Posts From Mark Leviton

Mark Leviton

Mark Leviton began writing about music and pop culture in 1967, with credits in Rolling Stone, Creem, Fusion, Bay Area Musician, LA Weekly, Phonograph Record and many fly-by-night publications. For 25 years he worked for the Warner Music Group and Rhino Records, producing hundreds of compilation albums and historical reissues, placing recordings in films and TV, and generally having a blast. His bi-weekly radio show "Pet Sounds" is heard on KVMR-FM in Nevada City, CA and the website www.petsoundsmusic.com.

Linda Ronstadt ‘Hasten Down The Wind’: Right Songs, Right Singer

The 1976 release became her third platinum album in a row, and earned her the second of her eventual 13 Grammy awards.

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A New Book Recalls the Great Band Rockpile: A Whole Lot of Rockin’

There’s not going to be a band reunion so, along with their extant recordings, YouTube videos and social media chat groups, this wonderful book is the next best thing.

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When Carlene Carter Created ‘Musical Shapes’ (With Rockpile)

Desperate to find a simpatico partner for her third LP, she turned to her husband, Rockpile bassist Nick Lowe.

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The ‘Truth’ According to Jeff Beck: A Genre-Busting Masterpiece

The former Yardbirds guitarist’s 1968 solo debut signaled a half-dozen highways for the future of rock. Every track is astonishing.

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AC/DC’s ‘Highway to Hell’: You Want Blood?

The 1979 release by the Australian mega-band is not an album you come to for variety; it’s a monument to single-minded rock.

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Buddy Guy: ‘Damn Right, I’ve Got the Blues’—A Joyous Noise

The album earned him the first of many Grammy Awards and sold way better than any of his previous recordings.

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Joe Walsh ‘The Smoker You Drink…’ Album: Barnstorming

Cut with his new group Barnstorm, his debut solo album became his commercial breakthrough.

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Nick Lowe: ‘Labour of Lust’—The Basher Blossoms

The highly regarded British singer/songwriter/producer and his pals from Rockpile cut this classic album at the height of the new wave era.

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Peter Gabriel ‘So’ Album: Into the Mainstream

At the start of sessions, no one could predict that the quirky former Genesis frontman would produce an album that would sell a zillion copies.

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‘Little Feat: The Documentary’ Makes a Compelling Case for an Often Complex Legacy

Since forming in 1969, they have proved to be one of the most highly respected “cult bands” in rock history.

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