This year saw a slew of outstanding reissues, live albums, box sets, expanded deluxe editions and special "lost" treasures released for the world to hear...Robert Kinsler
Title: Let It Be Special Edition [5 CD/Blu-ray] (Capitol)
You might like if you enjoy: The Beatles, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, classic rock
Tell me more: The six-disc Let It Be Special Edition shines an immersive and welcome spotlight on The Beatles' twelfth and final studio album. Originally released on May 8, 1970 — almost a month after the British quartet's official break-up and in connection with the documentary film of the same name — Let It Be has been revisited via several new 2021 configurations that collectively go a long way to overcome the controversial history of the album. The six-disc "Special Edition" includes new mixes by Giles Martin and Sam Okell, as well as two audio CDs of outtakes, jams, rehearsals and studio chat; the legendary 14-track Get Back album featuring Glyn Johns' previously-unreleased 1969 mix and a Blu-ray with Dolby Atmos, 5.1 and PCM Stereo are included along with a 100-page hardback book with in-depth essays, track-by-track recording information, a wealth of unseen images and a foreword by Paul McCartney. It is an understatement to note how incredible this collection is for those who love The Beatles. The original Let It Be was produced by the late Phil Spector, who included excerpts of studio chatter, orchestral and choir overdubs to several tracks that have always been controversial; indeed in 2003 McCartney spearheaded Let It Be... Naked as a more stripped down version of the album sans Spector's sonic ornamentation. In addition to the 6-disc edition reviewed here, Let It Be 50th Anniversary editions are available as a 5 LP box set, picture disc, 1 LP, 2 CD, 1 CD and digital versions. Information: TheBeatles.com.
Artist: The Black Crowes
Title: Shake Your Money Maker (Target Exclusive) (UMe)
You might like if you enjoy: The Black Crowes, The Rolling Stones, Humble Pie
Tell me more: One of the first great albums of the '90s and a bona fide rock classic of the era, the Black Crowes' Shake Your Money Maker was reissued in 2021 and has never sounded better. Rock radio still features a trio of the album's gems (the rocking "Jealous Again" and "Hard To Handle" along with the sweet Southern blues-rock ballad "She Talks to Angels") in regular rotation, but the disc's strength extend to the ragged British blues cut "Twice As Hard," Rolling Stones-styled "Sister Luck" and "Thick N' Thin" and others. In addition to the original remastered album that occupies disc 1, a second disc includes a number of unreleased songs and B-sides (a cover of Humble's Pie's "3- Days in the Hole" and horn section-draped "Hard To Handle" are particularly notable). Rounding out the 3-disc version I have (available via retail giant's Target.com website) is a previously-unreleased 1990 Atlanta concert recording that fully captures the energy of the quintet led by brothers Chris and Rich Robinson. There were several other configurations of the reissue available including a limited edition money green colored vinyl LP version on sale at Amazon.com.
Artist: Blackmore's Night
Title: Winter Carols (earMUSIC)
You might like if you enjoy: Blackmore's Night, The Corrs, Renaissance music
Tell me more: Originally released in 2006, the newly-remastered and expanded edition of the Blackmore's Night classic Winter Carols is available as a 2CD and digital album. Previous favorites such as the luxurious "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," spectacular "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"/"O Come All Ye Faithful" medley, Baroque-flavored "I Saw Three Ships" and instrumental classical guitar gem "Winter Base Dance)" are here. "Coventry Carol," an English carol dating back to the 16th century, is reworked here with additional lyrics by amazing lead vocalist Candice Night and new arrangement by guitar master Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple, Rainbow). There are also several other tracks new to the collection, including the shimmering "Here We Come A-Caroling," "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear," "O Little Town Of Bethlehem" and "Silent Night." The 2CD version includes a wonderful 20-page booklet with photographs, lyrics for all the selections and album credits. Information: blackmoresnight.com.
