"The Stranger: 30th Anniversary Edition" by BILLY JOEL (July 2008 Columbia/Legacy 2CD and 1DVD Long Book Set Reissue - Ted Jensen Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"…Mister Cacciatore's Down On Sullivan Street…" 

It’s hard now in March 2017 to imagine just how huge Billy Joel’s The Stranger was at the time of release in late September 1977 - almost 40 years after the event. 

Not since Carole King’s Tapestry album way back in March 1971 and Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours in February of that same eventful year (1977) - had an album so grabbed the public by the neck – hammering them with dollops of palatable romance and pain in equal measure. And all it came wrapped up in great hooky tunes that the radio loved. Before 1977 few people knew Billy Joel’s name – by the end of 1978 there were few who didn’t.

Joel had been bubbling under since 1971 and produced four whole albums prior to his 1977 breakthrough - "Cold Spring Harbor" (1971), "Piano Man" (1973), "Streetlife Serenade" (1974) and "Turnstiles" (1976) – each featuring songwriting brilliance on an escalating scale with "The Stranger" seeing that craft and promise come to full fruition. 

Every track rocked both musically and lyrically - and this '30th Anniversary Edition' Long Box Set (there is also a smaller 2CD Legacy Edition) does that musical milestone a solid. Here are the Scenes From An Italian Restaurant (Down On Sullivan Street)…

US released July 2008 – "The Stranger: 30th Anniversary Edition" by BILLY JOEL on Columbia/Legacy 88697308012 (Barcode 886973080122) is a 2CD and 1DVD Long Book Set of Remasters and breaks down as follows:

Disc 1 (42:33 minutes):

1. Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)

2. The Stranger

3. Just The Way You Are

4. Scenes From An Italian Restaurant

5. Vienna [Side 2]

6. Only The Good Die Young

7. She’s Always A Woman

8. Get It Right The First Time

9. Everybody Has A Dream

Tracks 1 to 9 are the vinyl album The Stranger – released September 1977 in the USA on Columbia JC 34987 and December 1977 in the UK on CBS Records 86108. Mastered for CD by TED JENSEN at Sterling Sound in New York. The album rose to Number 2 in the States and 25 in the UK.

Disc 2 Live At Carnegie Hall, 3 June 1977 (64:04 minutes):

1. Miami 2017 (Seen The Lights Go Out On Broadway)

2. Prelude/Angry Young Man

3. New York State Of Mind

4. Just The Way You Are

5. She’s Got A Way

6. The Entertainer

7. Scenes From An Italian Restaurant

8. Band Introductions

9. Captain Jack

10. I’ve Loved These Days

11. Say Goodbye To Hollywood

12. Souvenir

Original recordings produced by DON DeVITO, Produced for Record by PHIL RAMONE and mastered by MARK WILDER at Battery Studios in New York

DVD (90:00 minutes) Region 0 NTSC:

Live Promotional Videos (Recorded USA - No Dates Provided)

1. The Stranger

2. Just The Way You Are

Billy Joel filmed in concert for The Old Grey Whistle Test on BBC1 – recorded and first transmitted 14 March 1978

3. Intro

4. Miami 2017 (Seen The Lights Go Out On Broadway)

5. Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)

6. New York State Of Mind

7. The Entertainer

8. She’s Always A Woman

9. Root Beer Rag

10. Just The Way You Are

11. Only The Good Die Young

12. Souvenir [extra track to original broadcast]

13. Ain’t No Crime [extra track to original broadcast]

14. A 30-minute bonus documentary on the making of "The Stranger" featuring new interviews with Billy Joel and Phil Ramone

