued in March 2008 (Rhythm And Blues Records RANDB001 – Barcode 5065001126000) and May 2009 respectively (Rhythm And Blues Records RANDB003 (Barcode 5065001126024) and are reviewed separately. They are also 4CD sets – the first with 97 Remastered Tracks and a 32-Page Booklet while the second has 101 Remastered Tracks and a 64-page booklet. Volume 4 covered 1957-1962 (released November 2013 on Rhythm and Blues Records R010 - Barcode 5060331750185) and offered 124 songs and another 64-page booklet. It was received with much industry and punter praise and as recent as 22 October 2021 - Rhythm and Blues Records of the UK have reissued it as a second version in DVD packaging. But to the 4CD Digibook splurge at hand...

 

Volume 3 follows the path of Volume 2 – a huge improvement visually on Volume 1 – and audio-wise - boasting the same good quality remastering. Like Volume 2, Volume 3 is both a fantastic thing to look at and a joyous listen – a properly great combo of clever track-choices and aesthetically pleasing visuals. Each disc is themed, titled and smartly so too (see italics). This set alone encompasses Fifties Blues, Rhythm and Blues, Gospel, Vocal Groups, Rock & Roll and even Early Soul. Here are the details on the Hoochie Coochie Men and Women that made it happen...

 

UK released June 2010 - "The History Of Rhythm And Blues 1952-1957" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Rhythm And Blues Records RANDB011 (Barcode 5065001126116) is a 4CD Card Digibook compilation (Volume 3 of 4) with a 68-Page Booklet that breaks down as follows:

 

Disc 1 (72:45 minutes):

"Blues In The City – Downhome Southern Blues From Memphis To Chicago"

1. Feelin' Good – LITTLE JUNIOR PARKER (1953, Sun 187)

2. Mystery Train – ELVIS PRESLEY (1955, Sun 223)

3. Red Hot – BILLY 'THE KID' EMERSON (1955, Sun 219)

4. Baby Let's Play House – ARTHUR GUNTER (1954, Excello 2047)

5. Tiger Man – RUFUS THOMAS (1953, Sun 188)

6. Honey Don't – CARL PERKINS (1956, Sun 234)

7. If Lovin' Is Believin' - BILLY 'THE KID' EMERSON (1954, Sun 195)

8. 3 O'Clock Blues – B.B. KING (1951, RPM 339)

9. Sad Hours – LITTLE WALTER & HIS NIGHT CAPS (1952, Checker 764)

10. Evil – HOWLIN' WOLF (1954, Chess 1575)

11. Just Can't Stay – WILLIE NIX (1953, Sabre 104)

12. Five Long Years – EDDIE BOYD (1953, Job 1007)

13. I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man – MUDDY WATERS (1954, Chess 1560)
14. Reconsider Baby – LOWELL FULSON (1954, Checker 804)

15. I Don't Know – WILLIE MABON (1952, Parrot 1050)

16. She's Fine, She's Mine – BO DIDDLEY (1955, Checker 819)

17. I Ain't Got You – BILLY BOY ARNOLD (1956, Vee-Jay 171)

18. Dimples – JOHN LEE HOOKER (1956, Vee-Jay 205)

19. Don't Start Me Talkin' – SONNY BOY WILLIAMSON (1955, Checker 824)

20. Pretty Thing – BO DIDDLEY (1955, Checker 827)

21. Smoke Stack Lightning (1956,Chess 1632)

22. Got My Mojo Working – ANN COLE (1957, Baton 237)

23. Walking By Myself – JIMMIE ROGERS (1957, Chess 1643)

24. I Got Love If You Want It – SLIM HARPO (1957, Excello 2113)

25. The Sun Is Shining – JIMMY REED (1957, vee-Jay 248)

26. No More Lonely Nights – SONNY BOY WILLIAMSON (1955, Ace 511)

 

Disc 2 (73:54 minutes):

"Rockin’ The House – The Jukebox's Blowin' A Fuse"

1. K.C. Loving – LITTLE WILLIE LITTLEFIELD (1953, Federal 12110)

2. Easy, Easy Baby – VARETTA DILLARD (1952, Savoy 847)

3. Rock The Joint – BILL HALEY with THE SADDLEMEN (1952, Essex 303)

4. (Mama) He Treats Your Daughter Mean – RUTH BROWN (1953, Atlantic 986)

5. Hound Dog – BIG MAMA THORTON – (1953, Peacock 5-1612)

6. Whole Lotta Shakin' - BIG MAYBELLE (1955, Okeh 7060)

7. Shake, Baby, Shake – CHAMPION JACK DUPREE (1952, Red Robin 112)

8. Shake, Rattle And Roll – BIG JOE TURNER (1954, Atlantic 1026)

9. You Know Yeah – PEE WEE CRAYTON (1955, Imperial 5321)

10. Space Guitar – JOHNNY "GUITAR" WATSON (1954, Federal 12175)

11. Crazy Lover – RICHARD BERRY (1955, Flair 1071)

12. Tipitina – PROFESSOR LONGHAIR & HIS BLUES SCHOLARS (1954, Atlantic 1020)

13. Ain't It A Shame – FATS DOMINO (1955, Imperial 5348)

14. I Hear You Knocking – SMILEY LEWIS (1955, Imperial 5356)

15. I'm Wise – EDDIE BO (1956, Apollo 486)

16. Tutti Frutti – LITTLE RICHARD (1955, Specialty 561)

17. See You Later, Alligator – BOBBY CHARLES (1955, Chess 1609)

18. (Every Time I Hear That) Mellow Saxophone – ROY MONTRELL (1956, Specialty 583)

19. Lucille – LITTLE RICHARD (1957, Specialty 598)

20. Blue Monday – FATS DOMINO (1956, Imperial 5417)

21. Ain't Got No Home – CLARENCE 'Frogman' HENRY (1956, Argo 5259)

22. Maybelline – CHUCK BERRY (1955, Chess 1604)

23. Honky Tonk – BILL DOGGETT (1956, King 4950)

24. I Put A Spell On You – SCREAMIN' JAY HAWKINS (1956, Okeh 7072)

25. No Good Lover – MICKEY & SYLVIA (1956, Groove 0164)

26. Brown-Eyed Handsome Man – CHUCK BERRY (1956, Chess 1635)

27. Little Bitty Pretty One – BOBBY DAY & THE SATELLITES (1957, Class 211)

28. King Kong – BIG T. TYLER (1957, Aladdin 3384)

29. Susie Q – DALE HAWKINS (1957, Checker 863)

 

Disc 3 (73:03 minutes):

"Street Corner Sounds – Blues Ballads To Vocal Groups"

