BOX SETS
Backstory: When the Northern California pop-punk trio released its major label debut album Dookie in 1994, it was fortuitous timing.
As producer Rob Cavallo recalls, in the entertaining liner notes to this box set: “MTV was getting tired of the grunge doom and gloom that had come to dominate the programming.
They wanted something perkier and more colorful, something with a sense of humor but still with [an] edge…I thought, ‘step right up and get your Green Day.’”
It wasn’t long before the band was a mainstay on the still-influential music video channel and modern rock radio with “Longview,” “Basket Case,” “When I Come Around” (all three singles went to No. 1 at the format) and “Welcome to Paradise.” Then they floored many people at Lollapalooza ’94 (this writer included).
Dookie went onto be certified for 10 million sales in America and won a Grammy.
What’s inside: Marking an early 30th Anniversary, the limited edition 6LP and 4CD Deluxe Editions are both housed in a silver reflective lift-off box. They are a real treasure trove for fans. Tapping into the musicians’ offbeat humor, the vinyl box has a roll of Dookie dog poop bags, five-button set, air freshener, postcard, bumper sticker, kiss-cut large magnet sheet, paper airplane, a black-and-white “Coloring Page” cover lithograph insert, and a poster of the alternate cover art.
Grammy-winning author Bob Mehr penned a fascinating “Making of Dookie” piece in the 34-page booklet, which has numerous photos. After the blitzkrieg of the main album, the 4-track and cassette demos present embryonic takes of “Basket Case” and “Longview.” The outtakes record is highlighted by “Christie Road,” “J.A.R.” and a great cover of The Kinks’ “Tired of Waiting for You.” The short Woodstock ’94 set included here is incendiary; the tension is palpable at the end as unruly concertgoers throw mud, debris and storm the stage barricades. Even more supercharged is the full-length Live in Barcelona (originally an incomplete 1995 radio broadcast). They play several songs from indie releases and a cover of Operation Ivy’s “Knowledge,” frontman Billie Joe Armstrong constantly eggs the crowd on and tells security to let fans onstage at the end. Highly recommended.
Also available: 1LP in baby blue vinyl amazon.com
Elvis Presley - Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite (RCA/Legacy)
Backstory: This new Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite edition, marking the original double live LP’s 50th anniversary, is an essential addition to major Presley fans’ collections. The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s last great concert event was recorded at the Honolulu International Center Arena in January 1973 and beamed to multiple countries around the world (America received it three months later as a prime-time TV special). Nearly two dozen songs were packed into the 65-minute set. Elvis’ large band included legendary guitarist James Burton, bassist Jerry Scheff, drummer Ronnie Tutt, two sets of backing vocalists, an orchestra, and others.
What’s inside: Remixed from the original 16-track recordings, the sound is fuller than on previous reissues. Notable examples are Elvis’ powerful vocal delivery on the dramatic “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” “It’s Over” and “You Gave Me a Mountain” and tunes utilizing horns and/or orchestration like “American Trilogy” and “What Now My Love.” Highlights include “Suspicious Minds,” Burton’s psychedelic touches on a lightning quick “Hound Dog” and bluesy licks amid James Taylor’s “Steamroller Blues.”
The deluxe 3CD + Blu-ray (the visual format debut) package is housed in a nifty 8x8 box as on previous Elvis reissues. A four-panel slipcase jacket pulls out to reveal photos of The King, the concert stage and studio tape reel boxes. More rare images comprise the 28-page booklet with insightful liner notes by former L.A. Times music critic Randy Lewis and recollections from participants. The concert film boasts a noticeably sharper picture; both the Blu-ray and CDs have the previous night’s dress rehearsal show, plus bonus performance inserts done (via multiple takes) especially for the U.S.
Also available: 1LP, digital
Billy Joel - The Vinyl Collection, Vol.2 (Columbia/Sony Legacy)
Backstory: After many years of moderate-to-good-selling albums in the 1970s, Billy Joel finally found legitimate success with The Stranger and 52nd Street releases. But the Long Island singer/songwriter/pianist’s popularity skyrocketed in the decade to come.
