For me, I'm old fashioned in that I would like all of the original TJB and solo albums reissued on a hybrid SACD. The TJB discs should also have all of their original album art intact and have ochre labels with the original A&M logos as well as session info, song concept info and anything else pertinent to the release of each album. Perhaps some photos of the recording sessions if there were any and exactly who played what on each track. I don't care if the discs are priced a bit higher than typical midline releases, I want the whole enhilada! The extra entertainment, info and attention to detail is worth a few more bucks to me. Done complete and done right I say. Just let Cornerites know a little in advance of the release, so we can sell our old 80's cds on eBay with the "MEGA RARE" nomenclature attached. That way, we can make enough money to spend like a drunken sailor on the reissues and probably still make a profit!! (LOL). Seriously though, as far as rarities go, I'd like these all on separate discs as a collection. All of the mono and single versions that differ from the stereo album versions esp. "Beat Of The Brass" tracks, non album B sides, unreleased tracks, alternate versions etc. Last but not least, a DVD set of all of the TV specials, the entire live performance that "Mame" was taken from on the BOTB special, and other live performances. I know this is a lot to hope for, but as was said earlier, this is probably the last time we'll see any new TJB releases in the foreseeable future. Why not cover it all. Also, Herb is not getting any younger, and I'm sure he'd want to have the last word and creative hand in any representation of his work. If he doesn't do it while he's alive, it might fall into the hands of a company that would cheapen his catalog. I think it's important if we want quality, to not worry about what the reissues will cost. A project like I'm describing would not be marketed as a "bargain package", but rather as a collective masterpiece that will enrich the music collection of all of us who have been mesmerized by Herb and his various incarnations over the years. So what if we have to dig a little deeper into our pockets for this kind of quality. We've all been yamoring for the better part of a decade about how we long for all these things. If Mr. Alpert takes the time and effort necessary to do this project the way I've described, than I for one will spend the bucks without hesitation.
I can't wait to see what Herb's cooking up.....
David,
already feeding the piggy bank in anticipation.........