Archival Posts 2003 January12-18

January 17,2003

Some updates on the upcoming finish to the Grand Funk Remaster Series. If you're a fan of Grand Funk Railroad, then the second wave of remasters will make you happy only if you followed their career through their singles phase. The discs are:

Shinin' On w/Bonus Tracks:
"Destitute & Losin'" - B-Side
and a 2002 remix of "Shinin' On"

All The Girls In The World Beware

Caught in the Act (Live)

Born to Die w/ Bonus Tracks:
"Bare Naked Woman" (Live Rehearsal)
and "Genevieve" (Live Rehearsal)

These discs are a labour of love from Capitol. I have a review posted on their "Live Album" form the series. I recently acquired "Survival" which has 5 bonus tracks including a riveting "Jam" that eventually became "Footstompin' Music". These four remaining discs willbe released on February 25.

If you had any thought on picking up any of the upcoming second wave of 24 bit remasters for Simple Minds, you'd better prepare. The discs are being released on February 25 and will include the previously unavailable in the US title of "Neapolis" (1998). The reason for the rush is the fact that Virgin is releasing only 5000 units of each title. The titles are:

Once Upon a Time
Live in the City of Light - 2CD
Neapolis
Street Fighting Years
Real Life
Good News From The Next World

These titles are packaged as limited edition mini versions of the original vinyl. You can acquire this first wave of titles prior to "Once Upon a Time" that were released on January 7 with another push on May 20th:

Empires and Dance
Life in a Day
New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84)
Reel to Real Cacaphony
Sons & Fascination/Sister Feelings
Sparkle in the Rain

At least 4 of the above titles were out of print. Their scarcity and collectibility will be enhanced by the packaging and the fact that this second wave (May 20) will produce only 3000 units to sell, per title. Don't wait and be disappointed.

On March 11, EMI will release 4 Red Hot Chili Peppers reissues:

Red Hot Chili Peppers
Freaky Styley
Mother's Milk
Uplift MoFo Party Plan

There are no details as of yet.

There is a whisper of a Liz Phair release in May. Also, Delerium fans may be interested in knowing that "Chimera" is on schedule for May 20.

It appears that the April 22 DVD-Audio release of Bonnie Raitt's "Nick of Time" is now on hold. Reasonings can extend from potential inclusion of a CD layer as they now plan for DVD-A releases or cold DVD-A feet. Additionally, EMI's SACD releases including Norah Jones' "Come Away With Me" are on hold.

The release date for Warner/Rhino's R.E.M. "Document" is now February 11. Not only has REM's title been pushed back, but also The Band and their DVD-A title, "Music From Big Pink". It, too, is available on February 11.

Expected major releases by the following artists are TBD (to be determined) meaning the dates are not set in stone:

Everclear - Slow Motion Daydream - March 11
Sarah Brightman - Harem - March 25
Blur - March 25
Atomic Kitten - April 1
Robbie Williams - Escapeology - April 1
Lisa Marie Presley - To Whom It May Concern - April 8
Queen Latifah - April 8
Storm - April 8
Dwele - April 22
Thalia - April 22
Dandy Warhols - May 6
Liz Phair - May 20
Delerium - Chimera - May 20
BT - June 3

The following major reissues being reverentially whispered in the halls:

George Harrison - Bangla Desh
Steve Miller - Greatest Hits
Heart - Essential

Did somebody say Weekend?

January 16, 2003

A note concerning the Motley Crue reissues. I just got off the phone with Universal and they confirmed the upcoming release of the catalog in remastered form and coming from Hip-O Records. While the actual dates have slipped off the schedules, we were promised an upcoming press release. We'll let you know as soon as it's received. We promise to keep you abreast of the dates.

We reported last week that Linkin Park had an album coming out in March. The actual date is March 25. They kept this one pretty hush hush. I don't know why...but, in any case, you are now in the know as far as Linkin Park is concerned. And good for Norah Jones who entered the numero uno spot on Billboard with "Come Away With Me".

I'm seeing a March 25 release for Type O Negative's next Roadrunner album, "The Dream is Dead".

