Blind Faith [2000 Deluxe Edition]
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (09 January, 2001)
list price: $29.98
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Editorial Review

Short-lived classic-rock supergroup Blind Faith's sole album (1969) has aged remarkably well. Blind Faith fused the psychedelic blues of Eric Clapton and the soulful vocals and keyboards of Steve Winwood with the polyrhythmic, Afrocentric leanings of drummer Ginger Baker. "Can't Find My Way Home" is easily one of the hippie era's most lyrically poignant, sonically subtle tunes. The record has a lot of surprises; "Presence of the Lord" is rousing and melancholy at the same time, while the way the bass and guitar double-team on the introductory melodic line to "Had to Cry Today" makes a hard-rock cliché fresh again. The 10-minute drum solo on "Do What You Like" is pretty good as 10-minute drum solos go; Blind Faith is not a purchase for the jam-shy, especially in its present, bloated form, which adds almost an hour and a half of unreleased jams and mixes. And while surely there are levitational moments within the five 12-to-16-minute improv sections included here, the excess (and lack of great material; remember that this band was only together a few months) grows tiresome. One notable exception is the "Change of Address Jam," excerpts from which were pressed up as a record label change-of-address announcement back in the day. It's got a pleasant, near-swinging, Graham Bond/Booker T on Quaaludes vibe, with Winwood's keyboards rollicking nicely in a manner recalling his work on Electric Ladyland. The rest of disc two is for wank aficionados and completists only. --Mike McGonigal ... Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (52)

Nice tracks...but some of the jams should have been cut down
The first disc has the original Blind Faith album from 1969,
plus 5 new tracks. The second disc is basically all
instrumentals that is basically blues-influenced rock.
The songs are good, but I feel sometimes the tracks
could be shortened a bit, and be just as effective if
not moreso. This is especially applicable to the
instrumental tracks.
Blind Faith emerged from Eric Clapton and Steve
Winwood's desire to work together on a project out of
mutual respect for each other. Both had crossed paths in
the past, but both were too busy with other projects in
other groups. Since Traffic and Cream were basically done
by this time, ex-Cream drummer Ginger Baker decided he
wanted in, so he joined the group. There was also the
possibility of being labeled as a Cream reformation, so
the band recruited another member, namely a bassist.
Rick Grech of Family left his group to join Blind Faith
as the bassist. Had To Cry Today is nearly 9 minutes, but
I feel it could have been cut down and been better.
Of course this album isn't for commercial radio. If
you like experimental blues-influenced music with some
soulful singing, then Blind Faith is for you. It's interesting
to also note the controversial album cover (a topless young
girl with a model toy airplane) was met with hostility in
some countries, and the album was released in some countries
with an alternate cover.
The liner notes are fairly comprehensive. It gives a basic
oral history of the band, and the events that led to the formation of the band.
They are called the world's first supergroup by some, but
I beg to differ. I think Cream was a supergroup to some
degree, and so were the Yardbirds. The definition of
"supergroup" is what is being contested.
If you don't like long blues-influenced instrumentals,
avoid this album. Some have suggested getting the original
Blind Faith album, but if you are a hardcore fan of 1960s
blues-influenced soulful sounding groups, this would be
a must to a collection.

Jammin' With Blind Faith
This is a 2 cd remaster of the classic Blind Faith album. The album features one of the first "super groups" with Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood, Ginger Baker(my favorite rock drummer) and the now deceased Rick Grech. They are one of the only bands to release only one album and have it reach number one. The remastering on this album is good. I am a fan of both Eric Clapton & Steve Winwood and I have most of this unissued material on bootlegs already. However, the sound quality is much improved. The "unissued" first version of "Sleeping In The Ground" & the electric alternate version of "Can't Find My Way Home" are excellent. This is the way they played "Can't Find My Way Home" live. The tracks "Exchange And Mart" & "Spending All My Days" mentioned by a previous reviewer come from a later session for an aborted Rick Gretch solo album in which other musicians were present. However, they should have added one of the instrumental versions of "Hey Joe" from these sessions to the second disc.

If you do not like jamming you will not like the second disc. It sounds not unlike the Cream "Live" albums or the jams from the "Layla" boxed set sessions. One of the drawbacks to the second disc however is the fact that these sessions were cut before Rick Gretch joined the group. Due to this Steve Winwood plays bass on the first two cuts instead of keyboards or guitar which would have made them more interesting. This is not to say Steve Winwood is a bad bass player but he's no Jack Bruce. The later two jams feature him on Hammond organ. The "Change Of Address Jam" in my opinion the best of the jams. I favor more adventerous playing so I am a fan of the second disc. It gives an insight into the creative minds of these musicians. I found this deluxe addition to be a welcome addition to my collection. Now if they would only release the Hyde Park concert.

An Uneven Album - Saved by Winwood!
I remember when I bought this album back in 1969 that my favorite track was "Had to Cry Today". It still has the good riff, but the song feels a little too when listening to it today. The highlights for me are the other Winwood songs "Can't Find My Way Home" ( both versions ) and "Sea of Joy" ( great violin solo by Rick Gretch ).

Clapton's "Presence of the Lord" is also a good song; maybe a little overrated. "Well Alright" sounds a bit dated today. Baker's "Do What You Like" was always a bore, and it goes on for way too long, and actually spoils what could have been a great album.

Of the bonus tracks on CD 1, both versions of "Sleeping on the Ground" are good performances. Reminding me of early Fleetwood Mac. The electric version of "Can't Find my Way Home" is great. "Time Winds" is an instrumental track; okay but not particularly interesting.

The rest of this CD release a long jamming, that some may find interesting, but most people will find pretty boring.

If "Do What You Like" had been edited down to 4-5 minutes and the electric version of "Can't Find my Way Home" + one or both versions of "Sleeping on the Ground" had been included on the original album, it would really have been a classic. ... Read more

Asin: B000056JYB

Catch A Fire (Deluxe Edition)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (27 March, 2001)
list price: $29.98 -- our price: $26.99
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Editorial Review

With this, his major-label debut, Bob Marley not only became an international superstar, so did reggae itself. The world of music would never be the same after the burning, classic tracks of "Stir It Up," "Slave Driver," and "Concrete Jungle." Everything about this 1973 platter is seminal--Marley's lyrics are political, but never preaching; there's not a dud track on the entire disc; the accompaniment of Peter Tosh and Bunny Livingston is unbeatable; and while this is classic reggae, it never sounds clichéd. This is, quite simply, as timeless as music gets. With great packaging, this deluxe edition gathers the original album and the unreleased Jamaican version. The Jamaican disc features a different mastering and sequence, and two additional tracks that show Marley's softer side--"Hide Tide or Low Tide" and "All Day All Night." --Jason Verlinde ... Read more

Reviews (54)

Best reggae album ever enough said
The reviewer above said it best. If you are a roots reggae fan you will find disc one to be your holy grail. It is the band's version, released in Jamaica, not the overproduced version released in America. There is a huge difference in every song, except the fantastic "midnight ravers" and two extra songs are included on the Jamaican version. If you have never heard disc one (Jamaican version) you have never heard Catch a Fire, that simple. With Peter arranging the harmonies, Bunny hitting the high notes and Bob's amazing songwriting this is the Wailer's true masterpiece. In the American version (original release) most of the harmonies are covered up with synthesizers or overdubbed with Bob doing backup vocals. This CD is musical kind bud and proves Jah is great. Enjoy Brothers and Sisters!!!!!!!!!!

The Wailers do an excellent job of introducing reggae.
Catch A Fire is an album with a very strong beginning (the haunting, pointed 'Concrete Jungle') and doesn't let up for the rest of the album.

The first four songs are uniformly strong, and showcase the musical talents of both Marley and fellow original Wailer Peter Tosh (particularly the rhythmically dynamic '400 Years').

The album sags the smallest bit in the middle, particularly with 'Baby We've Got A Date.' It's not a bad song by any means, but seems a little out of place considering the rest of Catch A Fire. 'Stir It Up,' much better in its original form than the popular cover version, drags a little, but the vocals and instrumentals make it worth listening.

The album picks up again after the midsection, with the humorous 'Kinky Reggae' and the moody 'No More Trouble' and 'Midnight Ravers.'

Catch A Fire is definitely a great album, and absolutely astounding for a world debut. Most of the songs are distinctly Marley-flavored (save for the two Peter Tosh numbers), so Burnin' may be a better choice for Bunny Wailer and Peter Tosh enthusiasts. But, if you like reggae, you can't possibly do better than this.