Title: The Lady in the Balcony: Lockdown Sessions (Mercury Studios)
You might like if you enjoy: Eric Clapton, British blues
Tell me more: When Eric Clapton was forced to cancel several Royal Albert Hall concerts because of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2021, the legendary singer-songwriter/guitarist brought his band to the English countryside. Since no audience was able to attend, Clapton along with bassist-vocalist Nathan East, drummer Steve Gadd and keyboardist Chris Stainton performed in front of the cameras at Cowdray House in West Sussex, England. Highlights from those intimate recordings are featured on The Lady in the Balcony: Lockdown Sessions. Not only does the title feature incredible audio and visual quality, but the performances are sure to please fans of one of rock's greatest and most influential artists. There is a rich mix of Clapton originals and other selections including blues and country nuggets across the 17-track collection. In the first few selections, Clapton plays a 12-string guitar, including on the beautiful "Golden Ring" and "Black Magic Woman" (Clapton introduces the latter by saying "This one's for Peter," referencing songwriter Peter Green who sadly died in October 2020). Even in the acoustic-styled setting Clapton and company are able to deliver some pretty dynamic performances; both Clapton and Stainton solo during uptempo runs through "After Midnight" and "Rock Me Baby." The emotion is palpable in riveting performances of "River of Tears," the instrumental "Kerry" and "Tears in Heaven." And the talented troupe has a blast when Clapton switches to an electric instrument to run through the blues classics "Long Distance Call," "Bad Boy," and "Got My Mojo Working." The Lady in the Balcony: Lockdown Sessions is available on DVD+CD (the configuration reviewed here), Blu-ray+CD, 4K UHD+Blu-ray, 2 LPs pressed on yellow vinyl, and a Deluxe Edition containing the DVD, Blu-ray and audio CD packaged in a 40-page 12-inch by 12-inch hardback photo book, digital video and digital audio. Information: EricClapton.com.
Title: Who By Fire (Sony Sweden / Columbia Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Emmylou Harris, Leonard Cohen, Jennifer Warnes
Tell me more: Leave it to a pair of Swedish sisters to deliver the ultimate tribute to the late Leonard Cohen. First Aid Kit — Klara and Johanna Söderberg — released Who By Fire (released in March 2021), a live 20-track recording captured across two nights at the Royal Dramatic Theater in Stockholm in March of 2017. Conceived and anchored by First Aid Kit, the sisters were joined by a number of fellow Swedish guests, an eight-member band and strings, two actors as well as a large choir on two of the songs. A mix of Cohen's original songs, poems and letters were included in the two-performance event chronicled on Who By Fire (released April 2, 2021). The Söderberg sisters are bona fide fans of Cohen, who passed away at the age of 82 on Nov. 7, 2016. Who By Fire celebrates Cohen's work via a diverse array of compositions, including the stirring "Suzanne," gorgeous "If It Be Your Will," plaintive "Hallelujah" (where they are joined by Annika Norlin), edgy "Famous Blue Raincoat," otherworldly masterwork "You Want It Darker" and gallant "Everybody Knows" (with guest Frida Hyvönen). The performances of Cohen's songs and poetry across Who By Fire are uniformly beautiful without diminishing the power of the literate tales of faith, romance, political strife and loss. Information: FirstAidKitBand.com.
Title: Home (Big Stir Records / SpyderPop Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Tom Petty, Fountains of Wayne, Badfinger, Michael Gurley
Tell me more: In the wake of their announced partnership, Big Stir Records and Spyderpop Records issued singer-songwriter Lannie Flowers' brilliant album Home via digital, deluxe double-LP vinyl and audio CD. The third of the Texas-based artist's song cycles (following 2008's Same Old Story aimed at teenage romance and 2011's Circles that taps into a musician's life on the road), Home is a deeply affecting exploration of an aging rocker reflecting on his life after leaving the touring life behind. Widely hailed as a leader on the contemporary power pop scene, Flowers' material on "Home" exudes a wider reach with indie and classic rock flourish too. The songs are poetic and literate, and there is a large and sumptuous soundscape that fortifies the power of the 14 tracks on the LP. Flowers has a particularly fine singing voice able to deliver rockers and ballads with aplomb, self-assurance and style. "Just Go To Sleep" is tuneful to be sure, but the air of melancholy is fully in tune with Flowers' confessions: " Wish I could turn off my mind and leave the world behind / 'cause lying here I can't seem to find an answer to it all." The Americana-tinged "Free To Dream," gentle confessional "I Got A Secret," panoramic Shine a Light," striking "TV Off" and sorrowful "He's Going Home" are among this writer's other faves on the marvelous album. Although it was originally released in late 2019, Home (released anew on July 23, 2021) will hopefully receive more widespread attention in a post-pandemic world. Information: BigStirRecords.com.
