Toby Keith's Classic Album, "Honkytonk University," turns 20; Watch Remastered Videos in HD + Immersive Dolby Atmos

Check out news on today's 20th anniversary reissue of Toby Keith's "Honkytonk University" via the official media release below. For more on the artist's incredible legacy, read my review of Toby Keith's memorable headlining performance in Irvine, CA in August 2011 HERE...Robert Kinsler

TOBY KEITH'S CLASSIC ALBUM, HONKYTONK UNIVERSITY TURNS 20   VIDEOS FOR TRIO OF HITS “AS GOOD AS I ONCE WAS,” “BIG BLUE NOTE” AND “HONKYTONK U” REMASTERED IN HD   ALBUM NOW AVAILABLE IN IMMERSIVE DOLBY ATMOS®

Los Angeles – May 16, 2025 - Released on May 17, 2005, the late Toby Keith's ninth album Honkytonk University turns 20 this week. To mark the occasion, the classic, platinum-selling album has been made available in immersive Dolby Atmos®, mixed by preeminent engineer Mills Logan. Concurrently, the videos for the album’s trio of country hits –  “Big Blue Note,” “Honkytonk U” and the No. 1 smash, “As Good As I Once Was” - have been remastered and can now be enjoyed in HD. Listen and view here: https://tobykeith.lnk.to/HonkytonkUniversityPR   As the recent TikTok surge of the album’s “As Good As I Once Was” illustrates, music lovers of all ages continue to discover and embrace Keith’s music. Twelve years into his career, Honkytonk University sprung from a conversation around Keith’s support for Oklahoma University. “I want my kids to go to OU, and I’m tight with some of the people there,” Keith said at the time. “Over the holidays somebody asked me if I went there and I said no ... I graduated from the school of hard knocks. I went to Honkytonk U. It just sounded like a title.”   Keith wrote that song by himself – as he did one other on the album (“She Left Me”) – and he's credited on the other 10 songs as well. Frequent collaborators Scotty Emerick and Dean Dillon share co-writing credits, and Keith produced the album with DreamWorks/Nashville head James Stroud.   The aforementioned “Big Blue Note,” written with Emerick, is one of several standouts. “I’ve never written anything quite like it,” Keith said. “It’s just one of those things that happens to you as a songwriter. You’re going to write enough of them that one’s going to end up psychedelic.”   Regarding “As Good As I Once Was,” which went on to be a six-week No. 1, 3x platinum, and was BMI’s “Song of the Year” for 2006, Keith called it, “Probably my favorite song on the album. I can always tell when I’ve got a special one as soon as I get done.”   That predictive ability likely comes from earning a doctorate at Honkytonk U.   ABOUT TOBY KEITH Bursting on to the country music scene with his solo-penned first single “Should’ve Been A Cowboy,” Toby Keith began stacking hits through a succession of label permutations, all of which built to the Sept. 1, 2005 launch of his own label, Show Dog Nashville. Keith released 14 albums during that final phase of his career, cementing his place as one of the most prolific self-directed creative forces in country’s modern era. All in, Keith amassed 42 top 10 hits, 33 No. 1s, more than 44 million albums sold, 100 million BMI performances, and more than 10 billion streams, largely on the strength of his own songwriting and producing. He was elected into the Country Music Hall of Fame shortly before his passing in February 2024. Among his many accomplishments, the New York based all-genre Songwriters Hall of Fame (2015), the National Medal of Arts (2021), the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (2021) and BMI Icon (2022) were his most treasured.   # # #

Concert Recordings Roundup: Supertramp, Simple Minds, Blur, Ten Years After

A parade of rock greats have released top-tier concert recordings available now. This column features a roundup of some of my favorite live releases issued in 2024 and 2025.

Artist: Simple Minds

Title: Live In The City Of Diamonds (BMG)

You might like if you enjoy: U2, Simple Minds, The Alarm

Tell me more: A terrific sounding live album with the extensive track listing to match, Live In The City Of Diamonds includes the majority of Simple Minds' most beloved songs recorded at Ziggy Dome, Amsterdam in The Netherlands on April 6, 2024. To be clear, singer-songwriter Jim Kerr sounds as great as ever and Charlie Burchill continues to be one of the great guitar masters of the modern rock era; their signature talents along with the collective expertise of Ged Grimes (bass), Gordy Goudie (guitar, backing vocals), Cherisse Osei (drums), Erik Ljunggen (keyboards) and Sarah Brown (backing vocals) elevate the two dozen selections featured on the outstanding title.

