"Bella Donna"/"Wild Heart" Deluxe Sets - Reviews and Opinions

[sorcerer999]

Since these were just released, I figured we could start a new thread separate from the Press Release thread and let each other read our opinions and reviews for these CD's. :thumbsup:

I was pleasantly surprised to get home from work tonight and find my AMAZON package on my front door, a day early. Another perk of living in Nashville! I've listened to each CD twice now. I've got to say, I'm pretty impressed and amazed with what we got. Only a handful of tracks are from the Master Reels that have circulated in the past...but there are A LOT of great things in both sets that we've never heard!!!

Starting out with Bella Donna, I have to say it's my least favorite of the remasters and I'm still adamant that she could have added a lot more to round out the whole "Bella Donna experience" ~ "Julia" being the best example. However, ALL the remastered tracks on the actual album are STELLAR and so much louder and clearer than before, with a certain amount of instrumentation remixed, and I adore that! I think what I love most about the 3 disc set is the Live disc from the HBO White Winged Dove special. It is sooooooooo clear and perfect now. "Sara" being the stand out for me, as well as "Angel" and "Bella Donna". My only gripe is that they remastered all the tracks that made it into the broadcast version, and neglected to remaster the outtakes (Leather & Lace, Angel, How Still, etc). Now it's not that they sound bad or anything because they don't! It's just that the vocals on the broadcasted songs are louder than the vocals on the outtakes. :shrug:

In regards to the outtakes disc...
1.“Edge of 17 (early take)” – It’s more heavy with piano and organ, which ironically makes it sound more "Wild Heart-ish". It's definitely unique...however, both Stevie and the girls stray off key at points, which is off putting. It’s interesting but nothing special.

2.“Think About It (alternate version)” – This is the version we’ve heard before on the old “Stevie Nicks Gems” demos that circulated in the late 90’s/early 00’s. However, the quality is a hell of a lot better here. A lot of alternate harmonies in the way Roy Bittan’s bridge ends.

3.“How Still My Love (alternate version)” – Pretty sure we’ve heard this take in the circulated Master Reels as well, at least musically. Very guitar heavy and not as moody and atmospheric as the album cut, which is still miles and miles better.

4.“Leather And Lace (alternate version)” – Very nice! Just a strumming guitar and her vocal, which is earnest and a tad “twangy”. I love it! She sings the high harmony in what would have been the two part duet with Don, who is not featured on this take.

5."Bella Donna (demo)” – What can I say here? Still GORGEOUS in its beauty and simplicity. The outline for they way the song was built around it is RIGHT THERE! It’s perfect! My favorite track off this disc!

6.“Gold & Braid (studio version)” – A more flushed out “musical version” from what we’ve heard on the master reels. This one is ROCKING!!! I love it! My only complaint is the lack of harmonies from the girls. Still though, it’s so much fun, and most likely the definitive take of what we’ve gotten from all the studio versions.

7.“Sleeping Angel (alternate version)” – Meh. Not all that impressed. The vocal seems uninspired here. Stick with the released “Fast Times” Soundtrack version, which is perfection!

8.“If You Were My Love” – HOLY CRAP!!! This is GORGEOUS!!! And something we’ve never heard! I adore the 24KG version, but musically, this is a lot better! The only thing that this "take" suffers from is the musicianship. The players don’t have a “tight grasp” on the song. It’s kind of like Fleetwood Mac’s version of “Planets” from the Rumours outtakes. It’s pretty, but a little muddy because they’re still trying to figure it out…if that makes sense?

9.“The Dealer (Unreleased version)” – We’ve heard this one. It’s one of the many Master reel takes. I’ve never been a big fan of this song anyway. :/

10.“Blue Lamp” – The remaster makes it sound more lush and echoey! LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!

11.“Sleeping Angel” – As stated above, PERFECTION as always! The remaster makes the tambourine "pop" and brings out a few more bits of instrumentation (the mandolin) and percussion. It’s even better now!!!

I might be biased because "The Wild Heart" is my absolute favorite Stevie Nicks solo album, but I think this "expanded edition" is far superior to "Bella Donna", both in capturing the spirit of the era and with the outtakes included that have never seen the light of day until now.

1.“Violet And Blue” – The remaster sounds great. I can’t tell much of a difference in this mix from the Enchanted box set. It’s just louder. The piano might be more up in the mix too?

2.“I Sing For The Things” – This IS, indeed, the “upbeat version” we’ve heard before…BUT…it’s even better because A) It’s crisp and clear. B) It’s got BOTH the girls harmonies and C) It’s got many vocal overdubs by Stevie and the girls that are beautiful. This one is sooooo pretty. It's familiar yet brand new at the same time!

