Rhino Records Expands Quadio Series with Four Iconic Quadraphonic Releases

Rhino Records has just expanded its acclaimed Quadio series with four new additions that are bound to excite any audiophile. The latest releases include Billy Cobham's Spectrum (1973), Aretha Franklin's Live At Fillmore West (1971), Curtis Mayfield's Roots (1971), and The Spinners' Pick Of The Litter (1975). Each album has been meticulously mastered from the original analog four-track quadraphonic mixes and is now available on Blu-ray Disc.

Quadraphonic sound, or 4.0 surround sound, delivers four discrete audio channels to four speakers positioned at the corners of the listening space. This setup creates a dimensional and immersive soundscape, enveloping listeners in the music as it was intended to be heard. These new releases present both quadraphonic and stereo mixes in pristine 192 kHz, 24-bit fidelity.

Currently exclusive to Rhino.com and select Warner Music Group stores worldwide, each title is priced at $24.98. There's also an option to purchase all four titles as a bundle for $79.98. Given the historical significance and audio quality of these albums, they're a worthy addition to any collection.

Here's a closer look at the albums:

Aretha Franklin - Live At Fillmore West

Recorded over three electrifying nights at San Francisco's legendary Fillmore West, this album captures Aretha at her soulful best. The performances include powerful renditions of classics like "Respect," "Bridge Over Troubled Water," and "Eleanor Rigby." The album reached #1 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, showcasing Aretha's enduring impact on the music world.

Billy Cobham - Spectrum

This groundbreaking album marked Billy Cobham's debut as a solo artist after his influential work with Miles Davis and the Mahavishnu Orchestra. Spectrum is considered a cornerstone of the jazz-rock fusion genre, featuring tracks like "Stratus," "Red Baron," and "Le Lis." Recorded at Electric Lady Studios, the album boasts stellar contributions from musicians such as Tommy Bolin on guitar, Jan Hammer on keyboards, and Lee Sklar on bass.

Curtis Mayfield - Roots

Widely regarded as one of Curtis Mayfield's finest works, Roots reflects the soulful and socially conscious themes that defined his music. The album peaked at #6 on Billboard's Top Soul Albums chart and includes standout tracks like "We Got to Have Peace," "Keep On Keeping On," and "Get Down." It's a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners.

The Spinners - Pick Of The Litter

As the sixth studio album by The Spinners, Pick Of The Litter marked the end of an era, being their last collaboration with producer Thom Bell. The album reached #2 on Billboard's Top Soul Albums chart and features the hit single "Games People Play," which was also featured in the video game Grand Theft Auto IV. The group's smooth harmonies and soulful melodies are showcased throughout the record.

Tracklists:

Aretha Franklin - Live At Fillmore West

1. Respect
2. Love the One You're With
3. Bridge Over Troubled Water
4. Eleanor Rigby
5. Make It with You
6. Don't Play That Song
7. Dr. Feelgood
8. Spirit in the Dark
9. Spirit in the Dark (Reprise with Ray Charles)
10. Reach Out and Touch (Somebody's Hand)

Billy Cobham - Spectrum

1. Quadrant 4
2. Searching for the Right Door
3. Spectrum
4. Anxiety
5. Taurian Matador
6. Stratus
7. To the Women in My Life
8. Le Lis
9. Snoopy's Search
10. Red Baron

Curtis Mayfield - Roots

1. Get Down
2. Keep On Keeping On
3. Underground
4. We Got to Have Peace
5. Beautiful Brother of Mine
6. Now You're Gone
7. Love to Keep You in My Mind

The Spinners - Pick Of The Litter

1. Honest I Do
2. I Don't Want to Lose You
3. Love or Leave
4. Sweet Love of Mine
5. All That Glitters Ain't Gold
6. You Made a Promise to Me
7. Games People Play
8. Just as Long as We Have Love

These releases are a treasure trove for fans of quadraphonic sound and classic soul, jazz, and fusion music. The meticulous remastering from the original quad mixes ensures an authentic listening experience that captures the essence of the original recordings. It's a rare opportunity to experience these iconic albums in a way that's both nostalgic and refreshingly new.

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