"Head Out Of Dreams: The Complete Hollies August 1973 to May 1985" by THE HOLLIES (March 2017 UK Parlophone Anthology - 9LPs onto 6CDs including Rarities, Singles and More - Peter Mew Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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1976

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"...The Air That I Breathe..."

Motherlode Number Three. Volume One of this trilogy arrived in May 2011 - "The Clarke, Hicks & Nash Years: The Complete Hollies April 1963 to October 1968" – a 6CD Set on Parlophone 5099909624221 (Barcode 5099909624221). Volume Two followed in July 2015 - "Changin' Times: The Complete Hollies - January 1969 to March 1973" on Parlophone 0825646336111 (Barcode 0825646336111).

Now just in time for pints of Guinness, a green Hudson River and bad hair decisions - here comes the long awaited Volume Three on St. Patrick's Day, 17 March 2017 – complete with a whopping 120-tracks, nine album's worth of songs, 27 x UK 7" singles (many of which feature non-album sides) and further oddities from LP and CD compilations. The albums include "Hollies" (March 1974), "Another Night" (February 1975), "Write On" (January 1976), "Russian Roulette" (December 1976), "A Crazy Steal" (March 1978), "Five Three One - Double Seven O Four" (March 1979), "Buddy Holly" (October 1980) and "What Goes Round" (July 1983) and straggler tracks from compilations like "Rarities" (1988), "The Hollies At Abbey Road 1966-1970" and "1973-1989" (1998) and the 6CD 2003 retrospective "The Long Road Home 1963-2000" as well as some European and New Zealand exclusives.

Coupled with superb Peter Mew Remasters done from original tapes at Abbey Road across the last decade or so - that's the good news. The bad news - because the Discs are laid out as they were recorded in 'chronological order' - it makes actually sequencing those UK and US albums and singles as 'released' a bit of a logistical nightmare. Although the booklet lists the LPs and their release dates/catalogue numbers - it doesn't give track lists so fan or newcomer won't know what goes where. To this end I've done the work (see the the Notes beneath each CD listed below). And the other downer is for die-hard fans - there's nothing new - nothing they wouldn't have had on previous CD purchases. There's a lot to untangle so let's get to the dreamy details...

UK released Friday, 17 March 2017 (24 March 2017 in the USA) - "Head Out Of Dreams: The Complete Hollies August 1973 - May 1988" by THE HOLLIES on Parlophone 0190295892333 (Barcode 0190295892333) is a 6CD set of Remasters that plays outs as follows:

Disc 1 (73:31 minutes):

1. The Day That Curly Billy Shot Down Crazy Sam McGee

2. Mexico Gold

3. Out On The Road

4. Born A Man

5. Pick Up The Pieces Again

6. It's A Shame, It's A Game

7. Transatlantic Westbound Jet

8. Don't Let Me Down

9. Falling Calling

10. Tip Of The Iceberg

11. Burn Fire Burn

12. Rubber Lucy

13. The Air That I Breathe

14. Down On The Run

15. No More Riders

16. Love Makes The World Go Round

17. Give Me Time

18. Lonely Hobo Lullaby

19. Son Of A Rotten Gambler

20. Layin' To The Music

NOTES for Disc 1:

Tracks 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14 and 16 are the LP "Hollies" - released March 1974 in the UK on Polydor 2383 262 and Epic KE 32574 in the USA. Each country had different track running orders - to sequence either 11-track LP from this CD use the following configurations:

UK LP:

Side 1: Tracks 6, 12, 5, 7, 3 and 13

Side 2: Tracks 9, 14, 8, 16 and 1

US LP:

Side 1: Tracks 9, 6, 8, 3, and 13

Side 2: Tracks 12, 7, 5, 14, 16 and 1

Track 2 is from the November 1988 LP and CD compilation "Rarities" on EMI Records EMS 1311

Track 10 is from the 1998 CD compilation "The Hollies At Abbey Road 1966-1970" on EMI 7243 4 93450 2 7

Track 15 is the non-album B-side to the UK 7" single of "The Air That I Breathe" released January 1974 on Polydor 2058 435

Tracks 17 and 18 are from the LP "Another Night" (see NOTES for Disc 2)

Tracks 19 and 20 are the non-album A&B-sides of a May 1974 UK 7” single on Polydor 2058 476

Disc 2 (78:49 minutes):

1. 4th Of July Asbury Park (Sandy)

2. Come Down To The Shore

3. Hello Lady Goodbye

4. You Gave Me Life (With That Look In Your Eyes)

5. Lucy

6. Look Out Johnny (There's A Monkey On Your Back)

7. Second Hand Hang-Ups

8. Another Night

9. Time Machine Jive

10. I'm Down

11. Stranger

12. Narida

13. My Island

14. Samuel

15. Sweet Country Calling

16. Crocodile Woman (She Bites)

17. Star

18. Love Is The Thing

19. I Won't Move Over

20. There's Always Goodbye

NOTES for Disc 2:

Tracks 17 and 18 on Disc 1 along with 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 on Disc 2 make up the album "Another Night" released February 1975 in the UK on Polydor 2442 128 and in the USA on Epic PE 33387. To sequence the UK and US LP from both discs use the following tracks:

Side 1: Tracks 8, 1, 18 on Disc 1, 7 and 9

Side 2: Tracks 10, 6, 17 on Disc 1, 4 and 5

Tracks 2 and 14 are from the 1998 UK CD compilation "The Hollies At Abbey Road 1973-1989" on EMI 7243 496464 2 0

Tracks 10 and 3 are the non-album A&B-sides of a UK 7” single released November 1974 on Polydor 2058 533

Tracks 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 on Disc 2 and Track 1 on Disc 3 are the album "Write On" released January 1976 in the UK on Polydor 2442 141 (no USA release). To sequence that UK LP use the following:

Side 1: Tracks 17, 1 from Disc 3, 15, 18 and 19

Side 2: Tracks 12, 11, 16, 13 and 20

Disc 3 (76:10 minutes):

1. Write On

2. Boulder To Birmingham

3. Here In My Dreams

4. Daddy Don't Mind

5. My Love

6. Russian Roulette

7. Corrine

8. C'Mon

9. Be With You

10. Lady Of The Night

11. Louise

12. 48-Hour Parole

13. Thanks For The Memories

14. Wiggle That Wotsit

15. Draggin' My Heels

16. Hello To Romance

17. Let It Pour

18. Burn Out

19. Amnesty

20. Crossfire

NOTES for Disc 3:

Track 1 is from the album "Write On" released January 1976 in the UK on Polydor 2442 141 (no USA release) - see also Disc 2.

