New James Brown track from 1970, "We Got To Change", to be released Feb. 16, 2024

Media Release 

JAMES BROWN UNIVERSAL MUSIC ENTERPRISES TO ISSUE PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED JAMES BROWN SONG “WE GOT TO CHANGE” ON FEB. 16

Three-Track We Got To Change EP Features Storming J.B.’s Lineup Starring Brothers Catfish and Bootsy Collins and “Funky Drummer” Clyde Stubblefield Set Will Preface Feb. 19-20 Premiere of Two-Night A&E Documentary Event James Brown: Say It Loud  from Executive Producers Mick Jagger and Questlove FEBRUARY 1, 2024 (Santa Monica, CA) – UMe/Republic Records will release James Brown’s We Got To Change, a three-track EP featuring the previously unheard title track, on Feb. 16. “We Got To Change” was recorded August 16, 1970, at Criteria Studios in Miami, during a pivotal period in the world of James Brown, as longtime members of his famed James Brown Orchestra had walked out a few months earlier. Pre-order HERE Brown quickly assembled a new group anchored by guitarist Phelps “Catfish” Collins and bassist William “Bootsy” Collins, two young brothers from Cincinnati. They brought a harder edge and a fresh identity to Brown’s music on such singles as “Get Up (I Feel Like Being) a Sex Machine,” “Super Bad,” and “Soul Power.” Brown called them The J.B.’s. Their Criteria session featured a reunion with one of Brown’s 1960s sidemen: the great Clyde Stubblefield. “The Funky Drummer,” as he was known, would grace several of Brown’s subsequent hits, and would become one of the most sampled drummers of the hip-hop era. Also on the track is James Brown’s longtime no. 2, Bobby Byrd, who is heard alongside Brown on the chorus.   “We Got To Change” is another example of James Brown’s social outreach (and outrage), seen in singles like “Don’t Be a Dropout,” “Say It Loud I’m Black and I’m Proud,” “Get Up, Get Into It, Get Involved” and “King Heroin.” It is also a testament to Brown’s diverse musical language, quoting from Little Jimmy Dickens’ 1949 hit “Take an Old Cold Tater (And Wait)” and the African-American anti-war spiritual, “Down by the Riverside.” “The James Brown Revue invented the Funk,” says Funk author Rickey Vincent, “and the J.B.’s perfected it.” Newly unearthed and hitherto unheard, “We Got to Change” adds a critical page to the history of that perfection’s evolution. The release of We Got to Change will precede James Brown: Say It Loud, a two-part, four-hour documentary about the life and music of the late “Godfather of Soul” that premieres February 19 and 20 at 8 pm ET/PT on A&E.  “James  Brown: Say It Loud” is directed by Deborah Riley Draper and produced for A&E by Inaudible Films in association with Polygram Entertainment and GroupM Motion Entertainment, and in cooperation with the owner/custodian of the James Brown Estate, Primary Wave. Peter Afterman serves as Executive Producer for Inaudible Films along with Executive Producer Mari Keiko Gonzales and Producer Sarah Haber. Executive Producers for Jagged Entertainment are Mick Jagger and Victoria Pearman. Executive Producers for Two One Five Entertainment are Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Thompson, Tariq 'Black Thought' Trotter, Shawn Gee, and Zarah Zohlman. David Blackman and Bruce Resnikoff serve as Executive Producers, with Madeline Post and Robert Komadina as co-executive producers for Polygram Entertainment. Richard Foster and Chet Fenster serve as Executive Producers for GroupM Motion Entertainment. Charlie Cohen serves as Executive Producer for Warner Music Group. Elaine Frontain Bryant and Brad Abramson serve as Executive Producers for A&E Network. A&E holds worldwide distribution rights to “James Brown: Say it Loud.”   JAMES BROWN X ROOTS OF FIGHT Roots Of Fight has created a unique capsule collection paying tribute to Mr. Dynamite and his new song “We Got To Change.” Roots Of Fight is a media, lifestyle and apparel brand that celebrates the improbable achievements of today’s most legendary athletes, innovators, and cultural icons.     JAMES BROWN X SONG-WORD ART HOUSE Song-Word Art House will be paying tribute to the lyrics and music of James Brown, one of the world’s most dynamic performers and innovative songwriters, admired for his pioneering influence in funk, soul, and hip-hop music.  The collection of original artworks by internationally acclaimed artists from around the world features a mixture of canvases, sculptures, and mixed media artworks, representing select lyrics from songs throughout James Brown’s illustrious career.  More info here. WE GOT TO CHANGE EP Tracklisting "We Got To Change" "We Got To Change" (extended version) "We Got To Change" (Pixal remix)

