1960s-spawned heroes ring in holiday season with good cheer

It's 2018, but '60s icons Eric Clapton, the Monkees, Mike Love and William Shatner have each released stellar holiday music collections available now.

Artist: Eric Clapton
Title: Happy Xmas (Bushbranch Records / Surfdog Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Eric Clapton
Tell me more: On his first-ever full-length holiday album, Eric Clapton has pulled off the masterful feat of recording an album that will sound in tune with any season. There is a warmth and authenticity across Happy Xmas where the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame artist has matched his time-honed baritone vocals and signature guitar work with the spirit of the holiday season. Clapton has taken his mastery of the blues and found a way to reinterpret the traditional likes of Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" and bona fide classics like "Away in a Manger" and "Silent Night" into a cohesive and sterling collection of festive offerings. Clapton makes many of the tracks his own; the soulful "Everyday Will Be Like a Holiday," Chicago blues-flavored "Christmas Tears" and breezy folk rocker "Home for the Holidays" are early nuggets on the LP; a genre-defying instrumental arrangement of "Jingle Bells" the exhilarating "It's Christmas" and baroque blues nugget "Sentimental Moments" are late disc standouts. In addition to Clapton's stellar talents, an all-star backing band featuring bassist Nathan East (Fourplay, Toto), drummer Jim Keltner (Ringo Starr, John Lennon, the Traveling Wilburys), guitarist Doyle Bramhall II, fiddler Dirk Powell and others join the wonderful proceedings along the way. Eric Clapton has added an original song to the mix; the poignant "For Love On Christmas Day" is a beautiful and timely ballad that speaks to so many in its collective hope for a more caring world. Information: Surfdog.com.

Artist: The Monkees
Title: Christmas Party (Rhino Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Monkees, Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, Peter Buck
Tell me more: Capturing the magic of the Monkees' most beloved recordings of the 1960s and fusing that with the energy of contemporary power pop, Christmas Party features a mix of classic seasonal favorites, artful remakes and newly-penned songs that make for one of the most inviting sets of the season. Gems fill this sparkling collection; the Andy Partridge-penned "Unwrap You At Christmas" is bolstered by a sweet string section and soaring vocals from Micky Dolenz. Michael Nesmith's affecting vocals add just the right moodscape to a wistful cover of Mel Torme's "The Christmas Song." A shimmering cover of the Alex Chilton-penned Big Star classic "Jesus Christ" and lush version of Paul McCartney's "Wonderful Christmastime" are reworked enough to make them essential. Several of the late Davy Jones' vocal tracks are used on the disc, including a lovely "Silver Bells." Peter Tork uses his rich baritone and skills on the banjo in a poignant Americana-styled version of "Angels We Have Heard On High." Among this writer's favorite tracks are the instantly-infectious "What Would Santa Do," a melodic rocker written by Weezer frontman Rivers Cuomo that takes a playful swipe at those who can't get into the Christmas spirit; "House of Broken Gingerbread" is another killer new cut (this one penned by album producer Adam Schlesinger and Michael Chabon), a potent and tuneful modern rocker. Information: monkees.com.

Artist: Mike Love
Title: Reason For The Season (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: The Beach Boys, Hanson, Mike Love
Tell me more: Beach Boys lead singer and co-founder Mike Love has released Reason For The Season, a stocking stuffer-worthy dozen-track collection of Christmas classics and newly-penned songs. Hightlights on the tuneful set include the joyful title track and melodic "Must Be Christmas" (the latter featuring Love joining forces with several of his children). The feel of the album is buoyant and will put the listener in a good mood, a happy outcome that draws immediate comparisons to the magic of listening to the Beach Boys. The good tidings include the spirited "Celestial Celebration," "Finally It's Christmas" (featuring Hanson), "Away in the Manger" (which recalls the magic of the Ray Conniff Singers) and gorgeous "O Holy Night." Information: TheBeachBoys.com.

