Media Release: Power Pop Icon Matthew Sweet leads a cast of All-Stars and Legends on a Trip to Revisit The Beatles’ “ABBEY ROAD!”

 

Power Pop Icon MATTHEW SWEET Leads A Cast Of All-Stars And Legends On A Trip To Revisit THE BEATLES’ “ABBEY ROAD!”

Album features performances by Jellyfish's Roger Joseph Manning Jr., Vulfpeck's Charles Jones, British guitar legend Snowy White, Billy Idol guitarist Steve Stevens, GnR cohort Ron Bumblefoot Thal, Paul Shafer, God Of Hellfire Arthur Brown and lots more!

Los Angeles, CA - It probably comes as no surprise that Athens GA indie rock icon Matthew Sweet has a fondness for The Beatles. From his 1986 debut album to his early ‘90s breakthrough, including the MTV smash hit “Girlfriend,” on through to his most recent albums, Sweet has pulled off the same kind of melodically driven, seemingly straightforward but stealthily complex songs that turned the Liverpudlian foursome into a worldwide phenomena and one of the most influential artists of all-time. Recently, Sweet was invited to participate in a truly remarkable revisitation of The Beatles’ incredible crowning glory, the brilliant Abbey Road, and the results couldn’t be more satisfying.

Sweet sings, plays guitar and even adds a little bass to a brand new version of Abbey Road’s punchiest blast of rock psychedelia, “Polythene Pam.” The fourth segment of the album’s magnificent Side B medley, “Pam” is the perfect showcase for Sweet’s deft interplay of rapid fire vocals and powerfully overdriven guitars. Assisting in the track’s creation is fellow singer/guitarist Jason Berk, who adds texture with his acoustic guitar, and Fernando Perdomo who supports Sweet’s guitar with some tasteful Hammond organ. Perhaps the only thing that can be said against the track is that, with a running time of 1:27, it leaves too soon. But then, that’s what the repeat button is for!

Stream/download the single: https://orcd.co/matthewsweet_polythenepam

Abbey Road Reimagined, produced by Perdomo and packed with an astounding array of musical all-stars, will be hitting the digital and physical shelves on August 18, 2023. Order your copy today!

Order the CD/Vinyl: https://cleorecs.com/store/?s=Abbey+Road+Reimagined&post_type=product

Pre-save the digital: https://orcd.co/abbeyroadreimagined

TRACK LIST:
1. Come Together - Durga McBroom (Pink Floyd), Jackie Lomax (Apple Records Artist) & Snowy White (Pink Floyd)
2. Something - Charles Jones (Vulfpeck) & Sonny Landreth
3. Maxwell's Silver Hammer - Roger Joseph Manning Jr. (Jellyfish)
4. Oh! Darling - Eric Dover (Jellyfish) & Carmine Appice (Vanilla Fudge)
5. Octopus's Garden - Matt Axton & Brian Auger (Rod Stewart)
6. I Want You (She's So Heavy) -  Arthur Brown & Steve Stevens (Billy Idol)
7. Here Comes The Sun - Ron Bumblefoot Thal (Guns N' Roses)
8. Because - Rebecca Pidgeon & Patrick Moraz (The Moody Blues)
9. You Never Give Me Your Money - Graham Bonnet (Rainbow) & Rick Wakeman (Yes)
10. Sun King - James Booth & The Return, Albert Lee & Geoff Downes (Yes)
11. Mean Mr. Mustard - Jack Russell (Great White)
12. Polythene Pam - Matthew Sweet
13. She Came In Through The Bathroom Window - Adam Gaynor (Matchbox 20) & Paul Shaffer
14. Golden Slumbers - Terry Reid
15. Carry That Weight - Gregg Bissonette
16. The End - Frank Dimino (Angel) & Steve Hillage (Gong)
17. Her Majesty - Gary Wilson

"Neil Diamond with The London Symphony Orchestra, Classic Diamonds" to be released on Capitol Records on November 20, 2020

Check out the exciting announcement below for news on Neil Diamond's next album, coming next month. You can revisit Diamond's impressive legacy via my August 2017 review of his concert at the Fabulous Forum HERE! 

'NEIL DIAMOND WITH THE LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, CLASSIC DIAMONDS'

 

TO BE RELEASED ON CAPITOL RECORDS, NOVEMBER 20, 2020 

PRE-ORDER HERE

Recorded At The World Famous Abbey Road Studios In London And Diamond’s Studio In Los Angeles

NEW YORK, October 16, 2020– Capitol Records today announces the November 20th global release of Neil Diamond With The London Symphony Orchestra, Classic Diamonds, the new studio album from the iconic, multi-award winning songwriter, musician and performer Neil Diamond. Pre-order Neil Diamond With The London Symphony Orchestra, Classic Diamonds here.

The 14-classic song collection Classic Diamonds features new vocals from Neil Diamond paired with a new interpretation of Diamond’s most celebrated chart-topping hits performed by The London Symphony Orchestra. Recorded at both the world famous Abbey Road Studios in London and Neil Diamond’s studio in Los Angeles, the album was produced by Grammy®-winning producer/arranger Walter Afanasieff and co-arranged by Afanasieff and Grammy® winning conductor/arranger William Ross, who also conducted The London Symphony Orchestra for the recording.  

Neil Diamond live in 2017.

“Neil Diamond is simply one of the most important vocalists and songwriters in the history of popular music, and this majestic new album shines a beautiful spotlight on some of his greatest works.  Classic Diamonds is a glorious addition to Neil’s body of work, and we are proud to be presenting it to listeners around the world,” says Steve Barnett, Chairman & CEO of Capitol Music Group.

Neil Diamond’s towering artistic achievements have carried him far, from Brooklyn Roads, to Glory Road, to Melody Road and now to Abbey Road.  As a wordsmith and melodist, he is second to none and his music has touched generations in ways that are deeply personal, yet universally understood.  These are songs of their time…and for all time.  They are Classic Diamonds.

Classic Diamonds With The London Symphony Orchestra Track Listing Here 

Beautiful Noise

I Am…I Said

I’m A Believer

Song Sung Blue

September Morn

America

Holly Holy

You Don’t Bring Me Flowers

Play Me

Love On The Rocks

Heartlight

I’ve Been This Way Before

Sweet Caroline

 

Neil Diamond performing at the Fabulous Forum in Inglewood, CA on August 10, 2017. 
Photo: Robert Kinsler

About Neil Diamond

Throughout his phenomenal and wide-ranging career, Neil Diamond has performed and sold-out stadiums and arenas around the world, dominated the charts for more than five decades, sold over 130 million albums worldwide, and  has charted 37 Top 40 singles and 16 Top Ten albums both in the U.S. and internationally.  He has achieved record sales and written some of the most memorable songs of the past two centuries.  

The Grammy Award winning artist is a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and The Songwriters Hall of Fame. He has been presented with The Johnny Mercer Award, The Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and The Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award, three of the highest honors bestowed on songwriters and artists.  He has also been the recipient of the NARAS Music Cares Person of the Year Award and the prestigious Kennedy Center Award for his contributions to American culture.

Sights and Sounds: Joe Bonamassa, Shelby Lynne, Hootie & The Blowfish

Going into the weekend, there is plenty of new music to share...Robert Kinsler



Singer/guitar great Joe Bonamassa returns with brand new surprise single from Abbey Road Studio Recordings

"A CONVERSATION WITH ALICE" AVAILABLE TODAY

STREAM / DOWNLOAD "A CONVERSATION WITH ALICE":

https://joeb.me/StreamAlice

PURCHASE AT: 

https://joeb.me/ConvoWAlice

WATCH THE VIDEO:

https://youtu.be/_SKxbA2YtW8

(Chat with Joe live as he premieres the video on YouTube and Facebook Live today @ 3pm EDT/ 12pm PDT)

Joe Bonamassa / Photo credit: Robert Sutton

April 17, 2020 - One of the most iconic names in modern blues music, Joe Bonamassa, is back with highly anticipated new music from his studio recordings at the legendary Abbey Road Studio in London. The surprise single "A Conversation With Alice" arrives today via J&R Adventures, along with a special music video showing him in the studio recording the track. The video will premiere at 3pm EST on YouTube and Facebook where Bonamassa will be hosting an exclusive live chat. "Alice," as it turns out, is the alias of a therapist that Bonamassa spoke with about some reoccurring problems he'd been facing in life but found that these 'problems' ultimately lead to his success.

In an intimate video from self-quarantine, Bonamassa shares, "the song is derived by an experience I had a couple years ago when some friends of mine intervened and said 'You know what Joe? You should go ahead and talk to someone about these problems you have that come up time and time again.' So, I agreed. I went to see this lovely woman in Los Angeles, CA and began talking about my problems. After the second session I came to the conclusion that I was unrepairable and that the crazy in me makes me good at my job. I like being good at my job."

He quips, "I think I'm good at my job, unless you ask the internet. Which then there's some debate, which bolsters the crazy. See how it's all interrelated? So, I wrote a song about it." Bonamassa ends the video with a comforting smile and a sincere wish to fans, "I hope you enjoy it. Thanks for listening, be safe and be happy."

Bonamassa also divulges that the song is part of a brand-new album coming sometime later this year, though details of the title and release date are still under wraps. Fans and critics alike will be on the lookout for what's next from America's favorite blues-rock artist. In the meantime, while in quarantine Bonamassa has taken to social media to give a special behind-the-scenes look at his "Nerdville" home in California. In prior months, Bonamassa was touring relentlessly, up until coronavirus took its hold on the music industry, stopping him just short of a few final dates on his spring tour in the U.S.

"A Conversation With Alice" also follows Bonamassa's recent instrumental side project called The Sleep Eazys, who released their critically-acclaimed debut album, Easy To Buy, Hard To Sell, just last week. The album, which the Associated Press touted as making "instrumental dreams," was produced by Bonamassa and features some of his frequent collaborators, along with his all-star touring band. The Sleep Eazys project is Joe's second time in the studio as a producer, after Reese Wynans' long-awaited debut solo album Sweet Release. The producer role is one that Joe takes very seriously and thoroughly enjoys. More projects are currently in the works!

"Alice" and The Sleep Eazys follow a string of other successful collaborative ventures, including the adventurous side projects Black Country Communion, Rock Candy Funk Party and Beth Hart. Collectively, Bonamassa has over 40 albums to date and the announcement of "A Conversation With Alice" marks the first of new music from his solo studio record at the legendary Abbey Road Studios. His latest solo album, LIVE AT SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE marked his 22nd #1 album on the Billboard Blues Chart, an incredible feat unparalleled within the music industry.

For more information on "A Conversation With Alice" and other Bonamassa news, visit jbonamassa.com, and be sure to stay connected on social media. 