Track 2 is the non-album A-side to a UK 7" single released February 1976 on Polydor 2058 694

Track 3 is from the November 1988 LP and CD compilation "Rarities" on EMI Records EMS 1311

Tracks 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 are the album "Russian Roulette" UK released December 1976 on Polydor 2383 421. To sequence the album from this CD use the following tracks:

Side 1: Tracks 14, 12, 13, 5 and 10

Side 2: Tracks 6, 15, 11, 9 and 4

Track 7 is the non-album B-side of the UK 7” single "Wiggle That Wotsit" released October 1976 on Polydor 2058 799

Track 8 is the non-album B-side of the UK 7" single "Daddy Don't Mind" released September 1976 on Polydor 2058 779

Track 16 is the non-album A-side of a UK 7" single released May 1977 on Polydor 2058 880

Tracks 17, 18 and 19 are from the album "A Crazy Steal" UK released March 1978 on Polydor 2383 474 (see also Disc 4)

Track 20 first appeared on the 6CD Box Set "The Long Road Home 1963-2000" UK released 2003 on EMI 07243 584856-2-2

Disc 4 (78:43 minutes):

1. Caracas

2. What Am I Gonna Do

3. Feet On The Ground

4. Writing On The Wall

5. Clown Service

6. When I'm Yours

7. Lovin' You Ain't Easy

8. Satellite Three

9. Something To Live For

10. Sanctuary

11. Maybe It's Dawn

12. Song Of The Sun

13. Stormy Waters

14. Boys In The Band

15. It's In Every One Of Us

16. Say It Ain't So Jo

17. Harlequin

18. Can't Lie No More

NOTES for Disc 4:

Tracks 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are from the album "A Crazy Steal" UK released March 1978 on Polydor 2383 474 (see also Disc 3). To sequence the UK LP from Disc 3 and 4 use the following:

Side 1: Tracks 4 on Disc 4, 2 on Disc 4, 17 on Disc 3, 18 on Disc 3 and 16 on Disc 3

Side 2: Tracks 19 on Disc 3, 1 on Disc 4, 2 on Disc 3, 5 on Disc 4 and 3 on Disc 4

Tracks 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 16 and 17 are from the album "Five Three One - Double Seven O Four" UK released March 1979 on Polydor 2442 160. To sequence the UK LP from Disc 4 use the following:

Side 1: Tracks 16, 11, 12, 17 and 6

Side 2: Tracks 9, 13, 14, 8 and 5

Track 7 from the 1998 UK CD compilation "The Hollies At Abbey Road 1973-1989" on EMI 7243 496464 2 0

Track 10 is from the November 1988 LP and CD compilation "Rarities" on EMI Records EMS 1311

Track 18 first appeared on the 6CD Box Set "The Long Road Home 1963-2000" UK released 2003 on EMI 07243 584856-2-2

Disc 5 (76:50 minutes):

1. Soldier's Song

2. If The Lights Go Out

3. Peggy Sue

4. Wishing

5. Love's Made A Fool Of You

6. Take Your Time

7. Heartbeat

8. Tell Me How

9. Think It Over

10. Maybe Baby

11. Midnight Shift

12. I'm Gonna Love You Too

13. Peggy Sue Got Married

14. What To Do

15. That'll Be The Day

16. It Doesn't Matter Anymore

17. Everyday

18. Carrie

19. Driver

20. Take My Love And Run (1st Version)

21. Musical Pictures

22. Let Her Go Down

NOTES for Disc 5:

Track 1 is the non-album A-side of a UK 7” single released April 1980 on Polydor 2058 246

Track 2 first appeared on the 1988 2LP/2CD compilation "All The Hits And More – The Definitive Collection" on EMI Records EM 1301

Tracks 3 to 17 are from the cover versions album "Buddy Holly" UK released October 1980 on Polydor POLTV 12

Tracks 18 in the non-album B-side to "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" UK released August 1988 on EMI Records EM 74

Tracks 20 and 19 are the non-album A&B-sides of a UK 7" single released November 1981 on Polydor POSP 379

Track 21 is the non-album B-side of "Stop In The Name Of Love" UK released July 1983 on WEA U 9888

Track 22 is the non-album B-side of "Stop In The Name Of Love" NEW ZEALAND released July 1983 on WEA 2598647

Disc 6 (72:17 minutes):

1. Casualty

2. Take My Love And Run

3. Say You'll Be Mine

4. Something Ain't Right

5. If The Lights Go Out

6. Stop In The Name Of Love

7. I Got What I Want

8. Just One Look

9. Someone Else's Eyes

10. Having A Good Time

11. You're All Woman

12. You Gave Me Strength

13. Laughter Turns To Tears

14. Too Many Hearts Get broken

15. This Is It

16. Reunion Of The Heart

17. Stand By Me

18. For What It's Worth, I'm Sorry

19. Shine Silently

20. Your Eyes

NOTES for Disc 6:

Tracks 1 to 10 are the album "What Goes Around" UK and EUROPE released July 1983 on Polydor 25-0139-1

Track 11 in the non-album B-side to the UK 7" single for "Too Many Hearts Get Broken" released May 1985 on Columbia DB 9110 (also on the 12" single).

Tracks 14 and 11 are the non-album A&B-sides to a UK 7" single released May 1985 on Columbia DB 9110

Track 13 is the second non-album B-side to the UK 12" single for "Too Many Hearts Get Broken" released May 1985 on Columbia 12DB 9110

Tracks 15 and 12 are the non-album A&B-sides to a UK 7" single released January 1987 on Columbia DB 9146 - Track 11 is also on the B-side of the 12" single of Columbia 12DB 9146

Track 16 is a non-album A-side to a UK 7" single released March 1987 on Columbia DB 9151

Tracks 17 and 18 are the non-album A&B-sides to a 1988 German 7" single on Coconut 109 664 and 12" single on Coconut 609 664

Tracks 19 and 20 are the non-album A&B-sides to a 1988 German 7" single on Coconut 109 981 and 12" single on Coconut 609 981

Like the first two volumes in this series – the multi-layered triple jewel case is pleasant enough to look at and handle – all the CDs have the famous red Polydor label and the 24-page booklet features new liner notes from ULI TWELKER with all the usual discography info. There are rare European pictures sleeves and photos of the boys throughout as well as two 'in the studio' snaps of the lads beside microphones beneath the see-through CD trays. The only error in the text is "Something To Live For" in the singles list listed as Polydor POSP 175 when it's Polydor POSP 35.

