"The Harvest Years" by SHIRLEY and DOLLY COLLINS (2008 EMI 2CD Set - Kathy Bryan Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

This 2CD set contains the album "Love, Death And The Lady" released May 1970

"…The Prospect Before Us…"

This August 2008 EMI 2CD compilation is a long overdue reissue of all the recordings the highly revered English Folk duo SHIRLEY and DOLLY COLLINS made for EMI's Harvest Label in the UK (most of it in the Seventies). 

As their albums are extraordinarily rare and hugely valuable on original vinyl - this remastered and specially priced 2CD overhaul is to be welcomed. Here's a bonny wee breakdown for "The Harvest Years" by SHIRLEY and DOLLY COLLINS on EMI 50999 2 28404 2 4 (Barcode 5099922840424)…

Disc 1 (67:52 minutes):

1. A Beginning

2. A Meeting - Searching For Lambs

3. A Courtship - The Wedding Song

4. A Denying - The Blacksmith 

5. A Forsaking - Our Captain Cried 

6. A Dream - Lowlands 

7. A Leave-Taking - Pleasant And Delightful

8. An Awakening - A Whitsun Dance

9. New Beginning - The Staines Morris

10. Rambleaway [Side 2]

11. Ca’ The Bowes

12. God Dog

13. Bonny Cuckoo

14. Nellie The Milkmaid

15. Gathering Rushes In The Month Of May

16. The Gower Wassail 

Tracks 1 to 16 is their debut album "Anthems In Eden" issued July 1969 in the UK on Harvest SHVL 754. Side 1 (tracks 1 to 9) is collectively called “A Song-Story”. 

17. The Sailor From Dover

18. Young John 

19. Short Jacket And White Trousers 

20. The Bold Fisherman

Tracks 17 to 20 are four outtakes from the "Love, Death And The Lady" sessions in 1970 (see Tracks 1 to 13 on Disc 2)

Disc 2 (73:31 minutes):

1. Death And The Lady

2. Glenlogie

3. The Oxford Girl

4. Are You Looking To Leave Me

5. The Outlandish Knight

6. Go From My Window

7. Young Girl Cut Down In Her Prime

8. Geordie [Side 2]

9. Salisbury Plain

10. Fair Maid Of Islington

11. Six Dukes

12. Polly On The Shore

13. Plains Of Waterloo

Tracks 1 to 13 is their 2nd album "Love, Death And The Lady" issued May 1970 in the UK on Harvest SHVL 771

14. Fare Thee Well My Dearest Dear

15. C’est La Fin/Pour Mon Cuer

16. Bonny Kate

17. Adieu To All Judges And Juries

18. Edo Beo Thu Hevene Quene

19. Black Joker/Black, White, Yellow And Green 

Tracks 14 to 19 are from the "Amaranth" LP issued August 1976 in the UK on Harvest SHSM 2008

Track 20 is “The Gallant Hussar” from the album "Son Of Morris On" by ASHLEY HUTCHINGS and Friends issued December 1976 in the UK on Harvest SHSM 2012

Track 21 is “Hopping Down In Kent” from the album "The Prospect Before Us" by THE ALBION DANCE BAND issued March 1977 in the UK on Harvest SHSP 4059

The 8-page booklet has an informed and enthusiastic essay on the Sussex sisters by DAVID SUFF - and along with TIMOTHY CHACKSFIELD - they organized and coordinated the compilation. 

KATHY BRYAN at EMI did the tape transfers/remasters and the sound quality is gorgeous - really clear, warm and full.

Shirley Collins held the lead vocals with Dolly playing flute-organ and occasional piano. The later recordings feature members of FAIRPORT CONVENTION.

It's worth noting that while some will describe this music as 'beautiful', I know others who pathologically hate it - simply can't listen to it at all. Without being the least bit flippant here, this is 'hardcore' Traditional English Folk and it's not going to be everyone's cup of Darjeeling. But, if they're prepared to give it a chance, even the uninitiated will find so much warmth and genuine heart here, because the songs are born of the real world. Most of the tunes have roots going back hundreds of years and tell of maids, family, weddings, struggle, ship life, poverty and war (one whole side of "Anthems In Eden" focuses on the women left behind as thousands of their men were slaughtered in pointless horror on the fields of France in World War I). Special mention should go to the four outtakes on Disc 1 - they're superb and fans of the sisters will eat them up - fully formed and beautifully produced - many will wonder why they've languished in vaults.

