Archival Posts 2003 March 16-22

March 21, 2003

I received a very nice email from reader Randy Stanley that still resonates with me. Thanks Randy, you made my day.

Here's a little news that I just received from EMI/Capitol that should have you hopping. At this time it's just an alert but it's such a good one that I'm passing it on. On June 24, Capitol is releasing Bob Seger's "Against The Wind". I'm sure it involves remastering but to what depth it goes is just a whisper at this point. When I hear, you do. Excited? Someone once wrote me an email asking why we don't list deleted titles or titles that are scheduled to go out of print. The reason was, of course, I don't have the time to go artist by artist to determine catalogue deletion status however, I do run across this info now and again. This Bob Seger title is one. So, if you're a collector of discs, and if you can find one, snatch it.

The short-run Stranglers' Box set, "Singles Box Set, Vol 2" is moved to June 10, if you were watching that title. The Duran Duran "Singles Box Set: 1981-1985" is also available on that date, a new one for it.

"Think Tank" by Blur streets on May 6 from Virgin Records. The album comes in two issues, an edited version and otherwise. The limited edition disc comes packaged as a digipak.

Ohhh. How could I have forgotten this piece of interesting news?! I received a link today that has Mayer, that thief of valuable Police stage time, stating that he believes he overheard a definite reunion plan. Well...if that's true, I'll be there at the show when they hit LA along with BIG Police fan, Bill Hunt. It's definitely rumour but a whisper nevertheless. Be cool, huh?!

Fans of Michael Gettel and Narada will get a new Gettel disc on July 8. "San Juan Suite/San Juan Suite II" is the title.

July 22 is the holding date for The Beach Boys' "Pet Sounds" DVD-Audio. That's a pretty big title, one that I'm anxious to acquire myself.

Here's a calendar page turner for you. Hell, you have to put up the '04 calendar for this grouping. Capitol is producing a series called Krucial Kuts - Very Best Of for the following heavy metal bands:

Alcatrazz

Armored Saint

Exodus

Helix

Lilian Axe

Saxon

XYZ

These discs are scheduled to street on February 10, 2004. Nothing like thinking ahead, I always say.

That damn Johnny Winter disc from Virgin is still holed up in limbo. You can't go wrong with almost anything from JWinter. I would L-U-V to get some of his old classics from Blue Sky/Columbia on SACD, particularly "Nothin' But The Blues". Now that would rock. Bonnie Raitt's "Nick of Time" DVD-Audio is also still holed up in never never land. There is also a string of Classic Masters titles that have found their way into this black hole. We just have to hope that they find their way out.

Sanctuary has penciled in a Sammy Hager disc for May 20 called "Hallelujah". RCA also logged in a Waylon Jennings expanded Live disc called, "Waylon Live: The Expanded Edition". The 2CD set issues on May 20.

That's it for this weekend. As always, I get bored..I post stuff. It's unlikely but you never know. Regardless, Monday should be a packed post. I have that bastard, Duane's Punk Pit Notes in my hands and damn if he ain't cruising for my wrath. I had to resist sharpening my editor's pencil but decided to post it anyway. That's a Monday bonus. Also, we have a ton, literally, of reviews. Police SACDs reviews are in the wings, Classical and Rock reviews by TAP's John Nelson are complete and in my hands. Plus, I've listened to a few titles myself. So, it should be fun.

Ive been receiving my system upgrade in pieces. A speaker here, one there. When that setup gets completed, we are going to rock the house.

So, with apologies to Duane Punk Pit fans, the Friday edition will be a Monday edition. See you back here on Monday. Now enjoy the weekend.

March 20, 2003

For fans of Brian Setzer, Interscope has announced a 'best of' package due on June 3. The set, "Jump, Jive, and Wail: The Very Best of The Brian Setzer Orchestra" sounds like a nice set. We'll let you know when we find out any news. Additionally, Universal is releasing a Millennium Collection - 20th Century Masters edition for Paul Weller. Paul Weller was an important element to The Jam and to Style Council but you already know that. That disc is expected on July 29. Two more anticipated titles from this series are Blues titles, "Howlin' Wolf" from Chess Records and "Delbert McClinton" from MCA. The dates are, for the Howlin' Wolf title, June 24, and for the McClinton title, June 17.

Silverline have a string of DVD-Audio discs prepping for release. The upcoming titles are:

Bachman Turner Overdrive - From The Front - March 25
Pat Benatar - From The Front - March 25
Elvin Bishop - From The Front - April 8
Blue Oyster Cult - A Long Day's Night - April 22
John Entwistle - From The Front - April 22
Jerry Lee Lewis - From The Front - April 22
Iggy Pop - From The Front - April 22
Todd Rundgren - Live From the Forum - April 22
Robin Trower - From The Front - April 22

BMG produces a series much like Sony's Essential series, EMI's Millennium series. The series is called Platinum & Gold Collection. I have a lead in on some titles in that series which I'll deal with now:

Ace of Base - May 6
Perry Como - May 6
The Delfonics - May 6
Aretha Franklin - May 6
Guess Who - May 6
Hot Tuna - May 6
Thompson Twins - May 6
Dionne Warwick - May 6
Evelyn "Champagne" King - May 6
Jefferson Airplane - May 6

Additionally, there are other artists being prepared for 2003 Platinum & Gold Collection treatment:

Harry Belafonte
Angela Bofill
Taylor Dayne
John Denver
Jefferson Starship
Eartha Kitt
Gladys Knight & The Pips
The Lovin' Spoonful
Melissa Manchester
Henry Mancini
Alan Parsons Project
The Pointer Sisters
Real McCoy
Neil Sedaka
Carly Simon
SWV

We're going to stop here. The war effort in Iraq has made it very difficult for me to concentrate on this site. I'm going to wait for a day or so to post the reviews, of which we have many. I will see you back here tomorrow. Forgive the sloppiness of the cover shots. They are extracts from a PDF and will be rectified when the actual artwork is uploaded.

Peace.

March 19, 2003

We have a specific release date for Three Doors Down's "Away From The Sun" SACD. This title will issue as a hybrid disc. The releasing label is Universal and the date is April 29. Another great disc coming down the pike destined for DSD processing is 1995's Deutsche Grammophon's release of John Eliot Gardiner's Philharmonia Orchestra's performance of Gustav Holst's "The Planets" and Percy Grainger/The Warriors. This SACD treatment arrives May 13. We're a bit of a fan of Holst's "Planets". I think that John is, as well. Coming up is my review of Sony's Leonard Bernstein/New York Philharmonic rendition of "The Planets" with Britten's "Four Seasons Interludes" on SACD. I'm in the very middle of a massive system upgrade so that will wait until it's all in place. I believe that John is going to chime in with a "Planets" review very shortly. Interpretations abound.

We told you awhile back of a 2CD Deluxe Edition for Lionel Ritchie's "Can't Slow Down". What we didn't tell you was that Motown is readying "Dancing on the Ceiling", and "Lionel Ritchie" for release on the same day. They all feature remastering. But that's all I can tell you right now besides the release date, which is May 6. The news will be revisited.

Interscope's Yeah Yeah Yeahs' "Fever to Tell" is scheduled for release on April 29.

The Pink Floyd DSoTM SACD release appears to be on the end of a yo-yo string; it looks as if the release date has changed yet again. EMI is reporting that the anticipated disc is once again geared to March 25. Now, I'm only reporting what I hear so don't get into a spif over release dating as we all know that it's not even a mathematical science. But I'll take the date if it'll put the disc in my player earlier.

I have a few neglected titles that I've been called on. So, I'll post them, although a bit late or just around the corner. April 8 is the date for a Chrysalis release of "Generation X: Anthology" It's a pricy set but if you're a fan,...well. I've also been alerted to the fact, and don't ask me how I missed this one, that The Allman Brothers Band' s first disc in nine years was released today via Peach/Sanctuary. The disc, "Hittin' the Note", is being considered the band's best since "Eat a Peach". Of course, that's a mighty big statement. It will be an interesting disc to hear. There! I've paid my penance. But that cover is so awesome.

We're going to be looking at a bunch of BMG titles over the next few days. It's how I missed the Allman Bros disc...because I neglected to complete my Sanctuary rundown from a week or so back. There are some cool titles up and coming and we want to be sure to make you aware of the releases.

We have a few reviews for you today. John Nelson puts forth his ideas on Glennie's "Oriental Landscapes" while I give my two cents on The Jam and their "The Sound of The Jam" compilation from Polydor Records. We also have a few cover shots to end the day with. I'm throwing them in one spot and will let you sort them out.

Now I know that you you have already seen this cover for Pink Floyd but I threw it in there for the effect. The 3rd shot on the right is the cover shot for Aaron Neville's "Nature Boy" which will be released as a CD and an SACD. Love that Allman Bros cover.

Tomorrow, we have John Nelson's look at the SACD of Hilary Hahn's "Violin Concertos". We will also have another review of another interesting title. I have a few to tackle.

Don't forget the Star Wars campaign. Click the ad shot on the left sidebar and join the thousands that have already signed. If you have already, thanks!

Check back tomorrow for more.

March 18, 2003

The Star Wars petition is exploding. The signature book has grown incredibly. If you haven't signed, please get over there and put your name in. Some time ago, Lucas stated that he was discarding the idea of releasing the original trilogy on DVD. Naturally, the light sabres are out on this decision. We endorse the petition signing and ask you to pop on over and sign the petition. Be a part of history.

You wanted me to remind you so consider yourselves reminded. Tonight, on David Letterman, finds the British band, The Music, performing and sittin' on the couch. This would be one to tune into and watch. See you there.