But despite the huge amount of music on offer that works out at less than two quid per album - the presentation feels rather functional rather than celebratory and true fans will notice immediately that across 6CDs there effectively isn't anything new. Having said that the audio is PETER MEW Remasters done at Abbey Road Studios across the last decade or so and old chestnuts like "The Air That I Breathe" and "Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress" sound sensational. Let’s get to what we do have - the music...

Apart from the obvious spine-tingler of "The Air That I Breathe" that still slaughters me to this day - I'd forgotten how lovely songs like "Don't Let Me Down" and "I'm Down" are - despite their heavy-on-the-strings arrangements (the set's title comes from lyrics in "I'm Down"). Being a huge Bruceophile - I've always liked their sweet cover of his "4th Of July Asbury Park (Sandy)" - The Hollies realising the loveliness and romanticism in the song. A lonesome harmonica wails in "Give Me Time" as Allan Clarke and Terry Sylvester woe us with a gorgeous melody and arrangement. They boogie up a guitar notch on "Daddy Don't Mind" while "Draggin' My Heels" gets friendly with a synth and a salsa rhythm. There's significant hiss on the pretty "Love Is The Thing" - but the bass and vocals on the album's title song "Write On" are beautifully produced here.

The boys go for another 'aeroplane' lonesome song in "Boulder To Birmingham" - world-weariness in their vocals and those sad strings. "Burn Out" is a bopper that feels very Bruce circa "The Wild, The Innocent & The E Street Shuffle" - but "Hello To Romance" is a little too schlock for me. I don't know who was listening by 1979 when they put out the bizarrely titled "Five Three One - Double Seven O Four" or "513-7704" as we used to call it. Still songs like the anthemic "It's In Every One Of Us" showed that their knack of touching you was still there as Clarke's voice soars hymn-like over a lone string note. More 'turning me on with your eyes' love-song angst appears in the pretty "When I'm Yours" - a gorgeous transfer too. And on it goes...

The eighties albums left me cold and after 1988 and the "All The Hits And More..." 2-disc set - The Hollies suddenly felt like a nostalgia act. But if you want to know why they charted so many successful singles in the Seventies when others fell by the wayside and why they're held in such affection by so many still - then "Head Out Of Dreams..." will feel like a very sweet spot to start indeed...

UK SINGLES A & B-sides (unless otherwise noted) 

And Notable EURO/REST OF WORLD 7" and 12" Singles in release-date order:

1. The Day That Curly Billy Shot Down Crazy Sam McGee b/w Born A Man - October 1973, Polydor 2058 403 (B-side is non-album)

2. The Air That I Breathe b/w No More Riders - January 1974, Polydor 2058 435 (B-side is non-album)

3. Son Of A Rotten Gambler b/w Layin' To The Music - May 1974, Polydor 2058 476 (both sides are non-album)

4. I'm Down b/w Hello Lady - November 1974, Polydor 2058 533

5. 4th Of July Asbury Park (Sandy) b/w Second Hand Hang-Ups – May 1975, Polydor 2058 595

6. Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress b/w Carrie Anne - September 1976, EMI 2353

7. Boulder To Birmingham b/w Crocodile Woman (She Bites) - February 1976, Polydor 2058 694

8. Star b/w Love Is The Thing - April 1976, Polydor 2058 719

9. Daddy Don't Mind b/w C'Mon - September 1976, Polydor 2058 779

10. Wiggle That Wotsit b/w Corrine - October 1976, Polydor 2058 799

11. Hello To Romance b/w 48-Hour Parole - May 1977, Polydor 2058 880

12. Amnesty b/w Crossfire - July 1977, Polydor 2058 906

13. Look Through Any Window b/w I'm Alive and Just One Look - June 1978, EMI 2813

14. Something To Live For b/w Song For The Sun - March 1979, Polydor POSP 35 (7" Single)

Something To Live For b/w Song For The Sun and The Air That I Breathe - March 1979, Polydor POSPX 35 (12" Single Version)

15. Soldier's Song b/w Draggin' My Heels - April 1980, Polydor 2058 246

16. Heartbeat b/w Take Your Time and Reprise - September 1980, Polydor POSP 175

17. Hollidaze b/w Hollipops - August 1981, EMI 5229

18. Take My Love And Run b/w Driver - November 1981, Polydor POSP 379

19. He Ain't Heavy He's My Brother b/w 'Cos You Like To Love Me - August 1982, Parlophone PMS 1001

20. Stop In The Name Of Love b/w Musical Pictures - July 1983, WEA U 9888

Stop In The Name Of Love b/w Let Her Go Down - July 1983, New Zealand on WEA 2598647

21. Just One Look b/w Here I Go Again - March 1984, EMI GG 11

22. Too Many Hearts Get Broken b/w You're All Woman - May 1985, Columbia DB 9110 (7" single)

Too Many Hearts Get Broken b/w You're All Woman and Laughter Turns To Tears - May 1985, Columbia 12DB 9110 (12" single)

23. This Is It b/w You Gave Me Strength - January 1987, Columbia DB 9146 (7" single)

This Is It b/w Give Me Strength/You're All Woman - January 1987, Columbia 12DB 9146 (12" single)

24. Reunion Of The Heart b/w Too Many Hearts Get Broken - March 1987, Columbia DB 9151 (7" single)

Reunion Of The Heart b/w Too Many Hearts Get Broken/Hollidaze - March 1987, Columbia 12DB 9151 (12" single)

25. Stand By Me b/w For What It's Worth, I'm Sorry - 1988 German 7" single on Coconut 109 664 and 12" single on Coconut 609 664

26. Shine Silently b/w Your Eyes - 1988 German 7" single on Coconut 109 981 and 12" single on Coconut 609 981

27. He Ain't Heavy He's My Brother b/w Carrie – August 1988, EMI Records EM 74

"Legend - The Best Of: Deluxe Edition" by BOB MARLEY and THE WAILERS (February 2002 UK Universal/island '2CD DELUXE EDITION' Reissue with Ted Jensen Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

 

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"…Redemption Songs…"

The biggest selling Reggae Album of all time is an obvious (and even lazy) choice for inclusion in Universal's Deluxe Edition Series of 2CD Reissues. Especially as it’s a Best Of. But have you actually heard it?

