Bob Irwin should be in the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. Or at least have his own star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. Or maybe have a star named after him. And the reason why is really quite simple. Over 30 years ago, he started a label called Sundazed and literally changed the world of CD reissues. From the label’s debut, THE FABULOUS KNICKERBOCKERS in 1989 to the label’s most recent releases, they’ve been handled with love and care. Great mastering, packaging, liner notes, and the addition of bonus tracks when available, every Sundazed release is a work of art and labor of love. The label has released catalog titles by The Velvet Underground, Buck Owens, Link Wray, Byrds, Meters, Bob Dylan, Love, MC5, Leonard Cohen, Johnny Cash, and many others. 

While steering the Sundazed ship, Bob also had a 25-year relationship as a producer for Sony Music. Bob curated and restored titles by Santana, Janis Joplin, The Byrds, Sly & The Family Stone, Simon & Garfunkel, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jefferson Airplane, Donovan, and Carole King. Oh, and loads of others as well. There’s a pretty good chance that if you are a collector, you own at least 29 titles that Bob has worked his magic on!

I’ve collected Sundazed CDs throughout the years. And going through their catalog, I’ve decided to share my thoughts on some of my favorite titles on the label. Some are obscure while others are cult classics. All of them are very much worth your time. And some of them are even available on vinyl! However, I’m a CD man so that is what I’m focusing on below.

OK, let’s get this party started. Grab your favorite beverage and start taking notes!