Title: All Things Must Pass: Super Deluxe Edition (Capitol Records / UMe)
You might like if you enjoy: George Harrison, The Beatles, '70s classic rock
Tell me more: The Super Deluxe Edition of George Harrison's All Things Must Pass features 70 tracks across five audio CDs including 47 demo recordings, session outtakes and studio jams all in a slipcase. A Blu-Ray features the main album in high resolution stereo, 5.1 surround and Dolby Atmos. After immersing myself in the expanded title – including listening to Paul Hicks' 2020 mix of the album (originally recorded between May and October of 1970) – I believe the slew of previously unreleased material and new mix of the original album enhance the November 1970 3LP release originally co-produced by Phil Spector. The so-called "Wall of Sound" has been mostly removed to let Harrison's signature vocals and guitar work along with the musical talents of Ringo Starr, Klaus Voormann, Eric Clapton, Badfinger, Billy Preston and an army of the era's musical greats shine more vividly. What's more the impressive box set contains a 60-page scrapbook by Olivia Harrison and a replica of the original album poster. Information: GeorgeHarrison.com.
Title: Etta James: The Montreux Years (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: Etta James, Beth Hart, Janiva Magness
Tell me more: Montreux Jazz Festival and BMG have started releasing a new series of releases available in multiple-format configurations (including double LP, two-disc audio CD editions, and via digital download and streaming services). Etta James: The Montreux Years features the six-time Grammy winner in appearances at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland captured across three decades – indeed selections from the Los Angeles native's performances in 1977, 1978, 1989, 1990 and 1993 are featured on disc 1 of the essential collection. The wealth of outstanding material from those appearances includes the soulful blues cut "Damn Your Eyes" (featuring some killer guitar work from Bobby Murray), R&B celebration "Tell Mama" and the original rock 'n' roll-meets blues confessional "Something's Got a Hold On Me," the fiery blues-rocker "Beware" and an artful jazz medley featuring "At Last," "Trust In Me" and "Sunday Kind Of Love." Disc 2 is a true treasure; Etta James' very first concert in Europe staged at the festival's ninth edition on July 11, 1975 sounds amazing. The blues track "Respect Yourself," funky "W-O-M-A-N," Chicago blues blaster "Dust My Broom," and animated take on the B.B. King favorite "Rock Me Baby" are all here. James' rich contralto vocals are a wonder across all 21 tracks on the release. Information: bmg.com.
Title: Working The Long Game (Big Stir Records / SpyderPop Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Badfinger, Big Star, Tal Bachman
Tell me more: Bill Lloyd's ninth solo album Working The Long Game is loaded with songs that feature plenty of hooks, top-tier musicianship, stellar vocals and magic to spare; it's no wonder that the 2018 album release has just been reissued by Big Stir Records and SpyderPop Records so a wider audience can discover this terrific album. Standouts on the first half of the fantastic reissue include the melodic opener "Satellite" (co-written with Freedy Johnston), luxurious "Working The Long Game," wistful folk rocker "What Time Won't Heal" (co-written by Graham Gouldman of 10cc fame) and baroque pop gem "Wake Up Call." The tuneful "Go-To-Girl," cascading "Yesterday" (co-written by Cheap Trick's Tom Petersson, who also plays bass on the track) and glorious "Merch Table" shine on the latter half of Working The Long Game. Working The Long Game is available on vinyl LP, audio CD and streaming on all digital platforms. Information: BigStirRecords.com.