Artist: William Shatner
Title: Shatner Claus – The Christmas Album (Cleopatra Records)
You might like if you enjoy: William Shatner, Billy Gibbons, Elliot Easton
Tell me more: Roll over Ebenezer Scrooge and tell the Grinch the news. William Shatner's iconic style of dramatic spoken word is used to entertaining effect on the aptly-titled Shatner Claus – The Christmas Album. On this 14-track collection, Shatner is joined by a wide-ranging field of musical guests who add sonic firepower to the wonderful set of reworked Christmas classics. On "Blue Christmas," Shatner shares lead vocals with Brad Paisley; this take is particularly effective with Paisley's sweet vocals and virtuoso guitar licks enhancing the countrified version. The freewheeling "Winter Wonderland" is a fun-filled romp with guitar great Todd Rundgren adding some dynamic lead and rhythm fretwork. Shatner joins forces with Cars lead guitarist Elliot Easton on a rollicking '50s-styled "Run Rudolph Run." Shatner is more serious on the potent "O Come, O Come Emmanuel," his resonant spoken word layered amidst Rick Wakeman's keyboards and Samantha May's lovely soprano. Shatner and Iggy Pop team up for a tender symphony-draped "Silent Night." And it's hard to think of a more entertaining take on "Twas the Night Before Christmas" than Shatner's colorful reading heard here. Information: WilliamShatner.com.



Robert Kinsler

Blues, Rock, Punk, Jazz among styles highlighted on new releases

Billy F Gibbons explores his blues influences, Soul Asylum's punk rock roots are revisited courtesy of two deluxe reissues, and an amalgam of styles are blended in a loving tribute cast by singer-guitarist Jonathan Butler. 

Artist: Billy F Gibbons
Title: The Big Bad Blues (Concord Records)
You might like if you enjoy: ZZ Top, James Harman
Tell me more: Billy F Gibbons has taken a slight detour from his active role as lead singer and guitarist in ZZ Top to celebrate the blues via his joyful The Big Bad Blues album. Offering up a mix of five reworked covers along with six of his own songs, the album is a fully-satisfying celebration of the genre. The lead-off track, a cover of "Missin' Yo' Kissin'," comes the closest to mirroring the Texas blues rock of ZZ Top but fans of that Rock and Roll Hall of Fame trio will be more than pleased with the full collection of songs on The Big Bad Blues. The Gibbons original "My Baby She Rocks" is a relatively slow tune but anchored by a deep groove and some nasty blues harp playing throughout the cut. The faster "Second Line" is a heavy Southern blues rocker, with Gibbons tastefully offering up plenty of flashy guitar work. Gibbons' "Let the Left Hand Know" is propulsive Chicago blues, with Gibbons' vocals and guitar work displaying a youthful fire that taps into the love that Gibbons obviously has for the musical form. Blues rarely races along with the speed and fire of "Rollin' and Tumblin'," yet another great reason to crank up this winning blues disc. Information: BillyGibbons.com.

Artist: Soul Asylum
Titles: Say What You Will...Everything Can Happen; Made To Be Broken (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Early '80s punk rock, Soul Asylum, Hüsker Dü, Loud Fast Rules
Tell me more: Years before Minneapolis-spawned rockers Soul Asylum scored radio hits like "Runaway Train," "Somebody to Shove" and "Black Gold" (from the 1992 masterwork outstanding Grave Dancers Union) they were a genuine punk band that released hard-hitting albums like 1984's Say What You Will...Everything Can Happen and 1986's Made To Be Broken. Both produced by Bob Mould of Hüsker Dü fame, the albums were originally issued by the area record label Twin/Tone and

have now been re-released as deluxe editions via Omnivore Recordings. Fans of old school punk rock and Minnesota alternative rock of that era will want to get these expanded editions, loaded with the original track listing of each LP as well as unreleased material and long-unavailable cuts too. Both of the notable reissues were co-produced by Twin/Tone Records co-founder and Replacements manager Peter Jesperson (who first signed the band) and Grammy winner Cheryl Pawelski, with the remastering of the new editions completed by Grammy winner Michael Graves. Among this writer's favorite tracks on the first set is the blistering "Back And Blue," the tuneful saxophone-anchored "Stranger" and a previously-unreleased demo of the song "Cocktails" (recorded when the band was known as Loud Fast Rules). "Made To Be Broken" features the album's original 12 tracks, as well as 15 bonus tracks including some great outtakes from the "Made To Be Broken" recording sessions. The racing "Long Way Home," catchy "Freeway" and hard rock-meets-punk "Hey Bird" are among the standouts on the reissue. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com or SoulAsylum.com.

