Inbox Update: The Kinks, Arcade Fire meets Echo and The Bunnymen, Morrissey, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers

If it's Tuesday, there must be music news to share...

The Kinks

It was awesome when I got to see The Kinks back in the early '80s. Read the latest update on hopes The Kinks will reunite!

Watch Arcade Fire cover Echo and the Bunnymen's "The Cutter" — with Ian McCulloch.

Check out Morrissey performing a new song playfully titled "Kick the Bride Down the Aisle."

Finally, my inbox just received an update that the forthcoming Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers album Hypnotic Eye is now available for pre-order. Here is the full media release:

TOM PETTY AND THE HEARTBREAKERS' NEW ALBUMHYPNOTIC EYE IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER

FIVE TRACKS FROM THE ALBUM WILL BE REVEALED PRIOR TO THE ALBUM'S JULY 29th RELEASE

TICKETS ARE ONSALE NOW FOR THEIR NORTH AMERICAN TOUR FEATURING VERY SPECIAL GUEST STEVE WINWOOD

The forthcoming album on Reprise Records from TOM PETTY AND THE HEARTBREAKERS, Hypnotic Eye, is now available for pre-order at iTunes and onTomPetty.com. If you pre-order the album in any format from either of these outlets or are a member of the band's Highway Companions Club, you will receive downloads of five tracks from the album in advance of the July 29th release date. Three of those tracks will be delivered immediately beginning today with one more to follow on both June 24 and July 15. The initial advance tracks include "American Dream Plan B," which is currently streaming on Soundcloud and at RollingStone.com, and "U Get Me High," which was sent to radio stations this morning.

Many shows on Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers' 2014 North American Tour, featuring very special guest Steve Winwood, are now onsale, with shows at Clarkston, MI's DTE Energy Music Theatre and Morrison, CO's Red Rocks Amphitheatre going on sale soon.

Every ticket on the tour includes the new album, Hypnotic Eye.

Hypnotic Eye was recently described by Rolling Stone magazine as "maximum rock & roll" and "a decisive return to the concise Sixties-rock classicism of his first great New Wave era albums." Click here to view the album and tour announcement video. 

Hypnotic Eye will be available in the following formats:

- 180 gram 2-LP Vinyl (includes an extra track from the album sessions)

- 140 gram 1-LP Vinyl

- High-definition Blu-ray Audio Disc (includes an extra track from the album sessions)

- Digital Download in MP3 or FLAC Formats

- Standard CD

For more information on Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers plus details of their new album Hypnotic Eye and upcoming North American tour, please visit www.tompetty.com.

TOM PETTY AND THE HEARTBREAKERS 2014 NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES

Aug 03            San Diego, CA          Viejas Arena

Aug 05            Boise, ID                   Taco Bell Arena

Aug 07            Eugene, OR              Matthew Knight Center

Aug 09            San Francisco, CA   Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival

Aug 12            Portland, OR             Moda Center

Aug 14            Vancouver, BC          Rogers Arena

Aug 15            George, WA              The Gorge

Aug 17            Edmonton, AB           Rexall Place

Aug 19            Calgary, AB              Scotiabank Saddledome

Aug 21            Winnipeg, MB            MTS Centre

Aug 23            Chicago, IL                United Center

Aug 24           Clarkston, MI             DTE Energy Music Theatre (onsale 6/13)

Aug 26            Toronto, ONT           Air Canada Centre 

Aug 28            Montreal, QC             Bell Centre

Aug 30            Boston, MA               Fenway Park

Sep 06            Arrington, VA             Lockn' Festival

Sep 07            Darien Center, NY     Darien Lake PAC

Sep 10            New York, NY            Madison Square Garden

Sep 13            Hartford, CT               XL Center

Sep 15            Philadelphia, PA        Wells Fargo Arena

Sep 18            Raleigh, NC               PNC Arena 

Sep 20            West Palm Beach, FL Cruzan Amphitheater

Sep 21            Tampa, FL                  Tampa Bay Times Forum

Sep 23            Nashville, TN              Bridgestone Arena

Sep 25            Houston, TX               Toyota Center

Sep 26            Dallas, TX                  American Airlines Center

Sep 28            Tulsa, OK                    BOK Center

Sep 30            Morrison, CO               Red Rocks Amphitheatre (onsale 6/20)

