Walter Becker (R.I.P.) - Tracks of Whack Demos and Outtakes - 1994

Walter Becker
Tracks of Whack Demos and Outtakes (1994)
Soundboard recordings, very good quality
Available in Lossless (FLAC) and Mp3 (320 kbps) versions

Just heard the shocking and sad news that Walter Becker, of Steely Dan fame, has died today, at 67. No details yet on cause of death. He previously missed the recent Steely Dan appearances at the Classic East and West shows, where music partner Donald Fagen just reported that he was 'recovering from a procedure' without giving any further details. But no one knew or thought that his illness was life threatening. Becker, of course, was one half of the duo at the creative center of Steely Dan for all these years, playing guitar and bass, and the songwriting partner with Donald Fagen (all Steely Dan songs are co-written by Becker and Fagen together, perhaps the greatest songwriting duo since Lennon-McCartney). Steely Dan was one of the greatest rock bands of all time (if you could even call them 'rock', or a 'band' even, as Becker and Fagen were the only constant elements that defined the group, with the rest of the musicians a constantly changing mix of professionals and session musicians). They were unlike any other group, before or since, with totally unique songs, sound, style, and outlook, with their musical sophistication, rhythms, and perfect arrangements and instrumentation, and their savagely biting wit, cynicism, inscrutably hip, oddball lyrics. They certainly are one of my favorite groups, and have been an important influence in my life. 
       Becker first met Donald Fagen while both were students at Bard College in Annandale-on Hudson, New York, in 1967, and the two found they had many common interests, musical and otherwise, and began a collaborating as a songwriting duo. In 1971, they moved to California and together started the band Steely Dan, with Don on keyboards and vocals, Walter on bass, and guitarists Jeff "Skunk" Baxter and Denny Dias, and drummer Jim Hodder. They soon attracted interest from record companies, with their unique sound and style, but initially were not comfortable with Donald's eccentric vocals (not commercial they said) and wanted to try other singers (hence addition of David Palmer on first album). After an unsuccessful single release ('Dallas'-1972), their first album, Can't Buy a Thrill, was released in 1972, and resulted in multiple breakthrough hits ('Do It Again', 'Reelin' in the Years', 'Dirty Work'), firmly establishing the band. By their second album, Countdown to Ecstasy (1973), which I would maintain was their crowning masterpiece, they grew even more creative, even though it's more quirky excellence was not as radio (hit) friendly. Following Pretzel Logic (1974), Steely Dan went on their only full tour as a headlining rock band (previous touring in '72 and '73 were mainly as opening or supporting act), and produced the terrific 1974 shows. However, after this, Becker and Fagen decided to stop touring and concentrate on studio albums (as Fagen did not like touring and performing live anyway, and they both thought it negatively affected their ability to make great albums). At this point, they began bringing in more guest artists and session musicians, and increasingly incorporating a more jazz-influenced sound, and essentially dissolving the 'band', leaving just Becker and Fagen with numerous and various session musicians for the recording sessions, and no subsequent touring. Fagen and Becker were also notorious perfectionists in the studio, demanding take after take of their musicians, until the sound was perfect. This lead to a trio of successful albums from 1975 to 1978, Katy Lied, The Royal Scam, and Aja. But during the recording of their next album, Gaucho (1980), numerous problems, stresses, and difficulties (including Becker being badly injured getting hit by a Taxicab, in addition to a growing drug addiction), leading to the eventual dissolution of the group in 1981.  During this break-up, Becker moved to Hawaii (to deal with his addiction) and eventually began producing other's albums (including Michael Franks, Rickie Lee Jones, and China Crisis). He also eventually got back with Fagen for his Rock and Soul Revue Show in 1991, which then lead to the full-fledged Steely Dan Reunion and tour in 1993. They have basically been touring ever since, and released new albums in 2000 and 2003 (Two Against Nature, Everything Must Go). I have previously featured several Steely Dan shows from throughout their history, but I have many more, and will probably feature a few more in the next few weeks. But today, in honor and tribute to Walter Becker, here are some demos and outtakes from the recording sessions for Walter's first solo album, 11 Tracks of Whack, from 1994 (which was co-produced by Fagen and Becker, and featured Fagen on keyboards on some tracks). Here are several demos of songs that are on the albujm, as well as some outtakes of tracks that did not make the album, and were never released. Although not quite up to Steely Dan standards (mainly due to Walter's limited vocals), there are several gems here, and this collection nonetheless displays Walter on his own, doing his own music. Certainly much in the same style as Steely Dan, but also some notable differences, and well worth checking out Walter as separate from Steely Dan. So, here's to Walter Becker, a giant in the music industry, who will be greatly missed, but not forgotten, as his music will stand forever.