1. One Mint Julep – THE CLOVERS (1952, Atlantic 963)

2. Have Mercy Baby – THE DOMINOES (1952, Federal 12068)

3. Money Honey – DRIFTERS (1953, Atlantic 1006)

4. Baby Please – THE MOONGLOWS (1953, Chance 1147)

5. Your Cash Ain't Nothin' But Trash – BIG JOHN & THE BUZZARDS (1954, Okeh 7045)

6. Can't Do Sixty No More – THE DU-DROPPERS (1952, Red Robin 108)

7. Work With Me Annie – THE ROYALS (MIDNIGHTERS) (1954, Federal 12169)

8. Baby Don't Do It – THE "5" ROYALS (1953, Apollo 443)

9. Straight Street – PILGRIM TRAVELLERS (1955, Specialty 877)

10. Ruby Baby – THE DRIFTERS (1956, Atlantic 1089)

11. Play It Cool – THE SPANIELS (1954, Vee-Jay 116)

12. W-P-L-J – FOUR DEUCES (1955, Music City 790)

13. Be Bop Baby – THE PEACHEROOS (1954, Excello 2044)

14. Choo Choo – CARDINALS (1954, Atlantic 1090)

15. Rollin' Stone – THE MARIGOLDS (1955, Excello 2057)

16. Oop Shoop – SHIRLEY GUNTER & "THE QUEENS" (1954, Flair 1050)

17. Hearts Of Stone – THE JEWELS (1954, R and B 1301)

18. Buick 59 – MEDALLIONS (1954, Dootone 347)

19. Mardi Gras Mambo – HAWKETTES (1955, Chess 1591)

20. Nite Owl – TONY ALLEN & THE CHAMPS (1955, Specialty 560)

21. Goodnight My Love – JESSE BELVIN (1956, Modern 1005)

22. The Way You Dog Me – THE DIABLOS (1955, Fortune 518)

23. The Woo Woo Train – THE VALENTINES (1956, Rama 196)

24. Riot In Cell Block No. 9 – THE ROBINS (1954, Spark 103)

25. Down In Mexico – THE COASTERS (1956, Atco 6064)

26. Gee – THE CROWS (1954, Roma 5)

27. Sh-Boom – THE CHORDS (1954, Cat 104)

 

Disc 4 (73:55 minutes):

"This Soul's On Fire – Gospel And Late Night Soulful Blues"

1. Blackjack – RAY CHARLES (1955, Atlantic 1076)

2. Daddy Rollin' Stone – OTIS BLACKWELL (1953, Jay-Dee 784)

3. Need Your Love So Bad – LITTLE WILLIE JOHN (1956, King 4841)

4. W-O-M-A-N – ETTA JAMES (1955, Modern 972)

5. Is It Really You? – NAPPY BROWN (1955, Savoy 1155)

6. Candy – BIG MAYBELLE (1956, Savoy 1195)

7. I'll Drown In My Tears – LULA REED & SONNY THOMPSON (1952, King 4527)

8. One Room Country Shack – MERCY DEE (WALTON) (1952, Specialty 458)

9. After Hour Joint – JIMMY COE and HIS GAY CATS OF RHYTHM (1953, States 118)

10. Night Train – JIMMY FORREST (1952, United 110)

11. Aged And Mellow – LITTLE ESTHER (with Johnnie Otis Orchestra) (1952, Federal 12078)

12. Whiskey And Gin – JOHNNIE RAY (1951, Okeh 6809)

13. Feelin' Sad – GUITAR SLIM (1952, J-B 603)

14. Oh Lord – Stand By Me – ORIGINAL FIVE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA (1953, Specialty 842)

15. It Must Be Jesus – SOUTHERN TONES (1954, Duke 205)

16. I've Got A Woman – RAY CHARLES (1954, Atlantic 1050)

17. Too Close To Heaven – PROFESSOR ALEX BRADFORD and The Bradford Specials (1953, Specialty 852)

18. It Won't Be Very Long – SOUL STIRRERS (1952, Specialty 824)

19. Consider Me – MAHALIA JACKSON (1953, Lloyds 103)

20. When I'm All Alone – SOLOMON BURKE (1955, Apollo 485)

21. Soul On Fire – LaVERN BAKER (1953, Atlantic 1004)

22. Don't Cry Baby – LITTLE JIMMY SCOTT (1955, Savoy 1163)

23. Pledging My Love – JOHNNY ACE (Johnnie Otis Orchestra) (1955, Duke 136)

24. Fever – LITTLE WILLIE JOHN (1956, King 4935)

25. Just Because – LLOYD PRICE (1957, ABC-Paramount 9792)

26. Hallelujah I Love Her So – RAY CHARLES (1956, Atlantic 1096)

27. Please, Please, Please – JAMES BROWN with The Famous Flames (1956, Federal 12258)

 

Like Volume 2 – there's a three-way foldout card folder with two plastic clip-trays on the inner flaps – but Volume 3 ups the game on the presentation front over the equally lovely Volume 2. First thing you notice are the repro-posters from the period plastered all over the inner flaps – and in colour too. With names like Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Louis Jordan, Howlin' Wolf, Ray Charles, LaVern Baker and Fats Domino – as you can imagine they're visually wonderful and so evocative of the excitement of the Fifties and its dynamite musical landscape. 

 

The 66-page detached booklet is gorgeous to look at too with Nick Duckett (the compiler) spreading out on each entry - every smartly-chosen tune packed with detailed analysis - when it was recorded, players if known, USA catalogue numbers, chart positions etc. Between the prettily placed texts are trade adverts, artist publicity photos and small colour pictures of those beautiful and evocative 78" and 7" labels – Checker, Federal, Atlantic, Chance, Vee-Jay, Excello, King, Argo, Robin, Imperial, Rama, Okeh, Savoy, Essex, Specialty, Chess and many more. There's even paragraphs of fill-in discussion on each themed CD before the Disc entries begin – care and effort went into this - it's superbly done. If you want a full printed out version, the same detailed text is available from their website in colour. And expertly and lovingly compiled by NICK DUCKETT – Volume 3 is one again remastered by CheekyPaul.com with uniformly great sound throughout.

 

For long-time collectors there is of course the problem of duplication – especially when it comes to the Chess and Atlantic entries. But even for a voracious fan like me there's those fabulous tunes inbetween the cracks like "Aged And Mellow" by Little Esther and "Easy, Easy Baby" by Varetta Dillard – cool and sexy R 'n' B tunes I've wanted to own for ages. For those new to the genre – Volume 3 is a brilliant and affordable introduction to the genre – chockers with classics you'd heard in adverts, films and hip radio shows. There's even a 23 x 33-inch wall poster on sale via the Website (and Box Set) of "The History Of Rhythm And Blues 1900-1964" that is in itself a peach of a thing to look at.

