New music: Jeffrey Foskett, Paul Weller, the Alexis P. Suter Band, Allison August

In this column I feature four audio titles worthy of discovery, including a wonderful tribute to the late Jeffrey Foskett as well as the latest albums from Paul Weller, the Alexis P.  Suter Band and songstress Allison August.

Artists: Jeffrey Foskett, Brian Wilson, Robert Lamm, Mike Love, more

Title: Something There — Remembering Jeffrey Foskett (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: The Beach Boys, America, Brian Wilson, Paul McCartney
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Jeffrey Foskett was a beloved figure for his work with The Beach Boys, Brian Wilson, as well as high-profile collaborations with fellow music greats and his solo work. Sadly, following a lengthy battle with throat cancer, Foskett died in December 2023. Now Omnivore Recordings has issued Something There — Remembering Jeffrey Foskett, an outstanding 25-track tribute that celebrates the wide-ranging career and immense talent of the Southern California native. Among the tracks on the collection are several key Foskett recordings ("I Live For The Sun," "Everybody," "Something There"), rare collaborations with Robert Lamm of Chicago and Christopher Cross, and previously-unissued joint projects with Brian Wilson, Mike Love, America and Los Straitjackets. Among this writer's favorite cuts on the set are the propulsive power pop opener "Tell Me," the previously-unheard "Thru My Window" (a Beach Boys-flavored gem originally released in 1996), the shimmering "Mary Honey" (a previously-unissued nugget produced by Foskett, Wilson and Gary Griffin in 1994 but heard for the first time here), the breezy melodic sortie "You Remind Me Of The Sun," folk rocker "Cool And Gone," and "Living Alone" — the latter an infectious collaboration between Foskett and Lamm. Information: www.omnivorerecordings.com.

Artist: Paul Weller

Title: Find El Dorado (Warner Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Paul Weller, Robert Plant, Noel Gallagher

Tell me more: Paul Weller's forthcoming album Finding El Dorado (available on July 24, 2025 courtesy of Warner Records) is an ambitious collection of cover versions that have influenced and ultimately led the beloved artist to record these 15 tracks via artfully reworked versions that honor the originals while showcasing Weller's singular sonic approach. Weller's well-known talents are bolstered on the Steve Cradock-produced recordings by a handful of top-tier guests. Early standouts on the collection include the nuanced cover of Richie Havens' "Handouts In The Rain" that finds Weller trading lead vocals with Declan O'Rourke, a lavish acoustic reading of Eamon Friel's "El Dorado" with Weller's potent vocals enhanced by Noel Gallagher's expressive acoustic guitar work, a shimmering take on the Merle Haggard-penned Flying Burrito Brothers classic "White Line Fever" and Brian Protheroe's stark "Pinball." The strength and diversity of the album's track listing continues via a poignant strings-swept version of The Bee Gees' "I Started A Joke," rootsy groove-infused version of The Guerrillas' "Lawdy Rolla" and many other powerful selections; Robert Plant (lead / backing vocals & harmonica on "Clive's Song") and Amelia Coburn (vocals on "One Last Cold Kiss") are among the other guests who appear on the highly-anticipated disc. Information: paulweller.com. 

Artist: The Alexis P. Suter Band

Title: Just Stay High (Nola Blue Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Buddy Guy, Marcus King
Tell me more: The Alexis P. Suter Band's latest collection Just Stay High is a powerful and authentic celebration of the blues, steeped in both the traditional and modern stylings of the genre across 14 winning tracks. The opener "God Gave Me The Blues" showcases singer Alexis P. Suter's forceful vocals on the Jimmy Bennett-penned anthem (Bennett also delivers some outstanding guitar work on the track). The gospel-flavored "Some People" is bolstered by Vicki Bell's vocals and a wonderfully nuanced approach by the band. Other memorable songs on the album include the fiery "Breathe," ferocious electric Chicago-blues styled "Be On Your Way," a soulful take on Ron Davies' "It Ain't Easy" and the blues rocker "Ride All Night." The troupe also shines on a potent cover of Leon Russell's "Song For You." A project whose roots date back to the pandemic and initial writing sessions that took place via Zoom, Just Stay High showcases the triumphant nature that marked how so many musicians overcame the dangers of COVID at the beginning of this decade. Information: www.nola-blue.com.