Before we get into the album itself and the extras – let’s talk about the gorgeous packaging. The long box gives you a 48-page glossy booklet with loads of professionally shot black and white outtake photos from the album cover session – round the world 7” single picture sleeves, the British “Now Playing” promo-only LP on CBS BJ 1, A Japanese-Only 1978 Concert Promo LP, American Tour Posters, Live Shots of his band, trade adverts, the lyrics, an essay by DAVID FRICKE and even a facsimile of a Billy Joel Valentine’s Day gift card! But better than this is a reproduction of his small notebook containing the lyrics for “The Stranger” and other thoughts. “Vienna” he notes is about ‘work and friends’ while “Scenes” is about ‘divorce and nostalgia’. There’s a list on the first page of quality bands and artists he opened for – Yes, Bill Withers, Crazy Horse, Hall & Oates, Badfinger, The Eagles and Janis Ian to name but a few. How about quality placing by his management making him open for Jazz-Fusion monsters The Mahavishnu Orchestra, pseudo Rock ‘n’ Rollers Sha Na Na and Australian Popstral Olivia Newton John – wow did this guy pay his dues! There’s also a gorgeous foldout repro poster of the 2, 3 and 4 June 1977 Carnegie Hall Concert in New York which I’ve never seen – very tasty. 

The TED JENSEN Remaster of the album sounds like the 1998 version but with more oomph and to my ears is better than that first attempt. The second the street-punk lyrics to “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)” hits your speakers – you can hear the upgrade – all the instruments clear and with so much more punch. Particularly impressive is opening piano notes of the title track and the vocals on “Just The Way You Are”. It has to be said there’s noticeable hiss in the background on some portions of both - but as Joel quite rightly points out – Producer PHIL RAMONE went for ‘feel’, ‘the right take’ and you can hear why – they’re full of feeling. It still sounds magical and the rhythm section is now more to the fore. “A bottle of white, a bottle of red…” – who doesn’t love the Side 1 finisher “Scenes From An Italian Restaurant” with Accordion by DOMINIC CORTESS beautifully captured. When the Saxophone of RICHARD CANNATA and the Strings kick in – it’s full of power and presence. And those fabulous lyrics about “Brenda and Eddie” who “didn’t account for the tears…” Side 2 opens with the superb “Vienna” – another double-whammy of a great melody and brutally honest lyrics. But for me the album’s true masterpiece is “She’s Always A Woman” which sounds just glorious. What a beautiful song.

I now know why fans have loved the bootlegs of the famous ‘Carnegie Hall’ concert – it’s an absolute blinder – every song rocking – his band tight and on the cusp of success – playing quality new material – mixing with the best of the old. It also features the JOE MALIN ORCHESTRA backing the band (conducted by Frank Owens) – giving a large number of the songs an epic feel. You’re wowed never mind impressed. What I wasn’t expecting however is the stunning Production Values. This thing sounds amazing and is better in some respects than the officially released live set “Songs In The Attic” from 1981. The two openers rapidly set the pace with his piano playing on “Prelude/Angry Young Man” being just brilliant – but it’s the eight and half-minute “New York State Of Mind” that slays everything in its path – the crowd eating it up (check out the Sax solo). To this day the song evokes New Yawk for me – fabulous (“taking a Greyhound on the Hudson River line…”). A clever choice for romance is “She’s Got A Way” - as gorgeous a song as he’s ever written. He gets all Phil Spector on “Say Goodbye To Hollywood”. And as the short but pretty finisher “Souvenirs” (from “Streetlife Serenade”) plays out – he says “Good Night New York...” - and you can hear they want more. In a few months Billy Joel would arrive for real everywhere else.

The DVD is yet another level – giving you visuals. First up are two American promo videos of Joel and his band before an audience (no dates, no locations) as he whistles his way through “The Stranger” and introduces a ‘new one’ called “Just The Way You Are”. They’re well-filmed and full frame. The BBC show aired the night it was recorded 14 March 1978 is introduced by a laidback BOB HARRIS in front of an invited audience at BBC Television Centre. Like the live promo videos, luckily its defaulted to full screen so there’s no bars top or bottom and the sound is excellent. It’s typical of Seventies footage – a tiny bit blurry but not enough to detract. The British crowd you suspect don’t know much of his material and the album’s only been released in the UK 3 months – but as the gig goes on – their appreciation and the band’s rather ‘fish-out-of-water’ mood lifts. This footage hasn’t been seen since it was first aired – and not seen at all apparently are the two rather great encores – a solo “Souvenir” on his Bechstein piano – an then the band is brought on for a rollicking “Ain’t No Crime” (also from “Streetlife Serenade”). He even manages a Joe Cocker impression before he starts the song. The Documentary is great fun too – the artist and Producer clearly proud of their achievement. Along with the two discs before it – the whole shebang is impressive.