3.“Sable On Blonde (alternate version)” – Not as good as the album, but I still adore it because it’s soooo very “Wild Heart”. A completely different musical arrangement and a very passionate vocal from Stevie. Apples and oranges, really. I'm glad she included this!

4.“All The Beautiful Worlds” – Different from the outtake we’ve had for years. It’s pretty, but unfortunately there are “missed cues” and “forgotten lyrics” from Stevie, making it more of an incomplete "take" than an actual "alternate version". The synth and instrumentation is also pretty minimal. Somebody earlier said this was better than the 24KG version, but I disagree. I think the 24KG version still blows this one out of the water! :sorry:

5.“Sorcerer” – OH…MY…GOD!!! NICE!!!!!!!!! Musically, this is a combination of the Streets of Fire soundtrack version that Marilyn sang and the version that actually ended up in the movie, sung by Laurie Sargent. It’s a little more country and less atmospheric than the film version though. It's like the secret song from the "Wild Heart" era that we never knew about! Stevie’s vocal is flawless and sublime! With a few more overdubs of instrumentation, this would have been a GREAT addition to “The Wild Heart” and should have replaced “I Will Run To You”, in my opinion.

6.“Dial The Number” – I don’t like it as much as the outtake from TOSOTM. This version is a little marred by that early 80’s “Christopher Cross-esque movie soundtrack” overuse of the piano, making it a tad “cheesy” and something right out of the movie “Tootsie”. Her vocal is smooth, however. The overall feeling is that it just doesn't sound like a "Stevie Nicks song".

7.“Garbo” – The remaster makes the piano a bit punchier…but they push her harmony with herself a little farther in the background, which kind of sucks. But it is saved by yet more nuances within the new mix and that makes up for it. Definitely better than the Enchanted boxed set version. Always a favorite!

8.“Are You Mine (Demo)” – This might be my favorite thing on this outtakes disc. So pitch perfect and flawless! Just piano plunking, guitar strumming, Stevie and the girls. It’s the beautiful harmonies that induce the goosebumps. You listen to this track and you know exactly why she named this album the “Wild Heart”. It’s all about love. It’s in Stevie’s voice here, as well as the girls’ voices. This is one to put on all of your "Stevie mix tapes"! :nod:

9.“Wild Heart (session)” –Like I said in a previous post, her vocal is very rough here (but then that makes sense due to it being labeled "session take") so this is most likely a "scratch vocal", which is what vocalists do for the band whenever they are tracking. It keeps them in line so that they know where they are within the song. I'm LOVING the musical arrangement here. THE BONGOS and percussion, especially! The lead electric guitars have a harder edge as well. And the piano arrangement is more intricate and delicate. Lovely! Had they kept this musical arrangement and gotten a better vocal from Stevie, it would have been a powerhouse!!

Despite the glaring omissions of "Julia" and the "Dressing Room" version of "Wild Heart", I'm pretty happy and satisfied with the expanded deluxe editions!

CAN'T WAIT TO HEAR EVERYONE'S REVIEWS!!! And just wait til you get to see all the new "old pictures" and read the "liner notes". The nostalgia is a bit overwhelming! It takes you back, for sure! :nod:

[Jondalar]

I love the deluxe Sable on Blonde.
If You Were My Live is the weakest version I've heard
I appreciate Sorceror and How Still My Love

[bwboy]

Thanks, guys! Tell me, do the reissues include lyrics for the outtakes, too? And what do you think a out the liner notes? I ordered my copies a month ago but without Amazon Prime, I won't a actually get them until late next week:distress::

[emmaline]

Thanks for the reviews, it will be all I have until I can buy them next week when Australia receives them.

So frustrating that Australia is so far behind on release dates, I really want them so bad!!

[Macfan4life]

The demo of Nothing Ever Changes is really cool. I wish that was included.

[BLY]

After the first listen of the snipits on I Tunes I look forward to adding this to my collection and replacing the original CD's and poor boot recordings. I Sing For The Things stands out after first listen but I'm sure many songs will be added to that list. The one annoying thing is the prominent vocals of Sharon and Lori. I have always preferred Stevie's background vocals with "the girls" deep in the mix. Her own harmonizing has always been my favorite on all her solo recordings.

[olive]

i'm just enjoying it !

[ricohv]

Mine hasn't arrived in the mail yet but I discovered Sorcerer and Sable On Blond on Spotify and fear I will be late to work because I can't quit listening to them. The Wild Heart has always been my favorite era so I'm in heaven. Literally...I'M. GONNA. BE. LATE. TO. WORK! :]
*Ricoh*

[kak125]

Sable on Blonde is so freaking good its killing me today! I would die to hear this one in concert just once in my lifetime.

