New Classic Rock Releases

Happy Anniversary Woodstock!

August 11, 2019 • New Classic Rock Releases • No Comments

I have just added 21 new songs into high rotation in the playlist. Twenty of the songs are from the following newly released classic rock albums, including 10 tracks from recently released albums celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Woodstock Music and Arts Festival, which was held in Bethal, New York in August, 1969:

Various Artists – Woodstock: Back To the Garden – 50th Anniversary … One of the seminal events of the 1960s – Woodstock helped define an era. Three days of peace and music happened on Max Yasgur‘s farm over the weekend of August 15 to 18, 1969 – and featured live performances from the cream of popular music at the time – all in front of an unexpected audience of 500,000 people. To celebrate the 50th anniversary – Rhino Records has released several different albums – a 3 CD set, a 10 CD set and a definitive archive set of 38 CDs (containing every song by every performer who played at the festival). Since I could not afford the definitive set, I have chosen 8 songs from the 10 CD set and added them to the playlist. Listen for the following tracks: The Band – I Shall Be Released, Blood Sweat & Tears – Spinning Wheel, Janis Joplin – Piece Of My Heart, Crosby Stills Nash & Young – Wooden Ships, Jefferson Airplane – Volunteers, The Who – Shakin’ All Over, Joan Baez – I Shall Be Released, Johnny Winter – Johnny B Goode, Santana – Persuasion and Jimi Hendrix – Izabella. Read the review here.

Creedence Clearwater Revival – Live At Woodstock … In keeping with the Woodstock celebration, I have added 2 songs from this never-heard-before live recording of the band playing at Woodstock. Listen for the songs Born On the Bayou and Proud Mary. Read the review here.

Yes – Yes 50 Live … This is the latest “official” Yes album release – celebrating 50 years of existence of the world’s (arguably) best known progressive rock outfit. The album was recorded during two shows in Philadelphia during 2018. Listen for the song Nine Voices. Read the review here.

The Allman Betts Band – Down To The River … Devon Allman and Duane Betts are the sons of Gregg Allman and Dickey Betts (of The Allman Brothers Band), and together with Berry Oakley Jr., son of the late Berry Oakley, bassist in the classic Allman Brothers lineup – they are The Allman Betts Band. This album of new southern rock almost escaped my attention until a listener turned me on to it (thanks Miguel Cortés!). Listen for the tracks Shinin’ and All Night. Read the review here.

The Alarm – Sigma … The band’s latest album is a followup to last year’s release Equals, and finds them in familiar territory – still rocking. Listen for the song Can You Feel Me?. Read the review here.

Paul McCartney – Amoeba Gig … McCartney performed a ‘surprise’ show at Amoeba records in Los Angeles on June 27, 2007 to promote his then current album, Memory Almost Full. A few tracks from this performance have been released over the years, but this new release contains the whole show. Listen for the track Get Back. Read the review here.

Mike Love – 12 Sides Of Summer … If you are looking for a blast of summertime music, look no further than this Beach Boy‘s latest release. It features several cover versions and is guaranteed to bring you a breath of fresh summer air! Listen for the song Summertime Blues. Read the review here.

Pat Travers – Swing! … The veteran Canadian blues-rock guitar hero whose career stretches back to the late ’70s and FM mainstays like Boom Boom (Out Go the Lights), Snortin’ Whiskey and Heat in the Street returns with an interesting album of revamped jazz and jump-blues standards by the likes of Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Louis Jordan and others. Listen for the track Let The Good Times Roll. Read the review here.

Phil Lanzon – 48 Seconds … The current keyboardist for UK rock legends Uriah Heep has released this new album of melodic rock as a follow up to his first solo effort If You Think I’m Crazy. Listen for the track In The Rain. Read the review here.

New Single

Bruce Springsteen – I’ll Stand By You … This never released song is a single from the soundtrack of the upcoming Springsteen inspired movie – Blinded By The Light.

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New Dylan, Doobies, Springsteen & More!

