R.E.M. - Monster Movies (2 CD, 2019) [FLAC]

 R.E.M.'s 1994 album, Monster, was, as the band declared at the time, "a 'rock' record, with the rock in quotation marks." In contrast to the sound of its two predecessors - 1991 s Out Of Time and 92 s Automatic For The People - the music of Monster consisted of distorted guitar tones, minimal overdubs, and touches of 1970s glam rock. The album topped the charts in both the US and the UK. In January 1995, R.E.M. set out on its first tour in six years. The tour was a huge commercial success, although health issues plagued the group - on March 1st, Bill Berry collapsed on stage during a performance in Lausanne, Switzerland, having suffered a brain aneurysm. Michael Stipe required emergency surgery for a hernia and Mike Mills needed abdominal surgery mid-tour. Despite the above, the band generally performed superbly, with one of the stand-out shows taking place at The Milton Keynes Bowl in the UK, on July 30th, which was broadcast live nationally on UK FM Radio, and synched too, back home in the U.S. Previously unreleased this exceptional performance is now available for the first time on this double CD set.

 

Grateful Dead - The Closing of Winterland (4 CD + 2 x DVD9, 2012) [FLAC]

The Closing of Winterland is a four-CD live album by the Grateful Dead. It contains the complete concert performed on December 31, 1978. The concert was also released as a two-disc DVD. The title derives from the fact that it was the last concert in San Francisco's Winterland Arena, which was shut down shortly thereafter. The Dead celebrated the closing as an approximately five-hour-long party (complete with breakfast with the audience at dawn) and invited some guests including guitarist John Cipollina of Quicksilver Messenger Service and Ken Kesey as well as actor Dan Aykroyd who provided the midnight countdown. It was certified Double Platinum by the RIAA on December 15, 2003 under the category of longform video, selling 200,000 units. The New Riders of the Purple Sage and Blues Brothers opened the show. 

    Jerry Garcia – guitar, vocals

    Bob Weir – guitar, vocals

    Phil Lesh – electric bass, vocals

    Donna Godchaux – vocals

    Keith Godchaux – piano

    Mickey Hart – drums, percussion

    Bill Kreutzmann – drums, percussion

Bob Marley & The Wailers - The Unreleased Studio Sessions 1972-1980 (10 CD, 2012)

 This is a collection of studio demo's, rehearsals and unreleased songs from the groups years with Island Records. Recorded at studios such as Harry J's, Dynamic, Joe Gibbs, The Black Ark and Bob's own Tuff Gong studios, all in Kingston Jamaica, and Island's Basing Street Studios in London, England.

These fantastic recordings showcase 'bare-bones' versions of songs that we would eventually know and love when the finished versions became available on albums from 1972's "Catch A Fire" right up to Bob's final studio albums "Uprising" and the posthumous release "Confrontation" of 1981.

Rory Gallagher - Check Shirt Wizard - Live In '77 (2 CD, 2020) [FLAC + 24-96]

 This barnstorming 20-song, previously unreleased set is culled from four shows (London, Brighton, Sheffield and Newcastle) which were part of a 1977 tour across the UK in support of Rory’s then latest album ‘Calling Card’. Featuring fantastic live versions of tracks from that album as well as from 1975’s ‘Against The Grain’ and other live favourites, has been mixed from the original multitrack tapes from the official Rory Gallagher archive and mastered for this release at Abbey Road Studios.

Neil Young - The Archives Vol. 1 - 1963–1972 [8 CD, 2009/FLAC]

 

The Archives Vol. 1 1963-1972 is a box set by Neil Young, released on June 2nd, 2009. It is the first of several in the Archives series, which will eventually chronicle the artist's entire career. The box features previously released as well as rare and unreleased material from the first decade of Young's career, spanning his Winnipeg years with The Squires, Buffalo Springfield, Crosby Stills Nash & Young and his first several solo albums. 

