"From The Knees Of My Heart - The Albums 1979-1981" by IAN HUNTER – Includes Four Albums Plus Bonuses - "You're Never Alone With A Schizophrenic" (April 1979, Studio LP), "Ian Hunter Live/Welcome To The Club" (April 1980 2LP Live Set), "Short Back N' Sides" (August 1981, Studio LP) and "Ian Hunter Rocks" (1983 Video-Only Set Released Here For The First Time On CD - September 1981 Recordings at the Dr. Pepper Festival in New York) - Featured Musicians Include Mick Ronson, Mick Jones of The Clash and Max Weinberg of Bruce Springsteen's E-Street Band ad Songs From The Mott The Hoople Era (February 2019 EUROPE-Only Reissue on Chrysalis in a Clamshell Box Set with Mini LP Repro Card Sleeves – Based on the October 2012 UK issued EMI/Chrysalis 4CD Fat Jewel Case Set of Peter Mew Remasters called "From The Knees Of My Heart: The Chrysalis Years 1978-1981") - A Review by Mark Barry...

Photos above are the 2019 EU-Only Chrysalis Reissue 

Of a 2012 UK-Only EMI/Chrysalis 4CD Compilation in a Fat Jewel Case 

(see photos below for images of the original) 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Knees-My-Heart-Albums-1979-1981/dp/B07KLCY9CP?crid=2F1ZHT8ZG92BD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.YZKC4beHqvtfKbUe8PsscQ.N53RZz5FpELd3PD6GeZy00SIPIjim2XrB4HGsHgpq8Y&dib_tag=se&keywords=5060516091256&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1727109257&sprefix=5060516091256%2Caps%2C86&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=mabasreofcdbl-21&linkId=70ada24ce1bb582c956bdf0d5d76b6dd&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

"…Standing In My Light…"

Originally released October 2012 in the UK as "From The Knees Of My Heart: The Chrysalis Years 1978-1981" in a 4CD Fat Jewel Case – I much prefer the EU only reissue of February 2019 as it comes in a Clamshell Box Set with four of those natty-looking Mini LP Card Repro Sleeves. 

Renamed as "From The Knees Of My Heart: The Albums 1979-1981" for 2019, the reissue retains the same 63-Tracks (full Bonus compliment), Peter Mew Remasters and the Campbell Devine 16-Page Booklet. I just love that artwork and it can be found for prices that vary between £22 and £30. 

A vaults-haul through Ian Hunter's LP stay at Chrysalis Records with guests like Mick Ronson, Todd Rundgren and Roger Powell of Utopia, Mick Jones and Topper Headon of The Clash, Martin Briley of Brinsley Schwarz, Roy Bittan, Gary Tallent and Max Weinberg all of Bruce Springsteen's E-Street Band – you get two studio albums, one live double and a Video-Only release making its debut on CD as the fourth offering. There's a lot to get through – so here are the Cleveland Rocks…

EU-only released 22 February 2019 - "From The Knees Of My Heart: The Albums 1979-1981" by IAN HUNTER on Chrysalis CRB1074 (Barcode 5060516091256) is a REISSUE of an October 2012 UK 4CD set. The original was UK issued as "From The Knees Of My Heart: The Chrysalis Years 1978-1981" on EMI/Chrysalis 5099923270121 (Barcode 5099923270121) as a 4CD set of remasters in a Fat Jewel Case. This EU-Only Reissue comes with a slightly different title ("From The Knees Of My Heart: The Albums 1979-1981") and is presented in a Clamshell Box Set with Four Mini LP Repro Artwork Card Sleeves and breaks down as follows:

CD1 (77:06 minutes):
1. Just Another Night [Side 1]
2. Wild East 
3. Cleveland Rocks
4. Ships
5. When The Daylight Comes
6. Life After Death [Side 2]
7. Standin' In My Light
8. Bastard 
9. The Outsider 
Tracks 1 to 9 are the album "You're Never Alone With A Schizophrenic" - released April 1979 in the UK and USA on Chrysalis CHR 1214. Produced by MICK RONSON and IAN HUNTER – it peaked at No. 49 in the UK and No. 35 in the USA on the LP charts. Featured Musicians included Mick Ronson on Guitars and Duet Vocals, John Cale of The Velvet Underground on Keyboards, Ellen Foley on Harmony Vocals with Roy Bittan (Keyboards and Harmony Vocals), Garry Tallent (Bass) and Max Weinberg (Drums) of Bruce Springsteen's E-Street Band.

BONUS TRACKS ("Schizophrenic" Outtakes):
10. Don't Let Go (Demo Version)
11. The Other Side Of Life (Outtake)
12. Ships (Early Version) - was a download only track
13. When The Daylight Comes (Early Version)
14. Just Another Night (Version No. 3)
15. The Outsider (Early Version)
16. Alibi 
NOTES: 
Tracks 10 and 11 first appeared on the 2009 on the '30th Anniversary Special Edition' 2CD reissue of "You're Never Alone..."
Track 12 is PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED on CD
Tracks 14, 15 and 16 are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED

CD2 (79:37 minutes):
1. FBI [Side 1]
2. Once Bitten Twice Shy
3. Angeline
4. Laugh At Me 
5. All The Way From Memphis
6. I Wish I Was Your Mother [Side 2]
7. Irene Wilde
8. Just Another Night
9. Cleveland Rocks 
10. Standin' In My Light [Side 3]
11. Bastard
12. Walkin' With A Mountain/Rock And Roll Queen
13. All The Young Dudes 
14. Slaughter On 10th Avenue
Tracks 1 to 14 are the 2LP live set "Ian Hunter Live/Welcome To The Club" - released April 1980 in the UK on Chrysalis CJT 6 and in the USA on Chrysalis CHR2 1269. Produced by MICK RONSON and IAN HUNTER – it peaked at No. 61 in the UK and No. 69 in the USA LP charts. Band included Ian Hunter on Vocals, Mick Ronson and Tommy Morrongiello on Guitars, Tommy Mandel and George Meyer on Keyboards (Meyer also Sax and Vocals), Martin Briley of Brinsley Schwarz on Bass, Eric Parker on Drums with Ellen Foley on Backing Vocals.

NOTES: Regarding Side 4 of the live double-album "Welcome To The Club" - see also Tracks 11, 13 and 14 on CD4 and an Alternate Version as Track 12

BONUS TRACKS:
15. One Of The Boys
16. The Golden Age Of Rock 'n' Roll
NOTES: Tracks 15 and 16 were BONUS TRACKS on the 1994 CD reissue

CD3 (77:09 minutes):
1. Central Park 'N' West [Side 1]
2. Lisa Likes Rock 'n' Roll
3. I Need Your Love 
4. Old Records Never Die
5. Noises 
6. Rain [Side 2]
7. Gun Control
8. Theatre Of The Absurd 
9. Leave Me Alone
10. Keep On Burning
Tracks 1 to 10 are the album "Short Back N' Sides" - released August 1981 in the UK and USA on Chrysalis CHR 1326. Produced by MICK JONES (of The Clash) and IAN HUNTER – it peaked at No. 79 in the UK and No. 62 in the USA on the LP charts. Produced by IAN HUNTER and MICK RONSON (John Holbrook Engineer)  – Featured Musicians Included Mick Ronson on Guitars and Vocals, Tommy Mandel on Keyboards, Mick Jones (Guitar and Vocals) and Topper Headon (Drums) of The Clash, Ellen Foley and Miller Anderson on Harmony Vocals, Gary Windo (ex-Centipede) on Saxophone, Todd Rundgren (Bass and Backing Vocals) and Roger Powell (Backing Vocals) of Utopia.