July 17, 2019 • New Classic Rock Releases • 2 Comments

I have just added 20 new songs into high rotation in the playlist. Sixteen of the songs are from the following newly released classic rock albums:

Bruce Springsteen - Western Stars — Bruce Springsteen – Western Stars

Bob Dylan – The Rolling Thunder Review: The 1975 Live Performances … If you haven’t seen the Martin Scorsese feature documentary, which began airing on Netflix on June 11 – you can definitely listen to the music on this 14 CD compilation and appreciate this historical event. The tour featured Joan Baez as essentially a co-star, with musicians such as “T-Bone” Burnett, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott and Mick Ronson in the band – and guest appearances by Joni Mitchell and Roger McGuinn (of The Byrds). Listen for the songs Isis and Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door. Read the review here.

The Doobie Brothers – Live From the Beacon Theatre … The Doobies recorded this 2 CD/DVD set in the historic Beacon Theatre in New York City. They brought a full horn section and great energy as they performed 2 of their albums in the their entirety – Toulouse Street and The Captain and Me. Listen for the track Long Train Runnin’ / China Grove. Read the review here.

Bruce Springsteen – Western Stars … With this release of original material, The Boss leaves Broadway and his autobiography behind and turns to great songs with great characters – with a distinct western feel. This is one of his strongest albums in some time. Listen for the songs Sundown and The Wayfarer. Read the review here.

Keb’ Mo’ – Oklahoma … This Grammy winning singer-songwriter’s 13th studio album is co-produced with veteran Colin Linden and the results are remarkable. A very strong record with songs that tackle serious issues like pollution, immigration, feminist strength, mental health and, of course, love. Listen for the tracks I Remember You and the title track Oklahoma. Read the review here.

Jimmy Barnes – My Criminal Record … Barnes is one of the most successful solo artists in the history of Australian music, and one listen to this album and you’ll know why. Half the songs were co-written with Don Walker of Cold Chisel, and he does a couple of covers of Bruce Springsteen and John Lennon tunes. Listen for the songs If Time Is On My Side and the title track My Criminal Record. Read the review here.

J.J. Cale – Stay Around … Six years on from his death at the age of 74, this first posthumous release of new material is J.J. Cale proving that, as the title suggests, his music will indeed stick around. Listen for the songs. Lovingly put together by his widow and band-member Christine Lakeland Cale, the songs are very strong and the album hangs together like a brand new release. Listen for the tracks Chasing You and Go Downtown. Read the review here.

Hollywood Vampires – Rise … The Vampires are basically Joe Perry (of Aerosmith), Alice Cooper and Johnny Depp (the actor). This 2nd release is stronger than the first – and actually shows that Depp is a surprisingly good guitarist. Listen for the songs Welcome To Bushwackers (which features Jeff Beck on guitar) and a cover of the David Bowie song Heroes. Read the review here.

Chris Robinson Brotherhood – Servants Of the Sun … The band fronted by the one-time singer for The Black Crowes returns with a new studio album featuring 10 songs all written by Robinson. The album features some interesting songs with a diverse mixture of musical textures. Listen for the track Some Earthly Delights. Read the review here.

Lucas Nelson + Promise Of the Real – Turn Off The News Build A Garden … Willie Nelson‘s son and band have toured and recorded with Neil Young. On this album they branch out on their own with this very accessible and well performed album. Listen for the song Where Does Love Go. Read the review here.

Roger Daltrey – The Who’s Tommy Orchestral … This album was recorded live in Budapest, Hungary and Bethel Woods, N.Y. during Daltrey’s 2018 tour, where he performed with local orchestras. Listen for the track I’m Free.

New Singles

The other 4 songs added into high rotation are from forthcoming albums. Tune in and listen for the following tracks:

Sheryl Crow – Still The Good Old Days … This song features Joe Walsh (of The Eagles) on guitar. It is the second single from Crow‘s next album Threads, which is due for release on August 30th, 2019.

Gerry Beckley – Life Lessons … This is the first single released from the former member of the band America‘s upcoming solo album Five Mile Road. The album is to be released on September 20th, 2019.