Stevie Nicks - Transmission Impossible (3 CD, 2017)

 Having spent over 40 years in the music business and during this period become one of the most successful female artists and composers of the rock age, Stevie Nicks remains the blueprint and inspiration for women everywhere to try their hand in what is still a hugely male dominated industry. Boasting guts of steel, the voice of an angel and song writing skills in a league of their own, the woman born Stephanie Lynn Nicks in May 1948 is nothing short of a legend. This remarkable 3 x CD set contains a selection of superb live radio broadcast recordings of Stevie in concert, made at various points of the girl s sell-out tours of the 1980s the period which, most fans would agree, witnessed the absolute pinnacle of her solo work. Kicking off with the extraordinary show Nicks gave at LA s Wilshire Ebell Theatre, in December 1981 while promoting her debut solo record Bella Donna, the set continues with a marvellous gig performed at the famous Cuyahoga Fairgrounds venue in New York, mid-decade, while touring her Rock a Little album. On the third CD, Stevie s wonderful concert from The Summit in Houston in 1989 is featured, recorded a few months after the release of her majestic The Other Side of the Mirror record. This sublime show caps off this dynamic and delightful set of Stevie Nicks live recordings in style as it concludes this wonderful collection.

Nick Mason- Unattended Luggage [3 CD, 2018/FLAC]

 

Former Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason has released a solo box set, Unattended Luggage, on 2018, Aug. 31.

The collection includes 1981’s Fictitious Sports, 1985’s Profiles – which features his old bandmate David Gilmour – and the 1987 movie soundtrack White of the Eye.

“These recordings hold a very special place for me in my musical life," Mason said in a statement. "Fictitious Sports developed initially from working with Mike Mantler, Carla Bley and Robert Wyatt on a couple of their projects, and benefited enormously from a whole crew of great musicians that I was introduced to by them at Grog Kill Studios in Woodstock. Profiles and White of the Eye were an extension of working with Rick Fenn on some advertising and short documentary film soundtracks, which then developed into something more."

Mason said after hearing the tracks 30 years later, he's "delighted they are getting the reissue treatment. I’m rather hoping that sales will be sufficient to damage the market in the original rare vinyl versions!”

David Bowie - The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1972/2012) [24-192]

The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (often shortened to Ziggy Stardust) is the fifth studio album by English musician David Bowie, released on 16 June 1972 in the United Kingdom through RCA Records. It was co-produced by Bowie and Ken Scott and features Bowie's backing band the Spiders from Mars, composed of Mick Ronson, Trevor Bolder, and Mick Woodmansey. Most of the songs were written about the same time that Bowie's previous album Hunky Dory (1971) was written. After Hunky Dory was completed, recording for Ziggy Stardust began in November 1971 at Trident Studios in London; further sessions were held in early February 1972. 

Elton John - Honky Château (50th Anniversary edition, 2 CD, 2023) [FLAC-HD]

Originally released in May 1972, Honky Château was Elton's step into global superstardom, spawning classics such as "Rocket Man," "Honky Cat" and "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters." His 5th studio album ushered in a to-this-day unparalleled hot streak of classic albums, and was the first time he recorded at the now legendary Château d'Hérouville, a residential recording studio situated 25 miles north-west of Paris. It was here where he and Bernie Taupin were to write – and the band subsequently record – some of the biggest global hits of his career. Elton, Bernie and the band - performing together on record for the first time - decamped to the Château for week's pre-production on Honky Château in January 1972. Bernie brought his typewriter; the band set up in the dining room. Bernie would write lyrics at night and leave them on Elton's piano for him to work on in the morning.

50th Anniversary edition contains the original album and a newly created selection of outtakes from the original session tapes. This 2CD format additionally contains eight live recordings from the Royal Festival Hall show in 1972, where the tracks received their live debut, just a few days after being recorded at the Château. Includes a 40-page booklet containing rare photos, memorabilia and an essay featuring interviews from those who were there at the time.

Pink Floyd: Behind The Wall (BDRip 2011, documentary video mkv)

One of the most influential outfits in the world, Pink Floyd began life as a humble run-of-the-mill R & B band in the late 60s, but set out to redefine a sound and take it to a new and inspiring level, selling over 200 million albums worldwide in the process.

