A slew of great tributes, deluxe and expanded reissues along with live recordings were issued in 2025. Here are 20 of my favorites, with the outstanding titles placed in no particular order.
Title: Hearts (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy:Neil Young's "Harvest" and "After The Gold Rush"; America's 1974 album "Holiday"
Tell me more: The 50th Anniversary edition of America's 1975 album Hearts is glorious. The George Martin-produced album features the captivating hits "Sister Golden Hair," "Daisy Jane and "Woman Tonight." And the wealth of sonic classics extend beyond those radio favorites to include the rousing rocker "Half A Man," dreamy "Midnight," shimmering ballad "Bell Tree," Americana-styled "Old Virginia," bewitching Baroque-tinged "People In The Valley" and more. The expanded reissue also includes five previously unissued studio bonus tracks plus the audio CD debut of "Sister Golden Hair" in Spanish ("Con Tu Pelo Tan Dorado"). The colorful 12-page booklet features new liner notes by Joe Marchese (theseconddisc.com) including interviews with founding members Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell. Beckley reminisces in a new interview in the album's notes: "We learned an immense amount from them (Martin and legendary Beatles engineer Geoff Emerick) that we applied the minute we started on Hearts." Now listeners can rediscover the magic of the legendary album via an outstanding reissue out now. Information: omnivorerecordings.com.
Title: Like The First Time (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Del Amitri, Fountains Of Wayne, Teenage Fanclub, The Beatles
Tell me more: It's hard to imagine anything easier than listening to the latest collection featuring Finnish power pop veterans The Bablers. In early 2025, Big Stir Records reissued Like The First Time — long out of print and previously only available in Japan and Finland — a 14-track disc that plays like a greatest hits-filled album with one terrific original after another. Now newly re-sequenced and featuring new mixes and arrangements, the mid-career Bablers collection kicks off with the melodic opener "You Are The One For Me" (a track recently selected by Stevie Van Zandt as "The Coolest Song in the World This Week" on SiriusXM's Underground Garage); other early standouts include the jangly power pop gem "One Of Those Dreams," reflective "Sometimes," rousing Britpop-flavored rocker "Thinking Of You," and alluring "Holding Me Tight Tonight." The last half of Like The First Time continues to yield sonic gold for discerning listeners thanks to great songs like the exuberant "That Little Something," probing "In This World," carefree melodic sortie "Here I Come," Beatlesque title track and beautiful brand new cut "Where The Wind Blows Free." Information: bigstirrecords.com.
Artists: Bad Company, HARDY, The Pretty Reckless, Slash, more
Title: Can't Get Enough: A Tribute to Bad Company (Bad Company Tribute)
You might like if you enjoy: Bad Company, Free, Def Leppard, Paul Rodgers
Tell me more: Bad Company's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Nov. 8, 2025 was wonderful for sure, but adding excitement to that occasion was the release of Can't Get Enough: A Tribute to Bad Company. The 10-track audio collection marks the first-ever tribute album to Bad Company; the title features contemporary and legendary artists from rock, country and Americana genres joining forces on original interpretations of the British rock supergroup's most beloved songs. An added bonus is how both Bad Company frontman Paul Rodgers and drummer Simon Kirke appear on several of the fresh cuts. The tribute includes early standouts including HARDY's winning post-grunge take on "Ready For Love," Hailstorm's hard rocking "Shooting Star" featuring Rodgers, a terrific take on "Feel Like Makin' Love" courtesy of guitar great Slash along with Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators, a delightfully haunting "Run With The Pack" featuring Blackberry Smoke, Rodgers and drummer Brann Dailor. The diversity and ambition of the title continues across its last half via acclaimed country & soul artist Charley Crockett's soulful take on "Bad Company," Los Angeles outfit Dirty Honey's blues-rock treatment of "Rock Steady," and a terrific collaboration between Def Leppard members Joe Elliott (lead vocals) and Phil Collen (lead guitar) with Rodgers and Kirke on the poignant "Seagull." The collection closes out powerfully with The Pretty Reckless' fiery blues-rock drenched version of "All Right Now," a song originally recorded by Rodgers' early band Free in 1970. Information: BadCompany.com.