If you want a cheaper option – the 2CD Legacy Edition is available for peanuts – but I’d plum the extra few quid for this thoughtfully put together celebration of a classic Seventies album.

"...Don't imagine you're too familiar…" - Billy Joel sings on the classic "Just The Way You Are". Apply the same logic with this superb reissue… 

"Be Glad For The Song Has No Ending/Liquid Acrobat As Regards The Air" by THE INCREDIBLE STRING BAND - March and October 1971 UK LPs on Island Records (June 2004 UK Beat Goes On Records (BGO) Compilation - 2LPs onto 2CDs - Andrew Thompson Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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                                                                 "...Evolution Rag..." 

I've reviewed the earlier catalogue of THE INCREDIBLE STRING BAND from 1967 to 1970 on other superlative Beat Goes On CD Reissues - but have been avoiding this release because I can't abide the hippy claptrap of "Be Glad For The Sing Has No Ending" - especially its associations with the destructive and appalling Scientology Cult that is imbedded into the lyric-songs on Side 1. The album is partially saved by some interesting and eclectic passages on Side 2's nine-part instrumental "The Song Has No Ending" - music from the 1970 limited-release film "Be Glad For The Song Has No Ending". That 26-minute opus is similar to the 20-minute Side1 suite on Amazing Blondel's "Fantasia Lindum" LP on Island Records in 1971, but not as good or as pretty (see separate review for "Evensong/Fantasia Lindum" also on BGO Records, 2004).

And then there's "Liquid Acrobat As Regards The Air" - coming at the tail end of 1971 - an underground album that fascinates to this day (spoken of in hushed tones by some). There are unfortunately still traces of Hubbard’s reality-bending cosmic psychobabble (indoctrinating young impressionable minds for momentary gain) – but the music was better and for its time – a bit out there. Let's get to the Cosmic Boys and their Evolution Rags...

UK released June 2004 (reissued October 2010) - "Be Glad For The Song Has No Ending/Liquid Acrobat As Regards The Air" by THE INCREDIBLE STRING BAND on Beat Goes On BGOCD 627 (Barcode 5017261206275) offers 2LPs from 1971 (March and October) - Remastered onto 2CDs and plays out as follows:

Disc 1 (50:54 minutes):

1. Come With Me [Side 1]

2. All Writ Down

3. Veshengro

4. See All The People

5. Waiting For You

6. The Song Has No Ending (A Selection Of Instrumental Pieces - 26:45 minutes) [Side 2]

Tracks 1 to 6 are the album "Be Glad For The Song Has No Ending" - released March 1971 in the UK on Island Records ILPS 9140 (No US release). "Save All The People" recorded live March 1968 at The Royal Festival Hall - all other tracks studio.

Disc 2 (48:44 minutes):

1. Talking Of The End [Side 1]

2. Dear Old Battlefield

3. Cosmic Boy

4. Worlds They Rise And Fall

5. Evolution Rag

6. Painted Chariot

7. Adam And Eve [Side 2]

8. Red Hair

9. Here Till Here Is There

10. Tree

11. Jigs: Eyes Like Leaves/Sunday is My Wedding Day/Drops Of Whiskey/Grumbling Old Men

12. Darling Belle

Tracks 1 to 12 are the album "Liquid Acrobat As Regards The Air" - released October 1971 in the UK on Island Records ILPS 9172 and February 1972 in the USA on Elektra EKS-74112

The card slipcase always lends these BGO releases a feel of class. ALAN ROBINSON provides the very informative and entertaining liner notes in the tastefully laid out 16-page booklet – a lot of which is taken from/in collusion with Adrian Whittaker – author of the 2003 Book "Be Glad: An Incredible String Band Compendium" published by Helter Skelter. Adorning both sides of the text pages are small black and white period photos of the mad ensemble doing their flowers & cosmos thing – whilst the rest of the pages provide you with original recording credits and lyrics for both 1971 LPs.

