MY TOP MUSIC OF THE WEEK (12-31)

All titles issued in the US except where noted.

1.  The Ultimate Collection - SADE **1 week #1**
     (Epic - 2011)
     * NEW *

2.  50 Words For Snow - KATE BUSH
     (Fish People/Anti - 2011)

3.  Beaches: Original Soundtrack Recording - BETTE MIDLER
     (Atlantic - 1988)

4.  Lore - CLANNAD
     (Atlantic - 1995)

5.  The Very Best Of FLEETWOOD MAC
     (Reprise - 2002)

6.  Pure Moods II - VARIOUS ARTISTS
     (Virgin - 1998)

7.  Pure Moods - VARIOUS ARTISTS
     (Virgin - 1994)

8.  Most Of All: The Best Of DEBORAH HARRY
     (EMI - 1999) UK

9.  A Magical Gathering: The CLANNAD Anthology
     (Rhino - 2002)

10.  Platinum & Gold Collection - ARETHA FRANKLIN
       (Arista/BMG Heritage - 2003)


Note:  #6 and #7 are new age compilations.

MY TOP MUSIC OF THE WEEK (12-24)

All titles issued in the US except where noted.

1.  Platinum & Gold Collection - ARETHA FRANKLIN **1 week #1**
     (Arista/BMG Heritage - 2003)
     * NEW *

2.  THE GROOP
     (Sundazed - 2007) Expanded edition of 1969 album

3.  The Christmas Album - THE MANHATTAN TRANSFER
     (Columbia - 1992)

4.  You Could Be Born Again - THE FREE DESIGN
     (Light In The Attic - 2001) Expanded edition of 1968 album

5.  All The Way In - TERRI NUNN & BERLIN
     (Fuel - 2009) Live recording

6.  The Secret Of Christmas - CAPTAIN & TENNILLE
     (Moonlight & Magnolias - 2006)

7.  Nightflight To Venus - BONEY M.
     (Sony/BMG - 2007) Europe; Expanded edition of 1978 album

8.  A Merry Little Christmas - LINDA RONSTADT
     (Elektra - 2000)

9.  Greatest Hits - DIVINYLS
     (EMI - 2006) Australia

10.  What A Wonderful Christmas - ANNE MURRAY
       (EMI Canada/TVMusic4U - 2001)

11.  Mac Tracks 1971-1974 - CHRISTINE McVIE
       (Home compilation - 2011)

12.  The Very Best Of FRIDA 1967-1996
       (Home compilation - 2011)

13.  Peace On Earth - VARIOUS ARTISTS
       (Time-Life - 2001)

14.  A Christmas Tribute To Mannheim Steamroller - WESTWIND ENSEMBLE
       (BCI/Eclipse - 1998)

15.  A Rosie Christmas - ROSIE O'DONNELL
       (Columbia - 1999)

16.  A Soap Opera Christmas - VARIOUS ARTISTS
       (RCA - 1994)

17.  A Christmas Together - JOHN DENVER & THE MUPPETS
       (Laserlight - 1996) Recorded in 1979


Notes:  #13 is a collection of Christmas songs by new age artists.

#15 is mostly a collection of Christmas duets by Rosie with different recording artists.  The exceptions are songs by Darren Hayes (Savage Garden) and Billy Porter.

#16 is a collection of Christmas songs by stars of soap operas.

#17 is an audio companion to the television special by the same title.

MY TOP MUSIC OF THE WEEK (12-17)

All titles issued in the US except where noted.

1.  Mac Tracks 1971-1974 - CHRISTINE McVIE **1 week #1**
     (Home compilation, 2011)
     * NEW *

2.  50 Words For Snow - KATE BUSH
     (Fish People/Anti - 2011)

3.  A Holiday Celebration - PETER, PAUL & MARY with The New York Choral Society
     (Warner Bros. - 1988)

4.  Cool Yule - BETTE MIDLER
     (Columbia - 2006)

5.  The Best Of STEVIE NICKS: Timespace
     (Modern - 1991)

6.  Christmas With BONEY M.
     (Sony Music/MCI - 2007) Europe

7.  The Best Christmas Ever - HELEN REDDY
     (Select Media Concepts - 2000)

8.  And Winter Came... - ENYA
     (Reprise - 2008)

9.  The Best Of OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN: The Christmas Collection
     (Hip-O - 2001)

10.  The Very Best Of FRIDA 1967-1996
       (Home compilation, 2011)

11.  A Christmas Cornucopia - ANNIE LENNOX
       (Decca - 2010)

12.  A Peaceful Christmas - VARIOUS ARTISTS
       (Time-Life - 2002)


Notes: 

#1 is my third home compilation by Christine McVie.  This time the focus in on her first five albums with Fleetwood Mac:  Future Games, Bare Trees, Penguin, Mystery To Me, and Heroes Are Hard To Find.  All of her songs from these are included, 16 total.

#12 is a collection of Christmas music by new age artists.

