ANOTHER NEW WORLD RECORD

The great Blu-Spec experiment continues.  Sony Music Japan is issuing A New World Record on the new Blu-Spec CD format on March 25.

I'm rooting for the whole catalog on Blu-Spec now...

OFF TOPIC: A COLD NIGHT AT THE GRAMMYS

If my prediction holds, and I hope it does, Coldplay will have an awesome night at the Grammys tonight.  Maybe not a complete sweep, but close.  If there's any band I feel has earned it, it's this one.  The marketing around Viva La Vida was unconventional and genius.  For me, they have managed to become the only band since ELO to keep me completely engaged this long.  

Since last May/June:

• They've released (by my count) 27 tracks.  27.  
  
• The lead off album track was a free download (on their web site) for a week.
  
• The album's signature track was available for purchase prior to the albums release.  This isn't a new idea, but at least it wasn't a free 30 second clip. 
  
• There was a vinyl 7" made available with an exclusive session outtake.
  
• The 12" vinyl version of the album had a promo CD of the album enclosed.
• To celebrate their tour's launch, they released another song (a short little ditty) as a download-only track on their web site... for free.  (The song ended up being performed by the band in the middle of the audience in the back of whatever venue it was.  A thrill for the cheap seats.)
  
• They made music videos (remember those??) and offered one on iTunes for a week... for free.  One of their videos was a first ever "video cover version."
  
• Their live appearances on TV weren't necessarily centered around the "single of the moment." The "venue" dictated which song was used.
• They issued a promo CD for Lost! with a unique Instrumental version.  There were just enough of them made so any resourceful fans could find one.
  
• A re-release of their album (later in the year) added an 8 track EP: 5 new songs, 3 remixes.
  
• One of the best tracks on the album, Lost!, was issued on Violet Hill's CD single in "acoustic" form weeks before the album.  I learned the song before I got the album and was never, I mean never, so floored than when I heard the album version at last.
  
• Their latest single, out last week, has an outtake called The Goldrush.  The lyrics were printed in their tour's concert program suggesting it may have originally been planned as another hidden or bonus track for the album.  It may have been edited out and put here instead... but it's another example of how good even the outtakes are.

And they did all of that while carrying out 2008's most successful concert tour in the world.

I have dreams that Jeff Lynne projects yield nearly this much.  But Jeff Lynne projects don't get Coldplay's budget, do they? The link I personally find between the two is the quality of their recordings.  Anytime both make records, every sound is extremely well thought-out and laid-out.  

So, my money's on a big night for Coldplay.  If that doesn't happen, oh well.  At least they're a rare example of how fans became a top priority... and how so many fans were willing to actually shell out money to hear more.

OUT OF THE BLU SPEC

In terms of this new ELO release in Japan, there's not much to add from the Discovery Blu-Spec comments earlier.  Currently, this version of the Out of the Blue remaster is the best sounding available.  The improvement is slight, but I have to admit, to my ears, there's one track seems to benefit the most from this new format: Latitude 88 North.  I hear a few more details (or is it stability) in this version.

Anyway, if you buy one, take care of the case.  It's an extra thick jewel case that houses the deluxe remastered booklet, Blu-Spec info sheet, black & white lyrics booklet and (unique to any other release) a standard CD fold insert (because the deluxe OOTB booklet isn't standard CD size) of the album cover art on the front, the inside of the spaceship on the flip side.

SOME MOVEMENTS AFOOT...

Two items from The Move coming up in March.

First, in the UK, The Very Best of The Move is out March 2 from Salvo.  Amazon and Play.com have pre-orders already.  FTM will likely follow. Like the new box set, its content is translabel, Harvest included... but in a slipcase?

