Sights and Sounds: Al Stewart, Marvin Gaye

The parade of notable reissues and special edition box sets continues. Here are two more high-profile titles arriving this fall...Robert Kinsler

Al Stewart “Time Passages” 4 Disc Limited Edition Boxed Set Available October 15, 2021

• A DELUXE 4 DISC LIMITED EDITION BOXED SET OF THE CLASSIC 1978 ALBUM BY AL STEWART, PRODUCED BY ALAN PARSONS (3CD / DVD)
• NEWLY REMASTERED FROM THE ORIGINAL MASTER TAPES BY ALAN PARSONS
• FEATURING AN ADDITIONAL 13 BONUS TRACKS DRAWN FROM AN ALBUM SESSION OUT- TAKE, SINGLES, A DEMO RECORDING SESSION IN AUGUST 1977 AND A RADIO CONCERT RECORDED IN CHICAGO IN 1978
• INCLUDES AN ILLUSTRATED BOOKLET WITH AN ESSAY FEATURING AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH AL STEWART

Esoteric Recordings is proud to announce the release of a four-disc deluxe limited edition boxed set (comprising 3 CDs and a DVD) Of “Time Passages”, the legendary album by Al Stewart first released in September 1978.

This new deluxe edition of this special album has been newly remastered for the very first time from the original first-generation master tapes by Alan Parsons and also features his stunning new 5.1 Surround sound mix from the original multi-track tapes. In addition, the set includes single edits, an album session out-take, four demo tracks recorded in Los Angeles in August 1977 and for the first time the complete concert recorded at the studios of WKQK-FM in Chicago in October 1978.

This limited edition boxed set also features an illustrated 68-page book with a new essay featuring an interview with Al Stewart and a facsimile promotional poster and a set of four postcards and is a fitting tribute to a much treasured and legendary masterpiece by a consummate songwriter and performer.

Disc One: Time Passages
Remastered By Alan Parsons  

1. Time Passages
2. Valentina Way
3. Life In Dark Water
4. A Man For All Seasons
5. Almost Lucy
6. The Palace Of Versailles
7. Timeless Skies
8. Song On The Radio
9. End Of The Day
Bonus Track
10. Tonton Macoute (Recorded At Davlen Studios, Los Angeles In December 1977) (Previously Unreleased)   

Disc Two

1. Time Passages (Single Version)
2. Song On The Radio (Single Version)
Demo Recordings – August 1977
3. Tonton Macoute (Demo) (Recorded At Larrabee Sound Studios In August 1977)
4. Life In A Bottle (Demo) (Recorded At Larrabee Sound Studios In August 1977)
5. The Palace Of Versailles (Demo) (Recorded At Larrabee Sound Studios In August 1977) (Previously Unreleased)
6. The Hollywood Sign (On St. Stephen’s Day) (Timeless Skies) (Demo) (Recorded At Larrabee Sound Studios In August 1977) (Previously Unreleased)
The Chicago Radio Concert – 27th October 1978
7. Time Passages (Live Radio Concert Chicago 1978)
8. Life In Dark Water (Live Radio Concert Chicago 1978)
9. The Palace Of Versailles (Live Radio Concert Chicago 1978) (Previously Unreleased)
10. Valentina Way (Live Radio Concert Chicago 1978)
11. The Pink Panther Theme (Live Radio Concert Chicago 1978)
12. Song On The Radio (Live Radio Concert Chicago 1978)

Disc Three: The Chicago Radio Concert – 27th October 1978  

1. One Stage Before (Live Radio Concert Chicago 1978) (Previously Unreleased)
2. Life In Dark Water (Live Radio Concert Chicago 1978)
3. Roads To Moscow (Live Radio Concert Chicago 1978)
4. Sirens Of Titan (Live Radio Concert Chicago 1978) (Previously Unreleased)
5. The Palace Of Versailles (Live Radio Concert Chicago 1978) (Previously Unreleased)
6. Valentina Way (Live Radio Concert Chicago 1978)
7. Year Of The Cat (Live Radio Concert Chicago 1978)
8. The Pink Panther Theme (Live Radio Concert Chicago 1978)
9. Song On The Radio (Live Radio Concert Chicago 1978)
10. Carol (Live Radio Concert Chicago 1978) (Previously Unreleased)

Disc Four: Time Passages
High Resolution 96 Khz / 24-Bit 5.1 Surround Sound Mix & Original Re- Mastered Stereo Mix By Alan Parsons