Artist: Allison August

Title: August Moon (MoMojo Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Janiva Magness, Bonnie Raitt
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter Allison August's latest August Moon features a dozen cuts showcasing her strong soprano and compelling original material blending blues, soul, R&B and even jazz. Her wonderful songwriting takes aim at everything from relationships and religion to motherhood and battling cancer. Highlights include the funk-tinged "Afraid of Love," immersive blues track "Dashboard Madonna" that looks at the good and bad in Los Angeles with artistic candor, jazzy delight "What Would Mama Say," sparse blues ballad "Desiree," catchy uptempo frisk "Dog In You" and look back when she and friend Paul Barrere were both battling cancer via "The Cure." The album closes out with the sumptuous uptempo blues foray "Born Yesterday," a statement of how to soar even when the odds are against you. Information: allisonaugust.com.

Robert Kinsler

Paul Weller announces new covers album 'Find El Dorado' out July 25

Check out this exciting news about the forthcoming release of Paul Weller's next album, "Find El Dorado," an ambitious collection of cover songs set for release on July 25. And be sure to listen to the great new advance track "Lawdy Rolla" via the link below...Robert Kinsler

PAUL WELLER ANNOUNCES NEW COVERS ALBUM FIND EL DORADO OUT JULY 25 AND RETURNS TO WARNER RECORDS/PARLOPHONE RECORDS   PRE-ORDER FIND EL DORADO HERE   NEW SINGLE “LAWDY ROLLA” / “PINBALL” OUT NOW LISTEN AND PRE-ORDER 7” VINYL HERE

Photo credit: Dean Chalky May 21, 2025 (Los Angeles, CA) — Paul Weller announces the release of Find El Dorado, a deeply personal new album of reinterpretations, out July 25th on vinyl, CD and digital. Click HERE to pre-order.  Drawing on a lifetime of listening, the record sees Weller revisit songs that have long lived in the back of his mind—now reimagined with fresh meaning and a sense of reverence. “These are songs I’ve carried with me for years,” Weller says. “They’ve taken on new shapes over time. And now felt like the moment to share them.” The release also marks a new chapter in Weller’s storied legacy. As a defining figure in British music who has sold approximately 11 million albums in the UK alone throughout his incredible career, Weller makes a welcome return to Warner Records/Parlophone Records, the label behind his critically acclaimed run of albums from 2015 to 2019 which include Saturns Pattern, A Kind Revolution, True Meanings, JAWBONE - Music From The Film and Other Aspects - Live At The Royal Festival Hall. If it’s possible to get lost in music, Weller shows that you can also find yourself in it. Find El Dorado is less a covers album and more a map of his emotional and musical DNA. From the quiet melancholy of Ray Davies’ “Nobody’s Fool” to the shimmering ache of “El Dorado,” these are songs that shaped his inner world—and now, through a mix of intimate arrangements and standout collaborations with the likes of Hannah Peel, Declan O’Rourke, Robert Plant, Seckou Keita, Amelia Coburn and Noel Gallagher, he’s passing them on. This is Weller at his most reflective, offering listeners a rare glimpse into the music that made him, and a reminder that great songs never age, they just evolve. Two songs from the album are released as digital singles today: Track 1 is “Lawdy Rolla,” which was originally by an obscure French studio band called The Guerrillas, who featured African jazz star Manu Dibango in their ranks. A video for “Lawdy Rolla” will be released later this month, listen to the track and watch the visualizer HERE. The second track, and arguably one of the most familiar on the album, is Brian Protheroe’s beautiful 1974 hit “Pinball,” reimagined here with a hauntingly evocative saxophone contribution from Weller band memberJacko Peake. Find El Dorado track list - and the artists that originally recorded them in brackets 1. Handouts in the Rain (Richie Havens) 2. Small Town Talk (Bobby Charles) 3. El Dorado (Eamon Friel) 4. White Line Fever (The Flying Burrito Brothers) 5. One Last Cold Kiss (Christy Moore) 6. When you are a King (White Plains) 7. Pinball (Brian Protheroe) 8. Where there’s Smoke, There’s Fire (Willie Griffin) 9. I Started a Joke (Bee Gees) 10. Never the Same (Lal and Mike Waterson) 11. Lawdy Rolla (The Guerrillas) 12. Nobody’s Fool (The Kinks) 13. Journey (Duncan Browne) 14. Daltry Street (Jake Fletcher / PP Arnold) 15. Clive’s Song (Hamish Imlach) Find El Dorado will be available in the following formats: Double black 180g vinyl LP. D2C exclusive Coke Bottle Green double vinyl LP. Amazon exclusive double black vinyl with alternative artwork. CD and digital album available from all DSP’s.  Find El Dorado was produced and arranged by Weller band guitarist Steve Cradock. The album was  engineered by Steve Cradock and Charles Rees and recorded at Kundalini Studio and Black Barn Studio. Mixes by Charles Rees and Steve Cradock. Geoff Pesche mastered the album at Abbey Road Studios. Arrangements by Hannah Peel.