Stir It Up!
A startling debut effort from the Wailers! This mighty record introduced Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Bunny Livingston and the Barrett brothers to the world in 1973. The reggae revolution in Jamaica was making quite an impact in the UK when Island Records took an interest in the Wailers. They took the original Jamaican recording and added some additional instrumentation (with the Wailers approval of course) before releasing this album in the UK and America. This wonderful CD has both versions in their entirety! It's impossible to decide which version is better (though the Jamaican version has extra tracks) so it's really worth having both versions. The music itself is absolutely wonderful and timeless. Marley is both a spiritual and political hero for many people and this record reflects many of his political concerns ("Concrete Jungle") but also features tender and beautiful love songs ("Stir It Up") as well. Peter Tosh's remarkable contribution ("400 Years") proves there was more to the Wailers than just Bob Marley. Though not as critically acclaimed as later Bob Marley releases like "Exodus" this is still one of my absolute favorite records and I highly recommend it as a starting point for the novice reggae fan. This wonderful package also has the original artwork, which was later changed once Marley had achieved worldwide success and popularity. Simply astounding! ... Read more

Asin: B000059ZT4

Exodus [Deluxe Edition]
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (16 October, 2001)
list price: $29.98 -- our price: $29.98
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Editorial Review

In 1999, Exodus was rightfully voted the most important album ofthe 20th century by Time magazine. This is the visionaryBob Marley masterpiece, aconcept album that distills the myriad experiences of both our daily lives andcollective unconsciousness into 46 minutes of aural perfection. The deluxe CDreissue of Exodus has been flawlessly remastered from the originalrecordings and showcases what is probably the Wailers' tightest recordedperformance. The initial notes of the album's opening track, "Natural Mystic,"fade up from a deep silence, giving the listener the impression that the musicgenerates from within a continuum of past, present, and future. The first halfof Exodus bears witness to Marley's shift in focus away from the mundaneproblems of Babylon existence and toward a greater understanding of vitaluniversal truths. The second half features songs like "Jamming" and "Waiting inVain," which take a gently wistful look at the more interpersonal aspect ofhuman relations. This deluxe edition offers a remastered and expanded version ofthe original album. --Rebecca Levine ... Read more

Reviews (10)

A healing power remastered
There are so many great things about Exodus. . .I think this album has been eclipsed by the popular greatest hits collections over the years, but it stands as a monument to love and peace and righteousness. Great thing #1. This is another of Universals top of the line"Deluxe Edition" reissues. That means great packaging, additional liner notes, and digital remastering. Listening to this Jammin' compared to my 1989 Legend version is like day and night. This totally pops. Great thing #2. The liner notes. The notes reground the album in the political and personal events in Marley's life. Its important to remember that these songs were written right after his assassination attempt. . .and after Rita was injured. These love songs are for her. And for Jamaica which was ripping apart. I think the assassination attempt also inserted a sense of urgency to many of these tracks. The notes also reminds us how Junior Marvin (BRILLIANT!) joined Marley at this time, and how his funky background may have influenced Exodus. And finally, the notes reconnect Marley with musical touchstone Lee "Scratch" Perry, mostly on the additional tracks. Great Thing #3. The Additional Tracks. The live tracks from the Rainbow are the best. This band cooked like few others of the era. I had heard the Punky Reggae Party tracks before on bootlegs, but here they are pristine. The final track thrown on is the original radio ad for Exodus. Uni did this for Marvin Gaye and other albums in the Deluxe series and I like this. It takes me back to 77/78 and WPLJ! (who played marley on saturday nights I seem to recall.)
This is a beautiful funky album - Marley's best in my opinion. This edition is a must have for Reggae fans and for Marley devotees.
"The thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain." Bob Marley.

Truly A Classic Album
Exodus was one of the greatest Bob Marley releases of his legendary career. It was a watershed mark for Reggae and for Popular music as we know it. Now we get an expanded addition of this classic album. Rich with alternate versions and other previously unreleased live tracks and remixes. But what truly shines here is the original Exodus material. All of Marley's talent is summed up on this album, it offers everything and then some. From the infectous steady groove of Jamming to the global harmony chants of One Love the album never dissappoints. It is classic. And in these troubled times of the last month Three Little Birds seems to make us feel "allright." So just remember what Marley sings, "Don't worry about a thing, every little thing is going to be allright." This is a must for any music collection. An important re-released version of one greatest albums every made.

Deluxe is right!
This CD is incredible. The "Deluxe Edition" series seems to have hit the nail on the head. The sound is excellent, and the extra tracks actually add to the experience. This is one awesome CD.

I also recommend "Mississippi Muddy Waters Liver" Deluxe Edition. ... Read more

Asin: B00005Q5WC

Legend (Deluxe Edition)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (12 February, 2002)
list price: $29.98 -- our price: $26.99
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Editorial Review

Even as greatest hits packages go, this is an utter gem. Every song isinspired and in a class of its own, whether it's the real version of "I Shot theSheriff," the hymnlike "No Woman, No Cry," or the sheer joy of "Jamming." Evenallowing that Marleynever wrote any bad material, Legend is still the crème de lacrème--the heart and soul of the Jamaican people packed into one 5-inchcompact disc. Marley was unique, and the message of this record, more than anyother, is that he died far too soon. This deluxe edition presents not only theoriginal remastered recording, but also two bonus tracks ("Easy Skanking" and"Punky Reggae Party") and a second disc of 13 remixes from Legend.--Chris Nickson ... Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (14)

An expanded look at the Legend - for serious collectors only
There is a reason that Legend is the best selling reggae album of all time - simply put, it contains 14 (now 16+) of the best tracks of the best artist of the entire genre. The music on this CD will take you to another place, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. The Legend album is an essential component to any music collection.

This expanded edition is great for serious Marley fans and collectors, but is not highly recommended for casual fans. The second disc is full of remixes and expanded versions that are definite treats and quite enjoyable, but not essential listening. If you are new to reggae and only want the absolute best, stick with the single disc remastered version of Legend - which is improved over the original version by adding two key bonus tracks - Easy Skanking and Punky Reggae Party (both well deserving to be included as some of Marley's best tracks) - and superior remastered sound. It's cheaper and provides the essential look at the Legend of Bob Marley. Even if you're a casual fan who is loaded and don't mind shelling out big bucks for music, I would recommend that you splurge and get the Songs of Freedom 4 CD set, which provides a more comprehensive overview of the artist's entire career than this 2 CD set.

The liner notes of the expanded edition (and the single disc remastered edition) consist of a 28 page booklet containing the lyrics to the 16 tracks on the first CD. The lyrics are helpful to new fans of Marley, as his Jamaican accent can have you wondering what exactly he is singing about.

One Love!

FINALLY THESE GREAT '84 REMIXES ON CD!
Legend~Deluxe is the last in a serie of 3 Deluxe editions Island has issued. So this also would be a 2CD set compilation, after Catch a fire and Exodus...
The package is nice but I still do think they didn't choose the right size of Marley's most famous picture! Too big, which results that you don't see the whole picture compared with the original CD/LP cover!
CD 1 includes all those tracks which has been originally issued on the tape/casette version of the legend in 1984... this casette was released including the tracks EASY SKANKING and PUNKY REGGAE PARTY.
So in fact not really bonus tracks on this LEGEND DELUXE.. just complete (Punky Reggae Party - Long Version)
For the real Marley fans, like I am :o) CD2 is much more interesting! If I am honest, I was waiting for this copilation!
The first time I heard a song of Bob was around the 80's...
So when they originally released the album Legend in 1984.., I also bought all the 12" Maxi-Singles they released at that time!

Totally 5 issues >> One Love (#1)(remixed by Julian Mendelsohn),
One Love (#2) (Remixed by Godwin Logie), Waiting In Vain, Three Little Birds, Could You Be Loved (Or in several other countries Jamming)
I have great memories to all of the remixes which were included on these great 12" singles released in '84! I don't understand why Island records didn't show pictures of all the covers of these! The covers are so beautifull, great photos! Each of them!
To leave the original 12" B-side of Wating In vain is a shame!
It is the famous MARLEY MIX UP mixed by CHAD JACKSON, a medley of 4 Marley tracks... kicking of by a part of the radio advert. they included on Exodus Deluxe. I am sure the Marley Maniacs would miss it as well like I do!
But thank God I do own the original Maxi-Singles :o) !!!!!
Including Lively Up Yourself wouldn't be my choise at all!
Only because of Eric ET Thorngren remixed it also around 1984?
OK, never been released before... but it would find a better place on the Remaster version of Natty Dread!
Buffalo Soldier (A kind of KING SPORTY MIX? ....), Jamming, and Waiting In Vain were released before.. on the original US version. But why did they mixed the Legend on this way???
Again remixed by Eric ET Thorngren, but 2 of these tracks lost Marley's message totally I think! Too much drumbox effects which were really not necessarily!
But I still think Finally all these great '84 remixes on CD!
Just Enjoy It!

