Rock Music Gift Guide: Neil Young, Oasis, Record Plant Studios, Photographer Dennis Morris

In this column I highlight a notable deluxe reissue from Neil Young, as well as three outstanding coffee table hardcover books of interest to music fans.

Artist: Neil Young
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 receiving a copy of the new 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.

Rock 'n' Roll Reads

Title: Oasis: Trying To Find A Way Out Of Nowhere (1994-2009/2025)

Authors: Jill Furmanovsky and Noel Gallagher

Publisher: Thames & Hudson

Hardcover: 304 pages
Tell me more: Oasis: Trying To Find A Way Out Of Nowhere chronicles the band Oasis through the skillful lens of photographer Jill Furmanovsky from the 1994 "Definitely Maybe" tour to the tumultuous 2009 "Dig Out Your Soul" tour and the band's triumphant 2025 return. The wonderful hardcover features more than 500 photographs, many of which appear in the volume for the very first time. In addition to Furmanovsky's signature images, Oasis singer-songwriter/guitarist Noel Gallagher penned the book foreword while Furmanovsky wrote an introduction; there are also three informative pieces by author Simon Spence, publicist and writer Johnny Hopkins, and music columnist Laura Barton that revisit Oasis' early, mid and late eras. Information: thamesandhudson.com.

Title: Buzz Me In: Inside the Record Plant Studios

Authors: Martin Porter and David Goggin

Publisher: Thames & Hudson

Hardcover: 352 pages
Tell me more: Buzz Me In: Inside the Record Plant Studios offers a deep dive into the most notable and important recording studios of the 1970s. Authors Martin Porter and David Goggin — both veteran music journalists — used the memoirs and archives of studio cofounder Chris Stone, as well as interviews with more than 100 studio employees, music producers and recording artists to chronicle one of rock music's most seminal decades. From the Record Plant Studios' inception with the groundbreaking Jimi Hendrix recordings in the late 1960s to memorable '70s sessions with the celebrated likes of John Lennon, Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, the Eagles and Fleetwood Mac, the insightful writing and archival images brings album rock's golden era to life. Information: thamesandhudson.com.

Title: Dennis Morris Music + Life
Authors: Photographer Dennis Morris; text contributions by Stuart Hall, Sean O'Hagan, and Simon Baker & Shear Mavlian

Publisher: Thames & Hudson

Hardcover: 272 pages

Tell me more: A retrospective of the amazing career of celebrated British photographer Dennis Morris, Music + Life is the first ever volume that combines Morris' incredible portraits of countless music legends (Bob Marley, the Sex Pistols, Grace Jones, Oasis, the Stone Roses and many more) as well as documentary-styled images examining race, culture and identity in 1970s Great Britain. Information: thamesandhudson.com.

Robert Kinsler

Neil Young's 1975 album 'Tonight's The Night' coming as 50th Anniversary Edition

Check out the official media release with details about a 50th Anniversary edition of Neil Young's "Tonight's The Night" album release coming next month...Robert Kinsler

NEIL YOUNG REVISTS 1975 CLASSIC ALBUM TONIGHT’S THE NIGHT WITH 50TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION FEATURING SIX BONUS TRACKS AND REIMAGINED COVER ART RECORDED IN 1973, DEFINITIVE VERSION NOW CONTAINS 18 SONGS TO BE RELEASED NOVEMBER 28 VIA WARNER/REPRISE RECORDS

