Featuring classics like "Handle With Care," "End Of The Line," and "Heading For The Light," super-group Traveling Wilbury's Collection highlights all of the band's music and previously unreleased bonus tracks through th... more »is re-mastered double album. The DVD features behind the scenes footage of the band writing and recording, along with their 5 video clips. Limited edition Deluxe package includes 40-page booklet and other exclusive extras.« less
Featuring classics like "Handle With Care," "End Of The Line," and "Heading For The Light," super-group Traveling Wilbury's Collection highlights all of the band's music and previously unreleased bonus tracks through this re-mastered double album. The DVD features behind the scenes footage of the band writing and recording, along with their 5 video clips. Limited edition Deluxe package includes 40-page booklet and other exclusive extras.
George, Bob, Tom, Roy and Jeff... 5 stars for sure!
Albert G. Smith Jr. | Daytona Beach, Fl USA | 06/17/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I guess that based on some of the comments, I am one of the lucky ones. I pre-ordered this set in early May and it shipped a couple of days before the actual release date. It arrived a couple of days after the day of issue, but based on my Amazon price of $24.99 for the deluxe set, the same price as the standard edition in most of the "super-stores" in my area, that couple of days of waiting were not too bad.
I rate this set as five stars based on the price I paid. If I paid the near 40 Dollars for the limited edition set as it is priced locally, I might not feel the "extras" are worth 15 extra Dollars. The standard set of two CDs and the DVD are worth $24.99, and indeed, the deluxe set has the standard set inserted into a larger box. So for that extra 15 Dollars you get a small book with photos and narrative about the group, a couple of postcards with generic vintage photos (not of the group) announcing the "Wilburys are coming", and a couple of photos of the actual group playing. There is also a number of issue supposedly from 1 to 50,000, mine being 26, XXX for a set that was sent out before the release date.
The actual reason that I wanted this set, already being in possession of the original vols. 1 and 3 CDs was that DVD, and I was not disappointed. The documentary of the group's initial formation as well as the production of vol. 1 was great to watch. The production value is 1980s home video, but that was when this documentary was shot, so it is true to that era. There is no Dolby 5.1, but the basic stereo works for the low-tech group of rock and rollers. As I watched it, I wished I could have been a fly on the wall during that very short period of terrific synergistic creativity. The lack of ego from these rock-gods and the fun of this endeavor came through. I was so sad watching Roy Orbison laughing and cutting up knowing how short his time on earth was, but I think he had a great exit, going out on top. Seeing the speed at which these people came up with so many songs, the way they finalized them, and the trust in the final product was great. When you think of how many "lesser" albums required much more in time, effort and technology, it reminds you of how great this group really was.
The DVD transitions from the documentary into 5 music videos, again each only basic 2.0 stereo, but fine for this music. Two songs are from vol. 1, and three from vol. 3. I always liked vol. 1 more than 3, but watching the videos for "She's my baby" and "Inside out", gave me a new appreciation, as I watched the trading of lead vocals and the harmonizing in a (dare I say) "Beatle-esk" way. Seeing that empty rocking chair during Orbison's vocal in "End of the Line" was a heart-breaker, but I was glad the group paid respect to him after passing. Overall, this is a fine DVD from an era that never needed anything better than quality good enough for VHS.
The two CDs are as good as they can be technically and both have additional tracks tacked on. This is the all-in-one Wilburys product for those that were never able to get the original recordings all those years ago. The addition of the DVD makes this a no-brainer.
I know some are harping about what is not on this set, but I am rating it for what it is, not what it isn't. 5 stars are warranted for these two discs of great music, and video of a terrific group in action.
"
George's Perfectly Legendary Guitar Supergroup
David M. Molaison | 06/12/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Wow, what a week! First Paul's "Memory Almost Full", now the Traveling Wilburys. And Ringo's "Liverpool 8" comes out this month too! Feels like the '70 all over again...Sorry to digress.