Tracklist:
 1 Junkie Girl (demo)
 2 Girlfriend (demo)
 3 Cringemaker (demo)
 4 Medical Science (demo)
 5 Sanpaiku
 6 Ghost of Hipness Past aka The Ghost Of Hypnos Past
 7 Lies I Can Believe
 8 Three Sisters Shakin'
 9 Book of Liars (demo)
 10 Hat Too Flat (demo)

All tracks composed by Walter Becker except “Cringemaker by Walter Becker & Dean Parks, and “Three Sisters Shakin'” composed by Walter Becker & Donald Fagen

Musicians
 Walter Becker - Bass, Solo Guitars, Ukulele, Vocals
 Dean Parks - Electric & Acoustic Guitar
 Adam Rogers - Electric Guitar on Hat Too Flat
 Fima Ephron - Bass on Hat Too Flat
 Donald Fagen, John Beasley - Keyboards
 Ben Perowsky - Drums on Hat Too Flat
 Paulinho Da Costa - Percussion
 Backing Vocals - Katherine Russell, Brenda White-King
 Bob Sheppard - Saxophone, Woodwind Solos
 Bruce Paulson - Trombone
 Jon Papenbrook - Trumpet

FLAC: Walter Becker_Tracks of Whack Demos-Outtakes_FLAC.rar

mp3: Walter Becker_Tracks of Whack Demos-Outtakes_mp3.rar
Links Updated 08/26/21

Tom Petty, Mudcrutch - Mudcrutch and Solo Petty LP Outtakes, 1972-1977

Tom Petty, Mudcrutch
Mudcrutch Demos and Solo Petty LP Outtakes
circa 1972-1977

Recordings from various sources, fair to very good quality
Available in both lossless (FLAC) and mp3 (320 kbps) versions

In response to a recent request, I dug out this collection of demos and outtakes from the early days of Mudcrutch and Tom Petty's initial aborted solo project. And since this contains some very interesting relics from the past in the careers of the revived Mudcrutch band and Petty himself, I decided to go ahead and post it here for all to enjoy. As most probably know now, Mudcrutch was Petty's band in Gainesville, FL, before the days of The Heartbreakers (although core members Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench were in both bands). After several years making the rounds in central Florida, in 1974, they packed up their van, and armed with a demo tape, headed out West to find fame, fortune, and a recording contract. They made it as far as Tulsa (and ultimately L.A.), where they hooked up with Leon Russel's Shelter Records, and began recording some tracks for an eventual album. Other members of the band around that time included Danny Roberts (guitar, bass, backing vocals) and then Charlie Souza (bass). However, things didn't work out, the album never happened (the only released product from that association was an unsuccessful single, 'Depot Street'), and by 1975, the band was dropped and quickly split up. However, Shelter was still interested in Petty by himself to make a solo album, which he started to work on, but it just wasn't coming together without a solid band behind him. On a trip back home to Gainesville, Petty checked out the new band Campbell and Tench was putting together, and that group just felt right to Petty, and they became The Heartbreakers and Petty's permanent band. So, the solo album was dropped and Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers began fresh. So, this collection contains remnants from the original Mudcrutch Demo tape (circa 1973-1974) that the boys brought with them on their journey West, some tracks from their recording sessions at Shelter Church Studios (including a rare Danny Roberts vocal track), as well as some songs from Petty's solo album sessions (1975). However, not all the songs presented here are actually from that period (10 of the 15 tracks are), as there are also several songs that come from The Heartbreakers sessions in and around the album You're Gonna Get It, which are from around 1977-1978. So, although not all Mudcrutch related stuff (some Heartbreakers, too), this is a very interesting set of songs that for the most part never were developed or followed up on any further. Recording quality varies greatly, but most of the tracks have surprisingly good sound. Certainly a must for any fan of Tom Petty, Mudcrutch, and the Heartbreakers.

