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(P.S. these are available and orderable titles, not an in-stock listing)
Audiophile News
We are now stocking (in additon to Classic and Speakers Corner) Analogue Productions and select titles from Pure Pleasure and others. Mobile Fidelity is back with a small, range of vinyl, and the feedback is that they are better than ever. One of the biggest players at the moment is Rhino Records. An independant arm of the giant WEA Label, they have re-entered the audiophile vinyl area with a vengeance, with new releases (Emmylou Harris / Mark Knofler, Tom Petty, etc.) and re-issues from Warners vast catalogue. Stand outs have been Joni Mitchell's "Blue", Dire Staits "Brothers in Arms", Bee Gees boxed set of the early (and best) and albums by Joy Division, Pogues and many others. Latest offering is the Traveling Wilburys and projected releases include The Doors, Led Zeppelin, Van Morrison, etc. etc. They have had trouble meeting their expected release dates (the Doors box set is about 8 months overdue), but it is wortth the wait.
Out range of these supelative L.P.s is growing rapidly, and order times decreasing. For information on what is in best records for high end , call us, or refer to our in-stock listing for titles..
From Speakers Corner
Elvis Presley For LP Fans Only
The fourth release in Speakers Corner's Elvis Series. "Along with A Date With Elvis, For LP Fans Only is one of the most important special productions of the young King of Rock 'n' Roll. Because Elvis had been conscripted into the US Army, no new recordings could take place, and so record producers delved deep into the sound archives and dug out a few singles from his Sun Records days, mixed them with a couple of early RCA songs and a number from the Love Me Tender soundtrack, and, presto! a new Elvis LP was born. The overwhelming success of this album is not solely confined to the stylistic homogeneity of this collection of fresh, youthful songs. Far more, it's because for many fans the record offered the only substitution for the highly coveted but rare original singles "That's All Right," "Mystery Train" and "My Baby Left Me."
Track Listing :
1. That's All Right
2. Lawdy, Miss Clawdy
3. Mystery Train
4. Poor Boy
5. Playing For Keeps
6. My Baby Left Me
7. I Was The One
8. Shake, Rattle And Roll
9. You're A Heartbreaker
10. I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone
Stravinsky Box Set
Ballets Petroushka, Firebird, Rite of Spring. Mercury Living Presence
Three famous and famous-sounding ballets by Stravinsky, all conducted by Antal Dorati - packaged together by Speakers Corner. Includes slip case and deluxe 12 page booklet.
"…I consider all three of these ballets to be 'must haves' in any classical musical library and the re-emergence of these now readily available and rejuvenated recordings is a cause for serious celebration…demonstration quality sound that is, in my opinion, harmonically and tonally near perfect, and not to be confused with the earlier Classic Records release…Speakers Corner Records has once again delivered a winning combination of performance, pressing quality and presentation. This set should be a keystone in every serious collection. Actually, let's make that every collection, period. These records really are too good to miss." – Richard S. Foster, Hi-Fi+, Issue 59
Petrouchka/Antal Dorati/The Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra :
The Firebird/Antal Dorati/The London Symphony Orchestra:
The Rite of Spring/Antal Dorati/The MinneapolisSymphony Orchestra:
From Diverse Vinyl
The City's greatest ambassador fuses blues, funk and soul on a pointed and poignant love letter to post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans. On "City That Care Forgot", Dr. John delivers an elegantly elegiac homage to his drowned hometown that's at once an incredible collection of songs – possibly his best work of the past two decades – and a bold statement and cultural event. Musically anchored with that legendary gravely drawl and a buoyant riot of swamp-voodoo piano grooves (and aid from a few friends like Eric Clapton and Willie Nelson) the album's 13 tracks also provide a lyrical reminder that the rawness and divisions exposed by Hurricane Katrina are as fresh as ever 2 LPs of highest quality 180 gram vinyl. $75
