Blu-ray Roundup: The Beatles, Syd Barrett and Pink Floyd, Todd Rundgren

Music lovers with Blu-ray players have plenty of reasons to celebrate, including the release of a trio of fantastic new titles available now.

Title: Meeting The Beatles In India (Unobstructed View)

You might like if you enjoy: The Beatles, George Harrison, John Lennon, music documentary films

Tell me more: The release of the Peter Jackson documentary "Get Back" in 2021 focused an in-depth look at the monumental talent and undeniable chemistry of the Beatles and the British band's otherworldly ability to create some of the greatest songs of the rock era. Now the release of Canadian filmmaker Paul Saltzman's "Meeting The Beatles In India" provides a similarly compelling look at the Fab Four — this time focusing on their mythical time spent in India a year before the "Get Back" sessions. Narrated by Morgan Freeman, the documentary finds Saltzman vividly sharing his memories of his time befriending John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr at the Beatles Ashram (also known as Chaurasi Kutia) located in Rishikesh, a city in Northern India. The short period that the Beatles spent in India resulted in the writing of 48 songs in approximately 48 days, including favorites that fill the band's 1968 album The Beatles (better known as "The White Album"). In addition to his first person account of his time with the Beatles, Saltzman's amazing photographs of the Beatles add depth to the film, as do his reflections on his own spiritual journey that fatefully led him to study transcendental meditation alongside the Beatles with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. The documentary features interviews with film director David Lynch, pre-eminent Beatles historian Mark Lewisohn, Pattie Boyd (married to George Harrison at the time of the trip to India) and even the real "Bungalow Bill." The Blu-ray edition of "Meeting The Beatles In India" includes 57 minutes of extra scenes, as well as the trailer for the 79-minute documentary. A must-see for fans of the Beatles. Information: unobstructedview.com or thebeatlesinindia.com.

Title: Have You Got It Yet? The Story of Syd Barrett and Pink Floyd (Mercury Studios)

You might like if you enjoy: Pink Floyd, David Bowie, David Gilmour, music documentary films

Tell me more: Nearly 20 years after his death, Pink Floyd founder Syd Barrett remains a tragic figure as mythical as he is influential. A compelling newly-released documentary — "Have You Got It Yet? The Story of Syd Barrett and Pink Floyd" — provides a deep dive into Barrett's life as a musical and visual artist; the Roddy Bogawa and Storm Thorgerson-directed film also explores the demons that derailed Barrett's professional career and happiness. Through a wealth of previously-unseen photographs and film footage as well as new interviews with the surviving members of Pink Floyd (Roger Waters, David Gilmour and Nick Mason), Barrett's childhood friends, ex-girlfriends and contemporary musicians, the story of Barrett's life is presented with artful grace and candor. Barrett's creative genius and early success is sadly matched by his breakdown, exit from Pink Floyd and disappearance. The two-disc DVD+Blu-ray version reviewed here includes an exclusive poster designed by StormStudios. Bonus materials include commentary of the film with Bogawa, Julius Beltrame and Rupert Truman, as well as a 2007 performance of Pink Floyd's 1967 single "Arnold Layne" with Gilmour, Richard Wright and Mason, and a 2006 performance of that same Barrett-penned classic featuring Gilmour and David Bowie in a performance at The Royal Albert Hall. Information: mercurystudios.co. 

Artist: Todd Rundgren

Title: Liars — Live (Cleopatra Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Todd Rundgren, Utopia, Nazz, Thomas Dolby, Peter Gabriel

Tell me more: Recorded live at the Egg Performing Arts Center in Albany, New York on June 9, 2004, the new Blu-ray concert film "Liars — Live" is a powerful showcase for the formidable talents of groundbreaking singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/producer Todd Rundgren. Backed by a top-tier band (including his Utopia bandmates Kasim Sulton, Jesse Gress, and Prairie Prince), the 160-minute concert focuses on material from Rundgren's return-to-form 2004 album Liars and beloved favorites from across his wide-ranging career. Early standouts include the synth-swept opener "Truth," introspective rocker "Buffalo Grass," electronica "Mammon," and sumptuous R&B-tinged version of "God Said." The energy of the marathon-length concert film continues with the jazzy "Soul Brother," soulful ballad "Sweet," dance styled "Love Science," beautiful "Hello It's Me" and gospel saturated closer "Just One Victory." Rundgren and company bring bona fide chills with a potent take on the George Harrison-penned Beatles classic "While My Guitar Gently Weeps." Produced, edited and mixed by Rundgren, "Liars — Live" captures the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer at the top of his powers. The Blu-ray includes bonus trailers, a slide show, Japan video diary and more. Information: cleorecs.com.