There are certain albums meant to make a difference. Even before they're released into the world, the way they are inspired and then brought to life feel meant to be. And, in 1975, when Neil Young released TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT it was definitely foretold. Young had been recording with new-edge musicians and had written songs that become lifelong inspirations. Recorded in 1973 on analog tape, it was released two years later and has since been regarded as one of Neil's masterpieces. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the album, six bonus tracks have been added to this limited edition release of one of Young's truly inspirational releases.  Many unique additions have been gathered to create the definitive edition of what many have called the third and final installment of the “The Ditch Trilogy." 1975 was a historical time, and the album reflects that. These were turbulent times which saw the end of the Vietnam War, a new president in the White House but nothing would affect Young more than the untimely and tragic passing of two close friends, original Crazy Horse guitarist/vocalist Danny Whitten and devoted road crew member Bruce Berry. In so many ways, Neil Young's music fifty years later is still growing from all that was inspired from the time of TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT. It's a feeling and knowledge was opened up from the songs of the album. The 50th Anniversary Deluxe limited edition will be released on vinyl, CD and digitally. A clear vinyl format is available at Greedy Hand Store and indie retailers. The original artwork has been creatively reimagined for this limited edition release. Included on the new anniversary release are unreleased original versions of "Lookout Joe" and "Walk On," both recorded during the original 1973 album sessions at S.I.R. in Los Angeles. "Lookout Joe" replaces the original released album version that was recorded at Young's Broken Arrow Studio and subsequently included in Tonight’s the Night original release. Both "Lookout Joe" and "Walk On" fit like a glove with the original TTN releases, recorded in the same sessions and have the same vibe. There are also five bonus tracks on the 50TH ANNIVERSARY edition: These versions of "Lookout Joe", "Walk On," and "Tonight's The Night" (Take 3) have never been released. "Everybody's Alone," "Raised on Robbery" (featuring Joni Mitchell,) and "Speakin' Out" Jam appeared in NEIL YOUNG ARCHIVES VOL II, while the unreleased TTN version of “Wonderin'’ from the same sessions has only ever been available to stream on NYA. This is the first time all six bonus tracks from the original sessions have been available on vinyl, making this the most cohesive and true version of Tonight's The Night. In Young's unique career path, all these recordings from such an exciting period of his career and rock & roll itself were opening up new abilities to expand the music, looking towards the future as well as celebrating the past. It was a period for change, even in its earliest adventures.  TONIGHT’S THE NIGHT 50th Anniversary Edition Tracklisting: Tonight’s The Night  Speakin’ Out World On A String Borrowed Tune Come On Baby Let’s Go Downtown Mellow My Mind Roll Another Number (For The Road) Albuquerque New Mama Lookout Joe [New 1973 version] Tired Eyes Tonight’s The Night (part II) Bonus Tracks - all from original TTN sessions at S.I.R. Walk On Wonderin’ Everybody’s Alone Raised On Robbery [feat. Joni Mitchell] Speakin’ Out Jam Tonight’s The Night (take 3) All formats will be available at the Greedy Hand Store at Neil Young Archives (NYA) and music retailers everywhere. Hi-res digital audio will be available at Neil Young Archives and most DSPs. All Greedy Hand Store purchases come with free hi-res digital audio downloads from the NYA Download Store at NYA. # # # Visit: Neil Young Archives (NYA)

Al Jardine of The Beach Boys surprise releases first new collection of music in 15 Years with new EP "Islands In The Sun" featuring Neil Young

Al Jardine of The Beach Boys has surprised fans today with his first new collection of music in 15 years! Get all the details on the new EP "Islands In The Sun" below...Robert Kinsler

AL JARDINE RELEASES FIRST NEW COLLECTION OF MUSIC IN 15 YEARS WITH NEW 4-SONG DIGITAL EP, ISLANDS IN THE SUN, JUST IN TIME FOR SUMMER

FEATURES NEIL YOUNG, BEACH BOY BRUCE JOHNSTON AND FLEA OF THE RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS

AVAILABLE TO STREAM AND DOWNLOAD NOW VIA UMe

EMBARKING ON SUMMER TOUR WITH THE PET SOUNDS BAND

Los Angeles – May 30, 2025 – The legendary Al Jardine, co-founding singer, songwriter and guitarist of The Beach Boys, has just released his first new collection of songs in 15 years with the eclectic new 4-song digital EP, Islands In The Sun. Available to stream and download everywhere today, the EP is chock full of Jardine’s sharp songwriting, iconic, summery voice and the type of good vibes and trademark harmonies that only a Beach Boy can provide. The album was recorded at Al’s home studio on the California coast and produced by Al alongside Stevie Heger (co-producer of Al’s debut studio album, A Postcard from California) and longtime Beach Boys/Brian Wilson sound engineer Jeff Peters. Stream Islands In The Sun: https://AlJardine.lnk.to/IslandInTheSunPR The EP debuts with a vintage postcard-themed lyric video for the titular track, “Islands In The Sun,” a friendly nod to “Kokomo.” Featuring beautiful lead vocals from Al and his son Matt Jardine, plus a guest vocal from Beach Boy Bruce Johnston and a children’s choir from three local elementary schools, the song is a Caribbean-flavored fantasy that falls somewhere between the Beach Boys and Belafonte that perfectly captures the mood and tropical lifestyle of the West Indies. “‘Islands In The Sun’ captures that special magic we felt and sang about on Beach Boys songs like ‘Island Girl’ and ‘Kokomo,’” says Al. “It was inspired by the enchanting calypso sounds of Harry Belafonte and Bob Marley’s laid-back reggae vibe. Now wouldn’t it be fun if we could bottle up the sun!”