Niels Koopman >>> The Netherlands <<<

There is a reason this is the #1 reggae album of all time
Legend (Deluxe Edition) is absolutely worth every penny. It is the #1 reggae album of all time because it was written and performed by Marley and the Wailers, who are all extremely talented. The same way that Miles Davis "Kind of Blue" is a jazz album that even jazz haters enjoy, those of you familiar with reggae, even those of you with negative feelings about reggae, give it a try. My personal favorite song on the whole album is the extended version of "One Love". Go for it, your music collection is dying for some Jamaica. ... Read more

Asin: B00005Y23E
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Reggae   

Live At Leeds [Deluxe Edition]
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (18 September, 2001)
list price: $29.98 -- our price: $26.99
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Editorial Review

Long considered one of the greatest live albums ever recorded, the Who's Live at Leeds was originally edited and packaged to resemble the haphazard state of early-'70s bootlegs, then expanded and sonically upgraded in the mid-1990s. But this deluxe edition finally restores the blistering February 1970 Leeds University concert to its full running length by adding the band's earliest officially available live rendition of the then-fresh Tommy in its entirety. And while it isn't perfect (the Tommy tracks have been moved from their original slot in the show and resequenced to fit onto disc 2 here), this album now takes its place as the best available document of the Who in their truly ferocious prime, trumping the previously available Isle of Wight show (recorded some six months later) in both performance level and sound quality. It also begs a little revisionist pondering: Are these the true godfathers of punk? Pete Townshend's music and chord structures may have often been jazz-based, but they careen with an energy that seems at once feral and superhuman. Roger Daltrey's vocals snarl with palpable grit, while the rhythm section of John Entwistle and Keith Moon thunders menacingly along like an overheated locomotive. The Tommy heard here is still vital and alive, played by a band whose fervent, in-the-moment abandon is a wonder to behold. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (71)

Brilliant Performance + Fantastic Sound = Great CD !!!!
Finally MCA has decided to release the entire Who concert recorded live at Leeds university in 1970. And now that i can hear it, i really wonder why it take so long to put out this brilliant performance available in it's entirely.
Here you have a chance to hear vintage Who music: raw, loud, in your face rock 'n roll. Entwistle playing remarkable bass lines, like a second lead guitar really (he was named by guitar magazine the best bass player of the century). Moon attacking the drums like nobody else (well...maybe John Bonham). Daltrey singing powerful lines with his howling voice...well, and finally there's Pete Townshend, the brain of The Who, power chording al the songs in a great display of rock guitar playing.
You won't be dissapointed by purchasing this double CD, it0s simply amazing!!!!

Live at Leeds (Deluxe Edition)
Here we have one of the greatest rock performances ever recorded. Period. From a personal standpoint, I find this newly remastered deluxe edition easily worth the money. Is this an essential purchase for the casual fan? Maybe not.

The original 1970 release contained six rock masterpieces which showed the rough side of the Who. Amazingly, given the growing public appetite for garish double live albums that was beginning to gain momentum at this time, the original Live at Leeds album was not even thirty minutes long. It was this release that came to be known as perhaps the greatest album ever recorded.

In 1995, the original album was generously expanded to over twice its original length with the restoration of performances form the concert which showed the poppier and more experimental sides of the Who. It also sounded better than ever. This beautiful release only increased this album's already giant stature.

Now in 2001, we get the "deluxe edition" of this classic which now contains the complete performance of Tommy from this same show. One could debate the placement of Tommy out of its original performance sequence by placing the entire thing on disc two, but I don't really think that this is a problem.

Personally, while I have always had a great amount of respect for Pete Townshend's first masterpiece, I've always considered it overblown, pretentious, and slightly dated (I've always considered Quadrophenia to the the better of the two).

On its own merits, the previous incarnations of Live at Leeds were perfect albums for anyone with more than a passing interest in rock and roll or the blues. It is therefore appropriate that the original tracks be relegated to disc one. It makes for easier listening. These same casual fans may not really appreciate the pomp of Tommy on disc 2(although, in all fairness, it IS a really good performance).

In short, casual fans will definitely be more appreciative of the non-Tommy tracks and may be better served by purchasing the less expensive '95 reissue.

A landmark in the rock story!
For the hard fans (as me) of the Who there will be another additional reason for support that statement.
This work remains in my memories as one of the most remarkable musical triumphs all the way . The Who certainly were in his creative peaks . The creation of Tommy showed another important facet of this ensemble.
My generation , Magic Bus ,or Summertime blues are played with fury and deep histamina . The riffs and the fierec of the guitar runs paralel to the incandescent rhytm and hard drum beat.
Don't even doubt. This album is in the top ten list of the rock seventies gems. ... Read more

Asin: B00005NB0H

My Generation (Dlx) (Dig)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (27 August, 2002)
list price: $29.98 -- our price: $29.98
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Editorial Review

The roaring, raging quartet heard on Who's Next, Live at Leeds, and Quadrophenia is scarcely discernable on much of this, their first album. But the Mod-fueled, American R&B-inspired sense of ambitious pop that powers A Quick One, Sell Out, and even Tommy isn't so hard to find here. This reissue not only expands the original with a bonus-disc treasure trove of 17 outtakes and rarities (including the Pete Townshend-penned, previously unissued "Instant Party Mixture"), but has been remixed from the original 1964-'66 session tapes by producer Shel Talmy and released in true stereo for the first time. Anchored by early Who/Townshend anthems "My Generation" (also included in an instrumental version), "I Can't Explain," and "The Kids Are Alright," disc one's original LP set veers somewhat schizophrenically from Townshend's nascent power-guitar thrashing on the anthems and Roger Daltrey's ill-advised James Brown and Bo Diddley impressions on "Please, Please, Please" and "I'm a Man," respectively, to the surf-inspired John Entwistle-Keith Moon instrumental showcase, "The Ox." Not surprisingly, it's the Townshend originals (like "It's Not True," "Legal Matter," and the proto-psychedelic "Circles") that point to what the band would become in a few short years. The bonus material on disc two leans equally heavily on covers, but also contains its share of signposts to the future Who, including a rare, alternate version of "Anyhow, Anyway, Anywhere." Also included is a new booklet with many rare photos and a history of the album's recording by Andy Neill (coauthor of Anyway Anyhow Anywhere: The Complete Chronicle of the Who 1958-1978). --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Features

• Extra tracks
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (40)

The Who's first album. One of the greatest.
The CD "My Generation: Deluxe Edition" is a great addition to any Who fan's collection. The CD contains many great songs such as "My Generation," "The Kids Are Alright," "I Can't Explain," and an alternate take of "Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere." It also has a very interesting instrumental version of "My Generation." I truly suggest Who fans go out and buy this album. You won't be dissapointed! The CD's tracks are:

DISC 1:
1.) Out In The Street
2.) I Don't Mind
3.) The Good's Gone
4.) La-La-La Lies
5.) Much Too Much
6.) My Generation
7.) The Kids Are Alright
8.) Please, Please, Please
9.) It's Not True
10.) I'm A Man
11.) A Legal Matter
12.) The Ox
13.) Circles
14.) I Can't Explain
15.) Bald Headed Woman
16.) Daddy Rolling Stones

DISC 2:
1.) Leaving Here [Alternate]
2.) Lubie (Come Back Home)
3.) Shout And Shimmy
4.) (Love Is Like A) Heat Wave
5.) Motoring
6.) Anytime You Want Me
7.) Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere [Alternate]
8.) Instant Party Mixture
9.) I Don't Mind [Full Length Version]
10.) The Good's Gone [Full Length Version]
11.) My Generation [Instrumental Version]
12.) Anytime You Want Me [A Cappella Version]
13.) A Legal Matter [Monaural Version With Guitar Overdubs]
14.) My Generation [Monaural Version With Guitar Overdubs]

*REMEMBER - ONCE YOU BUY THIS, YOU WON'T BE DISSAPOINTED!

Way better than I expected
Their first album is Great! Before I had been a bit leery about purchasing the first two Who albums because I was afraid of a Beatles sounding mono recording dissapointment. When the the deluxe stereo version of My Generation appeared on the shelves I no longer had any excuse and grudgingly forked over the cash. After listening to the first 30 seconds of the first track, I turned my car around, went back to the record store and bought the stereo version of A Quick One. Hearing Daltrey's refreshing guttural vocals on Out in the Street was enough to convince me that my stupid fears were unfounded. I don't own the mono version so I can't whine and complain about missing overdubs and such, but I will say that a poster could have been included for the $30 store shelf price. I'm not sure I would recommend My Generation (Deluxe)to new fans, Who's Next or The Ultimate collection would more appropriate. But for those already established fans who are considering this purchase, but have been discouraged by some of previous negative reviews and are wondering if its worth the money, I would answer with a qualified YES!