BONUS TRACKS:
11. Na Na Na
12. I Believe In You
13. Listen To The Eight Track
14. You Stepped Into My Dreams 
15. Venus In The Bathtub
16. Detroit (Take 1)
17. China (Rough Mix with Ronson Vocal)

NOTES: Tracks 11 to 15 were BONUS TRACKS on the 1994 CD reissue
Tracks 16 and 17 are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED

CD4 (78:13 minutes):
1. Once Bitten Twice Shy (Live)
2. Gun Control (Live)
3. Central Park 'N' West (Live)
4. Medley: All The Way From Memphis/Honky Tonk Women (Live)
5. I Need Your Love (Live)
6. Noises (Live)
7. Just Another Night (Live)
8. Cleveland Rocks (Live)
9. Irene Wilde (Live)
10. Medley: All The Young Dudes (includes excerpts from Honaloochie Boogie, Roll Away The Stone and Ships)
Tracks 1 to 10 are "Ian Hunter Rocks" recorded live at Dr. Pepper Festival, New York in September 1981. It was originally released on Video in 1983 and is presented here for the first time as PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED on CD. Band included Ian Hunter on Guitar and Vocals, Robbie Alto on Guitar, Tommy Mandel on Keyboards, Mark Clarke on Bass with Mark Kaufman on Drums.

BONUS TRACKS:
11. Sons And Daughters (Live)
12. We Gotta Get Out Of Here (Alternate Version)
13. Silver Needles (Live)
14. Man O' War (Live)

NOTES: Tracks 11, 13 and 14 are from the original "Welcome To The Club" Live Set
Track 12 is a rare version from the 1980 2LP retrospective "Shades Of Ian Hunter" (included on the 1988 American CD reissue). See CD2 for the rest of the double-LP. 

Photos of The Original 2012 UK 4CD Set on which this 2019 EU Reissue is Based

Still Available on Amazon (UK) - Follow The Link Below

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Knees-My-Heart-Chrysalis-1979-1981/dp/B009CZO3W0?crid=30P3G5HBDCKIZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.qDPoOBUzHmmw4Bv44pIM1A.JFCAepXHluzGvpL7X02-AqOVfD2cvfT-wVV78gcYpTY&dib_tag=se&keywords=5099923270121&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1727109319&sprefix=5099923270121%2Caps%2C83&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=mabasreofcdbl-21&linkId=b870a5c98c964b139cc0c9742ba7ffde&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

The four Mini LP Repro Card Sleeves of the reissue are all singular (see photos) and their front cover artwork clear enough (they clip the right side of the title on "Short Back N' Sides" just a little too close). But disappointingly these are not Japanese attention to detail so they do not show the rear artwork (or the gatefold of "Welcome To The Club - Live") – instead simply giving boring track lists and naught else. Still, I like them and have grown to seriously dislike those Fat Jewel Case clumps.

The 16-page info-packed booklet with liner notes by CAMPBELL DEVINE is the same as the 2012 version (pictures, all of it) – so no changes there. It sports track-by-track comments from Ian Hunter himself and recording details/musician credits for each set. There are some live photos, 7" picture sleeves from varying areas, small shots of the album covers. It’s hardly knicker-wetting – typical of these sets (what they could get away with). But as ever the big news is with the sound. 

The 2012 remasters (repeated here) were carried by long-time Abbey Road associate and engineer PETER MEW who has handled hundreds of these reissues – and his touch here is typically superb. The tracks rock with real power – but when they need to be subtle and sensitive like the beautiful piano Demo of "Don't Let Go". Same goes for the organ-and-synth driven New York City smoocher "Listen To The Eight Track" and even the Previously Unreleased Rough Mix to "China" with Mick Ronson on Lead Vocals – it is so clear - Mew allowing all of it to breathe without over-trebling everything.

"Schizophrenic" must be a fan-favourite for many – "Ships", "Just Another Night" and "Cleveland Rocks" were all lifted as singles – all of them with a joyful old-time Rock 'n' Roll. "Life After Death" has always weirded me out with its echoed eerie vocal and "Bastard" is a blindingly good bit of riffage that turns up in his live set even now. But my poison is the stunning yet ever so slightly bitter ballad "Standin' In My Light" - an epic synth driven piece that impresses bit time. The "You're Never Alone..." LP ends on the six-minute piano-ballad "The Outsider" - a confessional about life, music and all points in between - our Ian sounding world-weary and near breaking as he sings "...looking for water...there's sweat everywhere...I ain't tasted coffee for days..." And Mick Ronson tears up the guitar in the final minutes while Roy Bittan of Springsteen's E-Street Band plinks away on the old Joanna...

The two live sets feature a lethal mix of Mott and Solo stuff - the Mott Medley on the "Ian Hunter Rocks" new-to-CD rocking like a monster. The lesser-heard "Irene Wilde" and the perennial thriller "Once Bitten Twice Shy" show why fans love Ian Hunter live – he delivers in that ye-olde English Rock & Roll fashion that seems engrained in his DNA. I kind of wish though that they had somehow found a way to transfer the Video of "Ian Hunter Rocks" on as a DVD Disc 5 – but alas. Still, the Box Set hits as a cool cross-representation of studio vs. live - fantastic stuff…

Still rocking but relevant on the studio front – Hunter joined forces with Mick Jones and Topper Headon of The Clash (roping in Ellen Foley and Todd Rundgren and Roger Powell of Utopia too) for the hugely enjoyable "Short Back N' Sides" LP. His lament for Lennon (an old hero blown away) on "Old Records Never Die" always moved me more than a hundred other tributes. "Noises" could be Bowie and was a brilliant departure for him.

But away from the rockers - the track that sent me most was the Side 2 opener "Rain" which I still find magical. A warbling almost shimmering backing track courtesy of The Clash anchors the song that is filled with touching lyrics about his lost mates in Northampton back in the 60Ts. I bought the album off the shelves when I was visiting New York and I played it into the floor. Still gets me after over 40 years. "Gun Control" may as well be a Clash outtake (and in 2024 – more than four decades after the event – is more bloodily relevant than ever) and the sheer pop of "Leave Me Alone" is kind of cool and shocking at one and the same time. Todd Rundgren provides Backing Vocals on "I Need Your Love". But it ends on a typically huge Hunter ballad that lingers and won't leave – "Keep On Burning". 

I'm kind of shocked at how good the Bonus Tracks are – especially the new stuff. Mick Ronson and Weinberg fans won't believe their luck with 'Version 3' of "Just Another Night" rocking like a proper monster - Ronson adding that magic guitar touch and Max whacking those drums like only he can. Although it's easy to see why the all-over-the-place "Alibi" was left off everything. "Detroit" on Disc 3 is a bit of a mess too - but "China" with Ronson on Lead Vocals is lovely and will thrill fans. And the beautiful piano outtake "Don't Let Go" is in my mind better than some of the tracks that were eventually picked for "You're Never Alone... " – mournful, real and uncluttered too. And amongst the bonus tracks – the sax-driven mania of "Na Na Na" is so Ian Hunter in its 50ts Rock and Roll homage – whooping and wailing as he taps his inner Little Richard. "I Believe In You" first appeared in 1994, but it is a nugget worth re-hearing in 2024. And on it goes – pick and mix.

EMI-UK released two Robin Trower sets in these 4CD Fat Jewel Cases - they did Frankie Miller too, Ten Years After, Donovan and Barclay James Harvest – all superb 3 to 4CD Remastered Anthologies. But as the years have passed to here in 2024 - Chrysalis out of Europe have reissued 'three' of them in these cool Clamshell Box Sets. This is right up there with the best. I've also reviewed the Robin Trower Clamshell and the Frankie Miller one too - peaches (see separate entries). 

I would admit, I look at these Ian Hunter albums through rose-tinted bifocal specs nowadays (2024) 'cause there is much that hasn't dated well or might even elicit yawns amongst newer listeners. But I love it and as Alan Freed would say (sampled by Hunter on "Cleveland Rocks") - King of the Moondoggers! Recommended...