Let's have us a detailed look at February 25th release schedule from Universal. Even though we have alerted you to the release dates of these albums, we haven't looked at the details. So...:

Mindi Abair - It Just Happens That Way - GRP Records
Sexy lookin' saxophonist, Mindi Abair, gets her jazz goin' with her debut on GRP. With her first single from the album getting airplay in Jazz and Pop markets.
American Hi-Fi - The Art of Losing - Island/DefJam
The sophomore release by American Hi-Fi, whose debut album went gold, contains an enhanced CD with "The Art of Losing" video, behind the scenes footage and other things.
Cinder - Break Your Silence - Geffen
This debut was produced by Stone Temple Pilot's Scott Weiland.
Roy Clark - Absolutely the Best, Vol 1 - Fuel2000 Records
14 Digitally remastered original recordings reflecting his years with Capitol Records. Remember Hee-Haw?
The Jam - The Sound of The Jam - Interscope/Polydor
This English trio that featured Paul Weller releases a companion disc of 20 cuts and tied into the release of the double DVD set, "The Complete Jam", also on the same date. "Going Underground" and "Start!" are included.
Leadbelly - Absolutely the Best - In Concert, Volume 2 - Fuel2000 Records
This 2nd volume floats on the success of the first volume, which sold more than 16,000 units. The 16 songs are digitally remastered and include "Goodnight Irene" and "Rock Island Line".
Lyle Lovett - Smile - MCA/Curb
This collection of tunes are songs that have found their way into films. With 12 songs, this set enhances the library of Lovett fans.
Ben Webster - Soulville - Verve - Reissue (1957)
This reissued album of music from the legendary Ben Webster feature 10 songs of which three are bonus tracks, rare recordings of his young years as he played the piano. The disc feature original cover art with new notes, photos, etc .
Fitzgerald & Armstrong - Ella and Louis Again - Verve - Reissue (1957)
This one time double LP is reissued as a 2 CD set. With 19 songs.
Abba - On and On - Universal Special Product
A special edition with a small selection of hits. It's why it's a low priced edition.
The Movielife - 40 Hour Train Back to Penn - DriveThru Records
This is the 3rd full length fromt he band. This disc contains enhanced content along with a bonus CD. The bonus CD offers an unreleased acoustic "Sailor's Tattoo" as well as songs from other DriveThru Records labelmates. An 8 song promo disc, that is.
Status Quo - Heavy Traffic - Hip-O Records
An album of new material from Britain's boogie masters back in the day - The 70s.
Strawbs - Millennium Collection - 20th Century Masters - A&M Records
Another of the highly successful Millennium Collection Series. Strawbs produced some very cool stuff in the 70s. This set highlights that output partially as it should be. Box Sets are always better. This set feature 96k/24bit mastering from the originals.
Style Council - 20th Century Masters: Millennium Collection - Polydor
Britain's (didn't all the great ones come from there?) post Jam issue with Paul Weller produced some very enduring songs during it's run. Those songs are on this collection.
Donna Summer - 20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection - Mercury (Casablanca)
Donna Summer, the bad girl of the 70s (more or less) produced a string of singles that is yet to be rivaled. This collection of songs showcase her slinky talents and will be a satisfying purchase for Donna Summer completists.

I see where LA Guns is slated for a 20th Century Masters workover to be released on June 3. Traffic gets the same on May 20. Also, on the horizon, Powerman 5000 with a title TBA scheduled for release on May 20 from Dreamworks. A Stryper 'Greatest Hits' is penciled in for March 25 from Hollywood Records while Wayne Shorter gets a March 25 release date from Verve Records. More on these titles as the release date approaches.

I've droned on long enough. Enjoy your day. I'll talk with you again on Friday. Now pop over to the Bits and get your DVD news.

Good Morning Dan.

January 15, 2002

We have an update on the upcoming Dylan SACDs for you. I received an official press release for the discs from one of our readers who attended CES. The press release's wording concerning the dates of issue simply states "...this Fall." While we've heard earlier, this confirms the window at least. As the details unfold, we'll be there to bring 'em to you.

Epic/Legacy is rightfully compiling a Clash Essentials and will release the 2 disc collection on March 11. The set will feature 40 songs that are digitally remastered and was worked on by Strummer before his death. Hot!

I don't know if anyone remembers the late and very entertaining Ian Dury who issued the fantastic "New Boots and Panties" on Stiff Records back in the late 70s. If you do, then you might take interest in his son's musical output. Baxter Dury's "Len Parrot's Memo" will be released on February 4 and is already considered a very good album. I haven't heard it but plan to remedy that soon.

