Acoustic Sounds 40
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Gordon Lightfoot – Sundown
82,00 €Add to cartGordon Lightfoot — Sundown Part of the Acoustic Sounds 40 Series Releasing 40 titles to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Acoustic Sounds! Mastered by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab from the original master tape 180-gram 45 RPM double LP pressed at Quality Record Pressings Housed in a Stoughton Printing tip-on gatefold jacket When Sundown hit the airwaves in 1974, Gordon Lightfoot didn't just top the charts — he captured a moment in time. With its mix of folk storytelling, country warmth, and pop polish, Sundown became one of the defining albums of the decade. The title track alone — haunting, hypnotic, and unforgettable — remains one of the greatest songs ever written about love and jealousy. But it's the full album that keeps drawing listeners back: "High and Dry," "Carefree Highway," "Seven Island Suite" — each a masterclass in songwriting craft and emotional subtlety. Now, Sundown sounds better than ever. Cut at 45 RPM by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab, this new edition brings every shimmer of 12-string guitar and nuance of Lightfoot's unmistakable baritone into sharper, more lifelike focus. The pressing — handled by Quality Record Pressings, the gold standard for vinyl perfection — offers the quietest surfaces and flattest profiles possible, ensuring every note plays with breathtaking presence and clarity. For fans of Lightfoot, for lovers of the singer-songwriter era, and for anyone who wants to hear a timeless album in the form it deserves, this Sundown reissue is the definitive way to experience a classic reborn.
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Montrose – Montrose
82,00 €Add to cartMontrose — Montrose The Birth of American Hard Rock — now on audiophile vinyl! Part of the Acoustic Sounds 40 Series Releasing 40 titles to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Acoustic Sounds! Mastered by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab from the original master tape 180-gram 45 RPM double LP pressed at Quality Record Pressings Housed in a Stoughton Printing tip-on gatefold jacket Few debut albums hit with the seismic force of Montrose. Released in 1973, this powerhouse record didn't just introduce guitarist Ronnie Montrose and a then-unknown vocalist named Sammy Hagar — it practically rewrote the rules for American hard rock. From the opening riff of "Rock the Nation" to the thunder of "Bad Motor Scooter" and "Space Station #5," Montrose delivers 35 minutes of pure, high-octane energy. It's lean, loud, and loaded with attitude — the album that bridged the gap between Led Zeppelin's muscle and Van Halen's flash. In fact, Eddie Van Halen himself cited Montrose as a blueprint for what would come next. Produced by Ted Templeman (soon to helm Van Halen's own breakout), the record's sound is all killer instinct and no filler — massive guitar tones, airtight grooves, and Hagar's raw, unfiltered vocals in peak form. It's the kind of album that never left the turntables of rock fans, and it's still hailed by critics as one of the greatest debut albums in rock history. Now, this classic gets the treatment it's always deserved. Mastered with precision from the original tape by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab, and pressed on dead-quiet, perfectly flat vinyl by Quality Record Pressings, this edition captures every ounce of the album's fire and punch — the way it was meant to be heard. Turn it up, drop the needle, and feel the spark that lit an era. Montrose isn't just hard rock history — it's the sound of ignition.
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America – America
82,00 €Add to cartAmerica — America 1971 Classic defined a generation! Part of the Acoustic Sounds 40 Series Releasing 40 titles to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Acoustic Sounds! Mastered by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab from the original master tape 180-gram 45 RPM double LP pressed at Quality Record Pressings Housed in a Stoughton Printing tip-on gatefold jacket When America released their self-titled album debut in the U.S. in January 1972, few could have predicted just how perfectly this young trio would capture the sound of an era. With shimmering acoustic guitars, golden harmonies, and songs that seemed tailor-made for open highways and endless skies, America became one of the defining folk-rock albums of the 1970s. From the instantly recognizable strum of "A Horse with No Name" to the wistful beauty of "I Need You" and "Sandman," this is the album that launched the band's career — and helped set the tone for the decade's laid-back West Coast sound. It's a record that feels both intimate and expansive, full of youthful wonder and a timeless sense of melody. America earned the band a Grammy Award for Best New Artist, went multi-platinum, and remains a touchstone for generations of songwriters and listeners alike. Collectors continue to prize early pressings for their warmth and musicality — and now, this definitive audiophile edition delivers the album with greater depth, detail, and realism than ever before. Cut from the original tape with meticulous care by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab, and pressed on ultra-quiet, perfectly flat vinyl by Quality Record Pressings, America has never sounded so alive. Every guitar shimmer, every breath of harmony, every heartbeat of Dewey Bunnell, Gerry Beckley, and Dan Peek's chemistry is restored with breathtaking clarity. America is a cornerstone of early '70s acoustic rock. It's evergreen magic, lovingly revived.