Artist: Jonathan Butler
Title: Close To You (Artistry Music)
You might like if you enjoy: George Benson, Burt Bacharach, Jonathan Butler
Tell me more: Even well-known material such as "Do You Know the Way to San Jose" and "Alfie" get a fresh coat of sonic paint across Jonathan Butler's Close To You, a full-length tribute to songs created by the classic team of lyricist Hal David and composer Burt Bacharach. A native of South Africa, Butler has a terrific voice able to tackle the jazz-meets-R&B style of Bacharach's musical stamp while simultaneously fusing the beloved classics with his own style.  An early highlight is the uptempo "I'll Never Fall in Love Again" with soaring vocals, a driving rhythm and all-around great arrangement. The approach on "This Guy's in Love With You" draws strong and favorable comparisons with the sound of Stevie Wonder's groundbreaking '70s material. "I Say A Little Prayer" has a definite gospel intro before Butler slides into an arrangement showcasing his shining lead guitar work. One of the most impressive turns comes via "Walk On By," which takes on a wistful and soulful tone. Another standout is "What the World Needs Now Is Love," which reveals its magic via a sparse but deeply affecting run. Butler even includes one of his own gems, the joyful "Cape Town" whose spirited moodscape is a perfect fit on the album. Looking ahead, Butler will be a featured performer on the Dave Koz & Friends tour, which includes a number of dates in November and December 2018. Information: JonathanButler.com.

Robert Kinsler

William Shatner to release 'Shatner Claus - The Christmas Album'

Five years ago I saw William Shatner perform an amazing concert at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano in support of his outstanding Ponder the Mystery album (you can read my review of the show here). Now comes work the famed actor-director-writer is set to release a full-length holiday album this fall! Here is what we know so far about Shatner Claus - The Christmas Album, which comes out October 26, 2018...

This will be Shatner's first-ever Christmas album, and it will be available on both audio CD and limited-edition red vinyl. In addition to Shatner's leading role, the LP will feature a star-filled lineup that includes Henry Rollins, Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), Judy Collins, Brad Paisley, Rick Wakeman (Yes), Iggy Pop, Todd Rundgren, guitar great Elliot Easton (The Cars), bluesman Joe Louis Walker and more!

William Shatner performing at The Coach House
on Oct. 25, 2013. Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Shatner Claus - The Christmas Album tracklisting

"Jingle Bells" featuring Henry Rollins

"Blues Christmas" featuring Brad Paisley

"Little Drummer Boy" featuring Joe Louis Walker

"Winter Wonderland" featuring Todd Rundgren & Artimus Pyle

"Twas the Night Before Christmas" featuring Mel Collins

"Run Rudolph Run" featuring Elliot Easton

"O Come, O Come Emmanuel" featuring Rick Wakeman

"Silver Bells" featuring Ian Anderson

"One for You, One for Me"

"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" featuring Billy Gibbons

"Silent Night" featuring Iggy Pop

"White Christmas" featuring Judy Collins

"Feliz Navidad" featuring Dani Bender

"Jingle Bells" featuring Henry Rollins (punk version)


I can't wait to hear this one!

Robert Kinsler

ZZ Top set to Return to Houston to Contribute to Hurricane Harvey Relief Efforts

It's great to see America pull together to assist the plight of those who have suffered because of Hurricane Harvey. That is especially true for the band ZZ Top, formed in Houston in 1969...

ZZ Top, seen here performing at the Stagecoach Festival in Southern California in April 2015, are assisting with relief for victims of Hurricane Harvey. Photo: Kelly A. Swift

SUGAR LAND, TX (Sept. 1, 2017) The members of ZZ Top, Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill and Frank Beard, who first joined together in Houston almost five decades ago, have previously expressed great concern about the plight of those affected by the devastation wrought by Hurricane Harvey.

Now the band has joined forces with Smart Financial Centre to contribute $100,000 to local agencies handling the recovery effort. The partnership is especially apropos in light of the fact that ZZ Top is scheduled to perform at the venue, located in Sugar Land, on September 10, 2017. The concert, previously announced as part of ZZ Top’s continuing Tonnage Tour, will mark the first public event to be held at Smart Financial Centre since the advent of Hurricane Harvey and its aftermath.  