 

Just chuck on Disc 2 and start with Little Willie Littlefield telling us of his love for Kansas City – joyous stuff. Shame that the Ruth Brown track is awful sounding, but no such problem with Big Mama Thornton or Big Maybelle giving it versions that Rock & Rollers Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis would smelt into a revolution - "Hound Dog" and "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On". You can hear the salaciousness in "Shake, Baby, Shake" as Champion Jack Dupree promises his baby a diamond ring if she would only shake those moneymakers. And what person can resist the joy of Big Joe Turner on Atlantic – his gal wearing those dresses with the sun shining through – the Devil in Nylon Hose (the harder he works, the faster his money goes). Discoveries too - "You Know Yeah" by Pee Wee Crayton being a cool shuffler that most will not know (dig that fantastic guitar solo – first Fender Strat). Speaking of crazy-string-bending – Johnny "Guitar" Watson does just that on the fantastic instrumental stomper "Space Guitar" where he goes all Jimmy Page on his axe – unbelievably ahead of his time. And it goes like that...

 

Retailing at just under twenty-three pounds from some online retailers - this box set of 101 remastered hits and obscurities - is both revelatory and great value for money. And it's music you'll find yourself loving and wanting more of. Like its predecessor - Volume Two of "The History Of Rhythm And Blues" is another 4CD Box Set corker and comes recommended the most...

 

"Joni Mitchell Archives Volume 2: The Reprise Years 1968–1971" by JONI MITCHELL – Including Previously Unreleased Demos, Outtakes, Never-Before-Heard Songs, Live Recordings with James Taylor, The John Cameron Group and Other Archival Material - featuring David Crosby, Graham Nash, Stephen Stills, Live Set Produced by Jimi Hendrix and more (November 2021 UK Joni Mitchell Archives (JMA)/Rhino 5CD Box Set Of Previously Unreleased Material, 40-Page Booklet, Five Newly Formed Mini LP Artwork Card Sleeves and Bernie Grundman Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

 

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****

"…A Considerable Treat…"

 

I suspect there were many lifelong Joni-o-Philes that proffered a mild heart palpitation to the heroically proportioned non-binary post-person when this long awaited and long-promised 5CD vaults-trawl arrived on their doorsteps first week of November 2021 (there you go, you old hippie).

 

The first Volume in the Joni Mitchell Archive Series (JMA) set the scene from her mid Sixties emergence to the beginning of prep for the debut album in March 1968 on Reprise Records (Produced by David Crosby). Like that first oversized Box Set, however, Volume 2 is a mixed bag of the sublime, the understandably historically important and the downright unlistenable. For me it's a 4-star set when your heart was hustling for 6. So what do you get?

 

This second box revisits the "Song To A Seagull" debut, then "Clouds" from May 1969, "Ladies Of The Canyon" from April 1970 and the shimmering "Blue" from June 1971. Admittedly, it will probably be something of a fan-sting to find only 17 are actual outtakes from four albums in her early primo period. But the live stuff is (at times) thrilling and tearfully beautiful (Disc Five with James Taylor especially, expertly taped by good folk at the BBC in the UK like Jeff Griffin). So some may be disappointed by that - but for me - to have anything new by this era defining lady of the canyons (and officially sanctioned too) is the business in my books. To the minute details and drinking cases of you...

 

UK and WORLDWIDE released 5 November 2021 - "Joni Mitchell Archives Volume 2: The Reprise Years 1968 – 1971" by JONI MITCHELL on Joni Mitchell Archives (JMA)/Rhino Records R2 653989 / 603497844524 (Barcode 603497844524) is a 5CD Box Set of Previously Unreleased Material that breaks down as follows:

 

Disc 1 (60:21 minutes Total Playing Time)

Joni’s Home Demos, Late 1967/Early 1968

1. Midnight Cowboy (Version 1)

2. The Dawntreader (Demo with Vocal Overdubs)

3. Song To A Seagull

4. Midnight Cowboy (Version 2)

 

Jane Lurie's Apartment, Late 1967/Early 1968

5. The Way It Is

6. Turn Around (Incomplete)

 

Joni's Home Demos, Late 1967/Early 1968

7. I Had A King (Demo With Piano Overdub)

8. The Fiddle And The Drum (Piano Demo)

9. Rose's Blue (Demo with Peacock Harp Overdub)

 

Song To A Seagull Session, 24 January 1968

10. Jeremy

11. Conversation

12. Both Sides Now

13. The Gift Of The Magi

 

Jane Lurie's Apartment, Early 1968

14. It’s Easy

15. Another Melody

 

Live at Canterbury House, 10 March 1968

16. Introduction

17. Jeremy

18. Songs To Aging Children Come

 

Disc 2 (79:53 minutes):

Live at Le Hibou Coffee House, 19 March 1968

1. Night In The City

2. Come To The Sunshine

3. Intro to The Pirate of Penance

4. The Pirate Of Penance

5. Intro to Conversation

6. Conversation

7. The Way It Is

8. Intro to The Dawntreader

9. The Dawntreader

10. Marcie

11. Intro to Nathan La Franeer

12. Nathan La Franeer

13. Intro to Dr. Funk

14. Dr. Junk

15. Intro to Michael From Mountains

16. Michael From Mountains

17. Go Tell The Drummer Man

18. Intro to I Don’t Know Where I Stand

19. I Don’t Know Where I Stand

20. Intro to Sisotowbell Lane

21. Sisotowbell Lane

22. Intro to Ladies Of The Canyon

23. Ladies Of The Canyon

 

Studio Session, 31 May 1968

24. Come To The Sunshine

 

Jane Lurie's Apartment, Early 1968

25. "My Second Album"

26. "Lambert, Hendricks & Ross"

27. The Pirate Of Penance

 

Top Gear BBC Radio Broadcast, 23 September 1968

28. Intro to Chelsea Morning

29. Chelsea Morning – with The John Cameron Group

30. Intro to The Gallery

31. The Gallery

32. Intro to Night In The City

33. Night In The City – with The John Cameron Group

 

Disc 3 (77:02 minutes):

Live at Carnegie Hall, 1 February 1969

1. Chelsea Morning

2. A Valentine For Joni

3. Cactus Tree

4. Night In The City

5. I Had A King

6. Blue Boy

7. My American Skirt

8. The Fiddle And The Drum

9. Spoony’s Wonderful Adventure

10. That Song About The Midway

11. Both Sides Now

12. Marcie

13. Nathan La Franeer

14. Intro to The Gallery

15. The Gallery

16. Hunter

17. Morning Morgantown

18. Intro to Get Together

19. Get Together

20. Intro to The Circle Game/Little Green

21. Medley: The Circle Game/Little Green

22. Michael From Mountains

 