 

Beginning with an uplifting and soaring "Waterfront," disc 1 of the double CD also features the introspective "Sons and Fascination," inspired "Let There Be Love," ethereal "Glittering Prize" and powerful plea for peace "Belfast Child." Disc 2 fires up with the shimmering "Someone, Somewhere In Summertime" and continues it's magical run with standouts including the introspective gem "See The Lights" (the latter bolstered by Burchill's ascending guitar playing), the powerful sing-along fueled "Don't You (Forget About Me)," explosive "Sanctify Yourself," synth-swept "Vision Thing" and dynamic "Color's Fly and Catherine Wheel." The audio CD version reviewed here has exclusive content including an fully-illustrated 24-page color booklet and additional tracks recorded in London, Leeds, Glasgow, Berlin and Dijon. Simple Minds' "Alive & Kicking" North American Tour includes a May 23 date at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, CA, and a May 25 date at Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre in Phoenix, AZ; Soft Cell and Modern English will serve as openers on the bill. Information: simpleminds.com.

Artist: Supertramp
Title: Live in Paris '79 (Mercury Studios)
You might like if you enjoy: Roger Hodgson, Supertramp
Tell me more: Recorded just nine months after the release of their 1979 masterwork Breakfast in America, Supertramp's newly-issued Live in Paris '79 full-length live album released on both audio CD and on vinyl features the band's classic lineup of Roger Hodgson (vocals, guitars, keyboards), Rick Davies (keyboards, vocals), Dougie Thomson (bass), Bob Siebengerg (drums) and John Helliwell (saxophone). This classic live recording is launched with the mournful sound of a solo harmonica morphing into a full band performance of "School," the stirring leadoff track off the progressive rock group's 1974 album Crime of the Century. The wide range of original material performed by the British troupe across the 3LP collection reviewed here is vast to be sure; the blues-flavored "Ain't Nobody But Me," tuneful pop-rock sortie "The Logical Song" (the latter showcasing Hodgson's dynamic vocals and sharp songcraft), wistful "Goodbye Stranger," rousing "Bloody Well Right" and introspective "Hide In Your Shell" are among the early standouts performed by the group. The latter part of the concert recording includes great performances of an acoustic reading "Give a Little Bit" enhanced by Helliwell's sax playing, the exuberant "Dreamer," bewitching "Take The Long Way Home," transcendent "Fool's Overture" and dramatic closer "Crime of the Century." Information: https://store.mercurystudios.co/.

Artist: Blur
Title: Live At Wembley Stadium (Parlophone)
You might like if you enjoy: Blur, Oasis, Travis
Tell me more: Groundbreaking British band Blur's full-length concert recorded at Wembley Stadium in London, England on July 9, 2023 is available as a 26-track double CD. Live At Wembley Stadium. This is an incredible concert recording capturing singer/multi-instrumentalist Damon Albarn, lead guitarist Graham Coxon, bassist Alex James and drummer Dave Rowntree in a spirted and inspired performance in front of 150,000 fans. 

Epic material from across the British quartet's acclaimed career is performed with passion and precision. Highlights on disc 1 include the fiery "Popscene," signature Britpop rockers "Tracy Jacks" and "Beetlebum," the wistful flamenco-tinged "Out of Time," emotional "Coffee & TV" and Beatlesque piano-anchored "Under the Westway." 

Disc 2 includes a mix of the band's beloved hits as well as top-tier new selections from the band's marvelous 2023 return The Ballad of Darren. The euphoric sing-along  "Parklife," dreamy "To the End," explosive "Song 2," plaintive "This Is a Low" (the latter enhanced by Coxon's stellar lead guitar work), enchanting "Tender," pensive melody-adorned "The Narcissist" and panoramic closer "The Universal" are among the brilliant originals that thrill on the last half of the superlative concert recording.

The audio CD release features the full-length concert across two discs, and is housed in a six-panel soft pack including an 18-panel poster fold booklet. Live At Wembley Stadium is also available on vinyl, as well as a concert film presented on Blu-ray. Information: blur.co.uk.

