Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Yes, clearly worth trading up, January 5, 2007
The original Car Wheels is a five-star album if there ever was one. This landmark work is beyond question on of the finest albums of the 1990s. But you probably already know that. But does it really sound better, as there is some debate in this review section? (And the original is hardly shabby.) First, the difference in my pretty good car system (VW Monsoon, so nothing truly special) was not suble, if that's any help. If you have anything approaching a high-end system in your home or car, this is an easy call. The instruments just jump out of the speakers in a way the original mastering did not. Second, the added songs are certainly worth it. Third, the live set is mandatory if you love Lucinda; it was a great period of her live performances. So there you have it. And if you're new to Lucinda, it is hard to figure any down side to buying this. Get it.
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great album gets a polish, January 29, 2007
Lucinda's quintessential album gets a bit of a production polish with this reissue that falls just short of a 10th anniversary. Yes, Disc One of this edition contains the original material from "Car Wheels," but, in my opinion, the songs sound MUCH, MUCH better - crisper, clearer, with greater definition. There was nothing wrong with the original production, but this one just pops out of my headphones and car stereo speakers with a bit more oomph.
Three added-value tracks follow "Jackson," the album closer. "Out of Touch" ended up on her "Essence" CD, and I think that version is the better one, but this early attempt is still interesting to hear. "Down the Big Road Blues" is a tremendous tune that did not make the final cut, probably because it's more of a pure blues number, unlike the material that did make it. And who can resist any version of "Still I Long For Your Kiss"? This music is sexy as hell!
"Car Wheels" is one of my favorite albums, and ranks alongside "World Without Tears" as my favorite Lucinda record. She's a phenomenal songwriter, able to craft deeply personal lyrics that have universal value, and has a voice to rival Bono's in its uniqueness. (Just as you'd recognize Bono's voice almost instantly, so Lucinda's is easily recognized.) She sparkles on the second disc of this release, recorded live in Philadelphia back in 1998. Lucinda and her band burn through a great set that includes "Joy," "Hot Blood," "Changed the Locks" and "2 Kool 2 B Forgotten."
I'm not a big fan of reissues, but this is no retread, this is the ultimate version of a fantastic album.
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15 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A must for fans, but especially for those new to Lucinda, November 29, 2006
Is this "Deluxe Edition" significantly better or different to warrant plunking down $27--nearly three times the cost of the original issue?
First, the "digitally remastered" original material sounds identical to the first issue, at least to my ears via my Bose stereo.
Second, is there enough new material here to warrant buying this? The answer is yes. There are three new tracks: a blues number and two studio outtakes of Out of Touch and Still I Long for your Kiss. These versions are more tender and passionate than the originals, and are better versions.
The second CD included here is a live concert from 1998. Lucinda and band are in fine form, and their playing is better than the live CD she issued in 2005. Also, her voice is less ragged than on that CD. There's also a smokin' version of Hot Blood, which should be its definitive version.
It would have been kinder for Lost Highway records to have simply issued the live material with more studio outtakes (this CD took six years and multiple attempts) to make this a worthwhile buy (thus my four star rating). But if you don't own this CD or--especially--are new to Lucinda, then this is the one to buy.
This 1998 album has received enough accolades (including a Grammy; it went gold as well) to warrant inclusion in any collection.
For those who want to hear Lucinda live for free, go to NPR's "All Songs Considered" web site. They have a 2005 concert that has her and band in fine form, and has newer material than on this CD.
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