It's Tuesday, but most of the new music this week has already been out for a day. But assuming you were too busy to get out to the shops, here's a look at what's new. And there's quite a bit!
Various Artists, Phil Spector Presents The Philles Album Collection (Phil Spector Records/Legacy)
Six of the first seven Philles albums presented in mono, along with a bonus disc of those delightfully out-there instrumental B-sides. Seriously, have you heard any of them? They're crazy. In a good way, that is.
Diana Ross & The Supremes, The 50th Anniversary Collection 1961-1969 / The Temptations, The 50th Anniversary Collection 1961-1971 (Hip-o Select/Motown)
Two new triple-disc sets capture two of Motown's greatest groups at their peak, with every A- and B-side from the listed periods contained therein.
Paul Simon, One Trick Pony / Hearts and Bones / Graceland / The Rhythm of the Saints / Songwriter (Legacy)
The first four are the 2004 Rhino reissues in jewel cases instead of digipaks (although Graceland is re-remastered), the last is a two-disc compilation handpicked by Simon himself with a big thick booklet for your persual. (Have you read Joe's great review? You really should.)
Pearl Jam, Pearl Jam 20 (Sony Music Video)
Cameron Crowe's celebratory documentary, now available for home viewing.
Various Artists, The Bridge School Concerts: 25th Anniversary Edition (Reprise)
Two new sets - a 3-disc DVD box and a double-disc CD set - capture 25 years of one of the best known (and, let's face it, best) benefit concert series of all time. Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, Bob Dylan, The Who, Simon and Garfunkel, Paul McCartney, Sonic Youth and a host of other rock luminaries appear.
Howlin' Wolf, Smokestack Lightnin': The Complete Chess Masters 1951-1960 (Hip-o Select/Chess)
Four CDs of vintage blues goodness from The Wolf - including some tracks making their Stateside debut.
Mumford & Sons, Sigh No More: Deluxe Edition (Glassnote)
The great British roots-rockers' major label debut, expanded with a bonus track, a live disc and a DVD documentary.
The Monkees, Head (Rhino)
A shiny new vinyl reissue of the cult classic album.
The Mamas and The Papas, If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears / Strawberry Alarm Clock, Incense and Peppermints (Sundazed)
The original, classic albums in mono, on CD! (There are a few other notables coming from Sundazed for you '60s fans, too.)
Yes, 9012Live: The Solos - Expanded Edition (Friday Music)
The first-ever domestic CD release of Yes' overlooked live album/side project, with two live bonus tracks for good measure.
Deftones, The Vinyl Collection 1995-2011 (Reprise)
A limited edition collection of the alternative band's studio albums, plus an album of non-album covers, previously only available as a Record Store Day exclusive. (It's sold out online, but I'm sure it's still up for grabs here and there.)
Nirvana, Nevermind: Super Deluxe Edition (Geffen/UMe)
Previously a Best Buy exclusive, it's worth noting that this title is now available everywhere. Hooray!
Try to See Things Their Way: Ace Preps 'Here, There and Everywhere,' Third Collection of Beatles Covers Through a Black Lens
Listen to the Music: Rhino's Rocktober Slate Features Doobie Brothers, Yes, Fleetwood Mac, Monkees, More
Release Round-Up: Week of September 6
Touch My Heart: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Expands "From Where I Stand: The Black Experience in Country Music" Box Set
I'm in the dark here but was there a reason releases were out on Monday this week?
I don't know either, but I wish I would have known. Oh well, I had to get the Jurassic Park trilogy on Blu-Ray today, so I guess it doesn't really matter.