There are times when a set of recordings begs not only to be remastered and reissued, but restored according to the artist"s original intent. Mirror Man Sessions is an unqualified success of this sort. It"s a resequenced approximation of the planned, half-live-in-the-studio/half-studio double album It Comes to You in a Plain Brown Wrapper, which Beefheart and band started on several months after the release of their debut, Safe as Milk. Most importantly, the disc includes many of the songs off the botched Strictly Personal album (the tapes of which were maliciously slathered with heavy echo and phasing effects by producer Bob Krasnow, without Beefheart"s approval) in blissful clarity. The sound throughout is vibrant, with all the sparks of the dual-guitar interplay and massive slide sound that would typify the Magic Band in years to come. The album has far fewer tempo changes than Milk or the records that follow it; the band for the most part digs deep blues-based grooves and stays within their confines. But there are lengthy, monochromatic stomp-trance workouts, such as "Tarotplane" and "Gimme Dat Harp Boy," which stretch out and explore John French"s jagged drumming, the guitarists" uniquely deft, pan-tonal playing, and Beefheart"s harp playing, gruff vocal style, and impressionistic lyrics. Note: Seven more tracks from this session are included on the reissue of Safe as Milk. --Mike McGonigal