Title: The Rare Reprise Singles (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, Trini Lopez
Tell me more: Early rock hero Trini Lopez enjoyed a long career highlighted by a string of recordings completed for Reprise Records during the 1960s. Now Omnivore Recordings has issued The Rare Reprise Singles, a 24-track collection of rare A- and B-sides recorded between 1962 and 1970. One of Latin music's first major crossover stars, the talented singer-guitarist shines across the wide-ranging collection. The disc features sweet ballads ("Let It Be Known," "Pretty Little Girl"), mid tempo pop (the soaring "Made in Paris," "Mexican Medicine Man"), rock 'n' roll and pop ("A-me -RI-CA," "I've Lost My Love For You," "Up To Now," "Five O'Clock World") and even Christmas songs ("The Little Drummer Boy" and "Silent Night / "Let There Be Peace"). Sadly, Lopez died from COVID-19 complications in Palm Springs, CA in August 2020. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.
Artist: Lynyrd Skynyrd
Title: Live At Knebworth ‘76 (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Outlaws, ZZ Top
Tell me more: On April 9, Lynyrd Skynyrd: Live At Knebworth '76 was released as a DVD+CD, Blu-ray+CD, limited edition 2LP+DVD, and via digital video. The restored performance captures the original lineup of the groundbreaking Southern rock troupe via an amazing performance in England staged on Aug. 21, 1976. Indeed, 14 months before the tragic October 20, 1977 plane crash took the lives of several members of Lynyrd Skynyrd, singer Ronnie Van Zant, bassist Leon Wilson, drummer Artimus Pyle, keyboardist Billy Powell, along with the triple guitar array of Gary Rossington, Allen Collins and Steve Gaines, and The Honkettes (backing vocalists Cassie Gaines, JoJo Billingsley, Leslie Hawkins) delivered an inspired performance in front of a crowd of more than 150,000 concertgoers. The 11-song setlist is a dream for die-hard followers of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame outfit as well as casual classic rock fans; "Workin' For MCA," "Saturday Night Special," "Gimme Three Steps," "Call Me The Breeze," "Sweet Home Alabama" and a spellbinding set-ending 13-minute version of the beloved "Freebird" are all here. Both the audio recording and visual quality featured on the new release are exceptional; it's amazing to think this performance was staged 45 years ago. The Blu-ray set also includes the full-length 2018 documentary "If I Leave Here Tomorrow: A Film About Lynyrd Skynyrd" as a bonus feature. A side note: this historic performance was part of a daylong festival that also featured performances from Todd Rundgren's Utopia, 10cc and headliners The Rolling Stones. Information: lynyrdskynyrd.com.
Artist: Bob Marley and The Wailers
Title: The Capitol Session '73 (Tuff Gong / Mercury Studios)
You might like if you enjoy: Bob Marley and The Wailers, Peter Tosh, Joe Higgs
Tell me more: On the eve of global super stardom, Bob Marley and The Wailers performed a closed-door set at Capitol Records Tower in Los Angeles in October 1973. Nearly a half century after the performance featuring Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Joe Higgs, Aston Barrett, Carlton Barrett and Earl "Wya" Lindo was captured via four cameras, the performance came to DVD+CD, colored 2LP vinyl, digital and audio CD (the latter format reviewed here) in September 2021. The footage was long considered lost until a freelance researcher uncovered a few frames. After more than 20 years, the complete film was found, restored and remastered. A single listen to the audio recording reveals the exhaustive efforts that included a search of archives and storage units in New York, London, San Diego and beyond was worth the effort. Marley is rightfully considered reggae's most influential and important artist; all of the Jamaican artist's strengths as a singer, songwriter, musician and band leader are on display across The Capitol Session '73. After Tosh (who would soon embark on his own successful career) sings the opener "You Can't Blame The Youth," Marley takes the reins for a compelling set of timeless protest- and social justice-minded classics. The intoxicating "Slave Driver," rhythmic "Burnin' & Lootin'," entrancing "Stir It Up," defiant "No More Trouble" and explosive closer "Get Up Stand Up" make for a magical trip back to the metamorphosis of a legend. Information: BobMarley.com.