The first Who album is also the best
This album captures the spirit of the Who so perfectly that it remains the best thing they ever produced. Don't worry that only one or two of the songs may be familiar to you -- it's not your fault radio was too narrow-minded to play this great album in its entirety. Here you can hear how the Who made something new out of what The Beatles, The Stones and The Kinks were doing, and you can hear how they influenced the likes of The Ramones and everyone who followed. This is groundbreaking, great rock and roll. ... Read more

Asin: B00006GF6Y
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

New Miserable Experience (Dlx) (Dig)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (24 September, 2002)
list price: $29.98 -- our price: $26.99
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Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (8)

A CLASSIC Package!
DISC 2 shows that the GIN BLOSSOMS have much to offer and the band was not just about the songs of DOUG HOPKINS. Their cover of SOUL DEEP is a WINNER! Robin's singing performance is AMAZING and the playing of JESSE, SCOTTY, BILL and PHILLIP can not be understated. This is a band that still has alot of music left in them and in fact are back in the studio right now JULY, 2004. Just saw them LIVE a few weekends ago and they are still as GREAT as ever! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this package!

Just more to love!!!
So many great albums were released in the 90s it was bound a few deserving ones would get overshadowed. This one did. Despite having 4 top 20 singles, New Miserable Experience isn't mentioned among the great albums of the era, nor the Gin Blossoms among the great bands. They both should be. The songwriting is here:, the vocals, riffs and rythyms top to bottom, ranging from good to classic. Some songs, like Found Out About You are aggressive, uptempo and fun. The ballads like Unil I Fall Away are slower, beautiful and powerful without being cheesy. There are NO bad songs on this whole album. "Hey Jealousy" was the biggest hit but "Last Horizons", "29" "Pieces of the Night" are also incredible but got no attention. "Until I Fall Away", "Found Out About You" and "Allison Road" were also all over radio. This album is a great 90s workout in soulful garage rock. Enough talk, get this CD, roll down the car windows, crank it up and let the good times roll!

The additions to this deluxe edition, music-wise, are incredible. The hard to find Keli Richards, Angels Tonight, Slave Dealer's Daughter all pre-date NME and are great. The live versions of the NME songs rule, and you get some hilrious (Movin On Up) and cool (Folsom Prison Blues) b-sides. I would have liked more in the liner notes, like an account of the making of the album, but the old tour t-shirts are awesome.

One of the greatest reissues of all time.
This is unquestionably one of the greatest reissues ever. Not only do we get the incomparable debut album of a group that should have been the next Police or U2 in terms of popularity, but a bonus disc of tremendous live, alternate, or unreleased music that easily stands up with the finest music on NME. The unreleased alternate take of "Pieces Of The Night" with piano ending that (perfectly) ends the entire two-disc set is, in my opinion, simply one of the best songs of the nineties and one of the finest pop/rock songs ever. A tragedy that this band did not scale the highest heights of popularity but, then again, perhaps they would not have reached this peak a second time. I think they would have, though. Buy this album - not a wasted minute on either disc. ... Read more

Asin: B00006JKCL
Sales Rank: 15779
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

One More From the Road [Deluxe Edition]
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (11 September, 2001)
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Editorial Review

Dismissed by some as the redneck Led Zeppelin, yet beloved by a faithful and grassroots following for just that reason, Lynyrd Skynyrd sailed above it all--even the dark tragedy that befell them less than a year after this landmark live set was recorded in Atlanta. A triple-platinum perennial in its classic-rock heyday, this 25th anniversary edition has been digitally restored and authentically remixed on vintage '70s equipment to great effect. The band's performances have also been resequenced to their original running order to accurately recreate the Skynyrd '70s live experience.

Even Allen Collins's later-overdubbed intro to their ubiquitous epic "Free Bird" has been restored with the original. Cameron Crowe's original notes are also here, long before Almost Famous, and he insightfully puts the album in its proper historical perspective. But the real premium here is the almost full disc of bonus cuts, including previously unreleased versions of "Simple Man," "Gimme Back My Bullets," "Workin' for MCA," "I Ain't the One," "Searching," and other alternate versions recorded during the Atlanta stand ("Gimme Three Steps," "Call Me the Breeze," "Sweet Home Alabama," "Crossroads," "Free Bird"), but until now scattered elsewhere in the Skynyrd catalog. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (21)

Classic rock doesn't get much more classic than this
One More From The Road could be up there with the great live rock albums. It's the only live document of the original (pre-plane crash) Lynyrd Skynyrd band and the only one you'd need. The band is on fire for this July 1976 performance. They run through the best known songs from their first four albums (Gimme Three Steps, Tuesday's Gone, Simple Man, Sweet Home Alabama, Saturday Night Special, Gimme Back My Bullets, Workin' For MCA, etc). The performances leave nothing to be desired. The highlight of this collection, for me at least, is the awesome version of T For Texas. If you think Free Bird rocks, check out the guitar interplay on this song. Wow! The version of Free Bird is very good also, but supposedly contains a guitar part overdubbed by Allen Collins. I usually frown on tampering with live material like that. I'd rather hear the original undoctored performance. I was less impressed with the cover of Crossroads, which is basically a remake of Cream's version. The guitarists seem to be trying too hard to recreate Eric Clapton's solo, but they do an admirable job.

This is a great album which any hard rock fan should own and anyone with even a passing interest in Lynyrd Skynyrd too. The newer Deluxe Edition would be the best choice to buy.

Great Remastered Live Album
Lynyrd Skynyrd released four studio albums prior to the release of this record and they were all outstanding. But as good as they were in the studio, Skynyrd really showed their chops on the road. Shortly after the release of their first record they toured as an opening act for The Who and did the unthinkable by actually blowing them off the stage. One More From The Road was released in late '76 and it captures all of their power and fury. For the tour they added guitarist Steve Gaines to the mix of Allen Collins and Garry Rossington bringing back the triple lead guitar attack that made them famous. Bolstered by Artimus Pyle's drumming, Billy Powell's boogie-woogie piano and Leon Wiliknson's steady bass, the band provides the firm backing for frontman Ronnie Van Zant's whiskey-soaked vocals. Standout tracks include the powerful "Workin' For MCA", the furious "Saturday Night Special", "Tuesday Gone", the rollicking "Call Me The Breeze" and of course their two most notable songs, "Sweet Home Alabama" and the flick your lighter on arena rock classic "Free Bird". This is a remastered deluxe edition that has several different live versions of songs and the original packaging including the original liner notes by a young Rolling Stone writer named Cameron Crowe.

Skynyrd at Their Peak
From it's original release, One More From The Road has been considered among the best live albums available. It's certainly at the top of my list. This is the record that really catapulted Skynyrd to the top of the heap, and it captures the energy that made them such an outstanding live act. This 25th anniversary edition has some great modifications. The tracks have been reconfigured to match the original set list, including the addition of "Simple Man". It also has all of Ronnie Van Zant's between song banter. So this is now the definitive document of Skynyrd at their peak. The double CD set is filled out with alternate takes of several songs (the album was complied from 2 shows at the Fox Theater in Atlanta). These alternate takes (and the alternate between song banter) are interesting, but not essential. Overall, it's as good as it gets. I'd give it more stars if I could!!! ... Read more

Asin: B00005NWLO

Velvet Underground / Nico (Dlx)
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Audio CD (25 June, 2002)
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When the Velvets recorded this debut, they were best known as the protégés of Andy Warhol (who designed the sleeve), and as a grating, combustive live band. Fueled by drummer Moe Tucker's no-nonsense wham and John Cale's howling viola, some of the straight-up rock & roll and arty noise extravaganzas here bear that out. But before Lou Reed was singing about sadomasochism and drug deals and writing lyrics inspired by his favorite poets, he was a pop songwriter, and this album has some of his prettiest tunes, mostly sung by Nico, the German dark angel who left the band after this disc. Even the sordid rockers are underscored by graceful pop tricks, like the two-chord flutter at the center of the classic "Heroin."--Douglas Wolk ... Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (4)

Listen Slowly And See
This album is great. Lou Reed's vocals and guitar playing is top notch. John Cale's viola and bass add something extra and unique. Moe Tucker's uncanny drumming skills are great. Sterling Morrison's lead guitar is excellent. This album is an essential recording of '60s rock 'n' roll. Granted the stereo and mono versions may be a bit much for just a casual fan but some songs just sound better mono and some sound better stereo. Also the addition of the Nico tracks are a plus. If you like The Who, The Rollings Stones, or The Kinks do yourself a favor and check this out.

DO NOT BUY THIS REISSUE
This is a terrible reissue of one of the greatest albums ever recorded. Instead of messing around with why the album itself is good or bad, I will just go right in to why the REISSUE is anything but essential.

