The Traveling Wilburys *Re-Issued*
One of the only successful “supergroups,” the Wilbury family consisted of Nelson, Otis, Lefty, Lucky, and Charlie T. Wilbury, Jr.
…also known as George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan and Tom Petty…
On June 12, a three CD deluxe edition, comprised of Vol. 1, Vol. 3, plus outtakes and alternate versions will be re-issued on Rhino. Apparently these have been out of print for many years, though I never realized it since I have owned them both since their original release, nearly 20 years ago. (Yes, I said 20. Doesn’t that make you feel old?)
If you’re wondering why there is a Vol 1 and Vol 3, but no Vol 2, that would be because of the death of Roy Orbison in December of ’88 and the subsequent court battles with his estate. They had enough material for the planned release of Vol 2, but it never came to light, thus when the remaining four members got together to record another album, it was named Volume 3. There are other theories out there as to why the skip from #1 to #3, but that’s the version I’ve always heard. I would imagine that the death of George Harrison contributed to both albums being pulled off the shelves, but that is complete speculation on my part.
What I do know is the Wilburys, Volume 1 is an awesome album- loose, fun, and impeccably produced with nary a bad song. A bunch of buddies getting together over a long weekend having a good time and making some music without any pressure. That’s essentially what they did, and that’s what it sounds like. In contrast, Volume 3 is a good lesson of why you should quit when you’re ahead. I own some bootlegs with out-takes from the original sessions too, and while they are interesting, they’ll never be mistaken for the Basement Tapes.
I’m undecided as to whether I will actually purchase this, but being the completest that I am, the odds are probably in favor of it.
Back in my college days I met a beautiful young lady who invited me up to her apartment and told me to put on any music that I’d like while she jumped into the shower. As I fumbled through her collection of cassettes, I ran across the Traveling Wilburys, though admittedly towards the bottom of the box. Wow, I thought, she’s not only drop-dead gorgeous, but she’s got great taste in music to boot!
I cannot describe the look of horror on her face as she seductively walked out of the shower, hair dripping and wrapped only in a towel… to find the Traveling Wilburys playing on her stereo.
I don’t think she even knew she owned it.
She later told me that her favorite band was R.S.F.
R.S.F.?
Needless to say, that relationship didn’t last…
June 5th, 2007 at 5:49 pm
Oooo! Now I know what I can get Ziggy for his birthday in August. ‘Course, it doesn’t hurt a thing that I happen to love ‘em, too.
Thanks, PI!
June 5th, 2007 at 7:56 pm
It’s not only sad that she said “Right Said Fred”, but that she used the term “RSF”.
June 6th, 2007 at 6:08 am
There was never “enough material” for a Volume 2, nor any legal issues with the Orbison estate. George said they skipped to Volume 3 to circumvent the inevitable raised expectations for a Volume 2. And the albums had been out of print long before George died, as he was planning for their reissue before his death.
June 6th, 2007 at 6:14 am
Thanks, wardo..
June 6th, 2007 at 7:10 am
The Wilkburys were a supergroup that succeeded. They had a lot of fun and it showed. I’ve had Vols I and III for years and will proably get the re-issue, too.
June 6th, 2007 at 8:01 am
Okay, I’m out of my comfort zone here. I don’t know either the TW or RSF….
My college faves were the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins, etc…
June 6th, 2007 at 8:48 am
On the subject of “supergroups†here a few of my favorite big happy family collaborations –
Danny & Dusty –
In the mid 80’s during the height of the first alt-country movement, Dan Stuart of Green On Red and Steve Wynn of the Dream Syndicate put out a fantastic album of rootsy rockers. The rest of the band was fleshed out with other members of Green On Red as well as LA cosmic cowboys, the Long Ryders. Energized and full of swagger this record captures the energy of these guys at the top of their game and commercial success.
Just a few months ago, Dan & Steve surprisingly got back together and put out a second record and backed it up with a tour of Europe.
Raisins In The Sun –
The premise behind this collaboration was to see what four songwriters could produce together over the course of a long weekend in the desert. There’s another Green On Red connection here as GOR guitar slinger, Chuck Prophet was one of the 4 songwriters. He was joined by Memphis producer extraordinaire, Jim Dickinson, Harvey Brooks & Jules Shear (who wrote the song, “If She Knew What She Wants†for the Bangles). Buoyant, well written power pop and 12 barish rock.
Golden Smog –
This is a “supergroup†that has actually made an effort over the years to record multiple records and tour. A bit of a revolving cast of characters that were originally based around the late 80s/early 90s Minneapolis scene. Participants include/d members of the Jayhawks, Soul Asylum, Run Westy Run and most notably (to me anyway) Jeff Tweedy of Wilco. I find the catalog hit and miss, but each album always has some real gems.
The Knitters –
This is another mid 80’s project which introduced countless punks to country music. The Knitters was John Doe, Exene & DJ Bonebrake of X with Dave Alvin of the Blasters doing originals and classic fold & country covers. At times a bit campy, the sincerity of performance is there. Absolutely spot on picking by Dave Alvin and the trademark harmony of John & Exene made this album one of my favorites 20 years ago and it stays in rotation to this day. In the last couple of years they’ve done quite a bit of touring as the Knitters.
One more little pick –
Can we not forget the Highwaymen? Back in the Traveling Wilbury days, these boys were my pick. Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Cash & Waylon Jennings. What else needs to be said?
Damn this is a long post. Why didn’t I just post this to my never updated blog?
June 6th, 2007 at 11:28 am
How could you forget Temple of the Dog? It was formed by Chris Cornell (Soundgarden), Stone Gossard (Mother Love Bone, Pearl Jam), Jeff Ament (Mother Love Bone, Pearl Jam), Matt Cameron (Soundgarden, Pearl Jam), Mike McCready (Pearl Jam), and later Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam). A collaboration between three of the most influential bands during the Seattle grunge era, formed in the aftermath of the tragic death of Andrew Wood, Chris Cornell’s roommate and lead singer of Mother Love Bone.
June 6th, 2007 at 5:41 pm
The Rest of the Story: before I was told to put on whatever music I liked while she was cleaning up, I was told not to bother her in the shower… Of which the door was left cracked open.
Being the clueless gentleman that I am, I left her alone, thinking maybe the door has to be cracked to let out steam or something… besides, I was listening to “Tweeter And The Monkey Man.”
June 7th, 2007 at 3:32 pm
I’m too sexy for your shower, too sexy for your shower.
June 10th, 2007 at 6:35 pm
CP is my musical hero. I can’t believe he wrote about Chuck Prophet. So cool.
m.