Sights and Sounds: 'The Soul of Midnight Special,' Fleet Foxes, GoGo Penguin

 Exciting news about upcoming and suddenly-available music titles as well as an upcoming virtual concert event...

'70s Soul comes alive with legendary artists performing their biggest hits on late night's original live music show in one very special DVD  collection available for the first time at retail

 

THE SOUL OF THE MIDNIGHT SPECIAL

 This 5-DVD Set ($45.99srp) Available on October 6, Features More Than 70 Historic Live Performances - Many of Which Have Never Been Available Before - from the Greatest Soul Singers of the Decade Including James Brown, Barry White, Earth, Wind & Fire, Al Green, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Curtis Mayfield, Sly & the Family Stone and More!

Fairfax, VA (September 18, 2020) - Like never before THE SOUL OF THE MIDNIGHT SPECIAL brings home audiences and music lovers everywhere an unforgettable collection of legendary soul artists performing their hits in the prime of their careers -- uncut performances, just straight-from-the-heart soul singing with live musicians in front of a live audience. Now available at Barnes & Noble and Amazon for the first time on October 6, 2020.

 

James Brown performing on The Midnight Special

In the period between American Bandstand and MTV, there were sev­eral shows that tried to bring new music to television, but it wasn't until The Midnight Special, premiered on August 19, 1972, that live music found a home on the air. Burt Sugarman, producer of Grammy Awards telecasts, was frustrated by television's lack of programming after The Tonight Show ended -- the screen reverting to test patterns at 1:00 a.m.. Recognizing this valuable airtime could cater to a brand-new audience that craved its latest musical heroes, he created The Midnight Special, which ran every Friday night on NBC from 1972 to 1981.

 

The'70s was a special time for soul music and The Midnight Special truly had an affinity for the genre. Week after week, home audiences would have virtual front row seats for performances by the greatest soul performers of the time including Al Green, Earth Wind & Fire, Patti LaBelle, Bill Withers, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Spinners, The O'Jays, Teddy Pendergrass, The Stylistics, Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight and The Pips and so many more. The Midnight Special was the only show where you could see real live performances week after week.

 

This October, for the first time ever, Time Life's THE SOUL OF THE MIDNIGHT SPECIAL brings together the greatest soul performances handpicked from thousands in one very special 5-disc set. Included is an incredible collection of true soul classics - many of which haven't been seen since their original broadcast: from Let's Stay Together to Midnight Train to Georgia to love songs like the Stylistics' Betcha by Golly, Wow to dance grooves like Sly & the Family Stone's Dance to the Music and Ohio Players' Fire. All-time classic performances include Back Stabbers by the O'Jays, Tired of Being Alone by Al Green, Could It Be I'm Falling in Love by Spinners, Lean on Me by Bill Withers, The Love I Lost by Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, and I Want to Take You Higher by Sly & the Family Stone. Also included are exclusive interviews with James Brown, Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle, Maurice White of Earth, Wind & Fire The O'Jays, Russell Thompkins Jr. of The Stylistics, Bobby Womack, Ted Mills of Blue Magic, Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff, Gerald Alston, The Manhattans and George Benson.