What’s inside: The 11LP deluxe box set is primarily geared around Billy Joel’s 1980-1993 pop music catalog. A large scale, 62-page booklet sports a glossy cover and matte finish pages, with an informative essay by Rob Tannenbaum, Joel’s impressions on each album (Glass Houses was “probably the most fun”), lyrics, and photos.
Beyond the memorable big hits (“It’s Still Rock ‘n’ Roll to Me,” “You May Be Right,” “Allentown,” “Pressure,” “Tell Her About It,” “Uptown Girl,” “A Matter of Trust,” “Modern Woman,” “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” “I Go to Extremes,” “River of Dreams”), the box set provides a good opportunity to revisit equally worthy deep cuts. Here are some examples: “Sleeping with the Television On” (1980’s rock/new wave-leaning Glass Houses); the quiet harmonica-laced, Burt Bacharach/Hal David-styled ballad “Leave a Tender Moment Alone” (1983’s excellent tribute to early-to-mid ‘60s pop music An Innocent Man); jazzy rave up “Big Man on Mulberry Street” and the quirky Cyndi Lauper duet “Code of Silence” (1986’s The Bridge); “When in Rome” and the romantic, future Garth Brook chart-topper “Shameless” (1989’s Storm Front); the charming “Lullabye” (1993’s River of Dreams).
Another main attraction is the debut appearance of Live from Long Island, an exciting 21-song, December ’82 concert that originally aired on HBO and is among only a handful of Joel shows to ever be professionally filmed and recorded. The 3LP set is highlighted by an intense “Stiletto,” the intimate “Always a Woman,” and a totally rocking five-song final segment. 2001’s Fantasies & Delusions, an interesting double album of Joel classical compositions performed by pianist Hyung-ki Joo, also makes its vinyl debut here.
The Who - Who’s Next/Lifehouse (Universal Music Recordings)
Backstory: Frequently ranked toward the top tier of music magazines’ “all-time best albums” lists, The Who’s fifth studio release from 1971 was its most successful in America. The songs “Baba O’Riley,” “Behind Blue Eyes,” “Bargain,” “Going Mobile,” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again” all became staples on progressive rock radio (and later, the AOR format), with the latter making the top 20 on the pop charts.
What’s inside: The super deluxe 10CD/Blu-ray audio edition of the Who’s Next/Lifehouse box set is for true Who aficionados. There are 155 tracks (89 previously unreleased) and 57 new remixes. Regular Who engineer Jon Astley remastered the songs from the original tapes, while Steven Wilson oversaw Dolby Atmos and 5.1 surround mixes of the original album and 14 additional tracks on the Blu-ray. Everything packs a mighty punch.
Other items include a 100-page hardback book, 172-page Life House graphic novel, two gig posters, two concert programs, four buttons and a band photo with printed autographs. Over the course of the box set, singer/songwriter/guitarist/Pete Townshend’s prescient futuristic vision from the scuttled Life House project that initially began in 1969 as the follow-up to Tommy and morphed into Who’s Next is put into clearer focus.
For the uninitiated, hearing Townshend sing the demos that Roger Daltrey would eventually take over vocal verses on is a real treat – especially “Bargain,” “Behind Blue Eyes,” “Pure and Easy” (with extra verses and music), a leisurely “Won’t Get Fooled Again” aided by handclaps. Surprisingly, the 13-minute instrumental “Baba O’Riley” doesn’t get tiresome. A pair of 1971 concert recordings from London’s Young Vic and the San Francisco Civic Auditorium find The Who is fine, explosive form.
Also available in 2CD, 1LP configurations.
Devo – 50 Years of De-Evolution (Rhino)
Backstory: Influential, innovative, and unique, Devo was alternative music long before the term became commonplace. Early support from David Bowie, Iggy Pop, and Neil Young, helped the Akron, Ohio quintet secure a major label deal and debut album Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo! arrived in 1978. “Whip It” (and its popular video that pre-dated MTV) went to the top 20 on the pop chart and saw the band transition from early art-punk to new wave and electronic music with ease.
What’s inside: 50 Years of De-Evolution comes in a cool 4LP (clear) deluxe limited-edition slipcase set (exclusively through rhino.com), with 50 remastered hits and rarities, an album artwork lithograph, air freshener, paper energy dome, and a 28-page book. The song selections span Devo’s entire career, including such college/modern rock radio and dance club hits as “Freedom of Choice, “Girl U Want,” “Beautiful World,” “Peek-A-Boo,” “That’s Good,” “Through Being Cool,” “Working in the Coal Mine” and “Post Post-Modern Man.”