Robert Kinsler

Essential box sets & multi-disc releases: The Beatles, Jimmie Vaughan, 'R&B in DC 1940-1960', Dolly Parton

Halloween is still a few weeks away but the list of incredible box sets, deluxe reissues and special audio collections is enough to fill any music lover's holiday wish list. Essential new collections from The Beatles, Jimmie Vaughan, Al Stewart, Rory Gallagher, Dolly Parton, The Bootheels and more are available now. 

Artist: The Beatles

Title: Let It Be Special Edition [5 CD/Blu-ray] (Capitol)

You might like if you enjoy: The Beatles, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, classic rock

Tell me more: The six-disc Let It Be Special Edition shines an immersive and welcome spotlight on The Beatles' twelfth and final studio album. Originally released on May 8, 1970 — almost a month after the British quartet's official break-up and in connection with the documentary film of the same name — Let It Be has been revisited via several new configurations that collectively go a long way to overcome the controversial history of the album. The six-disc "Special Edition" includes new mixes by Giles Martin and Sam Okell, as well as two audio CDs of outtakes, jams, rehearsals and studio chat; the legendary 14-track Get Back album featuring Glyn Johns' previously-unreleased 1969 mix and a Blu-ray with Dolby Atmos, 5.1 and PCM Stereo are included along with a 100-page hardback book with in-depth essays, track-by-track recording information, a wealth of unseen images and a foreword by Paul McCartney. It is an understatement to note how incredible this collection is; the original "Let It Be" was produced by the late Phil Spector, who included excerpts of studio chatter, orchestral and choir overdubs to several tracks that have always been controversial; indeed in 2003 McCartney spearheaded Let It Be... Naked as a more stripped down version of the album sans Spector's sonic ornamentation. In addition to this comprehensive look at the creation of "Let It Be," Beatles fans are being treated to "The Beatles: Get Back" film directed by Peter Jackson coming to Disney+ in November. In addition to the 6-disc edition reviewed here, Let It Be 50th Anniversary editions are available as a 5 LP box set, picture disc, 1 LP, 2 CD, 1 CD and digital versions. Information: TheBeatles.com. 

Artist: Jimmie Vaughan

Title: The Jimmie Vaughan Story (The Last Music Co.)

You might like if you enjoy: Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Kim Wilson, Delbert McClinton

Tell me more: Singer-songwriter/guitar great Jimmie Vaughan didn't let the occasion of his 70th birthday earlier this year go to waste. Rather the Austin, Texas-based legend has issued the phenomenal The Jimmie Vaughan Story, a limited-edition five CD collection that is one of the most terrific anthologies in memory. The range of material truly celebrates Vaughan's singular career. All of disc one and most of disc two focus on his memorable recordings with The Fabulous Thunderbirds with highlights including the authentic slow blues of "She's Tuff" and enticing "Why Get Up" along with enduring radio favorites like "Wrap It Up" and "Tuff Enuff." As I journeyed through the hours of tracks I gained an even greater appreciation of Vaughan's approach and love of the blues. Highlights on the expansive set include the emotional "Cold, Cold Feeling" (with Albert Collins), rollicking "D/FW" (featuring Vaughan with his brother Stevie Ray Vaughan), the infectious "Boom Bapa Boom," nimble "He's Got A Key" (with Bo Diddley), previously unreleased "I Don't Live Here Anymore" (with Delbert McClinton), the driving Chicago blues nugget "Boom Boom" (with John Lee Hooker) and "Deep End" (with blues harp hero James Cotton). Several killer tracks ("Six Strings Down," "SRV Shuffle") honoring his late younger brother Stevie Ray Vaughan (who died in an August 1990 helicopter crash) featuring Jimmie Vaughan with Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt, Robert Cray, B.B. King, Dr. John and Art Neville featured on the 1994 album "A Tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan" are welcome additions on the box set. Examples of Vaughan's work with Lou Ann Barton, Charlie Musselwhite, Susan Tedeschi, Lazy Lester, Billy F Gibbons, Little Milton and Sue Foley is also featured on the collection. As if all the music wasn't great enough, the box set comes with a 240-page book filled with historical photographs and details on his incredible career. Information: JimmieVaughan.com. 

Artists: Billy Eckstine, Lloyd Price, The Clovers, Baby Dee, The Four Dots, more

Title: R&B in DC 1940-1960: Rhythm & Blues, Doo Wop, Rockin' Rhythm And More (Bear Family)

