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. We've got digital EPs from Daryl Hall and U2 and expanded albums from Dan Hartman and Akon; bet you'd never hear those artists in one sentence! As an Amazon affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Dan Hartman, It Hurts to Be in Love (Expanded Edition) (Blue Sky/Epic/Legacy) (iTunes / Amazon)
Recently issued on CD for the first time by Iconoclassic Records, Dan Hartman's 1981 album - a turn away from the disco work he'd been known for, toward more melodic pop stylings - featured the minor hits "Heaven in Your Arms" and the title track. (One site's opinion: sample it (including the two rare bonus tracks) on streaming, and make sure to get your copy of the disc, which features liner notes from our very own Joe Marchese!)
Daryl Hall, Someone Like You EP (RCA) (iTunes / Amazon)
The fourth and final single from Daryl Hall's 1986 solo release Three Hearts in the Happy Ending Machine gets the digital EP treatment, offering two rare single mixes - one featuring a guitar solo, the other featuring a wailing sax in its place.
U2, Walk On EP (Island/UMO) (iTunes / Amazon)
The 13th (and penultimate) release in U2's digital singles initiative To Love and Only Love, which has loosed many of the remixes and B-sides to singles from Pop and All That You Can't Leave Behind. (The last one, if you're interested, is slated to be "Electrical Storm," off The Best of 1990-2000.)
Akon, Trouble (20th Anniversary Edition) (Republic/UMe) (iTunes / Amazon)
This Senegalese-American singer broke through with his debut album in 2004, featuring the Top 10 hits "Locked Up" (which bore his signature production sound of clanking jail bars that belied the smooth R&B sound therein) and "Lonely" (anchored by a hyperspeed sample of Bobby Vinton's "Mr. Lonely"). The original track list is now more than doubled thanks to more than a dozen bonus tracks, remixes and features, many of which appeared on original physical and digital deluxe editions around the world.
John Watson says
Why such a strong emphasis on release of circa-80's EP's lately? There must be some interesting catalog LP or box set releases made available to stream/ download as well?
Iconoclassic Records says
Please buy Dan Hartman on CD.
Zubb says
AMEN!
Bruce Padgett says
Just did! Looking forward to hearing it.
Iconoclassic Records says
Thank you!
Randy says
I did! Thanks for keeping physical product music alive!
Iconoclassic Records says
Thank you!