REVIEWS:
What’s the read on the latest reissue releases and live performances by classic rock artists? What biopics, movies or documentaries are worth seeing in theaters and at home? What books about rock music and the people who make and work with it are worth reading. Our team also takes a fresh look at notable works in our Album Rewind series
Steely Dan’s Sophisticated ‘Countdown to Ecstasy’
If the songcraft displayed on the first album reflected their Brill Building apprenticeship, the new material proved more open-ended—and more sophisticated
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Traffic’s ‘John Barleycorn Must Die’: Forward into the Past
Begun as a Steve Winwood solo project, the album morphed into a Traffic reunion with the addition of Jim Capaldi and Chris Wood to the fold.
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When The Rolling Stones Played Hyde Park in 1969
The band hadn’t played a full concert since 1967. 20-year-old Mick Taylor was debuting as their new lead guitarist, two days after Brian Jones had died
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Elvis Presley ‘Live 1969’ Review: ‘He Meant Every Word’
After years of making mostly cringe-worthy movies, the King returned to the stage, fully engaged, in fine voice and clearly having a ton of fun.
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The Souther Hillman Furay Band’s Debut LP: Less Than the Sum of its Parts
The Souther Hillman Furay Band accomplished its commercial mission and displayed the stylistic DNA of the Byrds, Poco and, yes, the Eagles.
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Elvis Costello and the Attractions’ ‘Imperial Bedroom’: Multi-Colored Delights
The 1982 album is generally considered one of Costello’s best, with 15 exceptional songs and some of the best work by the Attractions
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Blondie & The Damned Live in San Diego—The Punk Era Lives!
A jubilant celebration of the hard-to-categorize band’s career, from its pop-punk beginnings through its swift spread into a wide range of musical styles.
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Bad Company’s 1974 Debut: When Rock Fans Couldn’t Get Enough
Arising from the ashes of Free, Bad Company pursued a more stripped-down hard-rock vision. By the end of 1974, they had a #1 LP and were headlining arenas.
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Free’s ‘Fire and Water’: More Than Just All Right
The album featured one of rock’s all-time classics in “All Right Now,” but there was much more to Free’s ferocious-yet-controlled ethic
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The Rolling Stones’ ‘Licked Live in NYC’: Review
The band–world champs at mining the vault–is in fine form throughout this 2003 gig that includes many familiar tracks and a handful not heard as often
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