The second track, “My Plane Leaves Tomorrow (Au Revoir),” is a heartfelt duet with Neil Young that Al first started working on during the recording sessions for his 2010 debut solo album, A Postcard from California, and has now been completed nearly a decade and a half later. Neil recorded his vocals at the same session that he recorded Postcard’s “A California Saga” with his old bandmates, David Crosby and Stephen Stills. In the poignant new song, Al and Neil share the same sentiment about sending our troops off to foreign wars. The track includes a portion of the melancholy military bugle call “Taps,” performed by Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who laid down his contribution when he also provided bass for “Help Me Rhonda” for the Postcard album. “Highway 101 (Rosarita Beach Café),” a joyful romp to the border, is Al’s Mexico-inspired version of the Leiber/Stoller classic, “Smokey Joe’s Café.” The original, a classic by The Coasters from 1956, was one of Al’s favorite songs when he was growing up and almost 70 years later, Al got permission from Mike Stoller to rewrite the lyrics. This new interpretation features long-standing Beach Boys touring band members Ed Carter on bass and Mike Kowalski on drums, Michael Lent (Barry Manilow’s guitarist for over 25 years) on lead guitar and Steve Douglas from the legendary Wrecking Crew on sax. The EP concludes with “Crumple Car,” an updated version of the forgotten tune from the 1978 classic surf movie, “Big Wednesday.” Originally written by surfer Denny Aaberg with Phil Pritchard, the song was brought to Al’s attention years ago by Ed Carter (who was friends with Denny) and has been reimagined as a folky, fingerpicked ode to Al’s love of the ocean and his desire to keep the coastlines clean and safe from harmful manmade pollution. With Denny’s blessing, Al’s new version features Ed on lead guitar finger-picking style with backing vocals from Al’s son, Adam Jardine, plus Al on lead whistle.   Al will embark on a summer tour with seasoned members of Brian Wilson’s longtime touring band that he has reunited as The Pet Sounds Band. In addition to performing the classic Beach Boys’ hits, Al and The Pet Sounds Band will be performing radio singles and fan favorites from The Beach Boys’ critically acclaimed ‘70s albums like 15 Big Ones, The Beach Boys Love You and the M.I.U. Album, which was produced by Al in 1978, plus a song or two from Islands In The Sun, along with rarities and deep cuts. Al will be joined by his son, vocalist/percussionist Matt Jardine, who toured with him, Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys for decades, keyboardist Darian Sahanaja, drummer Michael D’Amico, bassist Bob Lizik, pianist Gary Griffin, guitarist Rob Bonfiglio, horn player Paul Von Mertens, and keyboardist Debbie Shair.   Islands In The Sun comes perfectly timed with summer just around the corner and at 82, Al sounds as good as ever.

For more island fun, please visit Al Jardine’s official website: www.aljardine.com

AL JARDINE AND THE PET SOUNDS BAND ON TOUR July 4 – Lake, MN @ Mystic Amphitheater at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel July 18 – Cohasset, MA @ South Shore Music Circus July 23 – Phoenix, AZ @ Musical Instrument Museum July 24 – Phoenix, AZ @ Musical Instrument Museum August 23 – Des Plaines, IL @ The Des Plaines Theatre August 24 – St. Charles, IL @ The Arcada Theatre September 5 – Atlantic City, NJ @ Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa September 7 – Concord, NY @ Chubb Theatre at Capitol Center for the Arts

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'Light Up The Blues 7' coming to the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on April 26

 What a lineup!

Nathaniel Rateliff and Rufus Wainwright Join Neil Young, Stephen Stills, Billy Idol, Cat Power, Linda Perry, Chris Stills, Christina Applegate, and Very Special Guests For Autism Speaks Light Up The Blues 7 Concert, Celebrating Autism Speaks’ 20th Anniversary, at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on April 26, 2025

 

Hosted by Kristen and Stephen Stills, the evening promotes understanding and inclusion of people with autism

Tickets are on sale HERE.

Los Angeles, CA (April 1, 2025) – Nathaniel Rateliff and Rufus Wainwright will join Neil Young, Stephen Stills, Billy Idol, Cat Power, Linda Perry, Chris Stills, Oliver Stills, Christina Applegate and more in Los Angeles on April 26, 2025 at the Greek Theatre for the Autism Speaks Light Up The Blues 7 Concert. Hosted once again by Kristen and Stephen Stills, and promoted by Nederlander Concerts, the event will feature performances by autistic musical artists including The Spectrum Bluegrass Band and Abbey Romeo, and will begin at 7:00 PM PST. Tickets are on sale HERE.

Neil Young & Stephen Stills at Light Up the Blues 2023 (Photo courtesy of Light Up the Blues)

​​The Light Up the Blues Concert, presented by the Indianapolis Colts, returns for its seventh year and will celebrate Autism Speaks’ 20th anniversary and the autism community, while helping to fuel Autism Speaks’ work to provide resources and services for all autistic individuals, across the spectrum and throughout their lifespan. Proceeds from the Light Up The Blues 7 Concert will support Autism Speaks’ efforts, which include funding research, increasing early childhood screening and interventions, and improving the transition to adulthood for people with autism.