Disc 4 (77:41 minutes):

Live at Carnegie Hall, 1 February 1969 (continued)

1. Intro to Urge For Going

2. Urge For Going

 

Clouds Sessions, 20 March 1969

3. Conversation

4. Blue Boy

5. The Priest

 

Jane Lurie’s Apartment, Mid 1969

6. Jesus

7. Playing Piano and Vocalizing

 

The Dick Cavatt Show ABC-TV Broadcast, 18 August 1969

8. Chelsea Morning

9. Willy

10. For Free

11. Interview

12. The Fiddle And The Drum

 

Ladies Of The Canyon Demo Sessions, late 1969

13. Woodstock

 

Live at Centennial Auditorium, 1 November 1969

14. "As I Lie In My Backyard Thinking On August 2^nd..." (a poem)

15. Rose’s Blue

16. Rainy Night House

 

Ladies Of The Canyon Session, 30 January 1970

17. Ladies Of The Canyon (with Cellos)

 

Ladies Of The Canyon Session, 2 February 1970

18. Blue Boy (with Recorder Coda)

 

In Concert BBC TV Broadcast, 3 September 1970

19. All I Want

 

Blue Demo Sessions, Summer 1970

20. A Case Of You

21. California

 

Greenpeace Benefit Concert for Amchitka, 16 October 1970

22. Introduction by James Taylor

23. Medley: Big Yellow Taxi/Bony Maronie

 

Disc 5 (79:19 minutes):

In Concert BBC Radio Broadcast, 29 October 1970

1. Introduction (by British DJ, John Peel)

2. That Song About Midway

3. Intro to The Gallery

4. The Gallery

5. Hunter

6. Intro to River

7. River

8. My Old Man

9. The Priest

10. "This is a mountain dulcimer..."

11. Carey

12. A Case Of You (with James Taylor)

13. Intro to California (with James Taylor)

14. California (with James Taylor)

15. Intro to For Free (with James Taylor)

16. For Free (with James Taylor)

17. Intro to The Circle Game (with James Taylor)

18. The Circle Game

19. Intro to You Can Close Your Eyes (with James Taylor)

20. You Can Close Your Eyes (with James Taylor)

21. Both Sides Now

22. Intro to Big Yellow Taxi

23. Big Yellow Taxi

 

Blue Sessions, late 1970

24. Hunter

25. River (with French Horns)

26. Urge For Going (with Strings)

 

This is a classy looking release (as was the first Volume) – a hard-card book flap lid (photo taken by Graham Nash) opens to an inner tray of five card sleeves held in place by a ribbon. Atop that is a 40-page booklet – the centrepiece of which is a new interview with JM conducted by filmmaker and fan CAMERON CROWE (about the time of the 50^th Anniversary reissue of "Blue"). As you can see from the photos supplied, the five Mini LP Sized Card Sleeves are superbly rendered black and whites from the period with mastertape details superimposed at the bottom – number five being especially pretty with Joni and James Taylor sharing a stage and clearly enjoying it. The JMA Logo (Joni Mitchell Archives) is printed on everything. The booklet has some truly gorgeous photos of our hero – ticket stubs – gig adverts (Main Point, The Bitter End with Neil Young just out of Buffalo Springfield) – passes for The Dick Cavett Show – lyrics to songs on all sorts of bits of paper including hotel stationery (you can see how she lists words that will rhyme better with what she's got) – diary notes – set list pages – tape box listings where we see that both "Hunter" and "Urge For Going" have been recorded but are clearly marked as not to be released).

 

And then of course are key players in her early career like Elliot Roberts the Manager of Neil Young and CSNY who believed in her and steered her to Reprise Records (the Box is dedicated to him), Record Exec Mo Ostin (a photo of Joni signing to Reprise as Mo and Elliot watch) and one of two intimate snaps of ex Hollies man and lover Graham Nash (the best baby I ever had). There is even a photo of Graham sat on a sofa with Joni at the piano while her bemused and confused and ever so slightly uncomfortable parents Bill and Myrtle Anderson watch (it was taken just before she went on stage in May 1969 as an industry showcase concert in front of every Folk peer in the game including Dylan). But the most astonishing thing is on Page 14 where the March 19, 1968 diary page of Jimi Hendrix is repro'd (courtesy of his estate) – his handwritten praise of Joni whom he describes as "...fantastic girl with Heaven words..." Even then – genius could recognize other genius. March 19^th was the day he professionally taped Joni at Le Hibou Coffee House (Disc 2) and the results are amazingly clear – audio-wise.

 

Speaking of Audio – MICHAEL GRAVES did the Audio Restoration and the world-famous BERNIE GRUNDMAN did the Mastering – and when it goes into Take 1 of the unreleased "Jeremy" – the audio is lovely – and as its only her and an acoustic – thrilling intimate. Any version of the majestic "Both Sides Now" has got to be on top of most bucket-lists – so to hear this dizzy-dancing song in this lovely session form (January 1968) – is more than a treat.

 

The debut album "Song To A Seagull" aka "Joni Mitchell" was released March 1968 in the USA (June 1968 in the UK) on Reprise RSLP 6293 and featured Stephen Stills on Bass with David Crosby Producing – Mitchell playing all other instruments. Every one of its ten tracks is represented here in one form or another and alongside newbees – two versions of "Midnight Cowboy" (not a cover of the Fred Neil song that was done by Nilsson for the John Schlesinger film of the same name) and the outtakes "Jeremy" and "The Gift Of The Magi".

 

The second album "Clouds" was released May 1969 LP in the USA (October 1969 in the UK) on Reprise RSLP 6341. Apart from "Tin Angel" (Produced by Paul A. Rothchild) – she self-produced the rest with old pal Stephen Stills adding some guitar parts (most were done by herself). All 10 of its tracks are here in varying forms except for the Side One opener - "Tin Angel". New songs include live versions of "The Pirate Of Penance" and "Dr. Junk" beside an outtake called "Come To The Sunshine".

 

Album number three is "Ladies Of The Canyon" – released April 1970 in the USA (May 1970 in the UK) on Reprise RSLP 6376. Again all but one song "The Arrangement" that ended Side One – are here in live or demo form. The Cellos version (from Sessions) of the "Ladies Of The Canyon" song is particularly lovely – and beautifully recorded/remastered. But for me the very best song here is "Hunter" – given to us in two variants – live at the industry introducing concert at Carnegie Hall (1 February 1969 with Bob Dylan in attendance) and a stunning studio outtake done for the "Blue" sessions in late 1970. Recorded by the fondly remembered Bernie Andrews at the BBC for John Peel, surprisingly nice too is the John Cameron Group doing a flute version of "Chelsea Morning" with John Cameron on Keyboards, Harold McNair on Flute, and Dave Cousins (of The Strawbs) on Guitar. She also doubles her vocals to great effect on an accomplished version of "The Gallery" (the ones of ladies). Cameron does nice piano playing on "Night In The City".

