Choice Classic Rock Blog

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.

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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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New Bryan Adams, John Mayall & More!

March 10, 2019 • Blues, New Classic Rock Releases • No Comments

I have just added 9 new songs into high rotation in the playlist. Six of the songs are from the following newly released classic rock albums:

John Mayall – Nobody Told Me … The “Godfather of British Blues” returns at the age of 85 with a brand new album featuring alternating guitar players the likes of Steven Van Zandt (of the E-Street Band), Joe Bonamassa, Todd Rundgren and Alex Lifeson (of Rush). Listen for the tracks It’s So Tough (featuring Steven Van Zandt) and What Have I Done Wrong (featuring Joe Bonamassa). Read the review here.

Queensryche – The Verdict … The Washington heavy metal outfit returns with an album that combines classic metal and prog rock that is definitely not light on the riffs. Listen for the song Portrait. Read the review here.

Bryan Adams – Shine A Light … The Canadian rocker’s new album features the usual impeccable songwriting. Listen for the song Part Friday Night, Part Sunday Morning. Read the review here.

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers – The Best Of Everything … Just six months after the release of his massive career anthology An American Treasure, the late rocker’s estate has released a career defining 2 disc collection of his greatest hits, containing tracks with the Heartbreakers, from his solo catalogue and also with his side project Mudcrutch. Listen for an alternate mix of his song The Best Of Everything. Read the review here.

Dream Theater – Distance Over Time … This band is unique and not everyone’s cup of tea, but the songwriting and musicianship are impeccable. Listen for the track Out Of Reach. 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 songs:

Stray Cats – Dog Fight (Over A Cat Like Me) … This song is from the rockabilly trio’s upcoming album 40 – which is due for release on May 24th, 2019.

Keith Richards – Big Town Playboy … To mark the 30th anniversary of the Rolling Stone guitarist’s (arguably) best album – Talk Is Cheap – a huge box set version of the album is being released on March 29th, 2019. This is one of the never-released songs from that box set.

Duff McKagen – Tenderness … This song is from the Guns ‘n’ Roses bass player’s impending album. No album title or release date has been set yet.

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

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New Humble Pie, Tom Petty & More

February 18, 2019 • New Classic Rock Releases • No Comments

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

Humble Pie – Joint Effort … This album was recorded in 1974-1975, but was not released until this year. Peter Frampton had been replaced by Clem Clemson, but Steve Marriott‘s voice was still the focal point for the band. Listen for an interesting cover of the James Brown song Think. Read the review here.

Focus – Focus 11 … This band’s latest album is an all-instrumental romp except for one song, which happens to be the track I have added into the playlist. Listen for How Many Miles. Read the review here.

Tedeschi Trucks Band – Signs … Led by the married couple Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks, this 12 piece band covers a lot of ground on this album, including blues, soul, r&B and Americana. Although not a traditional classic rock band, the music fits seamlessly into the genre. Listen for the tracks Hard Case and Signs, High Times. Read the review here.

New Singles

The other 4 songs that I have added into high rotation are from forthcoming albums. Listen for the following songs:

Tom Petty – For Real … This song is from the departed singer/songwriter’s upcoming 2 disc retrospective called The Best Of Everything – which is due for release on March 1st, 2019.

Sammy Hagar & The Circle – Trust Fund Baby … The former Van Halen singer’s new song with the band The Circle comes from the album Space Between, which is scheduled for release on May 10th, 2019.

Don Felder – American Rock ‘n’ Roll … This is the title track from former Eagle‘s 3rd solo album, which is slated for release on April 5th, 2019.

Whitesnake – Shut Up & Kiss Me … This is the lead single from the heavy metal band’s upcoming album Flesh & Blood, which is set for release on May 10th, 2019.

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

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New Santana, Heart and Hackett

February 4, 2019 • New Classic Rock Releases • No Comments

I have just added 7 new songs into high rotation from the following newly released classic rock albums:

Santana – In Search Of Mona Lisa … This 3 song EP was inspired by Carlos Santana‘s near-mystical viewing of the Mona Lisa while visiting The Louvre in Paris, France. The enigmatic lady apparently “spoke” to him – and three months later he dreamed the lyrics for two of these songs. Listen for the tracks Do You Remember Me, In Search Of Mona Lisa and Lovers From Another Time. Read the review here.

Heart – Live In Atlantic City … The bands 2006 VH-1 concert in Atlantic City’s Decades Rock arena has finally been released. It features a host of guest artists helping the Wilson sisters and band (including Dave Navarro of The Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Alice In Chains, Rufus Wainwright and Carrie Underwood). Listen for a live version of Magic Man and a scorching cover of the Led Zeppelin song Misty Mountain Hop. Read the review here.

Steve Hackett – At The Edge Of Light … This is new album from the ex-Genesis guitar player showcases his extraordinary talent and song writing ability. The album took 18 months to put together and features interesting songs and great progressive rock musicians. Listen for the tracks Those Golden Wings and Under The Eye Of the Sun. Read the review here.

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New Joe Jackson and More!

January 22, 2019 • Blues, New Classic Rock Releases • No Comments

I have just added 6 new songs into high rotation on the playlist. Four of the songs are from the following newly released classic rock albums:

Joe Jackson – Fool … Always thought provoking – the musical chameleon returns with a back-to-basic recording that may be one of his best albums in years. Listen for the tracks Friend Better and 32 Kisses. Read the review here.

Walter Trout – Survivor Blues … This old school blues-rock talent has recorded an album of lesser-known blues tracks that strike a rare balance between the past and its relevance to contemporary times. Listen for the tracks Me My Guitar and The Blues and Goin’ Down To the River, which features Robbie Krieger (of The Doors) on side guitar. Read the review here.

And 2 of the added tracks are singles from impending classic rock releases. Listen for the songs Shine A Light by Bryan Adams, the title track of his album due for release on March 1st, 2019 – and Tide Of Confusion from Robin Trower, which is the lead single from his upcoming album Coming Closer To The Day, which is due for release on March 22nd, 2019.

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New Springsteen and McCartney

January 5, 2019 • New Classic Rock Releases • No Comments

Happy New Year from Choice Classic Rock!

Bruce Springsteen - Springsteen On Broadway — Bruce Springsteen – Springsteen On Broadway

The Christmas/New Years holiday stretch is a very slow time for new music releases, but things should (hopefully) start picking up soon. To tide you over with new stuff I have added the following newly released classic rock tracks into high rotation:

Bruce Springsteen – Brilliant Disguise … From the album Springsteen On Broadway – this track features Springsteen doing a lovely duet with his wife Patti Scialfa. This new album is the soundtrack of the concert currently streaming on Netflix (in America). Read the review here.

Paul McCartney – Get Enough … this single from the ex-Beatle dropped on New Years Day and features McCartney experimenting with auto-tune. It was recorded during the sessions for his latest album Egypt Station but was not included in that recording.

Brian May – New Horizons (Ultima Thule Mix) … this single from the Queen guitar player is his first new solo music in 20 years. It was released to mark the voyage of the New Horizons space probe as it passed by the trans-Neptunian object Ultima Thule – the farthest object in the solar system that a spacecraft has visited. The probe’s voyage was especially meaningful to May, an astrophysicist, since he had joined NASA’s science team as a collaborator on the project in 2015.

Heart – Lost Angel … this single is from the upcoming album Heart – Live In Atlantic City which is due for release on January 25th, 2019. This live version of the song (which was originally released in 2004 on the album Jupiters Darling) showcases the strength of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Wilson sisters.

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