Welcome to another edition of The Weekend Stream, The Second Disc's review of notable catalogue titles (and some new ones, too!) making digital debuts. A legendary classic rock concert is back on digital channels, along with EPs from U2, Madonna and Daryl Hall, a remixed cast album from a beloved musical, and a new record from one of the most underrated bands of the last few decades. As an Amazon affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
George Harrison, The Concert for Bangladesh (Apple) (iTunes / Amazon)
Finally available digitally in its entirety and around the world: the live account of George Harrison's 1971 fundraiser for Bengali refugees at Madison Square Garden that essentially invented the modern benefit concert. In accordance with its 2005 reissue, it features performances by Harrison, Ravi Shankar, Ringo Starr (the first joint concert appearance by the two former Beatles since 1966), Billy Preston and Leon Russell, plus Bob Dylan's surprise set (including reissue bonus track "Love Minus Zero/No Limit") and even the studio bonus cut "Bangla Desh," included on some previous digital download editions.
Phil Collins, Live from the Board EP (Craft/Rhino) (iTunes / Amazon)
In case you were wondering if Phil Collins' Record Store Day Black Friday vinyl release of the Live from the Board EP would be available elsewhere - as it's not in the upcoming vinyl box Both Sides (All the Sides) - it looks like your prayers will be answered with an eventual digital release. (Currently, only "Sussudio" is live, with the other three tracks expected over time.)
The Damnwells, Bad At Beautiful (Poor Man) (iTunes / Amazon)
One of the more criminally underrated bands of the 21st century, The Damnwells (fronted by singer/songwriter Alex Dezen) mixed folk, country and indie-rock in an emotionally satisfying blend that could not be dimmed by a mercurial record business (watch the documentary Golden Days to see how the end of their time on a major label was particularly frustrating). Dezen is a great working songwriter/producer/mixer today and performs with his partner Amber Bollinger in the post-punk band Broken Baby, but occasionally takes The Damnwells out for a spin, and their latest album - their first since 2015, and like that album, featuring the original line-up - is another fine reminder of their talents together.
Daryl Hall, Foolish Pride EP (RCA) (iTunes / Amazon)
Four remixes of Hall's second single from 1986 solo release Three Hearts in the Happy Ending Machine are available digitally for the first time ever, following the recent "Dreamtime" EP release. Expect more of these over the next month!
U2, Elevation EP (Island/UMO) (iTunes / Amazon)
Choked with remixes and live cuts, this latest EP in U2's digital reissue series (which will likely wrap up with two more singles from All That You Can't Leave Behind, sort of teeing up an expected How to Dismantle An Atomic Bomb 20th anniversary reissue) puts another seemingly familiar single back on digital channels: the remix of "Elevation" that became a minor radio hit in promotion of the 2001 film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, based on the popular video game series.
Madonna, Deadpool & Wolverine: Madonna's "Like a Prayer" EP (Sire/Warner/Rhino) (Amazon)
The Queen of Pop's iconic hit appears during several pivotal sequences in the latest Marvel Studios blockbuster (which finds Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman reprising their roles as wisecracking mercenary Deadpool and X-Men stalwart Wolverine in a multiverse-hopping adventure). So it only makes sense that this EP would collect Madonna's chart-topping original, the "Battle Royale Remix" used in a bloody fight sequence and a choir version heard at the film's climax.
Spoon, They Want My Soul (Deluxe More Soul Edition) (Matador) (iTunes / Amazon)
In honor of the 10th anniversary of the acclaimed eighth album by indie-rockers Spoon, it's been digitally reissued with a virtual disc's worth of unreleased demos.
Next to Normal: Original Broadway Cast Recording - 15th Anniversary Edition (Ghostlight) (iTunes / Amazon)
The 2009 Tony Award-winning musical Next to Normal is currently packing houses in London's West End in a new production starring Caissie Levy (Frozen) in the role of suburban mom Diana Goodman, originated by Tony-winning star Alice Ripley. Now, composer Tom Kitt is revisiting the groundbreaking musical he co-wrote with lyricist-librettist Brian Yorkey for a special 15th anniversary edition of its electrifying cast album starring Ripley, J. Robert Spencer, and Aaron Tveit. Kitt and co-producer Derik Lee have remixed the original album from the multitracks, bringing out new elements in both the orchestration and vocals, and revitalizing it with a newfound energy better reflective of the cathartic experience in the theatre. The remixed and remastered album is streaming now, and will be released on CD and LP later this year. Next to Normal explored mental illness in a frank and authentic fashion all too infrequently seen on stage; this newly-revitalized recording is a reminder of its searing score and the powerful emotions it conjures.
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