Essential Collector's Tracks Now Available on Rarities Editions of Classic Albums From Eric Clapton, Cream, Bob Marley, Marvin Gaye, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Velvet Underground, Meat Loaf and The Commitments

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Apr 27, 2010, 08:05 ET

LOS ANGELES, April 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Comprised of essential collector's tracks associated with a classic album from a classic artist, Rarities Editions from Eric Clapton, Bob Marley, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Cream, Marvin Gaye, The Velvet Underground, Meat Loaf and The Commitments will be released April 27, 2010 (physical and digital) by Universal Music Enterprises (UMe). Originally issued as the bonus CD in the Deluxe Edition series, these discs are now available individually, at a single-album price, for the first time.

--Eric Clapton – 461 Ocean Boulevard – (Rarities Edition) (Polydor/UMe): Clapton's 1974 album 461 Ocean Boulevard stands as a milestone in his revered catalog, the album on which he reinvented himself as a solo artist with some of his most personal music. Musicians on the disc then served as his backing ensemble on tour, which concluded with a triumphant two-night stand at London's Hammersmith Odeon that December. Those concerts provide the tracks on this Rarities Edition, from versions of "I Shot The Sheriff," "Let It Grow," "Badge," "Layla" and "Can't Find My Way Home" to a bittersweet rendition of Charlie Chaplin's "Smile" and an extended medley of blues originally by Elmore James, Robert Johnson, and Freddie King.

--Cream – Disraeli Gears – (Rarities Edition) (Polydor/UMe): An inspired collision of blues, jazz, folk and psychedelia, 1967's Disraeli Gears brought Cream (Eric Clapton, bassist Jack Bruce and drummer Ginger Baker) to America's mainstream attention, spawning a major hit in "Sunshine Of Your Love" and durable classic rock standards in "Strange Brew," "Tales of Brave Ulysses" and "Swlabr." This Rarities Edition presents the album's rare mono mix with an assortment of vintage stereo demos and mono and stereo outtakes that demonstrate the creativity and imagination, curiosity and playfulness, that was Cream.

--Bob Marley – Legend – (Rarities Edition) (Tuff Gong/Island/UMe): This collection from the reggae great brings together 13 remixes, many of which were issued on 12" singles in the mid-'80s and had never appeared on album until 2002's Legend - Deluxe Edition. Along with extended remixes of "Jamming," "One Love/People Get Ready" and "Could You Be Loved" are the five remixes originally issued on the U.S. version of 1984's Legend--"No Woman, No Cry," "Exodus," "Jamming," "Waiting In Vain" and "Buffalo Soldier"--plus a remix of "Lively Up Yourself" available only on the Deluxe Edition and now this Rarities Edition of Legend.

--Marvin Gaye – I Want You – (Rarities Edition) (Motown/UMe): Gaye helped define the early 1970s with two classic self-produced albums: What's Going On and Let's Get It On. Then, after building his own studio, he began collaborating with Leon Ware, then best known for co-writing "I Wanna Be Where You Are" for Michael Jackson and "Body Heat" for Quincy Jones. Together they created 1976's I Want You, even more sensual, layered and personal than Let's Get It On. This Rarities Edition lays bare that album with demo versions, a "stripped" version of the #1 hit title track, alternate vocals, extended takes, alternate mixes and more.

--Lynyrd Skynyrd - One More From The Road – (Rarities Edition) (Geffen/UMe): In July 1976, the original Lynyrd Skynyrd rolled into Atlanta's Fox Theatre to record its first live album. The double LP, One More From The Road, was a return to form for the group, including a return to its classic three-guitar sound with the newly added Steve Gaines. Yet, due to the subsequent tragic plane crash, the album would be the original lineup's last live release. This Rarities Edition collects performances recorded that July weekend but not included on the released album, including "Gimme Three Steps," "Call Me The Breeze," "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Free Bird," each mixed from the original multi-tracks by the original concert soundman.

--The Velvet Underground & Nico - The Velvet Underground & Nico – (Rarities Edition) (Polydor/UMe): Everyone from U2 to David Bowie to REM has cited the influence of The Velvet Underground and the group's 1966 debut album, with its unique mix of street toughness and artiness that still rings true today. Members Lou Reed and John Cale as well as chanteuse Nico and the record's titular producer (Andy Warhol) remain icons. This Rarities Edition presents the album as originally conceived and mixed by the group--in taut monaural--whereas the album was released in stereo. Until UMe's 2002 Deluxe Edition, the original sonic vision was unavailable on CD in the U.S. Joining the mono version here are the A and B sides of the album's two singles.

--Meat Loaf - Bat Out Of Hell II: Back Into Hell – (Rarities Edition) (Geffen/UMe): Meat Loaf's triumphant return after 25 years to his Bat Out Of Hell opus yielded 1993's Bat Out Of Hell II: Back Into Hell. This Rarities Edition gathers 10 remixes and radio versions, including of the hits "Rock & Roll Dreams Come Through," "Objects In The Mirror May Appear Closer Than They Are," "Life Is A Lemon And I Want My Money Back" and the #1 anthem "I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That)" for one of the most theatrical rock albums ever created.

--The Commitments – The Commitments – (Rarities Edition) (Geffen/UMe): Like the Blues Brothers earlier, The Commitments--both film and band--resurrected the power and appeal of classic soul music. This Rarities Edition weds gems from the 1991 film's soundtrack, from incendiary versions of Sam & Dave's "I Thank You," Little Milton's "Grits Ain't Groceries," Otis Redding's "Hard To Handle," Joe Tex's "Show Me" and Marvin Gaye's "That's The Way Love Is" to Freddie Scott's "Are You Lonely For Me," The Soul Brothers Six's "Some Kind Of Wonderful" and Bobby Bland's "Ain't Nothing You Can Do," with five shouters from lead vocalist Andrew Strong's 1993 debut solo album.

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SOURCE Universal Music Enterprises