Tracklist:
1.  Another Lonely Night
2.  Don't It Get Weird
3.  You're Driving me Crazy
4.  She's A Screamer
5.  Parade of Loons
6.  Makin' Some Noise
7.  You Don't Care
8.  Don't Bring me Down
9.  Save Me
10.  Don't Make It Any Easier
11.  Lost in Your Eyes
12.  Long way From Home 1
13.  Long Way From Home 2
14.  Once Upon a Time Somewhere
15.  Country Girls Run Dry

FLAC - Mudcrutch and Petty solo outtakes_FLAC.rar

mp3 - Mudcrutch and Petty solo outtakes_mp3.rar
  links updated 09/18/21

Badfinger - Apple Demos 1970-1972

Badfinger
Apple Demos 1970-1972
(Early rejected version of Straight Up album)
Soundboard recording, very good quality
Mp3 @ 320 kbps

Badfinger is known primarily for a few things, first, as a band with a similar style and sound that the Beatles took personal interest in developing (signing to Apple Records, Paul writing and producing their first hit single, George arranging and producing some songs, them performing with George on All Things Must Pass and Concert for Bangladesh, performing with John on the Imagine album, etc.), second, for their string of early 70's hit singles 'Come and Get It', 'No Matter What', 'Day After Day', and 'Baby Blue', and lastly, for their tragic history resulting in the early destruction of the band and suicide of 2 of the 4 band members. I won't go into the depressing history and mistreatment of this talented band (chronicled in the book, Without You: The Tragic Story of Badfinger, by Dan Matovina), except to say that although they certainly weren't the only band to be taken advantage of by unscrupulous and inept management, I think they had it much worse than most and were subject not only to criminal greed (literally) and loss of all their earnings, but also were caught in all the issues and turmoil of the decline of Apple Records at that time, as well as raging lawsuits among Apple, their manager, Warner Bros (their new label), and ultimately themselves, making things particularly unbearable. So, although much is often made of both the advantages (help from the Beatles themselves!) and notable problems and tribulations of the band, not enough is usually said about just how great they were, despite all the turmoil. For some reason, it is generally assumed that they were a mediocre band (imitating the Beatles) that only achieved the success they did because of their association with The Beatles and Apple. Well, I would contend that Badfinger was a genuinely great band, that could (and should) have been even greater, if they would have been treated even humanely and given an adequate chance. With three very talented songwriters (that could write in a variety of styles), all of whom had excellent singing voices (and made great harmonies together), two fine guitarists (one a virtuoso lead), and rock solid backing, they had everything needed. Although after their early very Beatlesque sound they did find their own unique style and sound, they still were never quite able to shake the impression that they were sub-par imitations of The Beatles (which is nonsense, besides what's so wrong about a band playing their own original songs that happen to sound somewhat like the Beatles - sounds pretty good to me). Anyway, no apologies needed. They were a great band, making great music. They were really the first (and one of the best) of what later became known as Post-Beatle Power Pop (or just Power Pop). What I have here today were billed as demos in this well-known bootleg, but really these are much more than just 'demos'. These are actually fully produced songs, the original Geoff Emerick-produced tracks recorded (in 1971) for the band's follow-up album to the successful No Dice (1970), to be called Straight Up, that were rejected by Apple as not being good enough. The band was sent back into the studio, this time with George Harrison producing, where they recorded some new songs ('Day After Day' and 'I'd Die, Babe') and re-recorded 'Suitcase' (with a new, more rockin'  arrangement by George) and 'The Name of the Game' before George was called away to work with Ravi Shankar and set-up The Concert For Bangladesh. Badfinger eventually went back to the studio again, now with Todd Rundgren producing, to finish the album. Ultimately they only used 6 of the 12 songs recorded with Emerick for the final album (and most of these were re-recorded - only 'Flying' and 'Sweet Tuesday Morning' utilized the original recordings, which were remixed and overdubbed), and adding the new songs 'Take It All', 'Baby Blue', 'Sometimes', and 'It's Over' (in addition to the other 2 that George produced) for the final album. The final Straight Up album that was released, was all the better for the tinkering (the new song additions added immeasurably, especially 'Sometimes', 'I'd Die, Babe' and the eventual hits, 'Baby Blue' and 'Day After Day', and every one of the re-recorded song versions was better), and became a great, classic album, one of the best of that era, and one of my all-time favorites ('Perfection' and 'Sometimes' are still a couple of my very favorite songs), a Power Pop masterpiece. However, the original version presented here was not bad either, and some of the rejected songs are still very good (best of the bunch are 'Baby Please' and 'I'll Be The One', which was reportedly rejected by George because it sounded 'too Beatley'). So, check out this early, rejected version of the classic Straight Up, and enjoy the unused songs and early arrangements. But by all means, also listen to the final released version in all its glory (if Straight Up is not already a part of your collection, you must correct that immediately). Please, enjoy Badfinger.