Oct 1               Morrison, CO               Red Rocks Amphitheatre (onsale 6/20)

Oct 7               Anaheim, CA              Honda Center

Oct 10             Los Angeles, CA         The Forum

TOM PETTY AND THE HEARTBREAKERS released their debut album in 1976 and have since sold over 60 million records. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002, their first year of eligibility, and in recent years have continued to build on their already legendary success.Their concerts are celebrated by fans and critics alike and their music has influenced numerous young bands and writers around the world. Between the Heartbreakers' recordings, his solo work and his membership in The Traveling Wilburys along with George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison and Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty has received 18 Grammy nominations and been honored with lifetime achievement awards including Billboard's Century Award, ASCAP's Founders Award, MTV's Video Vanguard Award. Tom Petty's SiriusXM radio show, Tom Petty's Buried Treasure, now in its eighth season, is one of the most beloved and popular shows on satellite radio. It features Tom Petty spinning favorite tunes from his extensive private music collection. Tom Petty, with the Heartbreakers at his side, has become a rock and roll icon lauded by fellow musicians and music lovers worldwide.

Sights and Sounds: Rush's 'Presto' to be released on limited numbered edition Hybrid SACD

Rush's Legendary 'Presto' Album To Be Released On Limited Numbered Edition Hybrid SACD

“...arguably Rush's most original effort ever!”

Rush fans rejoice! Marshall Blonstein's Audio Fidelity will be reissuing Rush's legendary 'Presto' album on limited numbered edition Hybrid SACD! Rush were never a band known to play the same sort of thing for any extended period, they often pushed the boundaries of rock and their formidable list of albums helped to bring prog to a wider audience. By 1989 a change was inevitable and with their 13th studio album, 'Presto', it was a change for the good. 'Presto' marked the beginning of a transition period, moving away from a sound dominated by synthesizers and toward more traditional rock instrumentation. The synths were toned back while the guitars were brought up to a reasonable level allowing the emphasis to return to the rhythm instruments, resurrecting the groove that Rush maintains so very well.

“A creative rebirth - producing a groove that's positively infectious.”

Geddy Lee and Neal Peart are in good form, but Alex Lifeson is the real story, he can be heard in grand force and even pulls out the acoustic guitar. Lifeson’s leads in “Superconductor” are brilliant, Geddy Lee does great solo work on “Show Don't Tell” and Peart’s percussion on “Scars” features a complex tribal rhythm drum pattern in which both acoustic and electronic drums are utilized - a synthesis of the two that's accessible without compromising. Each of these tracks, along with “The Pass,” reached the top of the Album Rock Tracks charts with “Show Don't Tell” hitting #1. 'Presto' climbed to #16 on the Billboard Top 200 album chart.

Rush made a stab at greatness with 'Presto' and Rupert Hine's deft production had much to do with its success.

Tracks

1. Show Don't Tell

2. Chain Lightning

3. The Pass

4. War Paint

5. Scars

6. Presto

7. Superconductor

8. Anagram (for Mongo)

9. Red Tide

10. Hand Over Fist

11. Available Light

Produced by Rupert Hine

Mastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio

For more information:

http://www.audiofidelity.net/content/rush-presto

Sights and Sounds: Switchfoot, '90s soundtracks, Weezer, Dex Romweber

Hope everybody had a great weekend! Here is a roundup of what's happening!

Switchfoot

The 10th Annual Switchfoot Bro-Am is coming in early July. Get the details on the Music Minded site here.

Another day, another list! Isn't it time you checked out the best '90s soundtrack albums?

Seeing is believing! The drummer for Weezer caught a Frisbee during a recent show — and didn't miss a beat as he kept playing.

Finally, USA Today has just posted the video premiere of the Dex Romweber Duo's "Roll On." Check it out here.

Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson 'Thick As A Brick - Live In Iceland' set for Aug. 26 release

Fans of Jethro Tull will be thrilled with this breaking news...

EAGLE ROCK ENTERTAINMENT TO RELEASE

 JETHRO TULL’S IAN ANDERSON

THICK AS A BRICK – LIVE IN ICELAND On AUG. 26, 2014 

~ DVD, SD BLU-RAY, 2CD AND DIGITAL FORMATS ~

THE FIRST EVER RELEASE TO COMBINE THE 1972 CONCEPT ALBUM THICK AS A BRICK AND FOLLOW-UP THICK AS A BRICK 2: WHATEVER HAPPEN TO GERALD BOSTOCK – LIVE! 

On August 26, 2014, Eagle Rock Entertainment will release Thick As A Brick - Live In Iceland by Jethro Tull’s Ian Andersonon 2CD, DVD, SD Blu-ray and digital formats.  This is the first time Thick As A Brick andThick As A Brick 2: Whatever Happened To Gerald Bostock? have been offered in a combined set, resulting in a superb presentation of the complete story of Gerald Bostock.

Jethro Tull’s famed concept album Thick As A Brick was originally released in 1972 and featured one continuous track spread across two sides of an LP telling the story of a young boy named Gerald Bostock. 40 years later in 2012, Jethro Tull’s founder and leader Ian Anderson continued the story, with the creation of Thick As A Brick 2: Whatever Happened To Gerald Bostock?. Following this release, Anderson took both albums on the road to present the complete narrative live. This show, filmed in Iceland, brings Gerald’s tale to life as never before and creates the definitive presentation of Thick As A Brick.

Ian Anderson recently released the very successful solo album Homo Erraticus, and is currently on tour across Europe from June to September (full details atwww.jethrotull.com).

Underlining not only Ian Anderson’s importance as a songsmith, Thick As A Brick – Live In Iceland also showcases this consummate live performer.

Eagle Rock Entertainment is the largest producer and distributor of music programming for DVD, Blu-Ray, TV, Audio and Digital Media in the world.  Eagle works directly alongside talent to produce top quality, High Definition and 3D programs, both concerts and documentaries, including The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, The Who, Queen, The Doors, Jeff Beck, U2, Peter Gabriel, Paul McCartney and Ozzy Osbourne. Eagle is a Grammy Award winning company and has received over 30 multi-platinum, over 50 platinum and over 90 gold discs, worldwide.  Eagle Rock Entertainment has offices in London, New York, Toronto, 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

1) Thick As A Brick*  

2) From A Pebble Thrown**  

3) Pebbles Instrumental  

4) Might Have Beens  

5) Upper Sixth Loan Shark  

6) Banker Bets, Banker Wins  

7) Swing It Far  

8) Adrift And Dumbfounded  

9) Old School Song  

10) Wootton Bassett Town           

11) Power And Spirit  

12) Give Til It Hurts  

13) Cosy Corner  

14) Shunt And Shuffle  

15) A Change Of Horses  

16) Confessional  

17) Kismet In Surburbia  

18) What-ifs, Maybes And Might-Have-Beens

*CD1 

**CD2

Pioneering Americana artists buck tradition

Swedish siblings First Aid Kit, legendary country singer Hank Williams and dynamic duo 7Horse expand their legacies via new releases.

Artist: First Aid Kit

Album: Stay Gold (Columbia)

You might like if you enjoy: Emmylou Harris, Fleet Foxes, the Civil Wars

Tell me more: Swedish sisters Klara and Johanna Söderberg first burst on the global Americana music scene with their stunning full-length debut, 2012's The Lion's Roar, and have equaled the power of that country-mining folk effort on the pair's 2014 follow-up disc Stay Gold. There is a heavier real world feel across the lyrics this time around, as evidenced by the confessional lead-off track "My Silver Lining," the lovely "The Bell," tender "A Long Time Ago" and sparse "Shattered & Hollow." Information: thisisfirstaidkit.com.
Purchase 'Stay Gold'

Artist: Hank Williams

Album: The Garden Spot Programs, 1950 (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Hank Williams, Michael and the Lonesome Playboys, David Serby