[dontlookdown]

Are You Mine --
Might be the most perfect recording I've heard from Stevie Nicks since Dreams.

[SisterNightroad]

Listened on Spotify (finally something for which spotufy is useful for).

I still don't understand why the HBO concert isn't full but I forgive them because they included Angel and How still my love at least. The bootleg version can't compare. Also from PC the difference between the remastered songs and the others is less strinking so I don't complain too much but I do think it's weird that only a few songs have received the treatment.

I don't particularly like the Edge of 17 demo, I think this is one of those songs that works better polished, not stripped. But it was nice nonetheless.
I liked Think about it.
The How still my love outtake is interesting but it's similare to one of my favourite demos, the "jazz outtake" but a bit less jazzy so I think it's just a so-so as a surprise.
Liked Leather and lace but I'm all for the outtakes that feature Don.
Obviously Bell Donna gives the chills, that is the most excellent choice.
I appreciated finally having a "definite" outtake for Gold & braid.
Unfortunately I'm not a big fan of Sleeping Angel so I just listened for completion.
My favourite takes of The Dealer is the one with Walter Egan so I'm not particularly excited about this version but it's a good one.
What I've been pleasantly surprised about is If you were my love, I prefer the Mirage demo but this version is very dreamy.

[KarmaContestant]

I'll do a play-by-play tonight when I'm home.

[sorcerer999]

Are You Mine --
Might be the most perfect recording I've heard from Stevie Nicks since Dreams.

I know, right?!!! :]

[24karatstevie]

I think I like The Wild Heart reissue better than Bella Donna. Every single song included on disc 2 is exquisite. This version of Sable on Blond is my new favorite as is the version of Sorcerer, I Sing For Things, and Dial the Number. Stevie's voice during The Wild Heart era is my favorite and these takes really showcase its beauty. My only complaint is that I wish there was more bonus material! A 3 disc Wild Heart would probably blow everything else out of the water!

[shackin'up]

Are You Mine --
Might be the most perfect recording I've heard from Stevie Nicks since Dreams.

Well, since Gypsy for me. Still, I agree on the outrageous beauty of it.

[SpyNote]

The reissues are great! I'm glad they picked demos that haven't been widely circulated already. They definitely did their research :woohoo: I'm also glad they picked a different writer, besides David Wild, to write the liner notes. I do prefer The Wild Heart reissue more, probably because the demos from these sessions are more elusive.

I love the BD live CD. It's great they added some of the songs from the radio broadcast.

[blinker12]

I might be biased because "The Wild Heart" is my absolute favorite Stevie Nicks solo album, but I think this "expanded edition" is far superior to "Bella Donna", both in capturing the spirit of the era and with the outtakes included that have never seen the light of day until now.

Could not agree more sorcerer999. Blown away by the Wild Heart bonus disc! Love each and every track. I think it could stand on its own as a finished album, perhaps one of Stevie's best.

This upbeat, non-self-pitying "I Sing for the Things"!

This epic "Sable"! (Move over "Wild Heart"!)

This weird and rootsy "Sorcerer," with its unfamiliar lyrics! ("the mystery...")

This tender, nostalgic "Are You Mine"!

I could go on, but I've run out of exclamation points. ;)

[Jondalar]

Her voice was so strong.

Sorcerer frustrates me. I always thought Jimmy did the best version for Marilyn because of her range. Now I know Stevie could of done it. I really like this version but Marilyn's is the definitive version. The lyrics are so decadent like Alice in a wonderland strung out on a drug binge. Very Hollywood. Very Stevie.

[BLY]

I'm dying to hear the entire tracks on the alt discs. Amazon hasn't even shipped yet. I also love her voice during this time I sure hope these releases keep coming out . I have been waiting for her reissues for a long time.

[KarmaContestant]

I just finished listening to the remastered Bella Donna on CD. And then I thought about it for about 10 minutes, and now here I am.

I have a decent stereo system. Nothing audiophile quality, but better than average these days. A friend gave me his old 48" floor speakers from Kenwood a few years back, and I can turn them up loud, so I did.

There's some tape hiss at the start. It was super annoying but went away by the first chorus. I think... By the time Kind Of Woman started I didn't hear it, so it was either just at the beginning or it gets buried in the other sounds. First impression is that it's a loud remaster. Initial disappointment of a sort set in. Very suspiciously, I continued to listen, telling myself it doesn't sound bad, just different when compared to my decades-old vinyl or original CDs from the late 80's.