The audio quality on this 2002 twofer reissue is astounding - not just good - but truly incredible (Ted Jensen Remasters from original tapes). And it's one of those cool reissues where you get the best of both worlds - a superlative CD version of the album on Disc 1 - while Disc 2 is filled with brilliant alternate versions that actually warrant the word Bonus. Time to lively up yourself and be no drag. Here are the skanking details...

UK released 25 February 2002 - "Legend – The Best Of: Deluxe Edition" by BOB MARLEY & THE WAILERS on Universal 586 714-2 (Barcode 731458671428) is a 2CD DELUXE EDITION Reissue of Remasters and plays out as follows:

Disc 1 (73:16 minutes):

1. Is This Love (from "Kaya", March 1978 UK LP on Island ILPS 9517)

2. No Woman No Cry [Live] [Full Album Version] (from "Live! At The Lyceum", December 1975 UK LP on Island ILPS 9376)

3. Could You Be Loved (from "Uprising", June 1980 UK LP on Island ILPS 9596)

4. Three Little Birds (from "Exodus", May 1977 UK LP on Island ILPS 9498)

5. Buffalo Soldier  (from "Confrontation", May 1983 UK LP on Island ILPS 9760)

6. Get Up Stand Up (from "Burnin'", November 1973 UK LP on Island ILPS 9256)

7. Stir It Up [Full Album Version] (from "Catch A Fire", April 1973 UK LP on Island ILPS 9241)

8. Easy Skanking (from "Kaya", March 1978 UK LP on Island ILPS 9517)

9. One Love/People Get Ready (from "Exodus", May 1977 UK LP on Island ILPS 9498)

10. I Shot The Sheriff (from "Burnin'", November 1973 UK LP on Island ILPS 9256)

11. Waiting In Vain (from "Exodus", May 1977 UK LP on Island ILPS 9498)

12. Redemption Song (from "Uprising", June 1980 UK LP on Island ILPS 9596)

13. Satisfy My Soul (from "Kaya", March 1978 UK LP on Island ILPS 9517)

14. Exodus (from "Exodus", May 1977 UK LP on Island ILPS 9498)

15. Jamming (from "Exodus", May 1977 UK LP on Island ILPS 9498)

16. Punky Reggae Party (Long Version) (originally a non-album B-side to "Jamming" issued as a UK 7"single in December 1977 on Island WIP 6410. The original &' single edit ran to 4:25 minutes, this 'Long Version' extends to 6:52 minutes)

Disc 2 - The Legend Remixes (71:55 minutes):

1. One Love/People Get Ready (Extended Version - Remix by Julian Mendelsohn - 7:01 minutes)

2. Waiting In Vain (Remix by Julian Mendelsohn - 5:57 minutes)

3. Jamming (Remix by Paul "Groucho" Smykle - 5:36 minutes)

4. Three Little Birds/Three Little Birds (Dub Version) (Remix by Julian Mendelsohn- 5:20 minutes)

5. Could You Be Loved (Remix by Errol Brown and Alex Sadkin - 5:26 minutes)

6. No Woman No Cry (Remix by Eric E.T. Thorngren - 4:11 minutes)

7. Coming In From The Cold (Remix by Eric E.T. Thorngren - 5:43 minutes)

8. Buffalo Soldier (Remix by Eric E.T. Thorngren - 5:25 minutes)

9. Jamming (Remix by Eric E.T. Thorngren - 3:22 minutes)

10. Waiting in Vain (Remix by Eric E.T. Thorngren - 4:13 minutes)

11. Exodus (Remix by Eric E.T. Thorngren - 8:51 minutes)

12. Lively Up Yourself (Remix by Eric E.T. Thorngren - 5:18 minutes)

13. One Love/People Get Ready (Dub Version) (Remix by Godwin Logie - 4:56 minutes)

The original May 1984 14-track LP is expanded to a 16-track CD with full album versions instead of the 7" edits that were often on the record because of vinyl space restrictions. While it might sound trite to say that the single mixes end too soon - never is this more evident for instance than on "Punky Reggae Party" where the 'Long Version' groove extends to nearly seven minutes instead of four and a half. And the difference in incredible – transforming the song into a hugely enjoyable funky beast of a thing.

The sequencing is everything with "Legend" - flitting from the Eighties to the early Seventies with ease and clever choices. It opens with the fantastic crossover hit "Is This Love" - I can remember DJing parties when this just slayed the crowd - hundreds of people joining in on the chorus. The emotional "No Woman No Cry" (from 1975's amazing "Live! At The Lyceum") is given full album length reign - over seven minutes - what a winner. But again were quickly back to another stunning dancefloor killer "Could You Be Loved" - the remaster bringing out that tight as a Vatican purse rhythm section. One of my all time faves by Marley has always been "Get Up Stand Up" - politics and passion combine with Rasta Rhythms to produce a winner for the heart, mind and feet. Johnny Nash first brought "Stir It Up" to us in March 1972 (a year before "Catch A Fire" was even released) - while I personally don't have much time for Bob's original of "I Shot The Sheriff" (made famous of course by Eric Clapton in 1974 who put it on top of the UK singles chart and probably made the lad a few bob). "Waiting In Vain" is simply gorgeous with that wonderful guitar break and that irresistible backbeat (Annie Lennox does a lovely cover of it on her "Medusa" set from 1995 that's always being used in rom-coms). In fact the breakthrough masterpiece of 1977's "Exodus" casts it shadow over the remainder of tracks with the hugely popular "Jamming" sounding amazing in the transfer.

Disc 2 opens with a seven -minute extension of "One Love/People Get Ready" with the centre section going into amazing keyboard and bass jabs. The Mendelsohn remix of "Waiting In Vain" sounds a lot less polished than the album cut - but turns it quite deliberately into a far funkier affair with the vocals treated to slight echoes. The long version of "Could You Be Loved" is a DJ's dream - allowing that fantastic certain groove to stretch out like never before - it's frankly impossible to sit still while it plays (the girls giving in some slick vocals). The acoustic beginning of "Coming In From The Cold" (originally on "Kaya" from 1980) gives way to a cool keyboard groove that feels more Soul than Reggae - a great remix. The other nugget for me is a brassy Thorngren rejigger of "Lively Up Yourself" which doesn't top the original but is a brill "You Rock So!" groove that just doesn't quit. You're then hit with a final Audio Blast - the Dub Version of "One Love/People Get Ready" which isolates Marley's vocal and the girls. There are drum whacks and echoed bass plucks that will literally rattle your speaker cones...

Universal have not surprisingly done almost every Marley LP on Island Records in a 2CD DELUXE EDITION but for me this compilation is the Jah Lion of the Reggae crop.

"Let's get together and feel all right..." - Bob Marley sang in 1977 and his passing in 1981 aged only 36 years of age hurt. Millions have been taking his message of love and music to heart ever since. Robert Nesta was a giant and this brilliant Deluxe Edition proves that handsomely...

"Aja" by STEELY DAN (September 2013 Japan-Only Geffen/Universal PLATINUM SHM-CD Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"...I Have Found My Home At Last..." 

Since 2008 (and this is in Japan alone) there have been a dizzying 'eight' reissues of Steely Dan's 1977 meisterwerk "Aja" on various CD formats including the big reissue three - SHM-CD, Platinum SHM-CD and SHM-SACD. Hell as I write this review number nine is due on 17 May 2017 in a standard jewel case. And with the famous LP's 40th birthday coming up in September of this very year - we'll probably see yet another anniversary reissue that comes complete with a live Japanese woman in a ceremonial kimono on the Whistling-Dixie Chim Chim Cher-ee Chim Chim Cher-Roo Uber Strudel Deluxe Edition (she'll be a limited edition of course and won't have aged a jot in 40 years).

But which CD variant does an upstanding with-it Audiophile dweeb like me buy? In a sea of reissue temptation I'm going to plum for this beautiful September 2013 Japanese version that comes on the exclusive Platinum SHM-CD format with a new best ever Remaster and truly gorgeous packaging (see photos supplied). Here comes the Deacon Blues...

Released 23 September 2013 in Japan only (deleted March 2014) - "Aja" by STEELY DAN on Geffen/Universal UICY-40007 (Barcode 4988005782175) is a PLATINUM SHM-CD reissue in a Presentation Repro Artwork Box and plays out as follows (39:49 minutes):

1. Black Cow [Side 1]

2. Aja

3. Deacon Blues

4. Peg [Side 2]

5. Home At Last

6. I Got The News

7. Josie

Tracks 1 to 7 are their fifth studio album "Aja" - released 23 September 1977 in the USA on ABC Records AB 1006 and in the UK on ABC Records ABCL 5225. Produced by GARY KATZ and Mastered by BERNIE GRUNDMAN - it peaked at No. 3 in the USA and No. 5 in the UK.

The first thing that hits you is the 'look'. I've a version of "Dire Straits" by DIRE STRAITS on this Platinum-SHM CD format (see separate review) and 'class' is the word that jumps to mind. Inside an oversized white-bordered presentation box is the MINI LP REPRO ARTWORK of "Aja" in a high glossy sleeve complete with Obi, the Inner Sleeve repro'd and a black and white 24-page booklet. As it is with all of these Japanese reissues - the booklet is a slightly disappointing affair - Japanese language liner notes from 2000 by Y. OTOMO, the lyrics in English and naught else by way of any photos. But that's all academic to the Audio.

First up - it's been DSD flat transferred from Japanese original analogue master tapes by HITOSHI TAKIGUCH at Universal Music Studios in Tokyo in 2000. Further to this - YUMETOKI SUZUKI then 24-bit transferred from DSD in 2013 and in turn that was followed by high resolution cutting of the disc (also in 2013).

The SHM-CD or Super High Materials format (exclusive to Japan) is a better variant of the original CD that of course dates back to the early 1980s. The Platinum variant of SHM is supposed to be the ultimate music carrier able to find more nuances in the transfer than the basic red-book version. As you can see from the exhaustive list I've compiled below - now there is also the SHM-SACD format for Super Audio fans - but that requires SACD-playback on your player - the SHM and Platinum-SHM variants does not - they play on all machines.

To put this is a most basic way - this Platinum SHM-CD sounds incredible. I've been listening to my favourite Steely Dan album for 40 years now and have sappily collected no less than seven vinyl pressings of varying issues and also own the 1999 Donald Fagen and Walter Becker CD Remaster too. But this is the best I've ever heard "Aja" sound. It helps of course to have decent equipment (mine isn't that overly expensive) – but I'm thinking this sucker will sound great on any system (the Japanese even provide a protective gauze bag for the disc). Now to the music...

Since their 1972 debut "Can't Buy A Thrill" - Steely Dan has slowly become one of the most sophisticated recording acts of the Seventies - abandoning touring after the second LP and legendarily featuring the best session men for their albums as early as "Countdown To Ecstasy" in 1973. By the time "Aja" arrived in 1977 - they were almost a Jazz-Rock act with the list of 'appears courtesy of' artists reading like a who’s who of West and East Coast musical alumni. You know you're in the realms of a serious album when the liners note state 'Rhythm Charts Prepared By'...

To give an indication of the talent used - "Aja" had seven tracks with six different drummers - Paul Humphrey on "Black Cow", Steve Gadd on "Aja", Bernard Purdie on "Deacon Blues" and "Home At Last", Rick Marotta on "Peg", Ed Greene on "I Got The News" and Jim Keltner on "Josie". The guitarists featured another list of superlatives - Larry Carlton on all tracks except "Peg", Lee Ritenour on "Deacon Blues", Dean Parks on "Josie", Steve Khan on "Peg" with a thrilling solo on "Peg" from Jay Graydon. Keyboard players included Michael Omartian, Victor Feldman, Joe Sample of The Crusaders, Paul Griffin and Don Grolnick – while Backing Singers featured Michael McDonald of The Doobie Brothers ("Peg" and "I Got The News"), Timothy B. Schmit of The Eagles ("Aja" and "Home At Last") - not to mention the golden ladies - Clydie King, Venetta Fields, Sherlie Matthews and Rebecca Louis. Horn players included Jazz Giants like Wayne Shorter and Tom Scott. To top all of this you had core members of Steely Dan - Donald Fagen sang all Lead Vocals and played Keyboards, Denny Dias and Fagen played guitars - while Walter Becker exonerated himself with Bass and his own lesser vaulted contributions - inventive guitar solos on "Home At Last" and "I Got The News".

