Customer Reviews

Rare & Well Done: Greatest & Obscure 64-01

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This CD is really 2 separate CDs marketed together. The first CD, "Rare" is a collection of previously unreleased tracks spanning all of Al Kooper's career. The second CD, "Well Done", is sort of a greatest hits collection. Hard core fans of Al Kooper are likely to already own much of the material covered in Well Done, although it is great to have them in one disc, and will focus on the "Rare" tracks. New Kooper fans will probably want to listen first to the "Well Done" tracks. The entire collection of 33 songs highlights the musical influences on Al's songwriting, including Brian Wilson, James Brown, Ray Charles, Eric Clapton, XTC, Dylan and others.

Rare

This CD starts with a new studio version of I Can't Quit Her, with Al playing all of the instruments. I can understand how playing this song for 34 years may cause Al to want to record a new version. Still, I thought the BS&T version was pretty close to perfect and loved the version on Soul of a Man more than the 2001 version. I really enjoy listening to the 1964 demo of Somethin' Goin On, which Al writes was heavily influenced by James Brown At the Apollo. Other highlights for me on the Rare disc are an absolutely killer version of Ray Charles' "I Believe in My Soul" from 1970 with Mick Taylor, a bluesy "Nuthin' I Wouldn't Do (For A Woman Like You)" from 1994, and a big band Jazzy version of "Hey Jude" from 1969 with some fabulous jazz luminaries.

Well Done

I won't review the selections from Soul of A Man (my favorite album by any artist) but will focus instead on Al's 1976 version of "This Diamond Ring" which Al writes is the way he originally conceived it in contrast to the Gary Lewis version. I love the version of "Bury My Body" from 1969 which showcases Al's gospel roots. Much has already been written about the Stephen Stills - Al Kooper version of "Season of the Witch." Note for note, it is just about perfect. Well Done also includes some of my other Kooper favorites such as "New York City (You're A Woman)", "I Stand Alone," and more. The disc is aptly named.

I would be remiss in not mentioning the absolutely fabulous liner notes and insert that Al obviously spent a lot of time doing. It not only includes pithy insights from Al about each song but also includes impressions of Al from 30 top musicians including Stevie Winwood, Taj mahal, BB King, Brian Wilson, Tom Petty and others. The insert also havs terrific pictures of Al with many rock stars. Just great stuff to read.

"Rare and Well Done" is a well-thought out compendium of Al Kooper's work. Over the course of two discs, the listener is treated to the many facets of this gifted musician. Kooper is probably known to most rock fans as a producer and maybe "that guy who played organ on Dylan's 'Highway 61'", but this set will make a case for his legacy as a remarkable writer, arranger, vocalist, instrumentalist--- an all-around sonic auteur!

"Rare" is a disc of true oddities--- covers, demos, Kooper's own versions of his songs which have come to be asociated with other performers--- the highlight is a bizzare version of XTC's "Making Plans for Nigel" that just defies decription--- you need to hear it! This disc makes the case for a Kooper as a true experimentalist.

"Well Done" is nominally a "greatest hits" disc, but even Kooper's most commerical work is probably not famlliar to most rock fans today. This disc will either be a great discovery or a wonderful-sounding, remixed, remastered collection of favorites.

This is a 2-disc set with an agenda: to bring the work of Kooper into focus and into the public eye. I hope the release does garner some recognition for one of the unheralded visonaries of the rock era

Al Kooper's "Rare and Well Done" CD is a much welcomed compilation of works by this terrific performer/composer/arranger. The disc is loaded with best works, demos, and outtakes (most of which are better than songs many artists leave in on their albums). Filled with pop, soul, r&b, jazz, and bits of other musical influences, "Rare and Well Done" spans Al's multidecade career and reveals his skills at musical interpretations. This enjoyable sampler screams out for the re-release of his entire catalogue of music, much of which is currently unavailable. For now, though, buy this CD by all means. You will be well satisfied.