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'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' 1978 film discussion

Watch Music Worth Buying co-hosts TJR and Robert Kinsler discuss the 1978 cult classic "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" film starring Peter Frampton and The Bee Gees. View the episode HERE.

Essential special editions revisit lost cult-worthy classics

There has always been a forceful link between cinema and music extending far beyond the role that a strong instrumental score plays in helping define a movie. In addition to the success of great musicals, the importance of theme songs, commercial soundtracks and the appearance of well-known musicians in major films have all helped elevate the link between music and movies for more than 60 years. In this week's column I highlight some notable titles that tap into that synergy.

Title: Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Shout! Factory)

Artists: Peter Frampton, The Bee Gees, Earth Wind & Fire, Billy Preston, Aerosmith, more

You might like if you enjoy: The Bee Gees, Peter Frampton, Aerosmith, Earth Wind & Fire, Billy Preston, Steve Martin

Tell me more: Not everyone has seen – or even heard of – the 1978 cinematic musical comedy "Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band" despite the bona fide star power of the film’s key players – Peter Frampton and The Bee Gees. That is surprising when you consider the inclusion of more than 20 Beatles-penned classics and the production talents of George Martin and engineering skills of Geoff Emerick; the list of artists and actors who appear in the film extends from George Burns, Donald Pleasence and Steve Martin to Aerosmith, Alice Cooper, Billy Preston and Earth Wind & Fire. 

The renewed interest in Peter Frampton (who is battling "inclusion body myositis," a progressive muscle disorder) and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame trio the Bee Gees (their story is chronicled in the acclaimed must-see 2020 documentary “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart”) has led to a reexamination of "Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band."  And the availability of a wonderful 2017 Blu-ray edition of the film released by Shout Factory allows the film to be seen and heard by many for the first time. This is not a perfect film, but there is definitely enough charm, sincerity and magic to encourage a viewing of the flick. The two-disc soundtrack for the film is also available on audio CD and via vinyl. Information: ShoutFactory.com.

Title: Saturday Night Fever: Deluxe Edition (Capitol Records)

Artists: The Bee Gees, Yvonne Elliman, K.C. & The Sunshine Band, more

You might like if you enjoy: The Bee Gees, K.C. & The Sunshine Band, Kool & The Gang

Tell me more: In honor of its 40th anniversary, the highest-selling soundtrack album in history was re-released via a deluxe two-disc edition in 2017. Disc one features the original 17-track soundtrack (including four No. 1 hits for The Bee Gees) along with potent tracks from '70s favorites Yvonne Elliman, Kool & The Gang, KC & The Sunshine Band and others. The second disc includes four new mixes by GRAMMY Award winner Serban Ghenea of The Bee Gees' "Stayin' Alive," "Night Fever," "How Deep Is Your Love" and "You Should Be Dancing." Information: universalmusicenterprises.com.