 

"Blue" – released June 1971 in the USA on Reprise MS 2038 and July 1971 in the UK on Reprise K 44128 – was celebrating a 50^th Anniversary Album reintroduction as Filmmaker and Music Lover Cameron Crowe conducted his interview. It saw Joni get her first number one LP! All but two of the 10-tracks from the "Blue" album are represented here (mostly in live versions) – the two missing songs being "This Flight Tonight" and "The Last Time I Saw Richard". It is fascinating to hear her debut "All I Want" as a work-in-progress in front of an audience in September 1970 in the UK (an excellent BBC recording) – the Side 1 opener from one of her most beloved albums. The two "Blue" demos are her unaccompanied but are a tad disappointing – audio quality wise. A hoot though to hear Joni segue the Larry Williams classic "Boney Maronie" into her own "Big Yellow Taxi" and delighting the audience. But the Big Daddy find for me is a stunning "Hunter" over on CD5, a full studio song outtake where she doubles up acoustics and Russ Kunkle provides Drums and Percussion. It was recorded for "Blue" but stayed off the record at her insistence and is properly brill. "River" is a being-lonely-at-Christmas song that is so drummed into our consciousness that to hear it suddenly sprout French Horns towards the end is actually jarring (I can hear why she left them out, too cheesy, seasonal sentimentality). "Urge For Going" would have to wait until October 1972 before it appeared as a Non-LP B-side to the 45-single for "You Turn Me On, I'm A Radio" (Asylum AS-11011 in the USA, November 1972 UK on Asylum AYM 511).

 

Big disappointment has to be the Apartment recordings – even if they are new stuff – most are barely above bootleg standard and I would have left them off. For me you have to wait until Track 10 on Disc One ("Song To A Seagull" sessions recorded 24 January 1968) where she does Take 1 of a lovely song called "Jeremy". Early versions of "Conversation" and "Both Sides Now" (from the same sessions) are fabulous peeps into her evolving songwriting prowess growing as you listen (the dizzy dancing way you feel). A gem on Disc Two is "Come To The Sunshine" showing up as a touching beautifully sung live version (recorded unbelievably by Jimi Hendrix in Canada on his portable tape recorder and in shockingly good audio), but even better is the Studio Session version of "Come To The Sunshine" done in May 1968 (touches of 'Hejira' to come) – tip-top audio and a genuinely great find.

 

The dentist song "Dr. Junk" is a bit of eccentric fun, but better live cuts follow like "Go Tell The Drummer Boy" and a lovely looking for laughter "I Don't Where I Stand" – a song that should be just as famous as "Both Sides Now" with its nerve-raw insight into young love. "Michael From Mountains" has unfortunate tape distortion and a misstep in her vocals. But stunning is the only way to describe Disc Five – Jeff Griffin the Producer for the BBC with John Etchells recording. Her In Concert Broadcast is in gorgeous audio and captures Joni in toppermost form. When James Taylor joins her (they were dating at the time) – its magic - a double lightning in a bottle moment – the acoustic JT proficient too.

 

In a lyrical warning to her more naïve self, Joni sang "...don't give yourself away..." – but then in the same song she goes on to all guns blazing when she sings "...to say I love you right out loud..." The song was/is of course the gorgeous loss & gain "Both Sides Now". And isn't that duality surely what so many loved about her – beauty and naked honesty in the same place with an Acoustic Guitar or Dulcimer in Hand.

 

I know there are those who will have wanted so much more – but as I play the outtakes "Come To The Sunshine", "Urge For Going" and "Hunter" – I am in tears. Joni Mitchell has always been special and proof positive lies within...

"Thirty Years Of Maximum R&B" by THE WHO – July 1964 to October 1991 Releases on Fontana, Brunswick, Reaction, Track, Decca and MCA Records featuring Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend, John Entwistle and Keith Moon with Dave Arbus (of East of Eden), Kenny Jones (of The Small Faces and Faces), Nicky Hopkins, John "Rabbit" Bundrick, Tim Gorman, Simon Phillips, Steve Bolton (of Atomic Rooster) and more (July 1994 UK Polydor 4CD 79-Track Cardboard Long Box including 14 Previously Unreleased with Andy MacPhearson, Jon Astley and Tim Young Remixes and Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

**** Rating

 

"...Join Together With The Band..."

 

When the unholy triumvirate of "Tommy" (May 1969), "Live At Leeds" (May 1970) and "Who's Next" (August 1971) hammered my squishy Irish noggin with riffage and anarchic lyrics a go-go – I was like most early Seventies teens – gone baby gone. I still have originals of them all on UK vinyl and in best nick possible (I even have the Headhunters Advert inner bag that came with first pressings of "Who's Next" in 1971 – serious nerdsville). In fact, I only have to look at the front sleeve of Next and I will always see wee-weeing on a concrete structure as a thing of unparalleled joy. "Quadrophenia" took our breath away in 1973 (another stunning themed double-album on Track Records) and thereafter (like so many others I suspect) all the Jules and Jims and Slip Kids have held a candle aloft for The Who most of our adult lives...

 

So back in the heady Nineties days of CD Box Set wonder-loads – like many a drooling dolly dimplecheeks, I awaited the July 1994 Box Set "Thirty Years Of Maximum R&B" by The Who with a frankly unnerving amount of physical excitement. And while it made great efforts in prep and sounded great and looked the presentation part too, I honestly found that the need for balancing desired studio tracks with Previously Unreleased live versions of them instead (to satiate fans like me) actually did for the Box (CD4 especially) and not necessarily in a good way.

 

Don't get me wrong - I love this guitar-jumping Moon-Loon gigglefest thing to death (and in July 2024 it will itself celebrate a 30^th Anniversary). But if I am properly honest, it's a 4-star listen with 5-star presentation. Let's see action...