Note: Many of these original version tracks have been made available as bonus tracks on updated, remastered editions of Badfinger albums. However, the tracks included here are the earlier available bootleg versions, not the official released versions.

Tracklist:
1. No Good At All (Evans)
2. Sweet Tuesday Morning (Molland)
3. Suitcase (Molland)
4. I'll Be The One (Evans, Gibbins, Ham, Molland)
5. Baby Please (Ham, Gibbins, Molland)
6. Mean Mean Jemima (Molland)
7. Loving You (Gibbins)
8. The Name of the Game (Ham)
9. Money (Evans) –  Flying (Evans, Molland)
10. Sing For the Song (Evans)
11. Perfection (ver.2) (Ham)
12. Perfection (demo)

Pete Ham - vocals, guitar, piano
Tom Evans - vocals, bass
Joey Molland - vocals, Guitar
Mike Gibbins - drums

Badfinger_Apple Demos 1970-1972.rar
New Link! Updated 03-06-22
Next: some live Badfinger

Soul Asylum - Grave Dancer's Union Demos & Outtakes

Soul Asylum
1992
Grave Dancers Union Demos & Outtakes
Soundboard recordings, good to very good quality
 Available in both lossless (FLAC) and mp3 (320 kbps) versions

Here's some more from Soul Asylum, this time some demos and outtakes from around the time of their breakthrough album, Grave Dancer's Union (1992). This includes some early demo versions of several songs from Grave Dancers, as well as 4 songs that appear to be unreleased outtakes from these sessions. The Grave Dancers demos material suffer from some tape issues that indicate these are several generation duplicates of the originals. However, the unreleased outtake tracks are clearly from a different source, and are in much better, and high quality sound. So, although the demo versions of the tracks from Grave Dancers are interesting to hear, the real gems here are the previously unreleased outtake tracks ('Easy to Avoid', 'Some Obsession', 'Straight Up', and 'Thick and Thin'), which are very good, and a fine addition to the Soul Asylum repertoire from this period.


Tracklist:
1.Get On Out
2.Runaway Train
3.Growing Into You
4.Easy To Avoid
5.99%
6.Black Gold
7.Some Obsession
8.Straight Up
9.Thick And Thin
10.New World 2

New updated link (02/05/24)
Soul Asylum_Grave Dancers Union Demos_mp3.rar

Soul Asylum_Grave Dancers Union Demos_FLAC.rar

They Might Be Giants - 1985 Demo Tape

They Might Be Giants
1985 Demo Tape (First recordings)
Soundboard recordings, very good quality
mp3 @ 320 kbps


Here's  more from TMBG, this time going back to the very beginning of the band. This is a collection of demo recordings that were never officially released commercially, but were sold by the band as a cassette tape at their early shows in 1985-1986. Most of the tracks would later appear (in re-recorded versions) on the band's first official album, They Might be Giants (pink album) later in 1986, a few others on their second album, Lincoln, in 1987, and a few more that did not make it on any album. It's interesting to hear these earlier versions of some familiar TMBG songs. In some cases, the versions of the songs were re-recorded with almost the exact same arrangemet, instrumentation, etc. as these early versions, while some songs were re-arranged or done quite differently. Anyway, here's a look back at the very early days of the band (a duo, really), and their convoluted oddities and original weirdness.