Every track is a rich musical gem - with some requiring a few comebacks to appreciate the sheer depth of what's coming at you ("Aja" and "Home At Last" for instance). Others like the lengthy "Deacon Blues" and the riffing "Josie" seem simpler but again contain amazing musicianship if you dig in. What also gets you is the sheer funkiness of the album - tracks like "I Got The News" and "Black Cow" eat their way into your pants while the centre passage of "Aja" when Fagen lets blast on that Police whistle is simply stupendous. The Platinum SHM-CD brings up those funky guitar chugs of Larry Carlton and Dean Parks on "Josie" while Michael McDonald's distinctive voice steps just enough out of the chorus on "Peg" to make the hairs on your arms point northwards. If I were to single one track - I'd stump up the piano-funk of "Home At Last" - Walter Becker's guitar solo - Chuck Rainey laying down that Bass backbeat. "...Could it be that I have found my home at last..." Well yes it could.

"Aja" is 40 in September 2017 and I'll be 59 on the 29th of that month - still soppy at the mere sight of that tasteful Hideki Fujii front cover photo - still in love with this magnificent achievement. Punk and New Wave was thrashing about all around it - but even they would nod in respect to "Aja" - and this in my opinion is the best version of it yet...

FOR INFO PURPOSES

JAPANESE REISSUES for STEELY DAN 

On The SHM-CD, SACD and PLATINUM SHM-CD Formats...

The Japanese reissue program surrounding STEELY DAN and their core catalogue of albums between 1972 and 1980 ("Can't Buy A Thrill" through to "Gaucho") for the three formats of SHM-CD, PLATINUM SHM-CD and SHM-SACD is a tangled minefield of reissue after further reissue – a long line of endless upgraded versions. This list is an attempt to sort out what’s what.

Audio wise – most of the 2008 to 2011 issues are based on the Donald Fagen and Walter Becker approved remasters of 1999 - all of which are easily available as US and European MCA Remastered CDs (and cheaply too). But for those who crave best ever sound from this most Audiophile of American bands – the Superior Formats and repro packaging imitating original US album artwork are more than enticing.

There are also reissues from 2014 in Japan that have exclusive Remasters using US analogue tapes (listed below). And all though they’re constantly reissued – technically all Japanese CD reissues of back-catalogue are limited editions (they sell out quickly and become deleted soon after). So I’ve included exact barcodes to find the right issues when looking for them on various sale/auction sites.

This list is accurate to May 2017...

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

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

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

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

2. "Countdown To Ecstasy" (1973)

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

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

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

3. "Pretzel Logic" (1974)

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

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

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

4. "Katy Lied" (1975)

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

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

5. "The Royal Scam" (1976)

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

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

6. "Aja" (1977)

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. "Gaucho" (1980)

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

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

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

"Can't Buy A Thrill", "Katy Lied" and "The Royal Scam" – not issued on this format as of May 2017

1. "Countdown To Ecstasy" (1973)

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

(ii) Re-released 24 August 2016 on Geffen/Universal UIGY-15005 (Barcode 4988031161814) – features 2014 DSD Remastering from original US analogue master tapes

2. "Pretzel Logic" (1974)

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

3. "Aja" (1977)

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

SHM-SACD:

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

"Can't Buy A Thrill", "Countdown To Ecstasy" and "Katy Lied" – not issued on this format as of May 2017

1. "Pretzel Logic" (1974)

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

2. "The Royal Scam" (1976)

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

3. "Aja" (1977)

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

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

4. "Gaucho" (1980)

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

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

"Anthology: Hey Ho Let's Go!" by THE RAMONES (July 1999 Rhino USA 2CD Reissue (May 2001 in Europe) – Bill Inglot Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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PROVE IT ALL NIGHT 

Music Of 1975 to 1979 

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"…All Revved Up And Ready To Go…"

Few bands engender such rabid affection as The Ramones - comic books, badges, posters, tee-shirts, name-checked by every luminary band from the Eighties to the Present Day, inducted into the Rock `n' Roll Hall of Fame in 2002. And all of it achieved with a three-chord trick and a R'n'R attitude - party till you drop and then get back up and do it all over again in another city (over 2000 gigs). New York's finest punks sure cast a long shadow. And this double-CD peach is a fabulous celebration of those pudding-bowl hair dos, ripped jeans and two-minute wonders. Gabba Gabba Hey indeed. Here are the sedated details...

Originally released July 1999 by Rhino in the USA as "Anthology: Hey Ho Let's Go!" - "Anthology" by THE RAMONES was reissued in Europe in May 2001 on Warner Brothers 8122-73557-2 (Barcode 081227355722) and its 2CDs break down as follows:

Disc 1 (77:12 minutes):

1. Blitzkrieg Bop

2. Beat On The Brat

3. Judy Is A Punk

4. I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend

5. 53rd & 3rd

6. Now I Wanna Sniff Some Glue (tracks 1 to 6 are from their debut album "Ramones" released June 1976 in the USA on Sire SR 7520 and July 1976 in the UK on Sire 9103 253)

7. Glad To See You Go

8. Gimme Gimme Shock Treatment

9. I Remember You

10. California Sun

11. Commando

12. Swallow My Pride

13. Carbona Not Glue

14. Pinhead (tracks 7 to 14 are from their 2nd album "Leave Home" released February 1977 in the USA on Sire SA 7528 and March 1977 in the UK on Sire 9103 254)

15. Sheena Is A Punk Rocker

16. Cretin Hop

17. Rockaway Beach

18. Here Today, Gone Tomorrow

19. Teenage Lobotomy

20. Surfin' Bird

21. I Don't Care (tracks 15 to 21 are from their 3rd album "Rocket To Russia" released November 1977 in the USA on Sire SR 6042 and December 1977 in the UK on Sire 9103 255)

22. I Just Want To Have Something To Do

23. I Wanna Be Sedated

24. Don't Come Close

25. She's The One

26. Needles And Pins (tracks 22 to 26 are from their 4th album "Road To Ruin" released October 1978 in the USA and UK on Sire SRK 6063)

27. Rock 'n' Roll High School

28. I Want You Around (tracks 27 and 28 are from the Various Artists Soundtrack LP "Rock 'n' Roll High School" released April 1979 in the USA on Sire SRK 6070)

29. Do You Remember Rock 'n' Roll Radio?

30. Chinese Rock

31. Danny Says

32. Baby I Love You (tracks 29 to 32 are from their 4th studio album "End Of The Century" released February 1980 in the USA and UK on Sire SRK 6077)

Disc 2 (77:20 minutes):

