Music Books Gift Guide

Those whose interest in music extends beyond merely listening have plenty of choice books to choose from this holiday season. From in-depth explorations of '60s favorites the Monkees and country-western hero Buck Owens to groundbreaking Americana outfit The Band, here is a list of some noteworthy 2016 titles available now.

Title: The Monkees, Head and the 60s (Jawbone Press)
Author: Peter Mills
Paperback: 336 pages
Tell me more: When four young actors were cast to portray an aspiring rock band on "The Monkees" TV series in 1965, it isn't likely anyone would have believed the enduring power of not only the group's hit NBC show, but the lasting appeal of the quartet's musical recordings and influence of their 1968 film "Head." Peter Mills' The Monkees, Head, and the 60s is a serious and thoughtful look at how Michael Nesmith, Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork and Davy Jones went from being an imaginary band to becoming a bona fide music outfit and ultimately establishing the blueprint for how the music industry uses marketing and the media to establish the career of a mainstream artist. This is an essential book for not only Monkees fans, but those who want to understand the myriad of forces that often determine why an artist is successful. Information: jawbonepress.com.

Title: Back to Black: Amy Winehouse's Only Masterpiece (Backbeat Books)
Author: Donald Brackett
Softcover: 272 pages
Tell me more: Amy Winehouse's life itself was tragic; she died of alcohol poisoning in July 2011 at the age of 27. And while much of the focus on Winehouse over the past five years has focused on her battles with drug and alcohol addiction, author Donald Brackett's Back to Black: Amy Winehouse's Only Masterpiece puts the focus on her second and most brilliant album, Back to Black. The 2006 release spawned a number of hits and has had a lasting impact with the subsequent success of Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings and Adele. The songs, producers Mark Ronson and Salaam Remi and musicians who contributed to that album are the focus of the important and fast-moving study. Information: backbeatbooks.com.



Title: Buck 'Em! The Autobiography of Buck Owens (Backbeat Books)
Authors: Buck Owens with Randy Poe
Paperback: 360 pages
Tell me more: During the late 1990s, singer-guitarist-songwriter Buck Owens recorded nearly 100 hours of his memories onto cassette tapes in what would ultimately provide the text for Buck 'Em! The Autobiography of Buck Owens. Now available in paperback, the autobiography covers his years as a hit maker (he was the biggest country music star of the 1960s), host of the country TV show "Hee Haw," influence on greats such as Dwight Yoakam (who wrote the books preface) and his legendary business acumen. Information: backbeatbooks.com.

Title: Sex, Drums, Rock 'n' Roll! The Hardest Hitting Man in Show Business (Backbeat Books)
Author: Kenny Aronoff
Hardcover: 320 pages
Tell me more: Kenny Aronoff is among the greatest and most influential drummers of his generation, having recorded and performed with Rock and Roll Hall of Famers John Mellencamp, John Fogerty, Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney, and many more. Now Aronoff's first-person account of his one-of-a-kind tale is documented in Sex, Drums, Rock 'n' Roll! The Hardest Hitting Man in Show Business. In colorful and conversational language, Aronoff details events throughout his rich life; the lesson here is ultimately about having a dream and working everyday to make it come true. The book's forward was penned by drummer-author Neil Peart of the band Rush. Information: backbeatbooks.com.

Title: The Band FAQ: All That's Left to Know About the Fathers of Americana (Backbeat Books)
Author: Peter Aaron 
Paperback: 400 pages
Tell me more: The musical landscape explored by The Band in the late 1960s and early '70s somehow fused folk, blues, gospel, country, soul and rock 'n' roll in ways never heard before. Often cited as creators of the roots rock genre and arguably the first Americana rock ensemble, The Band's profound influence and terrific legacy is highlighted throughout The Band FAQ: All That's Left to Know About the Fathers of Americana. Author Peter Aaron digs deep into the individual and collective contributions of Levon Helm, Robbie Robertson, Richard Manuel, Rick Danko and Garth Hudson, the names behind classic songs including "The Weight," "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" and "Up On Cripple Creek." Information: backbeatbooks.com.

