Rock 'n' Roll Revisited

Looking to spend those gift cards on some super cool rock albums that came out in 2017? Here is a roundup of a handful of great rock albums to consider.

Artist: Queens Of The Stone Age
Title: Villains (Matador Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Eagles of Death Metal, Band of Skulls
Tell me more: Produced by Mark Ronson, the latest album from Queens Of The Stone Age (Villains) marked a remarkable step forward for the band even while retaining what has always made the Palm Desert-spawned rockers so powerful. From the intoxicating riff rocker "The Way You Used To Do" and dreamy "Fortress" to the rapid-fire "Head Like a Haunted House" and swirling groove rocker "Hideaway," this is an album that pushes the creative boundaries of Joshua Homme's outfit in their first full-length effort since 2013's ...Like Clockwork. Information: qotsa.com.

Artist: The Foo Fighters
Title: Concrete and Gold (RCA)
You might like if you enjoy: Queens of the Stone Age, 
Tell me more: There are times listening to the Foo Fighters' Concrete and Gold where I was suddenly surprised hearing echos of Beatlesque sounds ("The Sky Is A Neighborhood," "Dirty Water," "Happy Ever After (Zero Hour)"), but that is not to take anything away from a band that has released another epic album of memorable and decidedly original rock songs. The exhilarating "The Line," grooving "La Dee Da," and signature melodic rocker "Arrows" all deliver on band leader Dave Grohl's quest to blend a massive rock sound with interesting melodies and arrangements. Information: foofighters.com.

Artist: Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie
Title: Lindsey Buckingham Christine McVie (Atlantic Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Fleetwood Mac, Lindsey Buckingham
Tell me more: A breezy and sumptuous album that captures the magic of Fleetwood Mac's Rumors, the first-ever collaboration between Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie was one of 2017's biggest and most welcome surprises. With 10 terrific songs performed with shimmering arrangements that showcase the affecting voices of Buckingham and McVie, the riches include the infectious "Feel About You," lush "Red Sun," power pop-mining "On With the Show" and piano-anchored ballad "Game of Pretend." Information: BuckinghamMcvie.com.

Artist: Robert Plant
Title: Carry Fire (Nonesuch)
You might like if you enjoy: Robert Plant
Tell me more: Robert Plant's 11th solo studio LP Carry Fire is a wonderful and ambitious album that will please fans of the singer while they forever wait for a Led Zeppelin reunion. The title track "Carry Fire" visits the distant sounds of India, while the electronica-infused "Keep It Hid" might rest comfortably on a Moby disc. "Bones of Saints" is a more straightforward blues-flavored track; "Season's Song" is a lovely and expansive track. Every song on the album is very different from every other song, a reason that will provide listeners reason to explore and be rewarded with each new listen of "Carry Fire." Information: RobertPlant.com.

Artist: Van Morrison
Title: Roll With The Punches (Caroline International)
You might like if you enjoy: Van Morrison, Lead Belly
Tell me more: Van Morrison has returned with the must-hear Roll With The Punches, his 37th studio album. Showcasing a full-on exploration of the blues, the 72-year-old singer offers up poignant takes on classics written by the legendary likes of Little Walter ("Mean Old World"), Bo Diddley ("I Can Tell"), Sister Rosetta Tharpe ("How Far From God") and Sam Cooke ("Bring It On Home To Me") and a handful of original songs too (the Chicago blues-styled "Ordinary People" is a standout). A wonderful and rousing addition to the Belfast native's impressive career. Information: VanMorrison.com.


Robert Kinsler

MUSIC WORTH BUYING: Catching Up on 2017

Before saying goodbye to 2017, TJR and Robert Kinsler got together to celebrate some of their favorite albums of the year they had not previously got to discuss together...

Essential reissues and special audio releases of 2017

Watch TJR and Robert Kinsler recap some of their favorite reissues and newly-available concert releases of 2017 on a new episode of MUSIC WORTH BUYING:

'The Bee Gees One For All Tour Live in Australia 1989' coming February 2, 2018

This media release landed in my inbox this morning and the news is definitely worth sharing...

'The Bee Gees One For All Tour Live in Australia 1989' coming to DVD and Blu-ray via Eagle Rock Entertainment on February 2, 2018

~PRE-ORDER HERE~

~VIEW TRAILER HERE~

New York, NY (December 21, 2017)— Recorded live in Melbourne, Australia at The National Tennis Centre in November 1989, The Bee Gees One For All Tour Live in Australia 1989 has been fully restored with newly mixed and mastered surround sound and will be released on DVD, SD Blu-ray and digital by Eagle Rock Entertainment on February 2, 2018.