Dolly Collins died in September 1995; her sister Shirley received the MBE in 2007 and in 2008 was awarded the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for her contributions to English Folk music.

A typically excellent re-issue by EMI of important musical lights from England's wonderful traditional music scene. Recommended…

"Second Winter: Legacy Edition" by JOHNNY WINTER (2004 Columbia/Legacy 2CD Remaster) - A Review for Mark Barry...

"...Been A Long Time Coming..."

Winter's third album – the impossibly cool "Second Winter" (a 3-sided 2LP set where Side 4 was left blank deliberately) was his second platter for Columbia Records and delivered on the Boogie promise of his May 1969 label debut "Johnny Winter" (both vinyl treasures I've had on my turntables for over 45 years). I never in my wildest dreams thought Sony would afford "Second Winter" a 'Legacy Edition' 2CD set – yet they have – and they've come up with a fan-pleasing barnstormer into the axe-wielding bargain. Here are the fret-burning details...

UK and Europe released 18 October 2004 (August 2004 in the USA) - "Second Winter: Legacy Edition" by JOHNNY WINTER on Columbia/Legacy COL 511231 2 (Barcode 5099751123125) is a 2CD Remaster housed in a Stickered Plastic Outer Slipcase and plays outs as follows:

Disc 1 - "Second Winter" (55:13 minutes):

1. Memory Pain [Side 1]

2. I'm Not So Sure

3. The Good Love

4. Slippin' And Slidin' [Side 2]

5. Miss Ann

6. Johnny B. Goode

7. Highway 61 Revisited

8. I Love Everybody [Side 3]

9. Hustled Down In Texas

10. I Hate Everybody

11. Fast Life Rider

Tracks 1 to 11 are his 3rd studio album "Second Winter" - released 27 October 1969 in the USA as a 3-sided 2LP set on Columbia KCS 9947 and January 1970 in the UK on CBS 66321 (Side 4 was left blank on purpose). Produced by Johnny Winter – it peaked at No. 55 in the USA (December 1969) and made No. 59 in the UK (May 1970).

BONUS TRACKS (Previously Unreleased):

12. Early In The Morning

13. Tell The Truth (Instrumental)

MUSICIANS for the LP:

JOHNNY WINTER – Lead Vocals, Guitars & Mandolin

EDGAR WINTER – Piano, Organ, Harpsichord & Alto Sax

TOMMY SHANNON – Bass (except DENNIS COLLINS on “Good Love”)

"UNCLE" JOHN TURNER – Drums & Percussion

Disc 2 (72:10 minutes): "Live At The Royal Albert Hall 17 April 1970" – All Tracks PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED

1. Help Me

2. Johnny B. Goode

3. Mama Talk To Your Daughter

4. It's My Own Fault

5. Black Cat Bone

6. Mean Town Blues

7. Tobacco Road

8. Frankenstein

9. Tell The Truth

MUSICIANS for the Live Set:

JOHNNY WINTER – Lead Vocals, Electric and Slide Guitar

EDGAR WINTER – Saxophone, Keyboards and Vocals (Lead on "Frankenstein", Co-Lead with Johnny on "Tell The Truth")

TOMMY SHANNON – Bass

"UNCLE" JOHN TURNER – Drums

The 24-page Colour booklet features unpublished photos from the period, ANDY ALEDORT liner notes (Associate Editor for ‘Guitar World’ magazine) that include interviews with Johnny and Edgar Winter as well as the live band members who played the Royal Albert Hall show in April 1970 featured on Disc 2 – Bassist Tommy Shannon and Drummer John Turner. Each of the see-through CD trays features blue and white photos (in keeping with the original artwork) underneath the CDs.  JERRY RAPPAPORT produced the Legacy Edition while JOSEPH M. PALMACCIO did the overall Mastering. BOB AUGER recorded and mixed the Live set - produced for 2004 release by JERRY RAPPAPORT.