 

UK released 5 July 1995 - "Thirty Years Of Maximum R&B" by THE WHO on Polydor 521 751-2 (Barcode 731452175120) is a 79-Track 4CD Cardboard Long Box Set (including 14 Previously Unreleased) with New Remasters and Remixes that play out as follows:

 

CD1 (75:49 minutes):

1. Pete Townshend Dialogue (Live At Long Beach Arena, 1971, Previously Unreleased)

2. I'm The Face (July 1964 UK Debut 45-single as The High Numbers, Fontana TF 480, A-side – Newly Remixed, B-side is Track 4 on CD1)

3. Here 'Tis (Recorded 1964 in London as The High Numbers, Previously Unreleased, Bo Diddley cover version)

4. Zoot Suit (see Track 2 on CD1)

5. Leaving Here (Recorded 1964 in London as The High Numbers, First Issued on the November 1985 LP compilation "Who's Missing" on MCA Records, Remixed for the Box Set)

6. I Can't Explain (January 1965 UK 45-single on Brunswick 05926, A-side – their debut single as The Who and first song-writing credit on a 45 for PT – also their first 45 to chart as The Who in the USA on Decca 31725, released there in February 1965 and peaked at No. 93 on Billboard)

7. Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere (May 1965 UK 2^nd 45-single on Brunswick 05935, A-side – also used as the theme to the BBC Pop Music Programme 'Ready Steady Go!' – features unannounced BBC Interview Intro with PT)

8. Daddy Rolling Stone (B-side of "Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere" – see Track 7 – an Otis Blackwell song)

9. My Generation (October 1965 UK third 45-single on Brunswick 05944, A-side)

10. The Kids Are Alright (from the debut UK LP "My Generation" released December 1965 in the UK on Brunswick LAT 8616, April 1966 in the USA as "The Who Sing My Generation" on Decca DL 4664 – both in Mono)

11. The Ox (as per Track 10, Instrumental with Nicky Hopkins guesting on Piano)

12. A Legal Matter (as per Track 10)

13. Pete Dialogue recorded Live At Leeds University, 14 February 1970 – Previously Unreleased - see Track 14)

14. Substitute (Track 14 from the "Live At Leeds" LP, May 1970, UK on Track Records 2406 001, USA on Decca DL 79175 – for further LAL songs see Track 27 and 28 on CD2)

15. I'm A Boy (August 1966 UK 45-single, Reaction 591004, A-side)

16. Disguises (November 1966 UK 5-Track Extended Play EP "Ready Steady Who" on Reaction 592001, Track 1, Side 1)

17. Happy Jack Jingle (0:31 seconds of studio dialogue)

18. Happy Jack (December 1966 UK 45-single, Reaction 591010, A-side)

19. Boris The Spider (from the second studio album "A Quick One", December 1966 in the UK on Reaction 593 002, issued May 1967 in the USA as "Happy Jack" on Decca DL 4892 (Mono) and Decca DL 74892 (Stereo). Same LP as the UK variant but with the song "Heat Wave" replaced by "Happy Jack" that was only a single in the UK)

20. So Sad About Us (as per Track 19)

21. A Quick One, While He's Away (9:39 minutes, a combination mix of the original LP version with a live version recorded for The Rolling Stones Rock And Roll Circus in December 1968)

22. Pictures Of Lily (April 1967, UK 45-single, Track 604002, A-side)

23. Early Morning Cold Taxi (Recorded October 1967 – Previously Unreleased)

24. Coke 2 (0:48 seconds of guitar-riffage singing Coca Cola)

25. The Last Time (June 1967, UK 45-single, Track 604006, A-side – a Rolling Stones cover done in support of Jagger and Richards being arrested on Drug Charges – the B-side is "Under My Thumb")

26. I Can't Reach You (from their third studio album "The Who Sell Out", December 1967 on Track 612 002 (Mono) and 613 002 (Stereo) – January 1968 USA on Decca DL 4950 (Mono) and DL 74950 (Stereo) – see also Tracks 1 to 10 on CD for more)

27. Girl's Eyes (Recorded in 1967 – Previously Unreleased)

28. Bag O'Nails (0:05 seconds)

29. Call Me Lightning (June 1968, UK 45-single, Track 604023, B-side of "Dogs")

NOTES on CD1:

Tracks 3, 23 and 27 are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED Songs; other tracks are versions as noted

 

CD2 (75:45 minutes):

1. Rotosound Strings (0:06 seconds)

2. I Can See For Miles (October 1967, UK 45-single, Track 604011, A-side, also on "The Who Sell Out" LP)

3. Mary-Anne With The Shakey Hand (from their third studio album "The Who Sell Out", December 1967 on Track 612 002 (Mono) and 613 002 (Stereo) – January 1968 USA on Decca DL 4950 (Mono) and DL 74950 (Stereo))

4. Armenia City In The Sky (as per Track 3 on CD2)

5. Tattoo (as per Track 3 on CD2)

6. Our Love Was (as per Track 3 on CD2)

7. Rael 1 (as per Track 3 on CD2)

8. Rael 2 (Recorded 5 July 1967 in New York, 0:52 seconds, Previously Unreleased)

9. Track Records/Premier Drums (0:31 seconds)

10. Sunrise (as per Track 3 on CD2)

11. Russell Harty Dialogue (0:21 seconds)

12. Jaguar (Recorded November 1967 in London, Edited Version of a Previously Unreleased Recording)

13. Melancholia (Recorded May 1968 in London – Previously Unreleased)

14. Fortune Teller (Recorded May 1968 in London – Previously Unreleased)

15. Magic Bus (October 1968, UK 45-single, Track 604024, A-side)

16. Little Billy (first appeared on the September 1974 LP compilation "Odds And Sods" on Track Records 2406 116 (UK) and October 1974 in the USA on MCA Records MCA 2126)

17. Dogs (June 1968, 45-single, Track 604023, A-side – for B-side see Track 29 on CD1)

18. Overture (from the 2LP studio set "Tommy", May 1969 UK on Track 613 013/4, May 1969 USA on Decca DXSW 7205)

19. Acid Queen (see Track 18 on CD2)

20. Abbie Hoffman Incident (0:16 seconds, Live At Woodstock, see Track 21)

21. Underture (Version Recorded Live At Woodstock, 17 Aug 1969 and Finally Issued on the 2LP Soundtrack set "The Kids Are Alright" in June 1979 (UK Polydor 2675 179, USA on MCA Records MCA2-11005)

22. Pinball Wizard (see Track 18 on CD2)

23. I'm Free (see Track 18 on CD2)

24. See Me, Feel Me – Live (Tommy track recorded Live At Leeds University, 14 February 1970 – Previously Unreleased)

25. Heaven And Hell – Live (July 1970, UK 45-single, Track 2094 002, a John Entwistle song and B-side to "Summertime Blues")

26. Pete Dialogue (0:36 seconds)

27. Young Man Blues – Live (from the "Live At Leeds" LP, May 1970, UK on Track Records 2406 001, USA on Decca DL 79175 – a Mose Allison cover version - for more LAL songs see also Track 14 on CD1)