CONNECT:

Website: jbonamassa.com

YouTube: /JoeBonamassaTV

Facebook: @JoeBonamassa

Twitter: @JBONAMASSA

Instagram: @joebonamassa

Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation: keepingthebluesalive.org

Out Today: Shelby Lynne's self-titled release Grammy winning singer-songwriter to appear live on Paste Magazine's 'The Happiest Hour' today, Friday, April 17, 2020, at 5 p.m. (EST)   "There’s a raw beauty, an exquisite vulnerability, and a defiant passion running through the songs on Shelby Lynne…” – No Depression

Nashville, TN – Today, Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Shelby Lynne releases her self-titled album via Thirty Tigers. Critics and fans alike have praised the powerful release which finds the celebrated artist as her most vulnerable self. Billboard called the album a “spare and emotionally weighty, introspective set." American Songwriter raved, “[The songs] …reaffirm the authenticity and integrity that’s marked her trajectory every step of the way.” Rolling Stone named this Shelby Lynne release “…her most intimately honest.” Listen to Shelby Lynne HERE. You can catch Lynne live today on Paste Magazine’s The Happiest Hour, where she will perform live online and will also answer questions. This takes place at 5pm EST, and you can watch HERE. Many of the songs on Shelby Lynne were recorded during the filming of the unreleased independent film When We Kill The Creators, Lynne’s collaboration with lyricist/director/screenwriter Cynthia Mort. The film stars Lynne as a deeply conflicted artist struggling at the intersection of art and commerce. Songs “Here I Am,” “Strange Things” and “Weather” were recorded during the filming, while “Revolving Broken Heart” and “Love is Coming” are featured in both the film and on the album. All of these tracks capture the raw intimacy of Lynne’s performances. While Shelby Lynne boasts several other musicians, including keyboardists Benmont Tench, Mimi Friedman, Ed Roth and Billy Mitchell. for the most part the album’s namesake does it all, playing guitar, keyboards, bass, drums and even sax on the smoky, nourish “My Mind’s Riot.” Shelby Lynne offers a glimpse at an artist fully exposed, at the peak of her powers, with nothing standing in the way, a direct line to the heart.  Hootie & The Blowfish Release Amazon Original Cover of R.E.M.’s "Losing My Religion" Available Now Only On Amazon Music April 17, 2020: Today, Hootie & The Blowfish released an Amazon Original cover of R.E.M.’s “Losing My Religion,” available to stream and purchase only on Amazon Music. Listen To “Losing My Religion” only on Amazon Music: amzn.to/Hootie "When we were cutting our teeth as a band, almost every night fans would hear us on stage covering R.E.M.," shares Hootie & the Blowfish frontman Darius Rucker from his home in South Carolina. "'Losing My Religion' is a song that when you first listen to it, you can feel the struggle, the back-and-forth. Plus, Peter Buck wrote the song on mandolin, and being in the south, it's a lot of fun to perform live. We're releasing it as a cover with Amazon Music as I think it's still as thrilling to people today as it was when it was first released."  With the rich, bluesy vocals of Darius Rucker and gleeful harmonies of guitarist Mark Bryan, bassist Dean Felber and drummer Jim “Soni” Sonefeld, Hootie & the Blowfish sold over 25 million records worldwide after their infectious melodies hit the airwaves in 1994 with hits such as “Hold My Hand”, “Let Her Cry” and “Only Wanna Be With You.”  The band’s 2019 Group Therapy Tour saw the band play to sold-out crowds across the U.S. and Canada, including two nights at the iconic Madison Square Garden, as well as a run of shows throughout the UK and Ireland. The triumphant return to the road earned Hootie & the Blowfish several prominent profiles recognizing their important musical legacy, including the cover story of the New York Times Arts & Leisure section. On November 1, 2019, they released their first new music in nearly 15 years with Imperfect Circle, named one of the “biggest albums to hear this season” by Entertainment Weekly and featuring radio single “Hold On.” Amazon Music listeners can find Hootie's cover of "Losing My Religion" on the “Certified Country” playlist, Amazon Music’s stage for country fans looking for a collection of smashes from the best names in country music. Amazon Music customers can also simply ask, "Alexa play the Amazon Original by Hootie & The Blowfish" in the Amazon Music app for iOS and Android and on Alexa-enabled devices. In addition to the new track, Amazon Music listeners can access hundreds of Amazon Originals featuring both emerging and established artists across numerous genres, available to stream and purchase only on Amazon Music.

My favorite Reissues, Special Editions & Live Recordings of 2019

There were a number of special releases that were issued this year including reissues, documentaries and concert films/concert recordings. Here, in alphabetical order, are my favorite 19 special releases of 2019 as well as a couple of must-have titles that more than earn an "Honorable Mention" here... Robert Kinsler

