Summer Music Special: Tom Petty Classic Albums DVD, Elvis Costello, Beck Mofi Vinyl, Music Matters Mono Blue Note 45 RPM Vinyl, Miles Davis 45 RPM Vinyl

*This Summer Music Special was originally published on July 26, 2010.
This installment in the Classic Albums DVD series, to be released August 3, 2010, comes amidst a North American tour from Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, promoting their latest release, Mojo.  Originally released in 1979, Damn the Torpedoes, was a breakthrough record for the band, in terms of song quality, overall production values, and sales. It has gone on to become one of the top rock albums of the past thirty years.




















(Damn the Torpedoes, master tape box)


This Classic Albums installment follows the series formula, with a large component consisting of Petty, guitarist Mike Campbell, and producer Jimmy Iovine sitting at the recording console, playing back the tapes.  For anyone who has taken this album for granted over the years--or thought it was just straight ahead rock and roll, you'll come away with a greater appreciation for the thought and musicianship that went into these songs. And as someone who came of age in the Eighties and picked up Torpedoes at the time of release, it's nice to see it get the respect it deserves.



















(Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, 1981)



Present-day interviews with recording engineer Shelly Yakus, keyboardist Benmont Tench, and bassist Ron Blair are also featured--and they too, take us through their parts of various recordings. Drummer Stan Lynch, who is no longer with the band, is featured in several older interviews. Video footage from the era as well as from original music videos, round out the presentation. Every song on the album--but two, are covered within the nearly one hour main feature, and the bandmembers--primarily Petty and Campbell, offer plenty of insights into the songwriting process.



















(Producer Jimmy Iovine, Tom Petty, Mike Campbell)


Although any fan of the record would enjoy this Classic Albums installment, what makes it particularly fascinating for musicians and audiophiles is Petty's, and to an even greater extent Campbell's genuine obsession with vintage guitars and amps, and finding the perfect guitar tone--sixty-cycle hum can be heard purring from the amp every time Campbell picks up his guitar to play a lick from the album.

In addition to the main feature, there are over forty minutes worth of bonus features. Two of those features are the two album cuts "missing" from the main feature. Among the rest of the bonus material, none of which fortunately, are throw-away celebrity interviews--and much of which is equally as entertaining as the main feature, is Campbell recounting how he acquired the famous Rickenbacker 12-string held by Petty on the Damn the Torpedoes album cover.



(Mike Campbell, with Rickenbacker 12-string)


Video quality of this 1080p Blu-Ray disc varies, depending upon its original source, with the recent interviews obviously having been recorded in HD, faring the best. Audio is presented in LPCM stereo, and although not in 5.1 as some might prefer--it sounds very good.  Although the argument for buying the Blu-Ray over the standard DVD isn't particularly compelling with a disc such as this, it's probably worth the four dollar price differential between the two.

This latest installment stays true to the winning format of the Classic Albums DVD series. If you're a fan of Damn the Torpedoes, and have enjoyed some of the other videos in this series, you'll be sure to enjoy this excellent look into one of the finest rock albums of the last thirty years. 



Recommended













Related:  Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers -- Mojo 180 gram vinyl (w/bonus hi-res download)

Related:  Best of 2008 Vinyl Releases: Mudcrutch--S/T, Mudcrutch Live!



Elvis Costello: This Year's Model -- 180 gram MOFI Vinyl







Mofi is back with This Year's Model, the 1978 follow-up to Elvis Costello's debut album, My Aim is True, which they reissued earlier this year on 180 gram vinyl. This Year's Model was recorded with what would become his legendary backing band, The Attractions. It offers more of the catchy hooks, cynical lyrics, and propulsive beat, that introduced him to the world with My Aim is True, but adds more keyboard and synthesizer, bringing him to the fore of the New Wave movement.

Mofi uses the U.K. artwork for this release, but utilizes the U.S. tracklisting, which adds the hit, Radio, Radio--but loses Night Rally and the ska-pop tune, (I Don't Want to Go to) Chelsea.  The 180 gram vinyl arrived clean, flat and played quietly throughout. The gatefold cover, which is made of heavy cardstock, features the original artwork printed on the inner gatefold.