 

THE SOUL OF THE MIDNIGHT SPECIAL includes (in alphabetical order): 

• Al Green -- Tired of Being Alone (8/3/73), How Can You Mend a Broken Heart (8/3/73), I'm Still in Love with You (11/29/74), Let's Stay Together (11/29/74)
• Al Wilson -- Show and Tell (3/1/74)
• Barry White -- You're the First, the Last, My Everything (11/15/74), Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe (12/13/74), Never, Never Gonna Give You Up (12/13/74)
• Bill Withers -- Ain't No Sunshine (3/22/74), Lean on Me (3/22/74)
• Billy Preston -- Will It Go Round in Circles (1/4/74)
• Blue Magic -- Sideshow (12/13/74)
• Bobby Womack -- Lookin' for a Love (12/13/74)
• Chuck Berry -- Johnny B. Goode (11/2/73)
• Curtis Mayfield -- Back to the World (6/8/73), Freddie's Dead (Theme from Superfly) (9/21/73), Superfly (1/4/74)
• Earth, Wind & Fire -- Devotion (4/18/75)
• George Benson -- This Masquerade (7/30/76)
• Gladys Knight & the Pips -- Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye) (4/6/73), I Heard It through the Grapevine (4/6/73), Midnight Train to Georgia (10/5/73), Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me (12/20/74)
• Gladys Knight/B. B. King --The Thrill Is Gone (10/5/73)
• Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes -- Bad Luck (5/23/75), The Love I Lost (5/23/75), Let's Get Together Soon (Hope That We Can Be Together Soon) (5/23/75)
• James Brown -- Sex Machine (8/6/76), Get Up Offa That Thing (8/6/76), Cold Sweat/Papa's Got a Brand New Bag (10/8/76),
• Johnnie Taylor -- Who's Making Love (11/2/73)
• Kool & the Gang -- Hollywood Swinging (12/20/74), Jungle Boogie (12/20/74)
• LaBelle -- Lady Marmalade (4/18/75)
• Love Unlimited Orchestra -- Love's Theme (11/15/74)
• Minne Riperton -- Lovin' You (7/18/75), Inside My Love (7/18/75)
• Ohio Players -- Fire (4/4/75), Skin Tight (4/4/75)
• Ohio Players -- Love Rollercoaster (12/19/75), Honey (12/19/75)
• Ray Charles -- Georgia on My Mind (3/30/73), What'd I Say (3/30/73)
• Ray Charles/Aretha Franklin -- Takes Two to Tango (3/30/73)
• Rufus featuring Chaka Khan -- Sweet Thing (12/12/75), Once You Get Started (12/12/75)
• Sly & the Family Stone -- Stand! (10/26/73), I Want to Take You Higher (10/26/73), Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin), (10/26/73), Dance to the Music (10/26/73)
• Spinners -- Could It Be I'm Falling in Love (2/9/73), I'll Be Around (2/9/73), One of a Kind (Love Affair) (6/8/73), Sadie (2/14/75), Then Came You (2/14/75)
• The Brothers Johnson-- I'll Be Good to You (10/8/76)
• The Chi-Lites -- Oh Girl (9/21/73)
• The Main Ingredient -- Just Don't Want to Be Lonely (10/11/74), Everybody Plays The Fool (10/11/74)
• The Manhattans -- Kiss and Say Goodbye (12/3/76)
• The Miracles -- Love Machine (12/3/76)
• The O'Jays -- Back Stabbers (3/23/73), Love Train (3/23/73), Put Your Hands Together (913/74), Sunshine (9/13/74)
• The Staple Singers -- Let's Do It Again (1/16/76), Respect Yourself (1/16/76)
• The Stylistics -- Betcha by Golly, Wow (6/1/73), Break Up to Make Up (6/1/73), I'm Stone in Love with You (6/1/73), You Make Me Feel Brand New (3/1/74)
• The Sylvers -- Boogie Fever (7/30/76)
• Wilson Pickett -- In the Midnight Hour (9/21/73) 

About Time Life

 

Time Life is one of the world's pre-eminent creators and direct marketers of unique music and video/DVD products, specializing in distinctive multi-media collections that evoke memories of yesterday, capture the spirit of today, and can be enjoyed for a lifetime. TIME LIFE and the TIME LIFE logo are registered trademarks of Time Warner Inc. and affiliated companies used under license by Direct Holdings Americas Inc., which is not affiliated with Time Warner Inc. or Time Inc.