Track Listings
1. Keep On Goin'
2. Time For A Change featuring Eric Clapton
3. Promises, Promises featuring Willie Nelson
4. You Might Be Surprised
5. Dream Warrior
6. Black Gold
7. We Gettin' There featuring Terence Blanchard
8. Stripped Away featuring Eric Clapton
9. Say Whut?
10. My People Need A Second Line
11. Land Grab featuring Terence Blanchard
12. City That Care Forgot featuring Eric Clapton and Ani DiFranco
13. Save Our Wetlands
Also
The landmark Buena Vista Social Club concert at Carnegie Hall – July 1, 1998 – was both the start of a remarkable story and the culmination of a dream. This one-time-only event elevated veteran Cuban performers like Ibrahim Ferrer, Ruben Gonzalez, Compay Segundo and Omara Portuondo to long-overdue status as international stars, and it transformed the BVSC's already critically acclaimed album into a commercial juggernaut. Since then, the Grammy-winning Buena Vista Social Club, recorded at Havana's Egrem Studio by guitarist Ry Cooder, has sold over eight million copies, making it the best-selling world music album ever, and the Buena Vista Social Club Presents imprimatur has come to represent an unwavering mark of quality.
LPs packaged in tri-fold, double sleeve jacket with two-sided four-color insert. HQ 180 Gram Pressing
Track Listings
1. Chan Chan
2. De Camino A La Vereda
3. El Cuarto De Tula
4. La Enganadora
5. Buena Vista Social Club
6. Dos Gardenias
7. Quizas, Quizas
8. Veinte Años
9. Orgullecida
10. Y Tu Que Has Hecho?
11. Siboney
12. Mandinga
13. Almendra
14. El Carretero
15. Candela
16. Silencio
And This
What a ride it's been for Norah Jones since that night in March 2002, when she revealed her rich, seductive tones performing in a cramped room above an Indian restaurant in downtown Austin at a South by Southwest showcase. A few months later she recorded her first Austin City Limits. Now, after five years, many millions of CDs sold, a shelf full of Grammy awards, and worldwide acclaim, Norah returns to ACL as one of the most successful and respected recording artists of the decade. This performance from June 14, 2007, includes some of those now classics that captivated an audience longing for heartfelt music. It also highlights her growth as a serious songwriter on her third record, Not Too Late.
Track Listings
Come Away with Me
Those Sweet Words
The Sun Doesn't Like You
Not My Friend
Thinking About You
Be My Somebody
Rosie's Lullaby
Sunrise
Sinkin' Soon
Not Too Late
My Dear Country
Little Room
Broken
Long Way Home
Creepin' In
Hands on the Wheel
Blue Bayou
Don't Know Why
Rhino News
In stock Now : Sumptuous releases from the Rhino Label of Led Zeppelin's "Motherlode" (4 LP Best Of) and "The Song Remains the Same" (The film soundtrack plus never before released tracks). Beautiful Cloth bound box of the Traveling Wilburys including unreleased tracks, and the Bee Gees Box (see below) comprising their early 60's albums in stereo and mono formats plus bonus tracks.
And now to the Doors Box Saga!!
Release date after release date was given for this much saught after set which includes all the Morrison releases plus a mono version of the debut album! Production problems (mainly the covers) has caused a massive price blowout and only a limited number of the promised 12,500 copies has been pressed so far (the rest late July - maybe!). The good news is that the faux lizard skin box, the heavy-duty vinyl and remasterd sound are of the highest quality. The bad news is that the individual covers were packed while still damp with the result that many of these have rubbed with ring wear - maybe this gives them the authenticity of a 30 year old original - or maybe not. Rhino are comitted to replacing the faulty covers and those Quality Records...plus customers who already recieved their sets will be informed as soon as these are avialable. Anyone who wishes to order copies of the second (and final) pressing of this set should let us know asap so we can reserve copies as they will not last long. Price will depend on the failing Australian dollar. Arrival late Decemebr, Early January.
This extreme quality high end audiophile label has released more titles following on from Joni Mitchell's "Blue
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Joy Division ........ Closer : Unknown Pleasures : Still (2 L.P.'s) : James Taylor....... Sweet Baby James : ZZ Top Ricke Lee Jones. All in Stock Now.
Blue Note 45 RPM Reissues from Analogue Productions and Music Matters
The highest praise from all and sundry has been given to these 2 X 45 RPM Blue Note re-issues from 45 RPM Gurus Analogue Productions and new comers Music Matters. There is some confusion with regard to duplications, however titles released by each company are completely different - there appears to be no difference in quality (the remasterings are by the same forces) - Music Matters come in a gatefold sover being the only difference.. Our price $79 - slightly more for Music Matters.
