Audiophile Digital

To avoid confusion, given that the Dan’s stunning debut was reissued last year in a couple of vinyl forms including UHQR, the whole point of this release is Analogue Productions demonstrating its commitment to SACD. For this listener, it’s the best digital format I know of outside of the higher-res rates found only in professional situations, and I’m hard-pressed to find fault with this disc, even when auditioned side-by-side with the LPs. The sax break in ‘Dirty Work’ and the vocals throughout are enough to convince any who have been undecided about embracing SACD, which survives in spite of its relative obscurity. For now, this is the only way to enjoy Steely Dan if you’ve forsaken vinyl. KK

Marshall Crenshaw
Field Day
Yep Roc Records YEP3058X

As is expected of cult artists, Crenshaw has vaults full of amazing unreleased stuff, and he’s taken the opportunity presented by anniversaries to thank his fans with bonus tracks on reissues. Matching last year’s celebration of his eponymous debut, this magnificent birthday CD of his sophomore release adds six tracks consisting of alternates and B-sides, the quality of which match the main album. For those not familiar with Crenshaw, he was part of a 1980s subgenre that offered a loving look back at the ’60s – not least the British Invasion – a bit like The Knack without the attitude. Every song is worthy of the not-dissimilar Elvis Costello or Nick Lowe. KK

Garrett T. Willie
Same Pain
Garret T Willie Records/The Orchard Distribution GTW006

It’s been decades since the last revival of gutbucket blues and 1950s rock ’n’ roll and rockabilly, when resuscitated by bands like The Fabulous Thunderbirds, The Stray Cats and Rockpile. In the late-1970s and early-’80s, they presented a backlash against wussy glam-rock and miserable post-punk; for 23-year-old Garret T. Willie (who could only ever be a roots rocker with a name like that!), it’s as if the call has gone out again. He’s a counter to those seemingly introspective or sensitive types like Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, et al, delivering truly raw stuff. He’s heavy on the Stevie Ray-style guitar, and his vocals clearly needed work, but it’s as genuine as it gets. KK

The Who
Who’s Next/Life House
Polydor 3585826 (two discs)

After recovering from the shock of finding out The Who’s long-awaited release of the aborted Life House album was going to be an 11-disc set costing over £200, I settled on the 2CD alternative. This 50th anniversary reissue gives you the superbly remastered Who’s Next and a dozen tracks including singles, demos and live material, plus a booklet with a condensed telling of the story. Life House is to The Who what Smile was to The Beach Boys, an unrealised project which entered rock lore, so this partly solves the mystery. As Who’s Next is for many their finest moment, the extras ultimately are secondary. Suffice it to say, this is a must-have CD for Who fans. KK