My initial impressions of loudness diminished as the album played, and things turned around when Think About It started. One of my top 3 favorites from this album. It sounds amazing. So crisp and clear and Stevie's voice is so there, up front in a great way and I love it. Then, After The Glitter fades - also amazing - also a favorite, and then Edge, and it was great - Edge of Seventeen took my breath away - and then I started reading the liner notes, and I got distracted, and sort of tuned out for How Still My Love. And I totally skipped Stop Draggin' My Heart Around. And Leather and Lace. Yeah? So? :laugh:

Outside The Rain sounds better than ever. The final of my three favorites - The Highwayman - also benefited greatly from this remaster. Maybe I was imagining it, but I could pull out Don Henley's parts more clearly. I finished the album feeling impressed and satisfied.

One criticism from me would be the liner notes. Um, so, I guess, based on the initial hype, it sounded to me as if each song would have a write up from Stevie herself, and that together, they would tell the story of the album and it's making. This isn't the case, but the liner notes that are included are good. Well written, there's a lot of dialog from Stevie about the album and the songs and recording them, and what was going on at the time emotionally. I think the liner notes deliver, but not what I expected.

There are seven pictures from the Bella Donna cover shoot, including the cover shot. The one right inside the cover of the booklet is my favorite! An outtake of the Stevie and girls on the big bed from the BD liner photo is also in the booklet. There are a handful of small candid photos taken in the studio included also.

OK - I'm off to listen to the outtakes CD. Be back later.

[SpyNote]

Anyone get their vinyl copies yet? Mine hasn't been shipped yet. :mad:

Japan is releasing the reissues too (in January) on their notorious SHM-CD (Super High Material CD) format. The verdict is still out on these and may only be appreciated by audiophiles. Japan is also releasing the remastered albums as single discs in jewel cases. :thumbsup:

[bwboy]

Thanks for the great review, KarmaContestant! My CDs are supposed to arrive tomorrow and I Can't Wait!

[KarmaContestant]

The Bella Donna outtakes CD.

Some highlights:

How Still My Love. So this thing starts out sort of scratchy and and then about halfway through an intensity came into the song that took me by surprise. I can imagine that, if given a longer solo tour, How Still My Love might have evolved into something like this on stage, with an extended vampy ending.

Leather And Lace. Well color me surprised! This was amazing and refreshing. The uptempo on the first chorus was a nice touch! Another A+

Bella Donna. I didn't listen to but a few moments of this when it was previewed a couple weeks back. Tonight, I found that sweet spot in the room where the very best sound is between the speakers, and closed my eyes. This is lovely, and while not complex, demonstrates Stevie's ability to draw you in - you just wanna hear what she's gonna say - so you gotta be still and listen carefully.

Gold And Braid. I loved this version. It is familiar to me from the master reels (the Orson Welles reference in the beginning). Great alternate lyrical improvs, and Stevie's vocals are fierce. There's a story here I love, about two shadowed people who meet in a sliver of light, and at thier darkest moments, when all the light is gone, there is lightning. Someone from another life. "In a dream I said to you that I'd always loved you."

The Dealer. Hmm. I love this one: https://youtu.be/Beug6tu82Tc And this one: https://youtu.be/888-uMCYzzQ

[sorcerer999]

Anyone get their vinyl copies yet? Mine hasn't been shipped yet. :mad:

Yes. Mine came with the CDs. They are 180 gram and sound spectacular!!! :nod:

I can't stop listening to the "Wild Heart" bonus disc. I think I've changed my mind. I do believe the alternate "Sable On Blonde" might be better than the album cut. It's so emotional. So much darker. And indeed so much longer. The ending just goes on and on (as Stevie is want to do in a lot of her songs. "Annabelle Lee, anyone? :lol:) but I actually don't mind it.

Likewise, the alternate "I Sing For The Things" is just so uplifting, especially with the added harmonies from both Stevie and the gals.

"Are You Mine" is just pure, unabashedly F*CKING GOLD!!!

And like blinker12 said, "Sorcerer" is just very rootsy and cool as a cucumber. Probably the one solo version that comes the closest to the bluegrassy Buckingham Nicks version.

I can't get enough of these. :woohoo:

[sorcerer999]

Bella Donna. I didn't listen to but a few moments of this when it was previewed a couple weeks back. Tonight, I found that sweet spot in the room where the very best sound is between the speakers, and closed my eyes. This is lovely, and while not complex, demonstrates Stevie's ability to draw you in - you just wanna hear what she's gonna say - so you gotta be still and listen carefully.

Gold And Braid. I loved this version. It is familiar to me from the master reels (the Orson Welles reference in the beginning). Great alternate lyrical improvs, and Stevie's vocals are fierce. There's a story here I love, about two shadowed people who meet in a sliver of light, and at thier darkest moments, when all the light is gone, there is lightning. Someone from another life. "In a dream I said to you that I'd always loved you."