"…As much as I'd love to relay all kinds of anecdotes about the challenges Steve Hoffman and Kevin Gray encounter during the mastering sessions, I witness none. These boys know the sound of the facility and the Van Gelder masters like the backs of their hands…Back home a month later, I unpack some test pressings Chad Kassem has sent me…I hear the most realistic-sounding drums ever reproduced by my system. It's as though I'm sitting at the point of creation, experiencing the same high that brought such gifted musicians together as one. Steve Hoffman, Kevin Gray, Chad Kassem, and Don MacInnis have done Rudy Van Gelder and his Blue Note artists proud." – Jason Victor Serinus, Stereophile , April 2008
"...these first four Acoustic Sounds Blue Note re-issues are pure bop genius...The best news is that Kevin Gray and Steve Hoffman were keen enough to do nothing more than gently clean up the masters, bringing us even closer to the hard bop edge. The 45 rpm pressings that I received were all super quiet with every last drop of resolution from the master tapes. I had almost forgotten just how good Paul Chambers and Phil Joe were together as the backbone of these groups. I've always loved this music but I didn't remember it sounding this good! Hank Mobley offers us some brilliant sax bits on one of Kenny Dorham's finest recordings, Whistle Stop and Dexter Gordon's performance blew me away as well. The biggest surprise were the Lee Morgan records. I suggest turning these up loud, since they possess unlimited energy and some hooks that will knock you out. Amazing! Just a small warning: Once you start playing these Blue Note recordings you will be hooked. The good news is that Acoustic Sounds is working on at least 20 more of these jazz gems. So make sure your turntable has a setting for 45 rpm, clean your stylus occassionally, and get ready to be transported to nirvana." - Dan Babineau, Tone Audio , No. 14 2008.
Another superb audiophile worthy release from Rhino Records. This collection of late sixties albums by the Bee Gees were overshadowed by their phenomonal success in the 70's but were vastly superior musically. In stock now $195.00. For more info Click Here.
From Classic Records
Classic Records has had problems with the quality of their pressings - particularly their 45 RPM Series - however we are pleased to see that this is a thing of the past. Since RTI, the premier pressing plant in the U.S. (Analogue Productions, Rhino, etc), have been pressing their vinyl, things are back to the high standard we expect from an audiophile company. Also the 200 gram series is available for most titles, not 180 gram as expected, but the 45 RPM Series is no longer in print. Also we are please to say that over the last few months the number of titles available once again has incresed dramaticaly with new titles on the way.
Neil Young Archive Series
If Dylan can do it, so can Neil Young. "Live at Fillamore East" was the first of a series from Young's own Archives featuring music that was formally available only as bootlegs. The Fillmore is now avialable on vinyl (cd released last year) and is joined by the "stripped down" version of the "Living with War" album and soon to be joined by 1971's "Live at Masey Hall"
Live at the Fillmore East
The long-anticipated first release of many promised live shows from Young's personal archives, Live at the Fillmore East from 1970 (on the same bill with Miles Davis: how cool is that?!), has only been heard on various bootlegged versions, until now. This tour, in support of the album Everyone Knows This Is Nowhere, features Young backed by Crazy Horse plus renowned arranger and future Young collaborator, the late Jack Nitzsche on piano. Staples such as "Down By The River," "Cowgirl In The Sand" and "Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere" get the full, stretched treatment that Young's shows would become famous for. A great slice of prime Neil Young and friends in all their raw, ragged and rockin' glory. Mastered and cut by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering in Hollywood from analog master tapes prepared by John Nowland at Neil Young's Studio.
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Track Listings
1. Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
2. Winterlong
3. Down By The River
4. Wonderin'
5. Come On Baby Let's Go Downtown
6. Cowgirl In The Sand
Living with War - The Beginning
A stripped-down, unpolished version of 2006's Living With War, with choir and overdubs having been jettisoned, delivers an even more powerful, jacked-up conduit of the message. Recorded live in the studio in only two weeks with sparse musical support, it's hardly subtle themes and lyrics ("Let's Impeach The President") are Young's personal shock and awe, commenting, as he has swiftly down on the 1969 Kent State killings ("Ohio"), on the political turmoil in the U.S. and it's are on terrorism. The original version fanned the flames and both doves and hawks were glad when it faded from the news. This new version is bound to keep the heat up for some time. Mastered and cut by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering in Hollywood from the original demo mix master tapes given this compendium edition a rawer, more edgy sound – similar to other recent NY releases. Additionally, all new gatefold artwork makes this package a natural, "must have" alternate version of the first release of Living With War in 2006. Includes 14-page album-sized booklet.
