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Vinyl Releases of the Week: February 15, 2012
Post By: Katherine.Eleanor
It’s all about quality reissues this week, and they range from the most sultry to the most quirky.
Sade – Diamond Life (Audio Fidelity)
I can’t think of anything more appropriate than this Valentine’s Day reissue of Sade’s phenomenal 1985 debut album on 180-gram virgin vinyl. Released 27 years ago, Diamond Life hasn’t lost one bit of its seductive appeal thanks to songs like the Top-10 single “Smooth Operator.”
The Flaming Lips – Hit to Death in the Future Head (1992), Transmissions from the Satellite Heart (1993), Clouds Taste Metallic (1995), The Soft Bulletin (1999), Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots (2002) (Warner Bros.)
Calling all Lips fans: the band’s first five Warner Bros. albums assembled for the Heady Nuggs vinyl box set last year are now individually available on vinyl! From the kooky sing-along hit “She Don’t Use Jelly” (off of Transmissions from the Satellite Heart) to the symphonic brilliance of The Soft Bulletin and the emotional heights of the Grammy-winning Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, this quirky Oklahoma alt-rock/psych-pop band has evolved into masters of sonic bliss in the vein of Brian Wilson. Lush, sentimental, and experimental, this is a band that you NEED to hear on vinyl.
Grateful Dead – Live/Dead (Mobile Fidelity)
180-gram double LP reissue of the Dead’s 1969 live album, half-speed mastered from the original tapes. Recorded over a series of San Francisco concerts in early ‘69, Live/Dead is a landmark live album that captures the band’s interplay and improvisations, and illustrates why the Dead was the best live band of the era.
Reckoning, Terrapin Station (Analogue Productions)
We’ve also got 200-gram vinyl reissues of 1977’s more funkified Terrapin Station, featuring the extended title suite and a horn-fueled disco arrangement of Martha and the Vandellas’ “Dancing in the Street,” and the 1981 acoustic live album, Reckoning, which was recorded during the Dead’s 1980 performances at the Warfield in San Francisco and Radio City Music Hall in New York City and nods to their more traditional folk beginnings.
Carole King – Music (Mobile Fidelity)
180-gram vinyl reissue of Carole King’s 1971 album, Music, the often overlooked follow-up and companion to her breakthrough album, Tapestry. Topping the charts upon its release, Music features the songs “It’s Going to Take Some Time” (later a hit for the Carpenters), “Sweet Seasons,” and “Brother, Brother.” This marks the first re-mastering of Music and brilliantly reveals King’s extraordinary songwriting, voice, and piano playing.
Joe Walsh – But Seriously, Folks… (Friday Music)
For the first time on 180-gram vinyl is Joe Walsh’s Top-10 1978 album featuring his biggest solo hit, the eight-minute “Life’s Been Good.” Recorded shortly after he recorded and toured Hotel California with the Eagles, this reflective song cycle captures Walsh at his peak and features the other four Eagles.
James Brown – New York City Soul Break Out! (Cleopatra Records)
If you love vintage James Brown, you’ll love this 180-gram vinyl release from Cleopatra Records. Features live performances of classics like “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag,” “I Got You (I Feel Good),” “Get Up Offa That Thing (Release the Pressure),” “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World,” and “Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine.”
Cal Tjader – Cal Tjader’s Latin Concert (Original Jazz Classics)
Vinyl reissue of this essential 1958 Latin jazz album from vibraphonist Cal Tjader. Recorded live at the Blackhawk in San Francisco with pianist Vince Guaraldi, bassist Al McKibbon, Willie Bobo on timbales and drums, and Mongo Santamaria on congas.
Thelonious Monk – The Unique Thelonious Monk (Fantasy Records)
Vinyl reissue of this exceptional 1956 album featuring pianist Thelonious Monk, bassist Oscar Pettiford, and drummer Art Blakey performing a well-chosen set of standards.
McCoy Tyner – Sahara (Original Jazz Classics)
Vinyl reissue of the 1972 Grammy-nominated breakthrough release by jazz pianist McCoy Tyner, widely considered to be his best. Features saxophonist Sonny Fortune, bassist Calvin Hill, and drummer Alphonse Mouzon.
Queensryche – The Warning (Friday Music)
Limited-edition 180-gram audiophile vinyl reissue of Queensryche’s 1984 debut full-length album. Recorded in London and produced by James Guthrie (Pink Floyd, Judas Priest), this Orwellian-themed prog-metal record remains a fan favorite.
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