Hip-O Select has reissued all four Emitt Rhodes albums circa 1969-1973 in a deluxe, limited-edition 2CD set.  Long out of print in the U.S. and largely unknown, being tipped by the likes of director Wes Anderson and others has likely helped these classic recordings of melodic pop music make a reappearance.  They are a welcome sight in a new, completely thorough package.

Jim O’Rourke I’m Happy and I’m Singing and a 1,2,3,4 (2009 edition)

Fenn O’Berg Magic Sound and Return of… (2009 edition)

Editions Mego is re-pressing some of their classic titles in new, expanded editions.  Perhaps most notably is Jim O’Rourke’s post-minimalist cum 21st-century-digital masterwork I’m Happy and I’m Singing and a 1,2,3,4.  The album is indeed classic and this new set offers a bonus disc containing a digital version of the limited-edition, one-sided-LP track “He Who Laughs”, originally issued by NEON Gallery of Sweden, as well as the period pieces “Let’s take it again from the top” and “Getting the Vapors”.  Of course, the Japanese are never to be easily outdone in the bonus department and one can find yet another bonus track  – “ts baby” – on the P-Vine label’s edition.

Also, keep a look out for the Christian Fennesz, Jim O’Rourke, Peter Rehberg collaboration collection as Fenn O’Berg coming in June.  Their second album, The Return of Fenn O’Berg, included in the 2CD set in remastered form also comes highly recommended.

I’m Happy and I’m Singing and a 1,2,3,4 is available right now via Forced Exposure.