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George Benson – Breezin’
82,00 €Add to cartGeorge Benson — Breezin' Part of the Acoustic Sounds 40 Series Releasing 40 titles to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Acoustic Sounds! Mastered by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab from the original master tape 180-gram 45 RPM double LP pressed at Quality Record Pressings Housed in a Stoughton Printing tip-on gatefold jacket George Benson's 1976 classic album Breezin' redefined what jazz guitar could sound like. Effortless, melodic, and irresistibly smooth, Breezin' became the soundtrack to an era and the album that launched Benson into crossover superstardom. With timeless hits such as "This Masquerade" and the sunlit title track, Breezin', Benson's 15th album, bridges the worlds of jazz, pop, and R&B with rare grace. It not only was a Billboard Jazz Albums chart-topper but also went to No. 1 on the pop and R&B charts. It was certified triple platinum-selling, making it one of the best-selling jazz albums of all time. The record took home Grammy Awards for Best Pop Instrumental Performance and Record of the Year for "This Masquerade," while earning multiple nominations, including for Album and Song of the Year — an unprecedented feat for a jazz guitarist. Now, this classic shines brighter than ever. Mastered at 45 RPM by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab and pressed on flat, ultra-quiet vinyl by Quality Record Pressings, this edition reveals new layers of warmth, depth, and presence in Benson's silky tone and fellow rhythm and bass guitarist Phil Upchurch's signature groove. Breezin' isn't just a smooth jazz cornerstone — it's one of the most impeccably crafted and influential albums of its time. For collectors, audiophiles, and anyone who loves music that feels like pure sunlight, this definitive 45 RPM reissue is essential listening.
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Little Feat – Dixie Chicken
82,00 €Add to cartLittle Feat — Dixie Chicken The album where Little Feat came into full bloom! Part of the Acoustic Sounds 40 Series Releasing 40 titles to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Acoustic Sounds! Mastered by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab from the original master tape 180-gram 45 RPM double LP pressed at Quality Record Pressings Housed in a Stoughton Printing tip-on gatefold jacket With Dixie Chicken (1973), Little Feat came into full bloom. Here, the band locked into their signature sound: sly, soulful, and irresistibly funky. The title track oozes Southern charm, "Two Trains" rolls with hypnotic rhythm, and "Fat Man In The Bathtub" blends humor and groove in a way only Lowell George could. This 45 RPM pressing, with lacquers cut by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab from the original master tape, delivers deeper bass, crisper detail, and wider groove spacing for stunning playback realism. Every snare hit, every slide riff, every vocal inflection pops from the speakers with life and dimension. A cornerstone of ‘70s rock and funk, Dixie Chicken finally gets the deluxe, audiophile treatment it deserves.
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Little Feat – Sailin’ Shoes
82,00 €Add to cartLittle Feat — Sailin' Shoes Lowell George's vision takes flight! Part of the Acoustic Sounds 40 Series Releasing 40 titles to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Acoustic Sounds! Mastered by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab from the original master tape 180-gram 45 RPM double LP pressed at Quality Record Pressings Housed in a Stoughton Printing tip-on gatefold jacket Formed by the late, great Lowell George, Little Feat made music that was loose, funky, literate, and impossible to pin down. Sailin' Shoes (1972) caught the band just as their legend was taking shape — a mix of sharp-witted storytelling and swampy grooves that defined early-'70s cool. From "Willin'" and "Easy to Slip" to the swaggering title track, it's a master class in Southern California songwriting with a Louisiana twist. These songs defined Little Feat's legend as one of rock's most distinctive voices. This 45 RPM pressing, cut by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab from the original master tape, opens up the soundstage with wider grooves for superior tracking, lower distortion, and richer dynamics. Guitars shimmer, vocals breathe, and the rhythm section punches with warmth and clarity that only vinyl — at 45 RPM — can deliver. Pressed on ultra-quiet, perfectly flat 2LP by Quality Record Pressings, this timeless blend of storytelling from one of the most influential bands from the 70’s Warner catalog, sounds magnificent.