Title: Prince: Sign 'o' the Times

Artists: Prince (Paisley Park)

You might like if you enjoy: Prince, James Brown

Tell me more: Prince was at the peak of his illustrious career when he was captured in 1987 for the concert documentary "Sign 'o' the Times" (available to view on the Peacock streaming service and via Amazon Prime). The film was shot on the heels of the release of his terrific 1987 album Sign 'o' the Times (his ninth studio album, and often cited as his greatest full-length studio set). The propulsive "Play in the Sunshine,"  enthralling "Little Red Corvette" (bolstered by Prince's piano playing), rousing "Housequake" (with Prince offering up some great James Brown dance moves) and soulful joy "I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man" are early standouts in the documentary. There are also compelling takes on some of his most-beloved songs including the funky "U Got The Look," R&B gems "If I Was Your Girlfriend" and "Forever In My Life," and inspired rocker "The Cross," all of which help make this remastered film one of the best ways to experience the thrill of a Prince concert when the acclaimed artist was at the height of his powers. His band for the film included Sheila E. on drums and percussion, Miko Weaver on guitar, Levi Seacer Jr. on bass, Eric Leeds on sax, and a number of amazing dancers who collectively keep the momentum moving across all 84 minutes of the fast-moving film. Information: prince.com. 

Title: Silent Running (Arrow Video)

Music: Songs performed by Joan Baez; songs written by Peter Schickele and Diane Lampert; soundtrack written by Peter Schickele

You might like if you enjoy: Joan Baez, '70s soundtracks

Tell me more: It's hard to believe that a science fiction film released in 1972 resonates more today than at the time of its release. "Silent Running," the directorial debut from visual effects master Douglas Trumbull ("2001: A Space Odyssey," "The Andromeda Strain," "Close Encounters of the Third Kind") bore little in common with the blockbuster likes of "Star Wars" and "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" that came a few years later. Indeed, here was a film that looked at an Earth in the near future, stripped of all flora and fauna; the only remaining ecosystems were preserved in massive domes attached to large spaceships. When a decision is made by the U.S. government to destroy the biospheres and return the spaceships to commercial use, there are devastating consequences. The film (which stars acclaimed actor Bruce Dern as Freeman Lowell) has just been released on Blu-ray for the first time ever and the masterful use of original songs sung by folk legend Joan Baez as well as evocative instrumental music from composer Peter Schickele and groundbreaking sound effects are the equal of the film's sci-fi setting. It is alien to audiences today, but the use of music in the film is heightened throughout the aptly-titled "Silent Running" because there are frequent stretches where there is little or no music used. The Blu-ray released by Arrow Video has a plethora of bonus features, including an isolated music and effects track. There is also a feature titled "No Turning Back," a new video interview with film music historian Jeff Bond on the film's masterful score. Information: https://mvdb2b.com/s/AV300.  

Robert Kinsler 

Barry Gibb achieves global career-high chart debut with 'GREENFIELDS: The Gibb Brothers' Songbook, Vol. 1'

More news on Barry Gibb's highly-acclaimed return, GREENFIELDS: The Gibb Brothers' Songbook, Vol. 1. You can read my review of the album that ran last week HERE. Below is the official media release on the disc's continuing reception...Robert Kinsler

BARRY GIBB ACHIEVES GLOBAL

CAREER-HIGH CHART DEBUT WITH 

GREENFIELDS: THE GIBB

BROTHERS’ SONGBOOK, VOL. 1 

#1 ON BILLBOARD AMERICANA/ FOLK ALBUMS CHART, 
#1 OVERALL IN THE U.K., AUSTRALIA AND GERMANY 

CELEBRATED BY NPR MORNING EDITION, CBS “SUNDAY MORNING,” THE NEW YORK TIMES 
AND MORE 

THE BEE GEES: HOW CAN YOU MEND A BROKEN HEART DOCUMENTARY OUT NOW ON HBO MAX

January 18, 2021—Legendary artist, songwriter and producer Sir Barry Gibb reaches a career-high this week with the release of his highly anticipated new album, GREENFIELDS: The Gibb Brothers’ Songbook, Vol. 1, out now on Capitol Records (stream/purchase). The acclaimed record sold 24,993 equivalent units its first week—debuting at #1 on the Billboard Americana/Folk Albums chart, #2 on the Billboard Albums Sales chart, #3 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and #15 on the Billboard 200—Gibb’s highest charting album and first top 40 on the Billboard 200 as a solo performer. 