This release captures The Bee Gees on their ‘One for All World Tour’ celebrating the band's eighteenth studio album, One. This classic career-spanning concert, part of the Bee Gees first global tour in ten years, sees the Gibb brothers performing tracks from as far back as their 1968 breakthrough US Top 10 hit “I’ve Gotta Get A Message To You”, through their seventies and eighties hits, with electrifying performances of their dance-era smashes including “Stayin’ Alive’” and “Jive Talking” as well as selections from the One album, for their legions of adoring fans.

As one of the greatest songwriting collaborations and harmonizing trios of all time, the Bee Gees have sold more than 200 million records worldwide, placing them among the world's best-selling music artists.

The Bee Gees One For All Tour Live In Australia 1989 showcases the enduring legacy of these truly extraordinary musical icons.

“The Brothers Gibb may be mortal but the music they made is timeless: as long as people fall in love and love to dance, the Bee Gees will live on… eternally brilliant music…” - the Telegraph, UK

TRACK LISTING:

1.	Ordinary Lives

2.	Giving Up The Ghost

3.	To Love Somebody

4.	I’ve Gotta Get A Message To You

5.

One

6.	Tokyo Nights

7.

Words

8.

Juliet

9.	New York Mining Disaster 1941

10.

Holiday

11.	Too Much Heaven

12.	Heartbreaker / Islands in The Stream

13.

Run To Me

14.

World

15.	Spicks And Specks

16.	Lonely Days

17.	How Deep is Your Love

18.	It’s My Neighborhood

19.	How Can You Mend A Broken Heart

20.	House Of Shame

21.	I Started A Joke

22.	Massachusetts

23.	Stayin’ Alive

24.	Nights On Broadway

25.	Jive Talkin’

26.

Band Jam

27.	You Win Again

28.	You Should Be Dancing

NAMM TEC Awards: Jackson Browne for Les Paul Award / The Section reunites for one night only

Pretty exciting news! I can't believe the 2018 Winter NAMM Show is only a month away! Back in 2011, I was honored when I got to chat briefly with Jackson Browne for The Orange County Register - you can see that article here.

Singer-Songwriter Jackson Browne to Receive 

Les Paul Innovation Award at 33^rd Annual NAMM TEC Awards

The Section to reunite for on-stage performance and will be inducted into

NAMM TEC Hall of Fame Saturday, January 27 at The NAMM Show

Carlsbad, Calif. (December 20, 2017) – The NAMM Foundation has announced that singer-songwriter Jackson Browne will receive the prestigious Les Paul Innovation Award at the 33^rd Annual NAMM Technical Excellence & Creativity Awards (NAMM TEC Awards), being held Saturday, January 27, 2018 in Anaheim, CA. The award is given on behalf of the Les Paul Foundation to honor individuals that have set the highest standards of excellence in the creative application of recording technology in the spirit of the famed audio pioneer, inventor and musician, Les Paul.

Browne has written and performed some of the most iconic and moving songs in popular music and has defined a genre of songwriting charged with honesty, emotion, and personal politics. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 and into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2007. His debut album came out on David Geffen's Asylum Records in 1972. Since then, he has released fourteen studio albums and four collections of live performances, and has sold over 18 million albums in the U.S. Browne will be on tour in the spring of 2018. Tour dates can be found here.

“Jackson Browne’s success as a singer, songwriter and guitarist has had a prolific impression on the music industry throughout his successful career,” said Michael Braunstein, Executive Director of the Les Paul Foundation. “Like Les Paul, Jackson has never shied away from expressing his emotions or thoughts through his music. I have no doubt that Les would have liked to share a few jams with Jackson along the way.”

Dubbed the “Knights of Soft Rock” by Rolling Stone, The Section will also be honored during the evening event as the newest inductees to the NAMM TEC Hall of Fame. Reaching their height in the 70s playing alongside the biggest names in the business, including James Taylor, Carole King, and Crosby, Stills and Nash, The Section also released three of their own imprints and toured and recorded with Jackson Browne in earlier years. While no longer recording collectively, each artist now actively works in the studio and on tour and consists of Danny Kortchmar (guitar), Craig Doerge (keyboards), Leland Sklar (bass), and Russ Kunkel (drums). They’ll reunite on stage for a rare performance of some of their best-known hits in support of the evening’s celebration.