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Van Morrison – Astral Weeks
82,00 €Add to cartVan Morrison — Astral Weeks Morrison's timeless masterpiece — folk, jazz, and soul collide! Part of the Acoustic Sounds 40 Series Releasing 40 titles to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Acoustic Sounds! 180-gram 45 RPM double LP Mastered by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab Mastered from a flat 24/192 digital transfer of the original master tape. EQ'd through The Mastering Lab's analog all-tube system Pressed at Quality Record Pressings Tip-on old style gatefold double pocket jacket by Stoughton Printing Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time No. 60/500! As Rolling Stone puts it, "Van Morrison's second album is quite unlike his first. For a start, there's nothing on it like ‘Brown Eyed Girl,' and that's what the world was expecting." The founder of Bang Records, the label he was signed to, had unexpectedly died. His widow blamed Morrison as the two had been arguing over the direction of his new music. Bert Berns wanted Morrison to head to a more pop orientated sound, but Morrison wanted to explore new terrain. Following the death, Morrison was blocked from recording. Warner Brothers, who subsequently signed Morrison helped him out of that deal. And Morrison set to work on recording a folk rock masterpiece, a stream of consciousness record with music a mix between folk, blues, jazz and even classical music. Astral Weeks is more than an album — it's an experience. Van Morrison's 1968 masterpiece defies genre, while rewarding listeners with new emotional and musical discoveries. It's a fusion of folk, jazz improvisation, and ethereal soul that transports the listener to another realm. Often regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time, Astral Weeks doesn't fit neatly into any category. It's Morrison's most emotional vocal performance — his voice soars, whispers, and wails, delivering poetic lyrics with an intensity that feels deeply personal yet universally resonant. With upright bass, flute, vibraphone, and acoustic guitar weaving hypnotic textures, the album's organic, free-flowing arrangements create an unparalleled sense of atmosphere. Morrison's stream-of-consciousness lyrics paint vivid, mystical portraits of youth, love, nostalgia, and longing. Tracks such as "Madame George" and "Cyprus Avenue" are cinematic in their storytelling. Van Morrison fans will immediately recognize Astral Weeks as his most adventurous and soul-baring work. It's not just music-it's a meditative, dreamlike journey that lingers long after the final note fades. Lacquers cut by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab at 45 RPM (Mastered from a flat 24/192 digital transfer of the original master tape. EQ'd through The Mastering Lab's analog all-tube system). Pressed on 180-gram vinyl at Quality Record Pressings, and housed in a tip-on old style gatefold double pocket jacket by Stoughton Printing.
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Van Morrison – Moondance
82,00 €Add to cartVan Morrison — Moondance Melody, mood and romance — Morrison at his most effortless and inspired! Part of the Acoustic Sounds 40 Series Releasing 40 titles to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Acoustic Sounds! 180-gram 45 RPM double LP Mastered by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab Mastered from a flat 24/192 digital transfer of the original master tape. EQ'd through The Mastering Lab's analog all-tube system Pressed at Quality Record Pressings Tip-on old style gatefold double pocket jacket by Stoughton Printing Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time No. 120/500! Equal parts blue-eyed soul shouter and wild-eyed poet-sorcerer, Van Morrison is among popular music's true innovators, a restless seeker whose incantatory vocals and alchemical fusion of R&B, jazz, blues, and Celtic folk produced what is regarded as perhaps the most spiritually transcendent body of work in the rock 'n' roll canon. Hailed by critics as one of the greatest albums of all time, Morrison's Moondance was an immediate and commercial success after the Northern Irish singer-songwriter released it on Feb. 27, 1970. After the commercial failure of his first Warner Bros. album Astral Weeks (1968), Morrison moved to upstate New York with his wife and began writing songs for Moondance. There, he met the musicians that would record the album with him at New York City's A & R Studios in August and September 1969. The album found Morrison abandoning the abstract folk jazz compositions of Astral Weeks in favor of more formally composed songs, which he wrote and produced entirely himself. Its lively rhythm and blues/rock music was the style he would become most known for in his career. The music incorporated soul, jazz, pop, and Irish folk sounds into songs about finding spiritual renewal and redemption in worldly matters such as nature, music, romantic love, and self-affirmation. Moondance helped establish Morrison as a major pop music artist while several songs from the album, including the title track, became staples of FM radio in the early 1970s. Rolling Stone's updated list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time has Moondance at No. 120. Lacquers cut by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab at 45 RPM (Mastered from a flat 24/192 digital transfer of the original master tape. EQ'd through The Mastering Lab's analog all-tube system), pressed on 180-gram vinyl at Quality Record Pressings, and housed in a tip-on old style gatefold double pocket jacket by Stoughton Printing.
