New Music: Micky Dolenz, Chrissie Hynde, Tribute to Pink Floyd's 'Wish You Were Here', The Daybreaks, Thundermother

A trio of highly-anticipated full-length tributes take center stage in my latest column, while a wonderful reissue of Heart singer Ann Wilson's earliest band The Daybreaks and a deluxe edition of a relatively-recent album from a rising Swedish hard rock band are also definitely worth discovering.

Artist: Micky Dolenz

Title: Dolenz Sings Nesmith (7a Records)

You might like if you enjoy: The Monkees, Traffic, The Zombies

Tell me more: The Monkees' amazing 55-year story continues with the long-awaited release of Dolenz Sings Nesmith, a 14-song set where lead vocalist Micky Dolenz covers top-tier material penned by Michael Nesmith. Dolenz – who sang many of the Monkees' most beloved hits (including "Last Train to Clarksville," "Pleasant Valley Sunday," "Mary, Mary" and "Randy Scouse Git") – revisits a slew of great songs from his good friend and the band's most notable songwriter; these are songs that were previously sung by Nesmith with the Monkees or via his subsequent solo career, and all receive decidedly different arrangements courtesy of Michael Nesmith's son Christian Nesmith (who produced the essential set recorded between September 2020 and February 2021). "Different Drum" (a hit for Linda Ronstadt and The Stone Poneys in 1967) receives an upbeat, harmonica-adorned romp. The explosive Americana-styled "Propinquity (I've Just Begun to Care)" is an exuberant celebration of love that showcases Dolenz's signature vocals (which sound as great as ever). Equally powerful but tapping into '60s garage rock stylings is the driving "Little Red Rider." Other standouts abound on "Dolenz Sings Nesmith"; the beautiful acoustic gem "Only Bound," joyful Indian classical-flavored "Circle Sky," shimmering "Marie's Theme" and countrified "Don't Wait for Me." The audio CD version comes with a bonus track and includes a 36-page color booklet. Information: 7arecords.com.

Artist: Chrissie Hynde

Title: Standing in the Doorway: Chrissie Hynde Sings Bob Dylan (BMG)

You might like if you enjoy: Chrissie Hynde, Bob Dylan, The Pretenders

Tell me more: There is a reason that Bob Dylan – who celebrates his 80th birthday on May 24, 2021 – is one of the most celebrated and covered songwriters in the history of modern music; his songs have a poetry, timelessness and literate power that is instantly palpable. Listening to the majestic Standing in the Doorway: Chrissie Hynde Sings Bob Dylan is to celebrate the art of Robert Zimmerman's brilliance with the added bonus of singer-guitarist Chrissie Hynde bringing her own signature vocal style and interpretive firepower to the nine-track collection. Assisted by Pretenders lead guitarist James Walbourne, this is an acoustic-styled project that allows the power of the songs to breathe and reveal increasingly-profound layers with each listen. Hynde's album veers away from Dylan's best known material and instead explores favorite, mostly lesser-known songs that have connected with her more deeply. The gorgeous "Love Minus Zero / No Limit," inspired blues-heavy "Don't Fall Apart on Me Tonight," haunting "Blind Willie McTell," poignant "Sweetheart Like You" and reflective title track shine on one of the most distinguished titles of the first half of 2021. Information: ChrissieHynde.com.

Artists: Todd Rundgren, Geoff Tate, Rod Argent, Steve Hackett, Bootsy Collins, Carmine Appice, Ian Paice, more

Title: Still Wish You Were Here (Purple Pyramid Records / Cleopatra Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Pink Floyd, Yes, Rick Wakeman, King Crimson, progressive rock, classic rock