Fleet Foxes release surprise fourth album 'Shore' 

Album out digitally on Anti- today, Sept. 22, 2020 

AVAILABLE AT 6:31am PT / 9:31am ET 

MARKING THE AUTUMNAL EQUINOX 

Photo credit: Emily Johnston

Today, on the Autumnal Equinox, Fleet Foxes released their fourth studio album Shore at 6:31 am PT/9:31 am ET. The bright and hopeful album, released via Anti-, is available to stream and for physical pre-order HERE for a February 5, 2021 street date. In addition to the album, a 16 mm road movie of the same name by Kersti Jan Werdal that showcases the landscapes of the Pacific Northwest set to the score of the album is available to view at https://fleetfoxes.co. 

Shore was recorded before and during quarantine in Hudson (NY), Paris, Los Angeles, Long Island City and New York City from September 2018 until September 2020 with the help of recording and production engineer Beatriz Artola.The fifteen song, fifty-five minute Shore was initially inspired by frontman Robin Pecknold’s musical heroes such as Arthur Russell, Nina Simone, Sam Cooke, Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guebrou and more who, in his experience, celebrated life in the face of death. “I see “shore” as a place of safety on the edge of something uncertain, staring at Whitman’s waves reciting ‘death,’” commented Pecknold. “Tempted by the adventure of the unknown at the same time you are relishing the comfort of the stable ground beneath you. This was the mindset I found, the fuel I found, for making this album.” 

Pecknold continues: 

Since the unexpected success of the first Fleet Foxes album over a decade ago, I have spent more time than I’m happy to admit in a state of constant worry and anxiety. Worried about what I should make, how it will be received, worried about the moves of other artists, my place amongst them, worried about my singing voice and mental health on long tours. I’ve never let myself enjoy this process as much as I could, or as much as I should. I’ve been so lucky in so many ways in my life, so lucky to be born with the seeds of the talents I have cultivated and lucky to have had so many unreal experiences. Maybe with luck can come guilt sometimes. I know I’ve welcomed hardship wherever I could find it, real or imagined, as a way of subconsciously tempering all this unreal luck I’ve had. By February 2020, I was again consumed with worry and anxiety over this album and how I would finish it. But since March, with a pandemic spiraling out of control, living in a failed state, watching and participating in a rash of protests and marches against systemic injustice, most of my anxiety around the album disappeared. It just came to seem so small in comparison to what we were all experiencing together. In its place came a gratitude, a joy at having the time and resources to devote to making sound, and a different perspective on how important or not this music was in the grand scheme of things. Music is both the most inessential and the most essential thing. We don’t need music to live, but I couldn’t imagine life without it. It became a great gift to no longer carry any worry or anxiety around the album, in light of everything that is going on. A tour may not happen for a year, music careers may not be what they once were. So it may be, but music remains essential. This reframing was another stroke of unexpected luck I have been the undeserving recipient of. I was able to take the wheel completely and see the album through much better than I had imagined it, with help from so many incredible collaborators, safe and lucky in a new frame of mind.

Read the full artist statement HERE. 

About Shore The Film 

Shore is an art piece filmed over the course of a month in Washington, Oregon, and Western Idaho on 16mm film. 

“I listened to the album while driving, and observationally shot landscapes that I felt resonated with the music, yet also stood on their own,” explained Director Kersti Jan Werdal. “The film is intended to co-exist and engage with the album, rather than be in a direct and symbiotic relationship with it. The urban and narrative scenes interact with the more surreal landscapes, rather than sit in opposition of one another. My hope is that the film, much like the album does, reflects optimism and strength.”

Kersti Jan Werdal is an artist working in film, photography, installation, and collage. 

Fleet Foxes’ self-titled debut made a profound impact on the international musical landscape, topping numerous “Best Of” lists, including Rolling Stone’s 100 Best Albums of the 2000’s and Pitchfork’s 50 Best Albums of 2008. Fleet Foxes is certified Gold in North America and Platinum in both the UK and Australia. The follow-up album Helplessness Blues was met with the same critical praise as its predecessor (MOJO five stars, Rolling Stone four stars, Pitchfork Best New Music); that album debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard Top 200, went Gold in the UK, and earned the band a GRAMMY nomination. Six years later, the highly anticipated album Crack-Up was released, with AP saying “Rewarding, involving and meticulous, Crack-Up has been well worth the wait” and Uncut calling the album “Astonishing. Crack-Up may be the most anticipated release of the year, a welcome return. Ambitious, mature, meticulous.” The band embarked on a world tour that saw them headlining major festivals and their own sold-out shows throughout 2017-2018.