The reissue starts with the album in stereo. After that, there are a few NICO solo tracks. NICO is great, and I love NICO, but her work needs to be appriciated on its own. This would be like reissuing an album by the Who and adding Pete Townsend solo tracks.

After the NICO tracks, the Mono Singles begin. After the mono singles, the mono album composes the second disc. Listening to the album in mono is kind of neat, but why put the singles on there if they are already on the album in the mono mix.

In the end this is a waste of time and money. Rather than spend thirty dollars on this pitiful two disc set, I would suggest buying the original version of the album and a NICO album. This would cost roughly the Same amount of money but more worth the listeners while.

Royal reissue of watershed LP
Of the many impressive facets of the Velvet Underground's debut, perhaps the most impressive of all is how completely undated it sounds. While those who followed in the VU's footsteps often sounded retro -- often purposefully so -- this gritty, thirty-five year-old creation seems not to have aged a day.

Polydor's latest double-disc reissue collects both the mono and stereo mixes of the original album, digitally remastered, and adds contemporaneous singles and a quintet of VU-powered tracks from Nico's subsequent "Chelsea Girl" album. The package is enveloped in a foldout digipack (with or without peelable banana artwork), with a thick booklet that includes newly penned liner notes from Dave Thompson, photos, song lyrics and recording credits.

Of particular interest to U.S. buyers is the mono album mix, previously available only outside the U.S. This is the band's vision of the album, later remixed into stereo by MGM staff producer (and, at the time, Simon & Garfunkel producer) Tom Wilson. The mono version is tougher, and in the opinion of the band's label at the time, too limiting for American audiences (both for its intensity, and for the US's burgeoning interest in stereo). The difference in atmosphere is a terrific lesson in how mixing affects an album, and how visceral mono recordings can be.

The bonus tracks include five sides waxed by Nico with the original lineup of the Velvet Underground for her solo debut. Recorded in April 1967, they followed the band's original recording dates by exactly a year (the VU debut, recorded in April 1966, did not see release until March of the following year). The songs, from Reed, Cale and Sterling Morrison are rendered lightly, with strings and flutes (apparently much to Nico's displeasure), a minimum of Reed's guitar, and no drums. The VU's more ferocious and dissonant side really only turns up on "It Was a Pleasure Then." Combining these sides with the original album provides a nice opportunity to listen to the original VU lineup's entire ouevre.

The singles offer a chance to hear "All Tomorrow's Parties" shaved down from it's original 5:58 to a 45's worth of 2:49. Less radically, the single release of "I'll Be Your Mirror" resolves chord, rather than fades as on the album. Even more minor is the two seconds of what seems to be engineer's chatter (announcing the tape roll) that precedes the single release of "Sunday Morning." The fetishism of collecting these minute differences seems like a natural fit for VU fans.

Those looking to hear this watershed album for the first time will likely be just as happy with the single-disc 1996 reissue. For those who've loved (and lived) this album over the last thirty-five years, the opportunity to view it from a new angle shouldn't be passed up. ... Read more

Asin: B00005YTN5
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Let's Get It On [Deluxe Edition]
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (18 September, 2001)
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Editorial Review

Marvin Gaye's 1973 album, Let's Get It On, is a marvel of sexual blandishment every bit the artistic equal of, say, John Donne's best seduction poems. The difference, though, is that the poetry here isn't in the verse--which gets a trifle clich&eacute;d--but in the supple pulse of the grooves and in the aching need of Gaye's sensual voice. The marvelous title track, a No. 1 hit, riffs on the earlier hook of Gaye's "What's Going On" to reach a more primal climax, and everything else here--a steamy swirl of sax, strings, and backing voices--is sexy, beautiful, and simply sublime. This deluxe edition adds almost 30 tracks from the same time period, including demo and alternate versions, a live version of "Come Get to This," and "Let's Get It On (Part III)," a.k.a. "Keep Gettin' It On." --David Cantwell ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Typical Industry Politics
a Marvin Gaye Album is still worth checking out but that when it's basically Re-Mixes&a Few Live Songs&things here&there&Why does it take 20-25 Years to drop this Album?the Original is a Must have to me.but all this Mix&things is a Zero to me.unless it's Unreleased Material don't even bother.to Repackage¬ bring out another Album's Worth of Unheard Music speaks of Greed to me especailly almost 30 years later since this Record came out??

Don't listen to that guy...
"Let's Get it On," particularly this reissue, deserves no fewer than five stars. While the alternate versions and demos aren't as essential as the original album itself, they still provide a wonderful insight into how Marvin Gaye created this masterpiece. If you're a casual fan, go with the regular edition; if you enjoy Gaye on anything more than a surface level, though, this CD's worth your money.

Excellent album.
Marvin's "Let's Get it On" album is, by all definitions, a classic. Who hasn't heard the title track? Personally, my one complaint with this particular album is that a few of the songs don't seem to go anywhere, but the pleasure of hearing Marvin's voice is more than enough to make up for that.

After you've listened to any of his albums enough, you start to feel like you've got a personal relationship with him, because his voice is so honest and expressive, and this album is certainly no exception. But what makes this deluxe edition so great, in my opinion, is the inclusion of all the bonus tracks, and included among those are a number of absolutely killer instrumentals. His earlier "Trouble Man" album (which is one of those "hidden treasures," if you ask me) proved that Marvin was no fool when it came to cooking up a fine instrumental, but the ones on the deluxe edition of "Let's Get it On" blow that album out of the water, if you ask me. They're full, they're funky, and they're exuberant.

We all know Marvin for his voice, but if he'd ever released an album of instrumentals of the quality we see on here, I think it'd be ranked among his best. For me, at least, they're worth the price of admission alone, and that's discounting all the other bonus tracks.

These "deluxe editions" of albums that've been coming out over the past few months for the most part tend to be absolutely excellent in terms of sound quality, liner notes, and the sheer volume of music you get. This version of "Let's Get it On" is no exception. If you don't mind the somewhat steep price, and you're a fan of Marvin, by all means buy this album. If you're new to Marvin, it might be better to buy just the album itself (as well as his other classics such as the inimitable "What's Going On" and his heartfelt "Here, My Dear"). If you like them, then shell out for the more completist "deluxe editions." ... Read more

Asin: B00005O02R

What's Going On [2001 Deluxe Edition]
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (27 February, 2001)
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Marvin Gaye's What's Going On may be the most powerful soul record ever made. On this Deluxe Edition, the original recording is embellished with an alternate Detroit Mix of the album (which is almost equally strong) and a previously unreleased recording of Gaye's live performance at the Kennedy Center in 1972. It also includes brilliant liner notes, song lyrics, and a mini-essay by Smokey Robinson, who calls What's Going On his favorite album of all time. The raw emotionality of the live disc further demonstrates Gaye's commitment to his own sentiments and captures the longing and sadness that permeate the album. Gaye went into uncharted R&B territory on What's Going On: leaving love ballads behind, he explored social commentary from an intimate personal perspective. The world weighed heavy on his heart, and the album brings home the confusion of the Vietnam era, when America the Beautiful began to seem a bit ugly. Armed with only his heart and his voice, Marvin Gaye took on Uncle Sam, and won over the hearts of many Americans. --Lizz Mendez Berry ... Read more

Reviews (30)

Can you improve on perfection???
Thankfully you can!! The best soul album ever recorded has just got better.This 2 disc set is well worth buying even if you have the original at home.It has a remasterd version of the album and the original mix(which stands out on its own)on disc one.Disc two contains Marvins live performance at the Kennedy center in 1972 (Im listening to this as I write) and it is awesome. Marvin may have been a bit rusty with singing live but all his soul and passion still stands out, what an amazing voice!!! The booklet with these cds is excellent with a foreward by Smokey Robinson stating it is the greatest soul album ever, I cant argue with this statement. As Marvin said:"Something happend to me during that period.I felt the strong urge to write music and to write lyrics that would touch the souls of men.And in that way I thought I could help." Marvin has touched my soul with an album that seems to get more relevant to the problems the world faces the older it gets. Go out and buy this and give your old copy to someone who has never heard this album before.Ive got to stop otherwise Ill go on forever about this amazing album

Great Album, Great Edition
What's Going On is one of the all-time great albums in music history. On any listing of the top albums of all-time, the album is invariably ranked among the top ten. The album combines lush orchestrations, beautiful singing and conscious raising lyrics. If you already own this album, you will still want to purchase this edition for the 1972 Kennedy Center concert on disk two. It contains the entire album live as well as other hits and it finds Marvin Gaye at the top of his game. Perhaps he was propelled by the fact that Washington DC officials had declared it Marvin Gaye Day and gave him a key to the city, but he sang with an urgency and passion that went unmatched. The first disk contains the original album as well as a "Detroit Mix" of the album. It is interesting to hear the alternate version, but the original still stands out. The booklet is top notch with a heartfelt and elegant essay by Mr. Gaye's close friend Smokey Robinson. You cannot give this album enough praise and all the accolades it has received over the past thirty years are well deserved. Perhaps the highest praise you can give it is that the album still sounds fresh, new and relevant after all these years.