Tell me more: Pink Floyd's 1975 studio album Wish You Were Here obviously has its musical admirers. On the new full-length tribute to the album ("Still Wish You Were Here"), a who's who of rock greats contribute to revisiting the masterwork in its entirety. On the expansive opener "Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Parts 1-5)," singer Geoff Tate (Queensrÿche), guitarist Steve Hackett (Genesis), keyboardist Geoff Downes (Yes, ASIA), drummer Ian Paice (Deep Purple), flautist-saxophonist Mel Collins (King Crimson) and bassist Billy Sheehan join forces to bring the dreamy selection fully to life. On the forceful "Welcome to the Machine," singer-guitarist Todd Rundgren, keyboardist Rick Wakeman and bassist Tony Levin elevate the atmospheric favorite. The genre-blending rock track "Have a Cigar" spotlights the talents of Dream Theater singer James LaBrie, guitar great Steve Stevens, former Moody Blues keyboardist Patrick Moraz, drummer Rat Scabies (of The Damned) and bassist Jah Wobble (Public Image Ltd). Singer-guitarist Rik Emmett (of Triumph), guitar hero Joe Satriani, former Megadeath bassist David Ellefson, drummer Carmine Appice and the late multi-instrumentalist Edgar Froese (of Tangerine Dream fame) conjure up the magic of the beloved title track. The ambitious "Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Parts 6-9)" closes out the ambitious tribute, with keyboardist-vocalist Rod Argent (of The Zombies), groundbreaking guitarist Steve Hillage, dummer Ian Paice (Deep Purple) and bassist Bootsy Collins (Parliament-Funkadelic) adding a fiery approach to the track.  Despite the army of diverse talents who share the spotlight across Still Wish You Were Here, there is a cohesive and artful flow that makes for a special listen. Still Wish You Were Here is available on audio CD in a beautiful six-panel deluxe digipak as well as a gorgeous gatefold vinyl in a variety of colors. Information: CleopatraRecords.com.

Artist: The Daybreaks

Title: The Daybreaks (TAWT)

You might like if you enjoy: Ann Wilson, Heart, Linda Ronstadt

Tell me more: Before Ann Wilson formed the band Heart with her sister (guitarist Nancy Wilson), the singer got her start in the late '60s with The Daybreaks. Now an EP of previously-unheard recordings from The Daybreaks has been released by Wilson . A fascinating and enjoyable listen, the EP includes the uptempo '60s-mining "Through Eyes and Glass," evocative chamber pop ballad "Standing Watching You," the bluesy "I'm Gonna Drink My Hurt Away" and Americana "Wonder How I Managed." Wilson's signature soprano carries the day across the four-song set. The four tracks are available digitally now; a limited edition 10-inch vinyl with a digital redemption code is available for pre-order. Information: AnnWilson.com.

Artist: Thundermother

Title: Heat Wave / Deluxe Edition (AFM Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Heart, Scorpions, Lita Ford, AC/DC, The Pretty Reckless

Tell me more: When it comes to the sound of '70s and '80s hard rock, things have come full circle in 2021 resulting in the explosion of interest in young bands including American outfits Dirty Honey, The Record Company, the Pretty Reckless and Greta Van Fleet. Add to that list growing acclaim for an all-female rock quartet from Sweden, Thundermother. The band's most recent album, Heat Wave, was released in July 2020 and did so well around the world that AFM Records released an expanded edition of the album that includes 10 previously-unreleased tracks along with the original track listing. This is a band whose ferocious sound and tight musical chops recall a cross between Back in Black-era AC/DC and early Scorpions (just listen to lead singer Guernica Mancini whose vocals are the equal of a young Klaus Meine). The material here is not always aimed at exploring new ground but Thundermother's hard-edged rock attack is so infectious the band's sound can't be denied. Highlights include the AC/DC-styled "Dog From Hell" and "Ghosts" (guitarist Filippa Nässil's fret work often recalls Angus Young), head-banging "Back in '76," rapid-fire heavy metal charge "Into The Mud" (showcasing the rhythm section of drummer Emlee Johansson and bassist Majsan Lindberg), the textured rock ballad "Sleep," and scorching "Driving In Style." The blues-rock original "Purple Sky" and meteoric melodic rocker "The Road Is Ours" are noteworthy for pushing the band's sound forward. The bonus tracks (a mix of live cuts, acoustic demos and studio recordings) are all essential. Information: Thundermother.com.

Robert Kinsler

Sights and Sounds: Taste, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Greg Lake

There is plenty of exciting news to share with rock fans today...