Artist: Ten Years After
Title: Woodstock 1969 (Chrysalis)
You might like if you enjoy: Ten Years After, Alvin Lee, Cream, British blues
Tell me more: Anyone who have ever seen the 1970 concert film "Woodstock: 3 Days of Peace and Music" knows that Ten Years After's performance of "I'm Going Home" is one of bona fide highlights of the award-winning film chronicling the Woodstock Festival staged near Bethel, New York in August 1969. Now the British band's complete Aug. 17, 1969 performance at that legendary event is presented via the audio title Woodstock 1969. "Hello beautiful people," says singer-guitarist Alvin Lee at the beginning of the band's set. "A fair blues to warm us up." Lee, bassist Leo Lyons, drummer Ric Lee and keyboardist Chick Churchill then proceed to deliver a powerful version of Howlin' Wolf's 1960 Willie Dixon-penned classic "Spoonful," a take bolstered by the mix of Alvin Lee's speedy lead guitar work and Ric Lee's dynamic drumming. The live recording also includes a fiery musical reading of "Good Morning Little Schoolgirl," enhanced by Alvin Lee's extended and breathtaking lead guitar solo. "The Hobbit" is a showcase for Ric Lee, one of the greatest rock drummers of the era; the dazzling solo that anchors the track draws big cheers from the hundreds of thousands concertgoers at the festival. Another key standout on the disc is the band's version of Al Kooper's "I Can't Keep From Crying Sometimes," an extended jam that somehow blends rock, blues, psychedelia and jazz stylings into a breathtaking and bold sonic amalgam. Closing out the set is of course Ten Years After's exceptional performance of "I'm Going Home," an astonishing reading that stretches almost 10 minutes and a defining moment that made the band into superstars. The 2024 release marks the first-ever standalone release of the historic performance, newly restored and featuring fresh mixes from the original 2-inch multi-track tapes. There are new liner notes by Chris Welch included in the eight-page colorful booklet. Information: amazon.com.

Robert Kinsler

Review: Beatles documentary 'Parting Ways" focuses on the Fab Four after the band's breakup in 1970

Title: The Beatles: Parting Ways (Dreamscape Media)

Genre: Documentary

Cast: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, George Martin, Peter Kent

Director: Gillian Bartlett

Website: dreamscapepublishing.com

Tell me more: Written and directed by Gillian Bartlett, "The Beatles: Parting Ways" is an informative documentary recently released on DVD that acknowledges the Beatles' groundbreaking career in the 1960s while primarily focusing on their individual lives and careers after the Fab Four's untimely breakup in early 1970. Indeed, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr collectively created a body of work that was as creative as it was successful and one that will never be rivaled. Together the four lads from Liverpool wrote and recorded masterful songs that were innovative while exploring a number of diverse genres ranging from rockabilly and pop to Music Hall, country western, folk, hard rock and more.

The documentary addresses the challenges (divorce, legal battles, death) and triumphs over the four decades following the end of the band. A mixture of archival photographs and interviews help tell the story in a fast-moving and insightful presentation for both casual and hardcore fans of John, Paul, George and Ringo.

Lennon's story looks at his relationship with Yoko Ono, his interest in the peace movement, enduring solo recordings and finally his tragic murder in 1980. McCartney's incredible solo career including his work with Wings and strong ties with his family — notably his wife Linda — are then highlighted. Harrison's successes with his solo career, the "Concert for Bangladesh" (widely acknowledged as the world's first major benefit concert) and Traveling Wilburys, near death after a stabbing attack and spiritual life are a focus on his post-Beatles years. Starr's work in both film and the recording studio, as well as his beloved All Starr Band tours are featured in an examination of his post-Beatles career.

Bartlett is honest in his assessment of each of the four icons' highs and lows, but ultimately viewers will gain a greater appreciation of what drove these musicians to continue to reach for greatness long after the end of Beatlemania.

Robert Kinsler

The Waterboys Documentary A Wild and Beautiful Ride to Hit YouTube on May 16 — Just In Time For Dennis Hopper Day

I can't wait to catch The Waterboys documentary when it is available on YouTube this coming Friday. Read my review of the band's latest album "Life, Death and Dennis Hopper" HERE...Robert Kinsler

The Waterboys Documentary A Wild and Beautiful Ride to Hit YouTube on May 16 — Just In Time For Dennis Hopper Day Critically Acclaimed Album Life, Death and Dennis Hopper Inspires a Film Honoring the Legacy of a Cultural Icon

