I have loaded 19 recently released classic rock songs into high rotation on the station’s playlist – featuring songs from Ringo Starr, Sting, Strawbs, Saga and more! Sixteen of the songs are from the following newly released albums:
Strawbs – Settlement … Dave Cousins and the band have been releasing compelling, original music for over 50 years now. The band’s 27th album (the second by the current band members) was recorded during the global pandemic, and the music reflects the times we live in. The songs are compelling, well-played and have meaning. The perfect thing for a little progressive, sonic reflection. Listen for the tracks Judgement Day, Each Manner of Man and the title track Settlement. Read the review here.
Sting – Duets … This compilation album gathers together the former Police frontman’s collaborations with a who’s-who of pop, jazz and rock stars over the past 20 years. It features vocal duets and musical assistance from the likes of Sam Moore (of Sam & Dave fame), Mary J. Blige, Eric Clapton and Annie Lennox (of Eurythmics) – as well as jazz musicians Herbie Hancock and Chris Botti. Listen for a rousing duet with Annie Lennox on the song We’ll Be Together, and some tasty guitar work from Eric Clapton on the song It’s Probably Me. Read the review here.
Ringo Starr – Zoom In … The drummer Beatle put together this five song EP while locked down, and it features some of his famous friends lending their musical support. The songs have the usual uplifting Ringo peace and love theme – but he also heads into reggae territory on one of them – which is interesting (to say the least). Listen for the track Not Enough Love In the World. Read the review here.
Chris Cornell – No One Sings Like You Anymore … This album of cover songs was recorded in 2016, a year before the tragic passing of the Soundgarden / Audioslave singer. The songs were chosen, recorded and sequenced by Cornell with the aid of multi-instrumentalist and producer Brendan O’Brien. The album contains songs made famous by the likes of Prince, Otis Redding, Janis Joplin and more. Listen for a cover of the Guns n’ Roses song Patience and a cover of the John Lennon song Watching The Wheels. Read the review here.
Steve Lukather – I Found The Sun Again … The Toto bandleader and guitarist has delivered an excellent record – where he is ably assisted by Toto bandmates David Paich and Joseph Williams – as well as Ringo Starr. The album features a mix of original and cover songs, impressively rendered by top-notch musicians. Listen for the track Along For the Ride and an extended cover of the Traffic classic The Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys. Read the review here.
Joseph Williams – Denizen Tenant … This is another Toto band member’s solo album, this time featuring the Toto vocalist. Unlike Steve Lukather‘s solo effort, William‘s album is definitely more “pop” than “rock”, but the production is impeccable, the songs well-written and well-performed. Listen for a song Never Saw You Coming. Read the review here.
Black Crowes – Shake Your Money Maker (Deluxe Edition) … This version of the iconic album from the American rock and roll band celebrates it’s release 30 years ago. The box set contains some outtakes, demos and and a live concert recorded in Atlanta, Georgia in 1990. Listening to it today reminds me of just how very, very good this band was. Listen for a cover of the Humble Pie classic 30 Days In the Hole and a live version of the song She Talks To Angels. Read the review here.
Saga – Symmetry … After 40 years together, this Canadian rock/pop/prog band called it quits in 2017. This album finds them reunited and performing acoustic renditions their own songs. The results are definitely not classic Saga – but they stand on their own, with precision and craftsmanship. Listen for the track Tired World. Read the review here.
Blackmore’s Night – Nature’s Light … This is the 11th album from the band, which is lead by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple and Rainbow) and his wife Candice Night on vocals – together with a collective of various instrumentalists. Their albums all celebrate their love of Renaissance music – but with a modern flair – and on several tracks Blackmore unleashes his guitar prowess. Listen for the songs Der Letzte Musketier and Second Element. Read the review here.
New Singles
The other 3 songs are all recently released singles:
Nancy Wilson – You And Me … the Heart guitarist/vocalist’s latest single is taken from her upcoming album of the same name – You And Me – which is due for release on May 7th, 2021.
Cheap Trick – Boys & Girls & Rock n Roll … this song is a single from the band’s upcoming 20th studio album – In Another World – which is set to be released on April 9th, 2021.
Mark Farner – Never And Always … the vocalist/guitarist for Grand Funk Railroad has released this song as a single to promote the release of his upcoming DVD From Chile With Love – which is due for release on April 6th, 2021.
Choice Classic Rock – classic rock radio like you’ve never heard it before!
… 100% Commercial Free – 100% of the Time …