"The Asylum Albums (1972-1975)" by JONI MITCHELL – Including Three Studio Sets and One Live Double Album - "For The Roses" (November 1972 USA, December 1972 UK), "Court And Spark" (February 1974 USA, March 1974 UK), "Miles Of Aisles" (November 1974 USA 2LP Live Set, January 1975 2LP Live Set in the UK) and "The Hissing of Summer Lawns" (November 1975 USA and UK) – featured Guest Musicians include Larry Carlton, Wilton Felder and Joe Sample of The Crusaders, Guitarists James Burton, Jose Feliciano, Wayne Perkins, Dennis Budimir of The Wrecking Crew, Robbie Robertson of The Band and Robben Ford with Graham Nash and David Crosby of Crosby Stills Nash & Young with Susan Webb on Backing Vocals, Tom Scott, Chuck Findley on Horns and Vibes and many more (September 2022 USA/UK/EU Asylum/Rhino 4CD Brick-Block Box Set in the Joni Mitchell Archive Series with Mini LP Card Sleeve Repro Artwork and New Bernie Grundman Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Asylum-Albums-1972-1975-Joni-Mitchell/dp/B0B7W62QW4?crid=7P3PH8MYPFA1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.QL5XRE0mPFuAX8QatyuI6DrNtOI71CO13V8i5KhR8U_GjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.RhX-Jf9auaj8Wgm0tqBjYxhk0eEc9YBmEj1ECY_iczI&dib_tag=se&keywords=603497840960&qid=1726831571&sprefix=603497840960%2Caps%2C85&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=mabasreofcdbl-21&linkId=b465785cc920eff1f6fbedb26d1fe0d9&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

"…Coming To People's Parties…Falling Deaf, Dumb And Blind…"

Oh-yea verily-yea combined with oh-no you twats! Glory and mistakes – we get both - read on…

25 June 2021 gave us Volume 1 in this Joni Mitchell Archive Series - her first four studio albums on Reprise Records from 1968 to 1971 - "Song For A Seagull" (March 1968), "Clouds" (May 1969), "Ladies Of The Canyon" (April 1970) and the mighty "Blue" (June 1971) – all presented in a tasty logo-monikered brick-block box set. 

Well here comes the second magic bus which for me is the real beginning of her beautiful Seventies output. Volume 2 offers The Asylum Years (1972-1975) with the same gorgeous Bernie Grundman Remasters and oversized repro card sleeves – gatefolds, flaps and all. And when you take in that both her stunning studio sets "Court And Spark" (February 1974 USA, March 1974 UK) and "The Hissing of Summer Lawns" (November 1975 USA and UK) that saw her finally expand the constricting Folk-only sound of old are included – then I'm a very happy Radio and am indeed turned on. To the petrified wood process…(details in other words)

USA/EU/UK released September 2022 - "The Asylum Albums (1972-1975)" by JONI MITCHELL on Asylum/Rhino R2 680935 – 603497840960 (Barcode 603497840960) is a 4CD Brick-Block Box Set in the Joni Mitchell Archive Series with Mini LP Card Sleeve Repro Artwork and New Bernie Grundman Remasters. It plays out as follows:

CD1 "For The Roses" (40:44 minutes):
1. Banquet [Side 1]
2. Cold Blue Steel And Sweet Fire
3. Barangrill
4. Lesson In Survival
5. Let The Wind Carry Me
6. For The Roses
7. See You Sometime [Side 2]
8. Electricity
9. You Turn Me On I'm A Radio
10. Blonde In The Bleachers
11. Woman Of Heart And Mind
12. Judgement Of The Moon And Stars (Ludwig's Tune)
Tracks 1 to 12 are the LP "For The Roses" – released November 1972 in the USA on Asylum SD 5057 and December 1972 in the UK on Asylum SYLA 8753. Wilton Felder of The Crusaders played Bass, Russ Kunkel was on Drums, Bobbye Hall on Percussion with Woodwinds and Reeds played by Tom Scott. Graham Nash played Harmonica on "You Turn Me On I'm A Radio", Stephen Stills was the band on "Blonde In The Bleachers" while the legendary sessionman James Burton played Guitar on "Cold Blue Steel And Sweet Fire". 

CD2 "Court And Spark" (39:55 minutes – see NOTES below re Mastering Error):
1. Court And Spark [Side 1]
2. Help Me
3. Free Man In Paris
4. People's Parties
5. The Same Situation
6. Car On A Hill [Side 2]
7. Down To You
8. Just Like This Train
9. Raised On Robbery
10. Trouble Child
11. Twisted
Tracks 1 to 11 are the LP "Court And Spark" – released February 1974 in the USA on Asylum 7E-1001 and March 1974 in the UK on Asylum SYLA 8756.
Guest musicians include Robbie Robertson of The Band playing guitar on "Raised On Robbery", Joes Feliciano on Guitar for "Free Man In Paris" with David Crosby and Graham Nash of CSNY on Backing Vocals with Wilton Felder of The Crusaders on Bass (all on the same track) - Felder also plays Bass on "People's Parties". Wayne Perkins of Smith Perkins Smith plays guitar on "Car On A Hill", Jazz Guitarist David Budimir plays on "Trouble Child". Chuck Findley plays Trumpet on "Twisted" and "Trouble Child". David Crosby of The Byrds and CSNY and Susan Webb (Jimmy Webb's sister) sing Backing Vocals on "Down To You", Comedians and Actors Cheech and Chong sing Backing Vocals on "Twisted", Double Bass Player Jim Hughart played on "Trouble Child" with Tom Scott arranging both "The Same Situation" and "Down To You". John Guerin of The L.A. Express (the band she would credit on Miles Of Aisles) plays Synth on "The Hissing Of Summer Lawns"

NOTES on CD2: 
Track 4 on this CD plays two songs segueing into one another - "People's Parties" and "The Same Situation". Track 5 however mistakenly repeats "The Same Situation" immediately after – hence the playing time on old CD ran to 36:58 minutes, this one mistakenly runs to 39:55 minutes. However, in April 2023, via their support section on their website, Rhino Records are offering properly mastered CDs to replace the faulty ones (an indefinite offer apparently should you purchase in the future). I have received this in the post (see photos) and the replacement CD removes Track 5 as an extra and only leaves 4 and 5 segued together as one – as it was on the original LP. The facia of the replacement CD is exactly as per the first CD, but the CD matrix on the playing side is 58292244/0603497840960-2-2 21 (extra -2) while the faulty CD has a matrix that ends in …960-2 21 (photos below). 

 
The gatefold artwork for the CD Mini LP Sleeve to "Court And Spark" mimics the US embossed original – it was not embossed in the UK – so fans get that as an extra.

Distinguishing CDs

Faulty "Court And Spark" Disc Pictured Above (Playing Surface)

Replacement CD from Rhino Pictured Below

Note the Matrix Numbers are Different

CD3 "Miles Of Aisles" (2LP Live Set onto 1CD, 78:03 minutes):
1. You Turn Me On, I'm A Radio [Side 1]
2. Big Yellow Taxi
3. Rainy Night House
4. Woodstock
5. Cactus Tree [Side 2]
6. Cold Blue Steel And Sweet Fire
7. Woman Of Heart And Mind
8. A Case Of You
9. Blue
10. The Circle Game [Side 3]
11. People's Parties
12. All I Want
13. Real Good For Free
14. Both Sides Now
15. Carey [Side 4]
16. The Last Time I Saw Richard
17. Jericho
18. Love Or Money
Tracks 1 to 18 are by JONI MITCHELL and THE L.A. EXPRESS and are her first live album – a 2LP set released November 1974 in the USA on Asylum AB 202 and January 1975 in the UK on Asylum SYSP 902. "Jericho" and "Love Or Money" were new songs at the time and exclusive to this set. While there is still no studio variant of "Love Or Money", a more expanded version of "Jericho" would turn in studio form on the "Hejira" album in 1976. The Mini LP Repro Card Sleeve artwork reflects the gatefold flap sleeve of the original which prints lyrics to the two new songs.