MY TOP MUSIC OF THE WEEK (12-10)

2+ week edition

1.  50 Words For Snow - KATE BUSH **1 week #1**
     * NEW *

2.  Panic Of Girls - BLONDIE

3.  The Very Best Of FRIDA 1967-1996 (Home compilation)

4.  THE GROOP

5.  The Lion And The Cobra - SINEAD O'CONNOR

6.  A Holiday Celebration - PETER, PAUL & MARY with The New York Choral Society

7.  Whirlygig - LOVEMONGERS (Japanese issue)

8.  My Colouring Book - AGNETHA FALTSKOG

9.  Christmas Is Almost Here - CARLY SIMON

10.  HEART Presents A Lovemongers Christmas (2004 issue)

11.  Fleetwood Mac Collection 1 - CHRISTINE McVIE (Home compilation)

12.  Christmas Collection (Christmas Portrait) - CARPENTERS

13.  Jackpot!: The Best Bette - BETTE MIDLER

14.  Only Time: The Collection - ENYA

15.  International - ABBA

16.  If I Could Turn Back Time: CHER's Greatest Hits

17.  Greatest Hits: Sound And Vision - BLONDIE

18.  (Moving) - PETER, PAUL & MARY

19.  Peace On Earth - VARIOUS ARTISTS

20.  A Peaceful Christmas - VARIOUS ARTISTS

21.  AM Gold: #1 Hits Of The 70's 1975-1979 - VARIOUS ARTISTS

22.  The DONNA SUMMER Anthology

23.  A Rosie Christmas - ROSIE O'DONNELL


Notes: 

Lovemongers (#7 and #10) were an outside project fronted by Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart from 1992 to 1998.

#19 and #20 are collections of Christmas music by new age artists from Time-Life.

#1 is the second new release this year by Kate Bush after her collection of reworkings, "Director's Cut."  This is prodominantly a themed disc as all but one song have something to do with snow (the exception being the final track, "Among Angels").  It could also be called "7 Songs For Snow" because that's all you get, though none of them are under six minutes long.  The longest entitled "Misty" runs over 13 minutes and is possibly her most unusual composition to date, about a romance she has with a snowman.  The opening track, "Snowflake," finds Kate's son, Albert McIntosh, singing the verses while she takes the chorus.  Elton John is featured in a duet on the powerful ballad, "Snowed In At Wheeler Street."  The title track is an over eight-minute listing of different names for snow.  Kate numbers them off and "Professor Jospeh Yupik" calls them out.  With this collection of progressive epics that sound almost new age and jazz-like, Kate proves she only gets better and more innovative with age.

MY TOP MUSIC OF THE WEEK (11-23)

All titles issued in the US except where noted.

1.  The Very Best Of FRIDA 1967-1996 **1 week #1**
     (Home compilation, final draft)
     * NEW *

2.  The Lion And The Cobra - SINEAD O'CONNOR
     (Ensign/Chrysalis - 1987)

3.  THE GROOP
     (Sundazed - 2007) Expanded edition of 1969 album

4.  Spoiled Girl - CARLY SIMON
     (Sony Music Special Products - 1985) Includes one bonus track

5.  (Moving) - PETER, PAUL & MARY
     (Warner Bros. - 1989) Recorded in 1962
     * NEW *

6.  The Very Best Of FRIDA 1967-1996
     (Home compilation, first draft)
     * NEW *

7.  Best Of THE PRIMITIVES
     (Camden - 1996) UK

8.  Ultimate Collection: The Complete Hits - CAPTAIN & TENNILLE
     (Hip-O - 2001)

9.  Panic Of Girls - BLONDIE
     (EMI/Eleven Seven - 2011) UK

10.  Making A Good Thing Better - OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN
       (Festival - 1998) Australia; Recorded in 1977

11.  AM Gold: #1 Hits Of The 70's 1970-1974 - VARIOUS ARTISTS
       (Time-Life - 2000)

12.  AM Gold: Mellow Hits Of The 70's - VARIOUS ARTISTS
       (Time-Life - 2000)

13.  AM Gold: Early 70's Classics - VARIOUS ARTISTS
       (Time-Life - 1992)

14.  4xCD 1xDVD - FRIDA
       (Polar - 2005) Sweden

15.  Peace - EURYTHMICS
       (Arista - 1999)

16.  ABBA: A Tribute--The 25th Anniversary Celebration - VARIOUS ARTISTS
       (Relativity - 1999)

17.  The Hits - FAITH HILL
       (Warner Bros. - 2007)

***********************************************************************************

Notes: 

In order to fit all tracks desired, I replaced one for another on #1.

#5 is my second Peter, Paul & Mary purchase in three weeks.  After receiving "A Holiday Celebration," I found out that my favorite song of theirs, "A Soalin," was first recorded for "(Moving)" in 1962.  Having two live versions, of course I had to hear the original.  "(Moving)" (#2 in the US, 1963, Billboard) generated one top 10 hit for the trio, "Puff, The Magic Dragon" and includes the folk standard, "This Land Is Your Land."

FRIDA

ABBA has been my favorite group since I was in second grade.  By the same turn, member Frida has been my favorite female singer for just as long.  A few years ago, I put together a two-disc collection with all of her songs with the group.  This past week, I brainstormed a single-disc retrospective representing her entire career and compiled it.  Following is the complete track listing with details on each.

"The Very Best Of FRIDA 1967-1996"

1. I Know There's Something Going On
2. Du Ar Sa Underbart Rar (Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You)
3. Knowing Me, Knowing You
4. Der Du Gar Lemnar Karleken Spar (Love Grows Where My Rosemary Goes)
5. Shine
6. Jag Blir Galen Nar Jag Tanker Pa De (Going Out Of My Head)
7. Money, Money, Money
8. En Gang Ar Ingen Gang (There Goes My Everything)
9. I Have A Dream

10. Here We'll Stay (with Phil Collins)
11. En Tar Av Tystnad (The Sound Of Silence)
12 Super Trouper
13. Man Vill Ju Leva Lite Dessemellan
14. When All Is Said And Done
15. Twist In The Dark
16. Fernando (Swedish Solo Version)
17. The Visitors

18. Aven En Blomma

19. Dancing Queen (with The Real Group)

1 & 10 from the album "Something's Going On" (1982), produced by Phil Collins.