The NAMM TEC Hall of Fame award was started in 1988 to honor pioneers of audio technology, as well as the music industry’s most accomplished producers and audio technicians. In 2017, legendary Aerosmith engineer and producer Jack Douglas was inducted into the NAMM TEC Hall of Fame, and joined luminaries Skunk Baxter, Ed Cherney, Hal Blaine, Nathan East and others. 

The NAMM TEC Awards, held during the global gathering of music, sound and event technology at The NAMM Show, are bestowed annually in honor of the many individuals, companies and technical innovations used in sound recordings, films, broadcast television and video games. Nominees were announced earlier this year. Purchase tickets on site or in advance here FOR $65 (General Admission) or $195 (VIP). The show begins with a VIP-only reception at 6PM, followed by the awards ceremony at 7PM, held in the Hilton Anaheim Hotel’s Pacific Ballroom. Stand-up comedian and entertainer Demetri Martin will host the ceremony.

ABOUT THE TEC AWARDS

Presented annually by the NAMM Foundation during The NAMM Show, The NAMM TEC Awards recognizes the individuals, companies and technical innovations behind the sound of recordings, live performances, films, television, video games and other media in 23 Technical and 8 Creative Achievement Categories. The Les Paul Innovation Award is given at the event in tribute to musical artists and others whose work has exemplified the creative application of audio technology. Through its Hall of Fame, The TEC Awards also honors the pioneers of audio technology and the music industry’s most accomplished producers and audio technicians. The NAMM Foundation’s TECnology Hall of Fame celebrates innovations and ground breaking technical achievements of the past. For more information, visit www.tecawards.org

Holiday Gift Guide: a wide range of terrific releases

There is truly something for every music lover on your holiday list this season. From enticing hardcover fully-illustrated books focusing on AC/DC and David Bowie to essential new audio and/or visual collections featuring Jeff Lynne's ELO, Neil Young, Alvin Lee and more, there is a wealth of riches now available online or at your favorite brick and mortar store. And don't let the season's greatest new holiday music title (featuring the Minus 5) escape your attention too.

Title: CMA Awards Live: Greatest Moments 1968-2015 (Time Life)
Tell me more: Featuring nine DVDs filled with 127 live performances and a bonus DVD with historic interviews, the CMA Awards Live: Greatest Moments 1968-2015 is must-see viewing for fans of classic and contemporary country music. There are dozens of wonderful and historic performances, including Glen Campbell's poignant "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" (1968) and a duet featuring Kris Kristofferson and Rita Coolidge singing "Me and Bobby McGee" (1974) to Buck Owens and Dwight Yoakam joining forces on "Act Naturally" and more recent nuggets like Miranda Lambert's beautiful "More Like Her" (in 2008) and the min-medley of "Tennessee Whiskey/Drink You Away" teaming Chris Stapleton and Justin Timberlake. Fans of Americana, roots and rock will also find treasures on the collection, including appearances by Sheryl Crow (joining forces with Miranda Lambert and Loretta Lynn for a 2010 performance of "Coal Miner's Daughter"), Dire Straits singer-guitarist Mark Knopfler (playing "Go Rest High On That Mountain" with Ricky Skaggs) and Grace Potter joining Kenny Chesney for a take on "You and Tequila." Information: TimeLife.com.

Artist: Jeff Lynne's ELO
Title: Wembley or Bust (Columbia)
Tell me more: The full-fledged resurgence of Jeff Lynne is on display courtesy of Wembley or Bust. Available as a Blu-ray+2CD or DVD+2CD package, the title features Jeff Lynne's ELO's full-length concert captured at Wembley Stadium in London on June 24, 2017. To say this concert film is visually-stunning and an audiophile's dream only begins to tell the story. Directed by Paul Dugdale, the film blends artful shots of Lynne and his 12-member group along with entertaining shots of the audience to provide an experience that really takes the viewer to the show. And the setlist is stellar, taking in all of ELO's best-known hits as well as deeper cuts. Whether the ensemble is turning Wembley into a gigantic dance floor with the infectious "All Over the World," "Livin' Thing," or "Xanadu," rocking the stadium with "10538 Overture" and "Ma-Ma-Ma Belle" or sweeping them away with "Mr. Blue Sky," "Wembley or Bust" provides a fantastic ride. Information: JeffLynnesELO.com.