Billy F Gibbons commented to Rolling Stone, “The plan is to stick to our guns, charge ahead and pull the show together the best we can.”  He characterized the band’s return to the Houston area to play the Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land as “a true homecoming in a very real sense.  Our roots are in Houston so this is going to be a very special show for us.  We’re hoping that it marks a turning point in the crisis and is a reflection of the indomitable spirit that typifies Texans and Houstonians in particular.” 

For more information on ZZ Top, visit the band's website at: http://www.zztop.com/

Sights and Sounds: Jeff Beck, Black Country Communion, Garbage

There is plenty of great music news to share today...

Eagle Rock Entertainment set to release

 Jeff Beck 'Live at the Hollywood Bowl'

With special guests Steven Tyler, Billy F. Gibbons, Buddy Guy, Jimmy Hall, Jan Hammer and Beth Hart

~DVD+2CD, BLU-RAY+2CD~

~DVD+3LP EXCLUSIVELY VIA PLEDGEMUSIC~

~OCTOBER 6, 2017~

VIEW TEASER HERE

Check out the Jeff Beck PLEDGEMUSIC link here:

In the summer of 2016, guitar virtuoso Jeff Beck celebrated 50 years of his musical career with an extraordinary concert at the famous Hollywood Bowl. Beck set the stage ablaze with incredible live versions of “For Your Love”, “Beck’s Bolero”, “’Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers”, “Big Block”, “Over Under Sideways Down”, “A Day In The Life”, “Blue Wind”, and more. The night also included a legendary list of special guests including Steven Tyler, Billy F. Gibbons, Jan Hammer, Beth Hart, Jimmy Hall and the great Buddy Guy.

On October 6, Eagle Rock Entertainment will release this concert film – Jeff Beck: Live At The Hollywood Bowl – on DVD+2CD and Blu-ray+2CD [MSRP $29.98 DVD, $32.98 Blu-ray]. Additionally, a DVD+3LP version is available for pre-order exclusive through PledgeMusic [$49.99].

Over the course of Beck’s illustrious 50-year career, the trailblazing guitarist has earned many accolades. He’s been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame – twice! First, as a member of the Yardbirds in 1992 and then again, as a solo artist in 2009. Rolling Stone Magazine ranked him as one of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time” and he has earned a total of 8 Grammy Awards during his long career. From his time with The Yardbirds, to the Jeff Beck Group and his solo career, Jeff Beck’s sound and stylistic exploration has mesmerized fans and critics worldwide. This concert captures his musical journey, with a set list spanning from his first Yardbirds’ recordings to recent tracks from 2016’s Loud Hailer. As the evening progressed, Beckwas joined onstage by those legendary peers. The show climaxed with all guests delivering a stirring encore performance of “Purple Rain” in tribute to Prince, who had passed away a few months before the concert.

Live At The Hollywood Bowl is a stellar showcase of Jeff Beck’s history and musicianship, and a fitting addition to Eagle Rock Entertainment’s collection of Jeff Beck titles.

TRACK LISTING 
1) The Revolution Will Be Televised 

2) Over Under Sideways Down 

3) Heart Full Of Soul 

4) For Your Love 

5) Beck’s Bolero 

6) Medley: Rice Pudding / Morning Dew 

7) Freeway Jam 

8) You Never Know 

9) ‘Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers 

10) Star Cycle 

11) Blue Wind 

12) Big Block 

13) I’d Rather Go Blind 

14) Let Me Love You 

15) Live In The Dark 

16) Scared For The Children 

17) Rough Boy 

18) Train Kept A’Rollin’ 

19) Shapes Of Things 

20) A Day In The Life 

21) Purple Rain

Black Country Communion Update

As I reported earlier this week, Black Country Communion is returning with the release of the forthcoming album BCCIV on September 22, 2017. The Anglo-American rock group is comprised of vocalist/bassist Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Trapeze), drummer Jason Bonham (Led Zeppelin, Foreigner), Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Alice Cooper, Billy Idol) and blues-rock guitarist/vocalistJoe Bonamassa.

This morning the band premiered the first single off the upcoming album. The song is titled "Collide" and it rocks. You can listen to the song here:
https://soundcloud.com/joe-bonamassa/collide-1/s-HBgBB


Garbage Video Premiere

Finally, check out the great new video for the latest single from Garbage, "No Horses."