28. Summertime Blues – Live (see Track 27 on CD2 – an Eddie Cochran cover version – LP cut)

NOTES on CD2:

Tracks 8, 12, 13, 14 and 24 are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED

 

CD3 (75:01 minutes):

1. Shakin' All Over – Live (see Track 27 on CD2)

2. Baba O'Riley (from the LP "Who's Next", August 1971 UK on Track 2408 102, August 1971 USA on Decca 79182)

3. Bargain (original studio song on the "Who's Next" LP – this version recorded Live at San Francisco Civic Auditorium, 12 December 1971 and first released on the November 1985 US LP compilation "Who's Missing" on MCA Records MCA-5641)

4. Pure And Easy (first appeared on the September 1974 LP compilation "Odds And Sods" on Track Records 2406 116 (UK) and October 1974 in the USA on MCA Records MCA 2126)

5. The Song Is Over (as per Track 2 on CD3)

6. Studio Dialogue (0:47 seconds)

7. Behind Blue Eyes (as per Track 2 on CD3)

8. Won't Get Fooled Again (as per Track 2 on CD3, for another variant of a "Who's Next" LP song see also "My Wife", Track 11 on CD4)

9. The Seeker (Edit) (March 1970, UK 45-single, Track 604036, A-side)

10. Bony Maronie (Recorded at the Young Vic Theatre, London, 26 April 1971 and first issued on the June 1988 UK 4-Track CD Single for the reissue of "Won't Get Fooled Again" on Polydor POCD 917 – also 12" Single on Polydor POSPX 917)

11. Let's See Action (October 1971, UK 45-single, Track 2094 012, A-side)

12. Join Together (June 1972, UK 45-single, Track 2094 102, A-side)

13. Relay (January 1973, UK 45-single, Track 2094 106, A-side)

14. The Real Me (original version on the double-album "Quadrophenia" – released October 1973 – This Version recorded January 1979 during auditions for Kenney Jones to become the new drummer with The Who – Previously Unreleased)

15. 5:15 (Single Mix) (Full Version on "Quadrophenia" – This Edit released October 1973, UK 45-single, Track 2094 115, A-side)

16. Bell Boy (as per Track 14 on CD3)

17. Love Reign O'er Me (as per Track 14 on CD3)

NOTES on CD3:

Track 14 is PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED

 

CD4 (76:17 minutes):

1. Long Live Rock (first appeared on the September 1974 LP compilation "Odds And Sods" on Track Records 2406 116 (UK) and October 1974 in the USA on MCA Records MCA 2126 – also released April 1979 in the UK on a 3-Track Retro Compilation 45-Single on Polydor WHO 2)

2. Life With The Moons (1:43 minutes)

3. University Challenge (0:30 seconds)

4. Slip Kid (from the October 1975 LP "The Who By Numbers" on Polydor 2490 129 in the UK, USA on MCA Records MCA 2161)

5. Poetry Cornered (0:39 seconds)

6. Dreaming From The Waist (studio version on the 1975 LP "The Who By Numbers" – this version recorded live at Swansea Football Grounds, 12 June 1976 – Previously Unreleased)

8. Blue Red And Grey (as per Track 4 on CD4)

9. Life With The Moons 2 (0:46 seconds)

10. Squeeze Box (as per Track 4 on CD 4, also UK 45-single, January 1976, Polydor 2121 275, A-side)

11. My Wife (original studio version on the "Who's Next" – this version recorded live at Swansea Football Grounds, 12 June 1976 – Previously Unreleased)

12. Who Are You (Single Edit, 5:00 minutes, July 1978, Polydor WHO 1, A-side – Full Version on the August 1978 LP "Who Are You" – see Track 13 on CD4)

13. Music Must Change (from the August 1978 "Who Are You", UK on Polydor WHOD 5002 and USA on MCA Records MCA 3050)

14. Sister Disco (see Track 13 on CD4)

15. Guitar And Pen (see Track 13 on CD4)

16. You Better You Bet (from the March 1981 LP "Face Dances", UK on Polydor WHOD 5003, US On Warner Brothers WB HS 3516 – also February 1981 UK 45-single on Polydor WHO 4)

17. Eminence Front (from the September 1982 LP "It's Hard" on Polydor WHOD 5066)

18. Twist And Shout – Previously Unreleased

19. I'm A Man – Previously Unreleased

20. Pete Dialogue (0:37 seconds)

21. Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting) (from 1991 tribute album to Elton John called "Two Rooms")

NOTES on CD4:

Tracks 6, 11, 18 and 19 are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED

 

The 72-page long-format colour booklet is comprehensive and pleasingly detailed. Principal songwriter and founder of The Who Pete Townshend starts his 3-page March 1994 notes on Page 5 with a typically self-deprecating analysis of his four-man brawling brat. PT is also unrepentant and rightly so – literally telling his and Keith Moon's detractors to f-off in the last few sentences. But also – deep amidst the post hurt and rancor is a pride that his band broke down so many doors and are beloved for a reason. Following that is a series of essays – Keith Altham on The Who in Britain (fabulous photos, gig flyers, reviews, Moon in a dress) that in turn is followed by a fabulous Chris Charlesworth piece on their broader reach that includes a month-by-month and year-by-year timeline.

 

But my fave piece of scripture is the Dave Marsh piece on The Who in America. Marsh wrote the first book on Springsteen, did loads of Rolling Stone Magazine stuff and a book on The 1001 Great Singles of All Time etc. Marsh explains how the band didn't really mean much there until well into 1966, after the release of their second album (entitled "Happy Jack" in the USA after the single). The live aspect of The Who too is also (not surprisingly) given serious verbiage. They blew people's heads off and still do with only Daltrey and Townshend left of the original four. Last is a track-by-track breakdown (where, when, which album, 45-single etc) that is followed by a full singles and LP discography wisely providing both UK and US releases (debut was 1965 in the UK, 1966 in the USA – the second album had a different title and slightly altered track list and so on). Explanations too – compilers Chris Charlesworth and Jon Astley talk about tapes (or lack of them) for the Previously Unreleased stuff for a whole page - in many cases justifying decisions and putting to bed rumors about better versions. In short (forgive the pun), the long booklet is a visual feast and even now in 2023 as I write this, a seriously great deep dive into every aspect of this fab band. The color photos and endless memorabilia shots, picture sleeves, press hoopla – is fantastic to look at – especially of course the Sixties and Seventies stuff when they along with other huge British exports like Jethro Tull, Humble Pie, Pink Floyd, Yes and The Stones – became among the biggest and most popular bands in the World. Even the title of the Box Set is followed with the moniker 'The Best Rock 'n' Roll Band In The World'.