CD4 "The Hissing Of Summer Lawns" (42:35 minutes):
1. In France They Kiss On Main Street [Side 1]
2. The Jungle Line
3. Edith And The Kingpin
4. Don't Interrupt The Sorrow
5. Shades Of Scarlett Conquering
6. The Hissing Of Summer Lawns [Side 2]
7. The Boho Dance
8. Harry's House/Centerpiece
9. Sweet Bird
10. Shadows And Light
Tracks 1 to 10 are the LP "The Hissing Of Summer Lawns" – released November 1975 in the USA on Asylum 7E-1051 and Asylum K 53018 in the UK. 
Guest Musicians included David Crosby, Graham Nash and James Taylor on Backing Vocals, Jeff Baxter of Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers on Guitar, Joe Sample of The Crusaders on Piano, Horn Players Chuck Findley and Bud Shank, Guitarist Robben Ford, Keyboards and Percussion by Victor Feldman and The Warrior Drums of Burundi ("In The Jungle" only). John Guerin of The L.A. Express (the band she would credit on "Miles Of Aisles" and who would have albums of their own from 1974 onwards) plays Synth on "The Hissing Of Summer Lawns".

The squat Brick-Block boxes for this series are all the same – four repro Mini LP Sleeves based on the US artwork – a foldout inlay with words from some celeb or artist (in this case Neil Young) and an advert insert for the JMA Series. The big bug-bear for me would be that there are no lyrics. The card sleeves are of course so small as to be impossible to read and even standard CD booklets have the all-important words. If ever an artist (like Dylan) was connected to her powerhouse lyrics – it is Joni Mitchell. Then there's the Sloppy Joe mastering error on Court And Spark which had me waiting weeks for a replacement CD (both pictured). Rhino did send one and dealt with the request promptly and efficiently – but it was still an unnecessary hassle for a catalogue this prestigious. The Box Set is pretty for sure, but you feel more could have been done by way of period memorabilia on a poster – interview input from the legendary players (still alive) in a booklet – lyrics – etc.

But – and I say this without hesitation – all that irration-in-the-nation is small beer to the musical magnificence of this stretch of albums – and more importantly – the subtle but real improvement in the audio. BERNIE GRUNDMAN is legend in them-there Remaster hills and you can so hear why. These were well-produced albums anyway - "For The Roses" is all but Acoustic Guitar and Piano with some sessionman interludes and the clarity is fabulous – so clean and clear and yet with air enough not to be sterile. But the band-density and instrument uptake on both "Court And Spark" and especially "The Hissing Of Summer Lawns" with its 1975 compression techniques – needed a deft hand at unravelling and revealing - and BG has done that. In truth – I love these albums and have had HDCD and AAD versions etc – but these 2022 Remasters are my new go-to-point of entry from now on. To the music…

I can't help but feel that "For The Roses" may be someit of a lost masterpiece in a canon of work so scrutinised and almost biblically revered. After 50-years playing the damn thing, here with this 2022 Remaster I finally seem to be giving it the awed eye it deserves. While songs like the gorgeous single "You Turn Me On, I'm A Radio" and the double female-empowerment tunes "Blonde In The Bleachers" and "Woman Of Heart And Mind" have always impressed and moved me - tracks like the James Taylor heroin-years song "Cold Blue Steel And Sweet Fire" and "Electricity" have a muscle that now subtly kicks you in the emotional proverbials. 

"Court And Spark" changed everything - a band of sorts coming on board - adding so much to her sound that suddenly she sounds like the generational spokes woman critics have always claimed she was. There is the honesty in the lyrics, the cagey almost too-deep subject matters but "Help Me" and the stunning "People's Parties" - she reached new heights (it's always been a song I hoped would go on more or that I could sequence on its own without segueing into "The Same Situation"). I kind of wish the replacement CD had actually placed both songs "People's Parties" and "The Same Situation" as separate entities at the end of the disc - that way I could sequence the album with a gap between songs. "Car On The Hill" and "Trouble Child" and even the Cheech and Chong whimsy to "Twisted" all rock with new clarity. It's a fabulous job done in Remaster Transfer on an album I know many fans cherish.

The November 1994 US Live Double "Miles Of Aisles" (January 1975 in the UK) benefitted from the momentum 'Court And Spark' had produced earlier in February of that year pinching an impressive No.2 position on the Billboard LP charts. But as it was earlier gigs, to my ears it was a sort of too-retro move going with the old when she'd just debuted the new sound. Re-listening to it after all these decades, I'm thinking I missed something back then. Given the different venues and sound systems, the audio fluctuates from good to great - but on some songs Grundman has brought a clarity that whacks you in the face and makes you hear the greatness. "A Case Of You" as she strums her Dulcimer then follows with "Blue" on Piano - tuning the guitar, crowd heckles and the Van Gogh talk that precedes "The Circle Game" - gorgeous stuff. The new songs disappointed initially but re-listening to "Jericho" - I'm loving that shimmering band Joni vibe and there's a funkiness to "Love Or Money" - lots of forty-watt successes. I'm kind of shocked at how I'm loving this forgotten live splurge.

When I think of "The Hissing Of The Summer Lawns" in 1975 and "Hejira" that followed it in 1976 - I think of brilliance - of Steely Dan who whomped us nerds with "Katy Lied" in 1975 and "The Royal Scam" in 1976 - undeniable greatness complete with audio and technical know-how. If I'm truthful I skip the discordant Burundi Warriors song "In The Jungle" but I am forever enthralled by the sophomore jive of "Edith And The Kingpin" (astonishing clarity on every instrument), the darn right acoustic guitar strums in "Don't Interrupt The Sorrow" (prophet witches aflame) and the one that brings tears to my eyes - "Shades Of Scarlett Conquering" - the keyboards and strings meshing into a wall of musical emotion (sweeping ballroom gowns take your breath away). Over on Side 2 huge Bass will knock out your speakers as you begin "The Hissing Of Summer Lawns" (barbed wire fences keeping out the unknown) - but then we get the big one - "The Boho Dance". Another hardtime band in the cellar - an old romance - Jesus the Beggar and Glorious Solomon trading graces - ladies with runs in their nylons - gorgeous brass arrangements lifting the melody to the sublime. A wall of fabulous audio awaits as "Sweet Bird" fades in and it ends with the ethereal "Shadows And Light" which she would name her second double live album after in 1980. 

The four albums are so damn good and given these Remasters - now allowed to shine as never before. There goes my bank balance...

JONI MITCHELL ARCHIVES Series (30 October 2020 to 4 October 2024)

UK & EU CD and VINYL Issues - Release Date Order

Bernie Grundman Masters on All

1. Archives – Volume 1: The Early Years 1963-1967
30 October 2020 on Rhino R2 604555 – 603497849963 (Barcode 603497849963)
5CD Box Set with FM Broadcasts, Live Shows, Early Demos – All Unreleased

2. Live At Canterbury House - 1967
30 October 2020 on Rhino 643343 – 603497846672 (Barcode 603497846672)
3LP VINYL Set with 3 Different Music Sets recorded 27 October 1967 – Limited Edition of 10,000 - Includes Nine Previously Unreleased Songs not on her first album

3. Early Joni – 1963
30 October 2020 on Rhino 643344 – 603497846665 (Barcode 603497846665)
Single 180-Grams VINYL LP – First Known Recordings Aged 19 – Previously Unreleased
Copies in both Black and Crystal-Clear Vinyl with the same catalogue numbers

4. Archives – Volume 1: The Early Years (1963-1967): Highlights
12 June 2021 on Rhino R1 645871 – 603497844982
UK/EU Record Store Day Exclusive Release – 180-Grams Limited Edition Single VINYL LP – Limited Edition of 15,000

5. The Reprise Albums (1968-1971)
New Remasters of the albums "Song To A Seagull", "Clouds", "Ladies Of The Canyon" and "Blue"
25 June 2021 on Rhino R2 653984 – 603497844548 (Barcode 0603497844548)
4CD Brick-Block Box Set with Mini LP Repro Card Sleeves faithful to the US first editions
2 July 2021 on Rhino R1 653984 – 603497844531 (Barcode 603497844531)
Limited Edition to 10,000 Copies 4LP VINYL BOX Set
Originally produced by David Crosby but felt to be sonically inferior, both sets debut a New Mix of her first LP "Song To A Seagull" (aka "Joni Mitchell") overseen by Mitchell

