Music-minded Gift Guide Part 2: Mark Knopfler, Boston, Steve Wariner, Bruce Springsteen, Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, more!

With December's arrival it's time to get serious about picking up some outstanding collections for those special and discerning music fans in your life. Here is the second of two special Music-minded Gift Guides showcasing a wide-ranging number of new collections available now.

Here are some highly-recommended albums.

Artist: Mark Knopfler
Title: Privateering (Verve)
You might like if you enjoy: Dire Straits, Nils Lofgren
Tell me more: Bound to rank on my top 10 list of best albums released in 2013, the deluxe version of singer-songwriter-guitarist Mark Knopfler's breathtaking Privateering is a cycle of songs that blend Celtic, country folk and blues styles effortlessly. Many albums released nowadays overstay their welcome and stretch a few tracks too far. Knopfler's first-ever 2-disc effort offers up 20 bona fide gems. Whether exploring the deepest corners of human emotion ("Haul Away," "Redbud Tree," "Radio City Serenade") or simply having a blast ("Corned Beef City," "Hot or What"), Knopfler's artful and intelligent songs share the spotlight with his singular guitar playing. Information: www.MarkKnopfler.com.

Get Privateering (Deluxe Version) here

Artist: Boston
Title: Life, Love & Hope (Frontiers Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Boston's classic '70s and '80s albums
Tell me more: Ten years in the making, Boston's sixth album Life, Love & Hope was released on Dec. 3, 2013 and includes lead vocals from the late Brad Delp, the group's original vocalist who died in March 2007. But it is Boston's sonic architect Tom Scholz whose work is most on display here, courtesy of his symphonic guitar, keyboard orchestrations and unique production technique. Highlights include the instrumental "Last Day of School" and inspired "Sail Away." Information: www.bandboston.com. 

Get Life, Love & Hope here



Artist: Status Quo
Title: The Frantic Four Reunion 2013 (Eagle Rock Entertainment/earMusic)
You might like if you enjoy: Thin Lizzy, early AC/DC, Humble Pie
Tell me more: From boogie blues rockers ("Junior's Wailing," "Backwater") to the fast-paced "Is There a Better Way" (which recalls early Queen) and the bluesy sing-along "Most of the Time," Status Quo's powerful set at London's Apollo Hammersmith is pure fun. The legendary British rockers' unlikely return to the stage in the wake of high-profile lawsuits and court battles makes this terrific 18-song set even sweeter. Information: http://www.statusquo.co.uk. 

Get Live on Stage: Frantic Four Tour [Blu-ray] here 



Artist: Steve Wariner
Title: It Ain't All Bad (SelecTone)
You might like if you enjoy: Glen Campbell, Chet Atkins
Tell me more: 2013 has truly been a year of eagerly-awaited returns. Boston, Mazzy Star and Toad the Wet Sprocket are not the only famed artists to return from voluntary retreats to emerge with sterling new albums. Country music singer-songwriter-guitarist Steve Wariner has released the wonderful It Ain't All Bad, his first non-instrumental recording in more than eight years. The good news about Wariner's hiatus is that he had time to write and co-write a number of fine songs (notably the rousing title track and gentle "Arrows at Airplanes") that grace this authentic comeback. Information: www.SteveWariner.com. 

Get It Ain't All Bad here




Here are some excellent titles available on DVD and/or Blu-ray.

Title: Springsteen & I (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney
Tell me more: Few documentary films get inside the relationship between icon and audience like director Baillie Walsh's Springsteen & I. The newly released DVD (also available on Blu-ray) not only features the documentary film, but bonus material including Springsteen's performance at Hard Rock Calling 2012 (which featured his appearance on stage with Sir Paul McCartney too), and more! Information: www.eaglerockent.com. 

Get Springsteen & I here



Title: Night Train to Georgia (Broken Bow)
You might like if you enjoy: Jason Aldean, Eric Church
Tell me more: Filmed at the University of Georgia's Sanford Stadium in April 2013, Jason Aldean's aptly-titled Night Train to Georgia concert film features the country star returning to his home state to deliver a dozen and a half cuts, including all 10 of his number 1 tunes over the course of 90 energetic minutes. There are also guest appearances from Luke Bryan, Ludacris and Kelly Clarkson. Information: www.JasonAldean.com.

Get Night Train to Georgia here


Title: Live: On This Winter's Night (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: Lady Antebellum, Josh Kelley, The Band Perry
Tell me more: Seven-time Grammy winner Lady Antebellum (Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood) has released the wonderful holiday-minded Live: On This Winter's Night on both DVD and Blu-ray. In addition to performing their harmony-filled versions of Christmas classics such as "Silver Bells," "Blue Christmas" and "Silent Night," they also feature an original song "On This Winter's Night." Bonus features include acoustic versions of many of the tracks and music videos. Information: www.eaglerockent.com.  