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Track Listings
1. After the Garden
2. Living with War
3. The Restless Consumer
4. Shock and Awe
5. Families
6. Flags of Freedom
7. Let's Impeach the President
8. Lookin' for a Leader
9. Roger and Out
Live at Massey Hall 1970
Given an "official" release by Young's planned-archive series, this follow-up to his Live at the Fillmore East (featuring Crazy Horse) is an all-acoustic, solo outing from January 1971. Only 25 years ago, and with the highs (and lows) of the Buffalo Springfield, CSN&Y and three solo albums under his belt, Neil went home to Canada and delivered a majestic set of just voice and either flat-top guitar or piano. Bootlegged recordings of this tour are infamous among fans and have been passed around for decades. The official mix from his personal tapes is a Godsend, positioning the listener front row center, catching a budding rock legend in his early prime. Mastered by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering from analog master tapes prepared by John Nowland at Neil's Ranch and pressed exclusively on Classic Records' proprietary 200-gram super vinyl profile.
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Track Listings
1. On The Way Home
2. Tell Me Why
3. Old Man
4. Journey Through The Past
5. Helpless
6. Love In Mind
7. A Man Needs A Maid/Heart Of Gold Suite
8. Cowgirl In The Sand
9. Don't Let It Bring You Down
10. There's A World
11. Bad Fog Of Loneliness
12. The Needle And The Damage Done
13. Ohio [Live At Massey Hall
14. See The Sky About To Rain
15. Down By The River
16. Dance Dance Dance
17. I Am A Child
Suzanne Vega "Beauty and Crime"
Beauty and Crime is possibly
Suzanne Vega's best effort since her debut album and likely even better than
the highly acclaimed Solitude Standing. Mixed by Tchad Blake and recorded at
both Sear Sound in New York and Olympic Studios in London, the sound of this
record is full of depth and nuance that every audiophile and music lover will
love. Mastered and cut on Classic Records' "All Tube" cutting system
by Bernie Grundman, this LP release is a must-have and not to be missed. 200
gram. $48.00
Mike Oldfield "Tubular Bells"
If you haven't got this (everyone else has), or worn out your old copy, this classic album has never souned better.
Jethro Tull "Aqualung"
Tull's
best album? probably. 
Classic Records lurk behind this
logo 
From Speakers Corner
Janos Starker
Janos Starker, whose elegant style and impeccable musicianship are the delight of audiences the world over, performs the Schumann, Lalo and Saint-Saens Cello Concertos on 35mm film. Another sublime sounding record to add to the Starker collection including the award winning Bach Cello Suites box set.
Johnny Cash At San Quentin
Johnny Cash was a country legend even during his lifetime, although, or perhaps because, he was very different from the numerous country singers with checkered shirts. When performing he chose to wear black as a symbol of solidarity with the oppressed and those who had no rights. His chosen outlaw image was just as convincing as the train-like boom-tiddy-boom sound of his rhythm group who lent their typical sound to many of his 500 songs. At the very zenith of his career, Cash (who himself had committed a few minor offenses) had the idea of singing and playing for the bad guys behind the prison walls for nothing. Initially his suggestion to market the live recording was rejected, but finally his record company decided to release the album At Folsom Prison . Fired by the success of his jailhouse recording, Columbia Records released At San Quentin shortly afterwards. The recording, in which Cash and his combo were frequently applauded more or less at the end of each verse, exceeded all expectations. Today it is still considered by Cash fans to be the best live recording by the "man in black.' On 180 gram vinyl.Our Price $55 (Aust).
Joni Mitchell "Hissing of Summer Lawns"
For many, the soft and crystal-clear voice of Joni Mitchell at the beginning of her career will remain indelible in their memory. The innovative style of her peaceful, folk guitar music caught the attention of David Crosby, member of the highly popular band Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and in 1968 he produced her very first album. Only three years later she became inspired by the cool flow of modern jazz and set off on new musical paths. "The Hissing Of Summer Lawns" represents a great leap away from the folk scene. Even the very first number, "In France They Kiss On Main Street", stands out thanks to its surprisingly unconventional melodic writing which is answered by powerful bass lines in a Jaco Pastorius-like style. Experiments with sound follow, such as the use of warrior drums of the Burundi and the growling sinus tones of the Moog synthesiser ("The Jungle Line") and then there is a whole line-up of minor-key songs behind whose jet-set foreground one finds a sophisticated jazz spirit. Even the final gospel-like singing ("Shadows And Light") contains little touches of the poignant melancholy which is found throughout the album. With her highly versatile, uniquely textured voice, Joni Mitchell has created a masterwork of the Seventies.