Some album covers are so damn cool – and “Second Winter” is one of them. Richard Avedon’s double-imaged picture is the very stuff of something simple turned into something great – that flying white hair suggesting guitar ecstasy – something fluid – like his playing. The album opens with a Percy Mayfield cover version – the wonderful “Memory Pain” – a hit for Mayfield way back in 1964 on Tangerine Records. Right from the off you get huge chugging guitar and the Remaster starts to shine. Not to be outdone by old magic – his own “I’m Not Sure” is superb – and introduces layers of keyboards in a Funky Stevie Wonder “Innervisions” kind of way. Bassist Dennis Collins plays once on the album – accompanying himself on his own “The Good Love” which Johnny turns into a rapidly played Rocker. That wicked track is followed by two out-and-out speedball classics – a duo of Little Richard Specialty sides – “Slippin’ And Slidin’” and “Mary Ann”. The piano boogie intro to “Slippin’ And Slidin’” reminds me so much of John Lennon’s version five years later on his 1975 “Rock ‘n’ Roll” album. About one-minute twenty into the piano and sax old time Rock 'n' Roll - Johnny lets rips with the most brilliant guitar solo - fusing the song into something so 1970. His six-minute cover of Dylan's "Highway 61 Revisited" is a souped-up slide fest but I've never been particularly fond of it.

The immediately impressive "I Love Everybody" turned up on the "Fill Your Head With Rock" CBS Records Double-Album Sampler in 1970 – alerting many a budding kid to his amazing guitar playing and slightly druggy nature (love that giggle at the start). "Hustled Down In Texas" has always been a fave of mine - rip-roaring up and down the frets like an unleashed freight train (you can hear him grunt in the solo). The organ-jazzy "I Hate Everybody" is a rapid-fire hybrid between Georgie Fame scat and Winter's chugging rhythm and the last cut - the seven-minute "Fast Life Rider" is even more experimental - feeling like a Drums and Guitar for much of its duration. Better for me is a Previously Unreleased cover of a Louis Jordan classic "Early In The Morning". The remaster is remarkable - mixed in 2004 by THOM CADLEY at Sony's studios in New York. It's a raucous rocker that would have ended the album better than "Fast Life Rider". That boogie is followed by another cover – this time we’re given the R&B flavored instrumental “Tell The Truth” by Ray Charles – a song the band turns into a 9-minute celebration on the live set (lyrics and all). Both could easily have been slotted onto a Side 4 of the album with some quickly recorded covers thrown in...ah well...

Johnny asks the crowd "...what's happening..." as he begins the live set. Immediately you're hit by the sheer power of his band and that incredible playing. The drums and bass of Sonny Boy Williamson's "Help Me" are spot on with the vocals maybe a little too far back. Things really start to jump with his Chuck Berry fave "Johnny B. Goode" where he assures the pleased audience that 'he played his guitar just like ringing a bell' - and indeed he did. J.B. Lenoir's cautionary tale "Mama Talk To Your Daughter" boogies even more - the band cooking by now. He brings it down to some real power Blues with B.B. King's "It's My Own Fault" - eleven and half minutes of fabulous Rock-Blues from a master player. His own "Black Cat Bones" livens things up considerably with some sensational slide playing but that's as nothing to the brilliant Bo Diddley chug of "Mean Town Blues" that bops along like ZZ Top for a full eleven minutes. We get all jerky motion and Cream with their cover of "Tobacco Road" - a fantastic organ and guitar spectacle with rapped vocals from Edgar that very cleverly leads into the big one - a 9-minute "Frankenstein". The single would sit on top of the American charts in instrumental form in April 1973 (Epic 10967). Even though there are only four of them onstage - they seem to be making the racket of six. Drummer Turner gets his solo during "Frankenstein" which admittedly goes on a tad - but it ends on that huge riffage (no keyboards yet). They finish up with a crowd-pleasing "Tell The Truth" - a bopper that sees Johnny let rip while Edgar joins him on the verses and some rapid-fire scat.

Like many I suspect - I used to take Johnny Winter albums for granted. But since his sad passing I can't seem to get enough of him and his astonishing playing. Dreadful puns aside - there's no Johnny Winter of discontent here folks...

PS: If you want more - check out his late Seventies collaborations with MUDDY WATERS on Blue Sky Records which feature Winter producing and playing on all (see the 3CD "Original Album Classics" box set). See also my review for the "Woodstock Experience" version of "Johnny Winter" his debut for Columbia Records in 1969. It comes with a superb bonus disc of period live material and beautiful packaging including a poster (see reviews)...

"Indianola Mississippi Seeds" by B. B. KING (1995 Beat Goes On CD Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"...Can't Break Loose Of These Chains And Things..."

