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All posts by categoryA Night That Changed My Life
Elton John and John Lennon at MSG in 1974: Behind-the-Scenes
Ray D’Ariano was just 25 when he got his dream job. One month into his gig at MCA Records, he was alone backstage with two of the world’s biggest music stars
Read MoreAlbum Rewinds
‘Sheer Heart Attack’: Queen Breaks Through
Wildly theatrical, straddling the worlds of hard rock, pop, prog and Broadway, the album was an eclectic triumph. Now, Queen sounded like a true band.
Read MoreBCB Blog
Ocean Carolina Takes It One Step At A Time
Ocean Carolina’s Michael Simone took an unusual path to being a frontman for a band
Read MoreBooks
‘Bob Dylan: Mixing Up the Medicine’ Showcases a Ton of Previously Unseen Artifacts: Book Review
There is not a more fascinating book about the man than this one. It’s the place to go for fresh insights.
Read MoreBrick & Mortar Record Retailing
Stacks and Stacks of Vinyl: Tower Records in the ’70s
Go back in time (before “big box stores” and the Internet) and watch film footage of when Tower Records’ Sunset Blvd store was an adventure in vinyl album shopping.
Read MoreCartoons
Pete Townshend’s Smashing Guitar Legacy
In their early years, The Who were known for frequently smashing – and breaking – their instruments at their concerts. Cartoonist David Skinner lampoons it
Read MoreClassic Videos
‘This Is Spinal Tap’ Promo Man, Artie Fufkin: ‘I Got No Timing’
One of our favorite scenes in our favorite mockumentary is when Paul Shaffer’s character sets up an in-store appearance
Read MoreContests
‘ELO: UK Singles Vol. One: 1972-1978’: Contest
For our first contest in nearly a year, we’re giving away a boxed set collection of 7-inch singles of the first hits from the Electric Light Orchestra
Read MoreCulture Clips
007 x 24 = Spectre
The 24th James Bond movie and Daniel Craig’s third (and possibly last) turn as 007 opens soon. “Spectre” reveals a secret from Bond’s past.
Read MoreDo You Remember Rock and Roll Radio?
Spiral Starecase’s Catchy ‘More Today Than Yesterday’
The one hit wonders enjoyed success in 1969. Years later, while touring with a teen idol, their lead singer was not on the plane that killed the star
Read MoreFEATURES:
Berry Gordy Interview: The Man Who Made Motown
The entrepreneur who gave us Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and so many others looks back.
Read MoreFilms/DVDs
A 50th-Anniversary Blu-ray of David Bowie’s ‘Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars’ Film: Review
All Bowie’s goodbye speech did here was to close the door on the Ziggy phase of his career. But what a phase it was.
Read MoreGift Guides
Best Boxed Sets, Collections & Reissues of 2023
Our annual roundup of the year’s best archival rock releases includes impressive packages from the Beatles, Dylan and more.
Read MoreHOLDING CATEGORY
Now Streaming: The Beatles
My how times have changed. We used to hope for a new Beatles album for Christmas. Now their catalog is available for streaming
Read MoreHow the Song Came to Be
The Kinks’ ‘Celluloid Heroes’: Everybody’s a Star…
“Everybody’s a dreamer, and everybody’s a star,” Ray Davies sang. But it was never quite that simple. Watch a stellar performance of this Kinks Klassik.
Read MoreIf You Like...
Blacktop Mojo Cover Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Dreams’
The Southern rock band from Palestine, Tex. offers a blend of post-grunge, classic rock and metal, somewhere between Soundgarden and Lynyrd Skynyrd
Read MoreInterviews
Berry Gordy Interview: The Man Who Made Motown
The entrepreneur who gave us Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and so many others looks back.
Read MoreKey Players
Meet Session Superstar Nicky Hopkins
Do you know the music he made with a long Who’s Who list of classic rock superstars? Now get to know the session keyboard star
Read MoreLegendary Locales
‘Play Misty For Me’: The Clint Eastwood Stalker
“You ever find yourself completely smothered by somebody,” his character asks a friend. Jessica Walter’s Evelyn arrived 16 years before Fatal Attraction
Read MoreListicles
11 Surprising 1970s Hit Songs (Part 6)
Our series continues with more songs that feature unusual topics or performances that somehow were embraced by Top 40 programmers
Read MoreLive Shows
Gary Puckett Brings His Union Gap Hits to Vegas: Concert Review
Brushing off the old Civil War uniform, the singer delighted a boomer audience with hits like “Woman Woman” and “Lady Willpower.”
Read MoreMusic Conferences
NMS Report: Are Happy Days Here Again?
At this year’s New Music Seminar, hot topics for the recorded music biz were both new and old: The growth of streaming services and vinyl’s big comeback
Read MoreNew Classics
Jake Clemons Fills His Uncle Clarence’s Big Shoes
The saxophonist talks about playing with the E Street Band, the audience’s reception, the first time he saw them perform + his new LP. Have a listen…
Read MoreNews
‘This is Spinal Tap’ Sequel to Include Paul McCartney, Elton John Cameos
Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer will have plenty of company in Spinal Tap II, from director Rob Reiner
Read MoreNEWS PLUS:
Top Selling Albums of 1972: Rock’s Golden Era
Some of the biggest names in classic rock dominated the radio and sales charts throughout the decade. This year was no exception
Read MoreODDS & SODS:
‘ELO: UK Singles Vol. One: 1972-1978’: Contest
For our first contest in nearly a year, we’re giving away a boxed set collection of 7-inch singles of the first hits from the Electric Light Orchestra
Read MoreOn This Day
Nov 29, 2002: ‘Concert For George’ Tribute Honors Harrison
Many of Harrison’s former bandmates and great friends including Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and Eric Clapton played a concert on the first anniversary of his passing
Read MorePerfect Rock Songs
The Hollies’ ‘Long Cool Woman’: Admit It, You Don’t Know the Lyrics
It’s a song you’ve heard 100s of times. When it comes on the radio, you perk up because its instantly recognizable guitar introduces a welcome listen
Read MorePlease Release Me
The Beatles at Budokan in 1966: Tokyo Rocks
The Fab Four catalog could add another great concert album to convey their live energy and brilliance: a show from their stand in Japan
Read MorePoints of View
50 Years Post-‘Tapestry,’ Carole King Finally Earned Rock Hall Induction as a Performer
She practically invented a genre and influenced countless other singer-songwriters. The 1971 album earned 4 Grammy Awards and set records and trends
Read MorePolls
Which Classic Rock Acts Are You Excited to See This Summer?