(Elvis Costello and The Attractions)

In preparing this review, I pulled out my George Peckham mastered "Porky Prime Cut" U.K Radar original vinyl for comparison. The Mofi vinyl, mastered by Shawn Britton, is more dynamic, has bigger bass, and has a fuller overall tonality compared to the original U.K. vinyl.  Everything is smoother--and the trace of harshness that can sometimes be heard on the edge of Costello's vocals is gone on the Mofi--even at the end of the sides.

All of this adds up to a great sounding record, with some cuts on the Mofi, such as, On the Beat--with its ever-prominent bassline, and Little Triggers--with Costello's vocals displaying a new richness, clearly sounding better than the U.K. Still, I found myself preferring the original U.K. vinyl, both for the original tracklisting as well as for its upper midrange energy, which gives the music a drive and urgency that the Mofi eschews in favor of a fuller, smoother presentation.

Mofi has released a very good sounding version of this record. If you already have the original U.K. and are happy with it, this version isn't mandatory. However, if you've never quite been happy with the U.K.--or if your system tends towards leanness, this latest version might just be what you're looking for.

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Beck: Sea Change -- Mofi 180 gram vinyl



Although I've had the SACD of Sea Change for years, and listened to it a few times, it never hit me the way this vinyl pressing from Mofi has. The first thing I discovered listening to it, was that this isn't an album that can be listened to on your car stereo as you blast down the freeway. Sea Change begs to be listened to at night, in your listening chair--either alone or perhaps with one other person.

Sea Change  is a dark, even somber album. But, it isn't mere audiophile background music. The strings, guitar, piano, and vocals wash over you.  Beck employs a vocal style that many will find a bit too monotone. But, given the wealth of subtlety and texture to the compositions, Beck's voice often acts more like an individual instrument--rather than the center of the song--and that monotone delivery can't help but further convey a sense of melancholy throughout.

Influences such as Elton John, Led Zeppelin, The Eagles, and the Beatles can be heard throughout this record. And the sonics are simply breathtaking. This Mofi vinyl mastering from Rob Loverde throws out an expansive soundstage that is both wide and extends far behind the speakers.  Every bass string plucked, guitar strummed, or piano key hit, is reproduced with such realism that they seem to occupy their own space in the listening room.



(Beck, with The Flaming Lips)
 
Mofi continues to cement their repuation for very high quality control. The two discs of 180 gram vinyl arrived flat, clean, and played quietly throughout. The gatefold cover is made of heavy cardstock and contains the album's original artwork, complete with song lyrics. And while I can't guarantee that you'll like Beck, this is a reference audiophile record, the likes of Steely Dan's Aja, that begs to be noticed--and along with titles like Neil Young's Live At Massey Hall, I believe it will continue to be reference vinyl material for years to come.

Highly Recommended






Music Matters Mono Blue Note 45 RPM Vinyl

Music Matters continues to set the standard for the ultra-premium 45 RPM jazz reissue, with monthly releases of incredible sounding reissues of the best of the Blue Note catalog.  When the series was first introduced several years ago, Music Matters made sure to point out that, unlike some other Blue Note reissue campaigns, all of their releases would be in stereo unless only mono was available--or if there was something wrong with the stereo tapes. And in keeping with that promise, most--if not all of their releases for the first year or so were done in stereo.

While I've thoroughly enjoyed the stereo releases, I also believe that jazz can sound great in mono. And today, I'd like to point out two mono tites--one of which has been out for a while, that sound fantastic and should really be on your buy list. As always, both of these titles are cut at 45 RPM, pressed on 180 gram vinyl at R.T.I, and feature gorgeous, glossy gatefold covers made of extra-heavy cardstock, which feature beautiful session photos.


(Lee Morgan, 1957)


Lee Morgan:  Vol. 3



Lee Morgan's third record for Blue Note, appropriately titled Vol. 3, is a hard bop date from 1957, featuring Morgan on trumpet, Benny Golson on tenor sax, Gigi Gryce on alto sax and flute, Charlie Persip on drums, and the crackerjack team of Wynton Kelly on piano and Paul Chambers on bass. All of the compositions were written and arranged by Benny Golson. And while none of the performances stand out as stone-cold classics, the performances are universally strong and the sonics  are stellar.

