Bob Seger - Heavy Music: The Complete Cameo Recordings 1966-1967

I am certainly no expert as far as who owns the rights to Smokin OPs, but it has been reissued by Capitol at various times over the past 40+ years - orange label (mid-70s), green dome label (late 70s/early 80s?), and a couple of times on CD. Seven was as well. Why those were a part of his deal when he re-signed with Capitol, and Back In 72 wasn't, is beyond me.

 

I certainly don't disagree with you on that note, I'm just referring to the last CD issue (2000?).

 

Hell yes!! I've been wanting to own a physical copy of something that includes 'Heavy Music' and 'East Side Story'. I'm sick of telling people Bob Seger is awesome and they only know his late country-music like stuff. Talkin bout that heavy music!!



Edit: I think I have to preorder this. Hot damn!

 

My thoughts exactly. I also suspected the master to "Very Few" was probably lost, as it's the only Cameo-era track that isn't on the Hideout Records compilation I have. (That couldn't have been Seger's call, as the album wasn't authorized in any way.) Perhaps that was only because it's stylistically very different from everything else of that era. "Vagrant Winter"/"Very Few" is also the only one of the early singles of which I've never seen a stock copy. I own a promo copy, but that's the only one I've ever seen anywhere.

 

I live in Detroit and I have seen maybe a half dozen. Honestly it was not a hit at all and his worst selling Cameo single.

 

This is a monumental collection for Michigan rock from the era! It contains not only Seger's early hit singles, but the very great Motown punk tracks from the Rationals, MC5, Amboy Dukes, Underdogs, The Tidal Waves... many others. I like to sit down with this 2 LP set and add in this next one for a great afternoon of smoking D-town sides:

 

I"ll second this. Pro tip: There are two versions of Michigan Rocks, the only difference being one has Heavy Music, the other is mispressed and has Ramblin' Gamblin' Man instead.

 

For some reason the change was made for Cassette and 8 Track. possibly the difference in time. I had it on tape first.

 

Interesting... Does RGM appear on any vinyl pressings or is it just on 8-Track/Cassette?

 

Yes, it does. The label and sleeve say Heavy Music, but RGM is on the record. Not sure if there's any way of knowing other than playing it.

See also:
MIchigan Rocks Compilation

 

I have a mint copy of the lp that I bought in the 90's. I also have a sealed 8-Track. I'll have to compare the tracklisting.

 

I'm pretty sure my copy has Heavy Music. I will confirm tonight.

 

It's a shame, because Vagrant Winter is one of his best titles from that era, and hardest rocking of the Cameo singles.

 

Wow, if that's the case, I will halt my search for a copy of the reissue. That is a major mess up.

 

I may be in the minority, but I like "Very Few!" It sounds like an homage to The Impressions to me, in a good way. Looking forward to having these tracks in decent quality.

 

I pre ordered and can't wait to get it. Bob's singing on these early tracks is so cool. Can't wait.

 

"Heavy Music" has a real Mitch Ryder feel to it.

 

So, I think I'm going to preorder tonight. What do you guys think the sound quality will be like regarding the vinyl version? I'm trying to debate on CD or vinyl. I just don't want to gamble on the LP in case it ends up being a somewhat low quality pressing. I know it's hard to tell, but if the pressing is nice...I'll shell out the extra bucks.

Any thoughts?

 

I went ahead and got them both. I am hoping for the best but prepared for the worst. I actually expect needledrops instead of from the masters. I wonder if the masters even survive?

 

I imagine it will be easy enough to get a copy after it's released and you've heard some comments on the sound. (I admit I'm planning to take the gamble and open one up right away.)

 

Question for the experts: isn't the early single of Heavy Music the same recording as included on Smokin' OP's? Was it remixed for the album?

 

It is the same recording. The version on my 2005 'Smokin' OP's' CD is in fake stereo. It sounds as if it may have been sourced from the single as there is some surface noise present as well.

 

"Heavy Music" has sounded lousy on every album and CD pressing. I'm sure it was sourced from a 45 for it's original release.

 

I just found Michigan Nuggets in a used CD bin a couple of week ago. It's an outstanding collection........(my 1st time having the MC5 single tracks on CD). Maybe this Seger collection is why people are unloading that.

Is Michigan Rocks on CD?

Looking forward to this collection. I don't love "Yellow Beret," so won't miss it on this CD.........(and it's on Michigan Nuggets).

 

Smokin'OPs was a local indy release. Bob had left Capitol a while back and was without a label. Bob had been gigging around Michigan with David Teegarden and Skip Knape as STK. Thats who this album was. Bob and Punch stuck Heavy Music on OPs and waited to get sued. It didn't happen.
At that time the only other way to get Heavy Music on LP was the first CKLW Solid Gold compilation.