Tell me more: Unheard for more than six decades, the recently re-discovered and masterfully-restored performances from the legendary Hank Williams (1923-1953) featured on The Garden Spot Programs, 1950 certainly adds to the legacy of one of country music's greatest artists. A wonderful and truly unbelievable treasure-trove for fans of the late singer-songwriter, The Garden Spot Programs, 1950 features 24 performances from four known existing episodes of the 1950 radio show where Williams had the opportunity to play hits, standards and rarities. The spontaneous, in-between song banter is a large part of the fun. Information: omnivorerecordings.com.  
Buy 'The Garden Spot Programs, 1950' today

Artist: 7Horse

Album: Songs for a Voodoo Wedding (7Horse Music)

You might like if you enjoy: dada, the Strypes, the Doors

Tell me more: Crafting intelligent and astounding rock has been a trademark of dada over that trio's glorious 20-year history, so it should come as no surprise that 7Horse boasts that same kind of fiery and freewheeling spirit. Comprised of dada's Phil Leavitt and Joie Calio, 7Horse's newly-released LP Songs for a Voodoo Wedding is a worthy follow-up to the duo's 2011 debut Let the 7Horse Run. The sophomore effort kicks off with the rousing blues-minded folk rocker "Flying High (With No I.D.)," and includes the rollicking "Carousel Bar" and hypnotic "Please Come On Home." Information: 7horsemusic.com.

Purchase 'Songs for a Voodoo Wedding' [Explicit]

Ringo Starr kicks off North American Tour; adds additional dates in October

More news related to Ringo Starr's 2014 tour and upcoming birthday celebration...

RINGO’S JULY 7^TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION OF ‘PEACE & LOVE’ TO BE HELD IN L.A. IN FRONT OF THE CAPITAL RECORDS BUILDING

NEW RINGO STARR ARTWORK EXHIBITIONS OPENING IN NYC, ATLANTIC CITY AND CHICAGO

Left To Right: Steve Lukather, Gregg Rolie, Ringo Starr, Todd Rundgren, Gregg Bisonette, Richard Page, Warren Ham. PHOTO CREDIT: ROB SHANAHAN

June 5, 2014 - Rama ONT - Today Ringo Starr took a break from rehearsals with his All Starr Band (including Steve Lukather, Richard Page, Gregg Rolie, Todd Rundgren and Gregg Bissonette) to announce new tour dates and activity.

This incarnation of the All Starr band is the same line up he has played with since 2012, with the addition of Warren Ham, who will be given a warm All Starr welcome. Hamm will replace longtime All Starr Mark Rivera who is on tour with Billy Joel.

“I love playing with this band,” Ringo said, “and I can’t wait to get back out and play with them again.”

In addition to his music, Ringo Starr is also bringing his artwork to select cities. What started merely a diversion to pass the time, has since developed into an iconic collection of artwork. This year Ringo has created a unique set of 'self portraits' that truly showcases his evolution as a visual artist. June 19, 2014, there will be an opening VIP reception and exhibition of Ringo Starr’s art at Soho Contemporary Art Gallery  (www.sohocontemporaryart.com).   Ringo's art may also be seen at the Hard Rock Cafe in Chicago and Ocean Gallery in Stone Harbor , NJ. as well as online at www.RingoStarrArt.com

On July 7, Ringo will be celebrating his 74^th birthday in Los Angeles. He invites everyone, everywhere around the world to join him at Noon, their local time in a Peace & Love celebration. For those in LA, at Noon Ringo will join all those who choose to gather and share a Peace & Love moment in front of the Capital Records building.

On July 13 (8pm EST) AXS TV will premiere “RINGO STARR: A LIFETIME OF PEACE AND LOVE”  a once in a lifetime tribute concert event honoring Ringo by the David Lynch Foundation.  The show is packed with heartfelt moments & great performances from some of music's biggest & breaking artists including Joe Walsh, Ben Harper, Ben Folds,  Brendan Benson, Bettye LaVette, The Head & The Heart and Jesse Elliot and Lindsey McWilliams of  Ark Life; with an equally stellar backing band featuring Don Was, Benmont Tench, Peter Frampton, Steve Lukather and Kenny Arnoff. This unique collection of musicians all came together to celebrate one of music's greatest stars. The concert was shot on January 20, 2014 at the El Rey in Los Angeles and launched the Ringo Starr Peace & Love Fund, established as a division of the David Lynch Foundation (a 501c3 charity), to provide Transcendental Meditation instruction to tens of thousands of at-risk students in underserved schools, women who are survivors of domestic violence, and veterans with post-traumatic stress.  http://www. davidlynchfoundation.org/ peacelovefund/

