HIS IS NO DISGRACE?
Recently, there was a bit of a hype about “Rick Wakeman Video Vault” DVD collection, but now the news turn sour. That’s what DME – and all who’d ordered the set for the princely sum of 99 bloody pounds – received the following latter from Voiceprint:
“As you have no doubt noticed – the Wakeman Video Vault has arrived in a less than perfect condition; the box being of poor quality and the labelling done incorrectly. This is due to circumstances beyond our control, but we have come up with a solution to rectify it. Take the mis-labelled DVDs out of their cases, wrap them up and ship to us. When the new – correctly labelled – discs arrive here, we will ship them out to you, along with the originally planned and improved box. We estimate a turnaround of approx 28 days. We apologise for this mess – it is due to errors at Sony and therefore beyond our control. We value our customers and can only thank you in advance for your patience in dealing with this matter.”
What impudence! That’s beyond any understanding. Why a customer who’s paid should spend more money on getting the good back to the label? Why an independent label blames a major for such a fault? Why this happens again? Back in 2002, the booklet to Wakeman’s “Treasure Chest” CD box was said to have been destroyed in a fire and promised to be sent out, signed by Rick, at a later date. That never happened, and now Voiceprint are back at it. Doesn’t Rick Wakeman do himself a big disgrace placing his gems with the label?..
COLOSSAL RISING
Martyn Hanson has finished writing his eagerly awaited book on COLOSSEUM, “Time Machine” that follows on the heels of his GROUNDHOGS tome and now reached the proofreading stage. That’s what the acclaimed author sent in:
“I am off to British Library Sound Archive to hear demos for the “Daughter Of Time” that Dick Heckstall-Smith‘s son, Arthur, donated. It also includes the COLOSSEUM version of “Pirate’s Dream” that was recorded for Dick’s solo album a few months after the band demised. In fact, they recorded a few tracks at Advision for the 4th studio album that never was.”
As Martyn had an access to almost all the band members and associates, this undoubtedly will be a great read.
TO TELL THE THINGS NO ONE ELSE HEARS
The good rarely turns for the better, more often it goes worse, but not this time. There was a Sandy Denny “Live At The BBC” 2CD set planne, and now it had been expanded to a ful box containing 3CDs and a DVD, out in the end of August. Not so much by the way of the visuals here, yet when it comes to the audio, these recordings should complete the collection of four recent Sandy remasters and two box sets: old one, “Who Knows Where the Time Goes”. and the relatively new, “A Boxful of Treasures”. Now all that’s still to be released is the "Fotheringay 2" album.
As for the BBC tapes, this is what’s on them:
Disc 1: In SessionFolk Song Cellar, 02.12.66
|
Disc 2: In ConcertParis Theatre, London 16.3.72
|
Disc 3: DVDOne In Ten: Sandy Denny 15.09.71 bonus material: |
Disc 4: Off AirBBC World Service 06.67 |
WHEN THE SLEEPING AWAKES
A major disappoinment descended on the URIAH HEEP fans. The band’s new album, “Wake The Sleeper”, their first in nine years, is delayed. Instead of this month, it’ll be out – hopefully – in January. Here’s what the veterans’ manager, Simon Porter, writes:
“As a result of the purchase of Sanctuary Records by Universal Records, we have reluctantly taken the decision to postpone the release of the forthcoming album. It would be commercial suicide to release such an important album for the band during a transitional takeover period between record labels. Quite simply, it would be a case of the album being released just for the sake of it without any cohesive promotion or marketing campaign in order to give the album the best shot that it richly deserves. Releasing later in the year would additionally mean that we would be fighting for racking space on the shelves with all the major Christmas releases.”
So maybe it’s best to wait a little bit longer in order to give the CD a mighty push. Anyway, the album’s tracklisting is revealed already:
1. Wake The Sleeper
2. Overload
3. Tears Of The World
4. Light Of A Thousand Stars
5. Heaven’s Rain
6. Book Of Lies
7. What Kind Of God
8. Ghost Of The Ocean
9. Angels Walk With You
10. Shadow
11. War Child
A WAY TO GET BACK HOMEWARD
There surely will be another Paul McCartney live DVD one day sooner or later, as Macca releases one after each tour now, but meanwhile, for a change, Paul has a download only live EP out now, titled “The iTunes Festival” which was recorded in London in July. Nothing special, as you can see:
1. Coming Up
2. Only Mama Knows
3. That Was Me
4. Jet
5. Nod Your Head
6. House Of Wax
But the 3DVD set “The McCartney Years”, due out on November 13th, is something special indeed as it’s a collection of all the veteran’s promotional videos and more, with exclusive commentary from the man himself. The clips on the first two discs can be watched both in chronological order and as playlists personally arranged by Paul, while the third platter is dedicated to the live footage from the WINGS 1978′ “Rockshow” film, still to be released on the DVD in its entirety, 1991’s “Unplugged” MTV perrformance and 2004’s Glastonbury Festival’s concert. As of extras, there will be behind-the-scene features, “Let It Be” from Live Aid, archive interviews, alternative versions of some videos and full-length 2005 documentary “Creating Chaos at Abbey Road.. A treasure trove and a dream come true.
Disc 1:1. Tug Of War |
Disc 2:1. Pipes Of Peace |
Disc 3:Rock Show |
