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Reissues 2009

Posted Jan 8, 2010 by Clarisa Gerlach

Updated Jan 8, 2010 at 03:33 PM

The Beatles dominated the reissue news this year, the catalog of the world’s most famous rock band getting its first remastering since its initial release on CD in 1986.

Had that not happened, Neil Young’s “Archives Vol. 1 1963-1972” would have held the top spot. The eight CD box was massive enough, but the 10-disc DVD and Blu-Ray boxes were an even bigger deal. Young fans rejoiced until they realized three of the discs were live albums released prior to the box. Oops.

Of course, that’s the danger with a lot of reissues: whether the upgrade in sound and/or the bonus material makes buying an album for the second (or third or …) time worth it.

Merge, though, reissued a pair of Volcano Suns albums unavailable for years. Whether you’re replacing a worn out vinyl or cassette or hearing these for the first time, “The Bright Orange Years” and especially “All-Night Lotus Party” were worth your time and money. Formed by ex-Mission of Burma drummer Peter Prescott, The Volcano Suns got lost in the wave of indie/college rock bands of the ‘80s, but are well worth rediscovering. “Lotus Party” stands up well against recognized classics of the era such as Dinosaur Jr’s “You’re Living All Over Me.”

Pearl Jam’s “Ten” and The Rolling Stones’ “Get Your Ya-Ya’s Out!” both got the more-is-more treatment, with deluxe box sets including CDs, vinyl and all manner of ephemera. (Both were available in more modest, CDs-only packages as well.) 

Excessive praise was the order of the day for the 20th Anniversary Edition of “The Stone Roses.”  Yes, it is a great album. But the “greatest album of all time,” according to the NME? Hardly. Not even the greatest album of 1989, since The Pixies’ “Doolittle” came out that year. This reissue also featured a collector’s edition with vinyl, CDs, art prints, a USB, and heaven knows what else. Scaled-down models included a 2-CD/1-DVD edition, and even a single-disc version.

Off the beaten path but worth searching out was the reissue of two Chris Darrow solo albums, “Chris Darrow” and “Under My Own Disguise.” Darrow, with David Lindley, led Kaleidoscope, one of the ‘60s most adventurous, if unheralded, West Coast acts. The coffee-table style set (CD and vinyl) is nice, but puts it out of consideration for those unfamiliar with Darrow’s music or reputation.

Kaleidoscope was one of the bands featured on “Where the Action Is! Los Angeles Nuggets 1965-1968.” The four discs range from sunshine pop to dark psychedelia, capturing a region’s era bookended by the Beach Boys and Charles Manson. 

Big Star fans had a bonanza with the four-disc “Keep An Eye on the Sky,” full of alternate versions, demos and a previously unreleased live set. Big Star co-founder Chris Bell’s “I Am the Cosmos” got a deluxe two-disc reissue as well. Meanwhile, the single-disc collection of the band’s first two albums, “No. 1 Record” and “Radio City,” was reissued, adding a pair of single mixes, although the sound was shrill and tinny. Better news was that the two albums were released on vinyl in the U.S. for the first time since the ‘70s.

Babatunde Olatunji’s “Drums of Passion” brought African music to U.S. audiences in 1958. Its latest reissued pairs it with the follow-up “More Drums of Passion” on a two-disc set. Santana fans may have a special interest in the release since it contains “Jin-Go-Lo-Ba,” which Carlos & Co. remade as “Jingo.”

Tito Puente also was an inspiration to Santana, and Puente’s “Dance Mania” was paired with “Dance Mania Vol. 2” for a deluxe reissue similar to “Drums of Passion.”

Finally, “Walking on a Wire” chronicles Richard Thompson’s long and winding career over four discs. It’s one of the few times a multi-disc box could be recommended for a newcomer. Thompson’s career simply has too many phases and too many highlights for anything other than a box-set. Hardcore fans will already have it but those tempted to tip their toe into Thompson’s music are advised to get “Walking” and dive right in