RINGO STARR AND HIS ALL STARR BAND ON TOUR:

June:

June 6- Rama, ON - Casino Rama

June 7- Canandaigua, NY- CMAC

June 8- Williamsport, PA- Community Arts Theatre

June 10- Albany, NY- Palace Theater

June 11- Westbury, NY - Theatre at Westbury

June 12- Vienna, VA - Wolf Trap Filene Center

June 14- Wallingford, CT - Toyota Present Oakdale Theatre

June 15- Providence, RI - Performing Arts Center

June 17- New York, NY- Beacon Theatre

June 18- New York, NY- Beacon Theatre

June 20- Red Bank, NJ - Count Basie Theatre

June 21- Atlantic City, NJ - Caesars

June 22- Durham, NC - Durham Performing Arts Center

June 24- Buffalo (Lewiston), NY - ArtPark

June 25 Verona NY - Turning Stone Casino

June 27- Detroit, MI - DTE Energy Music Theatre

June 28- Chicago, IL- Chicago Theatre

June 29- Cleveland, OH - Jacobs Pavillion

July:

July 1- Toledo, OH - Toledo Zoo

July 2- Kettering OH - Fraze Pavilion

July 3- Robinsonville, MS - Horseshoe Casino Tunica

July 5- Thatcherville, OK (Dallas, TX) - Winstar World Casino

July 9- Albuquerque, NM - Sandia Amphitheatre

July 11- San Diego, CA- Humphreys

July 12- Santa Barbara, CA - Santa Barbara Bowl

July 13- San Jose CA -  City National Civic of San Jose

July 15- Vancouver BC - Hard Rock Casino

July 16- Woodenvile, WA (Seattle) – Chateau Ste Michelle

July 17- Bend, OR - Les Schwab Amphitheater

July 19- Los Angeles, CA- Greek Theatre

October:

Oct 2- Tulsa, OK- Hard Rock Café

Oct 3- St. Louis, MO- Fabulous Fox Theatre

Oct 4- Kansas City, KS- Starlight Theatre

Oct 5- Omaha, NE- CenturyLink Center

Oct 7- San Antonio, TX- Tobin Center for the Performing Arts

Oct 8- Austin, TX- Moody Theater

Oct 10- Houston, TX- Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

Oct 15- Charleston- North Charleston Performing Arts Center

Oct 17- Biloxi- Hard Rock Café Biloxi

Oct 18- Jacksonville, FL- Moran Theatre

Oct 19- Ft. Myers, FL- Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall

Oct 21- Ft. Lauderdale- Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Oct 22- Melbourne, FL- Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts

Oct 23- Clearwater, FL- Ruth Eckerd Hall

Check local listings for on sale dates and for more information please visit:

www.ringostarr.com

OneRepublic a world of styles in Irvine

My concert review was originally posted on The Orange County Register Web site on Wednesday, June 4, 2014. A special "Thank You" to photographer Kelly A. Swift for the use of her photo taken at the June 3, 2014 concert.

In a homecoming of sorts, the group, headlining Thursday at the Hollywood Bowl, served up a compelling mix of pop, rock, blues and reggae.

BY ROBERT KINSLER / CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Published: June 4, 2014 Updated: June 5, 2014 12:21 p.m.

ONEREPUBLIC

With: The Script, American Authors

Where: Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, Irvine

When: June 3

Next: The tour stops at 7 tonight at the Hollywood Bowl

How much: $29.50-$87.50 ($41-$102.95 with fees)

Call: 800-745-3000

Online: ticketmaster.com

Singer Ryan Tedder and cello player
Brent Kutzle of OneRepublic

On the Orange County stop of their Native Summer Tour, pop-rock outfits OneRepublic, the Script and newcomers American Authors delighted a near-capacity crowd at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine on a night of consistently strong performances.