We have several reviews for you tonight. We have the DVD-A review of The Band's "Music From Big Pink" by MusicTAP's newest reviewer, Daniel Wolfson and an early look review at Ziggy Marley's "Dragonfly" by resident, Grey Cavitt. Please check those out. For the future, we have a look at Hilary Hahn's "Violin Concertos of Mendelssohn & Shostakovich" in SACD by Sony and written by John Nelson. John is also looking at ex Kronos Quartet Joan Jeanrenaud's solo effort, "Metamorphosis". In addition, John is looking at the new King Crimson disc, "The Power to Believe". We have a great in-house group of reviewers that I'm very proud of:

Duane Leyva
Greg Warner
John Grace
Grey Cavitt
Marco Passarelli
John Nelson
Daniel Wolfson

Thanks to reader, Nelson Prieto, for the alert on Police SACD/Hybrids from Britain. This listings are on Sting's official web site. If hybrids are what you want, you can pick them up here. The discs street on March 24.

We got a small 'first look' at the upcoming Beatles Anthology DVD set art. It's not a great look but it suffices for now.

Well...aside from it being a Monday, it couldn't be more lacklustre newswise. Like Lennon says, "Nobody told me there'd be days like these". We've had a few and we'll have a few more. Regardless, enjoy the day and we'll see you again tomorrow. A special shout out to Tom S. You know who you are, dude!

Tomorrow...

March 17, 2003

Hey...welcome smack dab into St Patrick's Day. And with that, 76 days into 2003 with only 289 days to go. Cheery, huh?! Just be safe with all the boozin'.

How about the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame last night? It rocked with the power of The Police reunion and drenched the airways with sadness for the loss of Strummer. Congratulations to all who were inducted.

Just a few tidbits from the news for you this morning. Reading where Stewart Copeland has just picked a number for his day in court with the newly reformed Doors. It seems that they have permanently replaced him after his broken arm ordeal. Stewart Copeland has filed a suit alleging 'breach of oral contract' and is looking to unload tour profits by a light million bucks. It's a strange thing from the very beginning. Also, Ted Nugent is doing a 30 date tour with ZZ Top. Check with Pollstar (tool at the bottom of this page) for dates near you. Similarly, if you are a fan of Boston, Scholz and Co are planning a tour this summer with a potential for 48 dates; check with Pollstar for shows near you.

If you're a Cat Stevens fan, he has re-recorded his "Peace Train" as his add to the anti war effort. You can download the free track here.

Interesting news for Daniel Lanois fans. His new album on Epitaph's Anti imprint, "Shine", comes out on April 22. And it's about time we get some new music from this talent that has given of himself to U2, Dylan, and others. I still warmly remember the perfection of his "Acadie". I'm looking forward to this release.

And of course we all know this is coming out but I've heard from Sony that we can expect the Aerosmith SACD of "Toys in the Attic" in a few months. Speaking of SACD, David Sanborn's upcoming June 3 release of "timeagain" will also release simultaneously as an SACD from Verve Records. This title will be an SACD layer only. Sony is releasing "A Love Letter" by Vivian Green in SACD format on May 13. The original album was released by Columbia Records in November '02.

In some music DVD info, Island is releasing Bob Marley & The Wailers' "Legend" on July 15. No info yet as to what this set will contain. The same holds true to the upcoming Slayer DVD, "War at the Warfield" that arrives April 29. From Varese Sarabande comes an Albert Collins DVD, "The Iceman at Mount Fuji" on May 6.

Not a lot is said about XRCD other than the fact that we know it to be another format in an already crowded and heated market. In this market, even the heavy hitters are either just gaining their footing or are slipping, depending on who's telling the story. But there is a separating difference in this issue and that is the fact that audiophile XRCD doesn't require specialized equipment. I've received the XRCD version of Steve Miller Band's "The Joker" to evaluate. Additionally, MusicTAP and JVC is going to give some of you a chance to get a free copy of "The Joker" pretty soon. Watch for a review of this disc shortly.

Joe Perry of Aerosmith has started a label, Roman Records, which is distributed by Sony. Roman Records first issue is The Porch Ghouls, an alternative rock band that specializes in blues rock. Featuring 13 tracks and marketed as a developing artist so the price makes it easy to pick the disc up if you're looking for new talent. The disc releases on April 8.

Epic is readying a 'best of' for George Clinton called "Six Degrees of P-Funk: The Best of George Clinton and His Funk Family". This disc comes out May 13.

Finally, reader, Joe Cotellese forwarded this article to our attention. It's a NYTimes article and will require you to sign up. Registration is free. The article attempts to look at the potential of SACD and DVD-A.

Before we go, there is a signature collection petition for the reissue of the original Star Wars on DVD. Some time ago, Lucas stated that he was discarding the idea of releasing the original trilogy on DVD. Naturally, the light sabres are out on this decision. We endorse the petition signing and ask you to pop on over and sign the petition. Be a part of history.

Before we close shop here, we have a few reviews for you. The first is from Grey Cavitt with his views on the Audio Fidelity SACD for "Ritchie Valens' Greatest Hits". The second is from PopJunkie's Marco Passarelli with his review of Prince's live 3CD "One Night Alone...Live!" We'll see you tomorrow with more reviews and news. Just wait til you see the reviews comin' up...!!