No, the stereo version of Good Times has an overdubbed Sam. I honestly prefer that to the 45 version.
Has anyone been able to confirm what's on the CD box set and what's on the LP releases of these new Keen album reissues, or any other pressing info about the LPs? Stereo/mono, who cut them or where they were pressed, etc.? Looks like Ain't That Good News is also getting a welcome reissue, but without more info, I'll keep hunting...
It's great to hear the stereo version of Tribute to the Lady on CD for the very first time. I thought the stereo tapes were lost after the 2003 SACD release of Tribute to the Lady and every release since was presented in mono. A couple of years ago I paid good money to professionally copy the original stereo LP to burn on CD... I'm not very patient.
Has anybody picked up the 'Complete Keen' albums CD box set yet? Thoughts on it? Quality of packaging and music? There isn't much discussion about it....
My main comment is that the CD box is very fine from all aspects. If you wait, it might just disappear from the market, so buy it as soon as possible.
Does anyone have any news on whether or not there will be a vinyl boxset coming out? I love the guy, but trying to pick up his stuff is a minefield... I'm very, very wary of poor digitally sourced represses (especially as copyright ends after 50 years and all that legal stuff)... Surely a Keen then a RCA vinyl box is not a lot to ask?
Quite often, those who wait for a different issue watch the CD issue go out of print and then never get what they hoped for. Meanwhile, the Sam Cooke issues out there are very enjoyable. Get them while you can, and enjoy Sam now.
These box sets cover the large majority of Sam's recordings. Why wait? Picking these up is NOT a minefield. They are essential. The first is out of print, but can be found in the aftermarket. If they ever put them on vinyl, they will probably use the same masters and charge about three to four times the price.
And if you add the Copa album and the ABKCO compilation Keep Movin’ On to these three superb boxes, you have most of Sam’s discography.
Get this one too Learn about its contents before buying. Not all is Sam performing, but all of it is produced by Sam. Some believe strongly that Sam's insistence on being an independent music producer led directly to his murder. He would not have been within the reins of the mob-like industry.
You were right! And! Your killing me with the 'Keen' boxset when you said it might be limited and to pick it up ASAP. There's not even one on eBay as we speak. Should have listened to 'Tribute'.......
That’s a magnificent set. The gospel performances on the first disc alone are worth the cost of the entire thing.
Yes! I can, a few dollars more than I expected, that's because the exchange rate is bad for us right now. Do I or Don't I? I've gone into procrastination mode.....
You do. That's the answer. I did. Who know if you'll ever see its like again. It arrived two weeks ago and I actually haven't had a chance to listen to it. But it's waiting for me when I'm ready, which may not be the case in the future. But, you know, with Cooke, basically, just get it all -- the Soul Stirrers box, the Keen set, the RCA albums sets (what we really need is an RCA singles set), the Copa albums, the SAR box. You won't have any regrets.
I like the thought that an RCA singles set for Sam Cooke is still possible. Real Gone Music has been licensing some RCA material in recent years, and even aside from that, they seem like the label most likely to issue that set. Fingers crossed that it happens. I just got the Keen set in the mail a few days ago. Even though Keen is not my favorite era of Sam Cooke by any means, it’s beautifully packaged, sounds great, and is thorough. I’m glad I got it while it’s still available.
I did it! About U$72.00 at the exchange rate to Australia, so not so bad. You folks are an evil influence.
You saved a lot over the cost of the original albums in mint condition. Mint is extremely rare, super rare. My guess is that the lot would easily cost about $2,000, but you would probably never find any in mint condition. I have them in typically used shape, picked up over the decades. Most people bought singles back then.
Saw this thread today - "Good Times" is one of my favorite Sam Cooke songs - is probably my #1. If anyone is interested in hearing the mono single version, I found this on You Tube earlier today: Regarding the rest of his hits, are the mono "hit" version also as different as this song?