Some of us were born...
My oh my. When true rightness hits you, it hits you hard. Despite Charlie Keil's quasi-Marxist disdain for this record, it remains a landmark in musical history, as it should be. Just like The Wu Tang Clan's early CDs, OutKast's OutPut, Parliament/Funkadelic/George Clinton's inspirations, James Brown's gifts, Jimi's jams, Monk's Music or James Reese Europe's genius, whatever inspires you to be your full self, this record has it. Utterly in command yet completely given over to the One, it is among the works that set the standard for true music of both a previous time and for our time as well.
This 2CD edition contains the released mix, the first unreleased mix, a 1972 concert in DC, 3 7" singles mixes, and two un-issued dubs, all of which illustrate Mr. Gaye's musical heart in these songs. If inspiration could communicate its source (which by definition it can't) these works would be among those where It was communicated most clearly. Like Big Boi says, go and marinate on that a little bit. ... Read more

Asin: B000059RL3

Live at the Apollo, Vol. II [Deluxe Edition]
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Audio CD (26 June, 2001)
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Thanks to the paradigm-shifting success of his first Live at the Apollo LPfrom 1963, James Brown and the famed Harlem theater were all butsynonymous in the '60s. By the time Brown recorded there again in earlysummer of 1967, his music had undergone tremendous changes, asrevolutionary for R&B as John Coltrane'ssheets-of-sound approach was for jazz. This second Live at theApollo caught Brown giving full stick to both his classicsoul-ballad style and the funk his band was developing practically in frontof the crowds' ears. Even better than previous issues is thisterrifically remastered version. It adds nearly 25 minutes ofpreviously edited tape, most significantly the pivotal "Let YourselfGo"/"There Was a Time"/"I Feel All Right" funk workout and an "It's aMan's Man's Man's World" that extends to a third of an hour here. Therevisions add to the you-are-there feel of one of Brown's must-ownalbums, as do photos and credits that acknowledge everyone from stellarplayers like Maceo Parker andClyde Stubblefield to the troupe's hairdresser and Learjet pilot.--Rickey Wright ... Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (14)

There Was A Time!
James Brown at his legendary peak in the '60s & early '70s was the greatest live performer of his era. Now one of his great live albums gets the red carpet treatment in the Deluxe Edition of "Live At The Apollo Vol. 2". Even if you already own this album, you haven't heard it all since all prior editions edited many of the cuts and altered the sequencing of the show to fit the limitations of vinyl. The 28 page booklet is also a treat featuring complete personnel credits, photos and an essay from Alan Leeds. If you're a fan, do what JB himself says and "Let Yourself Go"!

Perhaps the best live album ever made
I first ran across this album years ago on vinyl and it quickly became one of my favorites. This is James Brown at the height of his powers before he began to recycle his best efforts and shriek too much. This version of the band is tighter than a drum head and pumps out the funk beyond belief.

I totally flipped when I found the CD with EVEN MORE MATERIAL! While I'm not completely crazy about the intermission material (Caravan is a good song but without SEEING the JB Dancers doing their stuff it seems like filler) the "There Was a Time" medley is worth the price of admission alone. This song is so powerful it completely makes up for some slight (and I mean slight) problems with the rest of the set. Every time I have it on in the car I can't help but shout along with the audience, UHHHH....UHHHH UHHHH!!!! If you're one of the drivers next to me in Houston please be kind and don't laugh too loud - I just can't help myself. "Kansas City" is also one of the highlights of the show while "Cold Sweat" is an absolute monster. Well, you get the picture. I just wish I could have been there at the Apollo in June of 1967 to witness this amazing series of concerts. If only I had a time machine I could have shot over to the Monterey Pop festival to catch Jimi and Otis and then later that same month out east to the Apollo.... Please strongly consider this CD for you collection. If you have the slightest funk-bone in your body, you won't be disappointed. Long live James Brown!

Best Live Album Ever
Can't stop playing this. James Brown and his band are so tight and the grooves so amazing, I keep getting blasted away. ... Read more

Asin: B00005LKFC

Frampton Comes Alive: 25th Anniversary Deluxe Edition
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Audio CD (09 January, 2001)
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If you were challenged to name five rock albums that epitomized the '70s, Frampton Comes Alive! should probably top the list. Former Humble Pie guitarist Peter Frampton recorded a few perfectly fine albums with his band Frampton's Camel, but it wasn't until some of those tracks were recorded at a live performance in San Francisco and released as Frampton Comes Alive! that he became a household name. Buoyant pop, sentimental ballads, arena rock--this album has it all. The double-LP package set sales records and contained three bona fide radio hits--"Baby, I Love Your Way," "Show Me the Way," and "Do You Feel Like We Do?" This 25th-anniversary remastered package features three previously unreleased tracks from the source shows, plus an additional selection recorded at the time as a radio promo. --Lorry Fleming ... Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered
• Live

Reviews (25)

Frampton's finest hour gets better
Peter Frampton's Frampton Comes Alive was released in January of 1976. This live album for the longest time was the biggest selling live album ever and was #1 for a total of 17 unconsecutive weeks. In January of 2001 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of this classic album, A&M re-released the album in an expanded deluxe version with an expanded booklet and four bonus tracks bringing to album's running time to nearly two hours. This album still rocks and does not only feature Frampton's great guitar solos and vocals and Stanley Sheldon's great bass playing but also showed us what great musicians the late John Siomos and Bob Mayo were. John was what Peter called the John Bonham of his band and John's death this year was sad and then a month after John's passing keyboardist/occasional guitarist/backing vocalist Bob Mayo died of a heart attack in Switzerland while touring with Peter. This album is a living testament to Peter's band whom played with him from 1975 to 1978. This live album was completely live save part of the vocal of Something's Happening, the rhythm electric guitar on Show Me the Way and the piano on I Wanna Go to the Sun but the rest is all live(solos, drums, bass and backing vocals). This classic album features the Frampton standards Show Me The Way(which hit #6 on the singles charts), the Top 20 hit Baby I love Your Way and the Top 20 epic Do You Feel Like We Do in all of its 14 minute plus glory with its famous talk-box section and he and Joe Walsh would have a great talk-box duel. Other highlights are Lines On My Face, I Wanna Go To The Sun and I'll Give You Money. This classic live album showed Peter Frampton and his band in all their glory. Besides being a excellent songwriter and singer, Frampton ranks as one of the greatest guitarists in all of rock and roll history. It's unfortunate that critics panned Frampton for his good looks rather than his musical talent showing critics are more about pazazz and glitter than music integrity. The additional material on the expanded edition includes three additional live pieces(including a killer Nowhere's Too Far For My Baby) as well as an radio broadcast version of Day's Dawning which originally appeared on 1975's Frampton. This remixed/remastered version was superbly remastered by Bob Ludwig and Peter makes a classic live album sound even more classic today. Highly recommended!

70's Touchstone
Frampton Comes Alive came out of nowhere to become one of the biggest albums of all time. Peter Frampton released several albums in the early to mid 70's, a couple of which sold respectively. When this album was released in early '76, it exploded and stayed in the top ten for over a year. The album offers something for everybody from straight forward rockers like "It's A Plain Shame", "Something's Happening" & "Doobie Wah" to ballads like "Baby, I Love Your Way" & "Show Me The Way" to extended jams like "I Wanna Go To The Sun", "Lines On My Face" & "Do You Feel Like We Do?". It also has that voice-box. Frampton is a great guitar player and an energetic performer and those traits didn't always come across on his studio albums. They were front & center on the live album and people tapped into that. Frampton never again reached the heights he reached with this album, but it stands today as a touchstone of 70's rock music. This is a remastered package that includes three unreleased songs as well as the original liner notes written by a young Cameron Crowe who would later cast Mr. Frampton in a bit part and use him as a technical and guitar consultant on Almost Famous.

