Electric Light Orchestra – Classic Albums Collection (Epic / Legacy) review

Sony Legacy has begun the “Complete Albums Collection,” an opportunity for fans to acquire an artist’s entire catalog at a reduced price and compact size.  For the ELO set, all eleven of the band’s original albums are included, each in their own paper sleeve, faithfully replicating the original album artwork.  The entire set is housed in a cardboard box, which also contains a booklet featuring the liner notes to all the albums.  The reason this set is not called “complete” is the absence of the ELO comeback in 2001, Zoom.  Also missing are the tracks used in the Xanadu movie (“All Over the World” and “I’m Alive”).

Elvis Presley – Elvis Country – Legacy Edition (RCA/Legacy) album review What if Elvis jammed with the Allman Brothers?  That’s what the stellar version of “Whole Lot-ta Shakin’ Goin’ On” sounds like, complete with slide guitar – one of the many surprises in the Legacy Edition of the somewhat confusingly titled Elvis Country 2-CD set that’s just been released.  I say confusing because it’s not really a country record – not in the traditional sense anyway.  In fact, several tracks rock harder and tougher than anything since the singer’s very first recordings.

Rolling Stones – Some Girls (Deluxe Edition) (Universal Republic) review Some Girls was pivotal in the history of the Rolling Stones.  It proved that, no matter what the music trend, the Stones would continue to prevail.  To some extent, the band is still riding the momentum created by the success of this record.  There’s no need to dissect the original album (you can read my earlier review here).  Instead, let’s concentrate on the bonus material that makes up disc two of this collection.

Capitol Christmas Wrapup The fine folks at Capitol/EMI sent us a batch of holiday discs they’ve issued for the 2011 Yuletide season.

Chipmunks – Christmas with the Chipmunks Quite possibly the greatest Christmas album ever – at least in small doses.  Christmas with the Chipmunks features the original David Seville-led furry trio during their original burst of fame in the early 1960’s .  There were, in fact, two separate volumes of holiday tunes, and this album takes the best from both of them.  The amazing thing is just how timeless these recordings are.  In an age where a lot of humor from 50 years ago doesn’t apply, the Chipmunks, with the bratty Alvin always making trouble for leader David – never gets old.

We've compiled a list of Icon Fetch's Sweet Sixteen - The Best Albums of 2011.  These are the discs that spent the most time jammed into our car stereo and in heavy rotation on our Ipod over the last 12 months.  Each album includes a link to a full Icon Fetch review.  Plus, we've also added links to each album so you can preview them at amazon. We'll be posting our "Album of the Year" after Christmas.

Over the Rhine - The Long Surrender (Great Speckled Dog) Hands down a stunning release, hauntingly beautiful.  Excellent production by Joe Henry.  Gets better with every listen.  Read the review.  Preview the album on amazon

Smithereens - 2011 (E1 Entertainment) Our vote for "comeback of the year" - the 'reens return with their first new original studio album in 12 years.  There's a youthful energy to these tracks.  Read the review.  Preview the album on amazon.

Davina & the Vagabonds - Black Cloud (Roustabout) A fun listen - nothing like a blazing horn section to cheer you up.  We're expecting more big things from leader Davina in the future.   Read the review.  Preview the album on amazon

Suzi Quatro – In the Spotlight (Cherry Red) Her best new record in years plays to all her strengths.  In America, we remember Suzi Quatro as the cool rock chick Leather Tuscadero on the sitcom “Happy Days,” and for a Top Ten duet in 1979 with Chris Norman, “Stumblin’ In.”  But, overseas, she’s worshipped as a goddess.  She was recently crowned one of the “Twelve Queens of British Pop” by the BBC, she hosts a weekly radio show over there, and has sold a staggering 50 million records worldwide.  The disparity in her popularity from here to over the big pond is difficult to understand.

Ben Wilkins – self titled (Milagro) review The most melodic album of the year comes from a young songwriter from Canada.  Ben Wilkins’ self-titled debut is full of memorable hooks and echoes of the past.  His excellent piano work and pleasant vocals recall a time when singer/songwriters dominated the charts of the early Seventies.  But, what truly makes this album a throwback is Wilkins choice of recording technique – choosing to utilize a real string section, horns and background vocals.  This, intertwined with his keen melodic sense, make for an album that sounds incredibly fresh amongst all the digital sampling of today.