June 29, 2009 · 1 Comment
In 2006 Cheap Trick released Rockford, and for me it was the year’s biggest musical surprise. Here was a complete collection of brilliant pop and rock songs that fans had been waiting for since Dream Police. Subsequent records hinted of the band’s capabilities, but the results seemed to fall short of potential. Then as 30-year music vets, they didn’t just come back knocking on the door with Rockford, they kicked it down, square. It was a remarkable comeback, but could they carry through again? The Latest... [Read the full story]
May 15, 2009 · Leave a Comment
Redemption is a progressive metal band that was formed in Los Angeles in 2000 around the talents of guitarist Nick van Dyk. Despite lineup changes, the group has released three albums to great critical and audience acclaim. Some significant fans are the members of Dream Theater, who invited Redemption to support them during their 2007 U.S. tour. The tour culminated in an appearance at the 8th annual Prog Power show in Atlanta, Georgia, in October 2007. The short set of just over an hour is captured on Frozen In the... [Read the full story]
June 28, 2009 · Leave a Comment
When the topic of great live rock and roll albums comes up, you can be sure that Foghat’s name will be mentioned. From their first live release back in 1977 to the latest Live At The Blues Warehouse, Foghat has been thrilling crowds with their blues-based boogie rock, giving their all at every show. In 2009, Foghat continue to deliver the goods onstage, a tribute to the band members who’ve carried on despite major setbacks. After the death of frontman “Lonesome” Dave Peverett in 2000, and the passing of... [Read the full story]
June 5, 2009 · 1 Comment
The Internet has opened up a new world market for record and CD collectors, where one can search for any LP by U2, Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin, or import CDs by Bruce Springsteen, the Eagles or Grateful Dead. If you want it, chances are you can find it. Websites such as eBay, Amazon.com and Craigslist have made it easy for anyone to be a buyer or seller of music. The problem is, most “sellers” don’t really know what they’re peddling. A prime example arose today when I was searching through my local... [Read the full story]
January 2, 2009 · Leave a Comment
Led Zeppelin: The Concert File, by Dave Lewis with Simon Pallett, is a guide to every concert Zeppelin played from 1968-80. I never had the chance to see Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and John Bonham together as Led Zeppelin, so it’s fun to page through and read about their gigs, particularly in venues I’ve attended otherwise. It’s also an eye-opener to follow the band’s set list through the years. There’s plenty of cool pics, concert flyers, ticket stubs and more. Read More →
How does a band carry on after losing its voice? How could AC/DC continue after the death of Bon Scott? How could Van Halen rock on without David Lee Roth? Journey without Steve... [Read more]
Anthony Phillips Private Parts & Pieces II "Back To The Pavillion" Anthony Phillips is well known for his stint as guitarist for Genesis, until he left the band after... [Read more]
Guitarist Frank Marino’s Mahogany Rush got two long-overdue reissues with BGO Records’ release and remasters of Mahogany Rush IV and World Anthem. This two-CD set doesn’t... [Read more]
Shadoks Music has rescued yet another obscure recording for our enjoyment – Souvenir Album by Strange. The disc features eight songs proper and four segments of other tunes... [Read more]
I blame myself. For more than a decade, I ignored Van Morrison’s The Healing Game, always tuning in instead to other albums such as No Guru, No Method, No Teacher, Veedon... [Read more]
The Flatlanders’ first album, More A Legend Than A Band, is an essential record for anyone interested in great songwriting, as the LP features the dynamic Texas trio of... [Read more]
Guitarist Robin Trower made a seamless jump from Procol Harum in the early 1970s to a solo career, exciting new audiences with his Jimi Hendrix-tinged sound and stylings. Trower... [Read more]
I can’t think of another rock band whose first two releases were double albums. Talk about ambitious! Chicago were that band, and their sophomore effort, Chicago II, is... [Read more]
“Whiskey bottles, and brand new cars/Oak tree you’re in my way.” — From Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “That Smell” There’s a tangible eeriness that pervades Skynyrd’s Street... [Read more]
With the Allman Brothers Band celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, it’s been a busy time for the band and band members. When they’re not playing together, the... [Read more]
Legendary guitarist and songwriter Dickey Betts (of Allman Brothers Band, Great Southern and Dickey Betts Band fame) was captured on film by Arnie Goodman at a recent concert... [Read more]
One of Classic Rock’s most beloved bands, Procol Harum, will have its In Concert With The Danish National Concert Orchestra And Choir released on CD (Eagle Records) and DVD... [Read more]
Check out these photos of guitar great Jeff Beck performing live in New York City. Backing Beck is drumming phenom Vinnie Colaiuta and bassist Tal Wilkenfeld. (Photos courtesy... [Read more]
The Allman Brothers Band – Macon, Georgia’s, favorite musical sons – are remembered warmly by several folks closest to the band members including Linda Oakley... [Read more]
If you have a large collection of LPs, 45s or 78s, check out my story on how to organize, protect and store it all at Goldmine Magazine. Read More →
Think you know your prog rock? Do you remember the details of every Pink Floyd, Genesis, Jethro Tull, King Crimson, Yes, Marillion, ELP album? Well, play along with Steven Wilson... [Read more]
Originally formed in 1972, Return To Forever are a musical powerhouse. Thirty-two years after the release of their last album Romantic Warrior, keyboardist Chick Corea, bassist... [Read more]
Yes, King Crimson, and Earthworks drummer and bandleader Bill Bruford has announced that he will no longer perform in public. After an exemplary 41-year career that has moved... [Read more]