A rare look at the most legendary art-rock band of all time Pink Floyd: Behind The Wall explores the band’s remarkable past, from its first dynamic incarnation of Roger Waters, Nick Mason, Richard Wright and the lively innovation of Syd Barrett, through the inclusion of David Gilmour, the triumph of their feature films Live at Pompeii and The Wall, to the bittersweet smash of Wish You Were Here.

Featuring revealing anecdotes, interviews and rare performance footage Pink Floyd: Behind The Wall chronicles the band from their auspicious beginnings to the Billboard Album Chart champion of all time, Dark Side of the Moon.

VA - Original Album Series: Krautrock 2 (Parzival, Message, Satin Whale, Kin Ping Meh, Gift) (5 CD, 2016/FLAC)

 

CD 1: Parzival - Barock (1973)

CD 2: Message - Synapse (1976)

CD 3: Satin Whale - Lost Mankind (1975)

CD 4: Kin Ping Meh - Concrete (1976)

CD 5: Gift - Blue Apple (1974)

Livin' Blues discography 1969-1995 [FLAC]

The Dutch blues band Livin' Blues was formed in the Hague around 1967, becoming a regular outfit from 1969. The early line-up included Bjorn Toll (vocals), John Lagrand (harmonica), Ted Oberg (guitar), Ruud Fransen (bass) and Niek Dijkhuys (drums) but although the name remained wholesale changes soon took place, bringing in a new singer, Nicko Christiansen, and new bass and drums, Peter Kleinjan and Beer Klaasse, the latter pair being swiftly replaced by Gerard Strutbaum and Cesar Zuiderwijk, while keyboard player Henk Smitskamp was added. Other changes followed through the 70s, by which time the band’s repertoire was more inclined towards rock. Musicians involved included bass players Ruud van Buuren, Jan van der Voort, Jaap van Eijk and André Reynen, drummers John Lejeune, Herman van Boeyen, Cor van Beek, Michel Driessen, Kenny Lamb and Arjen Kamminga; the latter pair played in the band simultaneously for a spell. Smitskamp sometimes played bass, singer Johnny Frederiksz came in, as did organist Paul Vin and guitarist Ron Meyes.

Although best known in the Netherlands, Livin’ Blues also gained a following elsewhere in Europe, especially in Poland. At the start of the 80s, the band included Oberg, Christiansen, Evert Willemstein (bass) and Boris Wassenbergh (drums). Spin-off bands formed by ex-members of the Livin’ Blues included Nitehawk and the J&T Band, while most members also played with other Dutch blues and rock bands. The band recorded from 1968, cutting a few singles with its first album coming in 1969. The band appears to have drifted from the limelight after the early 80s but interest in its recorded work remained high into the new millennium.

Livin' Blues - 1969 - Hell's Session

Livin' Blues - 1970 - Wang Dang Doodle

Livin' Blues - 1972 - Bamboozle

Livin' Blues - 1972 - Rocking At The Tweed Mill

Livin' Blues - 1973 - Ram Jam Josey

Livin' Blues - 1975 - Live '75

Livin' Blues - 1976 - Blue Breeze

Livin' Blues - 1987 - Now

Livin' Blues - 1989 - Snakedance-Live 1989

Livin' Blues - 1992 - A Blues Legend

Livin' Blues - 1993 - The Early Blues Sessions

Livin' Blues - 1995 - Out Of The Blue

Pink Floyd - Live Collection & Alternative Tracks 1972 [FLAC-HD]

Pink Floyd have quietly released 18 archival live albums from before the ‘Dark Side Of The Moon’ era – as well as a five-song EP of “alternative tracks” from 1972.

Emmylou Harris - Songbird: Rare Tracks & Forgotten Gems (4 CD, 2007) [FLAC]

Songbird: Rare Tracks & Forgotten Gems is a 2007 box set of songs personally selected by Emmylou Harris: "I've selected not greatest hits, but personal favorites: that, with a few exceptions-have never appeared on any other compilations, but were important gems in the string of pearls that each album strives to become. Also included are special collaborations, unreleased live and demo tracks, as well as contributions to tribute projects, which I may now gather into this fold.” 

