Roy Orbison - Essential (Rmst) (CD)

Excellent, but missing a few essentials

By redtunictroll  Nov 11, 2006

Pros: Career-spanning collection covers Orbison's entire 36-year career across multiple labels.

Cons: Remakes of two key Monument-era tracks.

By spanning Orbison's recordings for Sun, Monument, MGM, Virgin and some odds and ends from soundtracks and Oribson's own label, this 2-CD collection a broad look yet at his entire thirty-six year career. But even with this wealth of material..., there are some Orbison essentials that are unaccounted for. The choice to stick with solo-titled works leaves out Orbison's pre-Sun recordings with The Teen Kings (including the original Je-Wel version of "Ooby Dooby" – the remake for Sun is represented here) and later success with The Traveling Wilburys. More striking is the choice to include late-80s comeback remakes of "Running Scared" and "In Dreams" in lieu of the early-60s Monument originals. While there's academic interest in hearing Orbison recreate his early classics, it's no substitute for hearing the actual early classics. Also MIA are any tracks from Orbison's meager post-Sun output for MCA. That said, the sides that are included here are generally terrific. Disc 1 focuses on Orbison's first rush of fame, from his somewhat uncomfortable sides for Sun, though his incredible run on Monument into the mid-60s. The Monument sides are breathtaking, with co-writer Joe Melson and producer Fred Foster helping to create the pop-operatic style that would propel Orbison up the charts. Disc 2 includes a few of Orbison's mid-to-late '60s singles for MGM, but focuses more deeply on his late '80s comeback on Virgin. The balance actually works, as Orbison's Monument albums were often stacked with hits and lesser material; providing a deeper look at his comeback drives home just how strongly he held up as an artist. Were it not for the glaring omissions of "Running Scared" and "In Dreams" in their original format, this would be five stars. Their replacement with comeback covers was a mistake, and leaves this collection without all of the essentials. Fans of Oribson's Monument catalog should look up the reissues of his three original Monument albums, each remastered in superb stereo and augmented with bonus tracks. Those wanting to cherry-pick the hits will enjoy this set, but may feel short-changed by the pair of remakes. 4-1/2 stars, if allowed fractional ratings. [©2006 redtunictroll at hotmail dot com] Read more Less