Title: The Clash FAQ: All That's Left to Know About the Clash City Rockers (Backbeat Books)
Author: Gary J. Jucha
Paperback: 400 pages
Tell me more: One of punk rock's earliest and most important champions is celebrated throughout The Clash FAQ: All That's Left to Know About the Clash City Rockers. The book provides all kinds of interesting and informative information on the English band that was founded by guitarist Mick Jones and fronted by the late Joe Strummer. The band's complex history is explored clearly, with the group's changing lineup, tours and legendary concert dates, bootlegs and official releases revisited during the 400-page run. Information: backbeatbooks.com.

Title: A Perfect Union of Contrary Things (Backbeat Books)
Author: Sarah Jensen with Maynard James Keenan
Hardcover: 274 pages
Tell me more: Life is as much about the decisions we make as those we don't. The authorized biography of Tool lead singer-songwriter Maynard James Keenan (A Perfect Union of Contrary Things) is a story of hard work and good luck, passion and friendships, music and wine beautifully told by author Sarah Jensen. Even those with little knowledge of Tool or A Perfect Circle will want to read this volume cover to cover. The edition includes a number of photos from his childhood and his music career. Information: backbeatbooks.com. 

Robert Kinsler

Colin Hay follows banner year with definitive new release, 'Fierce Mercy'

One of the most interesting and talented singer-songwriters of the modern era, Colin Hay has just announced another new album is coming soon (in March 2017). Here is the official media release:

FIERCE MERCY is an epic, cinematic step forward from singer-songwriter Colin Hay, most beloved for his intimate, confessional live shows but most widely known for being an influential and celebrated frontman. The range of artists who have chosen to cite him as a muse or who have found themselves on stage with him in the past year spans the genre landscape from heavy metal, to Americana, to Cuban rhythms and beyond. His inclusion as a playlist favorite from the likes of Metallica to The Lumineers reflects his continuing relevance and broad appeal. Recorded in both Los Angeles and Nashville and mixed by Vance Powell (Chris Stapleton, Jack White) and Gordon Hammond (Buddy Miller, Don Williams), FIERCE MERCY explores themes of love and loss, mortality, and even the odd UFO sighting, but always with the singular perspective and insightful wit that define Hay’s work. He has created a new classic in his impressive repertoire (this is his 13th solo release), using a palette of pop songcraft, Americana flourishes, and soundtrack-ready strings.  FIERCE MERCY is animated by its pensive, honest, and impassioned lyrics, and, Hay adds, by a sense of urgency felt deeply in the song “The Last to Know,” which introduces the album’s title concept of “fierce mercy.” “When you’re in your 20s, you think you’ve got all the time in the world,” Hay said. “You get older, and you go through a quickening. Everything seems to get faster.” Using his gift for expressing struggle in a way that resonates with a wide variety of people, he compares this to the messages mankind is getting on a global level: “With the changing weather patterns, or the polar ice caps melting, we’re getting all of these warnings, and a lot of them are incredibly fierce. But they still feel somewhat merciful — they’re not destroying us totally. We’re all being told, ‘Listen, you can still maybe address this, and it won’t get to the point where I have to take you all out. You’ve still got a shot.’” Ten of the album’s 13 stellar compositions were collaborations with Michael Georgiades, who contributed to Hay’s previous sets Gathering Mercury (2011) and American Sunshine (2009). The pair co-wrote two of the album’s clear stand-outs, the pop vocal ballad “A Thousand Million Reasons” and the Americana leaning “Come Tumblin’ Down.”  "Michael Georgiades is my secret weapon but I guess now with this album it’s not a secret anymore,” Hay jokes. Some of the songs are deeply personal: “She Was the Love of Mine,” is an elegy for the singer’s mother, who died three years ago. Some are novelistic: “Frozen Fields of Snow” recounts the story of a war veteran returning to his childhood home after outliving the other members of his unhappy family.  “Sometimes lyrical ideas will come into your head, so you follow them and see where they go,” Hay says. Largely recorded in Topanga with Hay’s wife, Cecilia Noël and Hay’s regular accompanists — bassist Yosmel Montejo, drummer Charlie Paxson, keyboardists Fred Kron and Jeff Babko, and guitarist/tres player San Miguel Perez — FIERCE MERCY was completed in sessions at Compass Sound Studio in Nashville with Compass Records principal Garry West at the helm, who also contributed bass on a few cuts. Hay says, “Garry is always trying to get me to Nashville to do some recording, to get me out of the comfort zone of my own studio — get me out of my lair!  So I went to Nashville and we recorded the strings with a nine-piece section, and he introduced me to some players that he loves, who added another fantastic layer to the album.” The Nashville players include guitarists Audley Freed (Sheryl Crow, the Black Crowes, the Dixie Chicks) and Doug Lancio (John Hiatt), pedal steel guitarist and organist Jim Hoke (Iris Dement, Don Henley, Darius Rucker) and Compass co-founder Alison Brown (banjo). Though many music fans will be glad to see the end of 2016, it was something of a breakout year for this career artist that included a three-week run at the Edinburgh Fringe; performances on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel Live! and ABC’s Greatest Hits; sharing the stage with Of Monsters and Men, Milk Carton Kids, Choir Choir Choir!, Kings of Leon; being publicly cited as an influence by artists as distinct as James Hetfield of Metallica, Jeremiah Fraites of The Lumineers, Troy Sanders of Mastodon, and The Infamous Stringdusters; as well as the completion of a documentary film about his career entitled Waiting for My Real Life, named for one of his best known solo recordings. Now finding himself in the unprecedented place of having both ’80s fame and indie credibility, it's possible that Hay has delivered the defining album of his solo career. The album will be released March 3rd, 2017 on Compass Records. 2017 Colin Hay TOUR DATES: Fri., Jan. 13  BOULDER, CO  eTown Sun., Jan. 15  MORGANTOWN, WV WVU Creative Arts Center Tue., Jan. 17  ANN ARBOR, MI  Leon Loft Wed., Jan. 18  FRANKLIN, TN  Music City Roots at The Factory at Franklin Thu., Jan. 19  ENGLEWOOD, NJ  Bergen Pac Fri, Jan. 20  HOMER, NY Centers for the Arts of Homer Sat., Jan. 21  NIAGARA FALLS, CANADA  Fallsview Casino Resort Sun., Jan. 22  STATE COLLEGE, PA  State Theatre Sat., Jan. 28  SAN JOSE, CA  Sap Center Sat., Feb. 11  KEY WEST, FL Key West Theater Sun., Feb. 12  BOCA RATON, FL  Boca Raton Resort & Club Wed., Feb. 15  FORT LAUDERDALE, FL  The ’80s Cruise Sat., Feb. 18  FORT LAUDERDALE, FL  Amaturo Theater, Broward Center for the Performing Arts Sun., Feb. 19  CLEARWATER, FL  Capitol Theatre Mon., Feb. 20  ORLANDO, FL  The Plaza Live Wed., Feb. 22  ST. AUGUSTINE, FL  The Ponte Vedra Concert Hall Thu.-Sat., Feb. 23-25  ATLANTA, GA  City Winery Wed.-Thu., Mar. 1-2  LOS ANGELES, CA  Largo at the Coronet Sun., Mar. 5  SAN FRANCISCO, CA  Palace of Fine Arts Tue.-Wed., Mar. 7-8  NASHVILLE, TN  City Winery Fri., Mar. 10  CHICAGO, IL  Thalia Hall Sun.-Mon., Mar. 12-13  ALEXANDRIA, VA  The Birchmere Wed., Mar. 15  GLENSIDE, PA   Keswick Theatre Fri., Mar. 17 BOSTON, MA  Wilbur Theatre Sat., Mar. 18  NEW YORK, NY  Concert Hall at NY Society for Ethical Culture Thu., Mar. 30  THE ACADEMY  Dublin, Ireland  Sun., Apr. 2  BELFAST, UK  The Limelight Mon., Apr. 3  GLASGOW, UK  Old Fruit Market Tue., Apr. 4 LONDON, UK  Union Chapel Thu., Apr. 6  MANCHESTER, UK  The Dancehouse Theatre Fri., Apr. 7  EDINBURGH, UK  Queen’s Hall Sat., Apr. 8  ABERDEEN, UK  Lemon Tree Mon., Apr. 10  GATESHEAD, UK The Sage

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame sets announcement date for 2017 Inductees

The Zombies are among the legendary artists
nominated to be inducted into the Rock & Roll
Hall of Fame.