All of the profits from the sale and streaming of "No Horses" will be donated to the International Committee of the Red Cross. The Scott Stuckey-directed video can be seen below:

Alice Cooper releases new album 'Paranormal' tomorrow

Here are all the details - as well as the cover artwork - for Alice Cooper's new album Paranormal that will be released tomorrow (Friday, July 28, 2017)...

As previously announced, Paranormal is out tomorrow, July 28, on earMUSIC and can be pre-ordered via Amazon and iTunes today. The album features two songs written and recorded with the original members of the Alice Cooper band and also boasts guest appearances by ZZ Top guitarist Billy Gibbons, U2 drummer Larry Mullen and Roger Glover of Deep Purple. Paranormal was produced by long-time collaborator Bob Ezrin (Pink Floyd, Deep Purple). 

In addition to the new studio album and the two new recordings from the original Alice Cooper band, fans will receive a bonus of 6 live tracks recorded at one of Cooper's 2016 shows in Columbus, OH. Head here to check out the new Paranormal photo app and insert yourself onto the album cover. There will also be a limited run of blood-red vinyl available at indie retailers across the country. Listen to samples of each track from the album below via the embedded link.

"...[Paranormal]'s got enough fist-shaking brainbangers to get us through the summer..." - Team Rock

"It's the middle of summer, but school is back in session as Alice Cooper teaches us how it's done." - The Washington Post

"Alice Cooper is America's most beloved villain" - AXS

"There's almost no other rockers of Alice's vintage that could pull off such a feat. Sharpen up the guillotine, folks; he ain't done yet." - Paste Magazine

He'll join up with Deep Purple beginning in August. Highlights include The Greek in Los Angeles on August 13 and Jones Beach on August 26. Alice Cooper is on a world tour throughout 2017. Full North American tour dates below.

For more information visit www.alicecooper.com

Photo credit: Rob Fenn

TRACK LISTING:

Paranormal

1. Paranormal

2. Dead Flies

3. Fireball

4. Paranoiac Personality

5. Fallen In Love

6. Dynamite Road

7. Private Public Breakdown

8. Holy Water

9. Rats

10. The Sound of A

New studio recordings with the original Alice Cooper band:

11. Genuine American Girl 

12. You And All Of Your Friends

Live in Columbus, Ohio, May 6th, 2016 with the current Alice Cooper band:

13. No More Mr. Nice Guy

14. Under My Wheels

15. Billion Dollar Babies

16. Feed My Frankenstein

17. Only Women Bleed

18. School's Out

WITH DEEP PURPLE:

Aug 12 - Chelsea Theater at The Cosmopolitan - Las Vegas, NV

Aug 13 - The Greek - Los Angeles, CA 

Aug 15 - AK Chin Pavilion - Phoenix, AZ

Aug 16 - Isletta Amphitheatre - Albuquerque, NM

Aug 18 - Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion - Houston, TX

Aug 19 - Gexa Energy Pavilion - Dallas, TX

Aug 21 - Chastain Park Amphitheatre - Atlanta, GA

Aug 23 - Jiffy Lube Live - Bristow, VA

Aug 24 - BB&T Pavilion - Camden, NJ

Aug 26 - Nikon at Jones Beach Theatre - Wantagh, NY

Aug 27 - Xfinity Center - Boston, MA

Aug 28  P.N.C. Bank Arts Center - Holmdel, NJ

Aug 30 - Klipsch Amphitheater - Indianapolis, IN

Sept 01 - KeyBank Pavilion - Pittsburgh, PA

Sept 02 - Molson Canadian Amphitheatre - Toronto, ON

Sept 03 - DTE Energy Music Theatre - Detroit, MI

Sept 06 - Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre - Chicago, IL

Sept 08 - Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre - St. Louis, MO

Sept 09 - Blossom Music Center - Cleveland, OH

Sept 10 - Riverbend Music Center - Cincinnati, OH

ABOUT ALICE COOPER'S PARANORMAL:

By Brad Tolinski

"PARANORMAL is like 12 great episodes of The Twilight Zone," laughs Alice Cooper, "each song tells its own twisted little tale."