Also available in black 2LP, 2CD and digital configurations.
RETROSPECTIVES
The Beatles - 1962-1966 “The Red Album”; 1967-1970 “The Blue Album” (Apple Corps Ltd./Capitol/Universal Music Enterprises)
Backstory: The big news about 1962-1966 (The Red Album) and 1967-1970 (The Blue Album) is the inclusion of “Now and Then,” the final Beatles song, on the latter retrospective. Originally an unfinished John Lennon solo home demo from 1977, the song was briefly worked on by the surviving three Beatles in ’95 for the Anthology series but set aside due to poor sound quality and other issues. Director Peter Jackson’s sound isolating technology developed for his 2021 The Beatles: Get Back documentary was used to astonishing effect on “Now and Then.” Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr added vocals and instrumentation to what Lennon and Harrison had previously done.
What’s inside: Both collections are now expanded, with 12 more songs on The Red Album and 9 more on The Blue Album. Several tracks have new true stereo or Dolby Atmos mixes by Giles Martin and Sam Okell, with assistance from the Jackson/WingNut Films audio de-mixing technology.
The songs sound fresher than ever, with more depth. For example, Lennon’s exhale while singing “Girl” makes it seem like he’s in the room with you. All the instruments on “Strawberry Fields Forever” sound sharper in the new mix. “I Am the Walrus” – prompting much chatter online from hardcore Beatles fans lately – has a slightly different midsection and outro. Various sonic elements pop out amid “Magical Mystery Tour.” Even if you have other Beatles compilations, the Red and Blue are worth the money. Each edition also has new essays by journalist and author John Harris.
Available in various CD, LP, and digital configurations.
The Kinks – The Journey, Part 2 (BMG)
What’s inside: Cleverly divided into thematic sections, this anthology covers Kinks songs from 1965-75 with a sampling of concept albums The Kinks are the Village Green Preservation Society, Preservation Act 1, Preservation Act 2, Soap Opera, and other releases. The 2CD, 34-track and 2LP, 27-track editions include U.S./U.K. hits, album tracks, single B-sides, five new Ray Davies mixes (three previously unreleased live New Victoria Theatre versions), and liner notes with photos, and track-by-track recollections by members Ray Davies, Dave Davies, and Mick Avory. The gatefold 2LP sports a color archival photo. Highlights include “’Til the End of the Day,” “David Watts,” “A Well-Respected Man,” “Sunny Afternoon,” “Dedicated Follower of Fashion” and “20th Century Man.” Now guys: how about a reunion?
Also available digitally.
CONCERTS
David Bowie – Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders from Mars: The Motion Picture Soundtrack – 50th Anniversary Edition (Rhino/Parlophone)
Backstory: The final Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders from Mars performance was filmed at London’s Hammersmith Odeon by renowned filmmaker D.A. Pennebaker (Monterey Pop, Bob Dylan - Don't Look Back, Depeche Mode - 101) in July 1973.
A year later, ABC-TV broadcast a shortened cut, but it wasn’t until 1983 that the full 90-minute, 35mm film premiered theatrically worldwide alongside the soundtrack. Although the 2003 DVD reissue was an audio/visual improvement, there was still an overall dusky sheen and slightly better than average sound mix.
What’s inside: Pennebaker’s son Frazer and his team oversaw the new 50th Anniversary Edition - available in gold 2LP, gold 2CD, gold 2CD+Blu-ray - and it is a definite leap in quality. Frequent Bowie producer Tony Visconti did new stereo and 5.1 surround sound mixes. Frazer Pennebaker says in the accompanying booklet that scratches, dust specks and “occasional hairs in the gate of my father’s hand built 16mm camera” were removed and “the new 4K scan’s vibrant colors within the sharpness of the deep blacks has made it a brand-new film.” Indeed. The booklet also contains concert photos and a ’02 recollection from the original director.
