Published July 24, 1992, San Jose (CA) Mercury News
"Maybe Tomorrow"
(star)(star)(star)
''No Dice"
(star)(star)(star) 1/2
''Wonderwall Music by George Harrison"
(star)
''Earth Song/Ocean Song"
(star)(star)(star)
''Doris Troy"
(star)(star)
(All Capitol/Apple) (All available on CD, cassette)
Rather than just make out-of-print albums available again, the Capitol/Apple reissue series is becoming notable for the rare material being included.
That's especially true in this second set of Apple albums. The biggest news is the first American release of the rare pre- Badfinger "Maybe Tomorrow" album, issued when the band was known as the Iveys. Badfinger's popularity made vinyl copies of their albums highly sought after in recent years and some collectors had to resort to buying bootlegs of "Maybe Tomorrow" because it was so hard to get.
Originally released on a limited basis in mid-1969, "Maybe Tomorrow" shows the fledgling band still not completely settled on its musical direction, but off to a good start. The band later changed its name to Badfinger, from the working title of "With a Little Help From My Friends."
Seven tracks were later issued with new mixes (one of them, "Fisherman," a new version) on "Magic Christian Music" in early 1970 and the group took off. This release also includes four bonus tracks, two previously unreleased.
Also back in print is Badfinger's wonderful "No Dice" album, their late-1970 follow-up to "Magic Christian Music." The band's confidence was more evident and they were rewarded with a big hit of their own, "No Matter What," while Harry Nilsson's cover of "Without You" topped the charts all over the world. Five bonus unreleased tracks also are included.
The Mary Hopkin album is a jewel. Paul McCartney directed her to pop material on her debut album, "Post Card," but Tony Visconti's choice of a softer, folk-oriented sound on this follow-up sounds more suited to her fragile wisp of a voice. (The union worked out in more ways than one: Visconti and Hopkin were later married.)
Especially nice is Hopkin's version of Ralph McTell's "Streets of London." The album also displays an environmental theme in the two Liz Thorsen compositions that make up the album's title.
Doris Troy's 1970 album is a solid effort, thanks to studio help from such noteworthy personalities as George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Steve Stills, Leon Russell and Billy Preston.
On the other hand, "Wonderwall Music" wasn't the best way to kick off Apple Records (it was the first album released in England by the label) or for Harrison to begin his solo career. Released in December 1968, it's a psychedelic-laced album of Indian music that sounds like a museum piece today. Its use in those days is summed up in Derek Taylor's liner notes: "Put on the player, put on the light-show, brighten up and let go."