Audio-wise - it doesn't say who or where these were Remastered - but I'm presuming it's the work of ANDREW THOMPSON because it sure sounds like it. Anyway - the Audio is superb throughout - most of the Acoustic-based songs benefitting from that extra oomph the transfer has given them. With John Woods as the original Engineer (Nick Drake etc) – it’s hardly surprising that these CDs sound so sweet. But the music for me is very much a tale of two cities - good and bad...

"Be Glad For The Song Has No Ending" feels like an odds and sods record - whatever was left in the can - thrown into one lump and issued regardless. Side 1 has the five lyric-based studio songs (One live in 1968) - while Side 2 is the 26-minute-plus Instrumental in nine different parts. The 'ha ha ha' chorus of the live track "See All The People" is insufferable hippy chanting and like most of Side 1 - I find it unlistenable now. There are pretty acoustic passages around the six-minute mark in the Side 2 instrumental that suddenly locate that ISB magic again - and later in the sitar break - but mostly it feels disorganised and rambling for the sake of it. Best track is the slightly vaudeville singing/talking more-tea-vicar song - "Waiting For You".

The harpsichord, the monastic voices and the clever Hari Krishna chanting percussion of "Talking Of The End" make it an extraordinarily odd yet intoxicating opening track. And just when you think you know where the song is going - it suddenly goes into a Sitar break that's both cool and eerie. "...Death is unreal...there's more to be revealed..." they sing on "Dear Old Battlefield" - the most Liege & Lief track on the LP. Mike Heron plays the Randy Newman piano while Likky handles the girly vocals on the pretty yet weird "Cosmic Boy" where the ISB of old is almost unrecognisable. Back to Folk-Prog business with "Worlds They Rise And Fall" - quite possibly the best melody on the album and beautifully played too.

The very Richard and Linda Thompson guitar vibe of "Painted Chariot" got picked as a representative of the band on the "Strangely Strange But Oddly Normal" 3CD Box Set for Island Records in 2005. The English Traditional "Here Till Here Is There" is almost Acapella - Heron and Likky sharing the microphone initially with Recorders thereafter providing the plaintive backing. But the sophisticated story-telling, cod-faced funny, World War sad and beautiful "Darling Belle" dominates the LP – an elongated finisher about life and loss that is all flutes and hissing swans and glockenspiels giving it some banjo yearning. I don't know about them getting their 'heads together in the country' like so many bands tried to do in the wake of Traffic - but the song is so typically ISB and a great way to end the record - mad as a dingbat on some very potent mushrooms - stoner rural music with an accent and a certain charming innocence...

As a group and listening experience - The Incredible String Band has always divided listeners - they're a Marmite band - love or loathe them. Those silly youthful indoctrinations aside - "Liquid Acrobat As Regards The Air" is still pretty much unlike anything you've ever heard - then or since. And for that they have our thanks and admiration. 

Put succinctly - this is keep the home fires burning music - while the leaves fall with whispers and the foggy dew is wet with aura daffodil love (know what I'm saying pal)...

"Classic Thin Lizzy - Universal Masters Collection" by THIN LIZZY (1999/2009 UK Decca/Deram CD Compilation of Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

(Original 1999 Cover)

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"…Remembering Part One…"

The budget-to-mid price Series "Universal Masters Collection" spanned a huge range of artists on the Universal roster of Labels - from ABC through to DONNA SUMMER and all points in between. But this little gem given over to THIN LIZZY and the Irish band's early Decca Label material seems to have gone largely unnoticed. And in late 2026 with so many Deluxe Editions and Super Deluxe Box Sets issued since - it's irrelevant. But still, here are the details from a 2009 review...

The booklet is a 4-page fold-out inlay with a decent essay on the band at that time by DARYL EASLEA and a basic track listing.