6. Archives – Volume 2: The Reprise Years 1968-1971
5 November 2021 on Rhino R2 653989 – 603497844524
5CD Box Set with Previously Unreleased Material covering her first four studio albums "Song To A Seagull", "Clouds", "Ladies Of The Canyon" and "Blue"
18 February 2022 in the USA saw a 10LP Box Set Version on Rhino R1 653989 – 603497844555 (Barcode 603497844555) – A Limited Edition of 3,000 Copies

7. Live At Carnegie Hall - 1969
12 November 2021 on Rhino R1 654024 – 603497844517 (Barcode 603497844517)
Limited Edition of 15,000 Copies 3LP BLACK VINYL Set with all tracks unreleased except "My American Skirt" and "Spoony's Wonderful Adventure" which were first released 1969 on the US 2LP set "The 1969 Warner/Reprise Record Show" on Warner Brothers PRO 336
Also issued as a 3LP WHITE VINYL Version issued 12 Nov 2021 on Rhino RCV1 654024 – 603497844517 (Barcode 081227890940) – Limited Edition of 3,000 Copies

8. The Asylum Years (1972-1975)
New Remasters of the albums "For The Roses", "Court And Spark", "Miles Of Aisles (Live)" and "The Hissing Of Summer Lawns"
23 September 2022 on Rhino R2 680935 – 603497840960 (Barcode 603497840960)
4CD Brick-Block Box Set with Mini LP Repro Card Sleeves faithful to the US first editions including embossed sleeves for "Court And Spark" and "The Hissing Of Summer Lawns". Note: the CD of "Court And Spark" (Disc 3) contained a mastering error that played the song "The Same Situation" twice in error. In April 2023 Rhino offered correctly mastered CDs as replacements. With identical catalogue numbers and label facias, the replacement CD is only identifiable by the matrix number on the playing side which reads -2-2 21 at the end of the number when the faulty disc read -2 21.
There is also a 23 Sep 2022 5LP VINYL BOX SET on Rhino R1 680935 – 603497841356 (Barcode 603497841356) – a Limited Edition of 20,000 copies. The live album "Miles Of Aisles" was a 2LP set with Two New Songs On It - "Jericho" and "Love Or Money" – it fits entirely onto 1CD hence the 4CD and 5LP Box Sets number variants.

9. Joni Mitchell featuring The Joni Jam – At Newport
28 July 2023 CD Album on Rhino R2 725115 – 603497832071 (Barcode 603497832071)
2LP VINYL set on Rhino R1 725115 – 603497832088 (Barcode 603497832088)
NOTE: in the USA only, 28 July 2023 also saw the release of Rhino RCV1 725115 – 603497832088 (Barcode 081227820817) – a 2LP VINYL Set on CRYSTAL-CLEAR VINYL – a Limited Edition of Undetermined Number

10. Archives – Volume 3: The Asylum Years (1972-1975)
6 October 2023 on Rhino R2 717547 – 603497834303 (Barcode 603497834303)
5CD Box Set covering the albums "For The Roses", "Court And Spark", "Miles Of Aisles (Live)" and "The Hissing Of Summer Lawns"
4LP VINYL Set on Rhino 603497834310 (Barcode 603497834310) – 180-Grams LPs – Limited Edition of Undetermined Number

11. The Court And Spark Demos
24 November 2023 on Rhino R1 712517 – 603497834686 (Barcode 603497834686)
Record Store Day Black Friday VINYL LP Exclusive pressed on 180-Grams Vinyl – Limited Edition of 6,300 Copies – Demos from her 1973 classic album 

12. The Asylum Albums (1976-1980)
New Remasters of the albums "Hejira", "Don Juan's Reckless Daughter", "Mingus" and "Shadows And Light (Live)"
21 June 2024 on Rhino R2 726169 – 603497827015 (Barcode 603497827015)
4CD Brick-Block Box Set with Mini LP Repro Card Sleeves. The artwork to the 2LP set "Don Juan's Reckless Daughter" has been changed at the artists behest. 
The 21 June 2024 6LP Box Set variant is US-only on Rhino R1 726169 – 603497827022 – both "Don Juan's Reckless Daughter" and "Shadows And Light" are 2LP sets – the first a studio set, the second a Live set.

13. Archives – Volume 4: The Asylum Years (1976-1980)
Previously Unreleased material covering the albums "Hejira", "Don Juan's Reckless Daughter", "Mingus" and "Shadows And Light (Live)"
4 October 2024 on Rhino 0603497823680 (Barcode 0603497823680)
6CD Box Set with Previously Unreleased
4LP VINYL Set on Rhino 0603497823697 (Barcode 0603497823697)

"This Is Goldwax 1964-1968" by VARIOUS ARTISTS – Features Mono US 45-Singles and CD Compilation Rarities by James Carr, Spencer Wiggins, Percy Milem, Louis Williams, 'Wee' Willie Walker, Gene 'Bowlegs' Miller, Phillip & The Faithfuls, Barbara Perry, O.V. Wright, The Merits, Timmy Thomas, Dorothy Williams, Jeanne Newman, George Jackson & Don Greer and more (August 2024 UK Ace Records/Kent Soul CD Compilation with Nick Robbins Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/This-Goldwax-1964-1968-Various-Artists/dp/B0D9QR8L25?crid=1TQ1EJ5Z5LY3A&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.hipKwIN_4iYPjKcLLSMR9A.cZBv9KgIL_XlAm60mvNKLRSXdmvubgzJmM9OJ8Ja4To&dib_tag=se&keywords=029667111225&qid=1726590159&sprefix=029667111225%2Caps%2C99&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=mabasreofcdbl-21&linkId=f2b9c8a1323bb2eb7b0fd0bbf586af54&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

"…Hiding In Shadows Where We Don't Belong…"

RATING: 

Overall: ****

Presentation: *** to ****

Sound: *** to *****

A joyful release this for end of August 2024 – the USA's Goldwax label being the home of huge faves amongst Mod and Northern Soul nutters – intensity purveyors like James Carr, Spencer Wiggins, O.V. Wright, George Jackson – all of whom Ace has covered in extensive solo CD compilations across the last three decades.

What you get here in this overview of the Goldwax Label is twenty-eight Mono cuts of varying salivation (most are US 45s), and at seventy-minutes-plus, it's a generous dollop of known vs. unknown Sixties R&B. Another clever trick is to pepper the listen with unissued tracks you probably missed on CD compilations of old (see list). Once more unto the bowlegged heartache…

UK released Friday, 30 August 2024 - "This Is Goldwax 1964-1968" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Ace Records/Kent Soul CDTOP 530 (Barcode 029667111225) is a 28-Track CD Compilation of Remasters that plays out as follows (70:43 minutes):

1. The Dark End Of The Street – JAMES CARR (December 1966 US 45 on Goldwax 317, A-side – a Dan Penn and Chips Moman song)

2. Up Tight Good Woman – SPENCER WIGGINS (April 1967 US 45 on Goldwax 321, A-side – a Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham song)

3. To Me It's Storming – GEORGE & GREER (a James Carr and Spencer Wiggins duet under pseudonyms – an Original Unissued Recording first UK issued 27 April 2009 on "Goldwax Northern Soul" on Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 313 (Barcode 029667231329)

4. Call On Me – PERCY MILEM (December 1966 US 45 on Goldwax 315, B-side of "Crying Baby Baby Baby" – a George Jackson song)

5. I'm Living Good – THE OVATIONS featuring LOUIS WILLIAMS (August 1965 US 45 on Goldwax GW-117, A-side – a Dan Penn and Oldham song)

6. I Don't Want To Take A Chance - 'WEE' WILLIE WALKER (Original Unissued 1966 Recording, a George Jackson song, first UK released 2 February 2004 on "The Goldwax Story Volume 2" on Ace/Kent Soul CDKEND 225 (Barcode 029667222525)