Frampton's finest hour gets even better
Peter Frampton's Frampton Comes Alive was released in January of 1976. This live album for the longest time was the biggest selling live album ever and was #1 for a total of 17 unconsecutive weeks. In January of 2001 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of this classic album, A&M re-released the album in an expanded deluxe version with an expanded booklet and four bonus tracks bringing to album's running time to nearly two hours. This album still rocks and does not only feature Frampton's great guitar solos and vocals and Stanley Sheldon's great bass playing but also showed us what great musicians the late John Siomos and Bob Mayo were. John was what Peter called the John Bonham of his band and John's death this year was sad and then a month after John's passing keyboardist/occasional guitarist/backing vocalist Bob Mayo died of a heart attack in Switzerland while touring with Peter. This album is a living testament to Peter's band whom played with him from 1975 to 1978. This live album was completely live save part of the vocal of Something's Happening, the rhythm electric guitar on Show Me the Way and the piano on I Wanna Go to the Sun but the rest is all live(solos, drums, bass and backing vocals). This classic album features the Frampton standards Show Me The Way(which hit #6 on the singles charts), the Top 20 hit Baby I love Your Way and the Top 20 epic Do You Feel Like We Do in all of its 14 minute plus glory with its famous talk-box section and he and Joe Walsh would have a great talk-box duel. Other highlights are Lines On My Face, I Wanna Go To The Sun and I'll Give You Money. This classic live album showed Peter Frampton and his band in all their glory. Besides being a excellent songwriter and singer, Frampton ranks as one of the greatest guitarists in all of rock and roll history. It's unfortunate that critics panned Frampton for his good looks rather than his musical talent showing critics are more about pazazz and glitter than music integrity. The additional material on the expanded edition includes three additional live pieces(including a killer Nowhere's Too Far For My Baby) as well as an radio broadcast version of Day's Dawning which originally appeared on 1975's Frampton. This remixed/remastered version was superbly remastered by Bob Ludwig and Peter makes a classic live album sound even more classic today. Highly recommended! ... Read more

Asin: B000056JYC

Ziggy Stardust: 30th Anniv (Bonus CD)
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Audio CD (16 July, 2002)
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Editorial Review

Thirty years on, Ziggy Stardust more than holds up, soundsincredibly refreshing, is truly timeless, comes as a revelation, etc., etc.Over the years, much has been made of what a visionary work this is, and it'sstill fun to marvel at how its themes encapsulate the entire history of rock--including rock-yet-to-come in the forms of punk, and even the deaths of Elvis and Kurt Cobain. Bowie merged rock archetypes from the '50s and '60s with theater to create a brand-new mythology. In that sense, he was sort of Bruce Springsteen in makeup. But beyond that, it's astonishing to hear how great the late, wonderfulMick Ronson's guitar and the Spiders from Mars still sound today. When they sing"Wonderful" behind Bowie on the "Rock 'N' Roll Suicide" finale, they could bereferring to this album. This 30th anniversary edition includes a second disc of demos, singles (including the very Berlin cabaret-esque "Arnold Corns" releases), and a few essential outtakes--notably the decadent "Sweet Head"--that haven't been available in nearly a decade.--Bill Holdship ... Read more

Features

• Limited Edition
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (35)

let's enjoy
I'll be a little more positive than the 2 other reviews.
We're not talking about the music of this one. Nothing
else or new can be said about ''ziggy stardust''
bonus cd doesn't bring anything interesting on the table,
and usually will stay in their case forever after one
boring listening. BUT this one bonus cd contains real
great songs. [velvet goldmine is a glam jewel].The cover
of 'Amsterdam' is really strong, so are other songs on
this cd.
Also contrary to one reviewer I like the fact that the bonus
tracks are not on the same cd than the original ''ziggy''.
It preserves the authenticity of the 1972 album.An ''original''
album with 10 new bonus tracks is no longer the same album.
Did I mention THE BEAUTIFUL packaging of these cds. 40 pages
interesting to read and well presented.

So I'll advise you to get this remarkable edition,and I would
mind a special edition for ''aladin sane''. No, not let's dance
By the way ,If you don t know ''hours' and ''heathen'',you
are missing something.

Ziggy's back for some good nostalgia.
I hope the previous reviewer doesn't take these opinions personal. First of all, the EMI remasters are far superior to the Rykodisc versions. It is a wonder what a difference ten years of new technology makes. Bose stereo equipment [isn't my favorite]. Also, I do not see anything wrong with an anniversary edition of Low. I will set aside enough time to rediscover a great album like Low. Oh yes, the new Ziggy set is very nice. The packaging is excellent, the sound is excellent. The extra c.d. contains a lot of cool music he did around the time of this album. It does not contain everything he recorded at the time. There was some cool live stuff from that period, but i don't think that was the intention. If it was then it would end up being a 4 or 5 disc set. Hopefully that will be the next project. This is a great disc to pick up. This is a must buy if you don't have the remastered EMI single c.d. version.

Ziggy played guitar
This 30th anniversary remaster sounds as crisp and relevant as if recorded last year. An essential "must have" for Bowie fans. Moonage Daydream doesn't get too much airplay, even on the classic rock stations, but is one of his best! ... Read more

Asin: B000067CQK
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

All Things Must Pass [DIGI-PAK EDITION]
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (09 October, 2001)
list price: $24.98 -- our price: $20.99
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Features

• Original recording remastered
• Extra tracks

Reviews (290)

THE WAR AND PEACE OF ROCK N ROLL!
I have hesitated to write an online review of my favorite album simply because so many people have already written so many wonderful things regarding George Harrison's solo masterpiece "All Things Must Pass". The recent passing of George Harrison has caused many of us forty and over crowd to remember what a sincere and kind human being George was. "All Things Must Pass", was rock n rolls first boxed set released shortly after the break-up of the Beatles and quickly established George Harrison as a creative force on par with Lennon and McCartney. Since George was prevented from recording more than his usual one or two songs per Beatle album, he had a backlog of unrecorded songs that eventually became the majority of "All Things Must Pass". The album stayed at number one for nearly two months and is viewed by many critics as the greatest solo Beatle album of alltime. Powered by the mega hit "My Sweet Lord", the albums spiritual feel dominates throughout. Songs like"What Is Life", "Awaiting On You All", Beware Of Darkness","Isn't It A Pity" and "Wah Wah" all received heavy airplay on virtually every AOR radio station in the country. Top forty stations were playing "MY Sweet Lord" and "What Is Life" to near saturation levels. An allstar cast was assembled in the recording studio including, Eric Clapton, Billy Preston, Gary Brooker, Ringo Starr, Dave Mason, Alan White, Carl Radle, and even Phil Collins contributed. The final ingrediant was the production of legendary producer Phil Spector and his wall of sound. George's contribution to rock n roll cannot be under-stated; he was the first musician to introduce the sitar into mainstream pop music and his "Concert For Bangladesh" was the prototype concert that gave birth to all these charitable concert's that have since followed like, "Live Aid", Farm Aid" and even the most recent "Concert For New York". George Harrison was a humble and quiet legend who was more than just a Beatle, but a talent in his own right. I highly recommend this remastered 30th anniverary edition of "All Things Must Pass" which George remastered himself and contributed some fantastic new liner notes and designed a colorful new booklet with great new photo's. The bonus track "I Live For You" and the instrumental version of "What Is Life" are real gems not to be missed. This is George Harrison's final gift to music fans everywhere. Thank-you George.

My Sweet George
George Harrison was an incredibly complicated person, something often overlooked in the canonical version of the Beatles saga. This guy was really heavy! It's easy to forget that George was only in his twenties, with a fat bank account and thousands of adoring fans, when he wrote "The Art of Dying"-- a haunting tune weighing in on subjects like the spiritual evolution of mankind and the transient nature of material reality.

That's what I like about "All Things Must Pass." George had hit his musical stride by the time the Beatles imploded, and this record finds him at his musical prime... but the thoughts and attitudes that find expression on this record are not what you'd expect from a twenty-three-year-old superstar. Songs range from the playful ("Ballad of Sir Frankie Crisp)" to the serious ("Isn't It A Pity"), and from the beautifully melodic ("All Things Must Pass") to several examples of early 1970's boogie jam.

This landmark album gives the listener a clear window into George's life, at a time when he was obviously at peace with himself and the world around him. It isn't often that a major musical talent like Harrison is able to step away from mega-stardom in favor of weightier, more thoughtful work. One of my favorite records EVER!

My Sweet Lord.
this is one of the greatest thing ever recorded by human kind. I CAN'T SAY MORE. love ya george! ... Read more

Asin: B00005UKE0
Sales Rank: 808
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Rastaman Vibration [Deluxe Edition w/ Bonus Tracks]
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (26 November, 2002)
list price: $29.98 -- our price: $29.98
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Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (8)

Start your Reggae collection with this!!!!!!!!!!!!
This collection is awesome!! You get the newest remastering job of the original album, 2 bonus tracks, then you get alternate mixes of most songs. THEN, on disc 2, you get the whole LIVE! album and the very good "Smile Jamaica" sessions. This is Bob Marley on the top of his game.

Simply Amazing!
This collection of Marley's songs are absolutely incredible. When I first purchased this cd I was completely overwelmed with the giant selection of songs. Disc 2 completes the first disc and makes it the perfect album all together. My favorite track is Johnny Was.

