I honestly never thought I would be programming a radio station during a global pandemic – but here we are. Keep safe and wash your hands! I have just loaded 23 new tracks of new (virus free) classic rock into high rotation in the playlist. Nineteen of the songs are from the following newly released classic rock albums:
Boomtown Rats – Citizens Of Boomtown … The Rats return with their first album in 36 years, and it finds Bob Geldorf and the band going places they have never gone before – and sounding all the better for it! Part punk, part garage-band, part rock-band – all of it interesting! An unexpected pleasure indeed! Listen for the tracks Here’s A Postcard, Get A Grip and Trash Glam Baby. Read the review here.
Def Leppard – The Early Years 79-81 … This 5 CD boxed was created to celebrate the fast-approaching 40-year milestone of the band’s first two albums On Through The Night and High ‘N Dry. The set includes the original albums remastered, B-sides, rarities and re-mix versions, Radio One sessions, a live recording from the band’s Reading Festival performance, and the first ever appearance of an unreleased and newly mixed show from Oxford in 1980. Listen for early versions of the songs Rock Brigade and Glad I’m Alive. Read the review here.
Blue Oyster Cult – 40th Anniversary: Agents Of Fortune Live 2016 … Recorded on April 18, 2016 for the Audience Music Network at Red Studios in Hollywood, the band took a turn at performing their classic and most popular album for an intimate audience – with spectacular results. Listen for live versions of (Don’t Fear) The Reaper and E.T.I. Extraterrestrial Intelligence. Read the review here.
Outlaws – Dixie Highway … The band returns with a straightforward and uncomplicated album of southern rock. Twins guitars and good ole’ boy songs and solos – guaranteed to keep your toes tapping! Listen for the tracks Dixie Highway and Southern Rock Will Never Die. Read the review here.
Rory Gallagher – Check Shirt Wizard: Live In ’77 … This album is a compilation of four European shows, and serves as a strong reminder of just what made this Irish guitar player so great. Scorching blues-based electric songs and delightful acoustic number keeps the legacy alive. Listen for the songs Calling Card and Jack-Knife Beat. Read the review here.
Gordon Lightfoot – Solo … The 81 year old iconic Canadian folk-singer returns with his first studio album since 2004. Most of the songs on the album were written and first recorded — and then totally forgotten — not long before he suffered a debilitating abdominal aortic aneurysm in 2002. They were rediscovered and the decision was made to reinterpret them on his own with just his guitar. Intimate and enduring. Listen for the tracks Why Not Give It A Try and Oh So Sweet. Read the review here.
Robert Cray – That’s What I Heard … The legendary blues guitar player returns with an album of gratitude to his soul, gospel, blues, and R&B inspirations. The album features covers of songs by Bobby “Blue” Bland, Curtis Mayfield, The Sensational Nightingales and others, but also features four new original songs. Listen for the tracks Anything You Want and Hot. Read the review here.
Eric Johnson – EJ Vol II … The Texas guitar wizard moves a step closer to the singer-songwriter spotlight in his latest album. If you are looking for instrumental tunes showcasing Johnson’s fluid chops, this album is probably not for you. Instead, you’ll find introspective songs – filled with fluid, tasteful guitar licks. And that’s not bad at all! Listen for the song Waterwheel. Read the review here.
Sass Jordan – Rebel Moon Blues … This Canadian singer is a long time pioneer of powerful, gritty female-fronted rock, and has worked alongside fellow greats like Aerosmith, The Rolling Stones, AC/DC, and Van Halen, among many more, but her love for the blues has never been stronger. Featuring blues harp master Steve Marriner, this album showcases the singer’s gritty, raspy voice as she covers several blues standards. Listen for the tracks One Way Out and Leaving Trunk. Read the review here.
New Singles
The other 4 songs comes from upcoming classic rock releases:
The Killers – Caution (featuring Lindsay Buckingham) … this track features guitar work from Lindsay Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac and is the 1st single from the band’s new album, Imploding The Mirage – which is due for release May 29, 2020.
The Pretenders – Buzz … this song is the 1st single from the band’s new album, Hate For Sale – which is due for release May 1, 2020.
Dennis DeYoung – East Of Midnight and To The Good Old Days (featuring Julian Lennon) … these songs are the news singles from the former Styx front-man’s new album 26 East: Volume 1 – which is due for release April 10, 2020 (but word is out that is may be delayed).
Choice Classic Rock – classic rock radio like you’ve never heard it before!
… 100% Commercial Free – 100% of the Time …