Title: Mélodie de Nelson: A Pop Anthology (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Brian Wilson, The Beach Boys, XTC, Pugwash
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Nelson Bragg's aptly titled collection Mélodie de Nelson: A Pop Anthology is much more than a "greatest hits" or "best of" collection; indeed the 15-track set compiles rarities and freshly remixed tracks from the Los Angeles-based artist's rich solo catalog. The emphasis here is on Bragg's most melodic material, stretching from ascending power pop gems to tuneful folk-styled originals. The wonderful title includes the brand new opener "We're Gonna Laugh About It," which soars via a dynamic arrangement, urgent lead vocals, jangly guitar and an undeniable melodic arc. The lyrically darker "No One's Home In Hollywood" recalls the magic of the Smithereens' Green Thoughts period, with the lovely acoustic foray "Tell Me I'm Wrong," heart-rending "She Used To Love Me," enchanting "Forever Days" and 12-string guitar-anchored "I'm In No Mood" among other early standouts on Mélodie de Nelson: A Pop Anthology. The magic of the self-produced collection continues via the far-flung likes of the ornate "Every Minute Of The Day," Beatlesque "Whitechapel Girl," euphoric rocker "Lost All Our Sundays," sweeping "Glorious Days" and glorious closer "Death Of Caroline." Released on June 20, Mélodie de Nelson: A Pop Anthology is available via vinyl, audio CD and streaming platforms. Information: bigstirrecords.com.
Title: Miniskirts And Rainbows (Y&T Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Badfinger, The Beatles, the Hollies
Tell me more: Miniskirts And Rainbows is an important new collection released in late November that features 19 tracks recorded between 1966 and 1969 by The Iveys, a pioneering power pop band that would later rise to fame as Badfinger courtesy of a series of memorable hit singles (including "No Matter What," "Come and Get It" and "Baby Blue"). Although many of the tracks on Miniskirts And Rainbows are demos and not originally intended for commercial release, the historical importance and palpable spirit of the essential recordings shine across the set. Among the wonderful cuts are "Cleopatra In A Miniskirt" (featuring lead vocals from Tom Evans), the buoyant "I Love You" (sung by Pete Ham), countrified delight "Blodwyn [demo]" (featuring outstanding vocal harmonies from Ham and Ron Griffiths), the Baroque ballad "Angelique [demo]," the psychedelic "Black & White Rainbows [version 2]," poignant Ham-penned "Yesterday Ain't Coming Back [demo]," Beach Boys flavored "Love Means Happiness," nostalgic "All The Fun Of The Fair" and Ham's sentimental "I Miss You [demo]." Information: badfingerlibrary.com.
Title: Etta James Rocks (Bear Family Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Etta James, Billie Holiday, Little Richard
Tell me more: Etta James Rocks is an essential 79-minute collection that takes a deep dive into the most rocking recordings tracked by singer Etta James early her career. The tracks featured on the title were collected from the Modern/Kent and Chess/Argo archives and collectively highlight the Los Angeles native's ability to triumph when singing R&B, jump, hard blues, doo-wop, hot soul and emotive ballads. The rollicking self-penned "Tough Lover" kicks off the title, an infectious rocker recorded in 1956 that recalls the spirit and sound of Little Richard's best hits. The energy and power of the recordings thrills across the length of the set; "Dance With Me, Henry," "W-O-M-A-N," aptly-titled "Next Door To The Blues," the early hit "Good Rockin' Daddy," bluesy "Spoonful" (the latter a wonderful duet with Harvey Fuqua) and "The Wallflower (Roll With Me Henry)" are early standouts. A fervid take on Willie Dixon's "I Just Want To Make Love To You," the New Orleans-flavored "Market Place," jump blues gem "Good Lookin'," the fiery live track "What'd I Say," rousing "Strange Things Happening" and "Hey! Henry" are among the terrific cuts that propel Etta James Rocks on its last half. Etta James Rocks includes 29 selections; what's more the marvelous digipak package housing the audio CD includes an informative 36-page booklet with Bill Dahl's liner notes, archival photographs and ephemera. Information: www.bear-family.com.