(May 14, 2025) – Just before Dennis Hopper Day, A Wild and Beautiful Ride—a powerful new documentary chronicling the creation of The Waterboys’ latest album Life, Death and Dennis Hopper,—will be released globally on YouTube on Friday, May 16. The 48-minute film, which premiered exclusively on Night Flight Plus on May 9, follows the making of the epic 25-track album released by Sun Records this spring. Directed by Mick Puck and Duende Visions, the documentary blends sweeping New Mexico landscapes with candid behind-the-scenes moments and soulful commentary from Waterboys frontman Mike Scott, who spent four years crafting the record. Timed just ahead of Dennis Hopper Day, an annual celebration held in Taos, New Mexico on May 17 (Hopper’s birthday), the film provides a poignant reflection on Hopper’s life, legacy, and enduring influence on global culture. The album and film were both deeply inspired by the actor's wild, multi-faceted journey—from Hollywood’s rebellious youth to spiritual seeker and visionary artist. “The arc of his life was the story of our times,” says Scott. “He was at the big bang of youth culture in Rebel Without a Cause with James Dean; the beginnings of Pop Art with the young Andy Warhol. He was part of the counterculture, hippie, civil rights, and psychedelic scenes of the '60s. In the '70s and '80s, he went on a wild 10-year rip, almost died, came back, got straight, and became a five-movies-a-year character actor—without losing the sparkle in his eye or the sense of danger or unpredictability that always gathered around him.” Released on April 4 via Sun Records, Life, Death and Dennis Hopper has earned widespread critical acclaim across the U.K., Europe, and the U.S. Featuring standout collaborations with Bruce Springsteen, Fiona Apple, Steve Earle, Taylor Goldsmith, and more, the album traces the highs and lows of Hopper’s cinematic and personal legacy, framed as a broader meditation on what it means to live, fall, and rise again. The film’s global YouTube premiere on May 16 offers fans around the world a chance to experience the journey in real time—just as the town of Taos gathers for its annual tributes, including the Easy Rider Ride, sunset ceremony, and commemorations at Hopper’s final resting place. The film will be available on The Waterboys YouTube channel on May 16. To learn more about The Waterboys and their worldwide tour, visit mikescottwaterboys.com.  About Sun Records:  Established in 1952 by Sam Phillips, Sun Records is renowned for discovering music legends including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis. The label moved to Nashville in 1969 where it continued cultivating acclaimed artists Jeannie C. Riley, The Dixie Cups, Linda Martell, and many others. As a member of the newly-formed Sun Label Group under Primary Wave, Sun Records continues to foster musical innovation while honoring its rich history of shaping American music culture. For more information, visit https://sunrecords.com.

Bear Family announces the release of 'That'll Flat Git It! Vol. 50'

 Here is exciting news for fans of early rockabilly and rock 'n' roll to be sure...Robert Kinsler

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Bear Family Records Announces  That'll Flat Git It! Vol. 50: Rockabilly & Rock 'n' Roll From The Vaults Of Columbia & Epic Records

Available on CD on June 6! Bear Family Records announces its fifth release dedicated to the Columbia label in the much-loved That'll Flat Git It! rockabilly CD series, out on June 6.  Classic rockers by the Collins Kids, Johnny Horton and Carl Perkins are joined by lesser-known recordings featuring Dick Lory, Larry Hart and Dick Glasser, and rock favorites by country stars such as The Maddox Brothers & Rose and Carl Butler.  The CD features 30 tracks in a Digipak with a 36-page booklet, and includes carefully remastered '50s classics, detailed liner notes, discographical information, and illustrations and photos. The bottomless vaults of Columbia Records have contributed spectacularly to Bear Family's That'll Flat...Git It! series.  This latest deep dive into Columbia's voluminous rockabilly and rock and roll archive uncovers another 30 savage sides (a handful pulled from its Epic and OKeh sister labels), including revered classics from Johnny Horton ("Lover's Rock," "The Wild One"), The Collins Kids ("The Rockaway Rock," "Heartbeat"), Marty Robbins ("Long Tall Sally"), Carl Perkins ("Pointed Toe Shoes"), and Link Wray ("Raw-Hide," as well as a rare vocal turn on "Ain't That Lovin' You Baby").  But there are plenty of lesser-known gems aboard this viciously rocking disc too - Dick Lory's "Wild-Blooded Woman," Larry Hart's "A-Looka-A Looka," Dick Glasser's "Crazy Alligator," and Bernie Nee's "Lend Me Your Comb" (the same charmer that Carl Perkins cut for Sun) just for starters. Charlie Adams, Johnny Bond, Little Jimmy Dickens, Lefty Frizzell, The Maddox Brothers & Rose, and Carl Butler illustrate the indelible impact that country music had on the fast-developing rockabilly idiom during the mid-'50s (Mel Tillis and Bill Phillips were about to embrace country stardom), while Commonwealth Jones (actually Ronnie Dawson), Bobby Lord, and Rick Tucker and The Picks represent the younger generation.  Under the savvy stewardship of A&R chief Don Law, Columbia's massive country catalog contained plenty of vicious rockabilly. Like its storied predecessors, this Columbia compilation really delivers the goods! TRACK LISTING: Link Wray and The Wraymen - Raw-Hide Commonwealth Jones - Do, Do, Do Lee Emerson - What A Night Bernie Nee - Lend Me Your Comb Johnny Horton - The Wild One Little Jimmy Dickens - Stinky Pass The Hat Around The Maddox Brothers & Rose - Let Me Love You Charlie Adams - Cattin' Around Mel Tillis - Case Of The Blues Johnny Cash - What Do I Care The Tunesmiths - Baby I'm Ready Larry Hart - A Looka-A-Looka Lefty Frizzell - From An Angel To Devil Bill Phillips - There's A Change In Me Carl Perkins - Pointed Toe Shoes Bobby Lord - Party Pooper Dick Glasser - Crazy Alligator The Collins Kids - The Rockaway Rock Johnny Bond - The Little Rock Roll Rick Tucker & The Picks - Patty Baby Link Wray and The Wraymen - Ain't That Lovin' You Baby Johnny Horton - Lover's Rock Gordon Terry - Hook, Line And Sinker Carl Butler - Baby I'm A-Waitin' Dick Lory - Wild-Blooded Woman Charlie Adams - Sugar Diet Johnny Bond - Lay It On The Line The Collins Kids - Heartbeat Marty Robbins - Long Tall Sally Johnny Horton - Let's Take The Long Way Home Pre-order the album on Amazon.com: https://a.co/d/1WuP0M7

