Needle Time

  War - Greatest Hits [RCV1 643546 USA RSD2020 24-Bit 176.4kHz FLAC] I don't often post greatest hits albums, purely because the format is subjective. This compilation does contain some of the band's best known tracks but its 1976 original release date means that Galaxy , Youngblood and Groovin' are missing. Whilst Low Rider will always be War's best known single, Me And Baby Brother will always be a huge personal favourite. So what's the deal with this RSD2020 Black Friday release, and why has it shot up in value on reseller markets? Until very recently many of the 5500 copies pressed were relatively easy to find in stores due to lack of sales. Then in July 2022, Kevin Gray made it known that he was responsible for the mastering from original tapes and had cut this record using a new all analogue tube system - he went on to suggest that it was one his finest sounding projects.  I guess that may a subjective proposition as well, however the proof is in the liste...

  War - Why Can't We Be Friends? [ILPS 9378 UK 1976 24-Bit FLAC] Time to dig out another old record, I ripped this a while back and have only just gotten around to working on the files for a post. One of two War album among my racks (the other is The Music Band ), Why Can't We Be Friends? will always be remembered for one particular track, Low Rider , in fact that is probably why I bought this copy secondhand in the mid-eighties. Other tracks (the more uptempo pieces) remind us that War were just as good as Funkadelic (without the acid), no more so on Heartbeat. La Fiesta is evidence that they also held down a latin vibe, the title track is an uplifting four minutes of soul-pop-reggae crossover which should go down well with friends across the Atlantic, following the recent shenanigans by their outgoing head of state. A1 Don't Let No One Get You Down A2 Lotus Blossom A3 Heartbeat A4 Lonnie Dreams A5 The Way We Feel A6 La Fiesta A7 Lament B1 Smile Happy B2 ...