You might like if you enjoy: Ringo Starr, The Beatles, classic rock

Tell me more: There is little doubt that 2021 is a special year when it comes to the release of memorable box sets. Look no further than R&B in DC 1940-1960: Rhythm & Blues, Doo Wop, Rockin' Rhythm And More, a massive 16-CD bo set that includes a 352-page hardcover book. Loaded with 472 tracks, there is approximately 20 hours of music on the singular collection. Highlights abound across this title, including hundreds of long-out-of-print recordings remastered from the best available audio sources. Among this listener's favorites is the gentle vocal approach of the Lyles Brothers' "Rain [Chant of the Rain]," intoxicating swing rhythms of the Billy Eckstine and His Orchestra on "Lonesome Lover Blues," Baby Dee's tender "Like He's Never Loved Me Before" and sassy "It Feels So Doggone Good," The Syncopators' rapid fire "Mule Train," Frank Motley's swing era gem "Dual Trumpets Bounce" and the Clovers' beautiful "Here Goes A Fool." Please note that R&B in DC 1940-1960: Rhythm & Blues, Doo Wop, Rockin' Rhythm And More is a limited and numbered edition of only 1,500 copies. Watch a short video on this outstanding title HERE. Indeed, an exhaustive effort went into putting together this stellar collection and my review only scratches the surface of the countless hours discerning listeners will spend getting to hear and learn more about this full-fledged survey of Washington, D.C.'s contribution to the rise of R&B music spanning from the swing era to the beginning of '60s and '70s soul.  Information: bear-family.com. 

Artist: Dolly Parton

Title: Dolly: The Ultimate Collection (Time Life)

You might like if you enjoy: Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, Willie Nelson

Tell me more: Dolly Parton is one of modern music's most beloved and legendary artists. Her long career is celebrated across the six disc DVD Dolly: The Ultimate Collection. Parton's skills as singer, songwriter and cultural icon are on display across this expansive collection. Highlights on the title — which includes 824 minutes of content — include 11 episodes of Parton's 1980s variety show (with the celebrated likes of Oprah Winfrey, Willie Nelson, Kenny Rogers and Burt Reynolds appearing), a 2009 "Live from London" concert, and a disc featuring Christmas specials including "A Down Home Country Christmas With Mac Davis and Burl Ives, and "Bob Hope's Jolly Christmas Show." There is also a 2019 BBC documentary ("Dolly Parton: Here I Am") and a number of music videos featuring the "Queen of Country" on the title. Information: TimeLife.com.

Robert Kinsler

New music: Vance Gilbert, KARNEY, Glenn Jones shine on latest releases

Three new under-the-radar releases deserving of widespread attention are featured in my column this week.

Artist: Vance Gilbert
Title: Good, Good Man (Disismye Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Boz Scaggs, Daryl Hall, Steve Goodman, Keb' Mo'
Tell me more: Vance Gilbert's wonderful genre-defying album Good, Good Man makes one thing clear: it's all about the song. The selections here are melodic, memorable and delivered with a master's touch. Gilbert's 13th album, Good, Good Man is bolstered by his signature lead vocals, nuanced arrangements and an artful cohesiveness that brings the various styles and moods together artfully across the dozen tracks. The R&B foray "Trust," literate piano ballad "Cousin Shelly's Station Wagon," joyful "Another Great Day Above Ground," and zeal of the retro swing "Zombie Pattycake" are early standouts. The disc closes out just as powerfully via the soulful "When I Cross Over," acoustic rendition of Skylark's 1973 soft rock hit "Wildflower" and the smart spoken word celebration of Halloween "The Day Before November." Information: vancegilbert.com.

Artist: KARNEY
Title: Better (Karney Music and Sounds)
You might like if you enjoy: Sass Jordan, Heart, Linda Perry
Tell me more: Fans of top-flight classic rock looking for something new should catch a listen of of KARNEY's wonderful new EP Better. Headed by lead singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Anna Karney, the Bay Area, California-based band mines '70s classic rock along with contemporary modern rock with the skill and firepower of modern day favorites Greta Van Fleet. Listening to KARNEY's compelling reworking of the Led Zeppelin classic "Ramble On" is the perfect entry to discover the joys offered up on "Better," but listen and groove along and you'll discover the anthemic nugget "Trust," the enthralling "Trust," the prog-tinged "Round and Round" and other must-hear material. KARNEY's solid lineup is rounded out by bassist Kevin White, drummer Jeff Herrera, trumpet player Bill Ortiz, and guitarists Erik Smyth and James DePrato. Information: Karney.org.

Artist: Glenn Jones
Title: Ready for the Good Times (Good Guys Music)
You might like if you enjoy: David Serby, Hank Williams, Bobbo Byrnes
Tell me more: Draped in a winning mix of folk, Appalachia and authentic country-western, singer-songwriter Glenn Jones' third studio album Ready for the Good Times has a pleasing sound sure to impress fans of Americana and roots music. The soundscape is rich, adorned with layers of guitar, mandolin, fiddle, lap steel and sumptuous vocal harmonies. The North Carolina-based artist's lyrics probe life's road with equal skill and his sonorous baritone delivers the original songs with assurance and authenticity. The infectious countrified blues of the playful "My Baby Makes Pie," bluegrass-flavored "Ripples in the Pond," reflective ballad "I Wish You Could See Me Now," and broken dreams-themed "Bury My Heart on Music Row" are among the standouts on this great album. Information: GlennJonesAcoustic.com.



Robert Kinsler