7. Toddlin' – GENE 'Bowlegs' MILLER (December 1964 US 56 on Goldwax 117, B-side of "Bow-Legged")

8. Freedom Train – JAMES CARR (October 1968 US 45 on Goldwax 338, A-side)

9. I'm A Poor Man's Son – SPENCER WIGGINS (February 1968 US 45 on Goldwax 333, B-side of "That's How Much I Love You" – was issued 1970 in the UK as the A-side to Pama PM 794 – his second and last 45 there)

10. Ticket To Ride - 'WEE' WILLIE WALKER (August 1967 US 45 on Goldwax 329, A-side – a Beatles cover version)

11. What'cha Gonna Do – PHILLIP And THE FAITHFULS (featuring Phillip Reynolds and Timmy Thomas (of "Why Can't We Live Together" fame) – an Original Unissued Recording first UK released 27 April 2009 on "Goldwax Northern Soul" on Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 313 (Barcode 029667231329) – was also issued March 2010 in the UK as a 45-single on Kent Select CITY 014, A-side)

12. Say You Need It – BARBARA PERRY (January 1967 US 45 on Goldwax 318, A-side)

13. When You Look In The Mirror – EDDIE JEFFERSON (December 1966 US 45 on Goldwax 316, A-side)

14. That's How Strong My Love Is – O.V. WRIGHT (June 1964 US 45 on Goldwax 106, B-side of "There Goes My Used To Be")

15. Love Attack – GEORGE and GREER (George Jackson and Dan Greer – original 1960s recording first issued 26 January 2015 on the UK CD compilation "At Goldwax" on Ace/Kent Soul CDKEND 428 – Barcode 029667242820)

16. Once In A While (Is Better Than Never At All) – SPENCER WIGGINS (November 1968 US 45 on Goldwax 337, A-side)

17. A Man Needs A Woman – JAMES CARR (December 1967 US 45 on Goldwax 332, A-side – Obie McClinton song – see Track 18)

18. They Say – THE OVATIONS (October 1966 US 45 on Goldwax 314, B-side of "Me And My Imagination" – an Obie McClinton song)

19. A Lucky Loser - 'WEE' WILLIE WALKER (November 1968 US 45 on Checker 1211, A-side – Allen Jones and Homer Banks song)

20. Arabian Jerk – THE MERITS (February 1965 US 45 on Bandstand USA 1002, A-side)

21. Have Some Boogaloo – TIMMY THOMAS (March 1967 US 45 on Goldwax 320, A-side)

22. The Well's Gone Dry – DOROTHY WILLIAMS (June 1965 US 45 on Goldwax 115, B-side of "Country Style")

23. Spoonful – THE PLAYBOY FIVE (October 1964 US 45 on Bandstand USA 1001, A-side – Willie Dixon song, Howlin Wolf cover)

24. I Don't Know What You've Got (But It's Got Me) – PERCY MILEM (August 1967 US 45 on Goldwax 326, A-side)

25. A Man Is A Mean Thing – BARBARA PERRY (Originally unissued recording first released February 2008 on the UK CD compilation "New Breed R&B with Added Popcorn: Early 60s R&B Dancers Right in Today's Groove" on Ace/Kent Dance CDKEND 291 – Barcode 029667229128)

26. Will I Ever Be Free – JEB STEWART (1965 US 45 on Bingo 1001, A-side)

27. She's Better Than You – OBOE with THE KEYS (1964 US 45 on Goldwax 104, B-side of "Too Slow" – an Obie McClinton song)

28. He Called Me Baby – JEANNE NEWMAN (October 1967 US 45 on Goldwax 331, A-side)

The 16-page booklet has typically packed liner notes from the hugely knowledgeable DEAN RUDLAND – but it foregoes Ace's usual song-by-song paragraphs for one long block of text instead – and I think that's a mistake. The former method allows you to locate the in-depth info quickly (Tracks are numbered, pictures correspond) – this way you must wade through the blocks of text (Rudland discusses the songs (roughly) in appearance order) making it hard to find the song info you want. Apart from four lovely full-page promo photos of O.V. Wright, Willie Walker, Timmy Thomas and Barbara Perry (rear page) – the rest of the text is peppered with small US 45-single repro labels but it somehow feels like a lot less than we are usually used to. Audio comes by way of NICK ROBBINS – a Remaster Engineer Ace have been using for probably more than three decades. This guy knows his way around a tape box and it shows. All the MONO stabs at moochers and dancers sound punchy and alive. To the tunes…

The underlying current/theme is that much of the listen was Produced by the dynamic duo of Quinton Claunch and Rudolph Russell with many of the tunes provided by Obie McClinton. Moochers sit beside Dancers and it opens with the balls-to-the-wall Southern Soul classic "The Dark End Of The Street" by James Carr – one the Memphis label’s truly great moments. The second funerial organ-grinder that comes-at-ya is Spencer Wiggins looking for a mighty good lady with two loving arms to keep him safe - "Uptight Good Woman" shuffling out of your speakers like James Brown leaving the stage in stop-start pain. Things soon liven however with a genius inclusion – the fabulous shuffle-New-Breed-dancer "To Me It's Storming" by  George and Greer. The first of six unreleased tracks that appeared on previous CD compilations - it's a cracker and hard to believe it was canned back in the day. 

Very Otis Redding meets Wilson Pickett – the pace increases with the kicking Midnight Hour vibe of "Call On Me" – Percy Milem giving it some 1966 shimmy while the girls go mm-hm in the background. You might be a betting man, but you are going to lose money when you swear to all and sundry that as Louis Williams sings with his group The Ovations – that it is Sam Cooke. The similarity is staggering – his gorgeous tone and phrasing – even the RCA beat to Sam’s Soul-Pop outings – you must look again at the back inlay to see it says Louis Williams and not Sam Cooke (Williams crops again on Track 18). Another CD compilation unreleased winner comes in the smooth "I Don't Want To Take A Chance" - but for me it's whomped by the fantastic and infectious Brass Instrumental "Toddlin'" from Gene Miller of 'Bowlegs' fame – his shuffler having a very Mar-Keys "Last Night" party joy about it.

Things start to reflect the politics raging all about them – the frantic "Freedom Train" by James Carr channelling his inner Otis Redding – his vocals straining with real emotion – getting it together – taking it to the man – taking it no more. Unfortunately for me Tracks 9 and 10 see things slide – a lame Spencer Wiggins dancer followed by a funked-up cover of The Beatles classic "Ticket To Ride" by Willie Walker. Northern Soul fans have long lusted after the great shuffler vibe in "What'cha Gonna Do" by Phillip and The Faithfuls featuring Phillip Reynolds and a pre-1973 "Why Can't We Live Together" fame Timmy Thomas. To satisfy demand, Ace Records of the UK even gave it a 45-release on their Kent Select label in March 2010 with The Additions doing "Until The End Of Time" on the flip-side. Gorgeous production values on the loving-bopper "Say You Need It" – Barbara Perry ably supported by baby-baby backing singers. Things go back to mooch with the brass-and-guitar-flicking shuffler "When You Look In The Mirror" – Eddie Jefferson getting his aching moment.

Fans of hug-your-baby Soul will know O.V. Wright getting all deep on "That's How Strong My Love Is" – his great pipes elevating an often-repeated pacer into Redding-like greatness. Demo quality comes at you with George & Greer doing "Love Attack" but the lame lyrics do its vocal passion no favours. Far better is the Spencer Wiggins wailer where our Spence passes by her house and sees that her used-ta-be is gone - so The Wig suggests from a payphone that "Once Is A While (Is Better Than Never At All)". The slow set continues with a classic - "A Man Needs A Woman" - James Carr telling us that windows need paint and highways need two lanes and a man needs… Finally, things pick up pace with The Ovations fronted by the mighty pipes of Louis Williams giving it some Motown meets Sam Cooke bop in their "They Say". Blues meets with Soul in an Albert King-stylee for the excellent "A Lucky Loser" – Willie Walker not in the least bit wee as gets stuck in. But again a drop with the gimmicky "Arabian Jerk" – fast forward button. 