Title: Woody Guthrie: The Tribute Concerts (Bear Family Records)
Tell me more: When American troubadour Woody Guthrie passed away in 1967 at the age of 55, he left a profound legacy and many of the most prominent artists influenced by the singer-songwriter (including Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Judy Collins and son Arlo Guthrie) soon joined forces for a pair of tribute concerts. "Woody Guthrie: The Tribute Concerts" is a lavish boxed set that not only features pristine recordings of both full-length concerts (a Jan. 20, 1968 Carnegie Hall date and a subsequent Sept. 12, 1970 Hollywood Bowl event), but two hardcover books featuring liner notes; a Guthrie biography, original concert reviews, photographs and other great extras are all here as well. In all, there are approximately three hours of concert recordings, including versions of many of Guthrie's best-known songs (including "So Long, It's Been Good To Know You," "This Land Is Your Land," "Oklahoma Hills" and "This Train Is Bound for Glory"). Bonus tracks include interviews with Collins, Jack Elliott, Arlo Guthrie, Country Joe McDonald, Phil Ochs, Tom Paxton and Pete Seeger. Information: bear-family.com.

Artist: The Minus 5
Title: Dear December (Yep Roc Records)
Tell me more: Dear December is the best new holiday-minded album of 2017. Filled with original and instantly-memorable songs celebrating the holiday season (both Christmas and Hanukkah), the Minus 5 tap into the Yuletide spirit big time with '60s-minded British rock stylings ("New Christmas Hymn," the baroque pop of "When Christmas Hurts You This Way") and wistful introspective ballads (notably "The Fourth Noel" featuring guest Colin Meloy of the Decemberists). Mike Mills (R.E.M.) sings lead vocals on the pretty "Festival of Lights (Hanukkah Song)," while the equally glorious "I See Angels" features the lead vocals of Ben Gibbard (of Death Cab for Cutie fame). As if the wonderful songs and illustrious cast of greats that also features R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck and M. Ward (of She & Him) wasn't enough to purchase this new title, proceeds from the sale of Dear December help defray the medical costs for Minus 5 leader Scott McCaughey who is recovering from a recent stroke. Information: http://www.yeproc.com/.

Artist: Neil Young + Promise of the Real
Title: The Visitor (Reprise)
Tell me more: At 72, Neil Young remains one of rock's most defiant, relevant and interesting artists; that is especially true listening to the aptly-titled The Visitor. Long after the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer might have settled into the nostalgia route he continues to write and record challenging songs. On his latest collaboration with Promise of the Real (the band featuring Willie Nelson's sons Lukas and Micah Nelson), the Canadian native addresses his love of America even as he questions America's future a year into President Trump's presidency. On "Already Great" he notes "Already great/You're already great/You're the promise land/You're the helping hand." Taken as a whole, Young's dedication to saving the world's natural beauty ("Fly By Night Deal," "Stand Tall" "Forever") and social protest (the lovely "Children of Destiny") are themes he has been exploring for most of his life. And as long as the songs are as powerful and memorable as those displayed on his 39th album, keep 'em coming. Information: NeilYoung.com.

Artist: Alvin Lee & Co.
Title: Live at the Academy of Music, New York, 1975 (Rainman Records)
Tell me more: While singer-songwriter/guitar great Alvin Lee died at the age of 68 in 2013, it didn't mark the end of commercial releases expanding his legacy. A fantastic concert featuring Alvin Lee & Co. recorded more than 40 years ago has just been released. Live at the Academy of Music, New York, 1975 features Lee's fiery and groundbreaking lead guitar work, but also showcases an expanded direction following his departure from Ten Years After. Sure there are blues-rock tracks here ("Got to Keep Moving," "Let's Get Back"), but those British blues are frequently adorned with gospel vocals, soul, jazz and R&B. The beautiful baroque folk ballad "All Life's Trials," an authentic reading of the 1930s blues classic "Baby Please Don't Go" and rocking lead guitar-anchored "I'm Writing You a Letter" are among the lovely surprises here. Fans of Lee will want to get this two-disc treasure. Information: rainman-records.com.

Book Title: Bowie: The Illustrated Story
Author: Pat Gilbert
Edition: Hardcover, 224 pages
Tell me more: Although it has almost been two years since rock icon David Bowie passed away at the age of 69, the artist's legacy looms as large as ever. Now, the newly-published volume Bowie: The Illustrated Story chronicles Bowie's incredible life via insightful details and countless images of Bowie spanning from his 1950s childhood to the various periods of his professional career as recording artist and actor. There are promo shots of a very young Bowie, as well as photos of him on stage, painting, at press events, working in the recording studio and posing with friends. Information: QuartoKnows.com.