Artist: David Ball
Title: Thinkin' Problem (Omnivore Recordings)
Tell me more: The 25th Anniversary edition of singer-songwriter David Ball's 1994 hit album Thinkin' Problem includes all 10 songs from that LP as well as eight bonus tracks adding up to an essential collection celebrating traditional country music. Ball, who had previously been a member of the Austin-based trio Uncle Walt's Band, found much-deserved commercial success with Thinkin' Problem, which featured the title track (his first major hit) as well as subsequent hit singles "When The Thought of You Catches Up With Me," "Look What Followed Me Home," "What Do You Want With This Love" and "Honky Tonk Healin'." Listening to the album in 2019, it's easy to believe that all of the songs could have been radio staples, especially the lovely ballad "12-12-84." The bonus material shines as well, with the sparse 2019 acoustic take of "What Do You Want With This Love," spirited "Give Me Back My Heart" (a 1993 studio demo) and the breezy "Circle of Friends" and "I've Got My Baby On My Mind" among my favorites. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: The Beatles
Title: Abbey Road - 50th Anniversary Edition (Capitol)
Tell me more: Fifty years after its original release in the United Kingdom on September 26, 1969, The Beatles' final album Abbey Road has been released as an essential Deluxe Anniversary Edition complete with new stereo, 5.1 surround and Dolby Atmos mixes. The four-disc version includes 40 essential tracks – featured on three audio CD discs and a Blu-ray disc. After getting the new edition on the day of its release, this writer immediately immersed himself in the new stereo and 5.1 surround mixes; cheers to both 2019 mix producer Giles Martin (the son of the original album's producer George Martin) and 2019 mix engineer Sam Okell for retaining the original character of the album while somehow finding a way to bring out the distinctive vocals and musical nuances of each classic song without thrusting the remastered release into "the loudness war" that has ruined a parade of recordings in recent years.

There are a slew of wonderful previously-unheard tracks; in particular, fans of George Harrison will love the intimate home demo of "Something," a freewheeling early take of his "Old Brown Shoe" and an animated alternate version of "Here Comes The Sun." 

So many of the tracks include playful bits of banter of The Beatles in the studio, often working out the songs and providing insight into their creative process and signature personalities. Listeners will hear the band on early and alternate tracks of many of their final creations, including alternative cuts of "Come Together," "Her Majesty," Maxwell's Silver Hammer" "Sun King," "Octopus's Garden" and "The End." Great stuff.

The edition's packaging is a worthy follow-up to the deluxe edition of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band released in May 2017 and the six-disc Super Deluxe edition of The White Album released in November 2018. Housed in a slip-sleeved 12-inch by 12-inch 100-page fully-illustrated hardbound book, "Abbey Road" includes a foreword penned by Sir Paul McCartney, images of handwritten lyrics, previously-unseen photos (many taken by Linda McCartney) and in-depth notes capturing the period that gave rise to the album.

Listening to Abbey Road anew is to realize that The Beatles' final hour found the group as great as ever. 

Information: TheBeatles.com.

Artist: Chuck Berry
Title: Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll: Collector's Edition (Shout! Factory)
Tell me more: One of the most important and historic music documentaries of all time, Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll is a look at the life and legacy of singer-songwriter/guitar great Chuck Berry that was directed by Taylor Hackford and originally released in 1987. Newly-issued on Blu-ray by Shout! Factory, the film has never looked – or sounded – better. Keith Richards organized two concerts in October 1986 to celebrate Berry's 60th birthday and the performances featured a fantastic well-rehearsed band (something that was sadly not a fixture across Berry's lengthy career) including sax great Bobby Keys, NRBQ bassist Joey Spampinato, drummer Steve Jordan, and musical director Richards. Powerful versions of "Roll Over Beethoven," "Almost Grown," "Sweet Little Sixteen," "Nadine" and "School Days" shine. There are some fantastic once-in-a-lifetime duets on the film too. Linda Ronstadt joins the party for a powerful "Back in the U.S.A." (where Richards and Berry briefly duel on lead guitar). Julian Lennon and Berry have a blast on the fiery "Johnny B. Goode"; Robert Cray shares the spotlight on the buoyant "Brown Eyed Handsome Man"; Eric Clapton joins the affair for a blues-drenched take of Berry's 1955 nugget "Wee Wee Hours" bolstered by Johnnie Johnson's piano work. Etta James joins Berry and company for a faithful take on "Rock and Roll Music." A slew of revealing interviews with his wife, brothers and sisters, as well as those he influenced and his contemporaries (Little Richard, Bo Diddley, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Everly Brothers) are interspersed and make this an essential, entertaining and ultimately deeply moving film. There are a number of must-see bonus features on the newly-issued Blu-ray as well. Information: ShoutFactory.com.