2 recorded in 1967.

3 & 7 from the album "Arrival" by ABBA (1976).

4, 6, 8 and 11 recorded in 1971.

5 & 15 from the album "Shine" (1984).

9 from the album "Voulez-Vous" by ABBA (1979).

12 from the album "Super Trouper" by ABBA (1980).

13 recorded in 1972, A-side single.

14 & 17 from the album "The Visitors" by ABBA (1981).

16 from the album "Ensam" (1975).

18 from the album "Djupa Andetag" (1996).

19 from the album "ABBA: The 25th Anniversary Celebration" by various artists (1999).


#1 is Frida's most successful single reaching #13 in the US and being the only ABBA-related song to make the Album Rock chart.


#16 was originally written for Frida.  The song was re-written in English and recorded by ABBA in 1976.

Except from #18, all of the Swedish recordings were either produced or co-produced by ABBA's Benny Andersson.

The ABBA songs included were all A-side singles with Frida on lead vocal.

#19 was recorded with a Swedish a cappella group with Frida on lead vocal in 1994.

MY TOP MUSIC OF THE WEEK (11-17)

1.  The Essential Collection 1965-1997 - CARPENTERS **2 weeks #1**

2.  Jackpot!: The Best Bette - BETTE MIDLER

3.  Credo - THE HUMAN LEAGUE

4.  THE GROOP

5.  The Definitive Collection - ABBA

6.  A Holiday Celebration - PETER, PAUL & MARY with The New York Choral Society (NEW)

7.  Knock On Wood (Home compilation) - AMII STEWART

8.  Penguin - FLEETWOOD MAC

9.  Panic Of Girls - BLONDIE

10.  'Round Midnight - LINDA RONSTADT with Nelson Riddle & His Orcherstra

11.  AM Gold: The Early 70's - VARIOUS ARTISTS

12.  AM Gold: 1979 - VARIOUS ARTISTS

13.  The Swinging Soul Of MAC & KATIE KISSOON...Plus

14.  GHV2: Greatest Hits Volume 2 - MADONNA

15.  The Hits - FAITH HILL

16.  Good Stuff - THE B-52'S

17.  The Very Best Of PETER, PAUL & MARY

18.  The Lion And The Cobra - SINEAD O'CONNOR

19.  Reality Effect (US issue) - THE TOURISTS

20.  The DONNA SUMMER Anthology

21.  4xCD 1xDVD - FRIDA

22.  You Can't Stop The Bum Rush - LEN

23.  ABBA Live

24.  Nighflight To Venus - BONEY M.


Notes:  My list is abnormally long this week because I was experiencing withdrawals and waiting on a new prescription while changing doctors.  I can't explain why, but when this occurs my mind requires extensive music.  It may be to help fill the void.  With such a long list, I've omitted labels and release dates for space.

Number 7 is a compilation I put together based on the original tracklisting of Amii's 1979 debut album.  The songs were taken from the European collection "The Hits & The Remixes."

Number 10 is a two-disc set packaging together Linda's albums "What's New," "Lush Life," and "For Sentimental Reasons."

PETER, PAUL & MARY

I received the CD, "A Holiday Celebration," by Peter, Paul & Mary in the mail today.  This officially kicks off my Christmas at home this year.  It was recorded live in 1988 at Lehman Center in New York City with The New York Choral Society.

What initially prompted me to get this disc is my love of the Paul Stookey original, "A Soalin'."  The song introduced to me to the trio in 1979 when I saw them perform it on "A Solid Gold Christmas."  It's been a sentimental favorite ever since.

Being boosted by the chorale and an orchestra the group present a festive program of favorites as well as traditional folk gems from around the world, with the birth of Christ being the focus throughout most of the disc.  "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" is given the trademark folk harmonies while the late Mary Travers delivers a heartfelt solo on "I Wonder As I Wander."  Paul and Peter Yarrow are humorous with their imitations on "The Friendly Beasts" which tells the story of Christ's birth from the perspective of the animals in the manger.

One song I didn't recognize by title was "Children Go Where I Send Thee" but knew it when hearing.  The trio and chorale give a rousing performance here.

Paul flies solo on a musical rendition of "'Twas The Night Before Christmas," giving it a colorful presence.

The disc concludes with two of the trio's staples of worldwide peace, "Light One Candle" and a version of their 1963 hit, "Blowin' In The Wind," the latter is slowed down at the end allowing the chorale and audience to feel unified.

I've always had an affection for folk but admit to not playing enough of it.  With this purchase, I hope to work on that.

MY TOP MUSIC OF THE WEEK (11-10)

All titles issued in the US unless where noted.

