Abbey Road, Dead Man's Pop and Howe

I spent a solid amount of time with the new "Abbey Road" set this weekend. I listened to the album proper, and all four sides of "Sessions," twice! My immediate reaction is that, of the three recent Giles Martin remixes, "Abbey Road" proper had the fewest revelations. This is not to say there is something wrong with it. It's just that where "Pepper" and "The White Album" seemed to jump out and slap you with sonics, "Abbey Road" doesn't sound much different to me. It's no better or worse. I raved about "Oh Darling" and the thrill of hearing those backing vocals, and "Here Comes The Sun" seems to have put on a few pounds for the better. But if the purists are concerned over retouching a masterpiece, no need to worry. It sounds like a very nice pressing of "Abbey Road" and that is a good thing.

The "Sessions" on the other hand, knocked me out. My first takeaway was that these lads could really play. We take The Fabs catalogue for granted, but give a listen to take 20 of "Sun King." This is music that feels more like 10 years removed from "What Goes On" or "Money," as opposed to 5 years. I am mostly impressed with both John Lennon's & George Harrison's guitar playing throughout. I felt this way listening to most of the tracks that comprise the "Long One," or as we know it, "Side Two." The sessions from "Pepper" were a blast, though much of that is George Martin's doing, and the "Esher Demos" were a nice glimpse into the Beatles unplugged, but were, at least for me, far from exciting. Hearing the boys play through the "Abbey Road" material was a different thrill altogether. The extras are worth the price of admission.

One question for all the Beatles geniuses--I always thought Ian Macdonald's book "Revolution In The Head," was the definitive take on the Beatles in the studio, but in the studio notes of the new "Abbey" set, it claims Paul McCartney is playing drums on "Old Brown Shoe," another tune, like "The Ballad Of John & Yoko," that the band recorded while Ringo was off filming "Magic Christian." Macdonald's book has Ringo down for the session. Now, I know Paul is a fine drummer, but "Old Brown Shoe" sounds too much like Ringo to me. Seems odd to make that mistake on such an anticipated set. Any ideas?




Also out this weekend is the lost mix of The Replacements "Don't Tell A Soul," an original Matt Wallace mix, that is supposed to be more of what the band sounds like, as opposed to the high gloss and reverb mix that Sire Records released in hopes of getting a hit or two. The 'Mats did indeed get a hit or two with this album, so all was not lost...except Matt Wallace's mix, until now. It's damn good. It is hefty and adds some heart and soul to what I think is one of Paul Westerberg's best collection of songs.  Check out the lost version of "Darlin' One" above.

The box also includes outtakes and a drunken session with Tom Waits that is a disappointing mess. It is a typical Replacements moment, and the exact thing that has always kept me from truly loving this band. I don't think being a mess is cool. On the other hand, the complete live show from 1989 that is also in the "Dead Man's Pop" box is a killer.



And finally, Yes guitarist and legend Steve Howe has released a new solo with his trio called "New Frontier." I have not listened to a Howe solo record in 30 years, but I was interested in this after reading that Bill Bruford had co-written a number of songs. "New Frontier" is a pleasant surprise. It's an all instrumental record...thankfully...that seems to mix classic Yes melodies with a modern jazz trio feel. I liked the album enough to play it over a second time after the first spin and wanted to tell you about it. Listen to "Left To Chance" above.