Cheap Trick – Ambush … This song is from the album This Is the Town: A Tribute to Harry Nilsson vol 2. The album was released on June 21st, 2019.

Freddie Mercury – Time Waits For No One … This song was originally part of Time, a musical that was spearheaded by Dave Clark, best known as the former leader and drummer of the Dave Clark Five. When Mercury’s recording of “Time,” which Clark cowrote with John Christie, came out on the soundtrack for the musical, it was heavily produced with thick layers of backing vocals and heavy drums. Now Clark has stripped the song down to the way he originally heard it.

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New Frampton, Santana, Savoy Brown & More!

June 13, 2019 • Blues, New Classic Rock Releases • No Comments

I have just added 17 new songs into high rotation in the playlist. Fifteen of the songs are from the following newly released classic rock albums:

Peter Frampton Band – All Blues … The ex-Humble Pie guitar player has released an all-blues/jazz standards album, featuring his favorite songs, written by the likes of Willie Dixon, B.B. King, Miles Davis and more. The album is a farewell of sorts, as Frampton has been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease – Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM) – a progressive muscle disorder characterized by muscle inflammation, weakness, and atrophy – which will eventually affect his ability to play guitar. Listen for the tracks Me And My Guitar and I Just Want To Make Love To You, and if you have a chance, see him live this summer on his “Peter Frampton Finale – The Farewell Tour“. Read the review here.

Santana – Africa Speaks … The Hall of Fame guitar player’s new album finds him focusing his energy on returning to the ultimate “source” of all things musical, and human: Africa. Listen for the song Paraísos Quemados, which features Buika on vocals. Read the review here.

Savoy Brown – City Night … Kim Simmonds really is Savoy Brown. The guitar player and now vocalist has fronted this band for over 50 years, and this album is their 40th release. Quite the catalog. The record finds the band in excellent form – featuring great guitar work from Simmonds over a killer rhythm section. Listen for the tracks Conjure Rhythm and Don’t Hang Me Out To Dry. Read the review here.

Rory Gallagher – Blues … This little-known yet critically acclaimed guitar player passed in 1995, but the deluxe version of this new album shows why he was universally admired. The deluxe version features 3 CDs – one electric, one acoustic and one containing rare live appearances. Listen for the songs I’m Ready (with Muddy Waters), You Upset Me Baby (with Albert King) and Born Under A Bad Sign (with ex-Cream vocalist/bassist Jack Bruce). Read the review here.

Neil Young + Stray Gators – Tuscaloosa … This live album was recorded in 1973 at Alabama University. It’s “the singular concert set that comes closest to providing a one-stop sampler of his acoustic, electric and country-rocking-in-between sides – which is to say, the Young live album that might best serve you on a desert island.” Listen for the track Harvest. Read the review here.

The Waterboys – Where The Action Is … The bands latest album finds them delivering more of the same well-crafted, well-performed, well-produced songs that combine pagan, primitive, spiritual and religious iconography. Listen for the songs Where The Action Is and Right Side of Heartbreak (Wrong Side of Love). Read the review here.

Duff McKagan – Tenderness … This new album from the Guns n’ Roses bass player – sounds nothing like Guns n’ Roses. His collaboration with country star and producer Shooter Jennings has instead resulted in 11 songs that reflect on life, loss and love in a sincere well-crafted delivery. Listen for the track Cold Outside. Read the review here.

Nick Lowe – Love Starvation\Trombone (EP) … This Extended Play from the veteran singer\songwriter features 4 songs that measure 14 minutes. But 14 minutes of Nick Lowe is better than none! Listen for the title track Love Starvation. Read the review here.

Rick Springfield – Orchestrating My Life … For his latest studio release, the singer revisits 11 of his better-known songs and one new arrangement – by including lush orchestral backing into the tracks. As to whether it works or not – I will let you be the judge! Listen for the song Jessie’s Girl. Read the review here.

Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band – The Traveler … Kenny Wayne Shepherd has been making records for 25 years. This album finds him taking a more band-oriented approach, and it works wonders. Listen for a scorching cover version of the Neil Young penned Buffalo Springfield song Mr. Soul. Read the review here.

New Singles

The other 2 songs added into high rotation are from forthcoming albums. Tune in and listen for the following tracks:

Sheryl Crow – Prove You Wrong … This song features vocal help from Stevie Nicks (of Fleetwood Mac) and Maren Morris, as well as Joe Walsh (of The Eagles) on guitar. It is the lead single from Crow‘s next album Threads, which is due for release later this summer.

Bruce Springsteen – Tucson Train … This is the third single released from his next studio album which is called Western Stars. The album is to be released on June 14th, 2019.

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New Sting, Stray Cats & More

May 27, 2019 • Blues, New Classic Rock Releases • No Comments

I have just added 14 new songs into high rotation in the playlist. Nine of the songs are from the following newly released classic rock albums:

Sting – My Songs … There are no new songs on this album. Instead, what the ex-Police bass player/vocalist has done is re-imagined and re-recorded some of his best known songs from his Police and solo career, putting a different spin or arrangement on the pieces – with surprisingly consistent results. Listen for the tracks If You Love Somebody Set Them Free and live renditions of Message In A Bottle and Roxanne. Read the review here.

Stray Cats – 40 … The legendary 3 piece rock and roll band reunites for their first album in 26 years to celebrate their landmark 40th anniversary. They have definitely not lost any of their rock-a-billy vibe. Listen for the songs Rock It Off and Three Times A Charm. Read the review here.

Little Steven – The Summer Of Sorcery … The E-Street Band guitarist’s first full album of new material in 20 years finds him teaming up with Grammy award winner Geoff Sanoff, Bob Clearmountain and the Disciples Of Soul to produce an album full of summer-time music that harkens back to an earlier age, and touches on a variety of musical styles. Listen for the tracks A World Of Our Own and Superfly Terraplane. Read the review here.

Jim Peternik & World Stage – Winds Of Change … This highly respected singer and songwriter returns with an excellent album that finds him teaming up with a who’s-who of melodic classic rock, including Dennis DeYoung (Styx), Kelly Keagey (Night Ranger), Mike Reno (Loverboy), Kevin Cronin (REO Speedwagon) and Jason Scheff (Chicago). Listen for the track Without A Bullet Being Fired. Read the review here.

Jimmy Vaughan – Baby, Please Come Home … The ex-Fabulous Thunderbird guitar player’s new album is a tribute to the artists that inspired him from his earliest days, including tracks written or recorded by the likes of Lloyd Price, Lefty Frizzell, Chuck Willis, Etta James and Fats Domino. Listen for the title track – Baby, Please Come Home. Read the review here.

New Singles

The other 5 songs added into high rotation are from forthcoming albums. Tune in and listen for the following tracks:

Elton John & Taron Egerton – (I’m Gonna) Love Me Again … this song is from the soundtrack of the upcoming Elton John bio-pic Rocketman.

Paul McCartney – Get Started … This track is from the newly released extended version of the ex-Beatle‘s most recent album. The expanded version of the album is called Egypt Station (Traveller’s Edition).

Bruce Springsteen – There Goes My Miracle … This is the second single released from his next studio album which is called Western Stars. The album is to be released on June 14th, 2019.

Richie Blackmore’s Rainbow – The Storm … This is the latest single from the new incarnation of Rainbow, featuring the ex-Deep Purple guitar player.

Santana – Los Invisibles … This second single from the impending release Africa Speaks, also features the vocalist Buika. The full album is due for release on June 7th, 2019.

Choice Classic Rock – classic rock radio like you’ve never heard it before!

