An Anthology

An Anthology, Vol. 2 Japanese only 2 x SHM-CD (Super High Material CD - playable on all CD players) paper sleeve pressing. Universal. 2008.	Skydog: The Duane Allman Story Now in paperback - revised and expanded, with a new afterword by the author - this is the definitive biography of Duane Allman, one of the most revered guitarists of his generation. Skydog reveals the complete story of the legendary guitarist: his childhood and musical awakening;...	Beginnings For once, a record label actually gives us more bang for the buck, combining two indisputable classics--1969's self-titled debut and the 1970 follow-up Idlewild South--onto one glorious CD. Five urgent notes kick off Spencer Davis's "Don't Want You No More," and by the time that ...	The Allman Brothers at Fillmore East There has never been a better showcase for improvisational rock than this 1971 concert recording, and few (if any) live rock albums are in its rank. With only two studio albums (and plenty of touring) under their belt, the Georgia sextet tore into the Fillmore East with road-test...	Live at Ludlow Garage 1970 This two-CD set won't cause you to throw out your copy of Fillmore East, but it is at very least a worthy companion to that 1971 classic. Recorded the previous year at the famed Cincinnati venue (but not released until 1991), Ludlow catches the band in the moments just before the...
Eat a Peach Having firmly established themselves as "The Grateful Dead of the South" via their enormously successful 1971 Live at the Fillmore East double album, the Allman Brothers had just begun work on a new studio collection when slide guitarist Duane Allman died in a motorcycle accident...	The Layla Sessions : 20th Anniversary Edition	Live at the Atlanta International Pop Festival: July 3 & 5, 1970	Laid Back By the end of 1973, the Allman Brothers Band seemed to have it all nailed down. They'd proven their mettle with a fine synthesis of blues, jazz, folk, and country influences; expanded upon it with the definitive Fillmore East set; and moved forward after the separate losses of gu...	Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs Layla stands as one of a handful of pillars of classic rock. The short-lived ensemble that was the Dominos provided an outlet for Eric Clapton to vent his then unrequited (and secret) passion for the wife of his best friend, George Harrison. Romantic anguish inspired Clapton to w...

Finally ...
I finally understand the fuzz about Duane. I have only occasionally heard his guitar playing on different albums - but never owned an album myself. I have 300+ blues albums with all of the greats Howlin, Muddy, Buddy, the Kings, T-Bone among many others. I feel so bad for never really digging into Duane until now. He's playing is fantastic and this album is a sure treat. I am happy happy happy :o)

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!

Think Back At What Could Have Been
Can it really be 36 years since that tragic day in 1971, when we lost the great Duane "Sky Dog" Allman? Well the calandar dosen't lie, that's for sure. Just imagine all that he could have accomplished had he not taken that fateful ride that ended his all too short life. But think of all that he managed to do in less than ten years as a professional musician. The Duane Allman Anthology reveals just how special he was and what he meant to all those who love the many facets of his glorious musicianship. Before there was an Allman Brothers Band, Duane established himself as a solid session player within the ranks of Rick Hall's Fame Studio's Muscle Shoal's Swampers. Duane played alongside Berry Becket, Roger Hawkins, Jimmy Johnson, David Hood and Al Lester on the beautiful Boz Scaggs album and the wonderful John Hammond's Southern Fried. On both of these he manages to stay within the framework of some beautifully crafted ensamble playing. And when he does step forward he burns the house down with some incediry slide guitar solos. Duane played on some brillant recordings with Atlantic Records R&B super stars like Aretha Franklin, The Wicked Wilson Picket, Clearence Carter and the inimatable King Curtis & his Kingpins. He worked his magic on the legendary Layla sessions leaving us with some breath taking dual guitar work alongside Eric Clapton. He headed up a terific combo together with fellow Allman Brothers bandmates Berry Oakely and Butch Trucks on Johnny Jenkins classic Ton Ton Machute. He toured and recorded with Delaney & Bonnie & Friends. He played on Herbie Mann's fine recording Push Push and held his own among some serious jazz musicians. He worked with Laura Nyro on Christmas & Beads Of Sweat, (though not featured on either Anthology collection) and he layed down some virtuoso dobro work with Macon Georgia's own Cowboy. The list is almost endless. And to think he did all this in less than ten years. On a personal note, today Thanksgiving 2007, I'm thinking of Duane. It was on Thanksgiving night 1971 that I saw The Allman Brothers Band perform their first concert without him. It was a special night indeed at Carnagie Hall, watching the surviving members giving it their all, without their leader. Hearing brother Gregg sing "I have not come to testify of our grave misfortune" just ripped your heart out. Listening to The Brothers perform Will The Circle Be Unbroken still sends shivers down my spine. I think back at what could have been and I also appreciate so much what he did leave for us. R.I.P. old friend. We surely will never see his likes again.

The best guitarist of them all
This set will give a taste of the tremendous talent Duane Allman showed both as a leader of the Allman Brothers Band and as a sideman. Highlights include the great solo on Boz Scaggs "Loan Me a Dime", the classic "Layla", "Down Along the Cove", his slide work on the Allman Brothers "Dreams" and "Don't Keep Me Womdering" along with Duane's composition "Little Martha". I can't imagine a set of great music without Duane Allman and this set hits on many high notes. Also highly reccomended is Volume 2.

Slide genius
A great retrospective and fitting tribute to one of the true musical geniuses of our time.In Tom Dowd's analysis of "Layla",during Duane's slide solo he excitedly proclaims "Duane is playing notes that are not found on the guitar!!!",emphasising Duane's mastery of playing above the fingerboard. Even though Duane was taken from us at an early age,he will forever remain as one of the true giants of the guitar.