Review by Tim Goodacre

The 80s was in my opinion one of Dylan’s best periods. This album is a highlight with the now classic Jokerman and other strong songs I and I and Sweetheart Like You. The production and playing is impeccable especially with the added bonus of Mick Taylor’s lead guitar and the presence of Mark Knopfler on guitar and as joint producer with Dylan. This series of Blu spec CD releases are exemplary and are equal to the earlier SACD versions and vastly superior to the red book CD releases.

This album is roundly condemned by critics as being lightweight and directionless and one of Dylan’s worst.I could not disagree more. The arrangements are good and the songs catchy and well produced. Lots of backing singers on most tracks give the album a polished gospel flavour. Includes the classic Brownsville Girl but the other songs are also some of Dylan’s better 80s efforts. One of those times you simply ignore the critics.

At the time of its release I remember this album was largely panned and considered one of Dylan’s worst releases. However for me I have always enjoyed both the new songs but also Dylan’s interpretation of many of the traditional songs. As usual the production is first class and the Blue-spec disc delivers exceptional sound. The mini lp packaging is faithful to the original release even down to the original textured sleeve. Very much worth having if you are a Dylan fan.

I have held off getting this album in the past mainly because of the less than strong song collection. However this release was a must have with the mini lp style packaging and the mix of songs is better than I expected. Yes it contains many less than mainstream Stones songs from their early period but the mix of styles is interesting and eclectic. The sound is wonderful and is up there with the SACD releases of 2002 which are some of the best ever sounding SACDs. If you are a Stones fan this release is a must have given the sound and packaging alone.

The audio on this MoFi SACD is exceptional. Great clarity and defined bass. Not one of my favourite artists or albums but hearing Billie Jean on this SACD breathes new life into the song but the same can be said for all the tracks. Buy this and it will confirm that a well mastered SACD is the best there is audio wise.

Great song selection with brilliant unreleased Glastonbury performance of Hallelujah. The songs come from each of his albums and the selection is representative of his best work. The mastering and production of Cohen’s albums is first class and the sound on this album is unsurpassed. Highly recommended as an introduction to Leonard Cohen.

This to me is the best of the Beatles remix box sets. This remix is outstanding and a clear improvement on the original plus the Glyn Johns album mix and song list is a treasured inclusion. It is worth it for the Dont Let Me Down and Teddy Boy inclusions alone.The alternative tracks are also interesting and unlike previous outtakes on the other releases I do come back and listen to them more than once. The book is also outstanding and interesting - again the story itself given the bands disintegration is edgy and compelling. This set is a must for any Beatles enthusiast and if you have to pick one remix set this has to rank near the top simply for the “new” tracks alone.

One of Ronstadt’s early solo releases. Fine collection of songs written by fellow country rock artists including Zevon, Souther and Bonoff. Great arrangements by Peter Asher and fine musicianship by her usual band and the songwriters themselves. Ronstadt has probably the best voice of her generation and this release sits well with her other releases on Asylum in the 70s. These releases in the mini lp format are back in stock with CD Japan after long being unavailable. Get them while you can.

I bought this box set mainly to complete my Elton disc collection but am very pleasantly surprised how good this set actually is. It includes a wonderful collection of specific songs chosen by Elton to tell the story of his and Bernie’s musical journey. Each song is accompanied by detailed written notes by Elton detailing the background to the song and where it fits with his musical history. These recollections are detailed and well written. Also included are numerous b sides and demos. The lavish hardcover book is well laid out and very informative. This is a must have and is the best box set I own.

Most underrated Stones album. Great tracks include Angie, Star Star and Doo Doo Heartbreaker. Comes after the more bleak and muddy mix (but excellent) Exile and the Stones seem uplifted in their performances. Good mix brings out some great things I missed first time round. The real bonus is the Brussels Affair live performance in 1973 which I rate as the best live recording of the Stones - just shading YaYas. A must have even if only for the sax solo on You Can’t Always Get What You Want. Mick Taylor shines and his guitar exchange with Keith on Angie is something to saviour. Originally released a few years ago in Japan but is long sold out so great to have it here.

This release was a surprise. I have not really rated a live Stones release since Yas Yas but this release is superb. Great shm sound and mix plus some great Stones performances especially the saxophone in You Can’t Always Get What You Want. Jagger’s voice is superb with Angie a highlight and Wood’s guitar fits in well after Taylor’s exit. Recommended.

Great record of their final performances. Notwithstanding the live recording was made way back in 1969 the SHM sound is first class. Not sure everyone wants the many live concert recordings of many of the same songs but this is a wonderful historical document. The packaging is first class and the book is informative and has some great shots of the band.

This album improves with time. Along with Wandering Spirit this is Jagger’s best solo effort. Throwaway, Primitive Cool, Party Doll and War Baby are better than many Stones efforts. Dave Stewart co writes and produces several songs and Jeff Beck fills in for Richards on lead guitar. Packaging is superb as expected.

I must admit I had given up on Jagger as a strong solo recording artist after She’s the Boss. This is a very good album with more reliance on strong ballads and less formula dance music which was prevalent in the late 80s. Originally a double lp the recording quality and sound is good especially on the SMH disc here. Packaging as expected is excellent. If you are thinking of buying a Jagger solo effort try this and/or Primitive Cool.

Unfortunately I had ordered the European version containing the SACDs and 12 inch vinyl before this was notified for release. This is a far superior and lower cost package especially if you don’t want the vinyl. I gave up on vinyl and it’s frustrating inherent pops and crackles years ago and now concentrate on high end Japanese CD releases. This package is as usual superb with the stereo and mono releases and the packaging is first class right down to the two mono and stereo replica covers. Unfortunately by comparison the Beggars Banquet release did not include the mono mix. Not sure if the SACD remastering exceeds the 2002 release but this is worth the investment for the 7 inch size packaging. Get it while it is still available.

As usual great repackaging faithfully following the original UK release right down to the picture booklet. Have been trying to get the UK track listing on CD for some time and excellent SHM CD sound and mastering a bonus. Superb.

As per the previous reviews this us just one of the Stones recent releases of hits from the 70s. The Japanese Remastering is superb in the SHM format. The sleeves are faithful to the original releases and as usual the inclusion of the lyrics is excellent. Makes you realise what a superb lyricist Jagger is which is not readily apparent given the lyrics are rarely fully comprehensible in the song mixes.

Superb mini lp cd sleeve right down to the textured cover and custom tab of the original release. Remastering is subtle and warm unlike earlier efforts. Honky Chateau is one of his top three recordings.

This album sounds better than it ever has. First the songs are well written and capably sung by Ringo. Features a star studded cast of songwriters and country musicians on an album which was generally under appreciated at the time of its release. Participants include Jerry Reed, Wayne Fontana, the Jordanaires and a host of other recognisable Nashville performers. Second the MQA/UHQCD pressing adds real depth and detail to the overall recording and takes it to a new level of listening enjoyment. Worth listening to and a general reappraisal. You will be pleasantly surprised.

Great mastering job with nice midrange and clear stereo separation although not necessarily better than the 2005 release. This Japan only release with the 7inch cover is wonderful and shows what a shoddy job has been done with this anniversary edition elsewhere. Looking forward to similar treatments for subsequent 50myear anniversary Stones releases.