 

The 1994 Box Set was Remixed, Remastered and Sequenced by ANDY MacPHEARSON and JON ASTLEY with CD Mastering done by JON ASTLEY and TIM YOUNG. You can hear not just the Volume - but Care. They knew this was a prestige release and due diligence has been done. To the music...

 

CD1 opens with anger (of course), Pete giving the crowd some shut up - this is a Rock & Roll concert not a f-in tea-party diatribe before we launch into a truly fantastic sounding "I'm The Face" by The High Numbers. Fans are then treated to a Previously Unreleased Bo Diddley cover "Here Tis" – an all night long shuffler with Harmonica driven R&B rhythms (good but not nearly as exciting as the debut single). The snappiest dresser B-side "Zoot Face" could really have been any British R&B act of 1964 aping the American scene – but what it does have is lovely clarity in the audio – drums, Bass, strummed guitar and picked out notes. Better is "Leaving Here" where The Who shows their love of Motown – an Eddie Holland cover version that had only been released in the USA in early December 1963 (Motown M-1052, A-side). Already that drum and guitar sound they mastered is already there – even if the recording is compromised in its obvious weedy nature.

 

Things return to Who brilliance with "I Can't Explain" – a single that sounded old and new at the same time – a fantastic urgency to it. Without any warning, "Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere" is preceded by dialogue where Pete is being grilled by a particularly plummy sounding DJ as he introduces their new bash-and-trash sound. The instrumental "The Ox" exemplifies their truly wild side – a thrasher from the My Generation debut album that features Nicky Hopkins equalling the squealing guitar mayhem with his piano playing. You could argue that the Box should have used the original 45-single mix for "Substitute" but here they set up the live single with unheard Pete dialogue from the Live At Leeds concert on 14 Feb 1970 and it so works. In August 1966 there were few bands saying I'm A Boy - I'm a head case - I'm A Boy – And My Ma Won't admit it. Kinda cool too to hear the lesser-appreciated grunge guitar of "Disguises" from the "Ready Steady Who" EP – more thematic cross-dressing references. The audio on "Happy Jack" is fabulously clear – Bass and Drums given clarity. The unreleased "Early Morning Cold Taxi" is OK but far better is the "Dogs" deep dive B-side "Call Me Lightning" which ends CD1 perfectly.

 

The first ten tracks on CD2 are essentially "The Who Sell Out" sessions and album (new in 1994). There is good and superfluous. While "Sunrise" is a gem (Pete on Acoustic) – the supposed Previously Unreleased Rael 2 is a 52-second nonsense – the Russell Harty jokey dialogue is witty for twenty seconds. Both the edited "Jaguar" and "Melancholia" are excellent unreleased outtakes as is the cover version of "Fortune Teller". But if I want real Who magic I go to Track 15 for "Magic Bus" – a piece of 45-single genius that combines Cochran acoustic with riffage towards the end. Do I need Pete telling a political activist to f-off at Woodstock while they launch into a wobbly recording of "Underdog" (eventually issued on the 1979 Kids Are Alright Movie Soundtrack) – not really. At least "Pinball Wizard" sounds amazing as the Tommy tracks begin to kick in. It rollicks home with the excellence of "Dogs" and the emergence of them as a Seventies powerhouse with "Live At Leeds" beginning to make its presence known. I never really liked the flipside "Heaven And Hell" if I am honest but I love that Previously Unreleased Pete Dialogue intro that sets up the Mose Allison and Eddie Cochran covers from "Live At Leeds" – the band tight and on fire even when trashing it.

 

CD3 is the one I play more than all others (and CD4 the one I ignore). The sheer power of The Who doing their version of the Johnny Kidd & The Pirates classic "Shakin' All Over" (even if it still has that cackle) is liable to punish your speakers (listen to Pete soloing, Entwistle hammering the Bass while Moon anchors it all on his kit). But then another kind of magic starts with Dave Arbus of East of Eden guesting on Violin for the magnificent "Baba O'Riley" – the keyboards and out there in the fields Side 1 opener from the August 1971 "Who's Next" album. I admit to tears on this – I go to mush over it. Daltrey suddenly sounds like the best vocalist ever – and then that riff just sees the song take off. This is a sophisticated-sounding Who – a band finding a sound and a zone where it all meshes into something huge. Teenage wasteland had never sounded like this. I would have much preferred the studio version of "Bargain" – instead we get the December 1971 live version finally issued in 1985 on the "Who's Missing" album. It is powerful, but it does not flow as well as the LP cut would have.

 

The March 1973 recording of "Pure And Easy" follows that is followed by the 1971 Side 1 finisher "The Song Is Over" from "Who's Next" – but despite the date difference – the placing works (sing my heart to the Infinite Sea). The witty studio dialogue ahead of "Behind Blue Eyes" works too – setting up the pain with a laugh. And what can you say about the 8:30 minutes of "Won't Get Fooled Again" – the full LP version given to fans in Remastered Riffage Monster Wallop and not the edited single version (15 June 1971) - Wow! There is a rare Apple Label Acetate of the 45-single displayed as the centrepiece of the credits page ("Won't Get Fooled Again" as an Acetate – yummy). We then get a huge fave of mine and one of their forgotten gems "The Seeker" (1970) – the first of four stand-alone 45s they did in the Seventies. The others are here too - "Let's See Action" (October 1971), "Join Together" (June 1972, Acetate pictured too) and "Relay" (December 1973). CD3 then romps home with an unreleased and a trio from "Quadrophenia" including two fab winners in "5:15" and the majestic "Love Reign O'er Me".

 

CD4 is a bummer for me. I like the singles "Squeeze Box", "Who Are You", "You Better You Bet" and the magnificent "Eminence Front" from the swansong of sorts LP "It's Hard" which was prepped for single release but withdrawn. "Eminence Front" is featured in many Who Live Shows nowadays precisely because (like "The Seeker") - it's one of those songs that deserves reappraisal and thrills the crowd. But the replacement of live tracks for studio versions and the backwards retro of "Twist And Shout" (even if it is previously unreleased) do not come across great. For sure deep LP cuts like "Guitar And Pen" and "Slip Kid" will get any fan-vote, but somehow the sequencing all feels like a let down.

 

In the end, I cannot be rational about The Who nor this "Thirty Years Of Maximum R&B" 4CD Box Set. It rocks like a stone mason with a demonically possessed chisel and a leery look in his one good eye. 

 

Speaking of which - U2, The Rolling Stones, The Who and AC/DC have all laid claim at one point in time to being 'The Best Rock 'n' Roll Band In The World'. 

 

Truth be told – they all are – but The Who in their voluminous prime – Yippie Ki-Yay Mo-Fo's!