Traveling Wilburys

With all the junk the music industry continues to churn out, one wonders how the classic albums of the Traveling Wilburys could have been allowed to go out of print for almost a decade. Thanks to the remastering geniuses at Rhino Records, the Traveling Wilburys are finally back in the catalog, sounding better than ever.Rhino' s engineers are fanatics when it comes to finding the original master tapes and remixing them in a way that is both state-of-the-art in terms of sound quality, yet at the same time faithful to the original production values. In the case of the Traveling Wilburys, the supergroup formed almost as a lark by Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, the late George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, and of course the late Roy Orbison, that sound was a stripped-down, down to earth rebellion against the overproduced, over commercialized studio productions being lavished upon mediocre talents by the major studios in the late 1980s, while at the same time legitimate singer-songwriter-performer talents were barely allowed into the recording studio. The first album was so breathtakingly stupendous that it was followed by a second, which if not quite the triumph of the first, was also better than 99% of the junk that the major studios were pumping out at the time. Both the first and second albums, along with some pretty decent outtakes, a fascinating DVD featuring footage from the recording sessions, and a lengthy booklet featuring studio notes and the various reminiscences, are included in the 2 CD, 1 DVD Rhino package. (The booklet in Rhino's deluxe edition is hardbound and offers a bit more information and more pictures than the booklet included with the standard edition; if you're a Wilburys fanatic, the deluxe edition is probably worth the slight up charge over the standard edition.)What sets the first album apart first and foremost is the marvelously pure tenor of rock legend Roy Orbison, who fortunately lived long enough to see his career revived and celebrated by his appearance on this album before succumbing to cardiovascular disease before recording sessions could start on the second album. What is not as often appreciated about the first album is how it also marked a return to form for Bob Dylan, who was emerging from his commercially unpopular Christian rock phase. Viewed strictly from the Dylan perspective, this was arguably his best effort since the legendary Blood on the Tracks, even though his unmistakable authorship was imprinted on only two of the tracks, Tweeter and the Monkey Man and Congratulations. On these tracks, Dylan's unique and edgy lyrical vernacular combined with his often underrated vocal ability to make for a remarkable musical experience. The second album is of almost the same overall high quality as the first, but somehow it just lacks the peaks provided by Dylan and Orbison on the first. Still,it was eminently worthy of the talents of the group.From today's perspective, the Traveling Wilburys were a reminder that music, particularly rock music, which had moved through all sorts of dark phases in the 70s and mid-80s, was above all supposed to be about having fun, both for the audience and for the performers. The members of the Traveling Wilburys sure were having fun recording this album, which when I really think about it, is what makes listening to this album after too long an absence, such a pure, unadulterated joy.

One of the greatest compilations of influential musicians ever. No egos involved in the making of this music nor was there an infighting amongst the artist. Dylan, Petty, Orbison, Lynn and of course George Harrison all bring their life experiences and musical talent to two unbelievable albums that will leave you asking why that more musicians can't create artistic masterpieces like this. The first album has some of the best compositions from all the journeymen while the second seems to be a tribute to Roy Orbison while maintaining teh artistry of the first. Haunting lyrics, amazing melodies and unbelievable harmonies appear at some of the most unexpected places in all the songs. Nobody's Child which was recorded as an awareness song for the people of the world for all the orphans is one of the hidden gems on these albums as well as the remake of Runaway which seems to be a tribute to Roy Orbisons origins in Rock and Roll history. If you are a music lover or collector you need this set in your collection and if you are just getting started in collecting music then this set is a must have.

I have been a fan of George Harrison since 1964 when I first saw the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show. I became a Tom Petty fan way back in junior high school. In my humble opinion, the Heartbreakers are a pure rock & roll band and the best since the Beatles. Of course Bob Dylan is one of the most prolific songwriters of our time. Roy Orbison has a voice from heaven! Although I was not much of an ELO fan, Jeff Lynn has produced many great albums. This collaboration of musical genius' was the brainstorm of the late George Harrison. George never intended for the band to be taken seriously but, how could it not be? This box set is a masterpiece! Musical genius' without egos! My recommendation - get this CD box set while it is still available, put the headphones on, and enjoy the masters at work!

The `deluxe' edition of the Wilburys music contains both volumes 1 and 3 (including the excellent bonus tracks `Nobody's Child' and `Runaway') on separate disks. In addition you get a DVD containing an excellent documentary about the formation of the band and recording of the first collection of songs, plus five short music videos.With the `deluxe' release you also get a lavish full-colour 44-page hardcover booklet, printed so you can start reading from either end (the print is inverted) and a collection of postcards in an envelope. These extras define the `deluxe' package but if you don't particularly want these things and are concerned only with the music, the earlier `collection' release which contains all the music plus the DVD is better value.The production of the songs has been cleaned up a bit by Jeff Lynne, but the originals weren't bad so the improvement is very marginal. If you're a devotee or collector, this is certainly the one to buy, but if you're on a budget and just want the music and DVD, go for the `collection' (you can identify the earlier release by the box having a grey background, rather than the blue of the `deluxe') instead.

Great epitaph to the big O. Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty, George Harrison, Bob Dylan and for part Roy Orbison.Listen and enjoy great craftsmen at work and by the way the sound quality is excellent.

Have had this album before and gave it to a friend, thus bought again using Amazon

An excellent CD. Very clever music as you would expect from such talented musicians. One to play again and again over the coming years.

Brilliant album haven't stopped dancing. Play in the car the house and the garden. My absolute all time favourite. Oh come back George.