Shore Track Listing  Wading In Waist-High Water: lyric video HERE Sunblind: lyric video HERE   Can I Believe You: lyric video HERE Jara: lyric video HERE Featherweight: lyric video HERE A Long Way Past The Past: lyric video HERE For A Week Or Two: lyrics video HERE Maestranza: lyric video HERE Young Man's Game: lyric video HERE I'm Not My Season: lyric video HERE Quiet Air / Gioia: lyric video HERE Going-to-the-Sun Road: lyric video HERE Thymia: lyric video HERE Cradling Mother, Cradling Woman: lyric video HERE Shore: lyric video HERE

Follow Fleet Foxes: Website - Instagram - Robin’s Instagram - Facebook GoGo Penguin  Announces “Live from Studio Two”   A Virtual Concert Broadcast Live, Filmed at Abbey Road Studios   October 29, 2020 at 6 p.m. (PST) / 9 p.m. (EST) GoGo Penguin have been hailed as the “Radiohead of British Jazz,” but they draw equally on rock, jazz and minimalist influences, alongside the intricacy of Aphex Twin or Four Tet to create their punchy, experimental, but always beautiful music. This very special live event “GoGo Penguin Live from Studio Two,” was filmed at one of the band’s favorite studios, the legendary Studio Two at Abbey Road Studios, London. World-famous as the studio of choice for The Beatles, Studio Two is a unique space, part myth, part sacred space and blessed with a brilliant acoustic. For the band it was the perfect venue for a live concert film. Watch the trailer HERE.   As bassist Nick Blacka explains: "We didn’t want to perform in an empty venue, somehow it just felt weird trying to create the energy of a concert in an empty room, but we had recorded an EP in Studio Two back in 2015 and loved the space and somehow it just made sense to film a show here”   Pianist Chris Illingworth agrees: ‘It’s a really special space and we wanted somewhere intimate that we would be excited to work in and where we could tap into that sense of excitement that you get from a live concert.”   While for drummer Rob Turner it is all about the sound of the room: “When we perform we’re always reacting to each other but also the crowd. The people and the energy in the space is as much a part of the performance as we are. Studio Two is imbued with the ghosts of all the incredible music and musicians that have performed there. It has an atmosphere all of its own.  You really feel the expanse of time, how much has happened before you and how much will continue to happen after you”.     Beautifully lit by Lewis Howell, the band’s regular lighting collaborator and recorded by the band’s producer Joe Reiser, the concert features music from the band’s most recent Blue Note Records album, simply titled GoGo Penguin, alongside favorites from Man Made Object (2016) and A Humdrum Star (2018).   For GoGo Penguin it’s a typically bold move, revealing a band at the very top of their game. Expect junglist rhythms, beautiful melodies and thunderous sub-bass from one of the finest live bands in the world, filmed in one of the world’s most iconic studios.   The album GoGo Penguin is out now on Blue Note Records.   Tickets are available at: www.ticketmaster.co.uk/gogopenguin   Website - Facebook - Twitter - Instagram

Holiday Gift Guide: Blu-ray and DVDs bring music aplenty

Great pop music gift ideas abound for that favorite someone this holiday season. Here is a wide range of recommended Blu-ray and DVD titles available now.

Title: T.A.M.I. Show / The Big T.N.T. Show Collector's Edition (Shout! Factory)
Artists: The Rolling Stones, James Brown, Chuck Berry, The Beach Boys, The Byrds, more
Tell me more: The Collector's Edition of T.A.M.I. Show / The Big T.N.T. Show features two essential rock 'n' roll films on the same must-own Blu-ray release. Prior to its release on DVD in 2010, the concert film "T.A.M.I. Show" hadn't been widely seen since its theatrical release in late 1964. Now for the first time ever on Blu-ray, that amazing film and the 1966 sequel "The Big T.N.T. Show" are available via a two-disc presentation that looks as glorious as it sounds. The performances featured on these films were captured live, and the list of bona fide Rock and Roll Hall of Fame performers who shine includes the likes of The Rolling Stones, James Brown, Chuck Berry and The Beach Boys (on "T.A.M.I. Show"); and Ike & Tina Turner Revue, The Byrds, Ray Charles, Bo Diddley and Petula Clark (on "The Big T.N.T. Show"). The Blu-ray release includes a companion 36-page booklet filled with rare photos, an essay and more. Information: ShoutFactory.com.

