Holland Sessions, The - Ben Webster

Advantages: Several cover versions released for the first time
Disadvantages: None

...The Who recorded several sessions for the BBC in their early years. The first-ever one, for the 'Joe Loss Show' of all things (the Queen Mother's favourite bandleader - interesting combination!) has long since been wiped, but luckily the rest of these wscaped a similar fate. There's an interesting balance of the band's own songs, including the hits 'Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere', 'My Generation' (the number itself, plus a jingle for Radio 1 - "Talkin' 'bout my favourite station"), 'Substitute' (two versions) and 'I'm a Boy', as well as album tracks like 'Disguises' and 'Run Run Run', as well as a rare Roger Daltrey composition 'See My Way'. It's interesting to compare these more rough-and-ready versions with the official studio recordings released at the time, when they had the luxury of endless overdubbing and mixing facilities. Just... Read review

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Advantages: Two of their very best studio albums
Disadvantages: None!

...that would reach full effect on Ross' future blockbuster classic, Ain't No Mountain High Enough). The glorious, bouncy musical arrangements contain slight hints of jazz. Fantastic! The accompanying album to these classic pair of hits was The Supremes Sing Holland Dozier Holland (1967). Like the chart-topping album The Supremes A Go Go (1966) contains many cover versions and also hosts some B-sides and left over tracks from various recording sessions. You're Gone But Always In My Heart was a lovely heartache ballad recorded some years earlier in 1964. Ross packs in a compelling performance with her vocals sharp and distinctive, brimming tenderley with emotion. There are also impeccable backing vocals from Florence Ballard and Mary Wilson. I Wanna Mother You, Smother You may be admitedly formulaic to the genre but it comes complete... Read review

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Advantages: Lyrics, great indie-pop, remastered and bonus tracks
Disadvantages: Not entirely justified for already firm Five fans

...and Composed' is probably one of their most underrated songs and only after consistent listening and seeing it live [See: Ben Folds Five's Sessions at West 54th St DVD] will many understand how well arranged and written it is along with, quite frankly, just about every track on 'Whatever and Ever Amen'. What is special about this Remastered Edition of 'Whatever and Ever Amen' is not just the fantastic remastering of the tracks (audiophiles will notice the difference easily) but the addition of several rare recordings. Standouts from this are the bouncy cover of 'Video Killed The Radio Star', the faux-showtune 'Theme from Dr Pyser' and the absolute standout cover of Flaming Lips song 'She Don't Use Jelly'. This song is a perfect example of Folds' masterful arrangements and the powerhouse performers this trio really are. If you are new to Ben Folds... Read review

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