Title: Everyone Stares (Eagle Rock Entertainment))
You might like if you enjoy: The Police, Sting
Tell me more: Only someone positioned on the inside could have captured The Police's meteoric rise to fame as magically as what viewers will see in the fantastic documentary Everyone Stares. Written, produced and directed by Police drummer Stewart Copeland, the fast-paced film offers a first-person look at everything from the band's formation and first press conference in Los Angeles to bandmates Sting (vocals, bass), Andy Summers (guitar) and Copeland dancing on the edge of the Grand Canyon and headlining at day 1 of the fabled Us Festival in San Bernardino in May 1982. So many fly-on-the-wall moments are part of the film's wonderful arc. Among the memorable scenes chronicled are those where they are signing autographs, clowning around during photo shoots,, tearing through groundbreaking now-classic cuts at live shows, and developing "Do Do Do Do, Da Da Da Da" in a recording studio. Copeland's sparse and straight-forward narration is a wonder, notably when he says: "Pop stardom exploded out of nowhere." "Everyone Stares" is available on Blu-ray, DVD and digitally. Information: eagle-rock.com.
Title: Live at Montreux 1973 (Eagle Rock Entertainment))
You might like if you enjoy: Carole King, Jenny Lewis
Tell me more: There is something special about a previously-unreleased recording, especially when it's as great as Carole King's Live at Montreux 1973. Launching the set — her first ever outside of the U.S. — alone at the piano King delivers stirring originals including "I Feel The Earth Move," Beautiful" and "It's Too Late" before the discerning Swiss audience gathered at the Montreux Pavillon on July 15, 1973. She is then joined by her terrific 11-member band to feature songs off her then-new bold album "Fantasy" (the jazz flavored "Fantasy Beginning/You've Been Around Too Long," reflective "You've Been Around Too Long," funk-soul gem "Haywood" and lovely ballad "A Quiet Place to Live" are among the wonderful selections). The New York native finishes off the dynamic concert with an intimate musical reading of "You've Got a Friend" and a nuanced take on her "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman," the latter showcasing King's wonderful vocals. Information: eagle-rock.com.
Title: Western Stars (Columbia)
You might like if you enjoy: Glen Campbell, Michael Ubaldini, Bruce Springsteen
Tell me more: Bruce Springsteen's outstanding new album Western Stars marks another spirited step forward for the New Jersey-spawned Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, a bona fide masterwork that combines the best of his signature brand of heartland rock, Americana and countrified folk into a rich tapestry. There are wistful country-western ballads (including "Hitch Hiking'," "Chasin' Wild Horses" and "Stones"), mid-tempo folk rockers (the strings-swept "Tucson Train," the Tex-Mex colored "Sleepy Joe's Cafe") and genre-defying retro soundscapes ("The Wayfarer," the breezy "Sundown," and ambitious "There Goes My Miracle") on Springsteen's first new studio album in five years — an LP that will likely reveal additional and vital secrets with a parade of future listens. Springsteen's singular ability to tap into the stories of drifters, dreamers and the downtrodden is put to perfect use on this intimate and compelling collection of 13 original songs anchored by his resonant baritone and a sweeping mix of guitars, keyboards, pedal steel, strings and more. Themes and lyrical vistas include the wide open spaces and mythology of the American West, the importance of home and family, and everyday heroes who emerge amidst despair. Information: brucespringsteen.net.
Title: Pop Circles (Turn-Up Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Matthew Sweet, Brian Wilson, the Byrds, Todd Rundgren
Tell me more: Who says the number 13 is unlucky? Power pop hero Richard X. Heyman's 13th full-length album Pop Circles hits all the right notes on its exhilarating ride that includes a dozen principal cuts and five bonus tracks! The album begins with the sweeping "Guess You Had To Be There," a tuneful and intoxicating track that casts its spell with a single listen. The album's sumptuous gifts don't end there; the lush "If You're So Inclined" (which recalls some of the Byrds' beloved nuggets), the yearning confessional "Everything Must Go," the garage rocker "Hope," driving harmonies-rich "Marlena" and the baroque pop gem "About Time" are among my faves. Information: richardxheyman.com.
Robert Kinsler
Springsteen compared to Ubaldini. The Boss would be proud. :)
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