Deep Purple announces release of 'Splat!'; new album coming July 3, 2026

Deep Purple has just announced the release of the hard rock band's forthcoming album Splat!, set for release July 3, 2026. I am really looking forward to this album. Read a review of one of my favorite hard rock shows ever when Deep Purple and Blue Öyster Cult performed on the same bill in Costa Mesa, CA in 2014...Robert Kinsler

ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM OUT JULY 3 ON earMUSIC “MUSIC FOR THE END OF HUMANITY (…BUT NOT AS GRIM AS IT MAY SEEM)”   PRE-SAVE THE NEW ALBUM HERE Pictured above: Album Cover DEEP PURPLE will release their new studio album SPLAT! July 3 on earMUSIC.  The band—Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Ian Paice, Don Airey, and Simon McBride—has once again teamed up with renowned producer Bob Ezrin (KISS, Pink Floyd, Lou Reed, Alice Cooper) and together, they have crafted an album that draws on the sound and attitude that has always set DEEP PURPLE apart from the rest. SPLAT! is the heaviest DEEP PURPLE album in many years, with the band playing together in the studio—the way DEEP PURPLE have always recorded. Pre-order starts today; click HERE.   “I have to say, now we are very much back in with material that is compatible with ‘Highway Star,’ ‘Smoke on the Water,’ and ‘Lazy,’ the dynamics, the balance, and the fun of the music we made from ’69 to ’73,” says frontman Ian Gillan. He adds: “Where we are now with this incarnation of DEEP PURPLE feels very much like a very ‘now’ version of DEEP PURPLE as it was in the seventies.”   At the heart of SPLAT! is an idea conceived by Gillan. Rather than treating the end as destruction, the album imagines it as transformation: SPLAT! explores the end of humanity not in any crude apocalyptic sense but as a metamorphosis beyond physical existence. L-R: Ian Paice, Don Airey, Roger Glover, Ian Gillan, Simon McBride   Photo Credit:  Olaf Heine   Additional details about the album concept will be revealed in the weeks leading up to its July 3 release. New music from SPLAT! is on the way and DEEP PURPLE invite fans to follow the journey at DEEP PURPLE and earMUSIC on socials.   To celebrate the release, DEEP PURPLE will continue their extensive 2026 touring schedule with no fewer than 86 shows across 28 countries on three continents.   With more than 120 million albums sold since forming in 1968, DEEP PURPLE have long secured their place in rock history. Rather than simply preserving their legacy, they continue to extend it, driven by the same spirit that defined their earliest work.   Ian Gillan sums it up: “DEEP PURPLE is in a great place right now.”   Track listing (CD/2LP): Side A 1.  Arrogant Boy 2.  Diablo 3.  The Rider 4.  The Lunatic Side B 5.  The Only Horse In Town 6.  Sacred Land 7.  The Beating Of Wings Side C 8.  Guilt Trippin' 9.  Scriblin' Gib'rish 10. Jessica's Bra Side D 11. Third Call 12. My New Movie 13. Splat!   SPLAT! will be available July 3 in multiple formats:   ·      Limited Box Set, containing: o  2LP Gatefold (180g) o  12-page vinyl-sized booklet o  CD Digisleeve o  3 exclusive 10-inch vinyl records featuring live recordings from the DEEP PURPLE Tour 2024 o  Exclusive 7-inch single featuring the bonus track “GUINNESIS” (not included on the studio album and available exclusively in the box set!)   ·      CD (Digisleeve)   ·      2LP Gatefold (black, 180g) + 12-page vinyl-sized booklet   ·      Limited Purple 2LP Gatefold (180g) + 12-page vinyl-sized booklet   ·      Limited Transparent Yellow 2LP (180g) + 12-page vinyl-sized booklet   All LP editions include a rich 12-page LP-sized booklet with illustrations and all song lyrics – available exclusively with the first pressing.   