These are my two faves off the "Bella Donna" bonus disc, for sure! I also love the remaster of the lush "Blue Lamp" and the slightly remixed "Sleeping Angel". Although, I was slightly bummed that the ending of "Sleeping Angel" is now a "fade out" instead of a definitive end, like the "Enchanted" box set version. :confused:

[AnthonyMI]

These are my two faves off the "Bella Donna" bonus disc, for sure! I also love the remaster of the lush "Blue Lamp" and the slightly remixed "Sleeping Angel". Although, I was slightly bummed that the ending of "Sleeping Angel" is now a "fade out" instead of a definitive end, like the "Enchanted" box set version. :confused:


That is the original mix from the Soundtrack. The version of Sleeping angel that has been playing on Apple Match is that version. My Enchanted version is long gone and is only on the CD packed away. It makes sense that the version presented here is the original mix from the original release. I do however prefer the Enchanted version with the single mandolin soloist and the extended piano outro. I don't mind having the original though but I do miss the Enchanted one that is not available on iTunes.

[KarmaContestant]

So I just finished the Wild Heart bonus disc. And wow. I'm completely impressed with this collection of songs.

Every track...okay, not Dial The Number :laugh: ....but every other track is superb. Violet And Blue and Garbo sound great, too. I am blown away by these outtakes. All of them. The ending of the Wild Heart session is fantastic. I Sing For The Things in this form is so welcomed. Sable On Blond is stunning. I couldn't be happier.

The Wild Heart liner notes are outstanding. I definitely felt like Stevie was really having fun telling this story. She's been able to talk about Bella Donna so many times, but it's not often we get to hear about other albums. Good stuff here.

[KarmaContestant]

One more thing - if any industry people are lurking - please release the Wild Heart bonus disc on vinyl for Record Store Day. Or something. Just do it!

[rubylounge]

Sable on Blonde is so freaking good its killing me today! I would die to hear this one in concert just once in my lifetime.

Me too, that would be just too cool!!

[sorcerer999]

One more thing - if any industry people are lurking - please release the Wild Heart bonus disc on vinyl for Record Store Day. Or something. Just do it!

Yes, yes, a THOUSAND TIMES, YES!!! :thumbsup:

[MovieStarView]

One more thing - if any industry people are lurking - please release the Wild Heart bonus disc on vinyl for Record Store Day. Or something. Just do it!

Yes, brilliant idea.

[On Ice]

Loving the Wild Heart Outtakes... well worth the price of admission

Sorcerer: wowser, the arrangement is absolute killer and would've given the original album a bit of an edge on side one, but I understand its exclusion with the two Streets of Fire versions, but wholly what a gem. Makes me wonder about that unsolved mystery of a 1975 Fleetwood Mac version and is it a similar arrangement?

Sable on Blonde is epic and puts this song into the stratosphere. Easily one of her best solo outings.

Wild Heart: the finished version was the right choice, but great to hear it in its development.

I Sing for the Things: Had they used this exact version for Rock a Little, it may have redeemed some of that outing for me.

The others... all beautiful, deliciously sung and amazing tracks!

[The Chain]

Is anybody else wishing that the included "All The Beautiful Worlds" had been the version most of us are familiar with? She absolutely nails the vocal, no missed cues/false starts, she sounds feisty & well.. wild hearted! The end of that version is probably one of my favorite moments in Stevie's recorded history. The dark atmosphere building up to the climax, background vocals swirling in and out, her voice.. Truly spellbinding. This new version on the deluxe disc is just a little more subdued to me :shrug:. Still interesting to here a different take.

[wheart]

I only bought the WH reissue so far, I just listened to the Bonus Tracks. Some initial thoughts:

I Sing For the Things - I have always absolutely loved the uptempo demo of this song so I was beyond thrilled when I heard this, all cleaned up and background vocals added. My bootleg version is a sonic mess so I'm so happy to have a remastered version of this gem.

Sorcerer - Excellent version!! For me it's the way this song should sound. I was never a huge fan of the TISL version with the heavy handed producing.

Sable on Blond - Simply amazing and utterly beautiful. This is why I love Stevie Nicks. 7 minutes of bliss.

Dial The Number - I never loved this song but this version really came to life for me. It's very pretty and soothing - like a lullaby. Glad they included it.

Wild Heart - Yikes! I'm glad they softened this song for the record. The "rock" version was jarring and harsh although I enjoyed the different spin on it. Her vocal interestingly was almost identical to the final version. I thought at times it was the same vocal but I don't think it was.