But the really good news is that all 18 of its tracks have been Digitally Remastered and many of them are hard-to-find rarities. The compilation covers the period 1971 to 1974, their first 3 albums and the non-album 7" singles around them. As you can see from the photo they've used for the front cover of the booklet, the rocking Dublin band was still a POWER TRIO at that time - PHIL LYNOTT on Bass and Vocals (principal songwriter), ERIC BELL on Guitar and Vocals with BRIAN DOWNEY on Drums and Percussion (the famous dual-guitars of BRIAN ROBERTSON and SCOTT GORHAM began with "Nightlife" in 1974).

The albums featured here are "Thin Lizzy", their debut from April 1971, "Shades Of A Blue Orphanage", their second album from March 1972 (un-issued in the US) and their fantastic third album from September 1973, "Vagabonds Of The Western World" (on the Decca label in the UK and the London label in the USA). As the first three albums were put out onto CD in 1990, 1993 and 1993 respectively with 'ok' sound quality - these 1999 sonic upgrades are both long overdue and superb-sounding into the bargain.

Originally UK released December 1999 (reissued 2005 and 2009) - "Classic Thin Lizzy: The Universal Masters Collection" by THIN LIZZY is an 18-track CD compilation on Universal/Deram/Decca 844 945-2 (Barcode 042284494526). Here's the track-by-track breakdown (most of this info isn't on the outer sleeve):

1. Whisky In The Jar

Their 1st UK 7" single from November 1972 and originally a non-album track – the song is an updated cover version of a 1729 Traditional Irish air. The cut supplied here is the rare 'Promotional Edited Version' used on UK Demos and the US issue of the single that cut down the standard 7" release from its full running time of 5:44 minutes to a shorter 3:40 minutes

2. The Rocker

Their 3rd UK 7" single, this is the rare 'Edited Single Version'. It chops down the full "Vagabonds Of The Western World" album cut of 5:12 minutes to 2:41 minutes - essentially editing out Eric Bell's guitar solo

3. Look What The Wind Blew In (on "Thin Lizzy" - their 1st album)

4. Randolph's Tango

Their 2nd UK 7" single from May 1973 and again a non-album track. This is credited as the 'US Edited Single Version' - but as the original UK version runs to 3:53 minutes and this cut is 3:49 minutes - in a crazy world of 45 playing times - 4-seconds is seen as an 'edit'…

5. Sarah (Version 1) (on "Shades Of A Blue Orphanage" - their 2nd album)

6. Things Ain't Workin' Out Down At The Farm (Version 1)

The 4th of 4 tracks on the ultra-rare "New Day" EP - a UK-only 4-Track 7" single-only release from 21 August 1971. The 1st track on the EP "Dublin" is also on this compilation - Track 12. For CD versions of the other two songs on the EP, "Remembering Part II (New Day)" and "Old Moon Madness” - they can be found as bonus tracks on both the 1990 and 2010 CD reissues of "Thin Lizzy”

7. Vagabond Of The Western World

Edited 7” Single Version - it cuts down the "Vagabonds..." album track of 4:49 minutes to a running time of 4:06 minutes

8. Here I Go Again (non-album B-side to the November 1973 UK 7” single of "The Rocker" on Decca F 13467)

9. Buffalo Gal (on "Shades Of A Blue Orphanage” - their 2nd album)

10. Honesty Is No Excuse (on "Thin Lizzy” - their 1st LP)

11. Black Boys On The Corner

Released in the UK in November 1972 as Decca F 13356 - it's the non-album B-side to both the UK and USA 7" single "Whisky In The Jar" (spelt without an 'e' in the UK and EUROPE but with an 'e' in the USA.