An exciting 2023 edition selling point is the reinstated footage of Jeff Beck’s encore appearances on the thunderous “Jean Genie” (plus a Beatles’ “Love Me Do” snippet) and Chuck Berry’s “Round & Round.” The late veteran guitarist previously refused to authorize its inclusion. His talk box action and interplay with guitarist Mick Ronson are wonders to see and hear.
Other highlights: Ronno’s scintillating playing amid “Moonage Daydream,” “Suffragette City” and “Hang onto Yourself” as well as Bowie’s riveting vocals on ‘Space Oddity,” “Changes” and the closing “Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide.” He does multiple costume changes and Ringo Starr even makes a brief backstage footage cameo!
Fleetwood Mac - Rumours Live (Rhino/Warner Bros.)
Backstory: Released in early 1977, Rumours continued to prove that the Fleetwood Mac lineup with Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham was a force to be reckoned with.
What’s inside: The exceptional, previously unreleased Rumours Live, available on CD, LP and digital, was recorded at the Los Angeles Forum in August ’77. It features all but two tracks off the rock band’s 11th studio album (among the top 10 best-selling titles of all time with more than 30 million copies sold).
For fans, there are several goosebump-inducing moments in the nearly 90-minute set, such as Buckingham’s sizzling guitar solo at the end of “Go Your Own Way,” the jubilant shuffle “Second Hand News,” keyboardist/singer Christine McVie’s tender “Songbird,” Nicks’ gritty tour-de-force vocal delivery on a frantic “Rhiannon” with alternate lyrics, and the subtle “Landslide,” which she introduces by saying, “City of Angels – with love, this is for you.”
Jimi Hendrix Experience - Live at the Hollywood Bowl: Aug. 18, 1967 (Legacy)
Backstory: Los Angeles concertgoers expecting a pleasant summer night of folk/pop at the Hollywood Bowl got a surprising jolt of abrasive, psychedelic-tinged rock music beforehand when Jimi Hendrix Experience served as the opening act for The Mamas & The Papas. That fiery nine-song set was performed in front of a sold-out audience less than a week before JHE’s debut album Are You Experienced arrived. Surprisingly, the show never turned up on a bootleg or had an official release – until now.
What’s inside: Eddie Kramer, Hendrix’s longtime recording engineer, restored the two-track audio. Live at the Hollywood Bowl: Aug. 18, 1967, is available on CD, 150-gram audiophile grade, individually numbered vinyl (U.S. pressings), and digitally. The liner notes feature several previously unseen concert and backstage photos by Henry Diltz and others. The band opens with a cover of The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” and Hendrix does a wicked guitar solo. Everything gets more intense with tunes by bluesmen Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters (an 8-minute-long “Catfish Blues”) and their own “Foxey Lady,” “Purple Haze” and “Fire.” At one point, Hendrix calls their slow-burn closing take on The Troggs’ “Wild Thing” an anthem and implores people to put their hands over their hearts in reverence to rock ‘n’ roll.
BOOKS
“Pink Floyd and The Dark Side of The Moon: 50 Years” by Martin Popoff (Motorbooks/Quarto Group)
What’s inside: Earlier this year, the landmark rock album received a splashy anniversary reissue. This slipcased coffee table book makes for a worthy companion. Popoff expertly delves into the songs’ lyrics and instruments, with chapters revolving around founder Syd Barrett, the Abbey Road recording sessions (techniques used, the role of engineer Alan Parsons), the artwork and packaging designed by Hipgnosis with Storm Thorgerson (and a side trip into the company’s other clients such as AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Genesis, etc.), the Dark Side of the Moon tours, and Pink Floyd’s subsequent albums before and after Roger Waters’ departure.
The author also writes about the various band members, session players, prog rock, the “Live at Pompeii” concert and film, Waters’ writing style, collectibles, and awards. A short discography, tour dates, photos of gig posters, advertisements and rare memorabilia round out the contents. A handy index is located at the end.
“Talking To My Angels” by Melissa Etheridge (Harper Wave)
What’s inside: The award-winning singer/songwriter/activist follows up her 2001 New York Times bestselling memoir “The Truth Is…,” with a revealing look at her life after a cancer battle, divorces, a spiritual awakening, the tragic death of her son to opioid addiction and more. Talking To My Angels” is a brisk read, where Etheridge quotes several of her song lyrics and tells how they related to her personally, opens up about childhood abuse, dealing with a distant mother, navigating the spotlight as a high-profile LGBTQ music performer and dealing with the COVID-19 lockdown with grace and candor.