Tracklist
01. (Put Your Hand Inside the) Puppet Head
02. When It Rains It Snows
03. Number Three
04. Don't Let's Start
05. You'll Miss Me
06. I Hope that I Get Old Before I Die
07. The Biggest One
08. 32 Footsteps
09. Boat of Car
10. Cowtown
11. Chess Piece Face
12. Rabid Child
13. Youth Culture Killed My Dog
14. Alienation's for the Rich
15. The Day
16. (She Was a) Hotel Detective
17. Which Describes How You're Feeling
18. Toddler Hi-Way
19. Become a Robot
20. I'm Def
21. Hell Hotel
22. They Might Be Giants
23. Nothing's Going to Change My Clothes


They Might Be Giants_1985 Demo Tape.rar
Link updated 10/12/21

Gene Clark - Gene Clark Box Set (Fan Compilation - 7 discs)

Gene Clark
Gene Clark Box Set (Fan Compilation) 7 discs
Compilation of Unreleased, rare, alternate takes, demos, and live recordings originally put together by Fans from the Gene Clark Yahoo Group in 2001, and then made available to other groups, such as The Byrdwatchers Fan Club.
Miscellaneous recordings of varying sound quality, but overall good to very good
Mp3 (VBR ~128-192kbps)
Artwork and notes included

Here is a hard-to-find gem, a fan compilation box set of the great songwriter and golden-voiced singer, Gene Clark. This is a whopping 7 disc collection consisting completely of unreleased material from throughout his post-Byrds (and Post-Dillard & Clark) career (covering 1971-1991). That is, this material was all unreleased at the time the compilation was put together, which was 2001, as since then official versions of some of these tracks have been subsequently released. The compilation is divided into the sections Unreleased Originals, Unreleased Covers, Rare releases and Alternate Takes, and The Live Performances, but within those sections there is no particular theme or order, as different time periods are mixed throughout. This version of the collection also includes some additional tracks (of unknown history and origin) that were obtained from the official Gene Clark web site several years ago (included in package I received). Thus, this contains loads of great stuff for dedicated fans, including much that you may not have heard before, by this great, underappreciated artist (However, due to the demo and unpolished nature of many of the tracks, probably not the best place to start for newcomers to Gene's music). Unfortunately, I only have this in this lower bitrate version, as I obtained this several years ago before trading at the higher bitrates became commonplace, and have been unable to find a higher quality version since, but being able to get this in any form is well worth it. Thanks to all those dedicated fans that were able to track down these recordings, make this compilation, and then make it available for others to enjoy.

Discs 1 & 2: THE UNRELEASED ORIGINALS
Disc 1
01 - I Don't Want To See You Anymore
02 - Carry On
03 - Shades of Blues
04 - I Need to Fly
05 - Sleep Will Return
06 - After The Storm
07 - Look Who's Missing Who
08 - Somewhere After Midnight
09 - Life and Times
10 - Straight from the Heart
11 - Crazy Ladies
12 - Ladies' Turnaround
13 - My Marie
14 - I Am Without You
15 - On The Run
16 - The Old Mountain God
Disc 2
01 - Last of the Blue Diamond Miners
02 - Winning Hand (Dancin' on the Moon)
03 - (Living In) Hard Times
04 - You're Gonna Miss That Somebody
05 - Daylight Line
06 - Ship of the Lord
07 - Into the Night
08 - You and I
09 - I Had a Dream Come True
10 - What Is Meant Will Be
11 - We Came For Love (Mary Ann)
12 - Put Your Faith In Me
13 - Wheel of Time

Discs 3 & 4: THE UNRELEASED COVERS
Disc 3
01 - No Memories Hanging Around
02 - Kaw-Uga
03 - Long Black Veil
04 - Gates Of Eden
05 - Tell It Like It Is
06 - She Loves You
07 - I Shall Be Released
08 - Stand By Me
09 - I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry
10 - Kansas City
11 - Knockin' On Heaven's Door
12 - I'll Be Back
13 - You Ain't Goin' Nowhere
14 - Boll Weevill Song
Disc 4
01 - Baby Blue
02 - Love Is Gonna Come At Last
03 - My Back Pages
04 - One Hundred Years From Now
05 - You Really Got a Hold On Me
06 - Living Nextdoor To Alice
07 - It's All Over Now, Baby Blue
08 - The Closer You Get
09 - Still Feeling Blue
10 - Young Love (First Love)
11 - So You Wanna Be A Rock And Roll Star
12 - Needles and Pins
13 - Ain't Livin' Long Like This
14 - Why You Been Gone So Long