The album also debuts this week at #1 in the U.K., Australia and Germany (international chart). In the U.K. and Australia, this marks Gibb’s first ever solo #1 and his first #1 overall in 42 years since the 1979 release of The Bee Gees’ Spirits Having Flown. 

Of the achievements, Gibb shares, “There is no such thing as too much heaven. I couldn’t be more thrilled. The past is unpredictable. Today is unbelievable. The greatest moment of my life!”

Produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Dave Cobb, the record finds Gibb realizing his long-time dream of working with some of the country, bluegrass and americana artists he admires the most including collaborations with Alison Krauss, Brandi Carlile, Dolly Parton, Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, Jason Isbell, Jay Buchanan, Keith Urban, Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert, Olivia Newton-John, Sheryl Crow and Tommy Emmanuel. Watch the album’s official trailer HERE. 

Gibb continues to be widely celebrated surrounding the release, including features this week on NPR Morning Edition and CBS “Sunday Morning,” as well as a recent in-depth profile at The New York Times, who proclaims, “Gibb’s voice on ‘Words of a Fool’ is strong but also spectral…Nearly six decades after he first sang on a record, it remains one of the most otherworldly instruments in popular music.” Moreover, The Wall Street Journal praises the album, calling it “an endearing new salute to the songs of the pop-giant Bee Gees,” while Entertainment Weekly declares, “gorgeous, gospel-inflected, country-kissed.” 

In addition to the new album, Gibb is the subject of an acclaimed new documentary, The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend A Broken Heart, directed by Frank Marshall. Out now on HBO Max, the Washington Post heralds, “magnificent…thorough and beautifully appreciative,” while The Hollywood Reporter calls it, “a warm blast of musical nostalgia.” Watch the trailer HERE.

photo credit: Desiree Prieto

With a career spanning more than five decades, Sir Barry Gibb stands as one of the most renowned and celebrated musicians of the modern era. As co-founder and creative leader of the Brothers Gibb—better known to the world as the Bee Gees—Barry with his brothers, Maurice and Robin, represent one of the most successful vocal groups in rock and roll history, having sold more than 200 million albums to date. With nine #1 singles as a performer, Barry is also amongst the most successful songwriters of all-time (with sixteen #1 singles) and is seventh on the list of most successful producers (with fourteen #1 singles). He is also tied with John Lennon and Paul McCartney for most #1 singles in a calendar year with seven. Among his many awards and honors are eight Grammy Awards, the Grammy Legend Award and, most recently, the 2015 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. He is also the recipient of the American Music Awards Lifetime Achievement Award, the BMI Icon Award, four BMI Songwriter of the Year Awards, four BMI Song of the Year Awards and is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame. In 2004, Barry received one of Britain’s highest honors when the Bee Gees were made Commanders of the British Empire and, in 2018, was Knighted “Sir Barry Gibb” by Prince Charles for his services to music and charity.

GREENFIELDS: THE GIBB BROTHERS SONGBOOK, VOL. 1 TRACK LIST 

 1. “I’ve Gotta Get A Message To You” with Keith Urban

   2. “Words of a Fool” with Jason Isbell

   3. “Run to Me” with Brandi Carlile

   4. “Too Much Heaven” with Alison Krauss

   5. “Lonely Days” with Little Big Town

   6. “Words” with Dolly Parton

   7. “Jive Talkin’” with Miranda Lambert, Jay Buchanan

   8. “How Deep Is Your Love” with Tommy Emanuel, Little Big Town

   9. “How Can You Mend A Broken Heart” with Sheryl Crow

   10. “To Love Somebody” with Jay Buchanan

   11. “Rest Your Love On Me” with Olivia Newton-John

   12. “Butterfly” with Gillian Welch, David Rawlings

New music: The B-52s, 'The Soul of Midnight Special,' 'Linda & the Mockingbirds' documentary, Def Leppard live releases

Whether your musical tastes favor groundbreaking New Wave, classic '70s soul, British favorites Def Leppard or traditional Mexican music, there are outstanding new releases to discover. 