[seekerj]

Is anybody else wishing that the included "All The Beautiful Worlds" had been the version most of us are familiar with?

That would have been good. Anything but the one that was included. Why would anyone intentionally go with the version that was used???? I thought the same thing about "Smile At You" on the Mirage set.

[SpyNote]

Is anybody else wishing that the included "All The Beautiful Worlds" had been the version most of us are familiar with? She absolutely nails the vocal, no missed cues/false starts, she sounds feisty & well.. wild hearted! The end of that version is probably one of my favorite moments in Stevie's recorded history. The dark atmosphere building up to the climax, background vocals swirling in and out, her voice.. Truly spellbinding. This new version on the deluxe disc is just a little more subdued to me :shrug:. Still interesting to here a different take.

That should have been the third disc. :woohoo: All the outtakes we have come to know and love, like the rockin' version of Violet and Blue that was actually featured in the Against All Odds movie!

[The Chain]

That would have been good. Anything but the one that was included. Why would anyone intentionally go with the version that was used???? I thought the same thing about "Smile At You" on the Mirage set.

I also felt that way about the chosen "Smile" on the boxset . I often wonder if some of the leaked takes that have been circulating for years are actually completely lost to Stevie or Warners, whoever, and that maybe some of these unfamiliar versions are all whoever's running the project can dig up.

[StevieandChris]

I also felt that way about the chosen "Smile" on the boxset . I often wonder if some of the leaked takes that have been circulating for years are actually completely lost to Stevie or Warners, whoever, and that maybe some of these unfamiliar versions are all whoever's running the project can dig up.

I would have rather had those widely heard outtakes of ATBw and SAU but I'm thinking that is the very reason they went with the versions they did --- because the others are so easily accessible.

In any case I prefer the version of ATBW on 24KG to this version for sure! I also like the 24KG versions of If You Were My Love and The Dealer better than these versions, but love having these too now.

That stand-outs for me echo what a lot of others have said. From Bella Donna I love having most of that first solo tour, and on WH I just love love love these versions of Sorcerer, Sable on Blonde and I Sing for the Things.

[Hawkeye]

Is anybody else wishing that the included "All The Beautiful Worlds" had been the version most of us are familiar with? She absolutely nails the vocal, no missed cues/false starts, she sounds feisty & well.. wild hearted! The end of that version is probably one of my favorite moments in Stevie's recorded history. The dark atmosphere building up to the climax, background vocals swirling in and out, her voice.. Truly spellbinding. This new version on the deluxe disc is just a little more subdued to me :shrug:. Still interesting to here a different take.

I feel the exact opposite. I'm thrilled at the version of ATBW they included. I feel this vocal is far more wild hearted as you put it. In fact I've felt that the 24 KG version was far better then the demo we've had for decades. But this new version included in disc 2 of the reissue blows the other 2 out of the water. Maybe I enjoy these miscues you speak of.


I'll do a long rambling review of both reissues eventually but for now quickly, the holy trinity in a row of these particular versions of sable on blonde, ATBW and Sorcerer may be the best stretch if 3 songs on any stevie album ever!

[Jondalar]

I would have rather had those widely heard outtakes of ATBw and SAU but I'm thinking that is the very reason they went with the versions they did --- because the others are so easily accessible.

In any case I prefer the version of ATBW on 24KG to this version for sure! I also like the 24KG versions of If You Were My Love and The Dealer better than these versions, but love having these too now.

That stand-outs for me echo what a lot of others have said. From Bella Donna I love having most of that first solo tour, and on WH I just love love love these versions of Sorcerer, Sable on Blonde and I Sing for the Things.

I agree. I appreciate these versions but the versions on 24k are easily the best versions.

[Andyleo]

Hahaha... Did anybody else notice the car horn on SDMHA remastered live version at :54 seconds. I don't know why but this just cracks me up:laugh:

[SorcererJP]

I would have rather had those widely heard outtakes of ATBw and SAU but I'm thinking that is the very reason they went with the versions they did --- because the others are so easily accessible.



It took me five minutes to determine SAU :-)

[James89]

Hahaha... Did anybody else notice the car horn on SDMHA remastered live version at :54 seconds. I don't know why but this just cracks me up:laugh:

No. I just listened again and put the volume up really loud but I still can't hear it. Are you sure you have the time right?

[MoonSister75]

Great that the deluxe sets are getting rave reviews on here. I've decided to wait until Christmas to get mine - something to look forward to, and more spare time to appreciate them :nod:

[Nathan]

I just finished listening to the remastered Bella Donna on CD. And then I thought about it for about 10 minutes, and now here I am.

I have a decent stereo system. Nothing audiophile quality, but better than average these days. A friend gave me his old 48" floor speakers from Kenwood a few years back, and I can turn them up loud, so I did.

