Monday, August 11, 2014

CSNY, Nils Lofgren and the music of CCR celebrated on ambitious titles

While few artists are truly worth celebrating via expansive collections, new titles taking a detailed look at Nils Lofgren and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young are well worth the wait and will definitely please hardcore fans of the influential artists. In addition, an ambitious blues-minded tribute to the music of Creedence Clearwater Revival is essential listening for fans of the blues and CCR.

Artist: Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
Title: CSNY 1974 (box set) (Rhino)
You might like if you enjoy: CSNY, Neil Young, David Crosby, Graham Nash
Tell me more: Comprised of three audio CDs and a DVD, there are countless reasons to pick up the deluxe edition of the just-released CSNY 1974The box set includes a DVD that boasts a treasure trove of previously-unavailable concert performances. I can't recall a version of "Almost Cut My Hair" as fiery, with David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Neil Young trading blistering guitar work all along its 7-minute run. The boxed set also includes an outstanding 186-page booklet filled with photos and information related to the 1974 CSNY tour and is essential for fans of the pioneering quartet. CSNY 1974 is available via a variety of packages customized for casual fans, audiophiles and everyone in-between. Information: csny.com.

Purchase 'CSNY 1974 (3 CD + DVD)' here

Artist: Nils Lofgren
Title: Face the Music (Fantasy/Concord)
You might like if you enjoy: Nils Lofgren, Neil Young
Nils Lofgren is the focus of 'Face the Music'
Tell me more: Although his gifts as a singer and songwriter are extraordinary, Nils Lofgren remains best known as a guitar virtuoso thanks to his high-profile role as sideman for Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen and Ringo Starr. The newly-issued Face the Music, an incredible retrospective featuring nine full-length CDs and one DVD does plenty to thrust a well-deserved spotlight on all of Lofgren's musical gifts. Featuring a far-flung mix of previously-released but long-unavailable material and never-before-released gems stretching back as far as his work with the pre-Grin outfit Paul Dowell and the Dolphin, no sonic stone is left unturned. Notables including the aforementioned Young and Springsteen show up along the way, as do Paul Rodgers (Bad Company, Free), Willie Nelson, Graham Nash and David CrosbyInformation: NilsLofgren.com.

Buy 'Face the Music' today

Various Artists
Title: A Blues Tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival (Cleopatra Records)
You might like if you enjoy: CCR, John Fogerty, Sony Landreth, Trampled Under Foot
Tell me more: A Blues Tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival makes the most of its 45 minutes, offering up a parade of top-tier artists revisiting many of CCR's best-known songs. From the vigorous take of "Fortunate Son" featuring slide guitar hero Sonny Landreth joining forces with forceful singer Mike Zito to the Spirit Family Reunion's zydeco-styled romp through "Down on the Corner" and a sparse beautiful reading of "Have You Ever Seen the Rain" nailed by Dead Man Winter, there is plenty to recommend here. Other peaks include singer-guitarist Kirk Fletcher's intoxicating "Green River" and authentic Louisiana feel delivered via Trampled Under Foot's "Born on the Bayou." Information: cleorecs.com.

Get 'Blues Tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival' here

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