Eagles Producer Bill Szymczyk first hooked up with B.B. King for the June 1969 "Live And Well" LP on BluesWay – then helmed the superb December 1969 studio album "Completely Well" too. Those two well-received live and studio sets introduced B.B. King classics like "The Thrill Is Gone" and "So Excited" to a new audience (largely white boys digging the Blues) and more importantly helped the legendary Blues Boy break the Billboard album charts after decades of absence - "Live And Well" made No. 56 and "Completely Well" went higher to No. 38.

Meanwhile on his 1969 travels to Cleveland - Bill Szymczyk spots a local band fronted by an amazing guitar player/singer rocking a club. It was The James Gang and the axe maestro was of course Joe Walsh.

Although beloved in the industry for her songwriting genius with Gerry Goffin and her largely unnoticed band work with The City – in 1970 Carole King hadn’t made "Tapestry" yet and wasn’t the household name she would become throughout 1971 and beyond. Oklahoma songwriter and keyboardist Leon Russell had only just released his self-titled debut LP "Leon Russell" in December 1969 on Shelter Records (Joe Cocker would cover "Delta Lady" from it and create a hit – BB King would do "Hummingbird" - also on that album). Soulful backing singer Merry Clayton had famously duetted with Mick Jagger on The Rolling Stones classic "Gimme Shelter" from their classic "Let It Bleed" album in 1969 and was about to emerge into the limelight in 1970 with her own debut album on A&M/Ode 70 Records not surprisingly called "Gimme Shelter” (see review).

The point of this musical history lesson is that B.B. King's 1970 LP "Indianola Mississippi Seeds" (Produced by Bill Szymczyk) brought 'all' of these mercurial talents together for the first time. And I'd argue that in 2016 - it's one of those criminally 'overlooked' albums that shouldn't be. Time to rectify that careless oversight on our part - we children of Alan Freed and a frothing Robert Johnson. Here are the plugged-in watermelon details...

UK released June 1995 (reissued December 2008) – "Indianola Mississippi Seeds" by B.B. KING on Beat Goes On BGOCD 237 (Barcode 5017261202376) is a straightforward CD transfer/remaster of that album and plays outs as follows (39:33 minutes):

1. Nobody Loves Me But My Mother

2. You're Still My Woman

3. Ask Me No Questions

4. Until I'm Dead And Cold

5. King's Special

6. Ain't Gonna Worry My Life Anymore [Side 2]

7. Chains And Things

8. Go Underground

9. Hummingbird

Tracks 1 to 9 are the album "Indianola Mississippi Seeds" – released October 1970 in the USA on ABC Records ABCS-713 and October 1970 in the UK on Probe Records SPBA 6255 (gatefold sleeve in both countries). Produced by BILL SZYMCZYK with Strings and Horns arranged by JIMMIE HASKELL. It peaked at No. 26 on the US LP charts. Tracks 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6 are written by B.B. King – Tracks 2, 7 and 8 co-written with B.B. King and Dave Clark – Track 9 is a Leon Russell cover version. 

MUSICIANS:

B.B. KING - All Lead Vocals & Guitar

JOE WALSH - Rhythm Guitar on "Ask Me No Questions", "King's Special" and "Hummingbird"

CAROLE KING - Piano on "You're Still My Woman", "Until I'm Dead And Cold" and "Ain't Gonna Worry My Life Anymore"

CAROLE KING - Electric Piano on "Ain't Gonna Worry My Life Anymore" and "Chains And Things"

LEON RUSSELL - Piano on "Ask Me No Questions", "King's Special" and "Go Underground"

MERRY CLAYTON - Backing Vocals

BRYAN GARAFALO - Bass

RUSS KUNKEL - Drums

45s released around the LP:

1. Hummingbird b/w Ask Me No Questions

July 1970 USA 7" single on ABC Records 45-11268

August 1970 UK 7" single on Stateside SS 2176

2. Chains And Things [Edit] b/w King's Special [Edit]

October 1970 USA 7” single on ABC Records 45-ABC-11280

Chains And Things b/w King's Special

February 1971 UK 7" single on Probe PRO 516 (no edits)

3. Ask Me No Questions b/w Nobody Loves Me But My Mother

February 1971 USA 7" single on ABC Records ABC-11290

Ask Me Questions/Help The Poor b/w Hummingbird

June 1971 UK 7" single on Probe Records PRO 528 (Note: the A-side has two tracks)

The 8-page inlay has basic but entertaining liner notes from JOHN TOBLER. This is 1995 BGO – so the booklet isn’t like their 20-page tomes of late nor is there a pretty card slipcase (mores the pity) and could frankly do with some updating. It doesn’t say who did the Remaster but it was carried out at 'Sound Recording Technology in Cambridge' in early 1995. The audio is great – meaty in all the right ways. It has a very analogue feel - hissy in some places - but alive and kicking for all that.