With two members of headlining OneRepublic hailing from Orange County – cello player Brent Kutzle was born in Newport Beach and lives in Orange, drummer Eddie Fisher grew up in Mission Viejo – this was a homecoming of sorts for the quintet. Over the course of 100 fast-moving minutes, the band delivered its genre-blurring mix like it was a celebration among friends.

Though they opened with “Light It Up,” off last year’s album Native, that song was dramatic but not as potent as the majority that followed. The strings-heavy “Secrets” was next, the song’s engaging blend of R&B and pop a perfect excuse to move to the music.

Technology also was used effectively to enhance the early part of the set: During “All the Right Moves,” a geometrically-shaped rear-projection screen featured shots of Abbey Road Studios in London and the singing of a children’s choir that morphed into the band’s live performance, Kutzle’s virtuoso cello work propelling the tune. The song turned on a dime, however, as lead singer Ryan Tedder shifted to an upright piano and finished it off quietly.

Other memorable moments featured the group in both stripped-down and amped-up modes. Accompanied by his acoustic guitar, Tedder brought a heartfelt approach to “Stop and Stare,” then traded in the six-string for 88 keys in an emotive version of the band’s biggest hit, “Apologize.” Those wanting to dance were more frequently rewarded via the brisker likes of the electronica-tinged “Counting Stars,” the grooving “Can’t Stop” and tuneful “Good Life.”

OneRepublic’s sharp encore centered on the downright blues-heavy “Love Runs Out” (the official video of which arrived this week) plus a piano-anchored cover of the Louis Armstrong standard “What a Wonderful World,” with Tedder pushing his falsetto to its upper reaches, before the band finished with the uplifting “If I Lose Myself.”

Less than a year after Dublin export the Script warmed up for Train and Gavin DeGraw at this same venue, the trio (aided by several touring members) displayed a confidence and power far greater than it did last August.

Led by singer-songwriter Danny O’Donoghue, the group displayed that gracious and welcoming Irish spirit early and often. The frontman ventured out into the crowd during opening cut “Good Ol’ Days” and seemed determined to make friends. His camaraderie was welcome, and so was the troupe’s involving sound: “Before the Worst” was melodic, with a big chorus that filled the vast space, while the urgent, reggae-tinged “We Cry” mined Jamaican outfit Third World’s territory authentically. And the Script came closest to countrymen U2’s sonic turf via the anthemic “A Man That Can’t Be Moved,” boasting yet another superb chorus.

The ensemble’s best was saved for last, with “Hall of Fame” built on an infectious dance feel bolstering a powerful message about ordinary folks achieving extraordinary things. A fine set to be sure.

In its 30-minute set, the members of New York's American Authors, the first act on the bill, were likely hoping to achieve the kind of magic that the Script did last summer. Despite a somewhat muddy mix that drowned out some of the unique banjo and mandolin textures during the early part of the set, the band gained significant ground amid the pretty acoustic song “Trouble” and a drum- and banjo-fueled take on their ubiquitous smash “Best Day of My Life,” which proved to be the first party anthem of the night, one that got concert-goers in motion.

Sights and Sounds: Bob Mould, Arcade Fire, Dave Grohl, JOHNNYSWIM, 'Best albums of early 2014' and more

Bob Mould's new music video "I Don't Know You Anymore" is up at Funny or Die.

Check out Arcade Fire's recent performance on Jools Holland courtesy of Spin here.

Preview Dave Grohl's new HBO series "Sonic Highways", which coincides with a new Foo Fighters album. AltPress has all the news.

The video for “Home,” the lead single off Diamonds, the debut LP from husband and wife team JOHNNYSWIM,premiered on VH1’s “Top 20 Countdown” as well as CMT and CMT “Pure Country.” Watch the video here: http://youtu.be/APoRFLtD8z4. The music, which debuted at #1 on iTunes Singer-Songwriter Chart, #10 overall, and top 30 on the Billboard 200 Chart, continues to receive widespread critical acclaim. 

Courtney Barnett's "The Double EP - A Sea of Split Peas"

Spin names the best albums of the year so far. I like many of the titles, including the Courtney Barnett collection and Damon Albarn's Everyday Robots.