Artist: Jan & Dean
Title: One Last Ride (RockBeat Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Beach Boys, Jan & Dean, the Chantays
Tell me more: Celebrated surf music duo Jan & Dean's live album One Last Ride — recorded in Roslyn, New York in 1981 — was recently reissued and is worthy of discovery for fans of The Beach Boys, Chantays and other surf music greats. The audio CD collection features Jan Berry and Dean Torrence delivering tuneful takes on some of the most beloved songs of the 1960s including the spirited opener "New Girl In School," the doo-wop romp "Baby Talk," a speedy take of their top 10 hit "Drag City," a faithful run through The Beach Boys' 1963 hit "Little Deuce Coupe," the harmonies-filled "Ride The Wild Surf," infectious "Sidewalk Surfin'," sumptuous "The Little Old Lady From Pasadena" and euphoric "Surf City." Of particular interest is Jan & Dean's affecting cover of the Beatles gem "You've Got To Hide Your Love Away," as well as a fun-filled musical reading of the Turtles' "Happy Together" featuring that band's Howard Kaylan and Mark Volman. As most fans know, Berry suffered a debilitating brain injury due to a car accident, and he ultimately passed away on March 26, 2004 — eight days before his 63rd birthday. Information: LiberationHall.com.
Title: Long Journey Home: A Century After The Mountain City Fiddlers Convention (Appalsongs)
You might like if you enjoy: Old Crow Medicine Show, Mollly Tuttle, John McCutcheon, Americana music
Tell me more: In May 1925 the small town of Mountain City, TN hosted a fiddlers convention. That single concert's impact has been long remembered and now a century later a number of today's Americana greats have contributed to an ambitious 2025 title celebrating that event. The 17 tracks on Long Journey Home: A Century After The Mountain City Fiddlers Convention (a project spearheaded by John McCutcheon) showcase virtuoso musicianship in spades while conjuring up the magic of classic Appalachian-steeped Americana. Highlights abound on the outstanding collection including singer-fiddler Stuart Duncan's fast-paced opener "Cumberland Gap," the bewitching collaboration between singer-guitarist Molly Tuttle and fiddler Ketch Secor ("I've Always Been A Rambler"), Tim O'Brien's infectious "Old Molly Hare," singer-banjo master Jake Blount's "House Carpenter," singer-fretless banjo player John McCutcheon's captivating "Cuckoo," Old Crow Medicine Show's buoyant "What You Gonna Do With The Baby," the haunting instrumental "Cluck Old Hen" featuring Tray Wellington (on bluegrass banjo) and Victor Furtado (on old time banjo), and enticing "Forked Deer" featuring dynamic play from Becky Buller (fiddle), McCutcheon (banjo), Tim O'Brien (mandolin), PJ George (guitar) and Missy Raines (bass). Information: folksongs.com.
You might like if you enjoy: Old Crow Medicine Show, Mollly Tuttle, John McCutcheon, Americana music
Tell me more: In May 1925 the small town of Mountain City, TN hosted a fiddlers convention. That single concert's impact has been long remembered and now a century later a number of today's Americana greats have contributed to an ambitious 2025 title celebrating that event. The 17 tracks on Long Journey Home: A Century After The Mountain City Fiddlers Convention (a project spearheaded by John McCutcheon) showcase virtuoso musicianship in spades while conjuring up the magic of classic Appalachian-steeped Americana. Highlights abound on the outstanding collection including singer-fiddler Stuart Duncan's fast-paced opener "Cumberland Gap," the bewitching collaboration between singer-guitarist Molly Tuttle and fiddler Ketch Secor ("I've Always Been A Rambler"), Tim O'Brien's infectious "Old Molly Hare," singer-banjo master Jake Blount's "House Carpenter," singer-fretless banjo player John McCutcheon's captivating "Cuckoo," Old Crow Medicine Show's buoyant "What You Gonna Do With The Baby," the haunting instrumental "Cluck Old Hen" featuring Tray Wellington (on bluegrass banjo) and Victor Furtado (on old time banjo), and enticing "Forked Deer" featuring dynamic play from Becky Buller (fiddle), McCutcheon (banjo), Tim O'Brien (mandolin), PJ George (guitar) and Missy Raines (bass). Information: folksongs.com.