Eagle Rock Entertainment set to issue the first-ever video release of Taste

'What's Going On – Live at the Isle of Wight 1970' coming to DVD, Blu-ray, 2LP, CD and digital formats on September 18, 2015

On September 18, 2015, Eagle Rock Entertainment will release What’s Going On – Live At The Isle Of Wight Festival 1970 by Taste.  This simultaneous release on DVD, Blu-ray, 2LP, CD, and Digital Formats represents the first-ever video release of this legendary performance. [MSRP $14.98 DVD, $19.98 Blu-ray, $13.98 CD, $34.98 2LP]

 

What’s Going On – Live At The Isle Of Wight Festival tells the story of Eire's seminal rock band Taste. Formed in Cork, Ireland in 1966 by Rory Gallagher, Taste had a brief but influential career, releasing two studio albums in 1969 and 1970 and disbanding shortly after their legendary appearance at the 1970 Isle Of Wight Festival -- the centerpiece of this film.

 

The core of What’s Going On is the band’s performance at the festival on August 28^th. Encapsulated within a documentary on the history and importance of Taste, the film features contributions from Rory’s brother andTaste road manager Donal Gallagher along with Brian May (Queen), The Edge (U2), Bob Geldof and renowned guitarist Larry Coryell.

 

Taste’s performance at the festival was so well received that when Jimi Hendrix was asked “How does it feel to be the best guitarist in the world,” he replied, “I don’t know, why don’t you go and ask Rory Gallagher?”

 

The original 1970 footage was shot by Academy Award winning director Murray Lerner. The 16mm film has been restored and the sound remixed for this 2015 version of What’s Going On – Live At The Isle Of Wight Festival 1970, which includes all the tracks on the original 1971 Polydor LP plus several additional tracks.  Bonus features include three tracks from the German TV series Beat Club: “If The Day Was Any Longer”, “It’s Happened Before, It’ll Happen Again” and “Morning Sun”.  Additionally there are three conceptual music videos for the tracks “I’ll Remember,” “What’s Going On,” and “Born On The Wrong Side Of Time”. 

 

Rory Gallagher and Taste are also being celebrated with the I’ll Remember 4CD box set (Universal, August 28, 2015) which boasts remastered versions of their two acclaimed studio albums Taste and On The Boards, bonus tracks, and previously unreleased live concert recordings from Stockholm’s Konserthuset, The BBC and Woburn Abbey Festival, plus demos of both released and unreleased material.

 

Rory Gallagher would go on to enjoy an acclaimed and highly successful solo career.  Johnny Marr said, “The man who changed my musical life was Rory Gallagher, I picked up a guitar because of him.” 

 

The electrifying What’s Going On – Live At The Isle Of Wight Festival 1970 is an early example of Rory’s justified reputation as the ultimate live performer.

 

Click here to check out “What’s Going On”: https://youtu.be/mOo_Zi1W2iE

 

Eagle Rock Entertainment is the largest producer and distributor of music programming for DVD, Blu-Ray, TV and Digital Media in the world.  Eagle works directly alongside talent to produce top quality, High Definition programs, both concerts and documentaries, including The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, The Who, Queen, The Doors, Jeff Beck, Peter Gabriel, Paul McCartney, Ozzy Osbourne, Genesis, Alice Cooper, Eric Clapton and Aerosmith. Eagle is a Grammy Award winning company and has received over 40 multi-platinum, over 80 platinum and over 144 gold discs, worldwide.  Eagle Rock Entertainment has offices in London, New York, Paris and Hamburg.

 

Follow Eagle Rock Entertainment at:

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/EagleRockEnt

Twitter: www.twitter.com/EagleRockNews

YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/eaglerocktv

 

 

TRACK LISTING DVD / Blu-Ray

1) What’s Going On  

2) Sugar Mama  

3) Morning Sun  

4) Gambling Blues 

5) Sinner Boy  

6) Same Old Story 

7) Catfish Blues  

8) I Feel So Good

 

TRACK LISTING CD / 2LP

1) What’s Going On  

2) Sugar Mama  

3) Morning Sun  

4) Gambling Blues  

5) Sinner Boy  

6) I’ll Remember  

7) I Feel So Good  

8) Catfish Blues  

9) Same Old Story  

10) Blister On The Moon

'LYNYRD SKYNYRD – ONE MORE FOR THE FANS' 