There are a number of strong nominees for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's Class of 2017. Now comes word the list of actual Inductees will be announced next week. Here is the official media release from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame...

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to announce 2017 Inductees on December 20

Announcement will be made live on SiriusXM’s VOLUME morning show

CLEVELAND (Dec. 14, 2016) – The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will unveil the 2017 Inductees during a live broadcast on SiriusXM’s VOLUME, the all-talk channel dedicated to the discussion of music.

Jeff Lynne of Electric Light
Orchestra.

The Inductees will be announced on Tuesday, December 20 at 8 a.m. ET, by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation CEO Joel Peresman live on Feedback, the morning talk-show hosted by Nik Carter and Lori Majewski, on SiriusXM’s VOLUME channel 106.

The nominees for 2017 Induction are: Bad Brains, Chaka Khan, Chic, Depeche Mode, Electric Light Orchestra, J. Geils Band, Jane’s Addiction, Janet Jackson, Joan Baez, Joe Tex, Journey, Kraftwerk, MC5, Pearl Jam, Steppenwolf, The Cars, The Zombies, Tupac Shakur and Yes.

Fans can continue to officially cast their vote for the 2017 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees at rockhall.com through Thursday, December 15, 2016. The top five artists, as selected by the public, will comprise a ‘fans’ ballot’ that will be tallied along with the other ballots to choose the 2017 Inductees.

The 32nd Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Klipsch Audio, will take place in April 2017 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York for the third time. Ticket information will also be announced on December 20. The Ceremony will once again have its television premiere on HBO, and a radio broadcast on SiriusXM. Broadcast details will be announced at a later date.

Pearl Jam is among the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
nominees.

All Inductees are ultimately represented in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, the nonprofit organization that tells the story of rock and roll’s global impact via special exhibits, educational programs and its library and archives.

Klipsch Audio, a leading global speaker and headphone manufacturer, is a strategic partner and presenting sponsor of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, its Induction Ceremony events and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Main Stage. Klipsch’s renowned products deliver the power, detail and emotion of the live music experience throughout the iconic museum.

Follow the Rock Hall on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and join the conversation using #RockHall2017.

About the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Rock Connects Us. Our mission is clear and simple: To engage, teach and inspire through the power of rock and roll. We share stories of the people, events and songs that shape our world through exhibits, innovative programs and concerts. Join the millions of other people who love it as much as you do. It’s a celebration of fans like you. Experience it live or online – Visit rockhall.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Long Live Rock!

Coldplay's 'A Head Full of Dreams' certified Platinum by RIAA

Here is an update on the latest album from Coldplay...

Band's New Video Shows Chris Martin Recording Stripped-Back Version of "Everglow"

Coldplay's A Head Full Of Dreams has been certified Platinum by the RIAA. The news coincides with the one-year anniversary of the album's release. Now all seven of the band's studio albums have attained Platinum status (or above) in the U.S. A Head Full Of Dreams has sold more than five million copies globally.   The band's new video shows Chris Martin recording a stripped-back version of "Everglow," a song from A Head Full Of Dreams. The video, which was directed by Ben Mor, also features an excerpt of Muhammad Ali speaking to a live studio audience in Newcastle upon Tyne, in 1977. It can be viewed at: Rolling Stone awarded A Head Full Of Dreams four stars, observing that it "might be Coldplay's brightest album ever," and The New York Times hailed it as "blissful and bittersweet." The album's singles - "Adventure Of A Lifetime," "Hymn For The Weekend" and "Up&Up" -were smash hits across four different U.S. radio formats.Together with the title song, the four tracks have amassed more than two billion YouTube and Spotify plays combined. The video for "Up&Up" has been nominated for a GRAMMY® Award. Coldplay has supported A Head Full Of Dreams with a series of high profile television appearances - including a headline performance at Super Bowl 50 - and its largest headline tour to date. The band sold out stadiums across the U.S. on its "A Head Full Of Dreams Tour," which has played to 2.5 million people worldwide in 2016. Coldplaywill return to North American in 2017 for another extensive stadium run. For more information please visit Coldplay.com

Jackie Greene finds perfection in San Juan Capistrano

Jackie Greene performing at the
Coach House on Dec. 11, 2016.

Jackie Greene
Where: The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano, CA
When: Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016
Next: Brooklyn Bowl in Brooklyn, NY on Dec. 14, 2016; the Mystic Theatre in Petaluma, CA on Dec. 29 and 30, 2016

It isn't often an artist is flawless over the length of a full-length concert.

But that is exactly what Jackie Greene and his terrific three-man band displayed during every thrilling twist and turn of a fast-moving and inspiring 100-minute outing at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Sunday night (Dec. 11, 2016).

An artist able to masterfully craft material blending roots rock, blues, pop, Americana, folk and R&B with authentic ease, the Northern California native displayed virtuoso chops on guitar, keyboards and harmonica across his set, while showcasing lead vocals fully up to the task of delivering his top-tier songs.

From left, drummer Fitz Harris, guitarist Nathan Dale, guitarist
Jackie Greene and bassist Jon Cornell at the Coach House.

Opening with "I Don't Live in a Dream" off his 2008 album Giving Up the Ghost, Greene somehow blended tinges of melancholy pop into the acoustic blues gem. While many artists often get things going on a harder note, Greene and company opted to build to that with the second offering "Medicine" off his outstanding 2010 disc Till The Light Comes. A song that wouldn't be out of place on a Beck disc, "Medicine" was bolstered by an undeniably catchy groove throughout its verses and choruses, Greene also unleashed great lead guitar work during the song.

Greene turned things around quickly again for his third track, the breezy "Another Love Gone Bad," which had the sonic feel of a Grateful Dead song with guitarist Nathan Dale and drummer Fitz Harris adding some sterling vocal harmonies (his band was rounded out by bassist Jon Cornell).

So the night went, with Greene changing it up armed with his superb set of originals, able to move from acoustic to electric guitar, from electric piano to organ when the music or mood demanded it. 

Jackie Greene using slide

One of the most powerful performances of the night came relatively early and courtesy of "Silver Lining," a confessional where Greene sang of the realities and myths of being a musician, of life on the road and following dreams: "Our feet don't touch the ground/I'd like to believe after all this I'd end up a millionaire/But not that's where it's at/Anyway it don't work like that." Armed with his electric guitar, Greene launched into the song with a brief bluesy solo, and continued to feature nuanced and affecting electric guitar work using a slide to enhance the song's theme: "Where's my silver lining," he sang.

Greene pleased long-time fans by reaching back for the infectious "Gone Wanderin'," and "By the Side of the Road, Dressed to Kill," both off his 2002 break-through release Gone Wanderin'. But based on the cheers, and intensity of the audience reaction throughout the set, it is likely every selection was somebody's favorite. There was authentic country ("Light Up Your Window"), straight-up blues ("Seven Jealous Sisters," with Dale and Greene each performing multiple lead guitar solos), beautiful piano-anchored ballads (notably "Shaken" and the exquisite "You Can't Have Bad Luck All the Time"), gospel ("Hallelujah") and Memphis soul ("So Hard To Find My Way," that had Greene working the keyboards and blues harmonica).

Greene's encore was a hard-hitting take on his "Cold Black Devil / 14 Miles," a freewheeling country-blues rocker that allowed Greene and his band to flat-out rock.

Opening the night were the Cordovas, a Nashville-based quartet that mined the sonic territory of the Grateful Dead for 45 minutes, delivering some impressive musicianship, great harmonies and solid original material before closing with a strong take on the Dead's "Truckin'."