I just listened to/watched the "Deluxe Edition" CD and documentary and videos. It doesn't get much better than this! "Hall of Fame" vocals, loads of outstanding guitar playing, to-die-for harmonies, all high energy but laid back fun. George formed this group from close friends. Those relationships shine through on every track. The classy packaging reminds me of first opening "The Concert For Bangladesh" or "All Things Must Pass". Lots of postcards, pictures, and a very sturdy box and "Wilbury's History Book". My only complaint: No lyrics! Unbelieveable! Best moments...."Archive" footage of all sessions, especially Roy Orbison's vocals on "Not Alone Any More" and George leading the band through "End Of The Line". Pure Pleasure.............."
The Wilbury Twist
Stagliano | Springfield, PA United States | 06/13/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After all the years of waiting we finally have the re-mastered versions. It was well worth the wait. The DVD is also really good, but I would like to have seen it in 5.1. The bonus tracks are good but it's a shame there were no more (Like the instrumental version of 'New Blue Moon') from the 'She's My Baby' CD single released around the time of Vol. 3. The version of 'Runaway' also differs from the version on the 'She's My Baby' CD single, there are now horns present, I guess this one has been re-mixed."
6, not 5 great friends forge magic
Richard A. Tucker | Pembroke Pines, FL | 06/23/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'd just started converting to CDs when the first Taveling Wilburys album came out. For some reason I bought the album insead of the disc. That probably had to do with the fact that all of these long established musicians were recording long before discs became the norm and buying the album just came naturally. Harrison, Petty, Orbison, Dylon, Lynn and I'm including Keltner as well, because his drumming is absolutely essential to this group, came together and made some fine music. They did it simply and directly by working together as friends and fellow respected creators and craftsmen and forged a union that was so natural it defied the stardom they each enjoyed seperately. For me this is what making music is all about. It's this ability for a group of guys to sit together and hammer out the music and lyrics that will then be recorded and make it's way out into the world to touch people in ways subtle and profound. While Roy Orbison was missed for the "3rd" album his spirit was just as evident as a fresh breeze stirring your hair on a hot summer day. The release of the bonus material was also a natural progression for this set. Watching those vidoes and the recording sessions made time stand still for a little while. For the time I watched that footage Roy and George were still in this world."
"Handle With Care" this is the ultimate prize!
Craig Fenton | Airplaneville, New Jersey | 07/31/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As the author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent" and a former radio disc-jockey, I am often asked to write and or discuss various music supplies and recordings from the 60's and 70's.
You've heard the terms "Supergroup", "Rock "Legends", and "Heavyweights." The Traveling Wilburys exemplified the terms but what made the project so extraordinary were some other expressions "Respect", "Fun", and "Egos in check."
The opening track "Handle With Care" may be the best song written in the past twenty years. The sound of the guitars, the Harrison vocal segments, and the blending of the words and music make this a song for the ages. It is an example of a tune so powerful and addicting that if the rest of the CD were blank justice wouldn't be served if we didn't purchase a copy. The consistency of the tracks the guys penned is a credit to their collective genius. "Heading For The Light" is another instant classic. The vocals are delivered with such sincerity you feel that you are in the recording studio. "Tweeter And The Monkey Man" is Dylan magic. At any moment Dylan could deliver a masterful performance. The song is as eventful as the wonderful words found on "Desire" and Blood On The Tracks." When the follow-up CD came out many unjustly only wanted to compare it to the debut. The new release will be a great excuse to rediscover some brilliant compositions. "The Devil's Been Busy", "Where Were You Last Night?", and "Cool Dry Place" are reason alone that the follow-up should have been placed on a higher pedestal.
The bonus tracks are more than a generous holiday gift. "Nobody's Child" which originally appeared as a charity song for the Romanian earthquake victims is a song that any artist should be honored to have on one of their releases. If you have enjoyed previously the myriad of versions of the song "Runaway", here is another one that will mesmerize you! I don't even have to mention the DVD bonus with the videos.
It's hard to imagine a world without George and Roy. It is very easy to imagine how special their families are!
Enjoy the music and be well,
Craig Fenton
Author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent"