Grab these essential reissues, special collections and archive titles while they are available.
Artist: Simple Minds
Title: Acoustic In Concert (Mercury Studios)
You might like if you enjoy: Simple Minds, U2, Coldplay
Tell me more: Although it has been more than 45 years since Simple Minds formed in Glasgow, Scotland, the troupe's music resonates with as much power as ever as on the Blu-ray+CD release Acoustic In Concert. Captured at London's legendary Hackey Empire on Nov. 10, 2016, Simple Minds' performance as part of BBC Radio 2's "In Concert" series is a revelation for those who love textured and artful melodic alt rock. While the band members use acoustic instruments this is definitely no easy listening affair. Singer Jim Kerr and guitar great Charlie Burchill lead the ensemble through a potent and impassioned concert that includes well-known hits such as "Promised You a Miracle," "Don't You (Forget About Me)," "Someone Somewhere in Summertime," "Alive and Kicking" and "Sanctify Yourself," as well as tributes to some of the group's own heroes (David Bowie's "Andy Warhol" and Patti Smith's "Dancing Barefoot"). The concert ends with Simple Minds being joined on stage by groundbreaking English singer-songwriter Steve Harley to perform a joyous "Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)." The audio and visual elements on the Blu-ray are outstanding. Information: simpleminds.com and mercurystudios.co.
Artist: Social Distortion
Title: Mommy's Little Monster (Craft Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Social Distortion, Mike Ness, The Adolescents, The Offspring
Tell me more: Craft Recordings' 40th Anniversary reissue of Social Distortion's fiery debut Mommy's Little Monster is a must-have for fans of the groundbreaking Southern California punk rock outfit. Released on Nov. 10 on 180-gram vinyl and digital formats, the album has been newly remastered from the original analog tapes that were recorded on Christmas Eve in 1982 at The Casbah recording studios in Fullerton, CA. The album features several of Social Distortion's early standout tracks including the blistering title track, hard-edged "The Creeps (I Just Wanna Give You)," and hardcore-styled single "Another State of Mind." In addition to classic black vinyl, Mommy's Little Monster is available in a variety of exclusive limited edition color ways, including ruby red, black & white marble, an exclusive white pressing at Barnes & Noble, and a gray variant at RevolverMag.com. Information: CraftRecordings.com.
Title: Sixteen Tambourines (Yep Roc Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Rain Parade, The Bangles, Big Star
Tell me more: As one of the leaders of the so-called "Paisley Underground" Los Angeles area music scene in the early 1980s, The Three O'Clock blended garage rock, psychedelic pop, college rock and power pop into a groundbreaking brew. The band's 1984 sophomore album Sixteen Tambourines has been reissued in celebration of its 40th anniversary, and has been remastered by Bill Inglot and Dave Schultz. The wonderful sounding reissue provides a fantastic chance to discover (or rediscover) this outstanding masterwork. Sixteen Tambourines features a myriad of wonderful tracks including the rocking opener "Jet Fighter," dreamy "Stupid Einstein," melodic "And So We Run," Baroque pop original "Tomorrow," dance-minded "When Lightning Starts" and scintillating "Seeing Is Believing." Information: https://thethreeoclock.bandcamp.com/music.
Title: Christmas Memories: Remixed and Remastered (BFD/Orchard)
You might like if you enjoy: Don McLean, John Denver, XXXXX
Tell me more: Acclaimed singer-songwriter Don McLean ("American Pie," "Vincent," "Castles in the Air") has released one of the essential holiday music collections of 2023. Christmas Memories: Remixed and Remastered features McLean's terrific original arrangements of a dozen Christmas favorites. McLean uses his signature vocals to bring warmth and bona fide emotion to all the selections. The disc opens with a delightfully retro take on "Blue Christmas" before showcasing his strong vocals on the mostly a cappella "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen." Other standouts include the compelling "I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day," a jazzy "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town," poignant acoustic-styled "Silent Night," and Renaissance-mining "The Burgundian Carol." "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem" is particularly beautiful and McLean's version utilizes nuanced orchestration and a full choir to conjure up the magic of classic '50s and '60s recordings. McLean will perform at the Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino in Chandler, AZ on Feb. 10, 2024. Information: donmclean.com.
Title: The Last Roundup: Live from the Bijou Cafe in Philadelphia, 3/16//73 (Amoeba Music)
You might like if you enjoy: The Flying Burrito Brothers, Chris Hillman, Gram Parsons, Wilco, Merle Haggard
Tell me more: Fate is on full display across the two-LP live recording titled The Last Roundup: Live from the Bijou Cafe in Philadelphia, 3/16/73. The second release of the Gram Parsons Archive series, the vinyl release features the first new Gram Parsons solo material issued in 40 years (Parsons died at age of 26 at the Joshua Tree Inn in nearby Joshua Tree, CA on Sept. 19, 1973). The record chronicles a complete performance by Parsons and the Fallen Angels performed on March 16, 1973. In addition to Parsons (lead vocals and rhythm guitar) and the then-unknown Emmylou Harris (vocals), the troupe includes guitarist Jock Barkley, pedal steel guitarist Neil Flanz, drummer N.D. Smart and bassist Kyle Tullis. In a press release distributed in connection with the Record Store Day Black Friday release, Flanz (who sadly died in 2021) stated that he felt this was the ensemble's best performance of the entire tour so he requested a soundboard recording of the show; he held onto the cassette for 40 years before it was acquired by Amoeba Music. The tape was then lost for about 10 years, and recently rediscovered and restored to be used for The Last Roundup: Live from the Bijou Cafe in Philadelphia, 3/16/73.
Although there are some limitations to the recording captured on a cassette more than 50 years ago, the power of the performance from an outstanding group at the height of their powers shines through across the recording. The version of "We'll Sweep Out The Ashes" is an early standout, showcasing the bewitching sound created when Parson and Harris sing together. A speedy version of the Flying Burrito Brothers' "My Uncle" displays the band's virtuoso chops and Parson's signature alternative country approach.
Other early highlights on the title include a beautiful take on Parsons' Byrds-era Sweetheart of the Rodeo track "Drug Store Truck Drivin' Man," and wistful "Streets of Baltimore," the latter featuring incredible harmonies and pedal steel magic courtesy of Flanz.
An energetic take on Merle Haggard's Bakersfield country classic "California Cotton Fields," rousing blues-country track "Cry One More Time," pedal steel- and lead guitar-adorned "The New Soft Shoe" and lovely acoustic original "Sin City" are all spectacular. My favorite selection is a haunting version of the Everly Brothers 1960 recording "Love Hurts," where Harris and Parsons sing in tandem with a palpable and poignant power that brings tears.
The only live club show of Parsons ever released, The Last Roundup: Live from the Bijou Cafe in Philadelphia, 3/16/73 is truly an incredible chance to revisit the groundbreaking artist's legacy. Information: amoeba.com.
Robert Kinsler
No comments:
Post a Comment