Review by Robert Kinsler

Photography courtesy of Bob Steshetz

ARCADE FIRE 'The Reflektor Tapes' to be released January 27, 2017

Exciting news about forthcoming 2017 releases are starting to come my way. This announcement demanded I post it immediately. Here is the media release:

EAGLE ROCK ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS

ARCADE FIRE

THE REFLEKTOR TAPES

~JANUARY 27, 2017~

WATCH "REFLEKTOR" FROM LIVE AT EARLS COURT" HERE

Eagle Rock Entertainment is kicking off 2017 with the release of Arcade Fire’s The Reflektor Tapes on 2 disc DVD and 2 disc Blu-ray on January 27 [MSRP $29.98 2Blu-ray, $24.98 2DVD]. Details regarding Digital Video release to follow.

The Reflektor Tapes is a visually stunning and hypnotic documentary about the making of Arcade Fire’s hugely successful 2013 studio album Reflektor by director Kahlil Joseph (who also directed Beyoncé’s “Lemonade” film). The Reflektor album debuted at the No.1 position in the Billboard Top 200 and established itself as a global hit. As well as the film, this release also includes the stunning full live show which includes: “Reflektor”, “No Cars Go”, “Rebellion (Lies)”, “Neighborhood # 3 (Power Out)”, “The Suburbs”, “Wake Up”, “Afterlife”, “Ready To Start”, and many more, offering over four hours of entertainment overall.

The Reflektor Tapes received its premiere at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival. This compelling and illuminating documentary captures recording sessions, live performances and the band’s time in Haiti, a country with which they have a long-standing relationship. The second disc in the set features Arcade Fire’s full-length live concert from Earl’s Court in London on June 6th, 2014, filmed during the Reflektor tour, which perfectly complements the documentary.

Capturing not only the creative process that lay behind this hugely important and compelling album, but also the magic on stage as the band perform it live, The ReflektorTapes is a consummate Arcade Fire experience.

CONTENT
Disc One – The Reflektor Tapes (documentary)
Disc Two – Live At Earl’s Court:
1) Reflektor

2) Flashbulb Eyes

3) Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)

4) Rebellion (Lies)

5) Joan Of Arc

6) Rococo

7) The Suburbs

8) Ready To Start

9) Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)

10) Neighborhood #2 (Laika)

11) No Cars Go

12) Haiti

13) We Exist

14) My Body Is A Cage

15) Afterlife

16) It’s Never Over (Oh Orpheus)

17) Sprawl II

18) Normal Person

19) Here Comes The Night Time

20) Wake Up

As well as the film and the live concert, this release also comes packed with extensive bonus features offering alternate versions of key tracks:

BONUS FEATURES

Disc One - Here Comes The Night Time Special / Promo Videos:

(1) Reflektor

(2) We Exist

(3) Afterlife / Afterlife from YouTube Awards

Disc Two - Director’s Cut Tracks:

(1) Flashbulb Eyes

(2) Here Comes The Night Time

(3) Reflektor

(4) Sprawl II

(5) The Suburbs

Holiday Gift Guide: Blu-ray and DVDs bring music aplenty

Great pop music gift ideas abound for that favorite someone this holiday season. Here is a wide range of recommended Blu-ray and DVD titles available now.

Title: T.A.M.I. Show / The Big T.N.T. Show Collector's Edition (Shout! Factory)
Artists: The Rolling Stones, James Brown, Chuck Berry, The Beach Boys, The Byrds, more
Tell me more: The Collector's Edition of T.A.M.I. Show / The Big T.N.T. Show features two essential rock 'n' roll films on the same must-own Blu-ray release. Prior to its release on DVD in 2010, the concert film "T.A.M.I. Show" hadn't been widely seen since its theatrical release in late 1964. Now for the first time ever on Blu-ray, that amazing film and the 1966 sequel "The Big T.N.T. Show" are available via a two-disc presentation that looks as glorious as it sounds. The performances featured on these films were captured live, and the list of bona fide Rock and Roll Hall of Fame performers who shine includes the likes of The Rolling Stones, James Brown, Chuck Berry and The Beach Boys (on "T.A.M.I. Show"); and Ike & Tina Turner Revue, The Byrds, Ray Charles, Bo Diddley and Petula Clark (on "The Big T.N.T. Show"). The Blu-ray release includes a companion 36-page booklet filled with rare photos, an essay and more. Information: ShoutFactory.com.