Discs one and two serve as a retrospective of Emmylou's solo career, including at least one song from each of Emmylou's previous studio and live albums (and two cuts from her time with Gram Parsons). Discs three and four consist of collaborations with other performers, tribute album tracks, and unreleased material. Overall, 13 of the 78 tracks were previously unreleased.

 

Emerson, Lake & Palmer - Works Volume 2 (Deluxe Edition, 1977/2017) [24-96]

Formed in 1970, Emerson, Lake & Palmer were torchbearers of the progressive rock sound and one of rock’s first super-groups. The world-conquering, stadium-filling prog giants helped to broaden the audience for the genre from hundreds of thousands into tens of millions and were one the most commercially successful rock bands of the 1970s. Their first 7 album releases all made the U.K. albums chart top 10 and U.S. top 20. 

Works Volume 2 is ELP's sixth studio album, released in 1977, and now expertly remastered for the first time in 24 bit / High Density formats from the original tapes. The album's brief, eclectic compositions cover an array of musical styles, combining stimulating originals and handsomely orchestrated renditions of 'Maple Leaf Rag', 'Honky Tonk Train Blues', and 'Show Me The Way to Go Home'. Works 2 showcases incredibly strong performances from all 3 band members - Keith Emerson, Greg Lake and Carl Palmer. Includes the massive hit 'I Believe in Father Christmas', Greg Lake's beautiful composition, highlighting his strong voice and vibrant acoustic guitar. 

CD1 features the remastered original album. Some of CD1 and all of CD2 feature tracks from the ‘In Concert’ (1979) album (later reissued as ‘Works Live’, 1993), recorded at a 26th August 1977 show at the Olympic Stadium, Montreal, Canada and other shows on that year's world tour.

 

The Beatles - Revolver [5 CD Super Deluxe Edition] (2022) [FLAC + FLAC 24-96]

The Beatles seventh studio album – and the bridge between Rubber Soul and Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band – 1966’s Revolver is recognized as one of the Fab Four’s most groundbreaking as well as significant albums.

With producer George Martin, the group employed studio wizardry to bring their new songs to life – tape loops, automatic double tracking, close miking, use of varispeed and reversed tapes, among other techniques that would soon be imitated by countless others – as well as non-traditional instrumentation. It didn’t hurt, of course, that all of these innovations were in service of some of The Beatles’ strongest songs yet, including “Eleanor Rigby,” “Here, There, and Everywhere,” “And Your Bird Can Sing,” “Taxman, “ ”Good Day Sunshine,” “Got to Get You Into My Life,” and “Tomorrow Never Knows.” Engineer Geoff Emerick, who counted Revolver as his first work with the group, noted that it “changed the way everyone else made records.”

Now on October 28, Apple, Capitol, and UMe are offering the opportunity to hear it anew with a variety of remastered, remixed and deluxe editions overseen by producer Giles Martin (son of George) and engineer Sam Okell.

 

Soundgarden – Superunknown: The Singles (RSD 2014) [24-192]

RSD 2014 release. Limited edition of 3500

contain singles :

• Spoonman
• The Day I Tried To Live
• Black Hole Sun
• My Wave
• Fell On Black Days 

Spoonman

A1 Spoonman

A2 Fresh Tendrils

B1 Cold Bitch

B2 Exit Stonehenge

The Day I Tried To Live

C1 The Day I Tried To Live

C2 Like Suicide (Acoustic Version)

D1 Kickstand (Live)

D2 Limo Wreck

Black Hole Sun

E1 Black Hole Sun

E2 Jesus Christ Pose (Live)

F1 Beyond The Wheel (Live)

F2 Fell On Black Days (Live)

My Wave

G1 My Wave

G2 Spoonman (Steve Fisk Remix)

H1 Birth Ritual (Original Demo Version)

H2 My Wave (Live)