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Van Morrison – His Band And The Street Choir
82,00 €Add to cartVan Morrison — His Band And The Street Choir 1970 album includes "Domino," "Blue Money" and "Call Me Up In Dreamland" Part of the Acoustic Sounds 40 Series Releasing 40 titles to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Acoustic Sounds! Mastered from the original analog master tape 180-gram 45 RPM double LP pressed at Quality Record Pressings Housed in a Stoughton Printing tip-on gatefold jacket Legendary Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison produced two of the most famous albums of his career — Astral Weeks and Moondance — but overlooked is this gem because of its proximity to those two heavyweights. His Band And The Street Choir came into existence predominantly during the first half of 1970 at A&R Recording Studios in New York City, with recording wrapping up in July and August. Produced by Morrison himself, the album actually started out in Woodstock, New York, where he recorded some demos in a small church. By March, however, the album's session had begun in earnest in NYC. Some of the songs had actually been first recorded for those earlier two albums we mentioned, but Morrison decided to rewrite them and rearrange them for the new LP, since the musical sensibilities on His Band And The Street Choir were decidedly different from the albums that preceded it. As Stephen Thomas Erlewine wrote on Pitchfork., "The album gives an illusion of buoyant immediacy thanks in no small part to its heavy R&B kick. Where Moondance traded in jazz — even its liveliest moment was named after a Duke Ellington song — His Band And The Street Choir relied on soul and gospel, using folk almost as an accent." It's fair to say that critics at the time gushed over the album. "His Band And The Street Choir is a free album," Jon Landau wrote in his Rolling Stone review. "It was recorded with minimal over-dubbing and was obviously intended to show the other side of Moondance." His Band And The Street Choir captures Van Morrison at his most joyful and spontaneous — a luminous counterpoint to the introspection of Moondance. This is the sound of a great artist unguarded, caught in the groove of the moment, with the energy of the studio practically spilling out of the grooves. If you love the sound of real instruments recorded with warmth and soul, Street Choir belongs in your collection.
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Tony Joe White – Tony Joe White
82,00 €Add to cartTony Joe White — Tony Joe White Southern soul, swamp rock, and the restless spirit of a changing America Part of the Acoustic Sounds 40 Series Releasing 40 titles to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Acoustic Sounds! 180-gram 45 RPM double LP Mastered from the original master tape Pressed at Quality Record Pressings Tip-on old style gatefold double pocket jacket by Stoughton Printing Tony Joe White, nicknamed the Swamp Fox, released his fourth album, and his first for Warner Bros. Records in 1971. The album was recorded over a two-week period in December 1970, in two different Memphis studios (one was Ardent Studios, where Big Star later recorded their influential power pop albums). His producer was none other than London-born Peter Asher, who had just produced James Taylor's early hits for the label (he would continue to produce hits for Taylor and Linda Ronstadt on his way to becoming one of the most successful producers of the '70s). AllMusic describes the songs on Tony Joe White as "standard and straightforward ... White's husky southern warble remains the album's key focus." Still, White digs into the turbulence of the late '60s and early '70s with both heart and heat. "The Change" sets the tone, a smoky, spoken-word sermon that taps into the era's yearning for progress. "I Just Walked Away" (the album's standout single) balances Southern funk and raw emotional punch, while "The Daddy" and "Five Summers for Jimmy" reveal White's tender, introspective side. The autobiographical "A Night in the Life of a Swamp Fox" closes the album with a nod to the man behind the myth — a road-weary musician caught between fame and freedom. Tony Joe White stands as a defining moment for one of music's most distinctive voices — a swamp-rock masterpiece steeped in social reflection and Southern soul, raw and timelessly American.
