Backing Track

Whether recording as a solo performer, a member of Stealers Wheel or as one-half of The Humblebums, the late Gerry Rafferty was always a master craftsman, leaving behind a dazzling portfolio of songs. Although early success eluded him, it was during his time with the nominally folk-oriented Transatlantic label that Gerry learnt his craft. As most fans will be only too aware, those early recordings have been repackaged on a regular basis over the last four decades or so with varying degrees of care and attention.

The second wave of reissues in Led Zeppelin‘s overhaul of their classic catalog pretty much follows the path set by the first: remastered versions of the original albums on one disc, and alternate takes and mixes (along with the occasional rare cut) on the other. The band’s self-titled 1969 debut included live tracks, but all of the others so far — including the new ‘IV’ and ‘Houses of the Holy’ — have basically replicated the original LPs with different versions of the same songs. That doesn’t give fans looking for more obscure Zeppelin tracks much to reach for, but Led Zeppelin weren’t ones to waste much. During the decade in which they recorded their eight albums, very few songs were left unreleased. Only one B-side — 1970's ‘Immigrant Song’ flip, ‘Hey Hey What Can I Do’ — even surfaced during their run. So don’t expect to hear any recently unearthed gems on the remastered deluxe editions of 1971's ’IV’ and 1973's ’Houses of the Holy.’

Nick Kamen - The Complete Collection (2020) {6CD Set, Cherry Pop QCRPOPBOX219 rec 1987-1992}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 3.20 Gb | MP3 @320 -> 1.10 Gb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 40 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1987-92, 2020 Cherry Pop / Warner | QCRPOPBOX219
Pop / Pop Rock / Synth Pop

Believe it or not, Levi 501 wearing model-turned-popstar Nick Kamen released four albums between 1987 and 1992. All of them are now collected in a new box set, The Complete Collection, along with two discs of ‘remixes & rarities’. Essex-born Kamen is best known for the 1986 UK top ten single ‘Each Time You Break My Heart’, which was co-written by Madonna. The song effectively adopts Madonna’s sound circa 1986, thanks to Madge and Stephen Bray producing. NK only bothered the top end of the British singles chart one more time, with its follow-up ‘Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever’ (which reached number 16).