And on August 31st, Capitol’s deluxe reissue of The Band’s 1968 Music From Big Pink debut album drops. It is a box set with new mixes and mastering by Bob Clearmountain from 24/96 digital masters, in all the formats (except tape ;-)---black vinyl, pink vinyl, CD, and digital streaming. The deluxe box includes two LP’s, a 7" 45, a CD/Blu-ray with surround sound mixes (why?), and a book. Five outtakes and alternate takes and an a cappella version of "I Shall Be Released" (featuring pianist Richard Manuel’s astounding lead vocals) will make their debut.
This is one of the very few albums important enough to me that I will be getting every version offered, though I already have a 1st pressing US LP (mastered by Bob Ludwig), an original UK LP, the first Mobile Fidelity LP, the current Mobile Fidelity LP, and a few CD’s. I have no doubt so will Eric Clapton ;-). I hope Capitol also gives The Band’s follow-up (s/t, the "brown" album) the same treatment.