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The Meters – Rejuvenation
82,00 €Add to cartThe Meters — Rejuvenation Includes "People Say," "Just Kissed My Baby" and "It Ain't No Use" Part of the Acoustic Sounds 40 Series Releasing 40 titles to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Acoustic Sounds! Mastered from the original analog master tape 180-gram 45 RPM double LP pressed at Quality Record Pressings Housed in a Stoughton Printing tip-on gatefold jacket When The Meters dropped Rejuvenation in 1974, the funk world shifted on its axis. Produced by Allen Toussaint, this is the New Orleans groove machine at full throttle — a masterclass in rhythm, feel, and fire. Every track locks into that deep pocket only The Meters could create, powered by George Porter Jr.'s elastic bass, Zigaboo Modeliste's razor-tight drumming, Art Neville's soulful keys, and Leo Nocentelli's greasy, gritty guitar lines. Now restored to its full glory by Analogue Productions and pressed at Quality Record Pressings, this definitive reissue lets Rejuvenation breathe with new life. The clarity, warmth, and punch reveal every nuance of Toussaint's production — from the steamy pulse of "Just Kissed My Baby" to the swaggering "People Say" and the slow-burn funk sermon "It Ain't No Use." Rejuvenation captures the raw, rhythmic genius that would go on to fuel generations of hip-hop, rock, and R&B artists. Pressed to perfection for your turntable, Rejuvenation isn't just a funk essential — it's a cornerstone of American music history. Spin it loud and experience that unmistakable New Orleans groove.
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The Meters – Fire On The Bayou
82,00 €Add to cartThe Meters — Fire On The Bayou Gritty and punchy originals "Out In The Country," "They All Ask'd For You" and the title track! Part of the Acoustic Sounds 40 Series Releasing 40 titles to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Acoustic Sounds! Mastered from the original analog master tape 180-gram 45 RPM double LP pressed at Quality Record Pressings Housed in a Stoughton Printing tip-on gatefold jacket Members of The Meters were longstanding musical luminaries in New Orleans, but by the time of 1975's Fire On The Bayou, the world beyond the Big Easy had also taken notice; The Rolling Stones tapped the band to open their U.S. tour that year. Produced by the great Allen Toussaint at his Sea-Saint Studios, the collection was the quintet's third for Reprise and arguably their best for the label. With percussionist Cyril Neville joining the ranks, the grooves get even funkier on these 11 tracks, as a couple of fine covers ("Mardi Gras Mambo") join ace originals like "Out in the Country," "They All Ask'd For You," and the title track. Gritty and punchy, Fire On The Bayou simmers from start to finish. Now restored to its full glory by Analogue Productions and pressed at Quality Record Pressings, this definitive reissue of Fire On The Bayou captures The Meters at their funkiest and most fearless — a swampy, hard-grooving New Orleans classic that radiates heat, grit, and soul from the first note to the last.
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Seals & Crofts – Summer Breeze
82,00 €Add to cartSeals & Crofts — Summer Breeze Feel the sunshine, hear the harmony — Summer Breeze brings it all back! Part of the Acoustic Sounds 40 Series Releasing 40 titles to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Acoustic Sounds! 180-gram 45 RPM double LP Mastered from the original master tape Pressed at Quality Record Pressings Tip-on old style gatefold double pocket jacket by Stoughton Printing Few songs capture the spirit of the 1970s quite like "Summer Breeze." The title track from Seals & Crofts' 1972 breakthrough album became an enduring soft-rock anthem, reaching No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and forever defining the duo's warm, harmony-rich sound. With Summer Breeze, Seals & Crofts — Jim Seals and Dash Crofts — found the perfect balance of breezy melodies, intricate musicianship, and lyrical introspection. It was the record that transformed them from respected songwriters into household names, helping usher in the smooth California sound that would dominate radio throughout the decade. Every track here glows with the easygoing optimism that made Seals & Crofts a lasting favorite among music lovers and audiophiles alike. More than 50 years later, Summer Breeze still radiates that same golden warmth — an album built for open windows, long drives and timeless replay.
