Gatefold Sleeve, Anniversary Edition, Deluxe Edition
Eli Paperboy Reed is celebrating 20 years of making soulful music with the re-release of his very first album, the hopefully titled Sings Walkin' And Talkin' And Other Smash Hits! The set was originally recorded in a basement studio in Allston, Massachusetts, all live to analog tape in mono and pressed as a limited run of 300 cds in 2005. This self-released CD was mostly sold while Reed busked on the streets of Harvard Square in Cambridge, Mass in his early 20s. The first disc of the newly remastered double LP reissue will contain the original tracks from the CD, plus four additional tracks recorded the same December day in 2004. The second disc contains a live performance recorded for WHRB radio at Harvard University in 2005. This two disc set presents Reed’s humble beginnings in Boston by way of Mississippi and Chicago, playing his own rough and ready interpretations of downhome blues, R&B and gospel. With this 20th anniversary release and the celebration of two decades of legendary live performances, Reed cements himself as an elder statesman of the genre. To further mark the milestone, Reed will be touring with the members of his original band playing music from that first LP as well as across his storied career.[info sheet from distr.]