Two CD/DVD set available tomorrow, July 24, 2015

Features performances by Lynyrd Skynyrd, and an all star line-up including Trace Adkins, Alabama, Gregg Allman, Blackberry Smoke, Cheap Trick, Charlie Daniels, Peter Frampton, Gov't Mule, Warren Haynes, John Hiatt, Randy Houser, Jason Isbell, Jamey Johnson, Aaron Lewis, moe., O.A.R., Robert Randolph and Donnie Van Zant

Lynyrd Skynyrd One More For The Fans will be available tomorrow, July 24, 2105 on Loud & Proud Records in partnership with Blackbird Presents.  The two CD/DVD set was filmed during one special night last November as an extraordinary collection of artists came together at the historic Fox Theatre in Atlanta, GA to perform and celebrate the songs of Lynyrd Skynyrd, one of the most influential bands of our time.  This unique concert event centered around performances by Lynyrd Skynyrd and features performances by music legends and young talent, culled from multiple genres including Classic Rock, Country and Americana with Trace Adkins, Alabama, Gregg Allman, Blackberry Smoke, Cheap Trick, Charlie Daniels, Peter Frampton, Gov’t Mule, Warren Haynes, John Hiatt, Randy Houser, Jason Isbell, Jamey Johnson, Aaron Lewis, moe., O.A.R., Robert Randolph and Donnie Van Zant all coming together to perform songs from Lynyrd Skynyrd’s extensive catalog of music.  Highlights include a special rendition of “Travelin’ Man” with Johnny Van Zant singing along with an archival video of his late brother, Ronnie performing, as well as a rousing rendition of “Sweet Home Alabama” with Skynyrd inviting the entire star-studded line-up up on stage to perform along side them.

Keith Wortman, creator and executive producer of the concert event, broadcast special and music release worked with Ken Levitan and Ross Schilling who also served as executive producers of the show. Don Was led the all-star house band as musical director for the evening.   

As part of the campaign to save the Fox Theatre from demolition, Lynyrd Skynyrd recorded their 1976 live album, One More From The Road, at the landmark theatre. The title Lynyrd Skynyrd - One More For The Fans! was inspired by that legendary album’s title.

Joining in the celebration of the legendary band was AXS TV as it served as the official broadcaster of Lynyrd Skynyrd - One More For The Fans. AXS TV premiered the entire concert event July 19, allowing fans nationwide to enjoy these remarkable performances. Leading up to broadcast though were a series of clip premieres through  Yahoo! Music, Classic Rock Revisited, Relix, Rolling Stone Country and Billboard.  Lynyrd Skynyrd also recently returned to the CMT Crossroads stage with Brantley Gilbert for a performance which aired on June 27, 2015. 

With a catalog of over 60 albums and sales beyond 30 million worldwide, Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Lynyrd Skynyrd remains a cultural icon that appeals to multiple generations. Lynyrd Skynyrd continues to build on the legacy that began over 40 years ago in Jacksonville, Florida.  Led by core members Gary Rossington (guitar), 

Johnny Van Zant (vocals) and Rickey Medlocke (guitar), along with longtime drummer Michael Cartellone, the band also includes Mark "Sparky" Matejka (guitar), Johnny Colt (bass), Peter Keys (keyboards) and The Honkettes-Dale Krantz Rossington and Carol Chase-on background vocals.

Lynyrd Skynyrd be on the road this spring and summer (tour dates below) in select cities across the U.S. Click here to see the tour page on the official Lynyrd Skynyrd Web site.

“Lynyrd Skynyrd - One More For The Fans” Track Listing:

