Title: A Farewell To Kings — 40th Anniversary (UMe/Anthem/ole label group)
You might like if you enjoy: Rush, Dream Theater
Tell me more: The expanded version of Rush's A Farewell to Kings-40th Anniversary is available to fans in four distinct configurations including a Super Deluxe Edition (three audio CDs, a Blu-ray Audio disc and four high-quality 180-gram vinyl LPs), a three-CD Deluxe Edition (reviewed in this column), a four-LP Deluxe Edition and a Deluxe Digital Edition. On the version reviewed here, disc one features a 2015 remastered edition of the original album remastered at Abbey Road Mastering Studios (and available for the first time on audio CD); classic tracks including "Xanadu," "Closer to the Heart" and "Cinderella Man" sound better than ever. Spanning the full-length of discs 2 and 3 is a full-length Rush concert performed on Feb. 20, 1978. The concert — recorded London's Hammersmith Odeon and newly mixed by longtime Rush engineer and original A Farewell to Kings producer Terry Brown — is simply amazing. The legendary concert features versions of the otherworldly "Lakeside Park," dazzling prog rocker "By-Tor & the Snowdog," the yearning "Something For Nothing" and the complete "2112" suite. As if that wasn't enough, bonus features on the third CD include four newly-recorded cover versions of songs from the original album by Dream Theater, Big Wreck, The Trews and Alain Johannes; and an instrumental studio outtake of the spacey sound effects the band has creatively titled "Cygnus X-2 Eh." Information: rush.com.
Title: Live at Lafayette's Music Room (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Big Star, the Replacements, the Minus 5
Tell me more: For long-time fans and new followers of Big Star, the release of the Memphis' band's Live at Lafayette's Music Room (available on Jan. 12, 2018) is a true revelation. Recorded in the uncertain aftermath after co-founding member Chris Bell had left the pioneering power pop outfit in January 1973, singer-guitarist Alex Chilton, bassist Andy Hummel and drummer-singer Jody Stephens were captured during an opening slot for Houston R&B ensemble Archie Bell & the Drells. The live recording has been newly-remastered from Grammy-winning Michael Graves (the concert set was previously only available as disc 4 on the Grammy Award-winning Keep an Eye on the Sky box set released in 2009). Highlights on Live at Lafayette's Music Room abound; a rollicking "When My Baby's Beside Me," a raucous "She's A Mover" complete with extended fiery guitar work from Chilton, a lovely "The Ballad of El Goodo" and artfully reworked covers of classics from The Flying Burrito Brothers, The Kinks, Todd Rundgren and T. Rex to name a few. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.
Title: Stompin' Ground (Alligator Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Walter Trout, Vintage Trouble, John Németh
Tell me more: Tommy Castro & The Painkillers are one of the most consistently-strong and interesting modern-day blues troupes. On the group's new album Stompin' Ground a mix of blues, funk, R&B and rock 'n' roll are offered up via an invigorating 12-song run. The musical punch is strong to be sure; "Fear Is The Enemy" delivers a timely message against hatred with Tommy Castro, bassist Randy McDonald, drummer Bowen Brown and keyboardist Michael Emerson using a ferocious rock 'n' soul approach that is equal parts Motown and Springsteen. On "My Old Neighborhood," Castro turns in an especially soulful vocal performance that equals the poetic power of the introspective look at the past. On "Love Is," Castro's tandem talents as singer and guitar slinger conjure cool comparisons with Vintage Trouble's Ty Taylor and Nalle Colt. Tommy Castro & The Painkillers have several performances in Southern California this weekend, including at The Rose in Pasadena on an. 11, at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Jan. 12, and at The Canyon in Agoura Hills on Jan. 14. Information: TommyCastro.com.
Title: That's What She Said (Red Parlor Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Cindy Alexander, Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crow
Tell me more: Ali Handal's latest album That's What She Said shines as a platform for the Los Angeles-based artist's confessional songcraft, her affecting vocals and expressive work on lead and rhythm guitar. Touching on everything from her adoration of cats ("I Love My Pussy.cat") and self-assurance ("Enough For Me") to a courageous battle fighting cancer ("Let Go," bolstered by her guitar textures), Handal brings an honest and unique voice as both a songwriter and top-tier musician to the dozen tracks on "That's What She Said." She can also rework rock classics to good affect; a grooving mid tempo take on Led Zeppelin's "What Is and What Should Never Be" showcases both her soprano and skills with a slide; a sparse and candid version of Ani DiFranco's "Not a Pretty Girl" is another standout track. Information: RedParlor.com or alihandal.com.
Title: Happy Talk (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: NRBQ, The Minus 5, Big Star, Sparks
Tell me more: Keeping things interesting and fun is at the forefront of NRBQ's 2017 EP Happy Talk. Mixing up freewheeling originals and covers without sacrificing an iota of musical excellence, the Kentucky-spawned quintet unleashes an array of great tracks including the garage rock-styled opener "Head on a Post" and countrified art damage rocker "Yes, I Have a Banana." From there, NRBQ revisits Roy Orbison's "Only the Lonely" via a Dwight Yoakam-styled country stylings before cranking things up for a dynamic "Blues Blues Blues." Things come of a thrilling close with a spirited and skillful cover of the Rodgers/Hammerstein song "Happy Talk" (from the musical "South Pacific"). Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.
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