Also on February 4 is a Crawler disc, "Pastime Dreamer". While I have attempted to contact the label concerning this title, I believe it to be a live disc. I already have this as a 20 bit digital remaster. It features live recordings of two concerts as well as a Radio Interview bonus track. I'd like to think that I'm wrong and Red Steel Records is issuing a nice 'best of' but I'm a little leery.

Crawler has a little history behind them. Although they have officially released two studio albums for Epic back in the 70s, the extraordinary "Crawler" and "Snake Rattle and Roll", the cred goes way back. Many of you remember a band named Free that had a hit with "All Right Now". That vocalist, Paul Rodgers, went on to form Bad Company with Mick Ralphs of Mott the Hoople. The guitarist from Free, a string slinger that more than excelled at his craft, was named Paul Kossoff, Koss for short. His band, Back Street Crawler, produced some of the best album oriented blues rock that we have enjoyed. After Koss's death, the band morphed into Crawler -enough of an identity to maintain the fan base - and gave us two memorable albums.

Some of the band have gone on to become excellent studio musicians and ''guns for hire' but their multi-tiered legacy caps a space in history. As a side note, 1977 double LP retrospective, "Koss" would make an excellent reissue. It should be given the remaster treatment and perhaps a few unearthed treasures may be found for addittion. Similarly, the discs that Back Street Crawler issued would be great remastered reissues as well.

Does it sound as if I liked this band?

Here's a serviceable listing of February 4 release info:

Gene Loves Jezebel - Accept No Substitute (Greatest Hits- Live) 2 CDs - Red Steel Records
Dizzy Gillespie - And His Operatic Strings Orchestra - Sunny Side Records - Mono
Everclear - World of Noise (1993) - Reissue - Fire Records
Everclear's new album comes out on March 11 and is called "Slow Motion Daydream".
John Lee Hooker - Hooker & The Hogs (1965) - Remastered - Reissue - Includes 4 bonus tracks - Sanctuary.
This album is the pure original recording without the horns and brass sections that were mixed in on later editions of the album.
Jars of Clay - Furthermore:The Live Sessions - Brentwood Records
This is a 2 CD set that features 2 previously unreleased recordings.
Juliana Theory - Love - Sony
Johnny Marr & The Healers - Boomsla
Charlie Musselwhite - Up and Down The Highway: Live 1986 - Remastered - Sanctuary
Moe - Wormwood - Studio and Live Tracks - IMusic Records
Savoy Brown - Strange Dreams - Blind Pig Records - and still featuring Kim Simmonds. New music, folks.

I'll fill you in on the upcoming, Rhino reissued, stack of Grateful Dead discs that feature expansive materials in the days to come. Six discs that are being prepped for release on February 25. Keep watching for the info on these releases. Also, 3 remastered and waaayy expanded OMD discs. Plus, Rhino's remastered and expanded "Electric Warrior" by T. Rex.

In the following days, we'll keep digging away at release schedules. And...if you're an WEA employee, give me an email and let's talk CD.

We'll see you back here on Thursday as we steamroll towards our weekend yet once again.

Hello Scott. Thanks for your help!

January 14, 2003

Sadly, we report the untimely passing of yet another rock persona. Mickey Finn died Saturday in London of unknown causes. Most of you know Mickey Finn as the percussionist for T.Rex (Bang a Gong). He was preceded in death by the band's leader, Marc Bolan, who died in 1977. Hats off to Mickey Finn.

I can already tell that we will have to start archiving our posts on a daily basis. With the very long dailies that we have been recently experiencing, it's clear that this front page would be a bear to navigate. So we do what we have to do. Of course, you can always access the archives for the posts that you have missed.

We have some very interesting details to post today. There are some surprises as it pertains to Peter Gabriel and Motley Crue today. So fans of either - or both- should be very happy. But remember, release dates are never set in stone until they are out and in the stores. You see the blip turn up on the radar but that could just fall of the screen as fast as it appears. Most of the time it is just scheduling conflicts or a number of unforeseen things. But they usually pop back up and then they're in your hands.