            

Yes, the inimitable King of Shock Rock is back with his first album of original material in six years. It's a weird and wonderful collection of guitar-driven delights, but what else would you expect from the composer of beautifully warped classics like "Under My Wheels," "I'm Eighteen" and "Billion Dollar Babies"?

            

Produced by long-time collaborator Bob Ezrin (Pink Floyd, Deep Purple), and featuring guests like ZZ Top guitarist Billy Gibbons, U2 drummer Larry Mullen Jr., Deep Purple bassist Roger Glover, as well as a highly anticipated mini-reunion of the original Alice Cooper band members, Paranormalis full of surprises and riveting turns.

"My definition of paranormal is something that is 'other than normal' or 'alongside of normal'," says Cooper. "You could say my whole career has been that. I would look at what was normal and step left of it. That's what gets people's attention. They'd listen to our music and see our show and say, 'That's so strange...oh yeah, that's so Alice."

          

In keeping with his passion for the unexpected, the singer decided to steer clear of writing another concept album like 2011's Welcome 2 My Nightmare, and focused on creating an explosive collection of unforgettable standalone songs.

            

"Bob Ezrin and I wanted to break the mold," says Alice. "I said, let's get 20 different ideas from 20 different places, put our spin on them, and go with whatever turns out the best."

            

Out of the 20 tunes, they picked a dozen to immortalize, each played for thrills, chills and even a few laughs. "Dynamite Road" tells the story of a band that has a deadly encounter with the devil. In "Fireball," the singer has a bad dream about the end of the world, only to wake up in time to see it happening in real life. "Genuine American Girl" is about a tough guy who is transgender and not afraid to let the world know about it, and the title track is the tender story about a girl and her best ghoul friend.

            

 "Alice doesn't have a problem being scary," Cooper says about his rock and roll alter ego. "He likes to be a villain, but he also has a slapstick side. He'll threaten to slit your throat, and then slip on a banana peel."

            

Banana peels aside, perhaps the biggest surprise on Paranormal is the historic two-song mini-reunion with his former bandmates, guitarist Michael Bruce, bassist Dennis Dunaway and drummer Neal Smith.

            

"When the original band broke up in 1975, there was no bad blood," explains Cooper.  "There were no lawsuits-we had just burned out the creative process. We had gone to high school together and had recorded something like five Platinum albums in a row. We were never out of sight of each other for 10 years. Everybody just went their own way. Neal, Dennis and I always stayed in touch. Mike disappeared for a while and Glen Buxton passed away in 1997, which was a big blow."

"But last year Neal called me up and said, 'I have a couple of songs.' I said great, bring 'em over. Then he said Mike was stopping by, so I had them come to my house and we just worked on a few things for a week. Then Dennis called up and said, I got a couple songs. So, I thought, hey let's do this! When you listen to record, it just fits right in."

            

One could argue that the two songs, "Genuine American Girl" and the Who-inspired "You and All Your Friends," do more than fit in. They stand out, as in their iconic sound being instantly recognizable.

            

Like any great entertainer, Alice Cooper is compelled to over deliver. In addition to the 12 new tracks on Paranormal, the singer has included a bonus disc of his current band playing killer live versions of some of The Coop's greatest hits, such as "No More Mr. Nice Guy," "Billion Dollar Babies" and "School's Out." Think of it as a taste of what to expect at an Alice Cooper concert circa 2017, including a summer co-headline North American tour with the equally legendary Deep Purple.

           

"This album is like the sideshow at a circus," Cooper concludes. "It's a little creepy. There's a three-headed monkey and the snake woman, but you're intrigued. That's where Alice lives, and it's been the place to go for 50years."

 

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

YOUTUBE

Classic artists showcased via sterling releases

Classic rock fans know 2016 is their year; a number of legendary artists who earned their biggest hits in the '70s, '80s and '90s are back with new collections celebrating and building on their legacies. 