With just B.B.accompanying himself on piano - it opens with the witty "Nobody Loves Me But My Mother" where the Blues Boy bemoans his womanless fate. Nobody loves him and he ain't sure about his mother either (could be jiving him). Next up is the slinky "You're Still My Woman" and we're introduced to another 'secret weapon' in the sessions - a writer's credit to a one 'Dave Clark'. B.B. co-wrote three of the songs with this Tennessee songwriting genius and although Clark never managed an album of his own – his songs crop up like good pennies in cool places. Clark’s "Homework" was covered by The J. Geils Band on their debut and used as a 7" single. "Homework" also turned up on the Fleetwood Mac and Friends double-album "Blues Jam At Chess" on Blue Horizon. B.B. would co-write with Clark again on the 1972 album "L.A. Midnight" on ABC Records (Probe Records in the UK). ABC decided to use Clark's wonderful "Chains And Things" as a 45 and you can so hear why. This sneaky electric piano riffs comes sailing in (Carole King) and it’s that fabulous 70ts fusion of Blues and Rock and Soul all rolled into one (a highlight for sure).

There are two funky instrumentals - "King's Special" (preceded by some studio chatter) features the band of King, Walsh, Carole and Leon all boogieing the session in a hipster jam. It's the kind of cool Rock-Soul-Funky instrumental that will turn up on some Soul Jazz double-album compilation in the next few years - an example of a long lost wicked groove that kids of today need to know about. The other is the Side 2 opener "Ain't Gonna Worry My Life Anymore" which is a weird one - like two songs in one - both different but excellent grooves. "Go Underground" hails from the "Completely Well" sessions and is a Funky bopper - could have been a great single. His cover of Leon Russell's "Hummingbird" ends the record on another Funky Blues vibe - great piano and those orchestrated strings. The bass is so sweet, Leon plays piano on his own tune and Joe Walsh gives it some chug in the Rhythm section and Merry comes in with the choir voices at the finale.

"Indianola Mississippi Seeds" is a wicked album filled with musical bodies that only complimented and enhanced the great man's mojo.

"...She gets me where I live..." - B.B. King sings on the cool "Hummingbird". Well plug me into that watermelon one more time...

"Play Me: The Complete Uni Studio Recordings…Plus!" by NEIL DIAMOND (2002 MCA/Universal 3CD Set – Erick Labson Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

This 3CD Set has the album "Tap Root Manuscript" released November 1970

"...She Would Ache For Love...And Get Only Stones..." 

Including 6 whole LPs issued between 1968 and 1972, a rare B-side and 7 live cuts relevant to the time period – there’s a ton of stuff on the Neil Diamond retrospective "Play Me: The Complete Uni Studio Recordings..." 

In order to get a grip on this Universal 3CD motherlode – I’ve broken it down into disc-by-disc details. Here goes...

USA and UK released May 2003 - "Play Me: The Complete Uni Studio Recordings…Plus!" by NEIL DIAMOND on MCA/Universal 088 112 824 2 (Barcode 008811282424) plays out as follows (all songs written by Diamond unless otherwise noted):

Disc 1 (79:56 minutes):

His first Uni Records LP "Velvet Gloves And Spit" was released in two versions at two different times - so I’ve shown how to sequence either variant (7/1 = Track 7, Disc 1 etc): 

"Velvet Gloves And Spit" – released October 1968 LP in the USA on Uni Records 73030

1. Sunday Sun (7/1)

2. A Modern Day Version Of Love (2/1)

3. Honey-Drippin’ Times (3/1)

4. The Pot Smoker’s Song (4/1)

5. Brooklyn Roads (5/1)

6. Two-Bit Manchild (1/1)

7. Holiday Inn Blues (8/1)

8. Practically Newborn (9/1)

9. Knackelflerg (10/1)

10. Merry-Go-Round (11/1)

"Velvet Gloves And Spit" – the May 1970 US reissue LP on Uni Records 73030 (Different Sleeve with repositioned tracks including an additional re-recording of “Shilo”)