Title: Blindman (ABKCO Music & Records)
Tell me more: Even long-time fans of Ringo Starr might be forgiven if they haven't caught the drummer-actor in the edgy 1971 Italian Western Blindman. The normally-lovable Beatle may be less-than-likeable but he is truly compelling in every scene as a fierce bandido named "Candy" in the stylish and surprisingly big-budget Spaghetti Western directed by Ferdinando Baldi. Starring Tony Anthony in the memorable title role, Blindman was filmed on location in many classic Spaghetti Western locations in the Tabernas desert in Spain. Released in U.S. theaters only briefly in 1972, the newly-reissued and glorious-looking Techniscope color print restored from the original 35mm negative, Blindman really does offer a glimpse into Starr's strong acting chops. "Blindman" is available on standard DVD and via digital formats. Information: abkco.com.

Artist: The Beatles
Title: Eight Days a Week: The Touring Years (Apple / Universal)
Tell me more: Time has not dimmed the power, magic and mystique of The Beatles. Academy Award winner Ron Howard's acclaimed 2016 documentary feature film Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years highlights the first half of the Fab Four's incredible career (1962-1966) with love, affection and a filmmaker master's touch. Using a combination of interviews and performance footage (much previously unseen), Howard is able to chronicle the meteoric rise and lasting influence of the Fab Four via highlighting how the four unique personalities of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr gelled into the most significant and earth-shattering force in rock. The title, available on both DVD and Blu-ray, includes the 106-minute documentary Eight Days a Week: The Touring Years and more than 100 minutes of additional concert footage including five rarely-seen full length performances. A wonderful 64-page informational and illustrated booklet is also included. Information: TheBeatles.com.

Artist: Heart
Title: Live at the Royal Albert Hall (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
Tell me more: Heart made the most of their first-ever live performance at the Royal Albert Hall, with the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer's June 2016 concert filmed and recorded for a multi-format release (Live at the Royal Albert Hall) that also marked the first time Heart was ever captured performing with a full orchestra. On the DVD version (reviewed here), Ann and Nancy Wilson lead drummer Ben Smith, bassist Dan Rothchild, guitarist Craig Bartock and keyboardist Chris Joyner through a rocking "Magic Man" before being joined by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for the Led Zeppelin-styled "Heaven," Renaissance-flavored "Dreambot Annie" featuring Ann Wilson playing flute, as well as audience favorites such as "Alone" and "Kick It Out." Available on DVD, Blu-ray, audio CD and via digital formats, the release comes with a full color 16-page booklet. Information: eagle-rock.com.


Robert Kinsler

Album reviews: Walter Trout, Neil Finn + Paul Kelly, Flying Colors, Pat Boone, Matt Reagan

Late 2015 has seen no shortage of new studio albums and must-have concert recordings out now. 


Artist: Walter Trout
Title: Battle Scars (Mascot Label Group)
You might like if you enjoy: Joe Bonamassa, Rory Gallagher
Tell me more: Acclaimed singer-songwriter-guitarist Walter Trout's amazing fight for survival that included a life-saving liver transplant in May 2014 and arduous-but-full recovery is chronicled on the bluesman's latest album Battle Scars. From the blistering "Almost Gone" where Trout sings of how his body is ravaged to the beautiful ballad "Please Take Me Home" and triumphant "Gonna Live Again," Trout's lyrically honest and musically gallant disc is almost a conceptual follow-up to his previous 2014 release The Blues Came Callin'  carved out as the artist feared he might be dying. One of the best blues rock guitarists of all time, Trout's distinguished and virtuoso guitar works shines across all dozen tracks, including on the hard rocking "Playin' Hideaway," the soaring "Fly Away" and survival-themed British blues-styled
 rocker "Move On." Information: MascotLabelGroup.com.