Kristen Stills and Stephen Stills arrive on the blue carpet at the Autism Speaks Light Up The Blues 6 Concert at The Greek Theatre on April 22, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harmony Gerber/Getty Images) Kristen and Stephen Stills said, “We are once again feeling grateful that we can play a part in helping Autism Speaks to fulfill their mission of creating such meaningful progress for autistic people and their families. There are a multitude of existing challenges and now, here in Los Angeles, we face a new reality of added need for our autism community. The trajectory of getting back to a sense of normalcy is very complex. We know that our support of Autism Speaks will help to ensure that the path will be smoother and approached with sensitivity and care. All the amazing artists joining us to celebrate autistic people will give our audience a night to remember for many years to come and we can’t wait to be with them once again!” “Kristen and Stephen Stills are once again using the power of music to amplify the voices of the autism community, and we’re grateful for their dedication to making this event a force for change,” said Keith Wargo, Autism Speaks President and Chief Executive Officer. “As Autism Speaks marks its 20th anniversary, we’re not just reflecting on how far we’ve come—we’re pushing forward, driven by the voices of autistic people, to tear down barriers and create a world where disability inclusion is a reality. Over the next two decades, we’re redefining what’s possible—fearlessly fighting for access to health and wellness services, employment, and community support so that every autistic person has the opportunities they deserve.” Taking place during World Autism Month, The Light Up The Blues 7 Concert reinforces Autism Speaks’ commitment to standing with the autistic community by encouraging everyone to celebrate differences and include people with autism in all aspects of society. Supporters can help make a world of difference for autistic individuals this April and year-round by visiting AutismSpeaks.org. In addition, Autism Speaks is stepping up to support communities affected by the LA fires by offering tailored virtual resources and partnering with local providers to assist frontline response efforts—maximizing existing resources to make an immediate impact. Over the years, the Light Up the Blues Concert has featured artists and guests including Neil Young, Crosby, Stills & Nash, John Mayer, Jack Black, Patti Smith, Joe Walsh, Willie Nelson, Brandi Carlile, Sheryl Crow, Beck, Burt Bacharach, Dax Shepard, Kristen Bell, Don Felder, Jakob Dylan, Nikka Costa, The War On Drugs, and more, and has raised millions of dollars in support of Autism Speaks, helping to drive the organization’s mission.   About Autism: Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. We now know that there is not one autism but many subtypes, and each person with autism can have unique strengths and challenges. A combination of genetic and environmental factors influence the development of autism, and autism often is accompanied by medical issues such as GI disorders, seizures and sleep disturbances. Autism affects an estimated 1 in 36 children in the U.S.   About Autism Speaks: Autism Speaks is dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan. In response to the pressing needs of the 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults with autism in the U.S. today, Autism Speaks provides resources and tools for autistic individuals of all ages and levels of support. Connecting millions of people with autism and their families to free services, supports, research, innovation and advances in care, the nonprofit serves as a convener for the autism community with the goal of making a real difference for all people on the autism spectrum. To find resources, join an event or make a donation, go to AutismSpeaks.org and follow @AutismSpeaks on social media.    About the Greek Theatre: The Greek Theatre is a 5,901-seat music venue located in Griffith Park, Los Angeles, California. It was built in 1930, opening on September 25 of that year. Designed by architect Samuel Tilden Norton, the theatre stage is modeled after a Greek temple. The Greek Theatre is owned by the City of Los Angeles, Department of Recreation and Parks. The venue is among the City’s most cherished public sites.   The historic Greek Theatre stands as one of the nation’s most beloved and recognized outdoor entertainment venues. Throughout its history, the Greek Theatre has played host to some of the biggest legends in music. This iconic venue has also served as a site for numerous high school graduations, community events and backdrops for television shows and motion pictures. For more information visit: www.lagreektheatre.com About Nederlander Concerts: Nederlander Concerts promotes and produces a wide range of quality live entertainment throughout the United States and in 2024 was ranked among the top 20 promoters in the country by Pollstar magazine.  As a boutique, independent event promotion and venue management firm, Nederlander operates and/or programs the most coveted and awarded small to mid-sized venues, including the Hollywood Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles, Vina Robles Amphitheatre in Paso Robles, The Backyard in Sacramento, Portneuf Health Trust Amphitheatre in Pocatello, Idaho, San Jose Civic, and California Performing Arts Center in San Jose, among others. Also, the company promotes events at third party arenas, theatres, and clubs across the country, including the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, the Grove of Anaheim, San Diego Civic, Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks, Paramount Theatre in Oakland, Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts in Worcester and many more. For more information on Nederlander Concerts visit  Official Website l Facebook l Twitter l Instagram