1.  Panic Of Girls - BLONDIE **4 weeks #1**
     (EMI/Eleven Seven - 2011) UK

2.  The Definitive Collection - ABBA
     (Polar/UTV - 2001)

3.  Reality Effect (US Issue) - THE TOURISTS
     (American Beat - 2007) Recorded in 1979

4.  THE GROOP
     (Sundazed - 2007) Expanded edition of 1969 album

5.  Playing Possum - CARLY SIMON
     (Elektra - 1975)

6.  AM Gold: 1978 - VARIOUS ARTISTS
     (Time-Life - 1997)

7.  AM Gold: 1977 - VARIOUS ARTISTS
     (Time-Life - 1997)

8.  AM Gold: 1976 - VARIOUS ARTISTS
     (Time-Life - 1996)

9.  AM Gold: 1975 - VARIOUS ARTISTS
     (Time-Life - 1996)

10.  The Collection - PETER, PAUL & MARY
       (Reader's Digest Music - 1998)


Note:  Number 3 by The Tourists has a different tracklisting from the original UK issue including three songs from the group's self-titled debut album, 1979.

MY TOP MUSIC OF THE WEEK (11-3)

All titles issued in the US except where noted.

1.  Love For Sale - BONEY M. **1 week #1**
     (Sony/BMG - 2007) Europe; Expanded edition of 1977 album

2.  The Best Of FREE DESIGN
     (Cherry Red - 2001) UK

3.  King Of The Mountain - KATE BUSH
     (EMI - 2005) UK; CD single
     * NEW *

4.  1983-1991 (Blood) - THIS MORTAL COIL
     (4AD - 1993) 1991 album selected from a set of three

5.  Up-Up And Away: The Definitive Collection - THE 5TH DIMENSION
     (Arista - 1997)

6.  Greatest Hits - THE TOURISTS
     (Camden/BMG - 1997)

7.  Women & Song - FLEETWOOD MAC
     (Home compilation - 2003)

8.  The Definitive Collection - ABBA
     (Polar/UTV - 2001)

9.  Panic Of Girls - BLONDIE
     (EMI/Eleven Seven - 2011) UK

10.  BORDERLANDS
       (Unison - 1995)
       * NEW *

11.  AM Gold: 1973 - VARIOUS ARTISTS
       (Time-Life - 1992)

12.  4xCD 1xDVD - FRIDA
       (Polar - 2005) Sweden


Notes:  Number 7 is a disc I put together using Fleetwood Mac hits and album tracks by Christine McVie, Stevie Nicks, and Bekka Bramlett.

Number 10 is a collection of folk instrumentals by session musicians.

MY TOP MUSIC OF THE WEEK (10-27)

All titles issued in the US except where noted.

1.  Nightflight To Venus - BONEY M. **3 weeks #1**
     (Sony/BMG - 2007) Europe; Expanded edition of 1978 album

2.  Kisses And Hits - BROTHERHOOD OF MAN
     (CD-R)

3.  Panic Of Girls - BLONDIE
     (EMI/Eleven Seven - 2011) UK

4.  The Lion And The Cobra - SINEAD O'CONNOR
     (Ensign/Chrysalis - 1987)

5.  Rumours - FLEETWOOD MAC
     (Warner Bros. - 2004) Expanded edition of 1977 album

6.  Greatest Hits - THE TOURISTS
     (Camden/BMG - 1997) UK

7.  THE GROOP
     (Sundazed - 2007) Expanded edition of 1969 album

8.  Gold - DONNA SUMMER
     (Hip-O - 2005)

9.  AM Gold: 1972 - VARIOUS ARTISTS
     (Time-Life - 1991)

10.  AM Gold: 1971 - VARIOUS ARTISTS
       (Time-Life - 1990)

11.  AM Gold: 1970 - VARIOUS ARTISTS
       (Time-Life - 1990)

12.  In The Heat Of The Night/Crimes Of Passion - PAT BENATAR
       (Beat Goes On - 1998) UK; Albums recorded in 1979 and 1980


Note:  Number 2 was compiled by a member of a Yahoo group I belong to.

MY TOP MUSIC OF THE WEEK (10-20)

All titles issued in the US unless otherwise noted.

1.  Close-Up: Vol. 2, People & Places - SUZANNE VEGA **1 week #1**
     (Amanuensis - 2010)
     * NEW *

2.  Close-Up: Vol. 1, Love Songs - SUZANNE VEGA
     (Amanuensis - 2010)
     * NEW *

3.  Nightflight To Venus - BONEY M.
     (Sony/BMG - 2007) Europe; Expanded edition of 1978 album

4.  Anticipation - CARLY SIMON
     (Elektra - 1971)

5.  The Complete BUCKINGHAM NICKS
     (Polydor/Peacock - 2008) Expanded edition of 1973 self-titled album

6.  The Essential Collection 1965-1997 - CARPENTERS
     (A&M/Chronicles - 2002)

7.  A Day Without Rain - ENYA
     (Reprise - 2000)

8.  The RCA Years - MIDDLE OF THE ROAD
     (7T's - 2010) UK

9.  The Best Of SIMON & GARFUNKEL
     (Columbia/Legacy - 1999)

10.  Fleetwood Mac Collection #2 - CHRISTINE McVIE
       (Home compilation)

11.  THE GROOP
       (Sundazed - 2007) Expanded edition of 1969 album

12.  4xCD 1xDVD - FRIDA
       (Polar - 2005) Europe


Note:  Number 10 is one of three discs I put together compiling all of Christine McVie's album tracks with Fleetwood Mac.

SUZANNE VEGA

In the last two years I've purchased collections of re-recordings by two of my all-time favorite female singers, Carly Simon and Kate Bush.  Last year, a third favorite started putting out what may be the most ambitious of any I've picked up so far.