It wasn’t long before the band was a mainstay on the still-influential music video channel and modern rock radio with “Longview,” “Basket Case,” “When I Come Around” (all three singles went to No. 1 at the format) and “Welcome to Paradise.” Then they floored many people at Lollapalooza ’94 (this writer included).
Dookie went onto be certified for 10 million sales in America and won a Grammy.
What’s inside: Marking an early 30th Anniversary, the limited edition 6LP and 4CD Deluxe Editions are both housed in a silver reflective lift-off box. They are a real treasure trove for fans. Tapping into the musicians’ offbeat humor, the vinyl box has a roll of Dookie dog poop bags, five-button set, air freshener, postcard, bumper sticker, kiss-cut large magnet sheet, paper airplane, a black-and-white “Coloring Page” cover lithograph insert, and a poster of the alternate cover art.
Grammy-winning author Bob Mehr penned a fascinating “Making of Dookie” piece in the 34-page booklet, which has numerous photos. After the blitzkrieg of the main album, the 4-track and cassette demos present embryonic takes of “Basket Case” and “Longview.” The outtakes record is highlighted by “Christie Road,” “J.A.R.” and a great cover of The Kinks’ “Tired of Waiting for You.” The short Woodstock ’94 set included here is incendiary; the tension is palpable at the end as unruly concertgoers throw mud, debris and storm the stage barricades. Even more supercharged is the full-length Live in Barcelona (originally an incomplete 1995 radio broadcast). They play several songs from indie releases and a cover of Operation Ivy’s “Knowledge,” frontman Billie Joe Armstrong constantly eggs the crowd on and tells security to let fans onstage at the end. Highly recommended.
Also available: 1LP in baby blue vinyl amazon.com
Elvis Presley - Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite (RCA/Legacy)
Backstory: This new Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite edition, marking the original double live LP’s 50th anniversary, is an essential addition to major Presley fans’ collections. The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s last great concert event was recorded at the Honolulu International Center Arena in January 1973 and beamed to multiple countries around the world (America received it three months later as a prime-time TV special). Nearly two dozen songs were packed into the 65-minute set. Elvis’ large band included legendary guitarist James Burton, bassist Jerry Scheff, drummer Ronnie Tutt, two sets of backing vocalists, an orchestra, and others.
What’s inside: Remixed from the original 16-track recordings, the sound is fuller than on previous reissues. Notable examples are Elvis’ powerful vocal delivery on the dramatic “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” “It’s Over” and “You Gave Me a Mountain” and tunes utilizing horns and/or orchestration like “American Trilogy” and “What Now My Love.” Highlights include “Suspicious Minds,” Burton’s psychedelic touches on a lightning quick “Hound Dog” and bluesy licks amid James Taylor’s “Steamroller Blues.”
The deluxe 3CD + Blu-ray (the visual format debut) package is housed in a nifty 8x8 box as on previous Elvis reissues. A four-panel slipcase jacket pulls out to reveal photos of The King, the concert stage and studio tape reel boxes. More rare images comprise the 28-page booklet with insightful liner notes by former L.A. Times music critic Randy Lewis and recollections from participants. The concert film boasts a noticeably sharper picture; both the Blu-ray and CDs have the previous night’s dress rehearsal show, plus bonus performance inserts done (via multiple takes) especially for the U.S.
Also available: 1LP, digital
Billy Joel - The Vinyl Collection, Vol.2 (Columbia/Sony Legacy)
Backstory: After many years of moderate-to-good-selling albums in the 1970s, Billy Joel finally found legitimate success with The Stranger and 52nd Street releases. But the Long Island singer/songwriter/pianist’s popularity skyrocketed in the decade to come.
What’s inside: The 11LP deluxe box set is primarily geared around Billy Joel’s 1980-1993 pop music catalog. A large scale, 62-page booklet sports a glossy cover and matte finish pages, with an informative essay by Rob Tannenbaum, Joel’s impressions on each album (Glass Houses was “probably the most fun”), lyrics, and photos.