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New Whitesnake, Cranberries & Hagar

May 15, 2019 • Blues, New Classic Rock Releases • No Comments

I have just added 8 new songs into high rotation in the playlist. Seven of the songs are from the following newly released classic rock albums:

Whitesnake – Flesh & Blood … The band’s 13th studio album finds lead vocalist David Coverdale in fine form. The album stays true to their sound and delivers radio-friendly tunes with an attitude. Listen for the songs Gonna Be Alright and Can’t Do Right For Doing Wrong, which is a bonus track found only on the Deluxe version of the album. Read the review here.

Sammy Hagar & The Circle – Space Between … The former member of Van Halen and this band of talented musicians delivers a cohesive album that delivers a collection of mostly heavy rock tunes. Lots of Hagar attitude! Listen for the tracks Affirmation, No Worries and Bottom Line. Read the review here.

The Cranberries – In The End … This is the band’s eighth album, and with the unfortunate passing of lead singer Dolores O’Riodan, it will be their last. Fortunately, it is an impressive swan song, containing some of the strongest songs the bad has recorded. Listen for the songs Wake Me When It’s Over and All Over Now. Read the review here.

New Single

The other song that I have added into high rotation is from the forthcoming album of blues standards recorded by Peter Frampton, which is called All Blues (due for release on June 7th). Listen for an excellent cover of the B.B. King song The Thrill Is Gone, which features Sonny Landreth on slide guitar.

Choice Classic Rock – classic rock radio like you’ve never heard it before!

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New Stones, Nicks, Lofgren & More!

April 28, 2019 • New Classic Rock Releases • No Comments

I have just added 12 new songs into high rotation in the playlist. Nine of the songs are from the following newly released classic rock albums:

The Rolling Stones – Honk … From the band that refuses to stop rockin’ is another greatest hits release – but with a refreshing twist. The 3rd CD in the set contains live performances where they are joined by guest artists. Listen for the songs Beast Of Burden which features an assist from Ed Sheeran and a fantastic rendition of Wild Horses featuring the vocal prowess of Florence Welch (Florence & The Machine). Read the review here.

Alan Parsons – The Secret … In his first album release since 2004, the renown producer/engineer/artist has returned with a vintage album of impeccably produced recordings. Listen for the tracks Miracle (featuring Jason Mraz on vocals) and Requiem (which features a stunning saxophone solo from Todd Cooper). Read the review here.

Stevie Nicks – Stand Back 1981-2017 … The Fleetwood Mac vocalist has released this album in 2 versions – a single CD with the usual Greatest Hits stuff – or as a 3 CD set that goes a little deeper into her catalog and features a 3rd CD of mostly live recordings. Listen for the songs I Will Run To You (featuring Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers) and a stunning live version of Angel. Read the review here.

Nils Lofgren – Blue With Lou … The sometime E Street Band guitarist returns with his first solo studio band album in eight years, which features a collaboration with, and an homage of sorts to the late Lou Reed (about half the songs on the record are leftovers from lyrics that Reed gave Lofgren during a late 1970s collaboration). Listen for the tracks Don’t Let Your Guard Down, Blue With Lou and Attitude City. Read the review here.

New Singles

The other 3 songs that I have added into high rotation are from forthcoming albums. Listen for the following tracks:

Jim Peterik & World Stage – Proof Of Heaven … The founder of the band Survivor (remember Eye of The Tiger?) has released a collaboration with ex-Styx member Dennis DeYoung. The album should be released any time now.

Bruce Springsteen – Hello Sunshine … This is the first single from the Boss’s next studio album which is called Western Stars. The album is set to be released on June 14th, 2019.

Santana – Breaking Down The Door … This single features the vocalist Buika. The track is taken from his next album Africa Speaks, which is due for release on June 7th, 2019.

Choice Classic Rock – classic rock radio like you’ve never heard it before!

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12 New Tracks!

April 13, 2019 • New Classic Rock Releases • No Comments

I have just added 12 new tracks into high rotation in the playlist. Eleven of the songs are from the following newly released classic rock albums:

Bruce Hornsby – Absolute Zero … This new album takes a sharp right turn from his previous piano-less album, to a place that finds him pushing the more technical and conceptual side of his piano artistry. The album has strong jazz overtones but amazing song-writing and musicianship. Listen for the track Voyager One and Take You There (Misty). Read the review here.