Disc 5: RARE RELEASES AND ALTERNATE TAKES

01 - Day For The Night
02 - Denver Or Whenever
03 - Lover's Turnaround
04 - Jokers Are Wild
05 - Release Me Girl
06 - Here Without You
07 - Hula Bula Man
08 - Changes
09 - Outlaw Song
10 - I Remember The Railroad
11 - Why Did You Leave Me Today
12 - Shooting Star
13 - Gypsy Rider
14 - Mary Sue
15 - In A Misty Morning
16 - All I Want
17 - Love Wins Again
18 - She Don't Care About Time
19 - The Virgin
20 - I'll Feel A Whole Lot Better
Additional tracks (From official web site) - no documentation:
21 - Ain't Livin' Long Like This
22 - I Really Don't Want to Know
23 - Love Deluxe       
24 - Roadmaster   
25 - Rough and Rocky
26 - Tried So Hard   
27 - Where Does Love Go
28 - Gypsy Rider

Discs 6 & 7 : THE LIVE PERFORMANCES
Disc 6
01 - Kansas City Southern
02 - If You Could Read My Mind
03 - Painted Fire
04 - Won't Let You Down
05 - Something About You Baby
06 - Train Leaves Here This Morning
07 - Hear The Wind
08 - Backstage Pass
09 - The World Turns All Around Her
10 - Release Me Girl
11 - Spanish Guitar
12 - Satisfied Mind
13 - Denver Or Whenever
14 - Eight Miles High
15 - Rodeo Rider
16 - Your Fire Burning
17 - She Don't Care About Time
18 - Past Addresses
19 - Little Mama
20 - Bells Of Rhymney
Disc 7
01 - You're Gonna Miss That Somebody
02 - Blue Raven
03 - Here Without You
04 - Feeling Higher
05 - Silver Raven
06 - Fair And Tender Ladies
07 - Gypsy Rider
08 - Life's Greatest Fool
09 - Rain Song
10 - American Dreamer
11 - Hot Burrito #1
12 - Stand By Me
13 - Set You Free This Time
14 - You Showed Me
15 - I'll Feel A Whole Lot Better
16 - Mr Tambourine Man

Discs 1&2: Gene Clark - Fan Club Box Set discs1&2.rar
Discs 3&4: Gene Clark - Fan Club Box Set discs3&4.rar
Disc 5: Gene Clark - Fan Club Box Set disc5.rar
Discs 6&7: Gene Clark - Fan Club Box Set discs6&7
Links updated 10/12/21

Flip City (pre-Elvis Costello band) - Demos 1974-1975

Flip City
(Elvis Costello's early pre-fame band)
Demos & Unreleased Recordings 1974-1975
Studio soundboard recordings, very good quality
mp3 @ 192 kbps

OK, I had to include this one last Pub Rock entry, to follow-up on the Flip City post from last week. As already explained, Flip City was Elvis' early pre-Costello band that played on the pub rock circuit. Although they never had any records officially released, they did make it into a recording studio on three separate occasions, which are documented here. So, here we have their only recorded output, which includes several MacManus originals (both early versions of songs that would later be recorded by Elvis and songs that would never be released in any form) and fascinating covers (such as 'Knockin On Heaven's Door', 'Third Rate Romance', 'You Win Again'). Thus, this is a unique treasure trove for all Elvis fans, with a compelling look at his early works and songwriting, all in very good audio quality (unlike the previous live recording with only so-so audio quality). Incidentally, this recording of 'Third Rate Romance' was planned to be released as Flip City's first single, but unfortunately, it never happened, and by the end of 1975, Flip City called it quits. Of course, thankfully, that also allowed Declan to later be re-discovered and re-born as Elvis Costello. 

