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Mastery returns to shelves: great reissues of 2014

The music business can’t survive on new music alone.

Many records are born again decades after their original release through the reissue, which often contains bonus material, outtakes and B-sides along with remastered tracks. Reissues help bands that have been broken up for decades gain new fans.

Every year great records get the reissue treatment. The Beatles and Led Zeppelin re-issued music in 2014 for the umpteenth time. The Pogues reissued their early releases on vinyl, and The Allman Brothers Fillmore East Recordings – a record that continues to earn critical praise – also saw new light. There were scores of great reissues in 2014; here are some:

Public Enemy, “It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back/Fear of a Black Planet.” These are two groundbreaking hip-hop records reissued together. Love or hate hip-hop, any sane music fan should acknowledge the aggression, lyrical intelligence and continued relevance of P.E. These records remain as bold as the message they convey, with as sharp an edge as they carved years ago.

Uncle Tupelo, “No Depression.” Arguably the greatest record of the alternative country canon, this 1990 release is a staple for those curious about the kinship of punk and country. While Jay Farrar and Jeff Tweedy’s breakup produced two bands that exceeded the commercial success of UT, the Belleville trio struck gold with their Midwest mating of The Carter Family and Black Flag, translating the deadeend ideas of small town life into rockers and beer-drinking ballads.

John Coltrane, “Offering: Live at Temple University.” The master recordings from this 1966 Coltrane concert finally see official light, highlighting the saxophonist’s beautiful, auditory chaos. While there are Coltrane recordings more pleasing, formed and recognizable, let this stand as a time capsule to Coltrane’s daring experimentation.

Sleater Kinney, “Start Together.” “Start Together” is a box set of the band’s remastered discography, a prelude to what will be a busy year for the Northwest female trip, which includes a new record and tour. Of the female indie bands of the ’90s, Sleater Kinney was most accessible. Great songwriting was matched with the idea of moving past guitar angst to favor harmonies, while remaining true to both the serious and fun side of rock ’n’ roll music.

The Kinks, “Muswell Hillbillies.” The reissue of this 1971 album contains bonus material, along with the original record, and a second DVD disc of television performances. It’s Ray Davies’ lyrical look of modern life set to American roots music. Horns give it a New Orleans feel, while dobros and banjos are littered throughout. It’s a showcase of the talent of the Kinks, a British Invasion band that was thankfully neither the Beatles nor Stones, influenced far beyond American blues and early rock music.

Liggett_b@fortlewis.edu. Bryant Liggett is a freelance writer and KDUR station manager.

Bryant’s best

Friday: Funked up Friday with DJs CK and Baby Bel, 10 p.m., no cover, Moe’s, 937 Main Ave., 259-9018.

Sunday: The Blue Moon Ramblers, 7 p.m., no cover, Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., 375-7160.



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