There's some tape hiss at the start. It was super annoying but went away by the first chorus. I think... By the time Kind Of Woman started I didn't hear it, so it was either just at the beginning or it gets buried in the other sounds. First impression is that it's a loud remaster. Initial disappointment of a sort set in. Very suspiciously, I continued to listen, telling myself it doesn't sound bad, just different when compared to my decades-old vinyl or original CDs from the late 80's.

My initial impressions of loudness diminished as the album played, and things turned around when Think About It started. One of my top 3 favorites from this album. It sounds amazing. So crisp and clear and Stevie's voice is so there, up front in a great way and I love it. Then, After The Glitter fades - also amazing - also a favorite, and then Edge, and it was great - Edge of Seventeen took my breath away - and then I started reading the liner notes, and I got distracted, and sort of tuned out for How Still My Love. And I totally skipped Stop Draggin' My Heart Around. And Leather and Lace. Yeah? So? :laugh:

Outside The Rain sounds better than ever. The final of my three favorites - The Highwayman - also benefited greatly from this remaster. Maybe I was imagining it, but I could pull out Don Henley's parts more clearly. I finished the album feeling impressed and satisfied.

One criticism from me would be the liner notes. Um, so, I guess, based on the initial hype, it sounded to me as if each song would have a write up from Stevie herself, and that together, they would tell the story of the album and it's making. This isn't the case, but the liner notes that are included are good. Well written, there's a lot of dialog from Stevie about the album and the songs and recording them, and what was going on at the time emotionally. I think the liner notes deliver, but not what I expected.

There are seven pictures from the Bella Donna cover shoot, including the cover shot. The one right inside the cover of the booklet is my favorite! An outtake of the Stevie and girls on the big bed from the BD liner photo is also in the booklet. There are a handful of small candid photos taken in the studio included also.

OK - I'm off to listen to the outtakes CD. Be back later.

Great review. I haven't bought it yet but I did listen to a few tracks on YouTube. I thought Outside the Rain definitely sounded different, glad to hear you did too.

Do you think she wrote those liner notes? I could definitely hear where she had but I think someone else wrote about 80% of them, myself. Probably Karen.

[Nathan]

The Bella Donna outtakes CD.
Tonight, I found that sweet spot in the room where the very best sound is between the speakers, and closed my eyes. This is lovely, and while not complex, demonstrates Stevie's ability to draw you in - you just wanna hear what she's gonna say - so you gotta be still and listen carefully.

Gold And Braid. I loved this version. It is familiar to me from the master reels (the Orson Welles reference in the beginning). Great alternate lyrical improvs, and Stevie's vocals are fierce. There's a story here I love, about two shadowed people who meet in a sliver of light, and at thier darkest moments, when all the light is gone, there is lightning. Someone from another life. "In a dream I said to you that I'd always loved you."


Brilliant, thanks for that.

[KarmaContestant]

Do you think she wrote those liner notes? I could definitely hear where she had but I think someone else wrote about 80% of them, myself. Probably Karen.

They were written by Craig Mclean. Whoever that is. They're very well done, heavy with material from Nicks provided just for the liner notes. No re-hashed quotes.

[Andyleo]

;)No. I just listened again and put the volume up really loud but I still can't hear it. Are you sure you have the time right?

Yes, definitely. It's a quick "Meep", on the live version at :54 seconds in, right where Stevie is singing "Stop draggin' my... the first line in the first chorus. I can even hear it thru my iPhone speaker as well, but it's very clear on the surround system. :shrug: I hope I'm not crazy...

[James89]

;)

Yes, definitely. It's a quick "Meep", on the live version at :54 seconds in, right where Stevie is singing "Stop draggin' my... the first line in the first chorus. I can even hear it thru my iPhone speaker as well, but it's very clear on the surround system. :shrug: I hope I'm not crazy...

I do believe you! I'll try again... :lol:

[Street_Dreamer]

I'm really digging the alternate version of Sable On Blond. It isn't as good as the studio version in my view but there are little riffs in the song that I really like, particularly at the end.

[Nathan]

I'm really digging the alternate version of Sable On Blond. It isn't as good as the studio version in my view but there are little riffs in the song that I really like, particularly at the end.

Yeah that long instrumental ending is killer.

[SpyNote]

That is the original mix from the Soundtrack. The version of Sleeping angel that has been playing on Apple Match is that version. My Enchanted version is long gone and is only on the CD packed away. It makes sense that the version presented here is the original mix from the original release. I do however prefer the Enchanted version with the single mandolin soloist and the extended piano outro. I don't mind having the original though but I do miss the Enchanted one that is not available on iTunes.