Further exclusive items are available via the official artist store, including:   ·      Limited 2LP Picture Disc + 12-page vinyl-sized booklet   ·      Limited Cassette   ·      A strictly limited canvas signed by all band members and limited to just 199 copies worldwide   ·      Additional apparel and merchandise items   ACCESS THE NEW ALBUM HERE   Follow DEEP PURPLE Facebook   Instagram  YouTube     TikTok       X   Follow earMUSIC Facebook   Instagram  YouTube     TikTok       X   ABOUT DEEP PURPLE There simply aren’t enough superlatives to properly acknowledge the contribution DEEP PURPLE has made to rock music. Having sold more than 120 million albums and filled global arenas for decades, there’s little wonder that the respected British radio station Planet Rock named the group the “5th Most Influential Band Ever.” The band were also presented the “Legend Award” at the 2008 World Music Awards and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016. DEEP PURPLE truly are “rock royalty.” With a body of work spanning seven decades, DEEP PURPLE have helped pioneer and define the hard rock genre while progressively moving into new areas, both keeping their sound fresh and attracting new fans to the legions who have remained loyal since the band’s inception. The celebrated MKII line-up of Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Ian Paice, Jon Lord and Ritchie Blackmore was responsible for creating many of the defining rock albums of the early ’70s, including Made in Japan universally accepted as one of the most important and influential live albums of all time. Known as one of the hardest working bands ever, DEEP PURPLE have continued to release No. 1 albums and tour globally since forming in 1968, with little rest. DEEP PURPLE have stayed true to their musical roots, drawing from an eclectic mix of styles to create a distinctive sound that defines the band today and, in turn, has created a legacy that very few bands could ever hope to replicate. The band has written and produced so many “classic,” well-known songs that its audience ranges widely in age and background—something the band has readily embraced. DEEP PURPLE’s recent studio album =1 (2024) followed their worldwide chart-topping albums Whoosh! (2020), inFinite (2017) and NOW What?! (2013). 2026 sees the release of their brand-new album SPLAT!  On these albums, DEEP PURPLE joined forces with producer Bob Ezrin, who has worked with the likes of KISS, Pink Floyd, Lou Reed and Alice Cooper. Furthering their collaboration with Ezrin, in 2021 and during the pandemic the band recorded a collection of cover songs from their own homes (normal for most bands nowadays, revolutionary for a band that records everything together in the studio), creating an eclectic and celebratory history of their roots in music, in the shape of Turning to Crime.   Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Ian Paice, Don Airey and Simon McBride continue with renewed vitality, pushing the boundaries of hard rock to audiences around the globe, proving that DEEP PURPLE are very much here to stay.   MAD IN EUROPE TOUR DATES 11 JUN 2026 – Espoo, Finland – Espoo Metro Arena 12 JUN 2026 – Tampere, Finland – Nokia Arena 14 JUN 2026 – Kristiansand, Norway – Dirty Old Town Live – Odderoya Amfi 18 JUN 2026 – Clisson, France – Hellfest – SOLD OUT 20 JUN 2026 – Meppen, Germany – Emsland Open Air 24 JUN 2026 – Mönchengladbach, Germany – SparkassenPark 27 JUN 2026 – Coburg, Germany – HUK Coburg Open Air, Schlossplatz 28 JUN 2026 – Ulm, Germany – Klosterhof Wiblingen 02 JUL 2026 – Vigo, Spain – Conciertos de Castrelos, Auditorio Castrelos 04 JUL 2026 – Gredos, Ávila, Spain – Músicos en la Naturaleza 05 JUL 2026 – Pamplona, Spain – Navarra Arena 07 JUL 2026 – Valencia, Spain – Jardines de Viveros 09 JUL 2026 – Marbella, Spain – Starlite 10 JUL 2026 – Cádiz, Spain – Tío Pepe 13 JUL 2026 – Montreux, Switzerland – Montreux Jazz Festival 16 JUL 2026 – Pisa, Italy – Pisa Summer Knights – Piazza Dei Cavalieri 17 JUL 2026 – Este, Italy – Este Music Festival – Castello Carrarese 19 JUL 2026 – Munich, Germany – Tollwood Festival   SPLAT! WORLD TOUR DATES 04 AUG 2026 – Raleigh, NC – Red Hat Amphitheater 06 AUG 2026 – Memphis, TN – Memphis Botanic Garden 08 AUG 2026 – Clearwater, FL – The BayCare Sound 09 AUG 2026 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Casino 12 AUG 2026 – Wantagh, NY – Jones Beach Theater 13 AUG 2026 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center 15 AUG 2026 – Halifax, NS – Scotiabank Centre 17 AUG 2026 – Laval, QC – Place Bell 18 AUG 2026 – Toronto, ON – RBC Amphitheatre 19 AUG 2026 – Ottawa, ON – Canadian Tire Centre 21 AUG 2026 – Detroit, MI – Pine Knob 22 AUG 2026 – Salamanca, NY – Seneca Allegany Casino 24 AUG 2026 – Indianapolis, IN – Everwise Amphitheatre 25 AUG 2026 – Highland Park, IL – Ravinia 27 AUG 2026 – Prior Lake, MN – Mystic Lake Casino 29 AUG 2026 – Winnipeg, MB – Canada Life Centre 31 AUG 2026 – Calgary, AB – Scotiabank Saddledome 02 SEP 2026 – Abbotsford, BC – Abbotsford Centre 04 SEP 2026 – Lincoln, CA – Thunder Valley 05 SEP 2026 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre 06 SEP 2026 – Highland, CA – Yaamava Theatre 08 SEP 2026 – Chula Vista, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre 10 SEP 2026 – Las Vegas, NV – Planet Hollywood 11 SEP 2026 – Long Beach, CA – Long Beach Amphitheater 12 SEP 2026 – Sparks, NV – Nugget Event Center 29 SEP 2026 – Sofia, Bulgaria – 8888 Arena 01 OCT 2026 – Cluj, Romania – BT Arena 02 OCT 2026 – Budapest, Hungary – Laszlo Papp Arena 04 OCT 2026 – Bratislava, Slovakia – Tipos Arena 05 OCT 2026 – Vienna, Austria – Stadthalle 07 OCT 2026 – Prague, Czechia – O2 Arena 08 OCT 2026 – Lodz, Poland – Atlas Arena 10 OCT 2026 – Belgrade, Serbia – Stark Arena 11 OCT 2026 – Skopje, North Macedonia – Boris Trajkovski Arena 13 OCT 2026 – Athens, Greece – Telekom Centre Arena 16 OCT 2026 – Zurich, Switzerland – Hallenstadion 17 OCT 2026 – Milan, Italy – Unipol Forum 19 OCT 2026 – Barcelona, Spain – Sant Jordi Club 20 OCT 2026 – Madrid, Spain – Movistar Arena 22 OCT 2026 – Paris, France – Adidas Arena 23 OCT 2026 – Antwerp, Belgium – Lotto Arena 25 OCT 2026 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Royal Arena 26 OCT 2026 – Stockholm, Sweden – Avicii Arena 28 OCT 2026 – Oslo, Norway – Spektrum Arena 29 OCT 2026 – Gothenburg, Sweden – Scandinavium 31 OCT 2026 – Leipzig, Germany – QI Arena 01 NOV 2026 – Hamburg, Germany – Sporthalle 03 NOV 2026 – Dortmund, Germany – Westfalenhalle 04 NOV 2026 – Berlin, Germany – Uber Arena 06 NOV 2026 – Frankfurt, Germany – Festhalle 07 NOV 2026 – Nuremberg, Germany – Arena 09 NOV 2026 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Ziggo Dome 10 NOV 2026 – Strasbourg, France – Zénith 12 NOV 2026 – Bordeaux, France – Arkéa Arena 13 NOV 2026 – Nantes, France – Zénith 15 NOV 2026 – Lyon, France – LDLC Arena 18 NOV 2026 – Newcastle, UK – Utilita Arena 19 NOV 2026 – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro 21 NOV 2026 – Birmingham, UK – BP Pulse Arena 22 NOV 2026 – Manchester, UK – AO Arena 24 NOV 2026 – London, UK – Eventim Apollo 25 NOV 2026 – London, UK – Royal Albert Hall 05 DEC 2026 – São Paulo, Brazil – Suhai Hall 08 DEC 2026 – Santiago, Chile – Movistar Arena 10 DEC 2026 – Buenos Aires, Argentina – Movistar Arena 13 DEC 2026 – Monterrey, MX – Arena Monterrey 16 DEC 2026 – Guadalajara, MX – Arena Guadalajara 19 DEC 2026 – Mexico City, MX – Estadio Fray Nano Tickets are available at www.deeppurple.com.