Play.com reads the track list as:

1. Flowers In The Rain
2. Blackberry Way
   
3. I Can Hear The Gras Grow
   
4. Night Of Fear
   
5. California Man
   
6. Fire Brigade
   
7. Omnibus
   
8. Beautiful Daughter
   
9. When Alice Comes Back To The Farm
   
10. Curly
    
11. Tonight
    
12. Don't Throw Stones At Me
    
13. (Here We Go Round) The Lemon Tree
    
14. It'll Be Me (Live At The Marquee)
    
15. Do Ya
    
16. Cherry Blossom Clinic
    
17. Disturbance
18. Hello Susie (Abridged)
    
19. Wild Tiger Woman
    
20. Piece Of My Heart (Live At The Marquee)
    
21. Wave The Flag And Stop The Train
    
22. Chinatown
    
23. Useless Information
    
24. Brontosaurus
    
25. Move
    

Secondly, Musictap is reporting on its January 28 post that Shout! Factory is putting out a Very Best of The Move on March 17.  No further info or track list for this one yet and no word on whether it's related to the Salvo relelase at all.

JUST ECHOES IN THE IVORY HALLS...

Sadly, it's been a while since we could hear anything other than a pin drop in the ELO and related world.  But there's two small items floating about (outside of the recent re-make of Mr. Blue Sky turning up yet again, this time in Paul Blart: Mall Cop)...

ELO's videos are now available in higher quality (larger files) versions from the iTunes store, but in the ass-backwards tradition of the digital age so far, Here Is The News is not one of them yet.  Go figure.  Look for the items that say iTunes Plus.

And secondly, Out of the Blue is coming out on BluSpec this week in Japan, and we got our first peek as to what it looks like.

Back to hearing crickets chirp.

A BLU-SPEC DISCOVERY

I'm trying to form an opinion on the new Blu-Spec format.  Discovery is the first ELO CD to undergo this treatment with Out of the Blue to follow later this month.

I really want to learn what constitutes the "best sound" possible.  But then the argument over analog's warmness over digital's clarity ensues and I'm not sure what to think.  I tend to prefer digital's clarity especially if we're talking remastered CDs.

So here we are with Discovery.  I tried side by side comparisons two ways: 1) over the stereo speakers using a Blu Ray player coax connection vs. the CD player analog connection and 2) over the iPod using uncompressed AIFF files.

On the loudpeakers, the original remastered CD sounded louder and a bit harsher (but OK) compared to the Blu-spec.  The high end seems reined in a bit on Blu Spec and one can assume when that happens you can hear the finer details in between.

On the iPod, the only major difference I can detect (using Little Town Flirt as an example) was a fuller bottom.  Again, the highest parts are solidly there but more controlled. It all didn't seem that much more "stable" but in the end, I would give the Blu-spec a slight edge.  

I suspect since it's the same master used for both discs, the difference won't be that much for most people.  As much as I'd like to spend thousands of dollars in upscale audio equipment, I can't.  But I'd still be eager to learn what makes something sound great.  How can you tell if you have a good ear and how can you train it to be better?

So, long story short: the more picky you are about the sound of the music you listen to, the more a Blu-spec CD may a fit for you.  Otherwise, the remastered CD will suit the non-picky just fine.

LOOKING ON...

I hope everyone had a terrific new year.

Time, though, for the annual look at some of the projects/releases/whatever that is currently waiting in the wings/rumored/wished/etc.  And the list seems to have gotten replenished since some of the items on past lists (most notably the Move and Traveling Wilburys remasters) came to fruition in 2007-2008.

• A documentary on George Harrison.  Martin Scorsese is reportedly still compiling this but I can't imagine this won't involve Jeff Lynne on some level.
  

• Traveling Wilburys. A book from Genesis Publications is apparently not off the table yet.  If you want one, I recommend saving your pennies now.  Books from Genesis Publications are very expensive. 
  

• The Idle Race.  FTM has revealed that a BBC Sessions disc is all but ready to go.  This on top of a 5CD box set which has been forthcoming for a few years.
  

• elo.biz has been promoted on ELO CD releases as early as April 2003 and as late as March 2007.  There has been only a generic greeting page since its first mention almost 5 years ago.  But this is apparently still going to happen.
  

• Would somebody please give Rossif Sutherland a record contract??!  For those who don't know, Jeff Lynne produced and played on These Words and two other yet to be revealed tracks.
  

• Joe Walsh revealed to a newspaper that he has been recording with Jeff Lynne.  Whether the fruits of that labor will be seen this year or not is any one's guess.
  