1. Two-Bit Manchild (1/1)

2. A Modern Day Version Of Love (2/1)

3. Honey-Drippin’ Times (3/1)

4. The Pot Smoker’s Song (4/1)

5. Brooklyn Roads (5/1)

6. Shilo (6/1)

7. Sunday Sun (7/1)

8. Holiday Inn Blues (8/1)

9. Practically Newborn (9/1)

10. Knackelflerg (10/1)

11. Merry-Go-Round (11/1)

12. Bread Old Woman (6 A.M. Insanity) – non-album B-side to the 1968 US 45 for "Two-Bit Manchild" on Uni 55075

13. Brother Love's Travelling Salvation Show

14. Dig In

15. River Runs, New Grown Plums

16. Juliet

17. Long Gone

18. And The Grass Won’t Pay No Mind

19. Glory Road

20. Deep In The Morning

21. If I Knew Your Name

22. Memphis Streets

23. You’re So Sweet Houseflies Keep Hangin’ ‘Round Your Face

24. Hurtin’ You Don’t Come Easy

Tracks 13 to 24 on Disc 1 are the first pressing of the album “Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show” – May 1969 LP on Uni Records 73047. However, it was reissued in September 1969 with the hit “Sweet Caroline” added on as the last track on Side 2 (the album also renamed and re-sleeved as “Sweet Caroline”). 

25. Sweet Caroline (Good Times Never Seemed So Good)

Track 25 is the A-side of a USA 7” single on Uni Records 55136 (“Dig In” was its B-side). Also on the “Sweet Caroline” LP – see Tracks 13 to 24 above

26. Everybody’s Talkin'

Track 26 is the opening song on Side One of the "Touching You Touching Me" LP – released December 1969 in the USA on Uni Records 7307. Track 26 is a Fred Neil cover version. 

Disc 2 (77:26 minutes):

1. Mr. Bojangles [Jerry Jeff Walker cover]

2. Smokey Lady

3. Holly Holy

4. Both Sides Now [Joni Mitchell cover]

5. And The Singer Sings His Song

6. Ain’t No Way

7. New York Boy

8. Until It’s Time For You To Go [Buffy Sainte-Marie cover]

Tracks 1 to 8 on Disc 2 make up the remainder of the US LP “Touching You Touching Me” (note “Sweet Caroline” (25/1) was an additional track on the UK LP)

9. Cracklin’ Rosie

10. Free Life

11. Coldwater Morning

12. Done Too Soon

13. He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother [Bob Russell, Bobby Scott song – Hollies cover]

14. Childsong

15. I Am The Lion

16. Madrigal

17. Soolaimon

18. Missa

19. African Suite

20. Childsong (Reprise)

Tracks 9 to 20 are the whole album of “Tap Root Manuscript” – November 1970 LP on Uni Records 73092

21. I Am…I Said

22. The Last Thing On My Mind [Tom Paxton cover]

23. Husbands And Wives [Roger Miller cover]

24. Chelsea Morning [Joni Mitchell cover]

Tracks 21 to 24 are Side 1 of the album “Stones” – November 1971 LP on Uni Records 93106

Disc 3 (77:27 minutes):

1. Crunchy Granola Suite

2. Stones

3. If You Go Away [Jacques Brel – Rod McKuen cover]

4. Suzanne [Leonard Cohen cover]

5. I Think It’s Gonna Rain Today [Randy Newman cover]

6. I Am…I Said (Reprise)

Tracks 1 to 6 are Side 2 of the “Stones” LP

7. Song Sung Blue

8. Porcupine Pie

9. High Rolling Man

10. Canta Libre

11. Captain Sunshine

12. Play Me

13. Gitchy Goomy

14. Walk On Water

15. Theme

16. Prelude I E Major

17. Morningside

Tracks 7 to 17 are the whole album “Moods” – July 1972 LP on Uni Records 93136

LIVE BONUS TRACKS:

18. Lordy (Live)

19. Kentucky Woman (Live)

20. Thank The Lord For The Night Time (Live)

Tracks 18, 19 and 20 are live bonus songs from the “Neil Diamond/Gold” album of August 1970

21. Solitary Man (Live)

22. Cherry, Cherry (Live)

23. Red, Red Wine (Live)

24. Girl, You’ll Be A Woman Soon (live)

Tracks 21, 22, 23 and 24 are from the December 1972 live double “Hot August Night”

The 24-page booklet has full Discography info including mini pictures of the album artwork and incisive liner notes by Robyn Flans (of People Magazine). But the big news is the 96K/24bit remasters by ERICK LABSON of Universal – a man who has over 1200 restoration credits to his name including most of the Chess Label.