On the homeward stretch we get a cha-cha organ-dancer - "Have Some Boogaloo" by Timmy Thomas has our giddy-soul shouting encouragements and jokes throughout the hipshaker – cool tune. But much better is Dorothy Williams telling her man he can't get rain from a cloudless sky in her nerk-jerking dancer "The Well's Gone Dry" – itself followed by a rather cool organ-shuffler where The Playboy Five do an early instrumental cover version of the Chess Records Howlin Wolf classic "Spoonful". Things slow when Percy Milem bemoans the lady who parties all the time while he moans in the shadows - but the man is obsessed – he'd leave her if he could in "I Don't Know What You've Got (But It's Got Me)". 

Back to boppers that tick - "A Man Is A Mean Thing" by Barbara Perry was one of eight Previously Unreleased cuts on the 2008 Ace/Kent Dance CD compilation "New Breed R&B with Added Popcorn: Early 60s R&B Dancers Right in Today's Groove" – itself one of seven comps in the hugely popular New Breed Series. Barbara provides a cool one and I'm sure some DJ will dig this gem with its great Guitar and Sax solos as the band goes all Ike Turner on the shimmy. The last three feel tagged on – Jeanne Newman being the cream of the trio – a sort of female Tony Joe White groove with fab production – "He Called Me Baby" is definitely a tune that's turning up on a cool period-conscious TV episode near you someday real soon.

Not quite 5-stars but with enough to satisfy my Soul-cravings – and as ever – another classy release from Ace Records of the UK. Recommended...

PS: There is also a UK 2LP VINYL variant issued 6 September 2024 as "This Is Goldwax 1964-1968" on Ace/Kent Soul KENT2 530 (Barcode 029667027319). It contains all 28-songs of the CD compilation (7 tracks per side) and is a Limited Edition.

"Dixie Chicken" by LITTLE FEAT – January 1973 US 3rd Studio Album on Warner Brothers (March 1973 in the UK) featuring Lowell George and Paul Barrere (Guitars and Lead Vocals), Bill Payne (Keyboards and Vocals), Kenny Gradney (Bass), Sam Clayton (Congas) and Richard Hayward (Drums and Vocals) with Guests Bonnie Bramlett, Bonnie Raitt, Gloria Jones, Stephanie Spurville, Debbie Lindsey, Trett Fure and Danny Hutton of Three Dog Night (Backing Singers), Milt Holland on Tablas, Malcolm Cecil of Tonto's Expanding Head Band on Synths and Fred Tackett (joined the band later) on Acoustic Guitar (June 2023 UK/EU Warner Records/Rhino 2CD Deluxe Edition with a New Remaster of the Album on CD1 and 16-Bonuses on CD2 – 12 of which are Previously Unreleased and the Remaining Four Period Rarities Previously Issued in 2000 and 2002 – Dan Hersch and Bill Inglot Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dixie-Chicken-Deluxe-Little-Feat/dp/B0C3GL8BVT?crid=3TA1QQO1Z3LJJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Mkrd2nuPQjWSrnHJvtZPWw.L_NAQFSbe_3FKRo73PC-ys9vNnT1JbNRTl9fSNFgo48&dib_tag=se&keywords=603497837465&qid=1725267724&sprefix=603497837465%2Caps%2C91&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=mabasreofcdbl-21&linkId=b92095b1ddbde3d643a82ebef64394f7&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

Presentation: *****

Remasters: *****

Extras: ****

Overall Rating: ****

"…And All The Boys There At The Bar…Began To Sing Along…"

Ever since "Dixie Chicken" appeared on digital as far back as 1987 (the American Funk-Rock band's third studio platter from early 1973 on Warner Brothers Records) - it has always felt like a sonic compromise.

The February 2014 Clamshell Box Set "Rad Gumbo: The Complete Warner Bros. Years 1971 to 1990" with its tasty 13CDs in Mini LP Artwork offered a decent version. But fans who had been treated to real Rhino Remasters on the "Hotcakes & Outtakes..." 4CD Book Set from September 2000 (a full fourteen years earlier) knew there was room for better.

Well, at last, in June 2023, following on from the wonderful 2CD Deluxe Edition given to "Sailin' Shoes" in 2022 (50th Anniversary Version for their 1972 second platter) - we get the Remaster and market-accessible 2CD Deluxe Edition for their cracking third studio album "Dixie Chicken". The whole album has been upgraded audio-wise and finally boasting the sprinkle 'n spunk it has always deserved - and with very cool previously unreleased Alternate Versions on CD2 and an April 1973 US Radio Show that sees the six-piece band on fire - even if the audio is honestly only just above bootleg quality. 

I do want to be your Dixie Chicken and I long for your Tennessee Lamb. Lots to discuss, to the details…

UK/EU released 23 June 2023 - "Dixie Chicken" by LITTLE FEAT on Warner Records/Rhino R2 695370 – 603497837465 (Barcode 603497837465) is a 2CD Deluxe Edition Reissue and Remaster that plays out as follows:

CD1 "Dixie Chicken – 2023 Remaster" (36:39 minutes):
1. Dixie Chicken [Side 1]
2. Two Trains
3. Roll Um Easy
4. On Your Way Down
5. Kiss It Off
6. Fool Yourself [Side 2]
7. Walkin' All Night
8. Fat Man In The Bathtub
9. Juliette
10. Lafayette Railroad
Tracks 1 to 10 are their third studio album "Dixie Chicken" – released 25 January 1973 in the USA on Warner Brothers BS-2686 and March 1973 in the UK on Warner Brothers K 46200. Initially, British pressed LPs came in US artwork (BS-2686) with UK Catalogue Number Stickers pasted on the rear) and Green/Tan labels (reissued February 1975 in the UK on K 46200 but with a Burbank Label design without the Warner Bros Corp. logo). Produced by LOWELL GEORGE – did not chart in either country. 

LITTLE FEAT was:
LOWELL GEORGE – Guitars, Lead Vocals, Flute and Cowbells
PAUL BARRERE – Guitars and Lead Vocals
BILL PAYNE – Keyboards, Synths and Vocals
KENNY GRADNEY – Bass
SAM CLAYTON – Congas
RICHARD HAYWARD – Drums and Vocals

Guests:
Bonnie Bramlett, Debbie Lindsey, Trett Fure, Gloria Jones, Stephanie Spurville and Bonnie Raitt sang Backing Vocals
Danny Hutton of Three Dog Night sang Backing Vocals on "Roll Um Easy"
Milt Holland on Tablas
Malcolm Cecil of Tonto’s Expanding Head Band played and programmed Synths
Fred Tackett (later to join Little Feat) played Acoustic Guitar

CD2 "Hotcakes, Outtakes & Rarities" (68:55 minutes):
1. Two Trains (Demo)
2. Fat Man In The Bathtub (Demo)
3. Walkin' All Night (Alternate Version)
4. Roll Um Easy (Alternate Version)
5. On Your Way Down (Alternate Version)
6. Eldorado Slim
7. Juliette (Alternate Version)
8. Hi Roller (Ace In The Hole)
9. Dixie Chicken (Alternate Version)

ICEPICK ELDORADO:
Live at Paul's Mall, Boston, Massachusetts, 1 April 1973
10. Two Trains
11. Got No Shadow
12. On Your Way Down 
13. Walkin' All Night
14. Fat Man In The Bathtub
15. Willin'
16. A Apolitical Blues
NOTES on CD2:
Tracks 1, 6 and 8 originally issued September 2000 on the 4CD US and UK Book Set Compilation "Hotcakes & Outtakes" on Rhino/Warner Archives R2 79912
Track 2 is a 1972 Demo originally issued June 2002 in the USA on the 2CD Compilation "Raw Tomatos Vol One (Raw Recordings 1971-2001)" on Hot Tomato Records HTR 0203
Tracks 3, 4, 5, 7 and 9 to 16 are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED. Tracks 3, 4, 5, 7 and 9 are outtakes from the "Dixie Chicken" sessions Recorded and Produced by Lowell George between October and December 1972 while Tracks 10 to 16 were recorded 1st of April 1973 for WBCN-FM in Boston – band was Lowell George, Bill Payne, Paul Barrere, Kenny Gradney, Sam Clayton, and Richie Hayward