• Jeff Lynne's last album of his own material will be 8 years old this year.
  

• Armchair Theatre remastered and expanded.  Jeff Lynne's solo album from 1990 is awaiting a release date.  As is ELO's Greatest Hits Live.  So says FTM.  Next year will mark Armchair Theatre's 20th Anniversary, so they will at least have an occasion.
  

• Into The Mysterious.  This 2CD set of solo/former ELO members and related tracks sounded already released or at least imminent from Sanctuary Records when it was mentioned on Clog Dance: The Very Best of Violinski in 2007.   Barely a word on it since then.
  

• Electric Light Orchestra.  Well, 2008 marked the 25th anniversary of Secret Messages and it went pretty much unnoticed.  Why should this remaster be revisited, revised and re-released? (and is this the 40th time I've written about this?) In simple terms, Out of the Blue may be ELO's magnum opus with the masses.  But Secret Messages is a way more interesting record, ripe with mythology, mystery, fun facts about its recording, a rather daring group of songs and apparently alternate session material/mixes out the wazoo.  There is still one completely unreleased title that has been the topic of ELO conversations among hardcore fans for over two decades.  Three songs from the original 2LP planned release (which turned up on Afterglow in 1990) need the remastered treatment. And scores of fans, many of whom I've talked to over the years, flat out prefer Secret Messages over Out of The Blue.  Will any of this matter in the end?  Probably not.  But for me, a well thought-out 2CD set of the original (2LP) Secret Messages album and engaging session material/mixes is at the top of my wish list.
  

• Secret Messages is the tip of the iceberg, though.  Long Beach, Xanadu, Zoom, Discovery, Eldorado and Time could all stand to be upgraded.
  

• An ELO singles box has been in the pipeline recently with FTM revealing the possibility it could spread out over three box sets.
  

Given that Sony/BMG seems more worried about wasting their energy with the same stuff over and over again, I predict there will be a 2CD release in 2009 that combines the All Over The World and Ticket To The Moon best-ofs.  Don't laugh... I'm not putting it past them.

So, the ELO pipeline seems to be more of a pipe dream for now, though, especially given the current financial squeeze of many record companies and, not the least of which, fans.  But here's hoping...

AND THEY'RE RUNNING OUT OF MONEY BECAUSE...

Pitcure if you will, a meeting at Sony BMG Special Marketing. 

"Someone, anyone, come up with a new way other than bundling them up in twos or threes to sell something that's already out there."

"How 'bout we take five albums and bundle them together."

"Brilliant!"

Ho-hum. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Have a very Happy 61st Birthday, Jeff!

MORE PAPER SLEEVE EDITIONS

It appears that a good chunk of Tom Petty's back catalog will be re-issued on SHM-CDs (Super High Material CDs) and in Mini-LP paper sleeves end of February 2009 in Japan only.  The Jeff Lynne-produced Full Moon Fever and Into The Great Wide Open will be among the titles.  This is the first re-issue of any kind for Into The Great Wide Open.

DASHING THROUGH THE AUDIENCE

Arguably the best band on the planet right now just gave ELO a light-hearted plug...

HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND BEST WISHES...

Before I take off for my own personal holiday tour/travel, I just wanted to take this opportunity to wish you and your families and very safe and Happy Holidays and best wishes for a happy and healthy 2009.  Here's hoping it's a productive one in the ELO/related world.

Oh, and if you know anyone who's looking for an A/V timeline editor, I'm on Facebook, LinkedIn and willing to re-locate.  :-)

ELO NEW SAMPLER FOLO-UP

I got a chance to scan over this new EMI Publishing sampler from ELO.  Er, maybe an ELO Sampler from EMI Music Publishing is a better way to put it.  Bottom line: nothing new.  The ELO tracks are pullovers from Afterglow and Lily Allen's cover of Mr. Blue Sky is mp3 quality.  The Evil Woman remix isn't bad, though.

Is it a fake?  I mean, there's not much to the CD and frankly, I could design a better cover using my feet, so I suppose it's possible.  But I've seen similar samplers by other artists sold by reputable dealers.  I just don't think it's worth 50 quid.  Right, eil??!