Don Felder – American Rock ‘n’ Roll … This is an amazing album from the former Eagle – you can tell by the guests lending a hand: Sammy Hagar, Slash, Richie Sambora, Orianthi, Peter Frampton, Joe Satriani, Mick Fleetwood, and more. Two early released singles from the album are already in rotation in the playlist. Joining them are the songs Hearts On Fire, She Doesn’t Get It and a beautiful ballad The Way Things Have To Be. Read the review here.

Mike + The Mechanics – Out Of The Blue … The former Genesis member returns with his band and a new album, which features 3 new songs, along with re-workings of some of the band’s best known songs. Listen for the new tracks Out Of The Blue and What Would You Do. Read the review here.

Melissa Etheridge – The Medicine Show … The high-profile, outspoken and fearless performer’s 15th studio album features some great songs, sung with her usual passion. Listen for the songs Faded By Design and Wild And Lonely. Read the review here.

Gino Vannelli – Wilderness Road … The 20th album from the Canadian singer-songwriter hearkens back to his earlier days – but is meticulously produced, written, played and sung. Listen for the song Ghost Train. Read the review here.

Jon Anderson – 1000 Hands … The Yes vocalist’s new album features a huge numbers of guest musicians – such as Steve Howe, Rick Derringer, Pat Travers, Rick Wakeman, Edgar Winter, Ian Anderson and more. Listen for the song Ramalama.

New Singles

The other song that I have added into high rotation is from a forthcoming album. Listen for:

Alan Parsons – Sometimes … The second single from new album The Secret – which is due for release on April 26th, 2019 – features former Foreigner vocalist Lou Gramm on vocals.

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New Trower, Richards & Ronstadt

April 1, 2019 • New Classic Rock Releases • 3 Comments

I have just added 11 new songs into high rotation in the playlist. Six of the songs are from the following newly released classic rock albums:

Robin Trower – Coming Closer To The Day … The former Procol Harum guitar player returns with a brand new album, where he plays all the instruments but the drums. Listen for the songs Diving Bell and Someone Of Great Reknown. Read the review here.

Keith Richards – Talk Is Cheap (Deluxe Edition) … The Rolling Stone guitar player’s first solo album was originally released back in the eighties. It has been re-released in a deluxe edition with bonus tracks. Listen for the track My Babe. Read the review here.

Linda Ronstadt – Live In Hollywood … This live material was recorded in Hollywood in 1980 as part of her Mad Love tour. The singer was heading towards the end of her rock years – and this live recording captures her full vocal prowess. Listen for the track Poor Poor Pitiful Me (written by Warren Zevon) and an absolutely sizzling 6 minute version of the song You’re No Good, where the band stretches out and wails. Read the review here.

Tal Wilkenfeld – Love Remains … Bass player magazine’s cover star has played with rock royalty, including Jeff Beck, Prince, Mick Jagger and more. This is her second solo album, but the first featuring vocals. Listen for the song Fistful Of Glass. Read the review here.

New Singles

The other 5 songs that I have added into high rotation are from forthcoming albums. Listen for the following songs:

Jon Anderson – Makes Me Happy … The former Yes vocalist’s new song is from his upcoming album 1000 Hands: Chapter One – which is due for release on March 31st, 2019.

Alan Parsons – I Can’t Get There From Here … Listen for the new single from new album The Secret – which is due for release on April 26th, 2019.

Duff McKagen – Chip Away … This song is from the Guns ‘n’ Roses bass player’s impending album Tenderness, which is scheduled for release on May 31st, 2019.

Don Felder – Rock You … This is the former Eagle‘s second single from his soon-to-released album American Rock ‘n’ Roll. The song features guests Sammy Hagar, Bob Weir and Joe Satriani. Look for the new album on April 5th, 2019.

Whitesnake – Trouble Is Your Middle Name … This is the second single from their new album Flesh & Blood, which is due for release on May 10th, 2019.

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