Audiophile: Vinyl, February 2024

Audiophile: Vinyl, February 2024

The Doors

Live At The Matrix

Rhino R1 698484 (5 LPs + 7in single)

Our Christmas field set round-up [HFN Jan ’24] included the 3CD model of this important rock artefact, however the LP different strikes the jazz instrumental ‘Bag’s Groove’ to a 7in single – purpose sufficient to purchase this for some. But we’re about sound right here, and the vinyl has a hotter, extra intimate really feel, higher to evoke a membership ambiance. With each recognized monitor and remastered by Bruce Botnick from the unique 7in tapes, this replaces all earlier releases of the legendary March 1967 gigs. Even for those who’re a Doors completist, you will want this: lots of the upgraded tracks make their debut right here, together with eight not featured on any earlier Matrix releases. Allowing for the semi-pro supply tapes, it is a sonic miracle. KK

The Connells

Ring

Craft Recordings 00888072419773 180g vinyl

If the Connells solely launched one tune – ”74-’75’ – they’d nonetheless advantage a spot within the rock pantheon. That elegiac masterpiece is likely one of the most attractive ballads ever, up there melodically with The La’s ‘There She Goes’ and spiritually with The Beatles’ ‘In My Life’. Their fifth album’s thirtieth anniversary earns a vinyl debut, leading to even better intimacy and perception right into a Southern USA band’s abilities at creating ‘tender pop’ gems. There’s arguably a geographical really feel to different indie bands from the world – suppose REM, not Lynyrd Skynyrd – so this stays an ideal antidote to a cacophonous trendy world. Also on 2CD with much more tracks [Craft 00888072419766]. KK

John Fogerty

Blue Ridge Rangers/John Fogerty
BMG 538666041/538666011 180g vinyl

So distinctive and distinctive are John Fogerty’s vocals that his solo albums could possibly be mistaken for Creedence Clearwater Revival LPs. These immaculate fiftieth Anniversary reissues of his first two solos verify, too, that it is one of many best voices within the historical past of rock. His debut album, Blue Ridge Rangers, consists solely of covers of nation and western classics, however all swiftly turn into his property. The eponymous second album contains three covers plus seven originals, amongst them ‘Almost Saturday Night’ and one thing a lot of you’ll love: ‘Rocking All Over The World’, co-opted by Status Quo as considered one of their greatest hits and an anthem for the style. KK

The Yellow Balloon

The Yellow Balloon

Sundazed LP5654 (yellow vinyl)

While not as well-known as probably the most profitable practitioners of Nineteen Sixties ‘sunshine pop’, eg, Harpers Bizarre or The Cyrkle, Yellow Balloon had one eponymous hit, whereas the remainder of their lone LP sparkles like one of the best of Sagittarius or any of the style’s different notables. Twenty-five years after Sundazed’s launch of a complete Yellow Balloon CD, this is the identical once more on – aptly – yellow vinyl, and it sounds merely terrific. For Trivial Pursuit gamers, the presence of Don Grady, as soon as a star on American TV, provides to the thriller, whereas deep digging will uncover a hyperlink to the Keanu Reeves comedy, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure. A enjoyable strategy to brighten up darkish winter evenings. KK

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February 29, 2024 at 11:33PM