SOME STUFFS: Audio Fidelity to release two volume “Legends” CD compilation

Steve Hoffman has released a wide range of CD remasters and compilations that have demanded his expertise, and how he’s handling a new compilation, this one a two volume series in cooperation with Time-Life Music. Called Legends, one volume is called Crank It Up while the other is called Get It On, bringing together 34 of some of the best classic rock ever made, most of which were radio staples back then, as they are now.

A few of these tracks have been remastered by Hoffman before while others are brand new to the scene. The compilations feature music from the likes of Chicago Transit Authority, Grateful Dead, Foghat, Elton John, The Doobie Brothers, Phil Collins, Alice Cooper, Bad Company, T. Rex, Deep Purple, and many more. If you haven’t bought the full album remasters Hoffman has gone recently for some artists, consider these tracks a preview of what you’re missing out on.

Each album will be released on a hybrid SACD, which means they’ll play on standard CD players as they will on Super Audio CD players. All of these were taken from the original master tapes, which means they may be the best you’ll ever hear these songs. Both volumes will hit stores on June 4th.

REVIEW: Phil Collins’ “Face Value” (Audio Fidelity 24k remaster)

Face Value was Phil Collins’ first album as a solo artist. When Peter Gabriel left Genesis to start his own solo career, Collins was pushed to the forefront, a role he originally had no motive to fill. The energetic drummer would change the sound of the group from that point on, moving them from an innovative progressive rock band to a pop/rock favorite for much of the 1980′s. What people didn’t expect was for Collins to follow a path too, one that would benefit him greatly for the next 30 years.Some might ask: “This album has been out for 30 years, do I need to buy another copy?” If you’re a fan of Face Value, then the answer is yes. This audiophile pressing was remastered from the original master tapes by Steve Hoffman, so even if you have this on vinyl and recent CD pressings, this is arguably the best way you’ll ever hear these songs. Produced by Collins himself with help from Hugh Padgham, the music Collins presented on this album was a shock to his label because it was heavily influenced by Collins’ love of soul and R&B. Then, as now, a white artist covering black music can be a touchy subject, and yet he was adamant about sharing his love for Earth, Wind & Fire and Michael Jackson on his first solo album, along with a love for The Beatles. In many ways, that sums up Collins’ career: soul and pop, combined with a love for drums and percussion, all of which can be heard on this album.

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To read the full review, click over to Okayplayer.com.

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