EMI and Capitol Records are to release four DVD-Audio titles on June 18th. All have been re-mixed from the original master tapes at Capitol Studios and will be presented in multi-channel and stereo 96kHz 24-bit.
Each disc contains artist biographies, a photo gallery and song credits. For those without DVD-Audio capabilities, both Dolby Digital and DTS alternative audio tracks are available.
EMI/Capitol will continue to release DVD-Audio titles by artists such as the Beach Boys throughout 2002.
The titles planned for a June release include (details provided by EMI/Capitol):
‘Rumour and Sigh’ by Richard Tompson: Released originally in 1991, this eclectic collection reflects Thompson’s roots in British folk as well as his interest in more contemporary forms, including high-energy rockers with an echo or two of punk. A triple-threat performer, Thompson runs the gamut from introspective fingerpicked acoustic to slashing electric guitar, and delivers his own dark lyrics in a world-weary but emotionally intense baritone.
‘Crowded House’ by Crowded House: The debut album by a band about to build a loyal and enduring following, ‘Crowded House’ highlights the exuberant personality, sometimes ironic imagery, and hook-ridden song writing of Neil Finn. The album is a good-time romp through such hits as ‘Don’t Dream It’s Over’ and ‘Something So Strong’ and other memorable tracks, to the tune of jangly guitars, pub-style accordion, and raggedy, sing-along harmonies.
‘Empire’ by Queensryche: Few bands straddled the chasm between metal, prog and stadium rock with the attitude and sheer musical authority that Queensryche possessed. Their power is evident throughout ‘Empire’, whose release broke the band to wider audiences in 1990. With its compelling combination of soaring vocals, synthesizer stabs, searing synchronized guitars, and pounding rhythms, the album chalked up more than two million sales and inspired critical raves.
‘Nick of Time’ by Bonnie Raitt: Like ‘Empire’, this release marked the elevation of a major artist from cult status into the stratosphere of mainstream acceptance. With more than four million copies sold since its appearance in 1989, ‘Nick of Time’ infuses a collection of pop-friendly songs, including the infectious ‘Thing Called Love’ with the rough-edged, expressive style that had already established Raitt as a blues legend in the making. This formula – accessible, catchy material, plus soulful, no-holds-barred delivery – has distinguished all of her subsequent releases, but it was ‘Nick of Time’ that set Raitt on that path in the first place.