Title: Blindman (ABKCO Music & Records)
Tell me more: Even long-time fans of Ringo Starr might be forgiven if they haven't caught the drummer-actor in the edgy 1971 Italian Western Blindman. The normally-lovable Beatle may be less-than-likeable but he is truly compelling in every scene as a fierce bandido named "Candy" in the stylish and surprisingly big-budget Spaghetti Western directed by Ferdinando Baldi. Starring Tony Anthony in the memorable title role, Blindman was filmed on location in many classic Spaghetti Western locations in the Tabernas desert in Spain. Released in U.S. theaters only briefly in 1972, the newly-reissued and glorious-looking Techniscope color print restored from the original 35mm negative, Blindman really does offer a glimpse into Starr's strong acting chops. "Blindman" is available on standard DVD and via digital formats. Information: abkco.com.

Artist: The Beatles
Title: Eight Days a Week: The Touring Years (Apple / Universal)
Tell me more: Time has not dimmed the power, magic and mystique of The Beatles. Academy Award winner Ron Howard's acclaimed 2016 documentary feature film Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years highlights the first half of the Fab Four's incredible career (1962-1966) with love, affection and a filmmaker master's touch. Using a combination of interviews and performance footage (much previously unseen), Howard is able to chronicle the meteoric rise and lasting influence of the Fab Four via highlighting how the four unique personalities of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr gelled into the most significant and earth-shattering force in rock. The title, available on both DVD and Blu-ray, includes the 106-minute documentary Eight Days a Week: The Touring Years and more than 100 minutes of additional concert footage including five rarely-seen full length performances. A wonderful 64-page informational and illustrated booklet is also included. Information: TheBeatles.com.

Artist: Heart
Title: Live at the Royal Albert Hall (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
Tell me more: Heart made the most of their first-ever live performance at the Royal Albert Hall, with the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer's June 2016 concert filmed and recorded for a multi-format release (Live at the Royal Albert Hall) that also marked the first time Heart was ever captured performing with a full orchestra. On the DVD version (reviewed here), Ann and Nancy Wilson lead drummer Ben Smith, bassist Dan Rothchild, guitarist Craig Bartock and keyboardist Chris Joyner through a rocking "Magic Man" before being joined by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for the Led Zeppelin-styled "Heaven," Renaissance-flavored "Dreambot Annie" featuring Ann Wilson playing flute, as well as audience favorites such as "Alone" and "Kick It Out." Available on DVD, Blu-ray, audio CD and via digital formats, the release comes with a full color 16-page booklet. Information: eagle-rock.com.


Robert Kinsler

Greg Lake remembered

Singer-bassist Greg Lake

Can 2016 get any worse in terms of legendary musicians lost? Today comes sad word that Greg Lake, the famed English musician recognized for his work with progressive rock troupes King Crimson and Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP) has died. He was only 69.

Greg Lake performing in England in 2005.

According to news reports, he died on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016 after a long-time battle with cancer. His death came nine months after the death of his bandmate Keith Emerson in March 2016.

Lake had been a leader on the prog-rock scene since he co-founded King Crimson with guitarist Robert Fripp in 1968. Lake played bass and was lead singer of that band. After he left King Crimson, Lake and the other members of ELP released a number of seminal albums including Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Trilogy, Tarkus and Brain Salad Surgery.

He also achieved fame as a solo artist, and scored a timeless hit with his original "I Believe In Father Christmas." Watch the embedded video below:



Drummer Carl Palmer posted the following statement about his bandmate earlier today:

"It is with great sadness that I must now say goodbye to my friend and fellow band-mate, Greg Lake.

"Greg's soaring voice and skill as a musician will be remembered by all who knew his music and recordings made with ELP and King Crimson. I have fond memories of those great years we had in the 19770s and many memorable shows we performed together.

"Having lost Keith this year as well, had made this particularly hard for all of us. As Greg sang at the end of Pictures At An Exhibition, 'death is life.' His music can now live forever in the harts of all who loved him."


Robert Kinsler