The mono sound coming out of your speakers produces a big, pounding bass, and a deep soundstage that goes well beyond the back of your speakers. And what is most remarkable about this record, is the low level detail that allows the listener to easily hear the differences between the tenor and alto sax, and even the floor tom and the tom-toms. If you are a fan of mono jazz, be sure to place this on your want list.

Recommended

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Kenny Dorham: 'Round About Midnight at The Cafe Bohemia





Music Matters has thus far released only one live date from the Blue Note catalog: Kenny Dorham's 'Round About Midnight at The Cafe Bohemia. This live gem from 1956 was recorded in mono and is presented as such--and has received regular play in my listening room since its release one year ago. 'Round About Midnight brings you right into the smoky club atmosphere of the Cafe Bohemia--and this recording has so much ambiance, warmth, and depth of field, that you might just think it is in stereo once you spin it.  



(J.R. Montrose, Kenny Dorham, 1956)

Dorham comes off as a very under-rated player, and leads the date, along with a stellar supporting group of musicians, including J.R. Montrose on tenor sax, Kenny Burrell on guitar, Sam Jones on bass, and Arthur Edgehill on drums.  The date features a mixture of standards and originals, but after many years of listening to Monk's  and Miles' versions of the title cut, I've really taken to Dorham's and consider that track alone to be worth the price of admission for this record. 

'Round About Midnight has been out for about a year, so if you want it, you'd better pick it up soon--as many of the Music Matters titles have already gone out of print. Buy now or regret it later.


Highly Recommended

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Miles Davis: Someday My Prince Will Come -- 
Analogue Productions 45 RPM Vinyl




While not everyone's favorite title from Miles Davis, Someday My Prince Will Come has a strong contingent of fans. Released in 1961, after the departure of John Coltrane, but prior to the formation of his second classic quintet, this record features tenor saxophonist Hank Mobley on all of the tracks but one. Coltrane actually shares the tenor duties on one track and handles them alone on the track in which Mobley lays out. And despite what some feel is a muddling performance from Mobley, Davis still gives a strong performance--both with and without the use of the harmon mute, and is aided by the piano of Wynton Kelly and strong rhythm section of Jimmy Cobb (Philly Joe Jones plays on one track) and Paul Chambers.





(Hank Mobley)

This 45 RPM release from Analogue Productions was pressed by R.T.I, on two slabs of 180 gram vinyl.  Both discs arrived clean, flat, and played quietly throughout. The unipack cover is made of regular weight cardstock and is the only disappointing part of the package. For a fifty-dollar record, the vinyl buyer deserves better--and AP has shown that they can deliver--take a look at their beautiful gatefold cover for their 45 RPM release of A Love Supreme.
 
This 45 RPM pressing of Someday My Prince Will Come was mastered by George Marino, at Sterling Mastering, and is the most detailed, dynamic, and transparent version of this music that I have ever heard. All of the emotion of Davis' horn comes through in ballads, such as the title cut, and details such as the squeak of a chair or the spit on the sax's reed are revealed with an increased clarity.



(Miles Davis and John Coltrane)


The original six-eye vinyl does have a bit of an advantage when listening to the performances where Davis employs his mute, as what seems to be a bit of tube compression in the original mastering softens what I sometimes find to be a bit-too-piercing tone. That said, numbers such as Pfrancing, where Davis plays without the mute, clearly benefit from the lack of any compression, and swing even harder than on the original six-eye. While this 45 RPM pressing is not absolutely essential if you already have a six-eye original, you will be rewarded with a more dynamic, detailed and transparent-sounding version. If you don't own a six-eye orignal and have had difficulty finding a clean one, this very nice sounding 45 RPM pressing is definitely for you.

Recommended

Rocks Off: Dominique Tarle -- Limited Edition Photo Catalog

In celebration of the just-released deluxe expanded editions of the Rolling Stones' landmark album, Exile on Main St, La Galerie De L'Instant, Paris, is holding an exhibition of rare photos from two of the band's most important photographers: Dominique Tarle and Ethan Russell.


Soul Survivors Opening, La Galerie De L'Instant (May 20, 2010)

Entitled Soul Survivors, the exhibit features Russell's photos from the Rolling Stones' 1969 and 1972 world tours, as well as what has become the most famous images of the band--Tarle's documentation of the summer of 1971 at Keith Richards' Villa at Nellcote, where the band recorded many of the tracks that would end up on the legendary Exile on Main St album. 