With reputedly less than 60,000 LP sales in their native USA after its release in late January 1973 (their third studio flop, but first to gain that LF trademark Funk-Rock sound) – it appears the British side of Warner Brothers who put the "Dixie Chicken" LP out in March 1973 with little or no fanfare (US sleeves with British-pressed LPs) – didn't even bother trying an album teaser 45. In fact, Little Feat's first Blighty 45-single would only arrive in 1975 after August 1974's album number four - "Feats Don't Fail Me Now". In a back-dating exercise, Warners loaded up "Dixie Chicken" from 1973 on the A-side with a 1974 "Feats Don't Fail Me Now" song "Oh Atlanta" on the flip-side and put out Warner Brothers K 16524 on 28 February 1975. Perhaps the singalong nature of "Dixie Chicken" and the UK tour that saw Little Feat shine The Doobie Brothers off stage every night felt like a good time to plug the band in Britain - but again to little or no chart avail. 'Live' Little Feat were groundbreaking and unbeatable, 'studio-wise', punters were still struggling to get it. 

The 24-page booklet with a fantastically in-depth info-fest on 1972, the album's making, the post-1973 reception and aftermath is handled by DENNIS McNALLY. McNally quite rightly surmises that despite commercial failure everywhere it seems - "Feats Don't Fail Me Now" was so much more legacy-wise - because it signalled that Little Feat had found their sound – their groove as he puts it – a pre-Talking Heads Funky-Rock chug that persists to this day here in late 2024. 

Four full-page promo photos of the six-piece band pepper the text and card digipak while a further discussion takes place on Page 15 regarding Neon Parks and his signature LP artwork (the original painting used is on Page 16). Apparently, a working girl who was having it off with the band's Road Manager Ducka in an apartment just off Sunset where they were staying, was about to make too much noise during proceedings, so an Accordion was brought in to drown out the decibels – and such was a cover born. The lady is referred to as Linda and apparently the likeness is uncanny while her bracelets on both wrists in the painting may also have indicated something else used during the gigglesome rumpy-pumpy, but I'll let your imagination work that one out. From Pages 17 to 22 we get lyrics and full credits and the final rear page is a Master Tape box. 24-pages of sweetness and curated by people who care. 

DAN HERSCH and BILL INGLOT have been Remastering Warner Brothers, Atlantic and Elektra mastertapes for Rhino since before 1990 – over 35-years of Audio Transfer experience between them and straight up from Track 1 – you can hear it. The Bass, Slide Guitar, Piano plinking and Southern Belle slink-lyrics that open "Dixie Chicken" – the impact is fantastic. Give this even the slightest welly and the neighbours will be asking for an invite to the singalong party. Dig those ladies (Bonnie Bramlett and Bonnie Raitt walking together in Dixieland) but the credits still don’t advise who is playing the Harmonica. The Funk-Rock continues with another total winner – the Lowell George penned "Two Trains" – check out that great down-sliding guitar moment about 1:33 minutes in – oh so damn good (he would return to this song for his solo album in 1979 "Thanks, I'll Eat It Here" with even more what-it-is Funky results). As if the opening two weren't enough to secure the album's arrival, the gorgeous elegant-profanity ballad "Roll Um Easy" whomps with both melody and crystal-clear audio that is going to thrill newcomers. The liner notes advise that Danny Hutton of Three Dog Night had just come off tour and his voice was shredded – but George had him do the backing vocal anyway on "Roll Um Easy" precisely because of his ragged rasp. 

A huge slow keyboard-driven Funk then shuffles into your living room – sunrise and sunset – people flying high across town – Little Feat smartly covering an Allen Toussaint song "On Your Way Down". Meet up with those dudes as your whole being heads South. That guitar solo at about 2:40 minutes now has the power it has always craved – love "On Your Way Down" to bits and its very Dr. John voodoo-ambience is surely one of the greatest unsung cover versions ever in Rock (Toussaint would eventually tour with Little Feat as an opening act in the mid to late Seventies). Side 1 ends with one I'm sure fans return to as a deep album cut – the sinister milk-toasted ain't-no-peace synths of "Kiss it Off" programmed by Malcolm Cecil of Tonto's Expanding Head Band – a man that defined the Funk Sound on Stevie Wonder's "Innervisions" and "Fulfillingness' First Finale" in 1973 and 1974.

Side 2 goes more optimistic with its opener "Kiss It Off" – a song inspired by a photo of a 17-year-old Olivia Hussey in the film "Romeo And Juliet" – future bandmate Fred Tackett thought her angelic innocence so displayed in the photograph would not be long changing – hence the opening lyrics. Gorgeous audio too. Bill Payne takes Lead Vocals on "Walkin' All Night" alongside Paul Barrere – an obvious saucy love-letter to a side-street swinger that has both young men aeriated in all areas. There then follows a huge Feat fave amongst fans – the Lowell George self-deprecation anthem "Fat Man In The Bathtub" (look out Juanita). The Feat goes ever so slightly Prog and even Psych amidst the Funk with "Juliette" – George proving himself a deft-hand on Flute too. The album kind of peters out with the instrumental slink of "Lafayette Railroad" – a song you feel could have done with more work and even some cool lyrics. But at is – the bulk of "Dixie Chicken" has already woven its way into your heart. 

CD2 opens with two demos that first appeared in September 2000 on the stunning "Hotcakes & Outtakes..." 4CD Book Set - "Dixie Chicken" and "Two Trains". Sort of an audio set up with the good stuff first (to appease the iffy sounding live stuff later) – they make for a cool starter. Even stripped of instruments, the very basic beat-box Demo of "Dixie Chicken" has that killer melody aligned with those witty and knowing lyrics – so it was a winner even in embryo form. But then the real meat and potatoes pop up – five Alternate Versions sided by the outtakes "Eldorado Slim" and "Hi Roller (Ace In The Hole)". The "Roll Um Easy" outtake plays to 2:36 minutes and is lovely but missing the album polish – those guitar add-ons that lifted it up to where it needed to be. Not for the first time on CD2 does the Allen Toussaint cover version offer up Little Feat at their storming Funky-Rock best – the "On Your Way Down" Alternate Version runs to 5:56 minutes while the Live Cut might as well have been written for them – albeit let down by OK-sound. The Alternate of "Dixie Chicken" is very good but you can tell it’s a work-in-progress – again like "Roll Um Easy" needing those extra embellishments the final album version gave this great song. 

The Live Set is clearly in front of a small but highly enthusiastic audience and while the band are cooking – wowing them with hip-swaying Funk-Rock and not just heavy riffage – it is clear why this was not used before – the audio is a notch above bootleg – and in some passages – a notch or two below it. But even with compromised at times muddy audio – when they switch from "Got No Shadow" to "On Your Way Down" – I swear I can hear the audience and their palpable excitement at this new sound – a Rock Band with Funk and Wit and players firing on newly found all-sixes. The acoustic "Willin'" is lovely, but it ends on the odd stop-start syncopation of "A Apolitical Blues". CD2 is fab and disappointing at one and the same time, but you also feel that this is a great band emerging from the shadows and some lucky buggers were there in the mall in April 1973 to hear it. 

14 June 2024 saw the 3CD Deluxe Edition of album number four from 1974 - "Feats Don't Fail Me Now" – and again to huge acclaim. 2025 will undoubtedly see "The Last Record Album" from 1975 receive a similar 50th Anniversary blast and "Time Loves A Hero" from 1977 get one too in 2027. Alongside the magnificent "Waiting For Columbus" live box set of 2022 with its 8CDs of primo Little Feat on tour – you have to say that Rhino and Warner Brothers are keeping the faithful happy and their bank accounts worried. 

Would we want it any other way – Brill and then some. Recommended…