I received two CD's by Suzanne Vega in the mail on Saturday.  They're the first two volumes of re-recordings in a series entitled "Close-Up."  What sets Suzanne's project apart from those formentioned is that each disc follows a certain theme.  But like Carly's, the songs are given a more stripped-down sound than the originals.  This particularly excited me about Suzanne as the music on two of her albums, "99.9F*" (1992) and "Nine Objects Of Desire" (1996) were produced with an electronic, "industrial" sound (think Joan Baez meets Nine Inch Nails).  While I think they were works of art, it's also been a joy hearing them here with a more intimate approach.  Unlike Kate, Suzanne revisits all of her albums for the new series.

"Close-Up: Vol. 1, Love Songs" is a collection of songs from her back catalog that focus on relationships of all kinds.  This includes reworkings of her debut single, "Marlene On The Wall" and "Caramel" which was used in the film "The Truth About Cats And Dogs."

(Amanuensis, 2010)

You hear little to no percussion on the first volume where with "Close-Up: Vol. 2, People & Places," there is some sneaked in.  "Fat Man & Dancing Girl" sounds close to original in that regard.

It's noteworthy to mention that the second volume includes reworkings of Suzanne's biggest hits.  "Luka" (#3 Pop & AC, 1987, Billboard) is slightly shorter than the original as instrumental breaks are cut out.  The new version of "Tom's Diner" (#5 Pop, 1990, Billboard) is perhaps my favorite yet.  The original recording was the opening track of "Solitude Standing" and done a cappella in 1987.  It was set to music by techno-dance project DNA for the hit version.  I had wondered which way Suzanne would go here and she patterned it after the latter using an electric bass with string instruments.  Another welcomed twist is the use of all the lyrics in the new recording (DNA cut out the last three lines in their version).

One new song was recorded for the second volume, "The Man Who Played God," a humorously sarcastic look at how people like to take matters in their own hands today.

There are two more volumes in the "Close-Up" series and I hope to get them soon.  If what I have so far is an indication, I know I won't be let down.

MY TOP MUSIC OF THE WEEK (10-13)

All titles issued in the US unless otherwise noted.

1.  Oceans Of Fantasy - BONEY M. **1 week #1**
     (Sony/BMG - 2007) Europe; Expanded edition of 1979 album
     * NEW *

2.  Passionworks - HEART
     (Epic - 1983)

3.  Gold: The 70's - BONEY M.
     (Home compilation)
     * NEW *

4.  The Definitive Collection - ABBA
     (Polar/UTV - 2001)

5.  36 All-Time Greatest Hits - THE MAMAS & THE PAPAS
     (GSC/MCA - 1996)

6.  Nine Objects Of Desire - SUZANNE VEGA
     (A&M - 1996)

7.  The Best Of LINDA RONSTADT 1976-1978
     (Home compilation)

8.  Gold - OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN
     (Hip-O - 2005)

9.  Together Again/Anthem - THE NEW SEEKERS
     (7T's - 2009) UK; Expanded editions of 1976 and 1978 albums

10.  A&M Digitally Remastered Best - CAPTAIN & TENNILLE
       (A&M - 1998) Japan

11.  Take The Heat Off Me - BONEY M.
       (Sony/BMG - 2007) Europe; Expanded edition of 1976 album

12.  Nightflight To Venus - BONEY M.
       (Sony/BMG - 2007) Europe


Notes:  Number 3 by Boney M. is my latest home compilation.  Upon receiving Oceans Of Fantasy this past week, I put the disc together using mostly album versions of their 70's hits included on the 1992 international release, Gold: 20 Super Hits.

I compiled number 7 by Linda Ronstadt using the 14 singles she charted with on Billboard magazine's Pop, Adult Contemporary, Country, and R&B charts from her albums Hasten Down The Wind, Simple Dreams, and Living In The USA.

BONEY M. (1979)

I received the CD "Oceans Of Fantasy" by Boney M. in the mail today.  This is a 2007 extended issue of an original 1979 album.

Boney M. had always had a reputation of being cutting edge where disco was concerned.  Their use of a Carribean style and tribal percussion set them apart from the rest.  One surprise here is an almost country-sounding song entitled "I'm Born Again," proving the group to be even more eclectic.

The most notable track on "OOF" would probably be the single, "Gotta Go Home."  It was most recently sampled in the club hit "Barbra Streisand" by Duck Sauce.  I'm personally happy to have a full album version of the song here as opposed to an edited version on my first purchase, "Gold: 20 Super Hits."  Same goes for the biographical song "El Lute", based on the arrest and escape of Eleuterio Sanchez.  Subject matter like this also made Boney M. unique in disco.

"Oceans Of Fantasy" includes a rousing cover of Sam & Dave's "Hold On Coming."  Tina Turner had done this on a previous tour and I hoped she'd record it, but no such luck.  I'm glad to have it turn up here.

The two bonus tracks on the disc are "I See A Boat On A River" and "My Friend Jack" which were recorded specially for the compilation "The Magic Of Boney M." in 1980.

In comparison to their previous release, "Nightflight To Venus" in 1978, "Oceans Of Fantasy" was a commercial letdown. I'm guilty of feeling that nothing could beat "NTV" in production strength myself, but I may have been proven wrong with this one.

MY TOP MUSIC OF THE WEEK (10-6)

All titles issued in the US except where noted.