1. The KKK Took My Baby Away

2. She's A Sensation

3. It's Not My Place (In The 9 To 5 World)

4. We Want The Airwaves (tracks 1 to 4 are from their 5th studio album "Pleasant Dreams" released July 1981 in the USA and UK on Sire SRK 3571)

5. Psycho Therapy (is on their 6th album "Subterranean Jungle" released February 1983 in the USA on Sire 1-23800 and May 1983 in the UK/Europe on Sire 92 3800-1)

6. Howlin' At The Moon (Sha-La-La)

7. Mama's Boy

8. Daytime Dilemma (Dangers Of Love)

9. I'm Not Afraid Of Life

10. Too Tough To Die

11. Endless Vacation (tracks 6 to 11 are from the album "Too Tough To Die" released October 1984 in the USA on Sire 1-25187 and July 1985 in the UK on Beggars Banquet BEGA 59)

12. My Brain Is Hanging Upside Down (Bonzo Goes To Bitberg)

13. Somebody Put Something In My Drink

14. Something To Believe In

15. I Don't Want To Live This Life (Anymore) (tracks 12 to 15 are from the album "Animal Boy" released May 1986 in the USA on Sire 25433-1 and in the UK (May 1986) on Beggars Banquet BEGA 70)

16. I Wanna Live

17. Garden Of Serenity (tracks 16 and 17 are from the album "Halfway To Sanity" released September 1987 in the USA on Sire 1-25641 and September 1987 in the UK on Beggars Banquet BEGA 89)

18. Merry Christmas (I Don't Want To Fight Tonight)

19. Pet Sematary

20. I Believe In Miracles (tracks 18 to 20 are from the CD album "Brain Drain" released June 1989 in the USA on Sire 9 25905-2 and August 1989 in the UK (on LP and CD) on Chrysalis CHR 1725)

21. Tomorrow She Goes Away

22. Poison Heart (tracks 21 and 22 are from the album "Mondo Bizarro" released September 1992 in the USA on Radioactive RARD-10615 and Chrysalis CHR 1960 in the UK)

23. I Don't Wanna Grow Up

24. She Talks To Rainbows

25. R.A.M.O.N.E.S. (tracks 23 to 25 are from the album "Adios Amigos" released July 1995 in the USA on Radioactive RAR 11273 and Chrysalis CHR 6104 in the UK)

Original issues had a card wrap and a huge 80-page booklet - reissues forgo that for a 2CD jewel case with a 16-page booklet featuring live pictures of the boys in Ramones uniform, snaps of them in London (with members of The Clash) and reissue credits. The remasters by long-time Rhino Engineer BILL INGLOT are fantastic - punching like a mother - and my God is there a lot of them.

As account-openers go - "Blitzkrieg Bop" is the kind of 7" single brilliance that hammers a nail in your head (like Punk itself - its just so bleeding visceral). Even now it's simplicity and power remains undiminished - ranking alongside similar feats by The Sex Pistols, The Undertones and The Clash. In fact the entire debut album has that same freshness and has lasted for decades for precisely that reason. I can remember having to reach for the reissue vinyl copies of 1976's "Ramones" on a daily basis in Reckless Records - and along with that other massively influential debut album "The Velvet Underground And Nico" -"Ramones" was easily our biggest selling most-in-demand reissue LP.

"Leave Home" showed that none of that initial energy splurge had dissipated by album No. 2 - if anything belters like "Gimme Gimme Shock Treatment" and "Swallow My Pride" felt like they'd become America's answer to The Clash - progressing musically while still firing on all sixes. As much as I appreciate "Sheena Is A Punk Rocker" - remaster or not - it stills sounds like it was recorded in a bucket with winter mufflers on. Better is the two-minute riffage of "Cretin Hop" and "Teenage Lobotomy" - the kind of rockers that engender hero worship. And although it's probably not cool to say it - but "Road To Ruin" tunes like "I Wanna Be Sedated" and "Don't Come Close" showed the songs were still sticking to the original values of simplicity - but they were getting better and better (commercial even). I know some love it (and it was a No. 8 chart hit) - but I can live without their mock Spector take on "Baby I Love You". Give me the loveable "She's The One" any day of the week - great little rocker and a lever choice for inclusion.

"To get a good job you need a proper schooling..." and "we want the world and we want it now..." and "psycho therapy is what they want to give me..." - the band riled on the "Pleasant Dreams" album - at war with themselves and establishment. And although the later albums aren't rated as much - I still dig the hard edge in "Too Tough To Die" and the fantastic combination of sheer melodic punch and truthful lyrics in "Poison Heart" where Joey moans "I just wanna walk right out of this world..." - and later his long battle with lymphoma saw that wish come sadly true (he wasn't even 50).

The original four band members - John Cummings, Jeffery Hyman, Douglas Colvin and Thomas Erdelyi with the collective pseudonyms of Johnny, Joey, Dee Dee and Tommy Ramone - are all gone now (Erdelyi only died in July 2014).

Will we ever see or hear their like again? I doubt it - circumstances have changed too much for another Ramones. What a shame. But "Anthology" is an abundant way to check out what the fuss was all about then - and why they’ve endured and are beloved by so many old and new... 

"Silk Degrees" by BOZ SCAGGS - March 1976 US Album on Columbia (August 1976 UK on CBS Records) featuring Members of Toto and Little Feat (February 2007 UK Columbia/Legacy 'Expanded Edition' CD - Vic Anesini Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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1976

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"...The Dirty Lowdown..."

In hindsight it's extraordinary to think how loyal Columbia Records were to Boz Scaggs. His self-titled debut with Atlantic Records in 1969 had effectively tanked on release while his next three Columbia efforts - "Moments" (April 1971), "Boz Scaggs And Band" (December 1971) and "My Time" (September 1972) barely scrapped the Top 200 at No. 124, No. 198 and No.138 (his second LP for only 2 weeks). At least his fourth platter - the March 1974 Johnny Bristol produced "Slow Dancer" pushed on up to a respectable No. 81 - bringing in its wake a reissue of his 1969 Atlantic debut into the charts in July 1974 to No.171 for a few weeks. But man did their patience pay off.