Anita Pallenberg, Keith Richards, Gram Parsons (1971), from Rocks Off 
(alternative shot not included with Exile Box Set)




Mick Jagger, Bianca Jagger (1971), from Rocks Off

In conjunction with this exhibit, La Galerie De L'Instant, is offering a limited quantity of Rocks Off, a book cataloging a selection of Dominique Tarle images. This fifty-seven page clothbound book, measuring 21.5 cm x 22 cm, features some of the same Nellcote photos found in the recent Exile on Main St Super Deluxe Edition Box Set book, as well as at least one alternative shot not found with the box set. Rocks Off, also includes images of other rock legends of the era, such as Pete Townshend, John Lennon and Jimmy Page. Each copy is individually numbered and signed by Tarle, and the printing will be limited to 1000 copies.

Exclusive Sneak Preview: The Rolling Stones -- Exile on Main St Super Deluxe Vinyl Box Set

Next Tuesday, May 18, 2010, The Rolling Stones will finally release the highly anticipated Deluxe Edition of Exile on Main St. This reissue will be released in four formats:  Exile on Main St, Exile on Main St (Dlx), Exile on Main St [Vinyl], and the Super Deluxe Vinyl Box Set.  Longtime fans and collectors have been left wondering whether it will be worth it to spring for the Super Deluxe set, when much of it will be available separately?

Peter Wolf: Midnight Souvenirs 2 LP Vinyl

Peter Wolf is back, with Midnight Souvenirs, his first album since his fantastic, yet criminally underappreciated  2002 effort, Sleepless. Eight years is a long time between albums, and new fans and old should be happy to know that this record was worth waiting for. Recalling a time when artists dared to defy categorization within a single genre, Wolf calls upon rock, country, blues, and  R&B influences in the wide range of songs performed on the record.

The Album
Wolf builds upon the strength of Sleepless, with no less than three duets on this latest effort. On Tragedy, Wolf recalls Nothing But the Wheel, his duet with Mick Jagger--and arguably the finest moment on Sleepless. This time, Shelby Lynne acts as Wolf's perfect foil--and as they trade verses, you never once consider that Wolf is nearly 25 years her senior. 

Exclusive Sneak Preview: John Coltrane -- A Love Supreme -- 45 RPM Analogue Productions 180 Gram Vinyl

Nearly two years ago, when Analogue Productions first announced their upcoming 45 RPM Impulse Jazz Series, there were a myriad of questions about it: Who would do the mastering? Where would the vinyl be pressed? Which tapes would be used? Would there be gatefold covers?  Now, after the first six titles have been released and most of those questions answered, Chad Kassem's Analogue Productions is about to release the most highly anticipated title of the series.

Special Feature: Remembering Alex Chilton

(Andy Hummel, Jody Stephens, Alex Chilton--at the Peabody Hotel, Memphis; photo courtesy of Eggleston Trust)

ALEX AND BOB /  Bruce Eaton

One night a few days after Alex passed away, I was sort of adrift for a book to read (nightly ritual – a half hour of reading before turning out the light), and pulled out the Jonathon Cott compilation of Bob Dylan interviews. A lot of the interviewers noted that although Bob had the reputation as being quite the difficult interviewee, if you asked him about subjects that he felt like talking about, he was quite the opposite. That’s pretty much the way it was with Alex and it reminded me of some notes I had buried away for a possible sidebar in my book that I had shelved early on: an imaginary scenario in which Bob Dylan ended up with Alex Chilton’s career path. I haven’t changed it much other than a little editing, and I’m not really sure why the idea hit me in the first place. But it was fun to put together (readers…feel free to add your own twists--it’s good fodder for a barroom conversation), and underneath it all I knew there was a point: that Bob and Alex were a lot a like in some ways--only the circumstances of how their careers unfolded were different. If Bob’s monumental records in the mid-60’s had bombed, he might have easily followed the Chilton trail . . .