1.  Making A Good Thing Better - OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN **1 week #1**
     (Warner Music - 1998) Australia; Recorded in 1977
     * NEW *

2.  The Complete BUCKINGHAM NICKS
     (Peacock/Polydor - 2008) Expanded edition of 1973 self-titled album

3.  Panic Of Girls - BLONDIE
     (EMI/Eleven Seven - 2011) UK

4.  Anthology - CARLY SIMON
     (Arista/BMG Heritage - 2002)

5.  Fleetwood Mac Collection #1 - CHRISTINE McVIE
     (Home compilation)

6.  Nightflight To Venus - BONEY M.
     (Sony/BMG - 2007) Europe; Expanded edition of 1978 album

7.  THE GROOP
     (Sundazed - 2007) Expanded edition of 1969 album

8.  Dare/Love And Dancing -
     THE HUMAN LEAGUE/THE LEAGUE UNLIMITED ORCHESTRA
     (Caroline - 2002) Recorded in 1981 and 1982, respectively

9.  The Collection - RITA COOLIDGE
     (Spectrum - 1998) UK

10.  Greatest Hits 1985-1995 - HEART
       (Capitol - 2000)

11.  THE NEW SEEKERS featuring Eve Graham
       (Home compilation)

12.  Take The Heat Off Me - BONEY M.
       (Sony/BMG - 2007) Europe; Expanded edition of 1976 album

13.  The Definitive Collection - ABBA
       (Polar/UTV - 2001)


Note:  "Love And Dancing" by The League Unlimited Orchestra (#8) is an instrumental remix collection of tracks from The Human League's "Dare" album.  The pseudonym was inspired by Barry White's Love Unlimited Orchestra.

OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN

I received the CD "Making A Good Thing Better" by Olivia Newton-John in the mail on Friday.  This is a 1998 issue of an original 1977 album.  It was the only American release I lacked by Olivia on CD until then.  I bought the original LP in the late eighties but it was sent to me in the album cover for her 1975 album, "Have You Never Been Mellow" (one of my more unusual purchase stories).

"Making A Good Thing Better" brought Olivia closer to more of a pop sound than she ever recorded up to that point, though commercially it didn't fare as well as previous albums reaching #34 on the album chart (Billboard).  Part of the apparent new direction includes a version of  "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" from the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical "Evita" which was probably her most ambitious effort while still in the country crossover phase.  She did remain true to her regular formula with covers of Johnny Cash's "Ring Of Fire" and Johnny Rivers' "Slow Dancing" (recorded as "Swayin' To The Music" by Rivers).

The only single was the title track which fared worse than the album reaching #87 on the pop chart (Billboard), which is personally a shame as it's one of my favorite songs of hers.

Olivia would reach the pinnacle of her career with "Grease" the next year, establishing her as a versatile recording artist.  "Making A Good Thing Better" is one of those underrated albums that deserves revisiting to remind people of an amazing road to that success.

MY TOP MUSIC OF THE WEEK (9-29)/BUCKINGHAM NICKS

1.  Panic Of Girls - BLONDIE  **3 weeks #1**

     (EMI/Eleven Seven - 2011) UK

2.  Nightflight To Venus - BONEY M.
     (Sony/BMG - 2007) Europe; Expanded edition of 1978 album

3.  The Complete BUCKINGHAM NICKS
     (Peacock/Polydor - 2008) Expanded edition of self-titled 1973 album
     * NEW *

4.  Winter Light - LINDA RONSTADT
     (Elektra - 1993)

5.  Totally Hot - OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN
     (Festival - 1998) Australia; Recorded in 1978

6.  THE GROOP
     (Sundazed - 2007) Expanded edition of 1969 album

7.  The Hits Vol. 2 - ABBA
     (Pickwick - 1991) UK

8.  The RCA Years - MIDDLE OF THE ROAD
     (7T's - 2010) UK

9.  I Am Woman: The Essential HELEN REDDY Collection
     (Razor & Tie - 1998)

10.  Voyeur - BERLIN
       (iMusic/BMG - 2002)




















I received the CD "The Complete Buckingham Nicks" in the mail today.  This is a bootleg expanded edition of an original 1973 album recorded by Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks.  Though a commercial failure, it did lead to their addition to Fleetwood Mac in 1975.  Mick Fleetwood was looking for a producer for the band.  Candidate Keith Olsen played the song "Frozen Love" (the closing track on the original album) for Mick who was so impressed with the guitar work that he invited Lindsey to replace Bob Welch in the group.  Being that Buckingham considered he and Nicks to be a packaged deal, he wouldn't accept without her.  Needless to say, the two were embraced by Fleetwood Mac and rock music history would later be made.

Several songs on the album later found their way to new recordings by Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks.  They include the Nicks-penned "Crystal" which would later be reworked for inclusion on the "Fleetwood Mac" album in 1975.  Lindsey's song, "Don't Let Me Down Again," also received the group's treatment in 1980 on "Fleetwood Mac Live."  "Long Distance Winner" has become the only original recording to be commercially released so far, having been included on the box set "The Enchanted Works Of Stevie Nicks" in 1998.

As the original album finds Lindsey mostly at the helm, this disc includes bonus demos by Stevie which compensate for her minimal contributions.  "That's Alright" is one that was later recorded for Fleetwood Mac's "Mirage" in 1982.  Another entitled "Garbo" first saw a commercial release as the B-side of the single, "Stand Back."  It was included on the forementioned box set thereafter.  There's also a demo for "Sorcerer" which was later redone for "Trouble In Shangri-La" by Nicks in 2001.  This is probably my favorite of the demos.  Between the "unplugged" feel and Buckingham's harmony, the song has a more intimate approach than the later version with Sheryl Crow.