The sound quality here is awesome and adds huge power to the “Stones” and “Moods” albums in particular. “Cracklin’ Rose”, “Shiloh”, “I Am…I Said”, “Song Sung Blue” – they’re all here. But for me the best here is the double-winner of “Stones” backed up by the funky “Crunchy Granola Suite” – a genius 7” single from 1972.

Even when he’s tackling cover versions like Tom Paxton’s “The Last Thing On My Mind” or the gorgeous Midnight Cowboy song “Everybody’s Talkin’” – Diamond manages to respect the original while adding his own slice of Neil to it somehow. The earlier albums too are all but forgotten now and yet there’s blindingly good stuff on them like the plaintive “Brooklyn Roads”, the Spanish Guitar Walker Brothers melodrama of “A Modern Day version of Love” or the very Fred Neil warmth of “Hurting You Don’t Come Easy” (issued as a 45 B-side to “Holly Holy” in the UK and USA in November 1969). Jumping forward to 1972’s “Moods” LP and both “Gitchy Goomy” (fun) and the hurting “Morningside” sound gorgeous too (superb audio quality). And on it goes...

"...L.A.'s fine…the sun shines most the time…and the feeling's laid back…"

The 3CD haul of "Play Me: The Complete Uni Studio Recordings...Plus!" is probably more Big D than most can handle (a single disc "Best Of" would probably suffice). But if you're prepared to dig a bit deeper and embrace your inner Neil - the good stuff is great – and that audio quality will blow you away…

PS: For other superb Erick Labson remasters see my reviews for...

1. Gold by STEPPENWOLF (2CD Set)

2. The Complete Hit Singles by THREE DOG NIGHT

3. The London Howlin' Wolf Sessions by HOWLIN' WOLF featuring ERIC CLAPTON and members of the ROLLING STONES (2CD Deluxe Edition)

4. Not Fade Away - The Complete Studio Recordings And More by BUDDY HOLLY (6CD Book Set)

5. Greatest Hits Volume 2 - The ABC/Dunhill/MCA Years by BOBBY BLAND

6. Real Folk Blues/More Real Folk Blues by MUDDY WATERS  

"Pendulum: 40th Anniversary Edition" by CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL (2008 Concord CD Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"...Pagan Baby..."

CCR's popular catalogue had been subject to endless CD reissue in jewel cases and digipaks throughout the 80s and 90s – some good – some ok – some just plain naff. Determined to quash the digital mess – Universal unleashed this most American of bands and their formidable back catalogue on the world in 2008 via Concord Music, Inc. Each album from their July 1968 self-titled debut "Creedence Clearwater Revival" through to December 1970's "Pendulum" got all spruced up - given cool-looking round-corner jewel cases, expanded booklets, extra tracks and stunning new remasters.

But Creedence being such an iconic '60ts' band - their opening salvo for 1970 – the mighty "Pendulum" - always seems to get overlooked in lieu of its more adored predecessors "Bayou Country", "Green River", "Cosmo's Factory" and "Willy And The Poor Boys". 
Time to sing the praises of CCR's most varied platter...

USA released September 2008 (October 2008 in the UK) – "Pendulum: 40th Anniversary Edition" by CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL on Universal/Fantasy/Concord Music Group, Inc. 0888072308817 (Barcode 888072308817) is an 'Expanded' CD Remaster and plays out as follows (54:18 minutes):

1. Pagan Baby

2. Sailor's Lament

3. Chameleon

4. Have You Seen The Rain

5. (Wish I Could) Hideaway

6. Borne To Move [Side 2]

7. Hey Tonight

8. It's Just The Thought

9. Molina

10. Rude Awakening No. 2

Tracks 1 to 10 are their 6th studio album "Pendulum" - released December 1970 in the USA on Fantasy F-8410 and January 1971 in the UK on Liberty LBG 83400. John Fogerty wrote all songs and Produced – the album peaked at No. 5 on the US LP charts and No. 8 in the UK.