Beth Gibbons Performs NPR Tiny Desk Concert

I was knocked out by Beth Gibbons' incredible set at Coachella last month (check out my review of her set as part of my recap of the fest HERE). Read below for more news and to watch her first-ever appearance as part of the NPR Tiny Desk series...Robert Kinsler

Singer-songwriter Beth Gibbons

Performs NPR Tiny Desk Concert

Photo credit: Alanté Serene/NPR

Beth Gibbons makes her NPR Tiny Desk debut today, with a majestic set featuring three songs from her 2024 solo debut album Lives Outgrown (“Tell Me Who You Are Today,” “Floating On A Moment,” “Reaching Out”) as well as “Mysteries,” the opening track from her 2002 collaborative record with Rustin Man, Out Of Season. 

 

Gibbons was joined by her brilliant live band: Eoin Rooney (guitars, marching snare, backing vocals), Tom Herbert (bass, Fender VI, backing vocals), Sophie Hastings (drums, harmonium, backing vocals), Howard Jacobs (contrabass clarinet, vibraphone, timpani, baritone sax, flute, bombo, percussion, hammered guitar, backing vocals), Emma Smith (violin, clarinet, guitar, backing vocals), Richard Jones (viola, guitar, backing vocals), and Jason Hazeley (keyboards, Fender Rhodes, Therevox). 

 

Watch Beth Gibbons’ NPR Tiny Desk concert here. 

 

Beth Gibbons recently wrapped her first ever North American solo tour; she will continue touring internationally throughout 2025, including a headlining show at the Sydney Opera House, a sold out headlining date at London’s Roundhouse, and festival appearances at Glastonbury and Montreaux Jazz Festival. All dates are below and tickets are available at bethgibbons.net. 

 

Listen to Lives Outgrown here. 

 

BETH GIBBONS ON TOUR 

5/30: Sydney Opera House - Sydney, NSW 

6/1: Hamer Hall - Melbourne, VIC 

6/3: The Fortitude Music Hall - Brisbane, QLD 

6/5: Odeon Theatre - Hobart, TAS 

6/27: Roundhouse - London, UK *SOLD OUT* 

6/28: Glastonbury Festival - Glastonbury, UK *SOLD OUT* 

6/30: Les Nuits de Fourviere - Lyon, FR 

7/1: Days Off Festival - Paris, FR *SOLD OUT* 

7/3: Roskilde Festival - Roskilde, DN 

7/4: Down The Rabbit Hole - Beuningen - NL 

7/7: Montreaux Jazz Festival - Montreaux, CH 

7/9: Neumünster Abbey - Luxembourg, LU 

7/11: Giardino della Triennale - Milano, IT *SOLD OUT* 

7/14: Les Nits de Barcelona - Barcelona, ES 

7/15: Noches del Botánico - Madrid, ES 

7/16: Lisbon Coliseum - Lisbon, PT *SOLD OUT* 

7/21: City of Athens Lycabettus Theater - Athens, GR 

8/6-8/9: Øya Festival - Oslo, NO 

8/7-8/9: Way Out West - Gothenburg, SE 

8/9: Flow Festival - Helsinki, FI 

8/14-8/17: Green Man Festival - Near Crickhowell, WAL *SOLD OUT* 

12/1: Triphony Hall - Tokyo, JP 

12/2: Triphony Hall - Tokyo, JP 

12/3: Zepp Namba - Osaka, JP 

 

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