Customer Reviews

Traveling Wilburys (2 CD / 1 DVD)

5 star:		(150)
4 star:		(26)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The two Traveling Wilbury albums that George Harrison cut with his friends are finally back in print. The first album is worth five stars. With a combination of Harrison, Lynne, Dylan, Petty, Orbison and honorary Wilbury Jim Keltner on drums how could it not be? "Volume 1" is a great album that hasn't aged for me at all. The two bonus tracks on disc one "Maxine" and "Like a Ship" are both terrific and would have fit well on the album. Sound is very good for the album with more punch to my ears.

The second album "Volume 3" missed Orbison but is almost as good as the first album. Definitely worth four stars in my book, Dylan is a bit more center stage on this one although all the Wilbury's still share lead vocals on a number of tracks. The two bonus tracks here have been released one on the "Nobody's Child" benefit album the other as the b-side of a single. The first "Nobody's Child" a cover of a 50's tune and the second a cover of Del Shannon's classic "Runaway" add to the album although they aren't quite as spectacular as "Maxine". FYI for completists--"Runaway" is DIFFERENT from the single version. Jeff Lynne went back overdubbed guitar/harmonica on it and some other bits as he was never quite satisfied with the "finished" version on the single.

"Volume 3" had two great singles the rocking "She's My Baby" and "Wilbury Twist" and while it still sounds terrific it doesn't quite have the off-hand vibe that made the first album perfect. It's still a terrific follow up.

The DVD has a documentary with interviews of the band and plenty of behind-the-scenes footage of the recording of the album as well as some clips from the first couple of singles. It also includes all five videos for the two albums. It's a pity we won't see this quintet or quartet recording any more as they did a pair of terrific albums. The DVD by the way is multi-region according to my box. The package also includes a booklet with comments from former Warner head Mo Ostin discussing how the group came to be as well as the full credits for each album, photos and the contents of the booklets for the original CD releases.

What I think made the Traveling Wilburys so special was the spontaneous formation of these 5 über-rockers. George Harrison, wanting a little help for an extra track for his single This Is Love, got much more than just a B-side in what I consider one of the best pop rock songs of the 80's: Handle With Care. An idea for an album followed, and these extremely talented singer-songwriters formed a superb collection of tracks which would become Traveling Wilburys Volume 1. There isn't a single bad song in Volume 1, and it's no wonder it's listed as one of Rolling Stones 100 greatest albums of the 80's.

After Handle With Care, which needs no introduction, we get Bob Dylan's sexually suggestive rocker, Dirty World, followed by the country sounding Rattled, voiced by Jeff Lynne. On an album full of staggering hits, Rattled may very well be decent elsewhere, but may be my choice for the weakest of this album, if it's even right to call any of these songs weak. The catchiest track of the album, Last Night is probably the next strongest song, although Roy turns in a stunner with Not Alone Any More right after it. The album continues with the guys taking vocal and writing turns, and originally ended with End Of The Line.

I know some people may still feel volume 1 is superior, and considering the price of this set, and how much they can probably go out and get the out of print Volume 1 once this collection hits, some may be considering just finding the first Volume cheap. Well, one very strong argument not to get the original is that you are missing out on the George Harrison song Maxine. It's vintage George and it's a shock that this never made it on an album. It's a great never officially released song that every Harrison fan should have. Like a Ship is decent, but it's Maxine that makes these Bonus Tracks on Vol. 1 so special.

While there are two unofficial Volume 2's (a bootleg containing demos and extended tracks; and Full Moon Fever, Tom Petty's album where George, Roy, and Jeff collaborated) Disc 2 in this collection is the DVD, which features a 25 minute documentary shot in 1988 which covers the formation of the band and their work on some of the album's songs, including Tweeter and the Monkey Man. It also includes all of the band's 5 videos. The picture quality is fairly sharp, however I am not convinced they were digitally remastered. I liked all the videos, with maybe the exception of the Wilbury Twist, which seemed to be the End of the video artistic Line for the band, as it was a little on the dull side. Handle With Care is easily the best of the videos, just based on Roy's slight head bobbing up and down, when he first comes in to full camera view to start singing his part. A nice Roy touch to the video, to go with his immense contribution to the song. The End of the Line, with the band playing while traveling on a train, is probably my next favorite.