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Seals & Crofts – Diamond Girl
82,00 €Add to cartSeals & Crofts — Diamond Girl Shimmering harmonies, golden melodies — the sound of '70s sophistication at its brightest Part of the Acoustic Sounds 40 Series Releasing 40 titles to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Acoustic Sounds! 180-gram 45 RPM double LP Mastered from the original master tape Pressed at Quality Record Pressings Tip-on old style gatefold double pocket jacket by Stoughton Printing The title track of Seals & Crofts' fifth studio album made its debut on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1973. Like the majority of their material, the jazz-influenced "Diamond Girl" was written by Jim Seals and Dash Crofts. Alan Bershaw of Paste Magazine described the song as "the infectious title track" of the album, praising the way that its lyrics are "skillfully depicting the love for a woman or a commitment to God, depending on how one interprets them." (The latter aspect is no surprise, given that the duo was famously affiliated with the Baha'i faith.) "Diamond Girl" was another Top 10 hit for Seals & Crofts, and it helped send the album of the same name hurtling all the way to No. 4 on the Billboard 200, thereby turning it into the highest-charting album of their career. It was also the end of the duo's tendency to embrace the acoustic side of music, as they henceforth tended to focus more on a band-oriented approach to their tunes. If you've got to leave a certain percentage of your fans behind, it's best to do it with an album that sticks with them, and Diamond Girl certainly achieved that in spades.
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Ry Cooder – Paris, Texas
82,00 €Add to cartRy Cooder — Paris, Texas Cooder's soul-stirring soundtrack to the 1985 film Part of the Acoustic Sounds 40 Series Releasing 40 titles to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Acoustic Sounds! 180-gram 45 RPM double LP Mastered from the original master tape Pressed at Quality Record Pressings Tip-on old style gatefold double pocket jacket by Stoughton Printing Released in 1985, the Paris, Texas soundtrack by Ry Cooder blends slide guitar and minimalist music to reflect the film's emotional depth. The iconic track "Paris, Texas" helped the album earn critical acclaim, including a BAFTA for Best Film Music. Cooder's score perfectly captured the film's themes of isolation and redemption. It's been more than four decades since the film was awarded the 1984 Palme d'Or at its acclaimed Cannes Film Festival debut. The film's mystifying personae and desolate neo-western vistas have lost none of their original intrigue, thanks in large part to Ry Cooder's iconic soundtrack — a defining showpiece by a slide guitar savant. Recorded over three days, his music plays a pivotal mood-setting role, providing a plangent underpinning for German director Wim Wenders' postcard renderings of Americana.
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Ry Cooder – Paradise And Lunch
82,00 €Add to cartRy Cooder — Paradise and Lunch A savory mix of blues, soul and deep Southern spirit! Part of the Acoustic Sounds 40 Series Releasing 40 titles to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Acoustic Sounds! 180-gram 45 RPM double LP Mastered from the original master tape Pressed at Quality Record Pressings Tip-on old style gatefold double pocket jacket by Stoughton Printing Few artists blend roots, soul, and sheer musicianship as effortlessly as Ry Cooder. A virtuoso guitarist, producer, and musical historian, Cooder has long been revered for unearthing the heart of American music — and Paradise and Lunch (1974) stands as one of his crowning achievements. A good 20 years have passed since a band with ancient musicians from Cuba — the Buena Vista Social Club — took the world by storm. Behind the project, in the wings yet right in the midst of this unheard-of music, was Ry Cooder, who regarded this encounter as the greatest musical event of his entire life. The bottleneck guitar hero had always been very interested in the music from the other Americas ever since the solo albums he made in his early years, in which he told the story of the American folk and blues in a multitude of styles. Paradise and Lunch is no exception. The faint smell of a wooden church from pioneering days wafts out of the processional antiphonal song "Jesus On The Mainline" and a healthy 12-bar blues paints a picture of what silent witnesses could tell if they could ("If Walls Could Talk"). Cooder and his sidemen felt themselves perfectly at home when adventuring further afield and this is testified to in the laid-back calypso rhythm of "It's All Over Now" and the clip-clop of "Mexican Divorce." Steeped in gospel, blues, R&B, and Tex-Mex groove, this is Cooder at his most inspired — relaxed, confident, and surrounded by an ace lineup that includes jazz legend Earl "Fatha" Hines, gospel great Bobby King, and the irresistible rhythm of Jim Keltner. His interpretations of "Tattler," "Jesus on the Mainline," and "Ditty Wah Ditty" shimmer with warmth and personality, transforming traditional material into something timeless and distinctly his own. This is essential listening for anyone who values authenticity, artistry, and great sound.