1. Time Passages (5.1 Surround Sound Mix)
2. Valentina Way (5.1 Surround Sound Mix)
3. Life In Dark Water (5.1 Surround Sound Mix)
4. A Man For All Seasons (5.1 Surround Sound Mix)
5. Almost Lucy (5.1 Surround Sound Mix)  
6. The Palace Of Versailles (5.1 Surround Sound Mix)
7. Timeless Skies (5.1 Surround Sound Mix)
8. Song On The Radio (5.1 Surround Sound Mix)

To pre-order:
https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/al-stewart-time-passages-3cd-1dvd-deluxe-edition-box-set/
https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/al-stewart-time-passages-expanded-remastered-2cd-edition/

Marvin Gaye

What’s Going On - 50th Anniversary 2LP Edition

The No. 1 Album of All Time from Original Analog Tapes Plus Bonus Material Out December 3, 2021   Remixes from Acclaimed Producer Salaam Remi out November 19th Throughout 2021, the world has been celebrating the life and legacy of R&B pioneer Marvin Gaye to honor the 50th anniversary of the release of his groundbreaking record What’s Going On. After half a century, the wisdom behind R&B’s first seamless concept album, What’s Going On, continues to ring true: a poignant plea that we might organize to address often-overlooked issues of inequality and ecological distress.   Closing out the year, Motown and UMe are continuing the celebration with the release of What’s Going On: 50th Anniversary 2LP Edition on December 3, 2021. This premium vinyl release features direct-to-analog mastering from the original primary album tape reels by acclaimed engineer Kevin Gray, one of the first times this has been done since 1971, offering an undeniably authentic listening experience.   What’s Going On: 50th Anniversary 2LP Edition bonus LP opens up the album’s writing and production palette. Featured are four rare cuts making their vinyl debut, highlighted by a previously unreleased “stripped” version of the title song, plus all six original mono single mixes and their B-sides, with all of those 7” versions on vinyl for the first time since their original releases. Among them are alternate versions of “God Is Love” and “Flying High (In The Friendly Sky),” the latter issued on 45 as “Sad Tomorrows.” Full track listing below.   With two 180gm records, a tip-on heavy stock jacket, original gatefold with complete lyrics, this formidable release also includes printed sleeves with track details, a rare image from the cover sessions, and a brief essay honoring arranger David Van De Pitte. Highlighted is a main essay by acclaimed author and poet Hanif Abdurraqib who was just named one of the 25 recipients of the 2021 MacArthur “genius” grant. An e-commerce edition will also include three exclusive lithographs from the What’s Going On photo sessions. Purchase the What’s Going On: 50th Anniversary 2LP Edition here.   In addition to What’s Going On 50th Anniversary 2LP Edition, Motown/UMe is releasing a four-track remix suite from GRAMMY®-nominated producer Salaam Remi, known for his work with countless hip hop, pop, and R&B icons. The suite includes remixes of What’s Going On tracks, which includes “No Need,” an unreleased instrumental from the “Sad Tomorrows” sessions, as well as a reinterpretation of the holiday release “I Want To Come Home For Christmas,” originally recorded in 1972 and thematically tied to What’s Going On as a tribute to the Vietnam troops yearning to be with their families for the holidays.   With a vulnerable depth and complexity, Marvin Gaye opened the door musically, culturally, and politically for countless musicians over the last five decades to address the injustices of our world. Sitting at the No. 1 spot on Rolling Stone’s 2020 list of “The 500 Greatest Albums Of All Time,” What’s Going On has proven its evergreen relevance and its legacy will continue to influence and shape the music of future generations. TRACK LISTS   What’s Going On 50th Anniversary 2LP Edition:   LP 1: Original LP SIDE 1 1. What’s Going On 3:53 2. What’s Happening Brother 2:44 3. Flyin’ High (In The Friendly Sky) 3:50 4. Save The Children 4:03 5. God Is Love 1:42 6. Mercy Mercy Me 3:13   SIDE 2 1. Right On 7:32 2. Wholy Holy 3:08 3. Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) 5:27     LP 2: Bonus Tracks SIDE 3 1. What’s Going On stripped version *  3:57 2. What’s Going On  mix 1/no strings or horns 3:54  3. What’s Going On rhythm & strings instrumental mix 3:50 4. Symphony demo version 2:49   SIDE 4 - Original Mono Single Mixes 1. What’s Going On 3:54 2. God Is Love 2:51 3. Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology) 2:30 4. Sad Tomorrows 2:22 5. Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) 2:58 6. Wholy Holy 3:09   Produced by Marvin Gaye Album Arranged and Orchestra Conducted by David Van DePitte *Previously Unreleased   And   Marvin Gaye x Salaam Remi: The Remix Suite:   1. Save the Children (Salaam Remi Mix) 2. Sad Tomorrows (Salaam Remi Mix) 3. No Need (Salaam Remi Mix) 4. I Want To Come Home For Christmas (Salaam Remi Mix)