Deep Purple will release a new album titled '=1' on July 19, 2024

One of my favorite hard rock bands is set to return with a new album; Deep Purple has announced the forthcoming release of =1 on July 19. Get all the details via the official press release below...Robert Kinsler

One of the greatest rock bands of all time to release new album ‘=1’ July 19, 2024 via earMUSIC ‘It all adds up to 1’ Pre-Order here

New York, NY (April 24, 2024) – One of the greatest and most influential rock bands of all time releases new album ‘=1’, on July 19 via earMUSIC. The first single will be unveiled on April 30 at midnight, a taster for the full 13 tracks of pioneering and rip-roaring rock 'n' roll. Deep Purple continue their charge of recent years, releasing hit albums and filling arenas around the world, adding yet more layers to their 100 million album selling legacy. The band are credited as one of the key originators of heavy rock and have constantly progressed their boundaries of music. They are fronted by the legendary Ian Gillan, whose vocals have defined generations, accompanied by the masterful bassist Roger Glover, the powerhouse drummer Ian Paice, and the maestro on keyboards Don Airey. This is the band’s first album with sensational guitarist Simon McBride, who seamlessly slotted in when longtime member Steve Morse left due to personal circumstances. Since 2022, Simon has already played to Deep Purple audiences totalling more than half a million people. But Deep Purple is more than just their members and ‘=1’ embodies the essence and attitude of their 1970s incarnation possibly more than any other album in recent memory. With the legendary Bob Ezrin once again producing, the record evokes the pioneering band’s classic sound, without relying on nostalgia. The enigmatic title ‘=1’ symbolises the idea that in a world growing ever more complex, everything eventually simplifies down to a single, unified essence. Everything equals one. Its full meaning will be revealed in the coming weeks, with the artwork also playing its part. Fans have already been speculating after mysterious equations and depictions of multiverses appeared in London, Paris, and Berlin in recent days (link to images here). With three consecutive No.1 albums in their back pocket, this is Deep Purple at their pinnacle. ‘Now WHAT?!’ (2013), ‘inFinite’ (2017), and ‘Whoosh!’ (2020) have sold over one million copies worldwide, making Deep Purple one of the most successful rock bands currently active. The latest studio album, “Whoosh!”, reached #1 on the album charts in 7 countries and charted in the top 10 in another 12. Taking the US by storm this summer Deep Purple will be shaking the walls of arenas, with an explosive lineup of unforgettable hits taken from their repertoire of rock spanning over half a century. ‘=1’ will be released on July 19th via earMUSIC as Ltd. CD+DVD (Digipak), CD (Jewelcase), 2LP Gatefold (black, 180g), Ltd. Purple 2LP Gatefold (180g), Ltd. Crystal Clear 2LP (180g) and Ltd. Box Set (CD+DVD Digipak, 2LP black Gatefold, 3x exclusive 10” vinyl editions feat. live recordings from Deep Purple’s 2022 tour, exclusive Collector’s T-shirt, 2x exclusive guitar picks, 1x exclusive art print, 1x exclusive lanyard, and the chance to win a Golden Ticket giving access to all shows on the Deep Purple “=1 MORE TIME”-tour). All LPs include a rich 12-page vinyl sized booklet. The bonus DVD features the approx. 60min documentary ‘Access All Areas’ joining Deep Purple backstage on tour and providing an exclusive look behind the scenes. Further exclusive items are available via the official album store (here): Ltd. 2LP Picture Disc, Ltd. Cassette, strictly limited canvas signed by all band members – limited to 50 items only and various other merchandise items.