Title: A Bigger Bang: Live On Copacabana Beach (Mercury Studios)
You might like if you enjoy: The Rolling Stones
Tell me more: It's not a surprise that The Rolling Stones' 2021 multi-format release A Bigger Bang: Live On Copacabana Beach is so amazing. Recorded at the famed Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Feb. 8, 2006, there were between 1.5 million and 2 million fans in attendance at the show – one of the largest free rock concerts ever staged. The DVD+2CD version reviewed here is pure delight. Remixed, re-edited and remastered, the title includes four tracks not included on the original 2007 DVD release; indeed the freewheeling "Tumbling Dice," bluesy rocker "Oh No, Not You Again," rootsy acoustic nugget "This Place is Empty" and the inspired "Sympathy For The Devil" (the latter bolstered by Keith Richards' terrific lead guitar work) add depth to the two-hour concert. Singer Mick Jagger, guitarists Richards and Ronnie Wood, drummer Charlie Watts and the nine members of their touring band displayed an energetic zeal the equal of the fervor displayed by the massive crowd seen cheering, waving Brazilian and British flags and dancing throughout the event. Highlights abound on this historic set including the rollicking "It's Only Rock 'N' Roll (But I Like It)," tender Americana-flavored "Wild Horses," festive "Honky Tonk Women," extended romp through "Brown Sugar" and poignant "You Can't Always Get What You Want". The Stones closed out the night with a fiery version of "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" that finds the audience jumping up and down and often singing along with Jagger to add power to the classic. A Bigger Bang: Live On Copacabana Beach is also available on SD BD+2CD, 2DVD_2CD Deluxe, 3LP (pressed on blue, yellow and green vinyl), 3LP pressed on clear vinyl (exclusive to Sound Of Vinyl) and digital. Information: RollingStones.com and MercuryStudios.co.
Title: Tattoo You: 40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition (Polydor/Interscope/UMe)
You might like if you enjoy: The Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, classic rock
Tell me more: The Rolling Stones' beloved 1981 album Tattoo You was reissued via a slew of 40th Anniversary editions released in 2021. The 2CD edition of the album includes the newly-remastered 11-track album on disc one, and a brand new collection of nine previously-unreleased songs offered on disc two; these so-called "Lost & Found" tracks are newly completed with additional vocals and guitar work by the band. There are some really great tracks here; my favorites include the full-hearted rocker "Living in the Heart of Love," a rousing take on the Chi-lites' "Troubles a' Comin'," fiery original rocker "Come to the Ball" and freewheeling cover of bluesman Jimmy Reed's "Shame Shame Shame." The remastered original album — which features favorites such as "Start Me Up," "Hang Fire," "Neighbours" and "Waiting On A Friend" — sounds glorious. In addition to the two-disc version reviewed in this column (which also has an excellent 20-page booklet including an essay from Kevin Howlett and Jeff Slade), there are several expanded configurations of the album that include "Still Life: Wembley Stadium 1982," The Rolling Stones' London Show of the "Tattoo You" tour. That 26-track set includes hits such as "Under My Thumb," "Let's Spend The Night Together," "Honky Tonk Women" and Brown Sugar." Information: RollingStones.com.
Title: The CBS Tapes (Yep Roc)
You might like if you enjoy: The Rubinoos, the Knack, early '60s rock
Tell me more: Recorded 45 years ago while all four members were still in their teens, the Rubinoos' The CBS Tapes was captured in CBS Studios in San Francisco on Nov. 3, 1976. Listening to the 11-track set is to be fully impressed by the young band's power pop swagger and youthful exuberance that defies time. Playing a mix of originals and covers, singer-guitarist Jon Rubin, guitarist-singer Tommy Dunbar, drummer-singer Donn Spindt and bassist-singer Royse Ader are obviously having a blast as they tear through a set in the studio (engineered and mixed by Glen Kolotkin). The range of the material is vast to be sure, with magical covers of the Beatles' "She Loves You" and "I Want To Hold Your Hand," a brash reading of the Archies' "Sugar, Sugar," a flashy take on the surf rock instrumental classic "Walk Don't Run" and adult version of the DeFranco Family's "Heartbeat, It's a Lovebeat" among my favorite covers on the set; a trio of originals (the propulsive "All Excited," punk rocker "I Want Her So Bad" and inspired "Nooshna Kavolta") fit in nicely. Fifty years after they set out on their musical odyssey, the Rubinoos are still going strong; The CBS Tapes revisits the troupe's captivating infancy. Information: YepRoc.com.