Artist: ZZ Top
Title: Live! Greatest Hits From Around the World (Suretone Records)
You might like if you enjoy: ZZ Top, Buddy Guy, Jeff Beck
Tell me more: It's difficult to think of a classic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame outfit spawned in the late 1960s whose founding lineup remains unchanged while dishing out tasty versions of its best-known material as powerfully as ever. That's exactly the case with ZZ Top, the blues-rock trio formed in Houston, Texas in 1969 heard unleashing fiery versions of many of their best-known songs on Live! Greatest Hits From Around the World. The 15-track disc showcases singer-guitarist Billy F Gibbons, singer-bassist Dusty Hill and drummer Frank Beard via recordings captured on three continents over the course of several recent tours. Standout tracks on this great collection include the driving "Got Me Under Pressure (recorded in New York City), aptly-dubbed Texas rocker "Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers" (tracked in Las Vegas), fiery "La Grange" (captured in Dallas) and infectious "Sharp Dressed Man" (nailed in Los Angeles). Fans of guitar legend Jeff Beck will also want to get the disc; the groundbreaking guitar virtuoso joins ZZ Top at a performance in London for the melodic blues nugget "Rough Boy" and blistering "Sixteen Tons." Information: zztop.com.

Artist: Toto
Title: Live at Montreux 1991 (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: Toto, Kansas
Tell me more: In the early 1990s, Toto returned to action as a quartet  featuring founding members Steve Lukather (guitar, lead vocals), David Paich (keyboards, vocals), and brothers Jeff Porcaro (drums, percussion) and Mike Porcaro (bass). That specific lineup is featured on the wonderful live collection Live at Montreux 1991 DVD+CD release (also available on Blu-ray + CD and via digital video) that kicks off with two original prog-rock selections ("On the Run" and the title track from what would be the band's 1992 album "Kingdom Of Desire"). Lukather's guitar playing is a wonder across the concert recording as evidenced by the crowd-pleasing version of the Jimi Hendrix classic "Red House" and amped funk-rock take on the Sly Stone classic"I Want to Take You Higher." Several of Toto's most beloved originals ("Africa," "Rosanna") are delivered in memorable new renditions. Information: eagle-rock.com.

Artist: Styx
Title: Live at The Orleans Arena Las Vegas (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: Styx, Kansas, Supertramp
Tell me more: Those who can't get enough of the wonderful 2015 audio CD release Styx: Live at the Orleans Arena are in luck. The July 2014 concert release has now been released on DVD, Blu-ray and digital video and was worth the wait. A number of the band's memorable songs are showcased, including a rousing "Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)" where lead guitarist Don Felder (the Eagles) trades fret work with Styx lead guitarists Tommy Shaw and James "JY" Young. The highlight of the concert is an astonishing version of "Crystal Ball," where Shaw begins the masterwork singing alone accompanied by his finger picking on an acoustic 12-sting guitar. The song artfully builds to include lush backing vocals and keyboard textures by the rest of the band as Shaw soon switches over to play electric guitar including a stunning solo. Other favorites on the set include "Too Much Time On My Hands," "Rockin' the Paradise" and "Renegade." Information: eagle-rock.com.

Artist: Marillion
Title: F E A R (EarMusic)
You might like if you enjoy: Peter Gabriel, Genesis, Porcupine Tree
Tell me more: Few progressive rock artists can walk the tightrope between symphonic highs and sparse introspection like Marillion. The British troupe's 18th album F E A R demonstrates that great rock artists are not content to simply revisit past glories; the band's aptly-titled new album is personified by the line "F E A R is everywhere" (in "El Dorado iv. Fear"). There are institutions to be feared (religion, war, greed) in the big picture, and more personal demons like loneliness and mortality that greet our heroes in the mirror. The concept album is filled with memorable songs that resound with melody and texture. This is an album that grips the listener with a single listen, but will resonate even more strongly with subsequent listens. Information: marillion.com.

Artist: Journey
Title: Live in Manila (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: Foreigner, Steve Perry, REO Speedwagon
Tell me more: Originally released seven years ago as a DVD stand-alone release, the oft-seen Journey concert filmed in Manila, Philippines on March 14, 2009 with the band's then-new lead vocalist Arnel Pineda has been reissued in a beautiful package. Journey Live In Manila has been reissued as a deluxe DVD+2CD version complete with an informative booklet (the title is also available as a Blu-ray+2CD or on digital). Fans of Journey will be won over by the mix of uptempo rockers ("Never Walk Away," Separate Ways," "Don't Stop Believin' ") and power ballads ("Only the Young," "Lights," "Faithfully") that are delivered across the two-hour performance. Information: eagle-rock.com.


Robert Kinsler