Beyond the memorable big hits (“It’s Still Rock ‘n’ Roll to Me,” “You May Be Right,” “Allentown,” “Pressure,” “Tell Her About It,” “Uptown Girl,” “A Matter of Trust,” “Modern Woman,” “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” “I Go to Extremes,” “River of Dreams”), the box set provides a good opportunity to revisit equally worthy deep cuts. Here are some examples: “Sleeping with the Television On” (1980’s rock/new wave-leaning Glass Houses); the quiet harmonica-laced, Burt Bacharach/Hal David-styled ballad “Leave a Tender Moment Alone” (1983’s excellent tribute to early-to-mid ‘60s pop music An Innocent Man); jazzy rave up “Big Man on Mulberry Street” and the quirky Cyndi Lauper duet “Code of Silence” (1986’s The Bridge); “When in Rome” and the romantic, future Garth Brook chart-topper “Shameless” (1989’s Storm Front); the charming “Lullabye” (1993’s River of Dreams).
Another main attraction is the debut appearance of Live from Long Island, an exciting 21-song, December ’82 concert that originally aired on HBO and is among only a handful of Joel shows to ever be professionally filmed and recorded. The 3LP set is highlighted by an intense “Stiletto,” the intimate “Always a Woman,” and a totally rocking five-song final segment. 2001’s Fantasies & Delusions, an interesting double album of Joel classical compositions performed by pianist Hyung-ki Joo, also makes its vinyl debut here.
The Who - Who’s Next/Lifehouse (Universal Music Recordings)
Backstory: Frequently ranked toward the top tier of music magazines’ “all-time best albums” lists, The Who’s fifth studio release from 1971 was its most successful in America. The songs “Baba O’Riley,” “Behind Blue Eyes,” “Bargain,” “Going Mobile,” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again” all became staples on progressive rock radio (and later, the AOR format), with the latter making the top 20 on the pop charts.
What’s inside: The super deluxe 10CD/Blu-ray audio edition of the Who’s Next/Lifehouse box set is for true Who aficionados. There are 155 tracks (89 previously unreleased) and 57 new remixes. Regular Who engineer Jon Astley remastered the songs from the original tapes, while Steven Wilson oversaw Dolby Atmos and 5.1 surround mixes of the original album and 14 additional tracks on the Blu-ray. Everything packs a mighty punch.
Other items include a 100-page hardback book, 172-page Life House graphic novel, two gig posters, two concert programs, four buttons and a band photo with printed autographs. Over the course of the box set, singer/songwriter/guitarist/Pete Townshend’s prescient futuristic vision from the scuttled Life House project that initially began in 1969 as the follow-up to Tommy and morphed into Who’s Next is put into clearer focus.
For the uninitiated, hearing Townshend sing the demos that Roger Daltrey would eventually take over vocal verses on is a real treat – especially “Bargain,” “Behind Blue Eyes,” “Pure and Easy” (with extra verses and music), a leisurely “Won’t Get Fooled Again” aided by handclaps. Surprisingly, the 13-minute instrumental “Baba O’Riley” doesn’t get tiresome. A pair of 1971 concert recordings from London’s Young Vic and the San Francisco Civic Auditorium find The Who is fine, explosive form.
Also available in 2CD, 1LP configurations.
Devo – 50 Years of De-Evolution (Rhino)
Backstory: Influential, innovative, and unique, Devo was alternative music long before the term became commonplace. Early support from David Bowie, Iggy Pop, and Neil Young, helped the Akron, Ohio quintet secure a major label deal and debut album Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo! arrived in 1978. “Whip It” (and its popular video that pre-dated MTV) went to the top 20 on the pop chart and saw the band transition from early art-punk to new wave and electronic music with ease.
What’s inside: 50 Years of De-Evolution comes in a cool 4LP (clear) deluxe limited-edition slipcase set (exclusively through rhino.com), with 50 remastered hits and rarities, an album artwork lithograph, air freshener, paper energy dome, and a 28-page book. The song selections span Devo’s entire career, including such college/modern rock radio and dance club hits as “Freedom of Choice, “Girl U Want,” “Beautiful World,” “Peek-A-Boo,” “That’s Good,” “Through Being Cool,” “Working in the Coal Mine” and “Post Post-Modern Man.”
