AMG Review of Superlungs [Astralwerks]

Thom Jurek
All Music Guide

The Astralwerks version of Terry Reid's Superlungs is a single-disc set that includes early recordings form his first two albums and some bonus material. Many of the classics are here from Donovan's "Superlungs My Supergirl," and "Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace," to "Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down,)," "Tinker Taylor," "Rich Kid Blues," and many others. There are brand new mixes -- well, from 2003 anyway -- of Reid's version of "Highway 61 Revisited" and "Without Expression." (It's too bad "Season of the Witch" isn't here.) There are two "unreleased" bonus tracks, which means they were unreleased at the time of the original recording but have since appeared on 2004's Superlungs: The Complete Studio Recordings from EMI: "Penny" and "I've Got News for You." In all, this is a fine introduction to one of the greatest rock & roll singers in history. Reid's soul and R&B-drenched voice is unlike any other from the era, and he's had many imitators. For those who didn't already know, he turned down Jimmy Page to be the vocalist in Led Zeppelin. There is nothing here that collectors and diehards don't have, so it is superfluous, but that's not who this collection is designed for.