Book Title: AC/DC: Album By Album
Author: Martin Popoff
Edition: Hardcover, 256 pages
Tell me more: While the future of AC/DC is in doubt, there is little argument when it comes to the band's profound and lasting influence as one of rock's most important and successful hard rock proponents. In AC/DC: Album By Album, author Martin Popoff is joined by more than a dozen guest experts as they chronicle all 16 of AC/DC's albums in lively detail, providing plenty of insight into the band's discography. Of particular interest were details about how Malcolm and Angus Young came up with their guitar tones, and their respective role in the band. There are, of course, artwork of various releases; but the images of the band in the early Bon Scott era and subsequent Brian Johnson span add weight to the title. Information: QuartoKnows.com.



Review by Robert Kinsler

Concert review: Big Head Todd and the Monsters, Simo

Big Head Todd and the Monsters performing at House of Blues Anaheim on Dec. 14, 2017.

In the World Series – no matter how great both baseball teams are – there can ultimately be only one team that goes home with the trophy.

Todd Park Mohr in action at
House of Blues in Anaheim.

Fortunately, when it comes to the art of making music, two talented teams can both perform flawlessly and walk off the field of play as champions. Such was the case at the House of Blues Anaheim on Thursday night (Dec. 14, 2017), where headliner Big Head Todd and the Monsters as well as opener Simo delivered masterful and memorable sets.

Making their first-ever performance in Orange County, California with this appearance, Nashville, Tennessee-based Simo roused early concertgoers with a 55-minute set of rock blending blues, roots, psychedelic, jazz, folk and other styles with an intoxicating touch. Led by singer-guitarist JD Simo and also featuring bassist Elad Shapiro and drummer Adam Abrashoff, the band opened with "Return" (the first track off the trio's new album Rise & Shine). JD Simo used a variety of sounds and effects to enhance his excellent guitar work on that song, a skill that frequently helped elevate all of the six tracks performed during the set.

JD Simo performing on Dec. 14.

The range of the material drew comparisons with the diverse likes of Ryan Adams, Ten Years After and Gary Clark Jr., but all of it completely original and performed with bona fide power by the three musicians. One of the most wonderful surprises was when the group performed "I Want Love," JD Simo singing in a tender falsetto while the richly-delivered song with its quiet moments and dramatic swells was chilling in its power. A beautiful slide guitar solo was one of many dramatic moments in the 9-minute song.

Simo closed with a powerful one-two punch, first delivering the mighty original Southern rocker "Light The Candle" (this extended version of the song was bolstered by an amazing jazz-styled section in the middle of the song), followed by a potent reworking of the Beatles' "With a Little Help From My Friends."

Todd Park Mohr displaying vocal and guitar chops.

Big Head Todd was equally perfect this night. The set was heavily weighted in favor of the Colorado-based quartet's outstanding new album New World Arisin', but there were plenty of classics to keep the faithful happy. After opening with the explosive "Room Full of Mirrors" (off the band's new album), a sweeping "Resignation Superman" complete with a dazzling guitar solo from singer-guitarist Todd Park Mohr was unleashed; the latter's rich tapestry was further enhanced by Jeremy Lawton's expansive keyboards.

Jeremy Lawton

The strong opening featuring those two great tracks was only the beginning of a rewarding and fast-moving night. Other early-set highlights included the dynamic blues-rocker "Wipeout Turn," a decidedly funky-blues turn via "Long Coal Train" and a gentle folk rock-flavored "Bittersweet" showcasing Mohr's emotive and distinctive vocals.

Later-set standouts featured during Big Head Todd and the Monsters' 100-minute concert was the heavy Delta blues of "New World Arisin,' and the semi-acoustic "Broken Hearted Savior."

Rob Squires at Anaheim House of Blues

"Glow" is one of the most stunning tracks on Big Head Todd's new album New World Arisin'. A live version of that stunner kicked off the band's encore on Thursday; the eight-minute song displayed a troupe – 30 years into its run – that continues to push its sound in new and exciting directions. The blend of harmonies, stellar guitar work and a propulsive groove featuring the work of drummer Brian Nevin and bassist Rob Squires also added welcome firepower to the performance. 

Brian Nevin in action

The set-ending "Circle" began quietly, but across the song's 7-minute path there were nuanced and dramatic shifts, peaks and valleys, with Mohr's voice at one point almost screaming before his lead guitar work assumed the song's driving force. 

A very special night of rock 'n' roll to be sure.


Review: Robert Kinsler

Photos: Bob Steshetz

Editor's Note: A very special "thank you" to Bob Steshetz for his amazing photographs!