Get On This Winters Night here


Title: Loberace - Live In Vegas (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: CeeLo Green, Gnarls Barkley
Tell me more: Singer, songwriter, rapper, comedian, producer, actor...you get the idea. CeeLo Green does it all and proves it on his newly-released Loberace – Live In Vegas (on DVD and Blu-ray). And at the heart of Green's talent is a soulful voice, used in the service of some great songs including his already-classic 2006 Gnarls Barkley hit "Crazy." Information: www.eaglerockent.com.

Get Loberace Live in Vegas here

Title: Move Me Brightly (TRI Studios/Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: Jerry Garcia, The Grateful Dead
Tell me more: Celebrating what would have been Jerry Garcia's 70th birthday, musical friends gathered at Bob Weir's TRI Studios in San Rafael, California to present a musical toast the late Grateful Dead singer-guitarist. In addition to the Dead's Weir, other performers featured on Move Me Brightly include Phil Lesh, Mickey Hart, Carlos Santana and even members of Vampire Weekend, Phish and the Black Crowes. Both a concert film and a revealing documentary, Move Me Brightly will likely thrill Deadheads and music fans inspired by heartfelt performances. Move Me Brightly is out now on DVD, Blu-ray and in visual digital formats. Information: www.eaglerockent.com. 

Get Move Me Brightly: Celebrating Jerry Garcia's 70th Birthday [DVD] here

Music Worth Buying: Boston returns with 'Life, Love & Hope'

On the latest episode of Music Worth Buying, TJR and I assess Life, Love & Hope, Boston's first album release since 2002. The new album also features the last Boston recordings with singer Brad Delp, who died in March 2007. Watch our in-depth look at Boston's new album, as well as an appreciation of the band's legacy.

BOSTON to return with new album 'Life, Love & Hope' on December 3

If it's Monday morning, there must be big news. That is especially true for fans of classic rockers Boston, who are set to return with a new album later this year! Read on music friends...

BOSTON’S HIGHLY-ANTICIPATED NEW ALBUM 

LIFE, LOVE & HOPE COMING TO THE U.S. ON DECEMBER 3

* * * * *

Band’s First Studio Album in 10-Plus Years to Be

Released Worldwide on Frontiers Records

 

On December 3, BOSTON’s latest studio album, Life, Love & Hope will be released in the United States on Frontiers Records. More than a decade in the making, Life, Love & Hope features 11 tracks replete with the classic and beloved BOSTON sound, as well as the latest in the evolution of Tom Scholz' musical artistry.  Diverse yet cohesive, this long-awaited album has something for everyone and will fulfill the expectations of existing fans, while exposing a new generation to one of rock and roll’s great acts.  Scholz says, "These are songs from the heart, each of them taking many months of effort to write, arrange, perform and record, always up to the demands of BOSTON's harshest critic, me. They have all been meticulously recorded to analog tape on the same machines and equipment used for BOSTON's hits for the past 35 years." 

 

BOSTON burst onto the music scene with their eponymous best-selling debut album in 1976, and never looked back.  With over 17 million copies sold, Boston generated hits such as "More Than a Feeling," "Peace of Mind," and "Smokin'," rock staples that are still in heavy rotation today.  Their second effort, Don't Look Back was another chart-topper that confirmed their place in rock history, followed by Third Stage, which hit #1 on the charts, with the top single of 1986, "Amanda."  With over 31 million albums sold to date, BOSTON's music has stood the test of time, as evidenced by live BOSTON audiences that spans generations.

 

Life, Love & Hope includes lead vocals from Brad Delp and prodigy Tommy DeCarlo, as well as Kimberley Dahme, David Victor, and songwriter Scholz himself. This release features tracks that have the characteristic BOSTON trademark guitars, harmonies, and immaculately-crafted sound.  "I intentionally stayed close to the early BOSTON style on some of the songs, even using the same amps and instruments; on others I let my imagination run wild," says Scholz.

 

A beautiful full-color booklet with notes from Scholz and detailed song credits accompanies Life, Love & Hope, available for pre-order at Amazon and iTunes.  Albums purchased at Best Buy will contain a bonus track titled “Te Quiero Mia.”

For more information:

 http://www.bandboston.com/  

http://www.facebook.com/bandboston    

 http://www.facebook.com/frontiersrecordsofficial

http://myspace.com/frontiersrecords 

 http://twitter.com/FrontiersRec