The Traveling Wilburys Collection

There are certain points in time when an individual or group manages to change the face of music. These people live on in musical lore far above the regular musicians. Back in the day some of these super musicians would gather together just for the love of their art. If we are fortunate then they might create an album or two to let us fans in on something special. One group may have flown beneath the notice of many music lovers. After all nobody had every heard of the Traveling Wilburys when they released their first album back in 1988. The record was marketed as a group of unknown half brothers. Actually the truth was soon let out. This was a super group of some of the most ground breaking musicians ever. The group’s roster is a veritable whos-who of music greats. From the most famous rock group ever there was George Harrison. Next, there is Tom Petty who became famous as the front man for the Heartbreakers. Jeff Lynne was one of the creative forces behind the innovative "Electric Light Orchestra’. Then there was Roy Orbison who sang deep, heartfelt songs dressed in his trademark black and wearing sunglasses. What a lot of people don't know is he played the harmonica in 'Handle With Care'.  Last there is the heart of the sixties, Bob Dylan. New material from any one of these artist would be something of a prize but all five together is incredible. Now Rhino Records has the definitive Wilbury collection in a CD/DVD box set. This is a no brainer, if you consider yourself someone who is into great music you have to have this release. This combination release contains both of the Wilbury’s albums, Volume 1 and Volume 3 (There was no volume 2 in case you didn’t know.) There is also a DVD of the group’s videos and some behind the scenes footage. Both of the CDs contain a bonus track just to make sure the term complete can be accurately applied here.

This album opens with ‘Handle with Care’, an upbeat song with the distinctive sound of George Harrison. While it starts out like a Harrison solo the collaboration soon becomes evident as the unique voices of Tom Petty and Roy Orbison belnd in. In the chorus you can hear the raspy voice of Bob Dylan wind its way in. The lead vocal bounces between these musicians with perfection. Harrison’s and Lynne’s guitars are joined by the unmistakable sound of Dylan’s harmonica. The next track, ‘Dirty Words’ focuses more on the style of Dylan in his electric phase. ‘Last Night’ is more in line with some of Petty’s work and combines vocals by him with counter point by Orbison. It is quick paced and one of those tunes that are difficult to get out of your mind, not that you would want to. The track ‘Not Alone Any More’ is just what Orbison fans are looking for. His high pitched voice is steady and true, among the best work he has every done. Dylan takes center stage again with ‘Congratulations’, a slower paced ballad that while not his best work is something to listen to. The song ‘End of the Line’ was the Wilbury’s second single after ‘Handle with Care’. Orbison passed away only a few days before the promotional photo for this track was made. In tribute to the great man in black his guitar was shot placed in his rocking chair. This CD has two previously unreleased tracks: ‘Maxine’ and ‘Like a Ship’.

Fans were saddened by the sudden death of Roy Orbison so soon after the Wilbury’s ‘Volume One’ was released. It was certain that this would be the end of the super group. To the surprise of most the group released a follow-up album cryptically named ‘Volume Three’. This may have been a little nod to a bootlegged album that took the volume two name. It is also theorized that Petty’s album ‘Full Moon Fever’ which featured the surviving Wilbury’s was the actual volume two. Each of the Wilbury’s took different names for this release due to the shifting dynamic without Orbison. This album starts out rocking with ‘She’s My Baby’. The guitars cry out as they battle. This is good old fashion rock at its best. Dylan comes up front again with ‘Inside Out’ once again showing his electric side. He also breaks out the vocals and harmonica for ‘If You Belonged to Me’, fast paced song that moves right along. Petty gets some lead vocal time with ‘The Devil's Been Busy’ lending his distinctive vocal mannerisms blending nicely with the others and playing off Dylan. Dylan brings up back to a fifties feel with ‘7 Deadly Sins’. This has the type of harmony that reminded me of the do-wop groups I listened to growing up. The retro feel continues with the ‘Wilbury Twist’. This is a sound right out of my youth that has the sound and feel of something by Cubby Checker. This disc provides two bonus tracks; ‘Nobody's Child’ and ‘Runaway’.

This disc starts off with a video history of the group aptly named ‘The True History of the Traveling Wilburys’. This 24 minute documentary starts way back in Los Angels in the spring of 1988. Looking back on a photo shoot Harrison muses that a group like the Wilburys could not have been planed; it was the result of magic or perhaps a full moon. He was having dinner with Orbison on night and Jeff Lynne tagged along. Harrison told them he was going to play around in the studio the next day and invited them along. He called Dylan who answered right away, not normal for him and he decided to join them. Harrison had left his guitar at Petty’s house and when we went to retrieve it he came along for the fun. They started to fool around with riffs and the rest, as the saying goes, was history. Harrison saw a cardboard box near the house with a sticker stating ‘Handle With Care’ and the first song was on its way. This is not only an informative and entertaining featurette it is a glimpse into history as it was made. The DVD also contains some of they best songs in video format. Of course there is ‘Handle With Care’ as well as ‘End of the Line’. Most are not concept videos just the camera on them as they play. With men of this level of talent you don’t need anything more.

This is just an incredible collection. What is amazing is how well they meld their different styles together. Each artist has such a distinctive sound you would never think they would do so well as a group but they pull it off. They also show an incredible lack of egos. All of them are giants and legends in the music industry yet they move in and out of the center spot with ease. I can’t think of a single ‘star’ on MTV that has a modicum of the talent here. Younger people can learn for themselves just what truly great music is. For us with a few more decades behind this is a must have set.

Posted 06/15/07