12. Dublin (1st of 4 tracks on the ultra-rare "New Day" EP, a UK-only 7" single-only release from 21 August 1971)

13. Little Darling (a UK 7" single-only release from April 1974 on Decca F 13507 featuring GARY MOORE (ex Ireland's SKID ROW) on Guitar)

14. Brought Down (on "Shades Of A Blue Orphanage” - their 2nd LP)

15. Remembering Part One (on "Thin Lizzy". This is credited as the 'US Edited Version' - but at 6:00 minutes it appears to me to be the same as the UK album version)

16. Chatting Today (on "Shades Of A Blue Orphanage” - their 2nd LP)

17. Broken Dreams (non-album B-side to "Randolph's Tango" – released May 1973 as their 2nd UK 45 on Decca F 13402 – both tracks were non-album at the time)

18. Little Girl In Bloom

(US Edited Version - it cuts down the "Vagabonds..." album cut from 5:14 minutes to 5:06 minutes and was apparently released like this on the 1973 AMERICAN versions of the "Vagabonds..." album)

Apart from the obvious rarity nature of many of these tracks, what is thrilling is the stunning upgraded remastering that each has been given. A comparison of "Black Boys On The Corner" is one good example. Originally only available on the 1991 CD issue of “Vagabonds Of The Western World" as a bonus track in ok remastered sound - the upgrade here is just breathtaking. A truly great B-side (and far more indicative of their rockin' nature than the A) - it's been a fan-favourite for years and to hear it sound this good is an absolute blast.

Initially penciled in for release February 2008 - the first three albums on Decca "Thin Lizzy" (1971), "Shades Of A Blue Orphanage" (1972) and a 2CD Deluxe Edition of their wonderful 1973 LP "Vagabonds Of The Western World" finally arrived in 2010 after five or even six delays - and all of them with copious bonus tracks and top-quality remastering well worth the wait (see my reviews for all of them).

'Classic Thin Lizzy' is probably pushing the term here - but if you want a taster of those early years - "Classic/Universal Masters Collection" is an excellent CD compilation and a cheap way of accessing their earlier and wildly underrated material. And it’s a cool way to remember this beloved (original trio) of an Irish Rock Band and its much-missed leader - PHILIP PARIS LYNOTT. Rock on you peach…

"U.S. Singles Collection: The Capitol Years 1962-1965" by THE BEACH BOYS (June 2008 USA Capitol 16-Disc Mini Box Set Of CD Singles) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"…Surfin' U.S.A.…"

Released June 2008 in the USA on Capitol 509992 15795 23 – the sonically amazing and sumptuously packaged "U.S. Singles Collection: The Capitol Years 1962-1965" by THE BEACH BOYS has elicited a lot of joy amongst fans and the occasional howl of derision too (I'm with the happy bunnies personally). 

With its beautifully laid out 56-page hardback book and repro facsimile sleeves – to look at "U.S. Singles…" is a thing of beauty for sure. But diehard fans have complained about a paltry 8 unreleased tracks (Disc 1, 6, 7, 9, 13 and 16) and a not too insignificant price tag. 

Whatever way you look at it – "The Capitol Years 1962-1965" by THE BEACH BOYS is bit special in my book and in 2017 - its 58-tracks are available for a lot less than its initial steep asking price. So here are the bikini-clad details and Californian heavy waves…

All tracks are in MONO unless otherwise stated:

Disc 1:

1. Surfin’ Safari

2. 409

3. 409 (Live)

Tracks 1 and 2 are their debut USA 45 released May 1962 on Capitol 4777. Track 3 is a Previously Unreleased Mono Live Version

Disc 2

1. Ten Little Indians

2. County Fair

3. Punchline

Tracks 1 and 2 are a USA 45 released November 1962 on Capitol 4880.

Disc 3

1. Surfin’ USA

2. Shut Down

3. Surfin USA (Stereo Mix)

4. Shut Down (Stereo Mix)

Tracks 1 and 2 are a USA 45 released April 1963 on Capitol 4932.

Disc 4

1. Surfer Girl

2. Little Deuce Coupe

3. Surfer Girl (Stereo Mix)

4. Little Deuce Coup (Stereo Mix)

Tracks 1 and 2 are a USA 45 released August 1963 on Capitol 5009

Disc 5

1. Be True To Your School

2. In My Room

3. Be True To Your School (Alternate Version)

4. In My Room (Stereo Mix)

Tracks 1 and 2 are a USA 45 released October 1963 on Capitol 5069.