Artist: The B-52s

Title: Live At US Festival (Shout! Factory)

You might like if you enjoy: the B-52's, Devo, the US Festival

Tell me more: Thirty-eight years after the B-52s took the stage at the inaugural US Festival in September 1982, the group's fabled appearance – featuring the band's classic era lineup – is available to see via a terrific DVD. The groundbreaking forerunner to Coachella, the US Festival was a music, technology and culture event staged in Glen Helen Regional Park in the Southern California desert in 1982 and again in 1983. The B-52s' performance has long been considered one of the finest of the two-year event and its showcase on the Shout! Factory release delivers on that promise in spades. The B-52s are on fire throughout the performance, fueling a bona fide dance party with one surefire uptempo post-punk New Wave track after another. Led by singer Fred Schneider, singer-percussionist Cindy Wilson, singer-keyboardist Kate Pierson, guitar great Ricky Wilson (who passed away in 1985) and drummer Keith Strickland, the band is also joined by a two-man horn section (sax player Ralph Carney, trumpeter Dave Buck) to further power the dance-minded material in the performance.  The fast-moving set includes 13 classic originals including beloved favorites "Party Out Of Bounds," "Planet Claire," "Mesopotamia," "Private Idaho" and "Rock Lobster." There are also interview segments where Schneider, Cindy Wilson and Kate Pierson discuss the US Festival performance, Ricky Wilson's contributions, and their enduring career. Information: ShoutFactory.com.

Artist: Al Green, Sly & the Family Stone, Ray Charles, James Brown, many more

Title: The Soul of Midnight Special (TimeLife)

You might like if you enjoy: James Brown, Al Green, Sly & the Family Stone, Chuck Berry, the Staple Singers

Tell me more: Fans of '70s soul music will want to get the newly-released "The Soul of Midnight Special," featuring more than 70 live performances. The performances are offered up in chronological order, spanning from February 1973 to December 1976. Highlights on this collection – which includes more than 70 inspired live performances spanning five DVD discs – abound; the Spinners' "I'll Be Around," the O'Jays "Love Train," Ray Charles' "Georgia on My Mind," Gladys Knight and B.B. King collaborating on "The Thrill Is Gone," and Billy Preston's "Will It Go Round in Circles" are among the countless standouts on the early part of this collection. Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine" and "Lean On Me," Al Green's "Let's Stay Together," the Staple Singers' "Let's Do It Again" and "Respect Yourself," James Brown's "Sex Machine," and Earth, Wind & Fire's "Devotion" shine on the latter part of the title. Among the hosts seen on the set are Lou Rawls, The Bee Gees, Paul Williams, Wilson Pickett, Wolfman Jack, Helen Reddy and Chuck Berry (who is also featured offering up a terrific version of "Johnny B. Goode"). The audio and visual quality of the discs is good and it's great to see so many legendary artists performing their greatest hits. Information: TimeLife.com.

Artist: Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne, traditional Mexican music

Title: Linda and the Mockingbirds (Shout! Studios / PCH Films)

You might like if you enjoy: Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne, Los Cenzontles