Disc 3 is Volume 3, and the second album released by the group. It is sadly missing the recently departed Roy Orbison. Some say this lost a little magic for Volume 3, however we get some final great songs from the band. Their single She's My Baby starts it off, followed by my pick for the best song of the album, the harmony filled Inside Out, which features an almost Beatles like 60's chorus and lyrics, albeit with a touch of Tom's unique voice thrown in to give it an updated twist.

Bob Dylan is featured prominently over the next several tracks, including If You Belonged to Me, which is all his vocals, and my second best pick off this album, Where Were You Last Night, which features George and Bob taking turns with the vocals. Two 50's sounding rockers are featured with New Blue Moon and 7 Deadly Sins, and there's the humorous country tune Poor House, and the somewhat silly new dance called the Wilbury Twist. Rounding out my 3 top picks off this album is Tom featuring on the song Cool Dry Place. It's a more subdued sounding Tom that sounds great. The bonus tracks on this album are a big treat as well, with George, Bob, and Tom all taking turns singing on Nobody's Child, a poignant song about orphans, and what is probably Jeff's best vocal contribution on either disc, the Del Shannon remake Runaway. Another reason to pick up this new collection.

This is overall a fine slice of 80's rock history, and a complete showcase all in one place, for a very shortlived but now legendary band. All their videos, all their songs, plus a few extra bonuses, make this set a no-brainer. Don't even think about taking the cheap way out and going for the old CD's, as you'll surely be missing out. One final note, the DVD is NTSC, but also listed as being compatible for Regions 1-6, which I believe is pretty much the same as a Region 0.

The title of this set is simple and accurate, but it could also have been called "The Complete Traveling Wilburys." Since George Harrison was the original guiding inspiration for this fun, shambling supergroup, it's safe to say there won't be any new material, and so this set collects all that there was (audio & video). These guys were good friends, and their love of the music comes through in the music. For collectors, the bonuses contained in this collection are rather slight. On the DVD there's a 25-minute promo documentary on the recording sessions for Volume 1. It's pretty low quality footage of the home movie variety, but still an interesting insight into the dynamics of these legends getting together. Each of the two CDs has a pair of rare or previously unissued cuts, the choicest of which is a version of "Runaway" (with Volume 3). As for the two original albums, they stand up pretty well after all this time. Admittedly the songs on Volume 3 are less impressive, but there are still some keepers such as "7 Deadly Sins." All in all, I found it a joy to get reacquainted with this stuff several years on. Whether you pronounce it Will-breeze or Will-burries, this is a well assembled set that would be a good addition to your collection, especially if you don't already own both Volumes 1 & 3.

By the way, it really feels like the spirit of the Beatles is strong lately, what with George Harrison popping up on this reissue, McCartney putting out a new solo record, and the new Darfur-Lennon tribute album.

I'm not going to rehash how wonderful these performances are but I WILL go on about how superb the remastered recording is. Back when these were originally released on CD it was in the dark days of digital music reproduction (the horrors of modern day Mp3 "music" notwithstanding) and the sound was a flat as a Lubbock County cotton field.
Now comes a proper presentation through digital remastering and these recordings have never sounded better. Your ears will delight in a beautifully thrown soundstage, in the sweet highs, proper lows and the no longer middling mid-range.
Order this release today. Your love affair with the Wilburys will be rekindled.

The Traveling Wilburys are finally on the move again, in the form of this fine rerelease, anyhow. George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, and Roy Orbison (Vol.1 only) joined together in 1988 to record an album as a "supergroup", The Traveling Wilburys ( each band member was credited under an alias, ie. Lefty Wilbury, the idea being that they were the Wilbury Brothers.) Despite Roy Orbison's untimely death in December of 1988 from a heart attack, the remaining group members reconvened in 1990, took different aliases and recorded a second, and final album ( with George Harrison, proclaimed "ringleader of the Wilburys" by Tom Petty dead, it is unlikely that any further albums will be recorded.) Now reissued in the form of this set, featuring a DVD of music videos and interviews with the Wilburys, the music of both the above albums is available once more for our enjoyment. How do the music and DVD rate? Read on...