=1 MORE TIME TOUR DATES: Aug. 14 – Hollywood, FL @ Hard Rock Live Aug. 15 – Tampa, FL @ Seminole Hard Rock Event Center Aug. 17 – The Woodlands, TX @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Aug. 18 – Durant, OK @ Choctaw Casino – Grand Theater Aug. 19 – Fort Worth, TX @ Dickies Arena Aug. 21 – Cincinnati, OH @ PNC Pavilion at Riverbend Music Center Aug. 22 – Sterling Heights, MI @ Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill Aug. 23 – Tinley Park, IL @ Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre Aug. 25 – Toronto, ON @ Budweiser Stage Aug. 27 – Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre Aug. 28 – Gilford, NH @ BankNH Pavilion Aug. 30 – Camden, NJ @ Freedom Mortgage Pavilion Aug. 31 – Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center Sept. 1 – Wantagh, NY @ Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater Sept. 3 – Bridgeport, CT @ Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater Sept. 4 – Saratoga Springs, NY @ Broadview Stage at SPAC Sept. 6 – Bethel, NY @ Bethel Woods Center for the Arts Sept. 7 – Bristow, VA @ Jiffy Lube Live Sept. 8 – Scranton, PA @ The Pavilion at Montage Mountain Tickets are available at www.deeppurple.com About Deep Purple There simply aren’t enough superlatives to properly acknowledge the contribution Deep Purple has made to rock music. Having sold more than 100 million albums and filled global arenas for decades, there’s little wonder that the respected British radio station Planet Rock named the group the '5th Most Influential Band Ever’. The band were also presented the ‘Legend Award’ at the 2008 World Music Awards and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016. Deep Purple truly are ‘rock royalty’. With a body of work spanning seven decades, Deep Purple has helped pioneer and define the hard rock genre while progressively moving into new areas, both keeping their sound fresh and attracting new fans to the legions who have remained loyal since the band’s inception. The celebrated MKII line up of Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Ian Paice, Jon Lord and Ritchie Blackmore were responsible for creating many of the defining rock albums of the early 70’s, including “Made In Japan”, universally accepted as one of the most important and influential live albums of all time. Known as one of the hardest working bands ever, Deep Purple has continued to release No.1 albums and tour globally since forming in 1968, with little rest. In 2007 (almost 40 years after being formed), the band performed 40 dates in France to an award-winning audience, and they continue to spend much of their year on the road selling out arenas across the globe. Deep Purple has stayed true to its musical roots taking from an eclectic mix of styles to create a distinctive sound that defines the band today, but which in turn, has created a legacy that very few bands could ever hope to replicate. The band has written and produced so many “classic,” well-known songs, that its audience range widely in age and background – something the band has readily embraced. Deep Purple’s recent studio album, “Whoosh!” (2020), followed their worldwide chart-topping albums “inFinite” (2017) and “NOW What?!” (2013). 2024 sees the release of their brand-new album “=1”. On all albums, Deep Purple joined forces with producer Bob Ezrin, who has worked with the likes of KISS, Pink Floyd, Lou Reed and Alice Cooper. Furthering their collaboration with Ezrin, in 2021 and during the pandemic the band recorded a collection of cover songs from their own homes (normal for most bands nowadays, revolutionary for a band that records everything together in the studio), creating an eclectic and celebratory history of their roots in music, in the shape of ‘Turning To Crime’. In 2022 came the sad news of Steve Morse’s departure due to personal circumstances, but Deep Purple, never a band to let a set back throw them off course, sought out the masterful skills of guitarist Simon McBride and played the year out in style, exciting crowds with a new energy and excitement. Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Ian Paice, Don Airey and Simon McBride continue with renewed vitality, pushing the boundaries of hard rock to audiences around the globe, proving that Deep Purple are very much here to stay.

Reissues, retrospectives and returns: Deep Purple, Colin Blunstone, Buck Owens and the Buckeroos, Walter Hyatt tribute

The return of Deep Purple as well as essential reissues from singer-songwriter Colin Blunstone and Buck Owens and the Buckeroos as well as tribute to the late country music star Walter Hyatt are definitely worth adding to your music library.