Tracklist: (All songs written by Declan P. MacManus, except where indicated)
BBC's Maida Vale Studios, 1974
1. Exile's Road
2. Baseball Heroes (later became, via about three re-writes, 'Miracle Man')
3. Radio Soul (later became 'Radio Radio')
Hope and Anchor Pub, Attic Studio, Islington, early 1975
4. Imagination (is a powerful deceiver) (early version of what would later become 'Alison')
5. Pay it Back
6. Radio Soul (version 2)
Hope and Anchor Pub, Attic Studio, Islington, 1975
7. Third Rate Romance (Russell Smith)
8. Knockin' on Heaven's' Door (Bob Dylan)
9. Packin' Up (Chris Kenner)
10. Please Mister, Don't Stop the Band
11. Exile's Road
12. Wreck on the Slide
13. On the Road (Steve Hazlehurst)
14. You Win Again (Hank Williams)
15. Sweet Revival

Flip City:
Declan P. MacManus - guitar, lead vocals
Mich Kent - bass, vocals
Steve Hazelhurst - guitar, vocals, keyboards, sax
Malcolm Dennis - drums (early session only)
Ian Powling - drums (last sessions)
Dickie Faulkner - percussion, vocals (last sessions)
 

Link updated 6/8/23
Elvis Costello_Flip City demos 1974-75.rar

The Sinceros - Demos and Rarities, 1978-1981

The Sinceros
Demos and Rarities
1978-1981
Studio demo recordings, good to very good quality
mp3@320 kbps

OK, Here's the last of The Sinceros stuff. This is a collection of various demos and rarities from throughout the brief history of the group, beginning with some early demo recordings from 1978, progressing up to their later recordings in 1981. The early (1978) stuff here is pretty rough, both in the recordings and the performances, but the later stuff is really good, and features many songs that can not be heard on any other recordings, either live or studio. So, this is definitely needed to complete any collection of The Sinceros music. After their first album, The Sound of Sunbathing (1979), they essentially completed recording what was planned to be their second album, to be titled '2nd Debut' (artwork featured above), in 1980, but then at the last minute the album was withheld and shelved by their label, Epic records. Much of the material for that album was later re-worked and re-recorded, along with several new songs, under the guidance of Producer Gus Dudgeon (most well-known for his work with Elton John), and was eventually released as Pet Rock in 1981. I don't know how much of the credit goes to Dudgeon (as opposed to the band just growing and maturing), but Pet Rock, is by far their best work, just a wonderful pop album for that time, with great songs, a great sound, and great production. The collection included here has couple of the songs from the 2nd Debut sessions, as well as several from later sessions that were not used on any released albums. For anyone interested at all in the music of The Sinceros, I highly recommend getting Pet Rock, as at least half of its songs (including some of their best) are not found on any of these bootlegs, and the others are in superior versions (actually, everything on that album is better than anything I have been able to post from them here).  Just a great, criminally underappreciated pop album.  In addition, only fairly recently, Pet Rock was reissued as a deluxe CD (actually, first time on CD, 2010 - Wounded Bird/Sony), that contained not only all of Pet Rock, but also the complete 2nd Debut tracks and several other additional bonus tracks, too (for a total of 25 Sinceros tracks). Well worth checking out, if you can find it. But until then, hope you enjoy this final sampling of The Sinceros. BTW, these recordings I've shared represent the only live/unreleased recordings of The Sinceros available as far as I know. If you have or know of any others, I'd love to hear/have anything you can share about them. Thanks.  

Tracklist:
First Demos (c. 1978):
01. Something's Happening Now
02. Rich Quick
03. Girl I Realise
04. Little White Lie
05. My Little Letter
06. Hollywood
07. Quick Quick Slow
08. Cry
09. Cry (instrumental)
Pathway & Matrix Demos (c. 1979):
10. Break Her Heart
11. Count The Beating Hearts
12. Little White Lie
13. My Little Letter
14. Take Me To Your Leader
15. Worlds Apart
2nd Debut (unreleased album, 1980):
16. Come On Out And Play
17. Down Down
Later Demos (1980-1981):
18. Knot On The Inside
19. City Summers
20. Everyday Girl
21. Falling Out With You
22. We Don't Get Along
23. You And I Make Magic
24. Coming Down
25. The Scene

New Link! (Updated 10/8/21)
The_Sinceros_-_Demos_and_Rarities_1978-1981.rar

Counting Crows - 1991 - Flying Demos

Counting Crows

1991 - Flying Demos

(Original early Demo recordings)
Soundboard recording, excellent quality

Now Available in both Lossless (FLAC) and upgraded mp3 (320 kbps) versions! New upgraded links below.
(Previously available only as 192 kbps mp3 files)