Tell me more: Since 1989, San Pablo, California-based Los Cenzontles Cultural Arts Academy has trained thousands of children in the art of traditional Mexican music and dance. Multi-Grammy Award winner Linda Ronstadt's long-time support of the group led to the production of a powerful new documentary ("Linda and the Mockingbirds") that chronicles the singer's 2019 journey to Mexico with a group of young students that was captured by award-winning director James Keach (who also directed Glen Campbell's "I'll Be Me" and the Linda Ronstadt documentary "The Sound of My Voice"). Los Cenzontles ("The Mockingbirds") was founded by Eugene Rodriguez – who along with singer-songwriter great Jackson Browne – also features prominently in the compelling documentary. But the true heart of the film is the road trip by Ronstadt, Browne and a large tour bus filled with young singers, dancers and instrumentalists who journey to the small town of Banámichi in the Mexican state of Sonora (where Ronstadt's grandfather grew up) to perform and meet with the folkloric dance troupe Grupo de Danza Xunutzi and stage a performance in the community. The documentary masterfully examines the important role of traditional Mexican music and dance for those who live on both sides of the border, as well as issues related to the hot topic of immigration and how that impacts families who are often divided by politics. "Linda and the Mockingbirds" was released digitally Oct. 20 via Shout! Studios. Information: ShoutFactory.com.

Artist: Def Leppard

Titles: "Hysteria At The O2" and "Hits Vegas, Live At Planet Hollywood" (Eagle Rock Entertainment)

You might like if you enjoy: Def Leppard, Queen

Tell me more: Earlier this year Rock and Roll Hall of Fame rock quintet Def Leppard released the outstanding multi-format release "London To Vegas," available as a deluxe 2Blu-ray+4CD, 2DVD+4CD and via digital formats. Now Eagle Rock Entertainment has just released standalone audio versions of "Hysteria At The O2" and "Hits Vegas, Live At Planet Hollywood" as limited edition 2CDs releases. "Hysteria At The O2," finds Def Leppard celebrating their 1987 album Hysteria with a concert set revisiting that multi-platinum album from start to finish before a hometown crowd in London in December 2018. To be sure this is an important outing for the group, and the members of Def Leppard (singer Joe Elliott, guitarists Phil Collen and Vivian Campbell, bassist Rick "Sav" Savage and drummer Rick Allen) offer up powerful arena rock-ready takes of classics including "Love Bites," "Pour Some Sugar On Me," "Animal," "Gods of War" and the rest of "Hysteria" before delving into other moments in their history for choice cuts including the set-ending "Let's Get Rocked," "Rock of Ages" and "Photograph."  

The second performance "Hits Vegas" — filmed at Zappos Theater in Planet Hollywood a few months after the band's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019 — features a far-flung set offering some choice deep cuts from the band. The hard-rocking "Die Hard The Hunter," harmonies-drenched "Too Late for Love," ambitious "Billy's Got a Gun" (bolstered by the tandem lead guitar work of Collen and Campbell) and "Paper Sun" as well as the acoustic-styled "Let Me Be The One" and "We Belong" are delivered with power and perfection. The hits are here as well, including terrific runs through "Foolin'," "Bringin' On The Heartbreak," "Rocket," "Action" and "Armageddon It." Looking ahead hardcore fans should note that the "Hits Vegas" title will be released as a limited edition transparent blue vinyl LP on Dec. 11, 2020. Information: defleppard.com and eagle-rock.com.

Robert Kinsler

A Wide-Range of Terrific Releases Showcase Timeless Sounds

New releases featuring the Coachella-bound duo First Aid Kit, the groundbreaking Scottish band Simple Minds, a classic Bee Gees concert film and an ambitious tribute to songs written for James Bond films released courtesy of Curry Cuts are profiled this week.

Artist: First Aid Kit
Title: Ruins (Columbia)
You might like if you enjoy: Emmylou Harris, First Aid Kit
Tell me more: The world's most amazing young Americana group is actually a duo from Sweden. Comprised of sisters Klara and Johanna Söderberg, First Aid Kit has released one of the first epic albums of 2018, the masterful Ruins. The siblings each have exceptional voices that soar alone but when blended together the results are never less than otherworldly. Take the first song "Rebel Heart," – locked together across the intoxicating verses and choruses there is one section leading to a break where timbre of their voices mirror each other via an extended note that is simply dazzling. On the introspective "It's A Shame," their sopranos cascade amidst a sonic backdrop of electric guitar (courtesy of R.E.M.'s Peter Buck), pedal steel, percussion and a sublime mix of piano and organ - the song's nuanced finale has their voices dropping low against light acoustic guitar. Other songs that impress powerfully include the melancholy-laced "Fireworks," countrified "Postcard" and yearning "Distant Star." The lyrics across the disc are gloriously literate as well, solidifying the substantial might of this 10-song release. First Aid Kit is set to perform at Coachella on Saturdays, April 14 and 21. Information: www.FirstAidKitBand.com.