The final five tracks were recorded live in Tuscaloosa, Alabama in 1973.  The noteworthy highlight in the set is the introduction of Stevie's signature hit "Rhiannon."  I do like that this live version isn't as epic as later recordings.

For a bootleg, the sound quality is very good.  My only complaint is the final track, a live version of "Sorcerer."  It's missing part of a chorus on the source tape and has a chopped ending.  For the most part, I can't complain.  I think this collection is a great precursor to the magic that would propel Fleetwood Mac to superstardom and a must for fans.

MY TOP MUSIC OF THE WEEK (9-22)

All titles issues in the US unless otherwise noted.

1.  Nightflight To Venus - BONEY M. **2 weeks #1**
     (Sony/BMG - 2007) Europe; Expanded edition of 1978 album

2.  Love For Sale - BONEY M.
     (Sony/BMG - 2007) Europe; Expanded edition of 1977 album

3.  Panic Of Girls - BLONDIE
     (EMI/Five Seven Music - 2011) UK

4.  The Best Of FREE DESIGN
     (Cherry Red - 2001) UK

5.  Reality Effect (US issue) - THE TOURISTS
     (American Beat - 1997) Recorded in 1979

6.  Take The Heat Off Me - BONEY M.
     (Sony/BMG - 2007) Europe; Expanded edition of 1976 album

7.  Ultimate - THE 5TH DIMENSION
     (Arista/BMG Heritage - 2004)

8.  Anthology - CARLY SIMON
     (Elektra/WEA - 2002)

9.  THE NEW SEEKERS featuring Eve Graham
     (Home compilation)

10.  THE GROOP
       (Sundazed - 2007) Expanded edition of 1969 album


Notes:  I've been doing a weekly list of my top music online for five years.  My top two selections since its inception are included this week:  "The Groop" (21 weeks #1) and "Reality Effect" by The Tourists (10 weeks #1).  The US issue of the latter has an alternate track listing from the original released in Europe which I have on LP.

MY TOP MUSIC OF THE WEEK (9-15)

All titles issued in the US unless otherwise noted.

1.  Nightflight To Venus - BONEY M. **1 week #1**
     (Sony/BMG - 2007) Europe; Expanded edition of 1978 album
     * NEW *

2.  Panic Of Girls - BLONDIE
     (Noble ID - 2011) UK

3.  Love For Sale - BONEY M.
     (Sony/BMG - 2007) Europe; Expanded edition of 1977 album
     * NEW *

4.  Good Stuff - THE B-52'S
     (Reprise - 1992)

5.  Scrapbook - CAPTAIN & TENNILLE
     (Spectrum) Germany

6.  Say You Will - FLEETWOOD MAC
     (Reprise - 2003)

7.  Reminiscing - CARPENTERS
     (PolyTel - 1987) Canada

8.  Boxed (Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)) - EURYTHMICS
     (RCA - 2005) Europe; Expanded edition of 1983 album in a box set

9.  Take The Heat Off Me - BONEY M.
     (Sony/BMG - 2007) Europe; Expanded edition of 1976 album

10.  On An Island Of Dreams - THE SPRINGFIELDS
       (RPM Retrodisc - 2007) Holland


Notes:  #5 by Captain & Tennille is a career-spanning collection of hits and album tracks.  At under an hour, it's the perfect compact retrospective except for the omission of "Muskrat Love."  The year of release wasn't included on the disc.

#7 by the Carpenters is another ideal single-disc retrospective.  My only complaint is the omission of "Ticket To Ride" and "Make Believe It's Your First Time," otherwise it's chronologically well-rounded.

BONEY M. (1977)

I received the CD "Love For Sale" by Boney M. in the mail today.  This is a 2007 reissue of the group's original 1977 album.

Two singles were released from the album:  "Ma Baker" (#95 Pop, US, 1977, Billboard), which was the second song I ever heard by Boney M. after "Rivers Of Babylon" thanks to a medley by Stars On 45, and "Belfast."

Two classic songs are covered on "Love For Sale":  Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Have You Ever Seen The Rain" and the title track which was written by Cole Porter.  I have another version by The Mahattan Transfer.

Two bonus tracks round out the disc:  A remix medley of "Ma Baker/Somebody Scream." though the second song doesn't make itself evident unless it's a sample I'm not familiar with, and "Stories" which was a 1990 single for the group and based on recordings by Chakachas and Izit.

Another song I'm familiar with on the disc is "Motherless Child."  It's a traditional compostion I also have by Sweetwater.  Boney M.'s version includes an alternate verse.

I mentioned in my last Boney M. review that I doubted this would be better than "Nightflight To Venus" and I hold myself to that.  However, "Love For Sale" is another fun disco album in the group's tradition.

BONEY M. (1978)

I received the CD, "Nightflight To Venus," by Boney M. in the mail today.  This is a 2007 reissue of an original 1978 album and my fourth by the group since I started collecting their music last year.  Up to that point I had only known them for their stateside one-hit wonder, "Rivers Of Babylon" (#30 Pop and #35 AC, US, 1978, Billboard).  I started experimenting with international oldies stations a while back and Boney M.'s music was played on several.  I was so enthralled with their blend of disco and reggae that I immediately started my purchases.

"Nighflight To Venus" has the distinction of being Boney M.'s only chart album in the US (#134, 1978, Billboard).  Several songs on it are included on my very first purchase, "Gold: 20 Super Hits," and I'm pleased to now have album versions of three of them:  "Rasputin," "Rivers Of Babylon," and the title track.

