One for the Ages
The Duane Allman Anthology Volume 2 brings together an eclectic mix of musicians and Allman's superior guitar skills. The range of music on this two-disc set displays Allman's versatility. Blues, Motown, southern rock, straight rock 'n roll, funky jazz, Creole rock - all manner of R&B - you find it all here.

In addition to his work with the Allmans Brothers Band, Allman was a session musician. Most of the songs here feature someone other than Allman such as King Curtis, Aretha Franklin, Herbie Mann, Otis Rush, Dr. John Creaux, Wilson Pickett, Lulu, Boz Scaggs, Delaney & Bonnie, and Ronnie Hawkins.

(Pickett's 'Born to be Wild' was one of the anthems of a generation - looking back from middle-aged parenthood I can only imagine how thrilled my parents were to hear that song blaring!)

The album goes from one triumph to another. 'Walk on Gilded Splinters' featuring Dr. John is worth the purchase price all by itself. Likewise, 'The Weight' by King Curtis and 'Push Push' by Herbie Mann.

There's also plenty to satisfy Allman Brothers Band aficionados. 'Done Somebody Wrong' and 'Midnight Rider' (live from the Fillmore East) as well as 'Leave My Blues at Home' all feature the full band.

Allman's carefree nature is on display in 'The Happily Married Man' (refrain: I ain't seen my wife in 2 or 3 years, I'm a happily married man) and 'No Money Down', a Chuck Berry song about trading in his 'broke-down raggedy Ford' for a Cadillac with a nuclear reactor, railroad air horn, and psychedelic strobe spot.

Blistering good music. Highest recommendation.

JAPAN REMASTERS OF BOTH ANTHOLOGY ALBUMS NOW AVAILABLE

Universal Japan has issued new '08 remasters of both Anthology and Anthology II, both in LP-replica mini-sleeves of the original album covers, and both complete with replicas of the original booklets.

It's great to finally have improved-audio versions of both of these fabulous compilations, but the track that just knocked my socks off was the remastered "Loan Me A Dime": This track sounds better than any other CD ever released, including the '97 Scaggs Anthology. I've always loved that song, and now it sounds like you're standing in the room when they recorded it; you won't believe the increased clarity of the drums, or the awesome bass-drum kick on this version.

The price of both of these sets will probably take your breath away, but you can find them direct from Tokyo retailers, or eBay, for nearly half the price Amazon is charging for them. Just don't delay in buying them, as all mini-sleeves are limited edition.

WHAT IS A JAPAN "MINI-LP-SLEEVE" CD?

Have you ever lamented the loss of one of the 20th Century's great art forms, the 12" vinyl LP jacket? Then "mini-LP-sleeve" CD's may be for you.

Mini-sleeve CDs are manufactured in Japan under license. The disc is packaged inside a 13.5MM X 13.5MM cardboard-sleeve, precision-miniature replica of the original classic vinyl-LP album. Also, everything else packaged with the original LP is precisely replicated and included, such as gatefolds, booklets, lyric sheets, posters, printed LP sleeves, stickers, embosses, special LP cover paper/inks/textures and die cuts. An English-language lyric sheet is also included, even if the original LP did not have printed lyrics.

Then, there's the sonic quality: Often (but not always), mini-sleeves have Japan-dedicated remastering (20-Bit, 24-Bit, DSD, K2 or K2HD, and/or HDCD), and can often (but not always) be superior to the audio on the same title anywhere else in the world. There also may be bonus tracks unavailable elsewhere.

Each Japan mini-sleeve has an "OBI" ("oh-bee"), a Japan-language promotional strip. The OBI often also lists the original album's release date, the Japan street date of that particular disc, the catalog number, and mastering info. Bonus tracks are always only listed on the OBI, maintaining the integrity of the original LP artwork.

The enthusiasm of mini-sleeve collecting must be tempered, however, with avoiding fake copies of Japan `sleeves manufactured in Russia and distributed throughout the world, primarily on eBay. They are inferior in quality, worthless in collectable value, a total waste of money, and should be avoided at all costs.

Also, there are older Japan mini-sleeve releases that have been supplanted with newer ones, usually with updated audio (such as JVC-Japan replacing older K2-mastered titles with new K2HD mastered releases).

All mini-sleeve releases are limited edition, but re-pressings/re-issues are becoming more common with some of the Japanese companies (but, again, not always). Mini-sleeve collecting can get expensive quickly, so, if you're a novice, it is highly advisable to seek the advice of an experienced `sleeve collector!

Still a great set of music
Like the first anthology, this set features more of Duane Allman both in the Allman Brothers and a sideman. There's some real treats here including the cuts by Johnny Jenkins, Herbie Mann, Otis Rush, King Curtis, and especially the lead vocals from Duane on the set. His work on "Dimples" alone is worth the price of the set! Though not quite as good as the 1st set, it is still magnificent and still 5 stars.

"The weight" is over, pick this up and enjoy Duane's magic!
As the author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent" and a former radio disc-jockey, I am often asked to write and or discuss various recordings from the 60's and 70's.

It has been a unanimous vote that the legion of Duane fans prefer the first Anthology. That said in no way does it desecrate the wide range of Duane's talents showcased on Volume 2.

Duane's brilliance can be appreciated even more once you get through a listen to both Anthologies. Many terrific players are locked into one style of playing and it becomes their calling card. The skill displayed by Duane is well noted but we never want to overlook how his talent went in so many directions. He could play the blues, country, folk, and rock but never did a solo or a rhythmic pattern feel inferior in one of those categories.

Duane's presence in a recording studio was good enough to push his fellow musicians into higher expectations. Listen closely to "Dirty Old Man." Lulu had a solid career in the U.K. (1960's) with her combination pop and rhythm and blues vocals. "Dirty Old Man" has her singing the blues and Duane providing the backing for her to confidently explore new territory.

"Matchbox" sounds wonderful with Ronnie Hawkins and Duane's excellent rendition.

"Walk On Gilded Splinters" from Johnny Jenkins is another highlight. Duane's guitar sounds as if it playing only for you. The entire 5:15 is captivating!

When the Duck & The Bear track "Goin' Up The Country" (It is the same song you all know and love from Al Wilson- Canned Heat) first resonates from the speakers you'll feel as you have been lassoed between the tweeters and woofers!

Even if the new math says "1 is greater than 2", two is pretty special!

Enjoy the music and be well,
Craig Fenton
Author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent"

Impressive
Not as good as volume #1 but still amazing guitar playing and a great collaboration of other amazing musicians.