Artist: Big Star
Title: Live on WLIR (Omnivore Recordings)
Tell me more: Captured in the wake of the release of their second album, 1974's brilliant Radio City, Big Star's performance featured on Live on WLIR is essential listening for fans of the legendary Memphis band. The 15-track set recorded on New York radio station WLIR-FM features singer-guitarist Alex Chilton, drummer-vocalist Jody Stephens and bassist John Lightman performing many of Big Star's most beloved original songs as well as an acoustic cover of Loudon Wainwright III's "Motel Blues" and a short interview. Although the radio broadcast was originally released as "Live" in 1992, they have now been restored and remastered as both a single audio CD or double LP release (Live on WLIR was released on Jan. 25, 2019). Highlights on Live on WLIR include the shimmering "September Gurls," the melodic rockers "Way Out West" and "In The Street," and the acoustic "Thirteen" (the latter one of several cuts that Chilton performs solo). The collection has new, updated liner notes from Memphis writer Robert Gordon (a Grammy winner for his essay on the 2010 Big Star box set "Keep an Eye on the Sky") as well as a new interview with John Lightman conducted by Chris Bell biographer Rich Tupica. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Big Star
Title: In Space (Omnivore Recordings)
Tell me more: Big Star's enduring legacy has long been certified in the rock 'n' roll universe but it sure doesn't hurt to have the band's final studio album reissued via an expanded and glorious edition sure to please followers of the groundbreaking power pop heroes. Through a series of unfortunate series of events and ill-fated timing, the Memphis-spawned outfit's first three albums released in the 1970s failed to make an impactful commercial mark even while ultimately consistently landing on many rock aficionados "best of all time" lists. Few fans were anticipating the release of In Space in September 2005, a full-length studio LP featuring original members Alex Chilton and Jody Stephens joined by the Posies' Jon Auer and Ken Stringfellow. Omnivore Recordings' 2019 remastered reissue of the album casts a spectacular and well-deserved spotlight on In Space"with the release featuring all dozen original tracks (10 originals, a soulful cover of The Olympics' "Mine Exclusively" and French Baroque composer Georg Muffat's "Aria, Largo"), as well as six bonus tracks. There are a slew of wonderful tracks on In Space, notably the melodic opener "Dony," the enticing "Lady Sweet," the Beatlesque "Best Chance," the shimmering "February's Quiet" and the reflective "Hung Up With Summer." Notable among the bonus tracks is the soulful rocker "Hot Thing" (previously only available on the out-of-print "Big Star Story") and an acapella version of "Turn My Back on the Sun." In Space was released on Oct. 25; the reissue is available on audio CD as well on translucent blue vinyl. Additionally, there are liner notes shedding all kinds of details on this important release. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Tim Buckley
Title: Live at the Electric Theatre Co. Chicago, 1968 (Manifesto Records)
Tell me more: Although Tim Buckley died of a heroin overdose at the mere age of 28 in June 1975, he left an enduring legacy as a groundbreaking artist who explored folk, rock, blues, jazz fusion, funk and other styles over his short career. Fans of the late artist have been rewarded with the release of Live at the Electric Theatre Co. Chicago, 1968, a collection of 14 acoustic songs recorded over the course of a two-night stint at the venue in May 1968. Described in the liner notes as "works in progress", the selections are potent even when heard via this sparse forum where Buckley (on vocals and 12-string guitar) is backed by a bassist and conga player. The lovely "Sing a Song For You," haunting "Danang," a cover of the Helen Deutsch/Bronislaw Kaper co-write "Hi Lily, Hi Lo" (the latter bolstered by Buckley's high-reaching falsetto vocals), a terrific take of Johnny Cash's "Big River" and the intoxicating "Gypsy Woman" are highlights on disc one; his renditions of Fred Neil's "Dolphins" and "Looks Like Rain," as well as his own "Happy Time" and "The Father Song" shine on disc two. Live at the Electric Theatre Col. Chicago, 1968 includes liner notes about the Chicago shows along with remembrances from Buckley collaborators songwriter Larry Beckett and guitarist Lee Underwood. Information: manifesto.com.

Artist: Creedence Clearwater Revival
Title: Live at Woodstock (Craft Recordings)
Tell me more: One of the biggest names to appear at Woodstock in Bethel, New York in August 1969 was North California-based Creedence Clearwater Revival. The quartet — better known as Creedence or CCR —delivered an inspired set that has finally been released in its entirety. Live at Woodstock includes many of the band's most beloved tracks. The Aug. 17, 1969 performance fully stands the test of time with singer-songwriter/guitar great John Fogerty leading the rock outfit through 11 classics. The Delta-friend "Born on the Bayou" opens the set, with the band kicking up the energy for "Green River," "Bad Moon Rising," "I Put a Spell on You," the blistering blues-flavored "Keep on Chooglin'," and an extended take on the set-ending "Suzie Q." Information: CraftRecordings.com.

Artist: The Cure
Title: 40 Live Curaetion – 25 + Anniversary (Eagle Rock)
Tell me more: The Cure celebrated the band's 40th anniversary last year with a series of special concerts, several of which are celebrated in their entirety on the newly-released 40 Live Curaetion – 25 + Anniversary, a two-disc Blu-ray (the title is also available as a Limited Edition Deluxe Box). Each of the concert films on the set stands alone and distinctive form the other. The first film, "Curaetion 25: From There To Here / From Here To There" was filmed on the tenth and final night of the 25th Meltdown Festival at London's Royal Festival Hall on June 24, 2018. Directed by Nick Wickham, the Cure (singer-guitarist Robert Smith, bassist Simon Gallup, drummer Jason Cooper, keyboardist Roger O'Donnell, guitarist Reeves Gabrels) performed a song from each of their 13 studio albums in chronological order, the idea being to showcase the evolution of the Cure's sound from 1978 to 2018. The band then performed two unreleased songs from 2018, and then journeyed backward to play an equal number of tracks and ending with a song from 1979. Directed by Tim Pope, "Anniversary: 1978-2018 Live In Hyde Park London" features the Cure's complete 29-song, 135-minute concert in front of an enthusiastic crowd of 65,000. 

All of the band's best-known songs are covered across the two full-length concert films. Early-era favorites "10:15 Saturday Night," "Jumping Someone Else's Train," "A Forest" and "Boys Don't Cry" are here along the British band's best-known radio hits ("Just Like Heaven," "Friday I'm In Love," "Why Can't I Be You," "Lovesong"). But more than any single song or moment, it is the depth, range and sweeping power displayed both marathon-length performances that impress to be sure; the concept-winning visuals and amazing immersive audio quality add to the experience across the two concerts. Information: eagle-rock.com.