Artist: Deep Purple

Title: Turning To Crime (earMUSIC)

You might like if you enjoy: Deep Purple, Steve Morse, Ian Gillan, Peter Green

Tell me more: Deep Purple is back with Turning To Crime, the classic hard rock troupe's first ever album featuring a full track listing covering other artists' songs. The new album is also the third release in a must-hear series of titles produced by Bob Ezrin that has marked a successful new chapter for Deep Purple (singer Ian Gillan, bassist Roger Glover, drummer Ian Paice, keyboardist Don Airey, guitarist Steve Morse). It should come as little surprise that the 12-track "Turning To Crime" celebrates Deep Purple's signature sound while also creatively honoring the classics revisited on the disc. A driving take on Love's "7 And 7 Is" kicks off the album, the rousing cover enhanced by Morse's guitar and Airey keyboards. Other early standouts on the album include a playful take on the Ray Charles favorite "Let The Good Times Roll," and potent versions of the Peter Green-penned "Rockin' Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu" and "Oh Well," the latter shining a welcome light on Gillan's powerful vocals and Morse's breathtaking lead guitar playing. The magic continues with a psychedelia-tinged reading of the Yardbirds' "Shapes Of Things," amped cover of Bob Seger's "Lucifer," and burning take on Cream's "White Room." A dazzling eight-minute medley caps the album with selections pulled from the far-flung likes of Freddie King, Booker T. and the M.G.'s, Allman Brothers and Led Zeppelin revisited. Other artists covered on the album include Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels, Bob Dylan, Little Feat and Jimmy Driftwood. Information: Deep-Purple.com or ear-music.net.

Artist: Colin Blunstone

Title: One Year: 50th Anniversary Edition (Sundazed Music)

You might like if you enjoy: The Zombies, Colin Blunstone

Tell me more: Originally released in November 1971, singer-songwriter Colin Blunstone's One Year was The Zombies lead vocalist's solo debut; Blunstone's Zombies band mates Rod Argent and Chris White co-produced the album. Now comes the outstanding 50th Anniversary Edition of the classic LP that immerses the listener in the artist's enthralling mix of neo-classical, rock, jazz and Baroque pop. In addition to the original album track listing, the reissue includes 14 previously unreleased recordings and nine unrecorded compositions. One of rock's greatest singers, Blunstone's soaring and mesmerizing vocals shine across the collection. The reissue is a joy with the uptempo "She Loves The Way They Love Her," classical music-mining "Misty Roses" (featuring Zombies bassist Chris White on classical guitar) and "Smokey Day," jazz-tinged Baroque rock classic "Caroline Goodbye," and buoyant "Mary Won't You Warm My Bed" all early delights on the disc. The gorgeous "Her Song", soaring "Say You Don't Mind," flamenco guitar-adorned "I've Always Had You," touching "I'm Coming Home" and dark "Sing Your Own Song" (the latter a song written in response to Blunstone reading about his own death in Rolling Stone) are among the late-title highlights. The physical release — available on audio CD and vinyl — includes never-before-seen photos and new liner notes penned by Blunstone. Information: ColinBlunstone.net. 

Artist: Buck Owens and the Buckeroos

Titles: Your Mother's Prayer; The Kansas City Song; I Wouldn't Live in New York City; In the Palm of Your Hand; Ain't It Amazing, Gracie; (It's a) Monster Holiday (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Dwight Yoakam, Buck Owens, Merle Haggard

Tell me more: Back in June of this year, Omnivore Recordings announced the reissue of remastered editions of nine outstanding Buck Owens and the Buckeroos album titles spanning 1968 to 1974. For fans of the legendary and beloved country music artist, these titles are crucial. In August I reviewed the first trio of these special editions and am going to highlight the other six in this week's column. 

Originally released in early 1970, Your Mother's Prayer features a gospel-centered approach highlighted by the beautiful title track (bolstered by classical and pedal steel guitar textures), the swinging "That Old Time Religion," the affecting "In God I Trust" and lively "That Sunday Feeling." Owens wrote or co-wrote seven of the 11 tracks on an album that ranks among the best country music gospel albums of all time.  