Better configuration of this music available
The music here is, of course, essential; but, as the entire Roxy concert is now available as a 2 CD set, one might prefer to get that and the 1-disc version of "Rastaman Vibration" rather than this set. ... Read more

Asin: B00007E7H5
Sales Rank: 53020
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Reggae   

Who's Next (Deluxe Edition)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 March, 2003)
list price: $29.98 -- our price: $26.99
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Editorial Review

The success of Who's Next and its slate of classic-rock tracks has often obscured its true roots--Lifehouse, the unwieldy multi-media project that Pete Townshend originally concocted as the follow-up to Tommy. Variously informed by apocalyptic visions, sci-fi notions of interconnectivity that neatly presaged the internet and, of course, an unwavering conviction that rock & roll would save the world, the core tracks of the sprawling Lifehouse were recorded, cut, re-recorded and finally boiled down into a collection that seems to represent as much alienation ("Behind Blue Eyes") and overweening cynicism ("Won't Get Fooled Again") as it does liberation and unity. Aside from Townshend's own self-released, multi-disc meditation on the project, this expanded new edition is the most rewarding attempt to place Lifehouse and the over-exposed classic it spawned in their proper context. Six tracks from the album's original, but abandoned New York sessions flesh out the familiar material, with previously unreleased outtakes of "Getting in Tune" and a revealing, early arrangement of "Won't Get Fooled Again" warranting special note. The second disc documents one of Lifehouse's most quixotic elements with the first-time release of one of the series of concerts staged at London's Young Vic theater during the project's gestation, events during which band and audience would somehow mystically become One. Core tracks from the project are interspersed with typical hard-rocking Who fare of the time, resulting in a show whose focus and dynamics belied something very different from the arena-rock clichés that would eventually overwhelm them. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Features

• Extra tracks
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (57)

It's about time they released this!!![.]
Ok you know the album and you know the songs. This was the Who's Sgt. Pepper presented here for the first time from the master tapes. I noticed the better sound quality immediately.The bonus tracks are great too but what really is outstanding is Disc 2, the performance from the Young Vic show. Songs rarely if ever again performed live are featured here and the band is in top form. Roger's voice is strong and Keith's drumming is solid. The packaging couldn't be better with a booklet, gatefold cardboard sleeve and the Decca and Track record labels reproduced on the discs. It's like seeing an old girlfriend after a long time and she looks better than you remember. Package, sound quality,performance and songs, -5 Stars. Highly recommend.

It's still Deluxe, no matter how you slice it
My 5-star rating is not based on what this could have been, or alongside the fact of the previous remaster, but on its own terms as what it IS. From this angle, I don't know what's not to love about this Deluxe Edition. We all know that Who's Next rocks, and now we get the complete (?) Record Plant Session along with the lion's share of a Young Vic performance in superb quality. Yes, the second half of this live show has made the bootleg rounds, but not in this quality--the crisp sound here restores/reveals the powerful energy the bootleg lacks. And though I do lament they didn't squeeze Bonie Maronie on here, the missing Pinball Wizard/See Me Feel Me is not essential at all (the Woodstock versions on Kids Are Alright are much more inspired). And look what we GET--live Love Ain't For Keeping, Pure and Easy, and Time Is Passing (NO ONE suspected they peformed THAT tune until this release). And Young Man Blues smokes, I'd never heard a '71 version. And Naked Eye & Water are full-length here, whereas they were edited on the previous remaster.

As for the studio Record Plant stuff, Behind Blues eyes is wonderful (as we knew from the previous release), Love Ain't For Keeping--with Pete singing--is the definitive version (as we knew from the Odds 'n Sods re-release, but it's nice to hear it here in context), and Won't Get Fooled AGain is wild...you can actually hear the band giving it shape & form as they thrash about on it; it may be missing Roger's trademark scream, but his deep growly vocal rages much closer to live intensity than on the standard version. And yeah, Leslie West plays lead axe on Baby Don't You Do It, but the band still smokes on it, and I'm certainly glad they dug it out of the vaults (if they wouldn't have, someone ELSE would've complained, I'm sure....).

The booklet claims that the studio Time Is Passing was from the Olympia session, not the Record Plant (as Odds 'n Sods asserts), so I guess that's why it's not here. I really DO wish it was, along with Let's See Action, Mary (Pete's demo is worthy enough) and the studio versions of Naked Eye, I Don't Even Know Myself, and Too Much of Anything. I would've preferred that these songs and the "standard" version of Pure and Easy were the bonus tracks to the Who's Next disc--making it closer to a complete Lifehouse studio album--and that the Record Plant session was on a separate bonus disc. But you can't have everything, and it truly would've taken 3 discs to have all of the above.

As for Relay, Join Together, and Put the Money Down, those were recorded in '72, NOT at these sessions (and studio Water wasn't recorded till '73). So they don't need to be here (though in my scenario above there'd have been room for them on the Record Plant disc, along with John's When I Was a Boy, a great non-Lifehouse track that WAS recorded in '71).

No matter how you slice it, this is a stellar two-disc set, I think alot of love was put into it and I send some of the same back to all those involved, especially Pete, Roger, and, wherever they are, John & Keith.

A classic album, overwhelmed by extras
I give this album 4 stars because this is a very convenient CD. Perhaps the extras ruin the mood of the original, 9 track album, but the extras do reveal some interesting things about the Lifehouse project. First, Baba o'riley is featured in its original version we all know and love. Bargain and Love aint for keeping are both songs with about the same frequency. My wife is the classic John Entwistle number, nothing much knew. Gettin' in tune is a little over played but is still a good song. Going mobile is also a very good song. Behind blue eyes in its original version is the definitive version. WOnt get fooled again as usual. Here's where the extras begin. We have heard the rest of the extras on the first disc in the 1995 re-release of Who's next, with different takes and more songs, really nothing speacial, believe me. The second disc delivers an undermining performanceof several songs off of who's next. Moon's drumming in this year is still very good and continues to be all the way up until 1976, when he started to slow down. The second disc features guitarist from Mountain, Leslie west. These songs are really a dissapointment for all the money you havr to pay to get it. This disc features two versions of Pure and easy but doesn't include the definitive 1973 version. Overall this album is damaged by its extra tracks but it is more convenient if your looking for lots of material. By the way if you are into live stuff get Join together which will soon be out of print but offers 34 amazing songs. ... Read more

Asin: B00008LOS1
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Street Songs (20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 September, 2001)
list price: $29.98 -- our price: $29.98
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Editorial Review

Rick James later made ludicrous attempts to keep up with Prince, but on 1981's Street Songs he stands in no one's shadow. This is, of course, the album that gave us "Super Freak," but James also scores with several funk protest numbers, including the bitter "Mr. Policeman" and the celebratory "Below the Funk (Pass the J)." Prince ended up running a much longer way with the "punk funk" ball; still, James executed more than one or two good plays here. The new deluxe edition adds 12-inch mixes of "Give It to Me Baby" and "Super Freak" as well as a second disc featuring previously unreleased live material recorded in Long Beach, California, in July, 1981. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (12)

A Stone Cold Classic.
Rick James achieved multiplatinum status, unquestionable street cred and superstardom with this release and with good reason, "Street Songs" remains his most consistent, confident and entertaining LP. All the big hits are here from the punk-funk of the biggest hit "Superfreak" to the terrific, guitar driven "Ghetto Life" (one of his greatest vocal performances ever)to the indictment of crooked law enforcement "Mr. Policeman" and his classic, heated duet with Teena Marie "Fire & Desire"(and I literally mean "Fire", Lady T recorded her vocals while suffering from a 100-plus degree fever) every track here is essential. Slick Rick owned the early 80's with this album. "Street Songs" belongs in any good collection.

I'm A Sucker for This CD!
Man, man, man. Now when I was a kid, my cousins raved about Rick James and his live shows. They also raved about "Street Songs," the platinum album that cemented Rick's status as a funk KING. There's not much you can say about "Street Songs" - it's off the hook. "Ghetto Life" and "Fire and Desire" are worth the price of admission alone, while "Super Freak" remains a classic. Now, the second disc is where the funky flicker turns to a flame! Rick and the Stone City Band come out of the gate strong, and the crowd is fired up. They do all of the big hits with energy in sweaty, extended sets that drove that California crowd mad. "Mary Jane," "Ghetto Life," "Come Into My Life" and many other tracks are pure scorchers, and the diva, Lady Tee, tears it up on "I'm a Sucker for Your Love" with Levi Ruffin and "Square Biz." Just listen to the crowd break into chants of "I'm talking Square Biz" when Teena breaks it down before her rap, and you know she has those brothers and sisters hooked. And her bongo and conga solo on "Sucker" is blazing. These musicians were playing with much love, and feeding off of th