Artist: Van Duren
Title: Waiting: The Van Duren Story (Original Documentary Soundtrack)
Tell me more: Wow! Before listening to the recently-issued Waiting: The Van Duren Story I had not ever heard of Van Duren despite his links with Big Star (he was in Baker Street Regulars, a post-Big Star band with Chris Bell and Jody Stephens) and Memphis' famed Ardent Studios. Blessed with a voice that recalls the best of a youthful Paul McCartney and In Color-era Cheap Trick singer Robin Zander, Van Duren shines across the 2019 collection that compiles fabulous studio and live cuts recorded between 1975 and 1986. A wonderful vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, Van Duren's songwriting also astounds. The gems here include the piano-anchored "Grow Yourself Up" and tender jazz-tinged "Waiting" (both off Van Duren's 1978 solo debut LP Are You Serious?), melodic rocker "Make A Scene" (off Van Duren's 1979 disc Idiot Optimism) and previously-unreleased power pop standout "Andy, Please" (featuring Jody Stephens on drums and backing vocals). The special collection also includes several great live tracks, with the McCartney-flavored "Yellow Light" showcasing Van Duren's soulful vocals. You can learn more about this wonderful album as well as the related documentary about Van Duren on the Omnivore Recordings website. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Humble Pie
Title: The Life and Times of Steve Marriott + 1973 Complete Winterland Show (Cleopatra Records)
Tell me more: Groundbreaking British rocker Steve Marriott's influential and sadly often-overlooked role on the rock 'n' roll landscape is showcased via the wonderful The Life and Times of Steve Marriott, a multi-format three-disc title that includes a Blu-ray, DVD and audio CD. Both as a member of Small Faces and Humble Pie, Marriott blazed a trail via his signature rock vocals, impressive guitar playing and energetic stage presence that is celebrated on an insightful documentary. Notable artists interviewed include Spencer Davis, Ricky Byrd, John Waite, Kevin DuBrow and his famed Humble Pie band mates Peter Frampton and Clem Clempson; rare and early footage of Humble Pie and Small Faces is also included on the documentary. There is also a complete 1973 concert featuring Humble Pie featured on the audio CD that is a thrilling listen; that concert recording features a stirring take on the band's enduring blues rock classic "Thirty Days in the Hole," a hard-charging version of "Up Your Sleeves," an amped-up rendition of The Rolling Stones' "Honky Tonk Woman" and a number of other high octane British blues-flavored rockers. Sadly, Marriott died in a home fire in April 1991; he was only 44. The Life and Times of Steve Marriott provides an excellent chance to catch up on this overlooked rock hero. Information: CleopatraRecords.com.

Artist: Steve Miller Band
Title: Welcome to the Vault (Capitol)
Tell me more: The rich and expansive legacy of singer-songwriter-guitar master Steve Miller is explored across the Steve Miller Band's outstanding and must-have Welcome to the Vault anthology. The amazing collection includes three audio CD discs as well as a DVD that are collectively loaded with more than enough music to thrill casual and hardcore fans of the groundbreaking Rock and Roll Hall of Famer. The anthology includes 38 previously-unreleased rarities including alternate versions of well-known songs, live performances, and five previously-unheard Steve Miller Band songs from the 1960s and '70s. 

Highlights abound across the loaded DVD disc. On a 1973 episode of "Don Kirshner's Rock Concert," a young Miller delves into his mix of blues, funk and rock with a full-length set. I was particularly impressed by the freewheeling jazz-meets-funk of "Shu Ba Da Du Ma Ma Ma Ma,"a jazzy take on "The Gangster is Back," a solo rendering of bluesman Robert Johnson's 1937 masterpiece "Come On In My Kitchen," and early version of his then work-in-progress "Fly Like an Eagle." Later, a legendary appearance by Miller and Les Paul captured at Fat Tuesday's in 1990, and archival performances ranging from the Monterey International Pop Festival in 1967 to "Live From Austin City Limits" in 2011 all thrill. Indeed, the DVD features 21 live tracks captured across six decades.

The audio recordings expand the Milwaukee-born artist's legacy to be sure, no sooner than with the opening track on the collection – a 10-minute tear through Little Walter's 1953 single "Blues with a Feeling" at the Fillmore West in San Francisco in 1969.

As if all the great music wasn't enough of a draw, the special collection includes  a hardcover book with detailed liner notes from writer David Fricke, 10 guitar picks, four postcards, a poster and an authentic backstage pass! Information: SteveMillerBand.com.

Artist: Harry Nilsson
Title: Losst and Founnd (Omnivore Recordings)
Tell me more: This year has seen a slew of deluxe reissues, concert recordings and lost treasures, none greater than the final album from legendary singer-songwriter Harry Nilsson. Released on Nov. 22, 2019 – more than 25 years after he was struck down by a fatal heart attack at the age of 52 – Nilsson's aptly-titled Losst and Founnd finds the late American artist joined by a number of top-tier guests on nine original songs along with reworked versions of Yoko Ono's inviting "Listen, the Snow is Falling" and Jimmy Webb's beautiful "What Does a Woman See in a Man." The signature sound that had Nilsson scoring a number of radio hits in the late '60s and early '70s abounds across the new disc, from the New Orleans rhythm and blues romp of "Animal Farm" and infectious title track to the tender "Love is the Answer." Guests on the outstanding album include famed drummer Jim Keltner (Ringo Starr, John Lennnon, George Harrison), pianist Jimmy Webb, bassist Klaus Voormann, and Harry's son Kiefo Nilsson. Album producer Mark Hudson is featured everywhere, contributing vocals, percussion, guitar and bass guitar to the ambitious project; his poignant liner notes add depth to the collection. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: NRBQ
Title: Turn On, Tune In (Omnivore Recordings)
Tell me more: There is something to be said for a band focused on writing great songs and playing those in a freewheeling style that lends itself to spontaneity-styled live shows. Such is the case on NRBQ's two-disc release Turn On, Tune In. The title features six tracks recorded live at Sirius/XM's "The Loft," as well as a 15-song set captured at WFMU-FM's Monty Hall in Jersey City, N.J. (the latter concert recording appears on the audio CD and as a concert film on the DVD disc). The terrific cuts find the genre-defying four-man outfit exploring a number of styles and making all it sound completely their own. Choice cuts include the playful Southern-friend "Nature's Gonna Pay You Back," melodic power pop nugget "It Feels Good," the revival swing-enriched "That's Neat, That's Nice," Memphis soul-mining "Keep This Love Goin'," jazzy "Things To You" and countrified "The Animal Life." The songs here celebrate the riches to be found via stellar musicianship and a loose approach on stage that lends a buoyant style to the great material. NRBQ impresses equally with a deeply-affecting reworking of the Beach Boys' "Don't Worry Baby." Information: www.omnivorerecordings.com.