Classic rock acts touring in summer 2015 only. Upvote the bands and musicians you are most looking forward to seeing live.
Read MorePromo Hits, Flops & Swag
Elvis Costello 1977 U.S. Debut: The Inside Story
Dick Wingate, then a Product Manager with Columbia Records, shares his marketing plan on how the label set up My Aim Is True to radio, record stores and the public
Read MoreRecordings
Bob Dylan ‘The Complete Budokan 1978’ Expands on a Controversial Release: Review
Missteps notwithstanding, there’s more than enough good stuff in this box to suggest that it belongs in any Dylan fan’s collection.
Read MoreReview Listings
Recent Album Reviews
Albums by Wilco, Neil Young, Brian Wilson, Courtney Barnett, The Kinks, Nellie McKay, Pink Floyd, Van Morrison, Vanilla Fudge, Wiko Johnson & Roger Daltrey & The Blues Magoos. Rewind review of “Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out” by The Rolling Stones.
Read MoreREVIEWS:
‘Sheer Heart Attack’: Queen Breaks Through
Wildly theatrical, straddling the worlds of hard rock, pop, prog and Broadway, the album was an eclectic triumph. Now, Queen sounded like a true band.
Read MoreRIP – Rock In Perpetuity
Dwight Twilley, Power Pop Legend Who Was Denied Success, Dies
The singer, songwriter and guitarist’s first recordings with musical partner Phil Seymour in the mid-1970s pre-dated the genre
Read MoreRock and Roll Memories
Tina Turner Interview: Phil Spector, ‘Tommy,’ and Touring With the Stones
“As wild as I am, I know that I maintain my femininity. People have always told me that,” said the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee in this classic chat.
Read MoreRocking The Tube
When Frank Sinatra Joined the Fifth Dimension
Frank Sinatra did not love rock music, but for his 1968 TV special he sang along with soul-pop hitmakers the Fifth Dimension and fit right in.
Read MoreSong & Video Premieres
Chicago Live 1971 Track: Exclusive Premiere
Recorded in Washington, D.C., “Goodbye”–previously unreleased–is from the new career-spanning 5-disc collection of live recordings by the R&R Hall of Famers.
Read MoreSpotlight Feature
Authors Talk ‘All Things Must Pass Away: Harrison, Clapton, and Other Assorted Love Songs’ Book
We got some revelations about the 2 stars’ chemistry, Derek and the Dominos’ participation on ATMP, and the continued “travesty” of a key missing credit on “Layla”
Read MoreTerms & Rules
Terms and Rules for the ‘ELO: UK Singles’ Contest
Official terms and rules for Best Classic Bands’ ‘ELO: UK Singles Volume One 1972-1978’ contest
Read MoreThe Art & Craft of Rocking
The Rolling Stones’ ‘Exile on Main Street’: Behind the Cover Art
The 1972 album cover was highly influential. Since, then, thousands of artists have used its “Ripping and Tearing” style and graffiti in their work.
Read MoreThe Art of the Playlist
Remember Five Man Electrical Band’s 1971 Hit, ‘Signs’?
When the Canadian group’s single was re-released, with the B-side as the lead track, the song went on to become a big hit with its memorable lyrics
Read MoreThe Classic Rock Legacy
When Classic Rockers Rocked the Classics
Classical themes have found their way into rock since the earliest days of the music. We look at some of the best, from ELO to ELP and beyond.
Read MoreThe Dennis Elsas Conversation
The Inside History of the Electric Light Orchestra
Dennis Elsas’ 1977 radio interview with Bev Bevan, ELO’s co-founder, reveals what brought him, Jeff Lynne and Roy Wood together and what led to Wood’s exit
Read MoreThe Scene:
When Classic Rockers Rocked the Classics
Classical themes have found their way into rock since the earliest days of the music. We look at some of the best, from ELO to ELP and beyond.
Read MoreThis Just In!
Paul McCartney Cancels 2020 Tour
The eleven dates of the 2020 edition of his Freshen Up tour were to take place in Europe. The legend turns 78 on June 18.
Read MoreThrough The Lens
When Eddie Van Halen Won the Internet With Family Photos
In 2019, a week after reports of health issues arose, the guitar legend appeared in a series of photos that elevated him to heights he likely never imagined
Read MoreTools of the Trade
The Beatles’ ‘Now And Then’ Video Directed By Peter Jackson Will Melt Your Heart
At the clip’s most poignant moments, the present day Paul and Ringo are seen performing their parts for the song “together” with the much younger John and George
Read MoreTop of The Pops (Charts)
Top Selling Albums of 1972: Rock’s Golden Era
Some of the biggest names in classic rock dominated the radio and sales charts throughout the decade. This year was no exception
Read MoreTV Show
Review: Yes, ELO, Journey Shine on HBO’s Rock Hall 2017 Broadcast
The trio of classic rock-era inductees clearly enjoyed the ceremony held in their honor. Kudos to HBO for capturing the evening’s poignant moments
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