Disc 6

1. Little Saint Nick

2. The Lord’s Prayer

3. Little Saint Nick (Stereo Mix)

4. The Lord’s Prayer (Stereo Mix)

Tracks 1 and 2 are a USA 45 released December 1963 on Capitol 5096. Track 3 is Previously Unreleased

Disc 7

1. Fun, Fun, Fun

2. Why Do Fools Fall In Love

3. Fun, Fun, Fun (Stereo Mix)

4. Why Do Fools Fall In Love (Alternate Mono Single Edit)

Tracks 1 and 2 are a USA 45 released February 1964 on Capitol 5118. Track 4 is Previously Unreleased

Disc 8

1. I Get Around

2. Don’t Worry Baby

3. I Get Around (Stereo Backing Track)

4. Don’t Worry Baby (Stereo Mix)

Tracks 1 and 2 are a USA 45 released May 1964 on Capitol 5174.

Disc 9

1. When I Grow Up To Be A Man

2. She Knows Me Too Well

3. When I Grow Up To Be A Man (Stereo Mix)

4. She Knows Me Too Well (Stereo Mix)

Tracks 1 and 2 are a USA 45 released September 1964 on Capitol 5245. Tracks 3 and 4 are Previously Unreleased

Disc 10

1. Wendy

2. Don’t Back Down

3. Little Honda

4. Hushabye

5. Wendy (Stereo Mix)

6. Don’t Back Down (Stereo Mix)

7. Little Honda (Stereo Mix)

8. Hushabye (Stereo Mix)

Tracks 1 to 4 are a USA 7” EP “Four By The Beach Boys” released October 1964 on Capitol R 5267

Disc 11

1. Dance, Dance, Dance

2. The Warmth Of The Sun

3. Dance, Dance, Dance (Stereo Mix)

4. The Warmth Of The Sun (Stereo Mix)

Tracks 1 and 2 are a USA 45 released November 1964 on Capitol 5306

Disc 12

1. The Man With All The Toys

2. Blue Christmas

3. The Man With All The Toys (Stereo Mix)

4. Blue Christmas (Stereo Mix)

Tracks 1 and 2 are a USA 45 released November 1964 on Capitol 5312

Disc 13

1. Do You Wanna Dance

2. Please Let Me Wonder

3. Do You Wanna Dance (Stereo Mix)

4. Please Let Me Wonder (Stereo Mix)

Tracks 1 and 2 are a USA 45 released March 1965 on Capitol 5372. Track 3 is Previously Unreleased

Disc 14

1. Help Me Rhonda

2. Kiss Me, Baby

3. Help Me Rhonda (Mono Backing Track)

4. Kiss Me, Baby (Stereo Mix)

Tracks 1 and 2 are a USA 45 released April 1965 on Capitol 5395

Disc 15

1. California Girls

2. Let Him Run Wild

3. California Girls (Stereo Mix)

4. Let Him Run Wild (Stereo Mix)

Tracks 1 and 2 are a USA 45 released July 1965 on Capitol 5464

Disc 16 BONUS DISC:

1. All Dressed Up For School (Original Mono Mix)

2. I’m So Young (Original Mono Mix)

3. Help Me, Rhonda (Alternate Mix)

4. Graduation Day (Stereo Mix)

Tracks 1 and 2 are Previously Unreleased

As other reviewers have quite rightly pointed out – the MARK LINETT remasters in both MONO and STEREO are second to none and worth the price of admission alone. But I’m also loving those spruced up STEREO versions – especially the rare “Four” EP and “California Girls”. I doubt I ever want to hear the festive singles “Little Saint Nick” and “The man With All The Toys” ever again – but “Help Me Rhonda”, “I Get Around” and “Be True To Your School” are still amazing.

It’s a niche product for sure – and aimed squarely at the collector – but in 2014 with its dropped-in-price tab and that storming audio to entice  – "U.S. Singles..." is more than worth a splash of your cash…

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