Title: Rock and Roll Circus (ABKCO)
You might like if you enjoy: The Rolling Stones, John Lennon, The Who, Taj Mahal
Tell me more: The eclectic and diverse lineup showcased on The Rolling Stones' 1968 television special Rock and Roll Circus makes for one of the most essential concert television specials of the decade – even if the program was not released until the late 1990s. Now a deluxe and expanded special edition of Rock and Roll Circus is available and is bolstered by a slew of great bonus features that fill four discs and come housed in a hardcover package that includes a wonderful 48-page book, The performances are terrific to be sure, particularly the blistering soulful blues unleashed by Taj Mahal on "Ain't That a Lot of Love," The Who performing their early song cycle "A Quick One While He's Away," and The Dirty Mac (singer-guitarist John Lennon, bassist Keith Richards, lead guitarist Eric Clapton, drummer Mitch Mitchell) covering The Beatles' "Yer Blues." The memorable set from the Rolling Stones includes a rocking "Jumpin' Jack Flash," the Chicago blues-styled "Parachute Woman," acoustic blues gem "No Expectations" (featuring some cool slide work from Brian Jones), the fiery "Sympathy for the Devil" and set-ending "Salt of the Earth" featuring Mick Jagger and Keith Richards sharing lead vocals. Information: www.abkco.com.
Title: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: In Concert (Time Life)
You might like if you enjoy: Rock and popular music.
Tell me more: With 164 performances positioned across 11 DVD discs, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: In Concert collection has plenty of everything for every rock fan. This writer spent a full day immersed in the myriad of outstanding performances and this is simply a must-have title. Highlights include "Woodstock" with Crosby, Stills & Nash, an emotional take on "The Thrill is Gone" featuring B.B. King and Stevie Wonder, a 1990 performance featuring Simon & Garfunkel that brings chills via a ethereal set comprised of "The Sounds of Silence," "The Boxer" and "Bridge over Troubled Water." Equally powerful is a turn where U2 challenges and thrills the audience with an inspired performance including "Vertigo," "Magnificent" and "Beautiful Day" while several other tracks find the Irish quartet joining forces with the celebrated likes of Bruce Springsteen, Mick Jagger, Patti Smith, Fergie and will.i.am. Elsewhere, there are wonderful turns from the Hollies ("Bus Stop," "Carrie-Anne," more), Beck, ELO, Rush, Heart, Cheap Trick, Deep Purple, Aretha Franklin, Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, and Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney. The video quality and audio across all 11 discs is excellent. Information: TimeLife.com.
Title: Turn On, Tune In (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: NRBQ, R.E.M., Alex Chilton
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.
Robert Kinsler
