For the performers, it was the best of times (Santana launched a career) and the worst of times (Grateful Dead could barely perform because of being shocked whenever they touched their microphones and electric guitar strings) at Woodstock 1969. For the audience (then and now) the festival encapsulated the mood, the culture, and the music of a generation.
Pegged to the festival's 40th anniversary are several packages of Woodstock performances, some being released for the first time.
'The Woodstock Experience'
Sony Legacy
For each of five artists, Sony Legacy has put together a package that includes the artist's performance at Woodstock and a studio album released by the artist in 1969. A good many of the Woodstock performances are being released for the first time. Featured artists are Jefferson Airplane, Janis Joplin, Sly and the Family Stone, Santana and Johnny Winter. In addition to a 12-CD box set, each artist's two-CD package is available individually.
Release date: June 30, 2009
'Woodstock 40 Years On: Back To Yasgur's Farm'
Rhino Records
Six CDs. 77 songs. 33 acts, in the order in which they performed. This ambitious project from Rhino Records has a total of 38 tracks that are being released for the first time. To complete the experience, the producers have included much ambience like some of the many announcements from the stage, the sound of the rain that interrupted and delayed the festival for hours at a time, and natural sound of the crowd between performances.
Release date: August 11, 2009
Woodstock Soundtracks
Rhino Records
Woodstock: 3 Days of Peace & Music Director's Cut
Warner Home Video
Warner Home Video has reissued the original 1970 documentary film, Woodstock: 3 Days of Peace & Music Director's Cut on DVD. The film, directed by Michael Wadleigh, who also directed horror classics like Wolfen, won an Oscar for Best Documentary.
