This week's release reviewed
VARIOUS ARTISTS
Woodstock 40 Years On: Back to Yasgur's Farm
Rhino
****
Eddie Kramer's soundboard didn't come close to recording every note played at Woodstock. If it had, you would need more than 20 CDs to hold it all. As things stand, the nearly eight hours of music stored on these six discs is probably the closest we'll ever get (or wish to get) to owning a full sonic picture of that lysergic weekend.
Woodstock 40 Years Onprovides ample proof that much of what was played on Max Yasgur's farm was self-indulgent, blues-rock-folkie-trippy tripe, but there's more than enough good stuff here to keep the legend intact. And we're not just talking Janis, Joe and Jimi. The inclusion of hitherto unissued gems from the unsung likes of Tim Hardin (
Hang on to a Dream), Melanie Safka (
Momma Momma) and Quill (
They Live the Life) makes this collection rather special. www.rhino.com
DARAGH DOWNES
Download tracks: Tim Hardin, Hang on to a Dream; Mountain, Theme for an Imaginary Western