Surprising 1986 Music Editions: Thai, Pressing, Tested Vessel, 18-Track Tour
Surprising 1986 Music Editions: Thai, Pressing, Tested Vessel, 18-Track Tour
In the annals of 1986, the music world didn't just churn out hits-it curated them with flair, creating editions that felt like time capsules. Here's a closer look at five standout releases that defy the ordinary, each offering a unique lens into that era's eclectic spirit.
- The Best of Times (1986) (Thai Release): A compact yet bold compilation, this Thai-press edition brims with the saccharine charm of Eighties pop. Curated for the Southeast Asian market, its tracklist leans into polished melodies and winking nostalgia, though the vinyl's subtle warping hints at a less-than-perfect pressing.
- As Time Goes By: The Best Of Little Feat 1986 Pressing: A stark contrast to the Thai release, this pressing of Little Feat's legendary 1986 album channels gritty rock 'n' soul. Each note feels alive, with a punchy dynamic that leans into the band's improvisational genius. But anonymity lingers here-the sleeve's faded artwork and lack of artist credits suggest a raw, unpolished approach.
- The Jason Voyage: A peculiar entry, this obscure release appears to be a lone sailor's diary of 1986's best tracks, meticulously compiled from live shows and demo tapes. Its lo-fi production and handwritten label evoke a DIY ethos, though the absence of clear metadata leaves listeners to decode its origins like a hidden treasure.
- The Best of Times (1986) / MOST KAPD EL, JACK: A curious hybrid, this edition merges the Thai release's polished veneer with a cryptic second disc labeled "MOST KAPD EL, JACK." The latter feels like a relic from an alternate universe-a fragmented collection of experimental jams and reworked classics, as if the album was tested in a sonic vessel before being unleashed.
- All Time Greatest Hits - 18 Songs Performed In World Tour 1986-87 [Import anglais]: The most ambitious of the lot, this import edition aggregates 18 tracks from a global tour, framed as a snapshot of a musician's peak. Its pristine press quality and retro sleeve design signal a love letter to the concert-going crowd, but the inclusion of live versions raises questions: Was this a celebration of artistry, or a polished reimagining of the original studio recordings?
Together, these editions reveal 1986's duality-its polished hits and its raw, unfiltered moments. Whether you're drawn to the Thai release's commercial sheen, the Little Feat pressing's grit, or the Jason Voyage's enigmatic charm, the year's music remains a mosaic of creativity, waiting to be explored.
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