Title: Look Out Live! (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: The Smiths, Johnny Marr
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter/groundbreaking guitarist Johnny Marr returned in September 2025 with a terrific two-disc concert recording that fully captures the power and energy of his live appearances. On the 22-track title — recorded at the Hammersmith Apollo in London on the final date of his 2024 Spirit Power tour — Marr revisits some of his beloved material recorded when he was with '80s greats The Smiths as well as his brilliant solo work. Highlights include the captivating opener "Sensory Street," the propulsive "Generate! Generate!" and "Armatopia," the sweeping "Walk Into The Sea" and infectious "Easy Money." Marr delivers energetic and faithful takes on The Smiths' "Panic," "This Charming Man," "Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want," "Bigmouth Strikes Again" and more. The concert was elevated by the appearance of Neil Tennant who reunited with Marr to perform '90s supergroup Electronic's hit "Getting Away With It" as well as a cover of David Bowie's "Rebel Rebel." Information: johnnymarr.com.
Artist: Simple Minds
Title: Live In The City Of Diamonds (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: U2, Simple Minds, The Alarm
Tell me more: A terrific sounding live album with the extensive track listing to match, Live In The City Of Diamonds includes the majority of Simple Minds' most beloved songs recorded at Ziggy Dome, Amsterdam in The Netherlands on April 6, 2024. To be clear, singer-songwriter Jim Kerr sounds as great as ever and Charlie Burchill continues to be one of the great guitar masters of the modern rock era; their signature talents along with the collective expertise of Ged Grimes (bass), Gordy Goudie (guitar, backing vocals), Cherisse Osei (drums), Erik Ljunggen (keyboards) and Sarah Brown (backing vocals) elevate the two dozen selections featured on the outstanding title. Beginning with an uplifting and soaring "Waterfront," disc 1 of the double CD also features the introspective "Sons and Fascination," inspired "Let There Be Love," ethereal "Glittering Prize" and powerful plea for peace "Belfast Child." Disc 2 fires up with the shimmering "Someone, Somewhere In Summertime" and continues it's magical run with standouts including the introspective gem "See The Lights" (the latter bolstered by Burchill's ascending guitar playing), the powerful sing-along fueled "Don't You (Forget About Me)," explosive "Sanctify Yourself," synth-swept "Vision Thing" and dynamic "Color's Fly and Catherine Wheel." The audio CD version reviewed here has exclusive content including an fully-illustrated 24-page color booklet and additional tracks recorded in London, Leeds, Glasgow, Berlin and Dijon. Information: simpleminds.com.
Title: Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Knack, the Plimsouls, the Kinks
Tell me more: More than four decades after New York City power pop quartet Sorrows recorded their third album in a single night back in 1981, the LP was finally released in early 2025 courtesy of Big Stir Records. Now the inspired album featuring the talents of Arthur Alexander (vocals, guitar), Joey Cola (vocals, guitar), Ricky Street (vocals, bass) and Jett Harris (drums) can be heard in its entirety; music fans can only marvel at the power of a recording made 44 years ago that showcases a troupe that was masterfully blending power pop, new wave and punk genres with a signature sound that was definitely the band's own. The explosive opener "Never Mind," poignant light speed take on the Rolling Stones' "Have You Seen Your Mother, Baby, Standing In The Shadow?," glorious melodic rocker "Out Of My Head," rockabilly-fueled "Let Me Know" and the fiery instrumental "Slo' Surfin'" are early standouts on the disc. An ambitious tribute to John Lennon titled "Cricket Man," infectious new wave rocker "Just One Fool To Blame," euphoric power pop cut "Too Much Love," a bona fide punk rock reading of Eddie Cochran's "Something' Else" and genuinely tender "Love Ain't Nothin' (Without You)" thrill on the latter half of the 14-track LP. Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrrow closes out with Sorrows' blistering cover of the Pirates' "You Don't Own Me." Information: bigstirrecords.com.
Title: The 40th Anniversary Concert... And Beyond (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Beatles, Jamie Hoover, Jason Falkner, Pugwash
Tell me more: Fans of The Beatles hungering for melodic, instantly-catchy rock will want to get a listen to The Spongetones' The 40th Anniversary Concert... And Beyond. The North Carolina-based quartet (guitarist Jamie Hoover, bassist Steve Stoeckel, guitarist Pat Walters and drummer Eric Willhelm) performs a slew of catchy originals that tap into the sound of the early Fab Four with artful aplomb across the 21-track collection. The parade of tuneful tracks includes the shining opener "Anyway Town," harmonies-anchored "Not So" and "Here I Go Again," driving "Better Take It Easy," jazzy "Little Death," captivating "Every Night Is A Holiday" and swirling "She Goes Out With Everybody" on the first half of the concert recording. Late disc highlights include the melodious "Don't You Know?," snappy "Have You Ever Been Torn Apart?," Beatlesque "Try To Please," propulsive XTC-flavored "Help Me Janie Help!" and wonderful closer "Lulu's In Love." Information: bigstirrecords.com.