The use of electric guitars on this album gives the sound a rock edge that reminds me of another classic disco album, "Bad Girls," by Donna Summer, the only artist I'd been enthusiastic about in the genre before now.

Two classic songs receive the Boney M. treatment on "Nightflight To Venus," the Roger Miller song "King Of The Road" and "Heart Of Gold" by Neil Young.

The 2007 reissure includes two bonus tracks.  First is "Dancing In The Streets" which I'd assumed was the Martha and The Vendellas classic but turns out to be a Boney M. original.  In hindsight I realized that the sixties hit had no s in "Street."  This song became the group's only US R&B chart entry (#75, Billboard, 1979).  It was the B-side of the single which is the other bonus track on the disc, the Christmas medley, "Mary's Boy Child/Oh My Lord" (#85 Pop).  Though forementioned as a non-album track, it started appearing on Christmas compilations by the group in the nineties.

It's noteworthy to mention that Boney M. was the brainchild of Frank Farian who brought us Milli Vanilli in the nineties.  Recalling what would later become of the duo, I came to discover that BM member, Bobby Farrell, himself was a lip-syncher and that Frank supplied the male vocals.  The female singers, Maizie Williams, Marcia Barrett, and Liz Mitchell carried the group with their rich vocals.  Quite nicely, I might add.

I ordered "Nightflight To Venus" along with the group's second album "Love For Sale" which hasn't arrived yet.  However, with so many favorites ending up on the former, time will tell if it's as good or better.

MY TOP MUSIC OF THE WEEK (9-8)

I've been doing an online list of what I play each week since 2006.
All titles are US releases except where noted.
1.  Gold: 20 Super Hits - BONEY M. **4 weeks #1**
     (BMG International - 1999) Holland

2.  Take The Heat Off Me - BONEY M.
     (Sony/BMG - 2007) Europe; Reissue of 1976 album with 2 bonus tracks

3.  The Love Songs - ABBA
     (Pickwick - 1989) UK

4.  Panic Of Girls - BLONDIE
     (Noble ID - 2011) UK

5.  Gold - CHER
     (Copy of original 2005 Hip-O/Geffen 2-CD set)

6.  Alf/Raindancing - ALISON MOYET
     (Columbia - 2001) 2-disc set comprised of Alison's first two albums from 1985 and 1987

7.  The Reprise Years 1969-1975, Vol 2 - FLEETWOOD MAC
     (Home compilation - 2003)

8.  On An Island Of Dreams - THE SPRINGFIELDS
     (RPM Retrodisc - 2007) 2-CDs; UK
     * NEW *

9.  JANE CHILD
     (Warner Bros. - 1989)

10.  Beauty And The Beat  - GO-GO'S
       (IRS - 1981)


Notes:

The new disc by Blondie isn't set for US release until the 13th of this month.  Not wanting to wait, I purchased an import copy.

The Springfields made a low debut this week due to 5 songs on my new set not playing.  I hope to work on the discs and be able to get a better listen this week.

I originally had #10 by the Go-Go's on LP when it was first released but gave it away for some odd reason.  It was a decision I recently came to regret as certain songs from it kept coming to mind.  I caved and bought a CD copy two weeks ago.

A song by Jane Child recently started popping in my head again entitled "Welcome To The Real World."  This was the follow-up to her one-hit wonder, "Don't Wanna Fall In Love" (#2 Pop, US, 1990).  I pulled out my cassette copy of this album after many years untouched.

THE SPRINGFIELDS

Today I received the compilation "On An Island Of Dreams" by The Springfields in the mail. 

I had discovered this group several years ago after receiving the music CD series, "The Time-Life Treasury Of Folk."  I have since sold it, but it contained the group's only US Top 40 single, "Silver Threads And Golden Needles" (#20 Pop, 1962, Billboard), a song I only knew by Linda Ronstadt at the time.

I was interested in a disc by The Springfields, but only came across a compilation which is apparently a rarity as the copies I found were priced at $25 or higher.  I wasn't sure I wanted to pay that much to try an unfamiliar artist out.  A catalog I recently received from Collectors' Choice Music listed "On An Island Of Dreams" as a new import in their stock.  They wanted nearly $30 for it, but I found a new copy at Amazon for under $12 and snagged it.

The folk trio consisted of famed vocalist Dusty Springfield with her brother Tom as well as two different third members, Tim Field (left in 1961) and Mike Hurst. 

According to Wikipedia, they have the distinction of being the first British act to crack the US Top 20 (fifteen months before The Beatles, incidentally).

"On An Island Of Dreams" is comprised of the trio's first two albums, "Kinda Folksy" (1962) and "Folk Songs From The Hill" (1963).  Both of these were released on the Phillips label in the UK.  The remainder of the set includes non-album singles and songs from various mini-albums.

One other song inlcuded that I was familiar with before buying this set was "Far Away Places."  It's played on a station at Pandora's website I based on another European favorite, The New Seekers.  There is also "Dear Hearts And Gentle People" which became The Springfields' only other US chart single reaching #95 (1962, Billboard).

These singers also display a terrific bilingual side with such Spanish numbers as "Eso Es El Amor" and "Tzena Tzena Tzena."

I've made it through the first disc in the set as of now, but with a bit of a problem.  The last song will not play on either my stereo or laptop.  I hope that I can fix this.  I'm looking forward to the second disc!