Musically, in early June, Ringo released "Vertical Man" which was his first solo entry in the Billboard Top 200 album chart in 17 years! Taking into account his television appearances, live concerts and promotional efforts for "Vertical Man", Ringo seemed to give the the Energizer Bunny rather serious competition in 1998. Oh yes, his live VH1 television broadcast "Storytellers" was released on CD and home video in October.
In the Lennon camp, both "little Lennons" (Sean and Julian, for the benefit of cave dwellers) released CDs in 1998 which helped fan a media competition between the two half brothers in Europe. Partly because of this, the North American release of Julian's "Photograph Smile" was delayed until February 23rd, 1999. Thankfully, Julian seems to be getting rewarded for his perseverance by getting the most positive reviews he's had since 1984's "Valotte". In a much more significant development, "The John Lennon Anthology" was released on November 3rd. This lavish and amazing 4 CD box set certainly has my vote for most welcome Beatle related event of the year (if not, the decade).
Aside from the Lennon Anthology, many Beatles fans may look upon the fall of 1998 as the time when their patience and wallets were exhausted by endless spin off projects. George Martin's "In My Life" can either be seen as musically lightweight and humorous, or an embarrassment (you decide). After a successful run in 1997, with "Flaming Pie" and "Standing Stone", Paul releases the 2nd Fireman CD "Rushes" (an ambient project that was in development before Linda's death). Not a bad disc by any means but not exactly an essential addition to his already hugh solo catalogue. In a very well intentioned (but sentimental) decision, Paul releases "Wide Prairie", a collection of Linda's songs dating back to the early '70s. Sadly, (and with the highest due respect) in spite of Linda's many attributes [as a wife, mother, photographer, cook, animal rights activist, (and yes, even) harmony singer for Paul] this CD highlights her shortcomings as a lead singer (sorry folks).
But, perhaps the most insipid release of the year was the 30th anniversary reissue of the "White Album" - repackaged but *not* remastered, using the old 1987 digital transfer. A lot of money to spend on cardboard even if it's called a "collectors item". Thank god, we had the Lennon Anthology to balance the scales.
On the solo front, on March 9th, we had the deluxe release of Paul McCartney and Wings' "Band on the Run" 25th anniversary CD. Unlike the recent "White Album' reissue, this CD has a few things going for it: a superb remastering of the original album; a bonus disc; improved artwork and Mark Lewisohn's detailed liner notes. This release made us all proud by going to #1 for a week on the Billboard Catalogue Album chart (the same week that Paul was inducted into the R&R Hall of Fame). I hope that this turn of events help to boost Paul's spirits. Set for the fall of 1999 is McCartney's "Working Classical": the title being a pun on Paul's Liverpool working class roots. This CD promises to be another ambitious foray into classic music.
I personally hope that the long awaited "Beatles Anthology" book will see the light of day. We may see a repackaging of the "Beatles Anthology" videos on VHS and hopefully, DVD and (dare I say) a remastering (not a mere repackaging) of the Beatles' original albums on CD.
Other items on my wish list include: a new George Harrison solo album after 12 long years(!); an official release of "Let It Be" on home video (with outtakes); an official release of Lennon's "Dakota Demos"; a competent remastering of Lennon's "Plastic Ono Band" albums on CD and even a Lennon "Recording Sessions" book by anyone who's up to the challenge. Let's hope that *some* of this stuff appears in the new year.
By the same token, if EMI continues to release "anniversary" editions in 1999, let's hope they do it right (unlike with the "White Album"). For the upcoming 30th anniversary of "Abbey Road", I'd like it remastered with state of the art sound; detailed liner notes; extra photos and expanded cover art (for all those outtake cover shots). This would be an appropriate treatment of this classic album.
Last but not least, not too much "Band of the Millennium" hype....please!
Happy 1999!!!