Record Store Day 2010: John Lennon Singles Bag, The Rolling Stones -- Plundered My Soul, Neil Young -- Heart of Gold, The Jimi Hendrix Experience -- Live at Clark University, The Flaming Lips -- Dark Side of the Moon

Now that Record Store Day 2010 has come and gone, chances are that you either couldn't find all of the items you wanted or you couldn't quite decide what was worth picking up. Despite the fact that most of the items were limited, Record Store Day exclusives, many have already made it to Amazon or Ebay--so if you want them, grab them now. Here are a few of the more popular items that you might have been intersted in.

Neil Young Greatest Hits -- 180 Gram Warner/Reprise Vinyl (with bonus 7" single)

 
With the recent development of Classic Records' entire catalog going out of print, record collectors and audiophiles have been scurrying to snap up the titles they haven't yet picked up, in case they're never repressed again. Luckily, some of the finest titles in their catalog, such as The Who's  Quadrophenia and Tommy, Miles Davis' Kind Of Blue, and Big Star's Radio City, are still available at or near original list prices.

Fortunately, most of the titles from Neil Young, including Live At the Fillmore East, and the magnificent, Live At Massey Hall, are now being pressed by Warner/Reprise, using the same excellent masterings from Chris Bellman. Likewise, Warner/Reprise, through their Because Sound Matters campaign, has also taken over production of Greatest Hits, which I am reviewing today.

Alex Chilton turns the page . . .

Last Wednesday, we lost one of pop music's finest. Alex Chilton was a singer, guitarist, and composer of some of the greatest pop songs ever created.


There are basically two kinds of pop songs that move me: those that make me feel young, and those that remind me of what it was like to be young. With Big Star, Alex Chilton succeeded in doing both of these things, like almost no one else. To this day, Big Star is virtually unknown, compared to many of the artists, such as Cheap Trick, The Bangles, and R.E.M., who were so fundamentally influenced by them. Yet, once you hear them, chances are you'll be hooked.

Short Spin: The Jimi Hendrix Experience -- Electric Ladyland 180 Gram Legacy Vinyl

In conjunction with the "new" 2-LP vinyl release from Jimi Hendrix, Valleys Of Neptune, Sony/Legacy has reissued remastered vinyl editions of First Rays Of The Rising Sun, as well as the three "proper" albums from the Jimi Hendrix Experience: Are You Experienced, Axis: Bold As Love, and Electric Ladyland. Today, Myvinylreview examines Legacy's 180 gram reissue of the third and final release from the Jimi Hendrix Experience: Electric Ladyland (1968).

The Rolling Stones: Plundered My Soul / All Down the Line 7" Single -- Coming for Record Store Day (April 17, 2010)

Click here to go directly to an Exclusive Sneak Preview of the Exile on Main St Super Deluxe Vinyl Box Set
Fans of the Rolling Stones won't have to wait quite as long as originally thought to get a taste of the expanded deluxe version of Exile on Main St, scheduled to hit the streets on May 18, 2010. Available in select independent stores on Record Store Day (April 17, 2010), is a special 7" single, featuring a previously unreleased track from the Exile sessions at Nellcôte.

The Smiths: The Queen Is Dead -- 180 gram Rhino Vinyl Reissue

Rhino continues its vinyl campaign with a foray into Eighties alternative territory, with reissues of the four proper studio releases from British indie band, The Smiths. Here, I review their 180 gram reissue of the band's third and most commercially successful studio record, The Queen is Dead.

The Who Play Superbowl Halftime Show--What is happening with Classic Records' final two Who Releases?

Following the 2010 Super Bowl Halftime performance by Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey, also known as The Who, you begin to wonder how much longer these two guys can continue. Like The Rolling Stones, Pete and Roger aren't getting any younger--and unlike the Stones, they've released only one album, Endless Wire (2006), since their last studio release in 1982. Since 2002, when bassist, John Entwistle died, The Who has been down to only half of their orignal lineup. And many would contend, that after Keith Moon's passing in 1978, The Who was never the same.

Show Review: Brian Wilson at San Francisco Art Exchange -- January 23, 2010

Last night, a group of roughly one hundred invited guests were treated to the experience of a lifetime as musician, composer, and Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson performed with four members of his band at the San Francisco Art Exchange. SFAE's co-founders, Theron Kabrich and Jim Hartley, hosted the event as a celebration of a "very special collaboration." The performance was in conjunction with the promotion of That Lucky Old Sun, an exclusive fine art book and screen print set from Genesis Publications created by visual artist, Sir Peter Blake, in cooperation with Brian Wilson, and inspired by the album of the same name.