"Silk Degrees" was a phenomenon. Released Stateside in March 1976 (August 1976 in the UK) - the LP began it's certain US ascent to an eventual peak of No. 2 and five million record sales slowly. First out of the blocks came the moderate hit of "It's Over" b/w "Harbor Lights" on Columbia 3-10319. That 45 eventually stalled at No. 38 on the US Pop charts while the follow-up single - the obvious "Lowdown" - was also paired up with "Harbor Lights" on the B-side in June 1976 for Columbia 3-10367. That slick piece of West Coast hip-sway hit the chart in early July and was stalling too when luck and fate stepped in. A DJ on a Cleveland Soul Station saw the crossover Rock-Soul appeal of the insanely hooky "Lowdown" and began spinning the thing incessantly on his night shifts to such a point that it caught on like wildfire. Hundreds of other stations soon followed suit and the album's most famous winner went to No. 2 in the singles charts. With it's cool-as-a-Bay-breeze artwork and super smooth production values - "Silk Degrees" the LP then began shifting album units by the ton – eventually lasting an astonishing 115 weeks on the American LP charts - over two years. It wasn’t as big as "Rumours" in February 1977 – but I can remember at the time – it sure felt like two went hand-in-hand in their LA domination of the world. Which brings us to this fab CD reissue of it. Here are the Lido Shuffles...

UK released 26 February 2007 - "Silk Degrees" by BOZ SCAGGS on Columbia/Legacy 82876 86715 2 (Barcode 828768671528) is an 'Expanded Edition' CD Reissue and Remaster with Three Live Bonus Tracks (Previously Unreleased) that plays out as follows (53:42 minutes):

1. What Can I Say [Side 1]

2. Georgia

3. Jump Street

4. What Do You Want The Girl To Do

5. Harbor Lights

6. Lowdown [Side 2]

7. It's Over

8. Love Me Tomorrow

9. Lido Shuffle

10. We're All Alone

Tracks 1 to 10 are his fifth studio album "Silk Degrees" - released March 1976 in the USA on Columbia Records PC 33920 and August 1976 in the UK on CBS Records S 81193. Produced by JOE WISSERT - it peaked at No. 2 in the USA and No. 20 in the UK.

BONUS TRACKS:

11. What Can I Say (Live)

12. Jump Street (Live)

13. It's Over (Live)

Tracks 11 to 13 were recorded at The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, 15 August 1976 and are Previously Unreleased

Musicians:

BOZ SCAGGS - Lead Vocals and Guitar

LOUIE SHELTON - Guitars

FRED TACKETT (of Little Feat) - Guitars

DAVID PAICH (of Toto) - Keyboards

DAVID HUNGATE - Bass

JEFF PORCARO (of Toto) - Drums and Percussion

Guests:

PLAS JOHNSON - Saxophone on "What Can I Say"

PLAS JOHNSON and BUD SHANK - Saxophones on "Love Me Tomorrow"

LES DUDEK - Slide Guitar on "Jump Street"

CHUCK FINDLEY - Flugelhorn Solo on "Harbor Lights"

JIM HORN - Tenor Saxophone on "What Do You Want The Girl To Do"

AUGIE JOHNSON and JIM GILSTRAP (of Side Effect) - Backing Vocals on "What Can I Say" and "Lowdown"

CAROLYN WILLIS (of Honey Cone) - Backing Vocals on "What Can I Say" and "Lowdown"

MARTY McCALL (of Tuxedo Junction) - Backing Vocals on "What Can I Say" and "Lowdown"

MAXINE GREEN - Backing Vocals on "It's Over" and "Love Me Tomorrow"

MAXINE GREEN and PEPPER SWENSON - Backing Vocals on "What Do You Want The Girl To Do"

The 12-page booklet is a surprisingly detailed and informative affair. The text pages are peppered with those Moshe Brakha photos of Boz and A Hidden Girl by a bench looking all hipster and California - sunglasses and tanned legs at the ready - just as the sun goes down and the night festivities are about to begin. After writer and musician credits – Boz then provides an overview to his approach on the 1975 and 1976 recordings - his core band that included members of Toto and Little Feat - following that with track-by-track reminiscences on the lyrics and the songs. Noted writer and music buff BUD SCOPPA then provides superb liner notes on the ex Steve Miller Guitarist's career and the album's tangled history and the major contributions of its musicians and Producer. But the big news is a stunning Remaster from ADAM AYAN done at Gateway Mastering. Always a Rock Audiophile wet dream - "Silk Degrees" the Remaster doesn't disappoint - each track feels amazing - clear and full of power - with all that amazing musicianship on display.

After the success of "Lowdown" as a single (No. 2 in the USA) - Columbia reached for the next obvious winner - the Side 1 opener "What Can I Say". They paired it with the Side 2 smoocher "We're All Alone" in November 1976 and given the strength of the song were only rewarded with a surprisingly modest No. 42 placing for Columbia 3-10440. But in Blighty the album had been picking up steam and "What Can I Say" on CBS Records 4869 managed a No.10 hit on the English single charts in January 1977. Fred Tackett of Little Feat provides the guitar on the poppy "Georgia" while Les Dudek raises "Jump Street" up with some great slide guitar. Boz joins two of the ladies for backing vocals on "What Do You Want The Girl To Do" - Maxine Green and Pepper Swenson - an Allen Toussaint song I admire more than I actually like. The side ends with Chuck Findley playing a sweet Flugelhorn solo on the cuddle-up-my-love "Harbor Lights".

"Lowdown" sounds amazing and brings home one of the albums great secrets to success - the pairing of Boz as a Soulful Rock songwriter with Toto's David Paich. Paich had toured with Steely Dan and played alongside Jeff Porcaro on Becker and Fagan's demanding albums too - but here he stumps up a co-credit on five of the ten songs including "What Can I Say", "Jump Street", "Lowdown", "It's Over" and "Lido Shuffle" with a further solo songwriting credit on "Love Me Tomorrow". You'd have to say that the combo of Scaggs, his Toto/Little Feat core band and all those superb session players and singers proved a lethal mix. As you listen you pick up on Scoppa's liner notes observations – the album featured an array of cool and hip tunes tailor-made for radio. "It's Over", "Love Me Tomorrow" and "Lido Shuffle" were all potential hits – in fact it often feels like SD is a whole album full of them. The three live cuts capture a moment of Yacht Rock emerging from its 1974/1975 gestation-period and now out in the open for all to enjoy. The audio is also good.

The 1978 follow-up LP "Down Two Then Left" came as something of a disappointment I remember even though tracks like the fab "A Clue", "We're Waiting" and the funky "Gimme The Goods" still displayed that same sound and magic.

To sum up - "Silk Degrees" is the kind of mid-Seventies slick-dick that still swings and this wicked-sounding 2007 CD Remaster has done that beach babe a proper solid. Hand me those sunglasses please...