Also available in black 2LP, 2CD and digital configurations.
RETROSPECTIVES
The Beatles - 1962-1966 “The Red Album”; 1967-1970 “The Blue Album” (Apple Corps Ltd./Capitol/Universal Music Enterprises)
Backstory: The big news about 1962-1966 (The Red Album) and 1967-1970 (The Blue Album) is the inclusion of “Now and Then,” the final Beatles song, on the latter retrospective. Originally an unfinished John Lennon solo home demo from 1977, the song was briefly worked on by the surviving three Beatles in ’95 for the Anthology series but set aside due to poor sound quality and other issues. Director Peter Jackson’s sound isolating technology developed for his 2021 The Beatles: Get Back documentary was used to astonishing effect on “Now and Then.” Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr added vocals and instrumentation to what Lennon and Harrison had previously done.
What’s inside: Both collections are now expanded, with 12 more songs on The Red Album and 9 more on The Blue Album. Several tracks have new true stereo or Dolby Atmos mixes by Giles Martin and Sam Okell, with assistance from the Jackson/WingNut Films audio de-mixing technology.
The songs sound fresher than ever, with more depth. For example, Lennon’s exhale while singing “Girl” makes it seem like he’s in the room with you. All the instruments on “Strawberry Fields Forever” sound sharper in the new mix. “I Am the Walrus” – prompting much chatter online from hardcore Beatles fans lately – has a slightly different midsection and outro. Various sonic elements pop out amid “Magical Mystery Tour.” Even if you have other Beatles compilations, the Red and Blue are worth the money. Each edition also has new essays by journalist and author John Harris.
Available in various CD, LP, and digital configurations.
The Kinks – The Journey, Part 2 (BMG)
What’s inside: Cleverly divided into thematic sections, this anthology covers Kinks songs from 1965-75 with a sampling of concept albums The Kinks are the Village Green Preservation Society, Preservation Act 1, Preservation Act 2, Soap Opera, and other releases. The 2CD, 34-track and 2LP, 27-track editions include U.S./U.K. hits, album tracks, single B-sides, five new Ray Davies mixes (three previously unreleased live New Victoria Theatre versions), and liner notes with photos, and track-by-track recollections by members Ray Davies, Dave Davies, and Mick Avory. The gatefold 2LP sports a color archival photo. Highlights include “’Til the End of the Day,” “David Watts,” “A Well-Respected Man,” “Sunny Afternoon,” “Dedicated Follower of Fashion” and “20th Century Man.” Now guys: how about a reunion?
Also available digitally.
CONCERTS
David Bowie – Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders from Mars: The Motion Picture Soundtrack – 50th Anniversary Edition (Rhino/Parlophone)
Backstory: The final Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders from Mars performance was filmed at London’s Hammersmith Odeon by renowned filmmaker D.A. Pennebaker (Monterey Pop, Bob Dylan - Don't Look Back, Depeche Mode - 101) in July 1973.
A year later, ABC-TV broadcast a shortened cut, but it wasn’t until 1983 that the full 90-minute, 35mm film premiered theatrically worldwide alongside the soundtrack. Although the 2003 DVD reissue was an audio/visual improvement, there was still an overall dusky sheen and slightly better than average sound mix.
What’s inside: Pennebaker’s son Frazer and his team oversaw the new 50th Anniversary Edition - available in gold 2LP, gold 2CD, gold 2CD+Blu-ray - and it is a definite leap in quality. Frequent Bowie producer Tony Visconti did new stereo and 5.1 surround sound mixes. Frazer Pennebaker says in the accompanying booklet that scratches, dust specks and “occasional hairs in the gate of my father’s hand built 16mm camera” were removed and “the new 4K scan’s vibrant colors within the sharpness of the deep blacks has made it a brand-new film.” Indeed. The booklet also contains concert photos and a ’02 recollection from the original director.
An exciting 2023 edition selling point is the reinstated footage of Jeff Beck’s encore appearances on the thunderous “Jean Genie” (plus a Beatles’ “Love Me Do” snippet) and Chuck Berry’s “Round & Round.” The late veteran guitarist previously refused to authorize its inclusion. His talk box action and interplay with guitarist Mick Ronson are wonders to see and hear.