Well first, other than Handle with Care ( which I heard from the concert for George performance with Tom Petty and the Heartbrakers, Jeff Lynne and Dhani Harrison), I had not heard any of the Wilbury songs prior to owning this collection. I have to say that I enjoyed almost all of them immensley and every song does have something positive to offer. For example, though I'm not the biggest fan of Bob Dylan ( the guy has written great lyrics, but his style just isn't really my thing all that much) I have to say that Dirty World, and 7 Deadly Sins ( both of which he lead sings) are lyrically amongst the best on either album, and are highly enjoyable. Heading for the Light, and especially The Devil's Been Busy are clear highlights for anyone who, like me, considers themselves a fan of the solo work of George Harrison ( listen for the sitar on the latter track.) Last Night is brilliant Tom Petty ( I'm just starting out on him) and Not Alone Any More is a moving song, sung in typically uplifitng beauty by Roy Orbison ( one of R&R's greatest voices ever.) Congratulations and Tweeter and the Monkeyman ( the latter being rather amusing) have their charms and have grown on me, while End of the Line and Handle with Care, the two biggest hits, are fine numbers, with outstanding vocals.

So far, I've only discussed Vol. 1 for the most part. However, that said, I feel Vol. 3 ( George, being who he was, decided the second album ought to be called number 3) to be the stronger of the two. She's My Baby makes for a fab start, while Inside Out and If You Belonged to Me follow amiably, but not outstandingly. Devil's Been Busy and 7 Deadly Sins are clear highlights, Poor House is fun, while Cool Dry Place, it has to be said, despite some amusing lyrics is a low point for either album, but at least fits in with the flow. New Blue Moon and Where Were You Last Night are fine numbers ( with the former outstanding, in the romantic vein.)You Took my Breath away seems, seems mark you, to meander lyrically ( in a charming sort of way) but is still enjoyable, and Wilbury Twist, along with Devil's Been Busy, She's My Baby, 7 Deadly Sins, and New Blue Moon, forms the powerhouse of Vol. 3. This, the Wilburys' best is a highly enjoyable album!

( As a brief side-note: This being as good a time as any, I would like to question a previous reviewer's dismissal of Jeff Lynne. The guy's got a beard, OK. He's a GREAT producer (Cloud Nine, by George Harrison, being a prime example of this),and with ELO wrote many fine songs with great melody, and, yes, strange lyrics. This man's combination of the classical and pop genres in the early days of ELO makes for great listening material to this day. While not always lyrically brilliant, Jeff Lynne is a fine musician and producer, and his contributions to anything, this included, should not be overlooked. Rattled, She's My Baby, et al, happen to favorites of mine here! ( With Bob Dylan in the group, I don't know how anyone could argue that Jeff has the worst singing voice of the Wilburys either.))

As to the DVD, the documentary ( the true History of the Traveiling Wilburys, complete with the band members credited under aliases) is great stuff, fine interviews and a fascinating look at the creative process of the band, although I would have liked to see some stuff on Vol. 3 as well ( George is heard to say that Roy would have liked them to go on, but that's about it.) The videos are great to see with End of the Line, and Handle With Care from the first album featured, while She's My Baby, Wilbury Twist ( especially great video) and Inside Out come from Vol. 3. The liner notes are great fun too ( with Anthony DeCurtis elaborating on the history of the Traveling Wilburys as a race of peoples!) and the photos are nice to see out and about.

Overall, the music alone makes the set worth it, but combined with the DVD and booklet, this is a five star box set. Essential, especially for those who don't own any Wilburies already. 5/5

It's hard to write a review about this new collection, since much of what I'd like to say has been echoed in nearly *every* review thus far. That being said, this is a simply brilliant release, one that truly reminds us just how uplifting music can be, and more importantly, how great music *never* gets old. Nearing the 20-year mark, these songs sound as fresh and poignant as they did back in 88/90 respectively, and with each repeated listen, I love them more and more.