The Rolling Stones in Concert: Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out! -- Super Deluxe Edition Vinyl Box Set

Abkco has recently reissued the landmark 1969 concert album, Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out! in both deluxe and super deluxe edition box sets. The super deluxe vinyl edition, reviewed here, includes the original album, remastered for this release, plus five previously unreleased Stones tracks from the 1969 shows at Madison Square Garden, five tracks from B.B. King's opening performances at the Garden, and seven tracks from opening act, Ike and Tina Turner--all pressed on 180 gram vinyl. Also included is the Maysles Brothers' Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out! DVD, which contains performances of the five unreleased Stones songs, as well as backstage footage and video of the photo sessions for the Ya-Ya's album cover. Finally, there is a replica concert poster and a full-size 56-page booklet containing essays, Ethan Russell photos, and the original Lester Bangs album review.

Show Review: The Beatles Love -- Cirque Du Soleil at The Mirage, Las Vegas

I've just returned from the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas and the most exciting news I have to share isn't a new set of speakers, a fantastic turntable, or even of a new series of audiophile pressings from a yet-to-be remastered artist. Last week, I finally saw Cirque Du Soleil's production of The Beatles Love at The Mirage, Las Vegas, and it was well worth the wait--and without question, the highlight of my trip.

In 1979, just beginning my teenage years, I went to see Beatlemania with a few friends. For the most part, I was underwhelmed, and have since been mostly skeptical of any effort showcasing The Beatles. Now, thirty years later, I wasn't expecting to be truly blown away by how good this show would be--I enjoyed it so much, I went back to see it a second time the very next evening.

Coming Soon: The Rolling Stones -- Exile on Main St Deluxe Vinyl Edition / Book Review: 33 1/3 Continuum Series

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Show Review: McCoy Tyner Quartet -- Live at Yoshi's Oakland, December 29, 2009

Every time you ask someone to name a living jazz icon, the name McCoy Tyner undoubtedly comes up. As pianist for the legendary John Coltrane Quartet from 1960-1965, and as the leader of his own groups thereafter, Tyner has been one of jazz's most influential figures and continues to inspire pianists around the world.

Tyner and his quartet are back at Yoshi's Oakland, for six nights of shows running from December 29-January 3, 2010. Last night, on the first night of the stand, he showed that he still has what it takes to please a crowd, leaving no doubt why he's had such a lasting impact upon the world of jazz.

2009: The Year in Vinyl

2009 has proved to be another great year to be a vinyl collector and audiophile. The vinyl resurgence continues to gain steam, and because of it, more new releases, archival material, and audiophile reissues are being released on vinyl. Here is a sampling of the best in vinyl from 2009.

Archival Vinyl Release of the Year

Neil Young: Sugar Mountain -- Live at Canterbury House 1968 (Reprise 200 gram vinyl)

In November of 1968, Neil Young was still on the heels of the breakup of Buffalo Springfield and had yet to release his solo debut. For two nights at the Canterbury House in Ann Arbor, Michigan, he would treat a small crowd to a preview of his new record as well as select cuts from his efforts with Buffalo Springfield. Canterbury House reveals a nascent performer engaging in goofy banter with the audience, who delivers a simple, raw vocal performance.

When you drop the needle, it's just Neil and his guitar with you in your living room. While this recording doesn't have quite the presence of Massey Hall, the simplicity of the performance and the recording comes shining through and this superb mastering from Chris Bellman should deliver genuine satisfaction to the audiophile purist and is essential for any fan of Mr. Young.






Honorable Mention




Crosby, Stills & Nash: Demos (Rhino 180 gram)

As great as a vinyl reissue can be, hearing unreleased material for the first time can be even better. CSN went back to the vaults to bring this collection of unreleased demo tracks recorded between 1968-1971. The songs have an unvarnished quality to them that allows you to experience something new and different from songs that you've undoubtedly become intimately familiar with over the past three decades. What sets this set apart from many demo packages is its fantastic sound, which Bernie Grundman accomplishes with a minimum of futzing, simply bringing the vocalist and guitars right into your living room.