Artist: Supertramp
Title: Live in Paris '79 (Mercury Studios)
You might like if you enjoy: Roger Hodgson, Supertramp
Tell me more: Recorded just nine months after the release of their 1979 masterwork Breakfast in America, Supertramp's Live in Paris '79 full-length live album released on both audio CD and on vinyl in 2025 features the band's classic lineup of Roger Hodgson (vocals, guitars, keyboards), Rick Davies (keyboards, vocals), Dougie Thomson (bass), Bob Siebengerg (drums) and John Helliwell (saxophone). This classic live recording is launched with the mournful sound of a solo harmonica morphing into a full band performance of "School," the stirring leadoff track off the progressive rock group's 1974 album Crime of the Century. The wide range of original material performed by the British troupe across the 3LP collection reviewed here is vast to be sure; the blues-flavored "Ain't Nobody But Me," tuneful pop-rock sortie "The Logical Song" (the latter showcasing Hodgson's dynamic vocals and sharp songcraft), wistful "Goodbye Stranger," rousing "Bloody Well Right" and introspective "Hide In Your Shell" are among the early standouts performed by the group. The latter part of the concert recording includes great performances of an acoustic reading "Give a Little Bit" enhanced by Helliwell's sax playing, the exuberant "Dreamer," bewitching "Take The Long Way Home," transcendent "Fool's Overture" and dramatic closer "Crime of the Century." Information: https://store.mercurystudios.co/.
Title: What I Deserve — 25th Anniversary Edition (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Nanci Griffith, The Jayhawks, Jennifer Hanson
Tell me more: Celebrated Americana-country artist Kelly Willis' acclaimed 1999 album What I Deserve has been reissued as a deluxe expanded edition on CD and vinyl; the edition also includes five previously unissued tracks recorded live on Nov. 14, 1999 on Mountain Stage. The album's musical and lyrical strengths shine as strong now as they did at the time of the disc's release. Early highlights include the irresistible opener "Take Me Down," countrified "Heaven Bound," confessional "Talk Like That" and "Not Forgotten You." Later gems include "Wrapped" (an excellent romance-minded track written by Bruce Robison), tender "Cradle Of Love," emotive take on Nick Drake's "Time Has Told Me" and the Appalachia-tinged "Happy With That" (the latter a song Willis co-wrote with the Jayhawks' Gary Louris). The packaging includes lyrics as well as new liner notes from Peter Blackstock (No Depression, Austin American-Statesman). Information: omnivorerecordings.com.
Title: Best in Show (Seaview)
You might like if you enjoy: World Party, The Waterboys, John Lennon
Tell me more: Following the death of acclaimed singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Karl Wallinger on March 10, 2024 at the age of 66, the artist's family and record label began putting together a special deluxe compilation of his groundbreaking band World Party's hit singles and deep album cuts recognized as fan favorites. Best in Show was issued in March 2025 and is a marvelous overview of World Party's far-flung strengths, ranging from the propulsive opener "Ship Of Fools" (a environmental-themed hit single off the band's 1987 debut album Private Revolution) and infectious 1990 single "Way Down Now" off World Party's second album Goodbye Jumbo to the soaring Beatles-flavored "Put the Message in the Box," bewitching folk rock gem "Is It Like Today?" (the latter being the band's highest-streamed track) and "She's the One," the latter recalling the spirit of John Lennon's early '70s solo piano-anchored material. Other standout selections include the mesmerizing "All Come True" with its myriad of musical layers, the psychedelic rocker "Thank You World," breezy aptly-titled "Sunshine," evocative "What Does It Mean Now" and otherworldly "When The Rainbow Comes." The collection ends with the affecting genre-defying closer "Always."