What really makes this collection a smash is the inclusion of just about everything the Wilburys did. From the two bonus tracks on Vlm1 (Maxine, absolutely brilliant Harrison, and Like A Ship, a Dylan-meets-Lynne with an incredibly 'Beatle-y' middle-8) to the additional tracks on Vlm3, it's such an overwhelmingly positive vibe, that you just can't stop listening. I've literally moved these CDs from Car to Home Stereo, back to the Car, and just can't get enough. And, if you don't nearly shed a tear watching the (short, but unbelievably effective) DVD documentary on the making of the Wilburys, well, then watch it again. It's heart-warming, it makes you long for Harrison and Orbison, and it really emphasizes the greatness and the legacy that these two (along with the other surviving members) have left behind.

And, on the remastering front: awesome. Loud, punchy, (especially the kick drums and bass---not overdone, but you really feel Jim 'Sidebury' Keltner!) with vocals literally jumping out at you. And, despite the fact that these are technically 80s recordings (okay, 1990 as well), they don't sound it, simply because (as you'll learn in the DVD), Lynne and Harrison really kept the production to using 'natural' sounds, ie, no echoey-reverbed-gated Drums, no cheesy, digital delayed vocals and guitars; basically, pure sound, as it existed in the room, played together. Again, brilliant.

So, what else can one say about the Traveling Wilburys?? It may be the 'End of the Line'...but that's what 'repeat' on your CD player is for. Buy it. Listen to it, and re-experience the feeling of divine musical magic.

Being that I retired from the music business and, after hearing the Wilburys, started playing again... I am just a wee bit biased.

This package is about as perfect as it could be. There is somewhat of a limit on what could have been done on the DVD but it is still a treat. The END OF THE LINE video reminds me of the classiest tribute that rock and roll has ever had, the guitar strewn rocking chair saving Roy Orbison's place. Still brings tears to my eyes. He died on top!

The harmonies, the varied voices (the best voice in rock (Orbison) to the weary voices of Petty and Dylan and peak-career voices of Lynne and Harrison) plus the songwriting. Damn, magic in a bottle!

This is a true super-group. Not hiding behind instruments, voices drive this train!

The astral plane has been busy lately, George and Roy are having a party. A new generation will hear the long-discontinued Wilburys discs. Check out Dhani Harrison's debut project thenewno2 (they're a dot com too).

It's rare that I'll review such a mainstream release, saving whatever advice I can offer for the more eclectic and off-the-main-drag artists I gravitate to. And this is not so much a review (of which there are plenty of well-detailed here) as it is a rave, a coyote gleeful howl of appreciation.

I got my copy of this boxed set earlier today. I watched the DVD first, then played the 2 CDs straight through a couple of times. What an evening! The Traveling Wilburys playing loud (remastered to pristine, crisp beauty in this new boxed set), with that jangly 12-string, acoustic-guitar-orchestra wall-of-sound and the delightful earnestness of a bunch of musical superstars leaving their egos at the door and having such obvious, genuine enjoyment making frivolous, fun, toss-away masterpieces, and maybe some of the most precious moments of 2 now dead (Roy Orbison and his best-in-rock voice shining so bright one last time, George Harrison having the time of his life and weaving his sweetly idiosyncratic slide guitar throughout), and who could have predicted what a great-sounding chorus the disparate voices of Bob, Tom, George, Roy, and Jeff would be? All while reading Stephan Nachmanovitch's book "Free Play: Improvisation in Life and Art" and picking up "The Sound of Water: Haiku by Basho, Buson, Issa, and Other Poets" to randomly open it to any one the priceless poems so lovingly translated by Sam Hamill...

OMG, does it get any sweeter?!

Thank you Olivia for allowing us to see this recording as a work in progress with the bonus DVD. The DVD that is included with this re-release, watching the "brothers" work their magic is priceless. Those of you who are on the fence wondering if this CD/DVD is worth buying, wonder no more. It's awesome.

Rolling stone rated the first of these albums as in the top 100 and I totally agree. What is so wonderful is how this music came to be. Unlike the overproduced, overhyped cr*p that passes for Rock & roll these days. Muscians having fun, isn't that the way it's always supposed to be?

I like the bonus DVD. It shows how much fun these guys had making this music. No big studio, just artists jamming in the kitchen! Yeah there are folks on youtube jamming but these guys have talent.

It is too bad that more music isn't made this way. So get it while you can, you won't be sorry, and this package is a great deal, (two cd's plus the DVD for the same price as the CD's.)