Title: Little Girl Blue (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: Nina Simone, Dorothy Donegan, Mary Lou Williams
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter/composer/virtuoso pianist Nina Simone burst on the world in 1959 with the release of Little Girl Blue. Only 25 at the time, her brilliant debut has been newly remastered and reissued; it is available via vinyl, audio CD and digital platforms. Listening to the timeless album today is still an astonishing experience, all the more impressive when you learn that the 11 tracks on the disc were recorded in a single 14-hour recording session where she was accompanied by Jimmy Bond (bass) and Albert "Tootie" Heath(drums). While the future Rock and Roll Hall of Famer performs a lone original work on "Little Girl Blue" (the dashing instrumental "Central Park Blues"), her fleet take on Duke Ellington's swinging "Mood Indigo," refined reading of Arthur Hamilton's "He Needs Me," buoyant jazz-meets-Baroque "Love Me or Leave Me" and the classical music-flavored title track — the latter which creatively incorporates the traditional Christmas carol "Good King Wenceslas — all showcase her signature contralto vocals and improvisational talents at the keyboard. Several of her best-known recordings are also on the album; her evocative version of "I Loves You, Porgy" (a major hit at the time of the album's release) and joyful "My Baby Just Cares For Me" are truly remarkable. Information: bmg.com.
Title: Nina Simone: The Montreux Years (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: Nina Simone
Tell me more: Nina Simone was an artist who defied easy categorization. A top-tier vocalist, classically trained pianist, composer, arranger and civil rights champion and feminist activist, Simone's music ran the gamut from classical and jazz to blues, soul, R&B, folk, world music, pop and gospel. On Nina Simone: The Montreux Years, all the diverse elements of her musical world are revealed over the course of her performances at the Montreux Jazz Festival spanning from a full-length concert on June 16, 1968 (that fills disc 2 and marks the first-ever release of the performance on audio CD) to highlights from appearances in 1976, 1981, 1987 and 1990. The melodic "I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free," the bewitching "See-Line Woman," valiant "Four Women," nuanced and poignant version of Janis Ian's "Stars" and stirring take on Bob Marley's classic "No Woman No Cry" are among the marvelous selections Simone performs with magnificence on the two-disc, 29-track collection. Information: bmg.com.
Title: 50 Years of Funk & Soul: Live at the Fox Theater - Oakland, CA (Artistry Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Tower of Power, WAR, Huey Lewis and the News
Tell me more: Prior to the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, I was fortunate to be able to catch a rousing full-length concert featuring legendary Oakland-spawned powerhouse Tower of Power. That memorable concert and its zestful spirit was no fluke; the newly-issued 50 Years of Funk & Soul: Live at the Fox Theater - Oakland, CA has been released via a must-have 2-CD/1-DVD package (other configurations include a 3-LP set and digital audio release) that captures the group's groundbreaking energy and timeless sound via a 22-track event staged in the band's hometown in 2018. From the opening soul sortie "Stroke" and infectious sing-along "Ain't Nothing Stopping Us Now" to the fast flying "Soul With a Capital S," Motown-flavored "You're So Wonderful, So Marvelous" and dance floor-minded "Drop It In The Slot," the collective is on fire. Lead vocalist Marcus Scott is an especially gifted singer, bringing emotional firepower and star power to the up-tempo tracks as well as lovely ballads (notably "Just When We Start Makin' It," "Don't Change Horses" and "You're Still A Young Man"). The group — anchored by its amazing five-man horn section (bandleader Emillo Castillo, Stephen "Doc" Kupka, Tom Politzer, Adolfo Acosta and Sal Cracchiolo) — continues to move forward even while steeped in their classic fusion of soul and funk as evidenced by the grooving new cut "Stop," a breathtaking "On the Serious Side" and fiery "What Is Hip?" The special 50th celebration concert includes guest band alumni Chester Thompson (Hammond B3, clarinet) Lenny Pickett (tenor sax), Francis "Rocco" Prestia (bass), Bruce Conte (guitar) and Ray Greene(trombone). Information: TowerOfPower.com.