Artist: Buck Owens & the Buckaroos
Title: The Complete Capitol Singles, 1971-1975 (Omnivore Recordings)
Tell me more: Buck Owens & the Buckaroos' The Complete Capitol Singles, 1971-1975 is actually the third and final in a series of wonderful titles featuring the legendary country artist's Capitol singles from the 1950s, '60s and '70s. Taken from the original stereo masters, the 42-song collection also includes the B-side to all 21 singles from that span. The breadth of material on the new set extends from a heartfelt reworking of Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and the bluegrass gem "Ruby (Are You Mad)" to the winning country waltz "Great Expectations" and a number of fun musical curios (including "Too Old to Cut the Mustard," "Full Time Daddy," "On the Cover Of The Music City News" and "Big Game Hunter"). There are a score of terrific duets with Susan Raye (including the novelty cut "Santa's Gonna Come in a Stagecoach," joyful "One of Everything You Got" and tender "Cryin' Time") that showcase the pair's top-tier vocals. The detailed liner notes penned by author/country music historian Scott B. Bomar provide welcome insight to this outstanding two-disc set. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: The Pretenders
Title: Pretenders With Friends (Cleopatra Entertainment)
Tell me more: The Pretenders' legacy was set in stone long ago with Chrissie Hynde and company having recorded some of rock's most enduring rock songs. Another chance to celebrate the Pretenders' groundbreaking sound was cast when the troupe welcomed a number of notable guests for a special 2006 concert at the Decades Rock Arena in Atlantic City, NJ (Pretenders With Friends) that has now been released via a glorious collection that includes a Blu-ray, DVD and audio CD.  The special event saw the Pretenders cover their most beloved hits; special guests would join them for select tracks with the Pretenders then covering a guest's song as well. So for example, Singer Shirley Manson joined in on "Talk of the Town" before the Pretenders returned the favor on a cover of Garbage's "Only Happy When It Rains" (the vocal interplay with the two singers is an absolute delight). Other top-tier highlights on the title include "Drive" featuring Incubus, "Candy" with Iggy Pop, and the Pretenders sans guests rocking on "Brass in Pocket" and "Mystery Achievement." The full lineup of players join forces for the set-ending "Middle of the Road." The visual and audio quality of this multi-format title is fantastic, with the masterful song selections adding to the magic across the 75-minute concert film/recording. Watching the blu-ray is truly the next best thing to being there. Bonus material includes a number of interview clips with members of the Pretenders and the guests. Information: ThePretenders.com and CleopatraRecords.com. 

Artist: The Rolling Stones
Title: Bridges To Bremen (Eagle Vision)
Tell me more: The Rolling Stones' highly-anticipated "No Filter Tour" was a definite highlight for this writer in 2019, and my fellow fans of the enduring band might want to catch up on the British band's legacy and unequaled discography via the Bridges to Bremen. Available on digital, DVD + 2CD, Blu-ray + 2CD, triple vinyl and digital audio, the multi-format release chronicles the band's Sept. 2, 1998 performance in Bremen, Germany. Performing before a relatively-intimate crowd of 40,000 fans, the Stones' 155-minute concert was filled with favorites and rarities all offered up with persuasion and firepower. Dipping back to their early '60s to get the concert started, "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" and "Let's Spend The Night Together" provide a one-two punch. "Gimme Shelter" features some of Mick Jagger's strongest vocals of the set, and that turn is enhanced by Lisa Fisher's high-reaching vocals. Standouts keep comin. A rocking "Paint It Black," freewheeling "It's Only Rock 'n' Roll (But I Like It)," heady "Jumpin' Jack Flash" and celebrative "Brown Sugar" are among the cuts that help make this title something special. As if that wasn't enough, there are four bonus performances from a concert in Chicago as part of that same tour – great versions of "Rock and a Hard Place," "Under My Thumb," "All About You" and "Let It Bleed." Information: eagle-rock.com.