The Enchanted version is the Chris Lord-Alge remix, which has more of a pop sound. He also mixed the version of "Gold and Braid" that appears on Enchanted. I wish he had done the entire show. He really cleans things up well.

[Macfan4life]

I'm late to the game but I finally got my Wild Heart deluxe package yesterday. For Xmas I got a new Bose stereo and it sounds great. I re-read all the comments here and agree with some and disagree with some.
The Wild Heart was recorded during an extremely wild time in Stevie's life. She just broke up her romantic relationship with her producer Jimmy Iovine, her best friend just passed, she married her best friend's husband, then went on the road with an affair with Joe Walsh. But the explosion of great songs really comes through again. The additional tracks make me wish what the Wild Heart could have been. This is the last studio effort before she goes insane and her voice gets fried and had to rely on others to write songs for her. Her sex appeal was still so strong and that overshadowed some of the crazy behavior. I love her voice during this era!

All the beautiful worlds is a gem. It was a very early track during the Wild Heart process. How it got left off the album is a good question. As others posted, I wish the more familiar version was included in this package but that is a small complaint. The song is a winner and should have been on the album. I would sacrifice Gate and Garden. Gate and Garden is a beautiful song and is a superior vocal but its not a favorite of mine. I think Jimmy thought the more adult contemporary the album could be could sell more copies

I sing for the things - I love the up-tempo and Waddy on guitar and Roy on piano. I am guessing it did not make the album because it sounds so much like Enchanted.

Sable on Blonde - like most everyone said this version is amazing. I love the beautiful piano riff at the beginning and how the drums kick in the second verse. Just so good. The booklet enclosed states Stevie purposely wanted the song to sound like Dreams and brought in Mick to play drums for that reason.

Wild Heart jam - this track is worth the price alone. HELLO! This is how rocking the song should have been. The original Wild Heart is a great song but at times the song lacks direction IMHO and the ending is so odd. Her vocal is rough but when the drums kick in with the up tempo and a faster version is just so superior to the album. This is the Wild Heart after all ;)

The booklet said that Stevie got dressed up and the orchestra was in tuxedos for Beauty and the Beast and it was filmed. Has anyone ever seen this video?

After hearing the bonus tracks, it appears to me that The Wild Heart really could have rocked a bit more. IMHO it would have made it better. I would have picked another song to replace Nightbird but Stevie definitely wanted this song as a tribute on the album. So no matter what, that song was not being removed. Too bad in those days they could not have put 12 songs on an album.

[Andyleo]

In case anyone is interested, Bella Donna Deluxe is being released on vinyl. 2LP set. I'm guessing it's just the original and then the outtakes disc. I would've loved if the live 3rd CD was also included on vinyl. Record Store Day 2022, April 23rd I think.

[aleuzzi]

I’ve always thought TWH was Stevie’s quintessential solo album, the one that most accurately reflected her tendencies, her gifts and excesses are in abundance here, and the lyrics are, well, highly elliptical!

But if I had to pick which deluxe issue is better, I might go with BD because it offers “Gold and Braid,” as well as an intriguing alternative version of “How Still My Love.” On the other hand, TWD deluxe has her best version of “Sorcerer” and a charming “Are You Mine?”. So, you know, we’re lucky to have them both.

[Andyleo]

In case anyone is interested, Bella Donna Deluxe is being released on vinyl. 2LP set. I'm guessing it's just the original and then the outtakes disc. I would've loved if the live 3rd CD was also included on vinyl. Record Store Day 2022, April 23rd I think.

So after a long wait in a line and a large parking fine, I got my hands on the last copy. It's a gorgeous gatefold with a lovely large booklet included. Some stunning enough to be framed outtakes of the cover picture, the same ones from the CD Deluxe booklet. The quality of the vinyl impressed me most of all, and if there's any fans left into vinyl, this is a definite must have. :]

[Jondalar]

They are worth the money.

[Jondalar]

I'm really digging the alternate version of Sable On Blond. It isn't as good as the studio version in my view but there are little riffs in the song that I really like, particularly at the end.

The alternate version of Sable of Blonde made the whole album worthwhile. Definitely a gem.

[Macfan4life]

The alternate version of Sable of Blonde made the whole album worthwhile. Definitely a gem.
A-men
Its incredible and I used to go back and forth which version I liked better. I like the deluxe version better. It just would need edited down at the end to make the album. I prefer this style of drumming compared to Mick's too.
Incredible song and I agree is the best track on the album.

[Jondalar]

Bella Donna just re-entered the Top 200 'billboard chart at #52 following an exclusive vinyl release. It hasn't been in the top 200 since 1986.