1. Whiskey Rock-A-Roller – performed by Randy Houser                

2. You Got That Right – performed by Robert Randolph & Jimmy Hall         

3. Saturday Night Special – performed by Aaron Lewis        

4. Workin’ For MCA – performed by Blackberry Smoke                    

5. Don't Ask Me No Questions – performed by O.A.R.  

6. Gimme Back My Bullets – performed by Cheap Trick

7. The Ballad of Curtis Loew – performed by moe. & John Hiatt

8. Simple Man – performed by Gov't Mule                 

9. That Smell – performed by Warren Haynes           

10.  Four Walls of Raiford – performed by Jamey Johnson              

11.  I Know A Little – performed by Jason Isbell  

12.  Call Me The Breeze – performed by Peter Frampton 

13.  What's Your Name – performed by Trace Adkins          

14.  Down South Jukin’ – performed by Charlie Daniels & Donnie Van Zant

15.  Gimme Three Steps – performed by Alabama                

16.  Tuesday's Gone – performed by Gregg Allman             

17.  Travelin’ Man – performed by Lynyrd Skynyrd With Johnny and Ronnie – Ronnie on big screen

18.  Free Bird - performed by Lynyrd Skynyrd

19.  Sweet Home Alabama – performed by Lynyrd Skynyrd and All-star ensemble

Follow Lynyrd Skynyrd On Social Media:

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Greg Lake's Legendary 1981 Performance at the Hammersmith Odeon in London to be issued On CD & Vinyl

Purple Pyramid Records will be releasing legendary Greg Lake's live album from the Hammersmith Odeon in London, November 5, 1981, featuring guitar hero Gary Moore on CD & vinyl! The concert recording features ELP and King Crimson classic tracks such as “Lucky Man”, “Karn Evil 9”, “21^st Century Schizoid Man” and “In The Court of The Crimson King”, as well as songs from his critically acclaimed first solo album from 1981. As a founding member of King Crimson and Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Greg Lake has been a major force in music for over 40 years. He has long been considered a legendary voice and musical powerhouse whose impact changed the landscape of rock and roll. Many simply refer to him as “The Voice”.

The Greg Lake Band made its live debut on one of the biggest stages available to it, the annual Reading Festival in England in August 1981. Much of the set was new to the audience – Greg's first solo album would not be released for another month. But the band received a wild reception regardless, and there were enough old favorites on display to ensure the fans remained happy…including the show opener “Fanfare for the Common Man,” truly one of the most effective showstoppers ever to have opened a concert.

The band's full tour kicked off in October. Purposefully, Lake demanded smaller venues, the theaters and universities that truly represented a refreshing change from the monster domes he'd visited the last time he hit the road in 1977 with ELP. The string of shows launched in Wales, at Aberystwyth University, then moved onto Cardiff University, Dunstable Queensway Hall, Norwich University, Liverpool Royal Court Theatre, Newcastle Mayfair, Glasgow University, Edinburgh Playhouse, Sheffield Lyceum, University of Kent Canterbury, Birmingham Odeon, Leicester Polytechnic, Bournemouth Winter Gardens, Exeter University, St Austell Cornwall Coliseum, Crawley Leisure Centre and, finally, London's Hammersmith Odeon.

It was not an extravagant performance - no lasers, no levitating keyboards, no priceless Persian carpets. The myths and legends that surrounded ELP when they toured were all firmly locked away. The Greg Lake Band toured like a band, and on stage they simply took up their positions and played. Brilliantly.

That last date on the tour is where this disc was recorded, in front of 2,000 fans who now had every note of Greg's new album memorized, and the rest of the set firmly entrenched in their DNA: the snatch of “Karn Evil 9” that eased out of the opening “Fanfare”; “Love You Too Much,” the song Lake co-wrote with Dylan in what remains another of the tantalizing collaborations of the age; “Retribution Drive” and “The Lie” from Greg Lake. “21st Century Schizoid Man” and “The Court Of The Crimson King,” from Lake’s stint with King Crimson, wrapped up the evening in positively rhapsodic fashion, and, finally, “C'est La Vie,” from ELP's Works. (The version of this track included on the CD is taken from a show in New York City 1981)

“A single night at the tail end of a single tour, alive with promise, bristling with presence. And welcoming back some new friends, too” - Dave Thompson, writer

Tracks:

Medley: Fanfare For The Common Man / Karn Evil 9

Nuclear Attack

The Lie

Retribution Drive

Lucky Man

Parisienne Walkways

You Really Got A Hold On Me

Love You Too Much

21st Century Schizoid Man

In The Court Of The Crimson King

Bonus Track: C'est La Vie (Live in NYC 1981)

To purchase:

Pre-order the CD: http://flyt.it/GregLakeCD

Pre-order the Vinyl: http://flyt.it/GregLakeLP

Pre-order the digital: http://flyt.it/GregLakedig

Greg Lake's official website: www.greglake.com