Artist: Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Title: Way Down In The Rust Bucket (Reprise)
You might like if you enjoy: Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Tell me more: Clocking in at three hours or so, Neil Young & Crazy Horse's marathon performance across Way Down In The Rust Bucket is truly a stunning showcase for the quartet's power in the service of Young's stellar songcraft. The legendary performance at a small club (The Catalyst) in Santa Cruz, CA on Nov. 13, 1990 celebrated the release of the outstanding Ragged Glory album issued two months before; the entire event was filmed and recorded by Shakey Picture’s LA Johnson. Performing three sets, Young and company unleashed the first-time ever live versions of a slew of Ragged Glory cuts along with an evocative "Danger Bird," the latter a favorite off the 1970 album Zuma. The countrified rocker "Country Home," moody 14-minute "Love to Burn," soaring "Cinnamon Girl" and otherworldly "Over and Over Again" are early standouts. Late concert highlights include the harmonies-adorned "Don't Cry No Tears," fiery "Sedan Delivery," genuinely explosive "Like a Hurricane" and stirring concert-ending "Cortez the Killer." Way Down In The Rust Bucket was released on February 26, 2021 as a 4 LP vinyl box set, a 2 CD set and a deluxe edition box set containing a DVD of the concert, plus 4 vinyl LPs and 2 CDs. At a later date a stand-alone DVD will also be released at NYA — Young’s Archive website. Information: NeilYoungArchives.com.
Title: Young Shakespeare (Reprise)
You might like if you enjoy: Neil Young's "Harvest" and "After The Gold Rush" albums
Tell me more: Neil Young's Young Shakespeare is an amazing recording of the artist's concert at The Shakespeare Theater in Stratford, Connecticut on Jan. 22, 1971. Filmed on 16mm and recorded just two months after the release of his iconic album After The Gold Rush, the 45-minute title features the earliest live performance footage known to exist of Young. But not only is the footage and recording historical, it's astonishing; the restoration of the film and remastering of the analog audio tapes are an absolute wonder. Young is at ease throughout the acoustic concert even while his performance of a dozen of his most beloved early originals resonate with a tangible power. It's amazing to think that Young — only 26 at the time — had already penned "Ohio," "Cowgirl in the Sand," "Helpless," "Down By the River," "Heart of Gold" and "The Needle and the Damage Done." Accompanied only by his own guitar or piano, this is an essential addition to the music library of fans of the two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Famer. Young Shakespeare is available via several configurations, including audio CD and vinyl LP versions, as well as a deluxe box set edition that includes vinyl, audio CD and the DVD. Information: NeilYoungArchives.com.
Title: Carnegie Hall 1970 (Reprise)
You might like if you enjoy: Neil Young
Tell me more: Amidst all the recent high profile deluxe reissues of classic rock-minded titles issued by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Doors this year, don't let Neil Young's two-disc Carnegie Hall 1970 escape your attention. On Dec. 4, 1970 Young performed two solo acoustic shows at Carnegie Hall in New York. The 23 tracks featured on Young's essential Carnegie Hall 1970 were mixed from the original 1/4 inch tapes by Young and Niko Bolas. The historical recording is magnificent; the power of Young's performance, stellar set list and energy of the event is palpable. The audience is fully attentive cheering when Young starts and stops but wonderfully quiet during his delivery of a parade of masterworks ranging from "Down By The River," "Cinnamon Girl" and "I Am A Child" early on disc one to "Only Love Can Break Your Heart," "Old Man" an "Birds" on disc two. Young performs many of his most beloved early classics to the lone accompaniment of his acoustic guitar, harmonica and piano. Carnegie Hall 1970 is the first release of the "Neil Young Archives" series; keep 'em coming! Information: NeilYoungArchives.com.
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