REISSUES : Remasters, rediscoveries ruled ’07
Posted on Thursday, January 10, 2008
The vaults yielded some great music in 2007, with loads of unreleased material by Aretha Franklin, Elvis Costello and Emmylou Harris, plus the fine Atlantic Blues boxed set.
BEST FROM THE VAULTS Aretha Franklin, Rare and Unreleased Recordings From the Golden Reign of the Queen of Soul, Rhino, two CDs, $ 19. 98.
Opening with a raw and dramatic demo recording of “I Never Loved a Man (the Way I Love You ),” this trove of demos and rarities and is a real ear-feast of Aretha Franklin’s late ’ 60 s to mid- ’ 70 s sessions at Atlantic Records. This set, much of which had not been previously released, enriches our appreciation of this brilliant American singer and her creative process, thanks in no small part to producer Jerry Wexler’s insightful essay. Gram Parsons, Archive Vol. 1, Amoeba, two CDs, $ 19. 99.
This previously unreleased concert recording by the original Flying Burrito Brothers was discovered in the Grateful Dead’s archives. The band opened two shows for the Dead at the Avalon Ballroom in 1969. The sound quality is excellent. Several band classics are here, plus a wonderful cover of Hank Williams ’ “You Win Again.” Also included is a stunning solo piano take on “Thousand Dollar Wedding” by Parsons. BEST EXPANDED ALBUMS Jennifer Warnes, Famous Blue Raincoat, Shout ! Factory, $ 18. 99.
Known to most for her hit “Right Time of the Night” and duets with Joe Cocker on “Up Where We Belong” and Bill Medley on “(I’ve Had ) The Time of My Life,” Warnes recorded this elegant, sophisticated tribute to Leonard Cohen in 1987, establishing her as a masterful interpreter. This 20 th anniversary edition has four bonus tunes; guest musicians include Stevie Ray Vaughan and Van Dyke Parks. Arthur Alexander, Lonely Just Like Me: The Final Chapter, Hack-Tone, $ 18. 99.
The late Alexander (“ Every Day I Have to Cry Some, ” “Where Have You Been” ) was a soulful singer with a country / blues edge. In 1993, after years of obscurity, he recorded this much-praised comeback. He died shortly after its release. This update is loaded with extra tunes, including live tracks from a radio show.
Elvis Costello, My Aim Is True (Deluxe Edition ), Hip-O, two CDs, $ 29. 98. A remastered original My Aim Is True comes with 29 bonus tracks, including a 17-song live performance by Elvis Costello and The Attractions from Aug. 7, 1977. BEST SINGLE-ARTIST
COMPILATIONS Led Zeppelin, Mothership, Rhino, two CDs, $ 19. 98. This set gathers the songs fans know well... “Stairway to Heaven,” “ Black Dog, ” “Kashmir,” et al. These 24 tunes have never sounded this good. Tracks were chosen by group members Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones, who also oversaw remastering. Etta James, Gold, Hip-O / Chess, two CDs, $ 19. 99. This superlative 36-track set makes a strong case for Etta James as one of the best singers of our time. She recalls the great Ray Charles in her heartfelt and musical approach to the many threads of the American musical fabric. This fabulous set begins with 1955 ’s “Dance With Me Henry” and ends with 2004 ’s wonderful take on Elmore James’ “The Sky Is Crying.”
BEST BOXED SETS Various artists, Atlantic Blues (1949-1970 ), Rhino Handmade, four CDs, $ 79. 95. This potent collection starts off with the label’s first hit, “Drinkin’ Wine Spo-Dee-O-Dee” by Stick McGhee, younger brother of Brownie McGhee. Among the artists are singers Big Joe Turner, Blind Willie McTell, La-Vern Baker, Leadbelly and Esther Phillips, and wonderful instrumentalists such as New Orleans pianist Professor Longhair and guitarist T-Bone Walker. Fans will also appreciate the 12-by-12 format (LP-size packaging ) with its full-size booklet, which includes producer Billy Vera’s informed essay and wonderful photographs, reproductions of labels and advertisements. Emmylou Harris, Songbird: Rare Tracks and Forgotten Gems, Rhino, four CDs, one DVD, $ 74. 98.
More than greatest hits, this is an alternate path through Harris ’ remarkable career that shows her keen ear for great songs by talented songwriters such as Ricky Skaggs, Rodney Crowell, Gillian Welch and many others. Luther Vandross, Love, Luther, Epic / Legacy, four CDs, $ 49. 98.
The late singer’s majestic talent elevated pop and soul music. His emotional voice embodied love and heartbreak. Billie Holiday, Lady Day: The Master Takes and Singles, Columbia Legacy, four CDs, $ 49. 98.
This set is an edited version of the Grammy Award-winning 10-CD set The Complete Billie Holiday on Columbia (1933-44 ), which traces Holiday’s evolution to the very definition of jazz diva. Holiday and the musicians transform even the most ordinary of songs into sublime, extraordinary experiences. Her work with the great tenor sax player Lester Young on “I Must Have That Man” and “A Sailboat in the Moonlight” thrills. The Stanley Brothers, The Definitive Collection 1947-1966, Time Life, three CDs, $ 39. 98.
This superb boxed set from the influential Stanley Brothers collects songs from each of their labels. Among the many great tunes are “Man of Constant Sorrow,” “ O Death, ” “Angel Band,” “ Don’t Cheat in Our Home Town, ” “Roll in My Sweet Baby’s Arms” and “The Fields Have Turned Brown.” The Stanleys’ brilliant music was edgy and moving and tapped the human psyche in a way few others have even approached. Various artists, Stax: 50 th Anniversary Celebration, Stax / Concord, two CDs, $ 19. 99. This classic Memphis sound still thrills the ears, moves the feet and stirs the soul. This wellchosen compilation includes Otis Redding (“ Respect, ” “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” ), Sam & Dave (“ Hold On, I’m Comin ’”), Carla Thomas (“ B-A-BY, ” “Gee Whiz” ), Staple Singers (“ I’ll Take You There” ), Isaac Hayes (“ Theme From Shaft” ), Johnnie Taylor (“ Who’s Makin’ Love” ) and more-obscure artists such as Mad Lads, Linda Lyndell and the wonderful Mable John.
BEST GREATEST HITS Sly & The Family Stone, Greatest Hits, Legacy, $ 13. 99. With tunes like the raucous “I Want to Take You Higher,” the lovely “Everybody Is a Star,” the smash “Everyday People,” the fiery “Stand !” and the irresistible “Dance to the Music,” who could ask for a better party album ? Fats Domino, Greatest Hits: Walking to New Orleans, Capitol, $ 18. 99. The best single-disc compilation ever of this essential New Orleans artist is a generous 30-tune overview with real depth that gives listeners a full picture of this artist’s musical richness. E-mail:
ewidner@arkansasonline. com
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