Artist: Johnny Shines
Title: The Blues Came Falling Down – Live 1973 (Omnivore Recordings)
Tell me more: Countless historic performances have been lost over time but thanks to Omnivore Recordings, a previously-unheard 1973 concert recording featuring Memphis-born bluesman Johnny Shines is available for all to hear today. Born in 1915, singer-guitarist-songwriter Shines toured with Robert Johnson in the 1930s and played blues with the legendary likes of Robert Lockwood Jr., Little Walter, Willie Dixon and Mississippi Fred McDowell. Recorded live at Washington University in St. Louis, The Blues Came Falling Down – Live 1973 is a 20-track set that fully captures the spirit and freewheeling Southern acoustic blues that Shines had mastered decades before. Listening to Shines' version of Robert Johnson's "Kind Hearted Woman Blues," "I'm A Steady Rollin' Man" and "Sweet Home Chicago" – the latter enhanced by Leroy Jodie Pierson's acoustic guitar work – is to hear the magic of those blues classics come fully to life. Shines' own material is just as formidable, as evidenced by the vocals-anchored "Have You Ever Loved A Woman," and nuanced "The Blues Came Falling Down" and "Big Star Falling." The aforementioned Pierson's insightful liner notes provide a revealing look at the life and career of Shines (who passed away in 1992). Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Simple Minds
Title: Live in the City of Angels – deluxe edition (BMG)
Tell me more: Even casual fans of Scottish rockers Simple Minds will love the deluxe edition of Live in the City of Angels, a 4-disc audio collection recorded during the band's 2018 North America Tour. The first two discs features the band's full-length concert captured at the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles on Oct. 24, 2018. Fans of Simple Minds' enduring '80s hits ("Don't You Forget About Me," "Alive and Kicking," "Sanctify Yourself") get all those songs delivered with power and force, as well as deep cuts and brilliant new material (particularly "The Signal and the Noise," "Dirty Old Town" and "Walk Between Worlds"). Founding members singer Jim Kerr and guitarist Charlie Burchill are joined by a talented cast of musicians and backing singer Sarah Brown in bringing the wealth and range of songs to life via the set, which is one of the best-sounding concert recordings this writer has ever heard. Discs 3 and 4 feature a myriad of bonus tracks recorded at various sound checks and rehearsals; my favorite is a fantastic take on the Call's 1989 hit single "Let the Day Begin." Information: amazon.com.

Artist: Michael Ubaldini
Title: Acoustic Rumble: 20th Anniversary Legacy Edition (bLACKWATER rECORDS)
Tell me more: Although Michael Ubaldini's aptly-titled masterwork Acoustic Rumble was released back in 1999, the album's enduring exploration of social injustice, political corruption and the modern world's uncertain future ring as true now as they did two decades ago. So it's little surprise that the 20th Anniversary Legacy Edition of Acoustic Rumble is one of 2019's best and most important reissues. Bolstered by the inclusion of two new bonus tracks (the Americana-flavored "All in God's Name" and countrified "Armageddon Blues"), Acoustic Rumble continues to be a revelation with its well-aimed and insightful lyrics along with Ubaldini's powerful voice; the only accompaniment is that of his fiery acoustic guitar and blasting harmonica (the exception is Julie Harris providing some background vocals on "Armageddon Blues"). From the literate fire of "The 7th Trumpet" and inspirational anthem "Badge of Freedom" to the nuanced grace of "Shadows & Ghosts" and the articulate expose of lust on "World Comes Crashin' Down," every song here hits its mark. While Ubaldini certainly takes aim at the modern world's pitfalls and challenges, there is simultaneously a strong undercurrent of hope that calls out for every living soul to celebrate this short run we all get at life. "Acoustic Rumble" delivers on the late Los Angeles Times music writer Mike Boehm's 1999 review of the original release that declared: "Better than Bruce Springsteen at probing the national soul; his Acoustic Rumble album goes one better then The Ghost of Tom Joad'. This writer couldn't agree more. Information: rocknrollpoet.com.




Honorable Mentions

Artist: New Riders of the Purple Sage
Title: Thanksgiving in New York City (Omnivore Recordings)
Tell me more: Recorded live at the Academy of Music in New York City on Nov. 23, 1972, New Riders of the Purple Sage's Thanksgiving in the City should be on every music lover's Black Friday shopping list. The two-disc release serves as both a perfect introduction and an essential addition for those seeking to discover – or learn more – about the legendary American country psychedelic rock band. There is a winning spirit displayed across the recording, with great lead and harmony vocals and top-tier musicianship coming in the service of great strong country- and Americana-styled rock songs. The tender "Leaving on Her Mind," freewheeling take on the classic "Hello Mary Lou," lovely "Contract" and "Linda," a wistful cover of "Long Black Veil" and stylish reworking of the Rolling Stones' "Honky Tonk Women" are among this writer's favorite tracks on the collection. Speedy guitar work courtesy of lead guitarist-vocalist David Nelson and pedal steel player Buddy Cage (as evidenced on "Henry") are among the draws on a terrific collection, but the nuanced work provided by rhythm guitarist-vocalist John Dawson, bassist-vocalist Dave Torbert and drummer Spencer Dryden add to the power of the New Riders of the Purple Sage's timeless sound. Information: OmnivoreRecording.com.

Artist: Neil Young
Title: Songs For Judy (Shakey Pictures Records)
Tell me more: Songs For Judy is not only the debut release on Neil Young's own Shakey Pictures Records label, it's also a terrific must-hear album featuring cuts from the artist's 1976 solo tour. Twenty-two songs recorded at various tour dates, the disc is sonic nirvana for fans of Young's original gems written and recorded in the early part of his career. Favorites abound; he delves into Buffalo Springfield's "Mr. Soul," the reflective "Heart of Gold," as well as the soul-stirring "After the Gold Rush" and "A Man Needs a Maid." Later there are stunning takes on "The Needle and the Damage Done," "Pocahontas" and "Sugar Mountain." As if all of that wasn't enough paydirt, the disc also features "No One Seems To Know," which is a song not officially released on any album by Young until now. Information: NeilYoung.com.