Classic Album Replay: Led Zeppelin I In depth Review

Get the Led Zeppelin I (Deluxe CD Edition) Here

Sounds of the '70s celebrated via Toto, Milk Carton Kids, 'Festival Express,' Little Feat

Robert Kinsler takes a look at some recent DVD releases highlighting continuing interest in the far-flung sounds of the 1970s…

This year has seen a burgeoning interest in the sounds and styles of the 1970s. Look no further than the growing interest in Toto and Little Feat, the welcome reissue of Festival Express as well as the popularity of the retro-mining folk duo Milk Carton Kids.

Artist: Toto

Title: 35th Anniversary Tour - Live in Poland (Eagle Rock Entertainment)

You might like if you enjoy: Toto, ASIA

Tell me more: Toto knew the perfect place to celebrate and chronicle the band's 35th anniversary tour last summer. Filmed at the Atlas Arena in Lodz, Poland in June 2013, the group performed an energetic and memorable show in front of a capacity crowd that greeted the classic rock band like they were the next big thing. All the group's hits are featured across the two hour-plus performance, with a 10-minute performance of the epic "Africa" a definite highlight courtesy of a lush arrangement that includes a world music-styled breakdown and amazing Nathan East bass solo. A behind-the-scenes feature looks at the band with 2014 interviews sheds lights on the group's rise from a group of San Fernando Valley, California high school pals to bona fide hit makers. Information: eaglerockent.com and TotoOfficial.com. 

Purchase '35th Anniversary Toto Live in Poland'

Artist: The Milk Carton Kids

Title: Live From Lincoln Theatre (ANTI-)

You might like if you enjoy: Simon & Garfunkel, the Everly Brothers 

Tell me more: While the beautiful harmonies and gentle melodies enveloped in The Milk Carton Kids' folk sound recalls Simon & Garfunkel, there is more to the duo's approach than their famous musical ancestors. On the newly-issued concert film Live From Lincoln Theatre, Kenneth Pattengale and Joey Ryan prove why they are as popular with Millennials as Baby Boomers. The introspective "The Ash & Clay," harmonies-laden "Honey, Honey" and ornate "Years Gone By" with sensational guitar work from Pattengale (who also directed the film) are among the winning songs featured during the concert. Humor is also a key element of the duo's live show, as evidenced by Ryan's masterfully delivered Bob Newhart-styled intros on a number of the songs. Information: themilkcartonkids.com.

Buy 'Live From Lincoln Theatre' here

Artists: Janis Joplin, The Band, the Grateful Dead, Buddy Guy, more

Title: Festival Express (Shout! Factory)

You might like if you enjoy: Janis Joplin, the Grateful Dead, Buddy Guy

Tell me more: A financial disaster when the train-anchored five-day tour stretched across Canada in summer 1970, the aptly-titled Festival Express ultimately proved to be an artistic triumph featuring some of the era's greatest artists in enduring performances. Shout! Factory's recently-released 2-disc DVD version of Bob Smeaton's 2003 documentary of the tour (also available on Blu-ray) truly captures the spirit and amazing performances by the celebrated likes of Janis Joplin, the Grateful Dead, bluesman Buddy Guy, the Flying Burrito Brothers, The Band and more. In addition to the original documentary film and theatrical trailer, there are a number of bonus performances too. Information: shoutfactory.com and festivalexpress.com. 

Climb aboard 'Festival Express' here

Artist: Little Feat

Title: Live in Holland 1976 (Eagle Rock Entertainment)

You might like if you enjoy: Classic Little Feat, the Grateful Dead

Tell me more: Thirty-five years after the untimely death of Lowell George, the classic line-up of Little Feat he co-founded with Bill Bayne lives again on the wonderful Live in Holland 1976. The special CD/DVD collection showcases the six-member band at the top of their powers, playing that magical blend of blues, rock, country, folk, soul and jazz that was the group's own. The collection (which includes the June 7, 1976 concert on audio CD and on an accompanying DVD) includes many of their best-known songs ("Rock and Roll Doctor," "Feats Don't Fail Me Now," "Dixie Chicken" and "Fat Man In A Bathtub"). Information: eagle-rock.com.

Purchase 'Live in Holland 1976'