Fleetwood Mac - Pious Birds of Good Omen
If you're a child of the sixties, you will remember "Albatross", a lazy, seductive instrumental that was so good you thought that the Beatles had done it, and George Harrison's guitar playing had improved dramaticaly. But it wasn't! Instead we were introduced to the superlative Peter Green and the original Fleetwood Mac. This superb release is from audiophile label Speakers Corner and includes "Albatross" and "Black Magic Woman" with a few bonus tracks. On 180 gram vinyl. $55.00
To visit Speakers Corner click here 
From Mobile Fidelity
Santana
A brilliant combination of rock with Latin and African influences, prominently featuring the organ playing and husky vocals of Gregg Rolie; the energetic, precise drumming of Mike Shrieve; and, especially, the soaring, immediately identifiable guitar sound of Carlos Santana. Justifiably a massive hit and the prototype for an assembly line of simular records. Contains Evil Ways and Soul Sacrifice . Our Price $55 (Aust). "Abraxas" in stock soon.
Natalie Merchant - Tigerlily
A new release from Mobile Fidelity. Half-speed mastered, heavy vinyl and a two LP 45 X RPM format ensure the ultimate sound for this major talent. $78.00
"From the soulful march, "San Andreas Fault," that opens her solo debut, it is obvious she has found a freedom in going solo. It's evident in her less restrictive vocals and in a tighter, more expansive musical sound. Her lyrics, no surprise, remain somber. But in finally recording a song as throbbingly funky as "Carnival," Merchant offers a glimpse of what she always had lurking inside when she flailed about onstage with the Maniacs. And "River," a tribute to the late River Phoenix, gives her a chance to belt a lyric out--a pleasant, surprising change from her usual folkie whisper. TIGERLILY also includes some simple piano tracks that recall the earliest Maniacs records. The piano-voice duet has always been Merchant's forté, and her sweet, rich voice cuts through the heartbreaking loss of "Beloved Wife" and the unrequited love of "The Letter." And then, just when you think the piano is her sweetest ally, a captivating fiddle joins her and her piano for the winsome "Cowboy Romance."
From Analogue Productions
Ricki Lee Jones "It's Like this"
Not since Billie Holiday has there been a vocalist who so completely transforms a song into her own. On It's Like This , eclectic folkie Rickie Lee Jones envelops standards, showtunes, '70s soul, and even slick jazz-rock, interpreting them with her familiar childlike, breathy shouts. In a very similar vein as 1991's Pop Pop , Jones pulls together a collection of diverse songs from throughout the 20th century and gives them a sparse, fragile spin, kind of like Diana Krall and Bjork sharing coffee at an all-night diner. Produced by Bruce Brody (who has also worked with Maria McKee and Bette Midler), this album is really a showcase for the dynamic vocalist - her voice pitching and yawing like a sloop far out at sea. Several notable artists scatter themselves unobtrusively throughout the album like Joe Jackson, Ben Folds, John Pizzarelli, and Taj Mahal; each lend a subtle bass line or harmony vocal, cautiously not stepping on any of Jones' delicate lines. On 180 gram 2 X 45 RPM. Our Price $85.00 (Aust).
American composer, musicologist and guitar legend Ry Cooder teams with North Indian musician Vishwa Mohan Bhatt to create an exquisite musical realm, with both musicians playing exceptional slide guitar. Their collaboration evokes musical elements from many cultures and styles. Percussion by Sukhvindar Singh on tabla and Cooder's 14-year-old son Joachim on dumbek. This recording won a Grammy Award. On 180 gram 2 X 45 RPM. Our Price $85.00 (Aust).
"…Astonishingly, the four conversational yet adventurous tracks captured on A Meeting by the River were unrehearsed jams between the two masters, who had met only minutes before the session. The lesson is that Cooder and Bhatt not only knew how to play, but how to listen." – Daniel Durchholz, Stereophile , February 2007