Artist: Simple Minds
Title: War Between Worlds (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: U2, Simple Minds
Tell me more: Simple Minds is back with yet another masterwork. The Scottish outfit's new  album War Between Worlds is bolstered by an amazing collection of songs that are both artful and intoxicating; listeners who connected with 2014's thrilling Big Music will definitely want to pick up War Between Worlds. The material here blends ethereal synthesizers, infectious rhythms, blazing and soaring guitar work (just listen to the fiery "Barrowland Star") and Jim Kerr's signature vocals. Standouts on the disc abound; the electronica-tinged "Magic" and "The Signal and the Noise," driving "Summer" and dreamy "Utopia" showcase a 40-year-old group still focused on the future. Produced by Simple Minds with Andy Wright and Gavin Goldberg, the album is available on standard and deluxe audio CD, standard, deluxe and picture disc vinyl, and digitally, The deluxe edition features three additional tracks, including the sweeping "Silent Kiss" and a reworked cover of the traditional Irish song "Dirty Old Town" featuring Kerr sharing vocals with Sarah Brown. Information: SimpleMinds.com.

Artist: The Bee Gees
Title: One For All Tour Live in Australia 1989 (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: The Bee Gees
Tell me more: Time has not dimmed the power of the Bee Gees' distinctive vocal sound and wide-ranging style of melodic songcraft. The release of One For All Tour Live in Australia 1989 on DVD and Blu-ray revisits the Gibb brothers' performance at The National Tennis Centre in Melbourne, Australia in November 1989. Offering sparkling versions of material first forged in the 1960s (including their 1968 break-out U.S. Top 10 hit "I've Gotta Get A Message To You" as well as the enduring ballads "Words," "To Love Somebody" and "I Started A Joke"), their '70s disco hits and then-new material featured on their 1989 album "One," the concert showcases the warmth of the three siblings' relationship with each other and their adoring audience, as well as a wealth of great songs. A tender version of "How Deep Is Your Love" is dedicated to their younger brother Andy Gibb, who had passed away the previous year. A lovely "World" and "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart," as well as a driving "Stayin' Alive" and concert-closing "You Should Be Dancing" are other standouts on this wonderful concert film. Information: www.eagle-rock.com.

Artists: Lannie Flowers, Freedy Johnston, Popdudes, more
Title: Songs, Bond Songs: The Music Of 007 (Curry Cuts)
You might like if you enjoy: Mike Viola, Freedy Johnston, Popdudes 
Tell me more: Even those who have never spied a James Bond film will likely enjoy Songs, Bond Songs: The Music Of 007. The two-disc audio collection is filled with so many artful and creative covers it's worth crediting album producer Andrew Curry along with the lineup of more than two dozen contributing artists who offer up their own versions of songs featured in five decades worth of 007 flicks. The wistful "From Russia With Love" delivered by The Stereo Twins, evocative "The Look of Love" from Wyatt Funderburk, dance-minded "Diamonds Are Forever" from The Corner Laughers, wonderfully-rocking "Live and Let Die" from the Popdudes and "The Man With The Golden Gun" from Lisa Mychols are early highlights. The sweeping "Moonraker" from Gary Frenay, a splendid folk-styled "For Your Eyes Only" from Freedy Johnston, opulent "All Time High" from Zach Jones, a delightful jazzy reworking of Duran Duran's "A View To A Kill" from Jay Gonzalez, swanky remake of the Bono/The Edge track "GoldenEye" from Identical Suns, a minimalist electronica "Die Another Day" from Big-Box Store and the dreamy "Skyfall" unleashed by Gretchen's Wheel impress later. Songs, Bond Songs: The Music Of 007 is truly an epic listen across both discs. Information: https://currycuts.bandcamp.com.


Robert Kinsler