Other highlights: Ronno’s scintillating playing amid “Moonage Daydream,” “Suffragette City” and “Hang onto Yourself” as well as Bowie’s riveting vocals on ‘Space Oddity,” “Changes” and the closing “Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide.” He does multiple costume changes and Ringo Starr even makes a brief backstage footage cameo!
Fleetwood Mac - Rumours Live (Rhino/Warner Bros.)
Backstory: Released in early 1977, Rumours continued to prove that the Fleetwood Mac lineup with Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham was a force to be reckoned with.
What’s inside: The exceptional, previously unreleased Rumours Live, available on CD, LP and digital, was recorded at the Los Angeles Forum in August ’77. It features all but two tracks off the rock band’s 11th studio album (among the top 10 best-selling titles of all time with more than 30 million copies sold).
For fans, there are several goosebump-inducing moments in the nearly 90-minute set, such as Buckingham’s sizzling guitar solo at the end of “Go Your Own Way,” the jubilant shuffle “Second Hand News,” keyboardist/singer Christine McVie’s tender “Songbird,” Nicks’ gritty tour-de-force vocal delivery on a frantic “Rhiannon” with alternate lyrics, and the subtle “Landslide,” which she introduces by saying, “City of Angels – with love, this is for you.”
Jimi Hendrix Experience - Live at the Hollywood Bowl: Aug. 18, 1967 (Legacy)
Backstory: Los Angeles concertgoers expecting a pleasant summer night of folk/pop at the Hollywood Bowl got a surprising jolt of abrasive, psychedelic-tinged rock music beforehand when Jimi Hendrix Experience served as the opening act for The Mamas & The Papas. That fiery nine-song set was performed in front of a sold-out audience less than a week before JHE’s debut album Are You Experienced arrived. Surprisingly, the show never turned up on a bootleg or had an official release – until now.
What’s inside: Eddie Kramer, Hendrix’s longtime recording engineer, restored the two-track audio. Live at the Hollywood Bowl: Aug. 18, 1967, is available on CD, 150-gram audiophile grade, individually numbered vinyl (U.S. pressings), and digitally. The liner notes feature several previously unseen concert and backstage photos by Henry Diltz and others. The band opens with a cover of The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” and Hendrix does a wicked guitar solo. Everything gets more intense with tunes by bluesmen Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters (an 8-minute-long “Catfish Blues”) and their own “Foxey Lady,” “Purple Haze” and “Fire.” At one point, Hendrix calls their slow-burn closing take on The Troggs’ “Wild Thing” an anthem and implores people to put their hands over their hearts in reverence to rock ‘n’ roll.
BOOKS
“Pink Floyd and The Dark Side of The Moon: 50 Years” by Martin Popoff (Motorbooks/Quarto Group)
What’s inside: Earlier this year, the landmark rock album received a splashy anniversary reissue. This slipcased coffee table book makes for a worthy companion. Popoff expertly delves into the songs’ lyrics and instruments, with chapters revolving around founder Syd Barrett, the Abbey Road recording sessions (techniques used, the role of engineer Alan Parsons), the artwork and packaging designed by Hipgnosis with Storm Thorgerson (and a side trip into the company’s other clients such as AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Genesis, etc.), the Dark Side of the Moon tours, and Pink Floyd’s subsequent albums before and after Roger Waters’ departure.
The author also writes about the various band members, session players, prog rock, the “Live at Pompeii” concert and film, Waters’ writing style, collectibles, and awards. A short discography, tour dates, photos of gig posters, advertisements and rare memorabilia round out the contents. A handy index is located at the end.
“Talking To My Angels” by Melissa Etheridge (Harper Wave)
What’s inside: The award-winning singer/songwriter/activist follows up her 2001 New York Times bestselling memoir “The Truth Is…,” with a revealing look at her life after a cancer battle, divorces, a spiritual awakening, the tragic death of her son to opioid addiction and more. Talking To My Angels” is a brisk read, where Etheridge quotes several of her song lyrics and tells how they related to her personally, opens up about childhood abuse, dealing with a distant mother, navigating the spotlight as a high-profile LGBTQ music performer and dealing with the COVID-19 lockdown with grace and candor.
This article originally appeared at rockcellarmagazine.com.
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