BONUS TRACKS:

11. 45 Revolutions Per Minute Part 1

12. 45 Revolutions Per Minute Part 2

Tracks 11 and 12 are the A & B-sides of a US promo-only 7" single on Fantasy 2832/3 released in 1970. Both sides are nearly all dialogue

13. Hey Tonight (Live in Hamburg, Germany, 17 September 1971) - Previously Unreleased

CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL was:

JOHN FOGERTY – Lead Vocal, Guitar and Organ

TOM FOGERTY – Rhythm Guitar and Backing Vocals

STU COOK – Bass and Backing Vocals

DOUG CLIFFORD – Drums and Backing Vocals

Quite why the tracks were put in a different running order on the rear sleeve has always puzzled me (why is "Borne" spelt with an 'e') - but it's nice to see that the live photo by Baron Walman of Fogerty fronting the band that was on the inner gatefold of my Liberty Records album is used as a centre-page spread in the 16-page booklet. JOEL SLEVIN provides insightful liner notes that include an interview with main man John Fogerty about their aspirations to fill the slot left by the recently broken up Beatles (Fogerty wanted John, Tom, Stu and Doug to be as well known as John, Paul, George and Ringo – almost got there John). There are photos of the band in the studio and repro’s of rare 45 picture sleeves for "Hey Tonight" and "Have You Ever Seen The Rain". There is discussion on the rare CCR promo '45 Revolutions' - Doug Clifford imitating Top 40 bay Area DJ Tom Campbell - the boys giggling and goofing off. A three-piece band fronts the Previously Unreleased "Hey Tonight" recorded in Hamburg on the band's final tour for the "Live In Europe" album (which would turn out to be the band's last performance). There are reissue credits and colour photos - very tasty...

Side 1 opens with a total kick-ass winner - the brilliant riff of "Pagan Baby" - 6:23 minutes of pure Creedence genius. In truth it probably goes on for a little 'too' long - but I've always loved it and the remaster here is magnificent. By immediate contrast we get the keyboard choogle of "Sailor's Lament" where the boys sing "shame...it's a shame..." as a refrain throughout.  Fogerty gives it some brass fills on the hugely likeable "Chameleon" - but classic status has to go to the gorgeous and simple strum of "Have You Ever Seen Rain" (with or without a question mark). We get a bit Hammond B-3 organ on the Bluesy "(Wish) I Could Hide Away" - and again a fabulous remaster brings it to life.

Side 2 opens with another crave of mine "Borne To Move" - surely the great unreleased 45 that never was - boogieing and strutting like only CCR could. What a winner and all it sounding fresh as a newly minted decimal pound (dig that Bass and Drum break). There can be few CCR fans who don't get a rush to the solar plexus at the opening seconds of the brilliant "Hey Tonight" - relegated to the B-side of "Have You Ever Seen The Rain" in the UK on Liberty LBF 15440 (released March 1971 in the UK). Sounding not unlike The Moody Blues - the organ of "It's Just A Thought" expands their sound beyond that of just guitar and drums. Both it and "Molina" sound stupendous here. And it ends on their "Tomorrow Never Knows" Psych/Prog freak out moment - "Rude Awakening No. 2" - a cacophony of backwards Guitars and strangulated Keyboard sounds that left many baffled and perhaps a tad disappointed.

If you wanted more - “Pendulum” has been thrown into two worthy Box Sets – June 2009’s 7-disc replica sleeves of “Creedence Clearwater Revival (40th Anniversary Editions)” on Fantasy/Concord Music Group. Inc. 0888072315716 - or the March 2015 6-disc Box Set of “1961-1972” - that contains the pre-CCR Gollywogs material and some Previously Unreleased. But bluntly with this album and the other five on Amazon at less than four quid each – complete with booklets, extras and that gorgeous sound – I find these single disc reissues are the simplistic ones for me...

"...You keep on changing your face..." - John Fogerty sings on "Chameleon". Nothing changes my love for this band or this great album. I know it's not all genius and some even dislike it - but I'm a sucker for CCR and this '40th Anniversary CD Edition' of "Pendulum" is the one to nab...