Elektra Re-issues in February

This coming February, Collectors' Choice Music will release some rare material from the Elektra archives, including tracks by Eric Clapton's supergroup Powerhouse, Lovin' Spoonful, Roxy, the Wackers and Phil Ochs. Some have never previously appeared on CD, and each reissue will feature liner notes from Elektra records founder Jac Holzman.

"What's Shakin'," a 1966 compilation (re-released on CD by Elektra in 1993,) features tracks from the Lovin' Spoonful, recorded while the band was considering signing with the label. This long out of print compilation also features Al Kooper, Tom Rush and The Butterfield Blues Band.

What interested me the most about this is Powerhouse, which combined the talents of Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, Steve Winwood, Paul Jones and Manfred Mann, featuring "I Want to Know," "Crossroads" and "Steppin' Out," produced by Joe Boyd.

"Great Lost Elektra Singles, Volume 1," a collection of non-LP singles, includes songs from the Beefeaters, the Stalk-Forrest Group and Judy Collins.

The Beefeaters, which later became the Byrds, contributed "Please Let Me Love you" and "Don't Be Long."

The Stalk-Forrest Group, later known as Blue Oyster Cult, provide "What is Quicksand?" and "Arthur Comics." The previously unreleased Judy Collins recording of "I'll Keep It With Me" is also included.

And I can't wait to hear the Charles River Valley Boys' bluegrass tribute to the Beatles called (what else?) "Beatle Country" from 1966.

Elektra Records is part of the warner music group. Jac Holzman is currently involved in a number of projects at wmg, including their new eLabel, Cordless Recordings.