Case in point is the upcoming "Up" by Peter Gabriel in SACD. It scheduled but is now 'hovering' somewhere. But, as concerns Peter Gabriel, this little bit 'o news ought to cheer you up. It appears that Geffen will roll out the entire catalogue of Peter Gabriel (except "Up") on SACD on March 11. Those titles are:

Birdy (Soundtrack)
Passion (Soundtrack)
Peter Gabriel 1
Peter Gabriel 2
Peter Gabriel 3
Plays Live
Security
Shaking the Tree: 16 Golden Greats
So
Us

Huh?! How's that for cheering up? But I also said something about Motley Crue. Word has it from Universal that the cool retro label, Hip-O Records will be reissuing and remastering the Motley Crue catalogue. The titles are:

Dr Feelgood
Generation Swine
Girls, Girls, Girls
Greatest Hits
Lewd, Crued, and Tattooed
Live - Entertainment or Death
Motley Crue
New Tattoo
Shout at the Devil
Supersonic & Demonic Relics
Theatre of Pain
Too Fast for Love
VH1: Behind the Music

Those Crue titles are scheduled for March 4. And I'll bet that they all include something extra.

We've mentioned a title before but it's one that we're salivating for. No info yet on the set but MCA is readying a 2 CD set for Who's "Who's Next". One can only guess as to what is on that package. As time approaches, I have more info on all of the above listed titles. You can bet on that.

Starsailor is putting the finishing touches on their second album. the band has enlisted the help of legendary producer, Phil Spector, to produce 4 of the bands 15 tracks. No word on anticipated release.

Vidna Obmana releases Volume 2 of his Dante Trilogy, "Spore" on January 21. And while we're on the subject of Ambience, two Tangerine Dream classics, "Atem" and "Zeit" get the remaster process. These discs will be available on January 21. And speaking of Tangerine Dream, woldn't it be great to get a surround of "Stratosfear". It's on my list.

I'm hearing that Television's "Marquee Moon" is getting reissued on January 21 but have no details.

Lou Reed fans, pay close, close attention. On January 28, from Warner Bros, are two offerings of his latest disc, "Raven". The album is based on Edgar Allen Poe's poem, The Raven and features a chilling reading of the poem by Willem Dafoe as well as Lou Reed's inimitable music. You will have the option of purchasing a limited edition eight panel Digipak with 2 CDs of spoken word and music or the regular single CD. There are guest appearances by David Bowie, Laurie Anderson, and other. This will be a good addition to your Reed library. I still want remasters and hi-res of his early stuff but new is great too.

I'll check back with you on the 14th.

January 13, 2003

We may have to do something about these 'War & Peace' like posts. Not that we'll cut down on research and info but that we will have to only put several days on the front page rather than the entire week. i think that might prevent the long pages that we have. The stuff can always be accessed via archives in any case.

I've received word that Chandeen's newest album is completed and will be released on May 5 by Kalinkaland Records. The disc contains 10 songs and is anticipated by MusicTAP for sure.

We've posted the review for Snowdogs' latest, "Deep Cuts, Fast Remedies". This is a great album folks by a very good band. I expect more great things from them in the future. Stop in and check it out.

A scoop from High Fidelity Review on some upcoming Bob Dylan SACD discs is as cool as it gets. From CES, it's learned that the following Bob Dylan discs will be issued at some point this year:

Freewheelin'
Another Side of Bob Dylan
Bringin' It All Back Home
Highway 61 Revisited
John Wesley Harding
Nashville Skyline
Blood on the Tracks
Desire
Slow Train Coming
Infidels
Oh Mercy
Time Out of Mind
Love and Theft
Royal Albert Hall: Bob Dylan Live
Street Legal

But wait! I hear that these Sony discs will be Hybrid. Yep! You read me right. If that is true then Sony has leapt into the fray with shirts off and both arms flailing. Previously, Sony had resisted the Hybrid treatment. Whoa! Someone has just gotten serious.

The fact that these discs are being given the DSD treatment and now represent the third massive wave of single artist titles (Miles Davis and The Police are first and second) highlights the push for the success of SACD as the leading hi res format.

I've made an observation that seems a little on the bad side for DVD-Audio releases. I understand that, in most cases, it takes an average of 16 weeks to author a DVD-A release. That might explain the very limited release schedule for the format while it's twin is moving along at a must faster pace. While we're yet to see the very forward moving pace that we'd like to see in regards to hi-res discs, we understand that the market is just becoming aware of these great formats.