Best in Show is available on audio CD as well as via a limited-edition, double-vinyl pressing that includes updated artwork from designer Richard Evans and an expanded track listing. For a deeper dive into Wallinger's amazing legacy, check out the the Waterboys' 1985 masterwork This Is The Sea — that album finds Wallinger co-producing many of the tracks as well as contributing backing vocals, synth bass, percussion, piano and organ. Wallinger formed World Party in 1986 shortly after leaving the Waterboys. Information: worldparty.net
Title: Tonight's The Night: 50th Anniversary Edition (Warner/Reprise Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Nils Lofgren
Tell me more: Fans of Neil Young, classic rock and modern-day Americana will all have a myriad of reasons to appreciate the remastered 50th Anniversary Edition of Young's 1975 album Tonight's The Night (the album was originally recorded on analog tape in 1973, and released two years later). To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the masterwork, six bonus tracks have been added to the title. The diverse range of material on the first half of the collection includes the haunting title track, bluesy "Speakin' Out," the deeply affecting piano- and harmonica-adorned "Borrowed Time," the gentle "Mellow My Mind," and countrified "Roll Another Number (For The Road)." The magic of the expanded set continues via stellar tracks including the dream-swept Americana folk rocker "Albuquerque," emotive "Tired Eyes," previously-unreleased original version of "Walk On," tender Gram Parsons-flavored "Wonderin'," and melodic Southern rock mining "Raised on Robbery (featuring Joni Mitchell) — the latter three cuts among the bonus tracks included on the collection. The 50th Anniversary Deluxe limited edition of Tonight's The Night is now available on vinyl, audio CD and digitally. Information: neilyoungarchives.com.
Title: Make Something Happen! A Tribute To The Flashcubes (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Cars, Big Star, The Knack, WeezerTell me more: The legacy of Syracuse, New York-spawned quartet The Flashcubes is front and center on the stellar new 24-track collection Make Something Happen! A Tribute To The Flashcubes, available now courtesy of Big Stir Records. Formed in the late 1970s, The Flashcubes are in the Power Pop Hall Of Fame rightfully alongside fellow genre champions Big Star, Cheap Trick and Raspberries. Among the slew of great early offerings on Make Something Happen! are sparkle*jets u.k.'s shimmering "Make Something Happen," Librarians With Hickeys' rollicking "Gone Too Far," a collaboration between Graham Parker and Mike Gent on the hearty "Pathetic," The Kennedys' jazzy "Walking Through The Park," and Dolph Chaney's post-punk nugget "Girl From Germany." Make Something Happen!'s delights continue via gems such as The Peppermint Kicks' exuberant "Muscle Beach," The Choosers' tender "Christi Girl," The Armoires' harmonies-draped "You're Not The Police," The Mayflowers' ambitious "Born To Cry," Sorrows' beguiling "Radio" and euphoric disc closing "Nothing Really Matters When You're Young" courtesy of The Spongetones. In addition to all the top-tier readings of Flashcubes classic materials are a trio of new cuts contributed by the Flashcubes; the infectious lead-off single "Reminisce," the soaring "The Sweet Spot" and deeply affecting "If These Hands" are rousing additions to the band's growing legacy and allow each of the band's songwriters — guitarist Paul Armstrong, bassist Gary Frenay and guitarist Arty Lenin — to shine. Information: bigstirrecords.com.
Title: Message In A Bottle (Mercury Studios)
Tell me more: Fans of the music of The Police and Sting, as well as lovers of top-tier modern dance will all find something to love on the newly released filmed adaptation of the stage production of "Message In A Bottle." Available now via a beautiful two-disc 4K Ultra HD+Blu-ray edition presented by Mercury Studios and Sadler's Wells, the celebrated full-length dance show plays out against the music of 17-time Grammy Award winner Sting. Kate Prince's choreography fuels a compelling storyline featuring two dozen or so dancers from ZooNation: The Kate Prince Company. The audio and visual quality on the release is fantastic.
The new recordings of many of Sting's most recognized and beloved songs are artfully used to help propel the story of a displaced family and their journey through joy, love, despair and triumph. Alex Lacamoire's new arrangements feature Sting and guest artists such as Beverley Knight singing "Every Breath You Take," "Roxanne," "Fields of Gold," "Shape Of My Heart," "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic," "Invisible Sun" and many others. A number of dance styles ranging from pantomime, break dancing, ballet, folk and expressionist dance are used by the talented cast.