Before signing to Geffen records, the band recorded demo versions of a number of songs, which became known as the 'Flying Demos'. This is the band's original demo tape that was sold at early shows, and later re-surfaced among the Counting Crows fanbase. These are excellent recordings, actually sounding much better than most 'demo' tapes. Some songs from the tape later resurfaced (in reworked versions) on the band's debut album August and Everything After. However, many songs remained unreleased (although different versions of some have subsequently appeared as bonus tracks, etc. on future releases). Included here are some standout songs that surprisingly did not become a part of their recorded output. A must for any fan of the band. Four bonus live tracks from 1994-08-19 (Montreal) have been added to the original 13 song tape in this version that has circulated among fans.

Tracklist:

01. Rain King

02. Omaha

03. Anna Begins

04. Einstein on the Beach

05. Shallow Days

06. Love and Addiction

07. Mr. Jones

08. Round Here

09. 40 Years

10. Margery

11. Bulldog

12. Lightning

13. We're Only Love

14. Wiseblood (bonus)

15. Perfect Blue Buildings (bonus)

16. Open All Night (bonus)

17. Caravan (bonus)

tracks 1-13 - original demo tracks (1991)
tracks 14-17 - live bonus tracks - 1994-08-19 - Montreal

New links (Updated 8/18/21)

FLAC - Counting Crows - 1991 - Flying Demos - FLAC.rar

mp3 - Counting Crows - 1991 - Flying Demos - mp3-320.rar

Jackson Browne - 1970 - the Criterion Demos

MAY SURPRISE!

Jackson Browne

The Criterion Demos

Recorded April 6, 1970

Hollywood, CA

Very Good Soundboard recordings

New Upgraded Sound quality!
Now Available in both Lossless (FLAC) and mp3 (320 kbps) versions

Artwork Included

Wow! Here is a real find, and I am very happy to finally be able to present it here. This something I have been looking for ever since I heard about it years ago, the legendary Criterion Demos made by Jackson Browne in 1970. It includes early demo versions of most of the songs from his first official album, but more importantly, about half of the 19 tracks are never-released songs by Jackson. Some of these unknown songs are startlingly good, but were surprisingly never developed any further for future release. Unlike the much earlier Nina Demos (made in 1967), which contained mainly undistinguished, forgettable, or uncharacteristic-sounding songs (but still historically interesting), this is the Jackson Browne that we know and love, just in the early stages. Thus, this is a treasure trove for fans, but has been very difficult to find for even dedicated Jackson Browne fans. No more. Here it is. 

Background: Jackson signed a co-publishing agreement with Hollywood's Criterion Music in the fall of 1969. These demo tracks were recorded in early 1970, prior to his hooking up with David Geffen, which took place later in 1970 and the recording of his first album which took place in 1971. In fact, it was this demo version of "Jamaica Say You Will" from the recording session at Criterion Studios -- which Jackson sent to David Geffen -- that attracted Geffen's attention. The track included backing by J.D. Souther (on drums?), Glenn Frey, and Ned Doheny. This was not an official album, nor was it ever intended as an official release. It was merely Jackson Browne making some demo recordings in his role as a staff writer for Criterion Music. These recordings were intended to be used to promote Jackson's songs to other artists for recording.

Tracks:

01. Last Time I Was Home (2:57)

02. Jamaica Say You Will (3:45)

03. Song For Adam (5:18)

04. Doctor My Eyes (3:49)

05. Low Road (3:04)

06. Door Into The Morning (2:40)

07. Another Place (2:33)

08. The Birds Of St Marks (3:39)

09. Mae Jean Goes To Hollywood (2:56)

10. Gone To Sorrow (3:04)

11. Hot Like Today (2:49)

12. A Child In These Hills (3:45)

13. The Top (3:53)

14. My Opening Farewell (4:35)

15. The Times You've Come (3:26)

16. From The Silver Lake (4:39)

17. There Came A Question (3:23)

18. Rock Me On The Water (3:50)

19. Nightingale (4:06)

All songs written and performed by Jackson Browne

New Links! (Updated 09/13/21)
mp3 -Jackson Browne_1970_Criterion Demos_mp3.rar

FLAC - Jackson Browne_1970_Criterion Demos_FLAC