This is a totally dazzling collection of music from a man who is probably the most under-rated and least recognized musical geniuses working in popular music today. Not only that, he also works in blues and is a great player as well. He's up there with Brian Wislon and Lennon & McCartney, only no one knows it.

I nominate Al Kooper to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!

Al Kooper has always been one of the most versatile and talented musicians in the world. Production, engineering, performing, arranging, songwriting, teaching, authoring .... he is a national treasure. Rock and Roll hall of fame are you listening?

This compilation is a jem! "Well done" features Kooper Classics superbly remixed by the man himeself. The "Rare" disk is a wonderful treat for Kooper fans. I hope this gets the attention it truly deserves, so Sony will let Kooper remix his solo albums as well as encourage Al to release (even if it is independantly) some of his newer music.

Long live Al Kooper - the world is a far better place with him in it! WELL DONE, AL.

In response to the previous reviewer's question, this CD contains the full 11 minute version of "Season Of The Witch". This compilation lives up to its name. It has a generous amount of Al's rare and well known music. The info booklet is informative and entertaining as well. Hopefully, this CD will help more people realize Al's great contribution to rock music.

I give 5 stars to "Well Done" but 1 to "Rare". Don't get me wrong, I love Al Kooper. I just read his book "Backstage Passes and Backstabbing Bastards" and could not put it down. This guy has done just about everything there is to do in the music business, and he has done it well. Plus he's one funny geezer.

He played on a number of classic Dylan albums including "Highway 61 Revisited" and "Blonde on Blonde". He even practically produced "New Morning" but wasn't given credit for it. He formed "Blood Sweat and Tears" but quit/was fired before they got cheesey. I love how he talks about that group... (paraphrasing) "if they can live with 'Lucretia MacEvil', God bless 'em".

He discovered Lynyrd Skynyrd and produced their first 3 albums. He claims that Ed King's guitar solo on "Sweet Home Alabama" is in the wrong key, but I disagree. I think 'G' is the right key! D/C/G = 5/4/1. Isn't that right, Professor Al?

Anyway, Kooper has been on numerous songs you know - including the Stones "Can't Always Get What You Want" and he's produced some of the greats: The Tubes, Nils Lofgren, B.B. King, Ricky Nelson, and many more I can't remember.

"Well Done" rocks convincingly. It makes a bid for Al Kooper as genius. The players he worked with in the '60s and '70's were all first rate: Mike Bloomfield, Shuggie Otis, Stephen Stills...

What bothers me most about "Rare" is the new stuff. I wanted to like it so bad - especially after reading his book and how he has been persecuted lately by record companies and fans alike, but I just couldn't help feeling like he's lost his magic touch. Some of the older rarities are fun - I really liked the big band jazz feel of "Hey Jude" - you will hardly recognize the tune, but it swings!

Anyway, one thumb up for "Well Done" and one down for "Rare", but overall it is worth the price of admission just to get a feel for Mr. Kooper's whole career. Go ahead, just be aware of what you're getting.

33 songs on two discs, the first rare stuff and the second of course are his well known songs. Kooper does it all...blues - gospel - rock - jazz. The cover you heard of Season Of The Witch was something he did with Stephen Stills. There is a bizarre version of XTC's Making Plans For Nigel and a jazzy version of Hey Jude. A true rock & roll legend!

I bought this CD a few weeks ago and am still playing it every day. Great collection and every song shows Al's unique style well. I listened to this CD while I was reading his book "Backstage Passes and Backstabbing Bastards". I highly recommend this CD.

...I'm sure it's great, Al is my all time favorite, and I've heard all the Well Done stuff. But as I read through the various reviews, I came to a realization. Nearly every one is well written, with good English, correct spelling, and overall interesting to read. There seems to be a common denominator here. I predict there will never be a book called "Al Kooper For Dummies". They don't seem to like him.