Released in July 1970, The Kansas City Song, features 10 infectious songs showcasing Owens' strong songcraft, signature vocal and the top-tier musical talents of guitarists Don Rich and Doyle Holly, drummer Jerry Wiggins, keyboardist Earl Poole Ball, bassist pianist Jim Shaw and pedal steel legend Buddy Emmons. Standouts include the rousing title track, tender ballads "Bring Back My Peace Of Mind," "I'd Love To Be Your Man," melodic "Amsterdam" and poignant "Black Texas Dirt." 

Released at the end of 1970, each song on I Wouldn't Live in New York City focuses on a different city. The concept album reached #12 on the country album charts and is a wonderful listen. The comedic "I Wouldn't Live in New York City (If They Gave Me The Whole Dang Town)" was recorded live on the streets of The Big Apple. Other memorable originals on the disc include the wistful "Reno Lament," beautiful "The Wind Blows Every Day In Chicago," church bells-bolstered "(It's A Long Way To) Londontown" and Latin-fused "Santa Domingo."

Released in January 1973, In the Palm of Your Hand proved to be another hit for the prolific Owens. Featuring 10 tracks, standouts on the set include the romantic title track, country rock-tinged "Made In Japan," yearning "Sweethearts In Heaven" and bittersweet "Arms Full Of Empty."

Released a mere two months after In the Palm of Your Hand, Ain't It Amazing, Gracie continued Owens' creative and commercial success courtesy of 10 indelible tracks. The pretty "Long Hot Summer," a shining cover of Home Joy's "Streets of Bakersfield," colorful "Your Monkey Won't Be Home Tonight" and sorrowful "Old Faithful" are among the terrific cuts on the album.

Issued in 1974, (It's a) Monster Holiday was Owens and his Buckeroos' 23rd Top 10 country album. The album features a rich mix of humorous tracks (the title track, "Meanwhile Back at the Ranch"), uptempo material ("Stony Mountain West Virginia," "Kiss An Angel Good Mornin'," "Pass Me By (If You're Only Passing Through)") and lush ballads ("Amazing Love," "I Love," "You're Gonna Love Yourself in the Morning"). The album also features "On the Cover of the Music City News," a clever re-write by Owens and Shaw of Shel Silverstein's "Cover of the Rolling Stone."

The Omnivore Recordings reissues have been released in their original configurations on audio CD and Digital (in both standard and high resolution); each has been mastered from the original analog tapes by Michael Graves and produced for release by Grammy-winner Cheryl Pawelski, and all feature expanded artwork and new liner notes from Owens biographer Randy Poe (the author of "Buck 'Em! The Autobiography of Buck Owens"). Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artists: Lyle Lovett, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Junior Brown, David Ball, more

Title: Mighty Fine: An Austin City Limits Tribute to Walter Hyatt (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: David Ball, Lyle Lovett, Shawn Colvin, Uncle Walt's Band

Tell me more: During the late 1970s and early '80s, Uncle Walt's Band (David Ball, Champ Hood, Walter Hyatt) was one of the most popular artists in Austin, Texas. The South Carolina-spawned trio issued several self-released titles before breaking up in 1983. Even after the acclaimed trio broke up and Hyatt returned to Nashville with his wife, Heidi, he remained a fixture on the country music scene and even produced Lyle Lovett's 1990 major label debut "King Tears." Hyatt also recorded several solo albums, including 1993's Music Town. Sadly, Hyatt died in the May 11, 1996 ValueJet Plane crash that took the lives of all passengers and crew. Lovett subsequently helped organize tribute concerts to benefit Hyatt's wife and children; now tracks from a 1997 "Austin City Limits" Tribute to Hyatt have been released; the title (Mighty Fine: An Austin City Limits Tribute to Walter Hyatt) features 11 tracks from the original broadcast and six additional tracks not shown on the television special. Additionally, four previously-unissued Hyatt recordings — including the timely "In A Christmas Dream" — are included as bonus tracks. The wonderful release features a diverse lineup of artists who worked with or were influenced by Hyatt including Lovett, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Marcia Ball, Junior Brown, Shawn Colvin, and his Uncle Walt's Band mates Ball and Hood. "Mighty Fine" is available on audio CD and via Digital. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com. 

Robert Kinsler