Artist: Neil Finn + Paul Kelly
Title: Goin' Your Way (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Crowded House, Split Enz, the Finn Brothers, Paul Kelly
Tell me more: As two of the world's greatest-ever singer-songwriters, Neil Finn and Paul Kelly have achieved considerable acclaim for respective careers dating back to the mid-1970s. The two legendary artists teamed up in 2013 to tour Australia, with a concert recorded at Sydney Opera House issued commercially that ultimately proved to be a Top 5 album Down Under. Now, more than two years after its release in Australia and New Zealand, Goin' Your Way is finally available in the U.S. Fans of the artists will be thrilled at the selection of 29 songs and the inspired power exhibited across the two-disc recording. In addition to revisiting some of their greatest songs (Finn's "Don't Dream It's Over," "Distant Sun" and "Fall At Your Feet"; Kelly's "To Her Door," "Winter Coat" and "Before Too Long"), they faithfully cover Buddy Holly's "Words of Love" and rework the Henry Mancini-Johnny Mercer classic "Moon River" to close out the delightful collaboration. Information: omnivorerecordings.com.


Artist: Flying Colors
Title: Second Flight: Live at the Z7 (Mascot Label Group)
You might like if you enjoy: Steve Morse, Yes, Asia, Rush
Tell me more: Prog-rock's full-on resurgence is personified by Flying Colors' multi-format Second Flight: Live at the Z7 (available as a 2-CD/1 DVD combo or 2-CD/1 Blu-ray package). The latest supergroup of musical heroes, Flying Colors features former/current members of Deep Purple (guitarist Steve Morse), Dream Theater (drummer/backing singer Mike Portnoy), Spock's Beard (keyboardist/backing singer Neal Morse), Alpha Rev (lead singer/rhythm guitarist Casey McPherson) and Dixie Dregs (bassist Dave LaRue). Like Asia, Flying Colors has somehow been able to artfully fuse complex and dazzling musicianship with accessible songwriting - a feat far more difficult than the casual listener would know; just listen to the magical "Bombs Away" with its heavy rock riff laced with rich harmonies and symphonic sections that appear out of thin air and segue into jaw-dropping solos. Flying Colors brings just about everything into its amazing sonic brew including baroque textures (the lovely "Kayla"), classic metal ("Shoulda Coulda Woulda," "Forever In a Daze"), time-honored progressive rock forays ("A Place In Your World," "The Storm") and even Americana ("One Love Forever," "Colder Months"). Essential for lovers of prog-rock. Information: MascotLabelGroup.com.


Artist: Pat Boone
Title: R&B Duet Hits (Goldenland Records / Cleopatra Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Pat Boone, James Brown, Sam Moore
Tell me more: A collection few likely saw coming, Pat Boone's latest album R&B Duet Hits finds the 81-year-old singer teaming with a number of groundbreaking R&B artists to revisit that genre with a fun-filled approach. "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" (with the late James Brown), "Get Down Tonight" (with KC & The Sunshine Band) and ""Tears of a Clown" (with Smokey Robinson) are all dance floor-worthy. Boone's 1997 album In a Metal Mood: No More Mr. Nice Guy found the singer using his baritone to cover heavy metal songs in a jazz/big band style that returned the artist to the Billboard charts but alienated some of Boone's long-time fans; his new album is a fun-filled collection that will likely please fans of his 2006 collection "Pat Boone R&B Classics." Information: CleopatraRecords.com.


Artist: Matt Reagan
Title: Leavenworth (independent)
You might like if you enjoy: The Weeknd, Derek Webb, Hozier
Tell me more: Although Matt Reagan's Leavenworth only features three songs, the EP (released Dec. 1, 2015) provides a pretty good showcase for the upcoming San Francisco-based singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist's alternative pop style. The lush "Tell Me," romantic "With You All The Way" and driving "Lights" will appeal to fans of The Weeknd and Derek Webb's "I Was Wrong, I'm Sorry & I Love You" 2013 album. Information: MattReaganMusic.com.

Robert Kinsler