Now that they’ve fully established themselves as Sony Europe’s vinyl reissue arm, Music On Vinyl have wasted no time in announcing even more new releases. They're also branching out into other label's back catalogues - seems there's no stopping them. Here’s this month’s bounty, it’s a real mixed bag:
Miles Davis "Kind Of Blue"
MOV have released a very special version of the most influential jazz album ever!
The original KIND OF BLUE album in its re-mastered form, plus an extra BONUS LP containing 2 tracks that were never available on vinyl before!!
These are : an alternate take of ‘Flamenco Sketches ‘ and a version of ‘On Green Dolphin Street’ recorded prior to the Kind of Blue sessions, with the legendary line-up of Bill Evans, John Coltrane, Paul Chambers and Jimmy Cobb.
The initial pressing of 3000 NUMBERED copies will be pressed on blue 180 gram vinyl. When these are gone the album, will revert to a standard 180g black vinyl edition.
Dennis Wilson “Pacific Ocean Blue”
At first a somewhat un-noticed Wilson brother at the beginning of the Beach Boys’ career, Dennis Wilson later matured into an excellent songwriter, producer, and vocalist. His heartfelt ballads and pop gems contributed heavily to the Beach Boys' late 60’s and early 70’s output. A ‘target’ of female enthusiasm, Dennis was assigned lead vocals for a few early novelty songs: "Little Girl (You're My Miss America)", "Surfers Rule," and "This Car of Mine." His first hit came in 1965 when "Do You Wanna Dance" opened the “The Beach Boys Today!” album and cracked the Top 20.
After the high peaks and deep valleys of the Beach Boys career during the late '60s, Dennis began writing songs ("Little Bird," "Be Still") for 1968's ‘Friends’. Throughout the early '70s, Beach Boys fans counted on at least two Dennis songs on each LP, often tender ballads. He made his first attempt at a solo album as early as 1970, but quietly released only one single. He started work again in 1975, recording with friend and producer Gregg Jakobsen during 1976 to complete “Pacific Ocean Blue”.
Though Dennis had started work on his second (provisionally titled ‘Bamboo’) even before the release of “Pacific Ocean Blue”, increasing problems caused several holdups.
In late 1983 Wilson drowned while diving around his boat in Marina del Ray, CA. “Pacific Ocean Blue” is his only complete solo effort released to the public, and is released here as a single 180g vinyl.
Iggy & The Stooges “Raw Power”
The 2010 2LP edition of “Raw Power” on Music on Vinyl contains 2 different versions of this rock-milestone. LP1 features the recently remastered version of David Bowie’s original 1972 mix. After years of criticism -regarding the original mix- this new mix will set the record straight for once and for always: This ís the ultimate version of “Raw Power”. Accompanying the 2010 mix, they’ve included the 1997 edition that was revamped by Iggy Pop himself. Same 8 songs, whole new sonic approach: A complete overview for audiophile listeners and Stooges fans alike!
This double LP set contains a 16-page booklet with rare pics and liner notes and quotes by Iggy, James Williamson and Scott Asheton!
Golden Earring “2nd Live”
“Golden Earring – Live” (MOVLP048) was a testimony of The Golden Earring’s live reputation, but one album simply wasn´t enough. Here´s the follow-up to that LP, rightly called “2nd Live”. The first half puts the emphasis on great album tracks that weren´t released as singles, but are definitely fan favorites. The second disc boasts live renditions of their hits from 1970´s “Back Home” until 1980´s “Long Blond Animal”. As is customary for Music on Vinyl releases, this 1981 release features the original artwork and is pressed on 180 gram audiophile vinyl.
Frankie Goes To Hollywood “Welcome To The Pleasuredome”
Frankie Say Relax… Those three words in black letters on white oversized T-shirts persist as a main part of the imagery of the eighties. But even if you take away all the Malcolm McLaren-styled-marketing, "Welcome To The Pleasuredome" still stands out as one of the seminal records of the decade.
Produced by Trevor Horn (Art of Noise, The Buggles and briefly YES), it should. The sometimes over-the-top songs are interspersed with snippets of a Ronald Reagan impersonator and bombastic orchestral compositions. Put their most famous song 'Relax' in the middle of this and the song that created so much controversy when it was first released becomes a model of restraint. The irresistibly pounding yet simple bass line makes it as much a floor-filler today as it was in 1984.
The Orwellian 'Two Tribes', released at the height of the Cold War, still seems strangely poignant. 'The Power Of Love', the hyper-ballad that topped the British charts for a number of weeks, is still deliciously cheeky.
Fatboy Slim “You’ve Come Along Way”
Norman Cook, aka Fat Boy Slim, takes his big beat dance style global with the release of his second album. Packed with pure energy, smart breaks and edgy samples, the album is a strong follow up to 1997's Better Living Through Chemistry. The first single, "The Rockafeller Skank" cleverly uses a Lord Finesse vocal sample that dominates the massive-sounding track. In addition, the twangy surf guitars provide a texture not often heard in big beat. "Gangster Tripping", the second single, is a funky, mind-bending head-nodder that uses smashing drums, horn shots, reggae breaks and filtering techniques. Other tracks to make you move are "Build it Up", the adrenaline wig-out "Acid 8000" and "Praise You", with its catchy, '70s-like piano hook. The title of this album speaks volumes about the state of Fat Boy Slim's work. Catch up or you'll get stomped by the big beat explosion. A genre defining moment, and a modern day classic!