45 RPM Jazz Reissue of The Year




Tina Brooks: Back to the Tracks (Music Matters 45 RPM)

With its entrance into the jazz vinyl arena two years ago, Music Matters has single handedly changed the definition of what constitutes an ultra-premium audiophile product. Team leaders Joe Harley and Ron Rambach have done everything right in this series. They're picking superb Blue Note titles--with few, if any duds in the bunch so far. They're using the original analog master tapes. The mastering and cutting of these double 45 RPM sets is being done by the veteran team of Kevin Gray and Steve Hoffman, resulting in consistently spectacular sound.



(Left to right: Kevin Gray, Ron Rambach,
Joe Harley, and Steve Hoffman)


Each two-record 45 RPM set comes in a gorgeous, glossy cover made of extra-heavy cardstock. And if all of this isn't enough, there are beautiful, glossy, archival quality Francis Wolff session photos contained inside the gatefold of each and every record issued. The photos alone could easily fetch more than the $50 price of each of these albums.



(Jackie McLean--archival quality photo)

While there are many titles that were released by Music Matters in 2009 that would qualify as superb reissues in the Music Matters series, I'm choosing Tina Brooks' Back to the Tracks for a number of reasons. Brooks happens to be one of my favorite Blue Note aritsts. The album features some of the very best session players of the day, including Blue Mitchell on trumpet and Jackie McLean on alto sax. It exemplifies the famous Blue Note sound, swinging from start to finish. And last but not least, it sounds fantastic--making you feel as if you are "in the room" with the players.


click here to buy
from Music Direct




Honorable Mention




John Coltrane: Giant Steps (Rhino 45 RPM)

Mastered from the original analog master tapes by Bernie Grundman, one immediately notices upon listening to this reissue of this classic title that the 45 RPM format can yield impressive results over 33 RPM, with greater dynamics, faster transients, and more detail immediately coming to the fore. The improved attack and accuracy of the cymbals and realism of the piano are also immediately revealed.

This 45 RPM edition of Giant Steps gives me a similar feeling to listening to my Kind of Blue 45 RPM set. It brings me closer to the performers than I have ever been--and it makes me want to buy a second copy.







Rock Reissue of the Year





Big Star: Radio City (Concord 150 gram, Classic 200 gram Clarity)

2009 saw vinyl reissues of both of Big Star's classic albums: their 1972 debut, #1 Record and their 1974 masterpiece, Radio City. While Chris Bellman did an admirable job on #1 Record, the sonics on his mastering of Radio City are as good or better than the original Ardent vinyl and may very well be definitive.

Available on both 150 gram regular weight vinyl and Classic 200 gram clarity vinyl, this album has simply never sounded better. The bright character of the music has been retained, yet the top end is never strident. The bottom end, as heard on this reissue, brings the music to life in a way that hasn't previously been accomplished. Finally, the all-important midrange faithfully conveys the organic crunch of the guitars and the complexity of the vocals. This reissue is now my preferred way to listen to this power pop classic.


Concord 150 gram


Classic 200 gram



Honorable Mention



Neil Young (Reprise 140 gram)

From the opening instrumental charm of The Emperor of Wyoming, to the fuzz-toned urgency of The Loner and I've Been Waiting for You, to the haunting background vocals of The Old Laughing Lady, this album makes for a compelling listen.

Chris Bellman has done a superb job of transforming this debut album from the sonic mediocrity it has always suffered. In addition to uncovering additional detail, he has kept the EQ on the warm side, and the predominance of vocals, acoustic guitars and strings seem to play better because of it. This is the best I have ever heard this album sound, and it is essential for any fan of Mr. Young.







Soul Reissue of the Year




Marvin Gaye: Let's Get it On (MFSL 180 gram)

This 1973 release was mastered by Shawn Britton for Mobile Fidelity and has very nice stereo separation and imaging, with increased bass extension, more realistic sounding cymbals, and better overall presence than the original Tamla vinyl. The ever-important midrange has also been left intact, allowing Gaye's vocals to shine through with superb clarity and character.




If you don't see your favorite title or you disagree with any of the above choices, feel free to place your comments below. And if there is a particular title you'd like to see reviewed, I'm happy to consider requests. Happy Holidays!