In the notes provided to this writer, Sting accurately states: "When I first saw 'Message In A Bottle,' I was overwhelmed by all the different styles of dance in the show. What I really didn't expect was to be so emotionally engaged in the story. Kate's imaginative story and beautiful choreography has brought my songs to new life, and I am thrilled that there is now a film of the fantastic stage show."
Information: mercurystudios.co.
Title: Chilling, Thrilling Hooks and Harmonies: The Big Stir Records Halloween Grimoire (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Strawberry Alarm Clock, sparkle*jets u.k., The Spongetones, The Corner LaughersTell me more: On the Halloween-aimed collection Chilling, Thrilling Hooks and Harmonies: The Big Stir Records Halloween Grimoire, 21 Big Stir Records artists contribute tracks to the outstanding set. Early standouts on the ambitious set include Librarians With Hickeys' '60s flavored "Ghoul You Want" which conjures up the magic of The Zombies' classic recordings, sparkle*jets u.k.'s novelty delight "Eyeball Eater (From Outer Space)," The Corner Laughers' melodic "Dark Matter," the Armoires' wonderfully sumptuous "Full-On Witch Mode," The Spongetones' bewitching harmonies-adorned "Spirit World (Chilling, Thrilling 2025 Remix)," Splitsville's propulsive post-punk sortie "I Was A Teenage Frankenstein," and Graham Parker & The Goldtops' concert recording of the rollicking "Music Of The Devil." The collection's ghoulish parade of delights continue via The Jack Rubies' genre-blending "Phantom (Chilling, Thrilling 2025 Remix)," Blake Jones & The Trike Shop's aptly-titled "Halloween Wind," The Gold Needles' indie rock gem "Ghost In The Airwaves," Crossword Smiles' power pop nugget "Black Cats & Broken Mirrors," Dolph Chaney's collaboration with The Speed of Sound (the exhilarating "Zombie Century"), Strawberry Alarm Clock's haunting "Monsters" and many more great cuts. Information: bigstirrecords.com.
Title: The Elvis Presley Connection, Vol. 4: 28 Roots and Covers of Elvis Presley (Bear Family Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Elvis Presley, Jerry Reed, Charlie Rich, Ray Charles, Bobby Darin
Tell me more: Fans of early rock, blues, country and Americana music will be thrilled by the wide range of incredible recordings featured on The Elvis Presley Connection, Vol. 4: 28 Roots and Covers of Elvis Presley. The compelling title covers Presley's creative period spanning from 1967 to 1967, with the King of Rock and Roll's cover versions of previously released songs and originals arranged in chronological order. This period included Presley's legendary NBC-TV '68 Comeback Special, his ambitious Memphis sessions and the 1969 stage comeback in Las Vegas.
The 76-minute collection features a stellar array of artists performing original and cover versions of well-known songs recorded by Elvis Presley between 1967 and 1969; this includes some demos — a number of them available on audio CD for the very first time. Among the notable artists featured on the early part of the collection are Jerry Reed (whose driving rockabilly-minded "Guitar Man" and bluesy "Big Boss Man" kick off the disc), Charlie Rich (who offers up a decidedly uptempo take on "Big Boss Man"), Don Gibson (whose tender ballad "Just Call Me Lonesome" captures the emotion of Presley's approach), Andy William delivering a bewitching "You'll Never Walk Alone," Mac Davis (whose soulful "A Little Less Conversation" is a delight) and LaVern Baker's joyful gospel track "Saved."
The magic on The Elvis Presley Connection, Vol. 4 continues via wonderful offerings from Vern Stovall (whose countrified "Long Black Limousine" was tracked in 1961), Ned Miller's Buddy Holly-minded "From A Jack to a King," Mac Davis' emotive sumptuous reading of his own "In The Ghetto," Mark James' symphonic "Suspicious Minds," Neil Diamond's glorious "And The Grass Won't Pay No Mind" and Johnny Tillotson's tender ballad "It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin'." The disc closes with a moving take by Chuck Jackson of Burt Bacharach's soulful "Any Day Now (My Wild Beautiful Bird)." The 36-page color booklet contains rare photos and insights about the recordings, as well as detailed liner notes by Presley expert Helmut Radermacher. The Elvis Presley Connection, Vol. 4: 28 Roots and Covers of Elvis Presley is one of the most exciting titles of early 2025. Visit HERE to learn more about this essential title.