ABOUT "I'LL GET YOU BACK"

Julianna Raye's I'll Get You Back from 1993 is one of several songs that gets an in-depth analysis in Daniel Levitin's new book The World In Six Songs. Included in that is a rather brief, but glowing mention of the song's producer, Jeff Lynne.

NEW ELO SAMPLER

I've been meaning to post about other ELO and related promos over the last few years, but this one looks to be quite unique.  An EMI Publishing CDR sampler of ELO's music has surfaced in the US with an usual track list.  It starts with (the long forgotten and neglected gem) Building Have Eyes and finishes with Lily Allen's cover of Mr. Blue Sky and remix cover of Evil Woman.

I'd be interested to see if Buildings Have Eyes is of "remastered" quality and not a pull from Afterglow.  If I can nail one down, I'll post an update.

1. Buildings Have Eyes
   
2. Turn To Stone
   
3. When Time Stood Still
   
4. It's Over
   
5. Do Ya
   
6. Strange Magic
   
7. Twilight
   
8. Destination Unknown
   
9. Hold On Tight
   
10. Ma Ma Ma Belle
    
11. Livin' Thing
    
12. Shangri-La
    
13. Don't Bring Me Down
    
14. Easy Money
    
15. Calling America
    
16. Rock'n'Roll Is King
    
17. Can't Get It Out Of My head
    
18. Mr. Blue Sky - Lily Allen
    
19. Evil Woman (Salad Fingers Mix) - The Hamptons
    

DAVID FRICKE IS MOVED

I'm trying to remember if Rolling Stone magazine ever said anything about the Move in all these years.  They've hardly ever mentioned ELO.  Anyway, here's a pretty strong Move recommendation from Rolling Stone's David Fricke. He makes the case for owning the new box set.

ROY ORBISON ON RADIO 2

Saturday will mark 20 years since Roy Orbison's passing. BBC Radio 2 is commemorating it with a four part special on Roy. You can hear the series online for a limited time.

Hat tip: Euan

BETTER NOT FORGET IT ON YOUR SHOPPING LIST...

The Traveling Wilburys Official Website has just launched a redesign and while the content seems to have been shifted around a bit, the biggest addition appears to be a Traveling Wilburys shop with all sorts of items including Wilburys T-shirts, coffee mugs, glasses keychains and even a throw blanket.

THE RETURN OF JULIANNA RAYE

She turned out to be one of my favorite voices long after her Jeff Lynne-era: Julianna Raye.  Her web site has been transformed and her new CD titled Dominoes is almost ready to release.  It is a bossa nova collection produced by Ethan Johns, who produced her last disc Restless Night.

Something Peculiar (her first album and her only produced by Jeff Lynne) is, of course, a drastically different album than Restless Night.   But, I was surprised more ELO/related fans didn't follow Restless Night because it was a bit too dark and not pop.   I thoroughly enjoyed it, though.

See, there was a time in popular music when singing as if you had a fingernail ripped off was considered good.  I found wailing into the microphone like that absolutely ridiculous and still do.  Whenever you long for a unique voice who approaches their singing with style and substance, Julianna Raye completely fits the bill.

The thing is both Jeff Lynne and Ethan Johns captured all these little nuances in her voice and brought them out on record.  Plus, her writing is absolutely amazing and rather underrated.

Dominoes sounds like an enjoyable follow-up.  You can read more and hear clips of the album here.  

BLU-SPEC SPECIAL ON ELO

ELO's Discovery & Out Of The Blue remasters are about to be re-issued on Blu-spec CDs. As I understand it from reading this, there are fundamental jitters and vibrations when standard CDs are made. These new discs eliminate that. Doesn't say anything about the music having a higher resolution, though.

In any event, Discovery is set for a December 24 release and Out Of The Blue is expected on January 21, 2009. These will be Japan-only releases so far.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I suspect Blu-spec CDs are almost the same thing as SHM-CDs (Super High Material CDs) only made by a different company.

Tom Petty's Full Moon Fever is being released on SHM-CD in early December. But, if it's not remastered by the artist, I would think the improvement would be miniscule for most people. It's the same CD sound only less jittery??

We'll see.