Speaking of DVD-Audio, the following discs are to be released from DTS:

Insane Clown Posse - Wraith:Shangri-La - February 4
Emma Shapplin - Etterna - February 4

From Groove Note are a series of SACDs for release on February 25. These releases are hi res reissues of some jazz pieces. I'll list them with their origination year. I'll have to get with Groove Note to see if we can't get these for review. SACD so rocks!!:

Ray Brown Trio - Soular Energy (1985) - Concord Jazz Reissue Series - Stereo
Eden Atwood - Waves (2002) - Stereo
LA 4 - Just Friends (2002) - Stereo This title also gets an LP release as well.

Groove Note has more Concord Jazz releases pegged for SACD future. Scheduled at some point over the course of the year are:

Stan Getz - The Dolphin - Stereo
Rosemary Clooney - With Love - Stereo
Laurindo Almeida/Charlie Byrd - Tango - Stereo Also gets an LP release.
Scott Hamilton - Tenor Shoes - Stereo
Gene Harris Trio - Plus One with Stanley Turrentine - Stereo / MultiChannel - This title will also be released in LP.
Great Guitars - Straight Tracks - Stereo with simultaneous LP release.

These titles will be mastered from original analogue master tapes and after the DSD transfers are specially pressed.

I like what Groove Note is doing and plan to keep a sharp eye on their output. Also, on the above noted titles. I'm assuming these are not hybrid discs as they weren't mentioned.

The more I look, the more I notice the mass increase of SACD titles vs the small trickling of DVD-A titles. What really needs to happen on that front is for the labels involved in DVD-A to step up their schedule so that they always have a sizeable inflow of titles. Otherwise, they will be mired in a swamp that won't relinquish it's dead soon enough.

I've spoken at length on this issue with Bill Hunt of The Digital Bits. The general concern is that of too little too late for some of the labels and their chosen format. But time will tell.

I'm rather hesitant to relinquish EMI info so far into the future but since I promised...For February 11:

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band - Symphonion Dream - Remastered - Capitol
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band - Uncle Charlie and His Dog Teddy (1970 -Liberty Records) - Remastered - Capitol
Stranglers - Peaches: The Very Best of The Stranglers - EMI
Michael Card - Sleep Found in Jesus:Gentle Lullabies for Baby (1989) - Reissue - Sparrow Records
Baka Beyond - East to West - Narada Records
John Hammond - Ready for Love - Narada Records
Miriam Stockley - Second Nature - Narada Records
Troika - Kingdom of the Sun - Narada Records
Al Green - Gets Next to You (1970)- Reissue - Remastered - Bonus Track - The Right Stuff Records/Capitol
Al Green - Green is Blues (1969)- Reissue - Remastered - Bonus Tracks - The Right Stuff Records/Capitol
Al Green - I'm Still in Love with You (1972) - Reissue - Remastered - Bonus Tracks - The Right Stuff Records/Capitol
Al Green - Let's Stay Together (1971) - Reissue - Remastered - Bonus Tracks - The Right Stuff Records/Capitol

Over the next week, we'll look at more dates although you have already been well informed of February as it is where EMI is concerned. But, as a teaser, watch for a load of Classic Masters series releases that include the likes of Frank Sinatra, Etta James, Jethro Tull, Queensryche, and others. Also, be on the lookout for remastered Red Hot Chili Peppers titles for March. There is an upcoming David Lanz title, a Ben Harper disc, a Sarah Brightman release, and a Roseanne Cash disc. Plus, stuff from Asleep at the Wheel, The Specials, Heart, Funkadelics, and Warren Zevon. Not enough? Ok...just a bit more. Seven remastered Queensryche titles, an anthology from Generation X, and Cabaret Voltaire. Stop! And more where those came from.

A note to WEA: if you happen along, please email me. We sure would love to talk CD with you.

January 12, 2003

The unfortunate and sad news this morning is the death of Maurice Gibb of The Bee Gees. Maurice was taken to the hospital and diagnosed with a blocked intestine. Just before emergency surgery, Maurice suffered a cardiac arrest which took his life at just age 53. Our heartfelt sadness and sympathies extend to the family.

There is much to read on the internet concerning Maurice Gibb. Here is a link to get you started.

January 5 -11