Fell On Black Days 

I1 Fell On Black Days

I2 Kyle Petty, Son Of Richard

I3 Ghostmotorfinger

J1 Fell On Black Days (Video Version)

J2 Girl U Want

J3 Black Days III

The Rolling Stones - The Black Box [bootleg] (4 CD, 1998) [FLAC]

The "Black Box" title dates back to the working title and concept of "Metamorphosis" and Bill Wyman's original picks for the record which were:

Bright Lights Big City/Cops and Robbers/I'd Much Rather Be With The Boys/Little Red Rooster (Live)/Down The Road Apiece (Live)/Don't Lie To Me/If You Let Me/Godzi/Panama Powder Room/Gold Painted Nails/Fannie Mae/Down In The Bottom

This information is from the book: "The Rolling Stones an illustrated record by Roy Carr", 1976 (two of the titles have been corrected). Down The Road Apiece is listed as a live track, but it's most likely from the BBC "Top of The Pops" broadcast on March 4, 1965. Godzi & Panama Powder Room are not confirmed to exist, but may be from the 1966 time frame and could be instrumentals from various "Between The Buttons" sessions. Gold Painted Nails is an instrumental from the Satanic Majesties sessions.

The Black Box title was picked-up by some enterprising types who used it on 70's vinyl releases that consisted of three LP's in none other than a black box. The label was Rolling Stones Vinyl Product (RSVP), and the contents included reissues of "Gravestones", "Rape of The Vaults", and "Beautiful Delilah" (also reissued on the Dragonfly record label). The first two titles were originally rubber stamped RSVP releases and third was a copy of an early Trade Mark of Quality release. Arguably a stronger release than the Abkco issue. No Oldham orchestra tracks on these discs!

The Kinks - The Journey: Part 1 (2023) [24-96]

To mark their 60th anniversary The Kinks have collected tracks in a themed compilation called The Journey: Part 1.

The songs included are supposed to “reflect the trials and tribulations of their journey through life together as a band since 1963” and are split into four sections. These tracks included hits, key album tracks, band favourites and B-sides.

Rory Gallagher discography [24-96]

Rory Gallagher born William Rory Gallagher (2 March 1948 – 14 June 1995) was an Irish blues-rock multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and bandleader. Born in Ballyshannon, County Donegal, Ireland, and raised in Cork, Gallagher recorded solo albums throughout 1970s and 1980s, after forming the band Taste during the late 1960s. A talented guitarist known for his charismatic performances and dedication to his craft, Gallagher's albums have sold in excess of 30 million copies worldwide. Gallagher received a liver transplant in 1995, but died of complications later that year in London, England aged 47.

Rory Gallagher - Against The Grain - 1975-2017 (24-96)

Rory Gallagher - Blueprint - 1973-2017 (24-96)

Rory Gallagher - Calling Card - 1976-2017 (24-96)

Rory Gallagher - Cleveland Calling, Pt.1 (WNCR Cleveland Radio Session - 1973) - 2020 (24-96)

Rory Gallagher - Cleveland Calling, Pt.2 (WNCR Cleveland Radio Session - 1972) - 2021 (24-96)

Rory Gallagher - Defender - 1987-2017 (24-96)

Rory Gallagher - Deuce - 1971-2017 (24-96)

Rory Gallagher - Fresh Evidence - 1990-2017 (24-96)

Rory Gallagher - Irish Tour `74 - 1974-2017 (24-96)

Rory Gallagher - Jinx - 1982-2017 (24-96)

Rory Gallagher - Live In San Diego '74 - 2022 (24-96)

Rory Gallagher - Live! In Europe - 1972-2017 (24-96)

Rory Gallagher - Photo Finish - 1978-2017 (24-96)

Rory Gallagher - Rory Gallagher - 1971-2017 (24-96)

Rory Gallagher - Stage Struck - 1980-2017 (24-96)

Rory Gallagher - Tattoo - 1973-2017 (24-96)

Rory Gallagher - The Best Of - 2020 (24-96)

Rory Gallagher - Top Priority - 1979-2017 (24-96)