From the vaults – the best reissues

The Okay, Boomer Award for a reissued album that never went away:

THE BEATLES: Abbey Road

Their final studio album returned for its 50th anniversary with remix tweaking and a disc of outtakes, some of which – Come Together and I Want You (She’s So Heavy) particularly – are compelling. Then they crossed the road into history.

Now hear this: The Rolling Stones, Let It Bleed (50th anniversary reissue).

The Budget Advice Award for an expensive but enjoyably secular Sunday:

BOB DYLAN: Travelin’ Through, 1967-1969 The Bootleg Series Vol 15

At this time Dylan was acoustic and comfortable after his turbulent years. This collection of mostly unreleased country material spotlights his association with Johnny Cash.

Now hear this: Steve Gunn, The Unseen In Between.

The Get Up-Stand Up Award for righteously indignant reggae:

HERBS: Whats’ Be Happen

Released after the decade of discontent – Ngā Tamatoa, dawn raids, Polynesian Panthers, the hikoi, land occupations – and as the 81 Springbok tour arrived, this EP (now with French Letter added) captured the zeitgeist. Angry but at times a lament for what might have been in this country.

Now hear this: Sarathy Korwar, More Arriving.

The It Was Jazz, Jim, But Not As We Knew It Award:

NATHAN HAINES: Shift Left

New Zealand’s biggestselling jazz album got 20th anniversary treatment (with bonus remixes), and its blend of turntables and hip-hop consciousness alongside saxophonist Haines’ classic jazz scholarship still sounds timely. Now hear this: Tom Ludvigson and Trevor Reekie, Roto.

The Nightcap Award for providing rest amid the haste:

VARIOUS ARTISTS: Kankyō Ongaku: Japanese Ambient, Environmental and New Age Music 1980-1990

As it says, collected quietness. To say more would make unnecessary noise. Now hear this: Al Fraser, Sam Leamy, Neil Johnstone, Panthalassa.

For more by Graham Reid see www.elsewhere.co.nz