Not Fade Away: The Complete Studio Recordings and More by Buddy Holly
February 2009 saw the 50th anniversary of Buddy Holly's death, and though I expected something like this to mark the occasion, the only releases that came out at the time were a 2 disc rarities set and a lame 3 disc compilation (I mean lame, because the 3 discs only had about half an hours worth of songs on each disc - I have a single disc compilation that has almost as many songs on it, you greedy bastards at Universal).Then somehow, this amazing box set came out in October without me knowing about it until about January, after which I promptly exclaimed "Hot DAMN I wish I wasn't moving in a few weeks so I could order that right now and enjoy it all day long!". So, needless to say, as soon as I had a new address I promptly ordered it. And Oh Boy am I glad I did!
Everything about this set is quality. Even the cover, while a highly pixelated and overused picture of Mr. Buddy Holly, is beautifully done and feels lovely to hold. Then inside the large year-book that is the case, you get a full history of Buddy's career; including a stack of wonderful photos and a detailed full sessionography that made me go "Holy Hell that's awesome!" And then if that wasn't enough cool packaging to impress me, the back panels fold out to unleash the 6 compact discs full to the brim with that classic rock'n roll music...
Aaaaaah yes - the music. Everything is here. And I mean EVERYTHING. Some old home recordings Buddy made with a friend in 1949? Check. Early country demos he made in his late teens? Check. Every single one of his songs recorded in a studio, including some alternate and undubbed versions (particularly the original mix of Oh! Boy that was done before the big harmony group was added)? Double check. The rockin' as hell garage tapes, featuring the awesomeness of Rip It Up and Good Rockin' Tonight? Check. The tapes Buddy recorded in his apartment shortly before his death, completely undubbed? Check. All different dubbed versions of said apartment tapes and garage tapes - and I mean ALL 57? Check check CHECK
And none of this half an hour a CD stuff - each disc has the full 80 minutes used to full potential. 203 songs of pure rock'n roll awesome. Well, actually that is not true - a great deal of the first disc is poorly recorded lame country music. But once it hits the amazing Down the Line, it is all legendary. And some of the tracks sound clear as day - amazing, really. Very good job on the remastering, in my opinion.
My only gripe would be that the 'Fireballs' overdub of Crying, Waiting, Hoping seems to be of poor quality - which is a real shame, because that is one of favourite tracks and my favourite version of that song for sure. Sure, I do have it on my 9 LP set, but I guess it means I will hold on to my 1 disc Greatest Hits for now. How that version can sound better confuses my brain in a cruel fashion.
But that bitter disappointment aside, I am overall a very happy man. Quite honestly, this is one of the most expensive box sets I have ever bought. But, it is also quite likely the best. Apollo is under strict orders NOT to smooch the corners on this one or he will be in big trouble.
Hard to believe a man whose recording career only lasted 4 years still seems so important 51 years later. But this box set is the proof. Rave On, bitches!
Winner: Rock'n Roll
