Recordings
Best Classic Bands offers smart, informed and unbiased assessments of the latest rock album releases and reissues to offer readers guidance on what sounds they might enjoy.
‘Steppin’ Out’ Collects Early Garage Rock: Review
The 94-track anthology is as likable as it is varied. It features many of the best and best-known acts associated with the genre.
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Lucinda Williams’ Topical ‘World’s Gone Wrong’: Review
She clearly attempts to find solace in music, but can’t forget the world’s troubles, at least not on this album.
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Freddie and the Dreamers: The Zany British Invasion Band’s Output Fills a New Box Set
Remember “I’m Telling You Now” and “Do the Freddie”? Turns out there was a lot more to the band that had those hits.
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A Box Set Covers Jimmie Vaughan’s Fabulous Thunderbirds Years: Review
The first 13 tracks in the set were recorded in 1978 with the Roomful of Blues horn section, and are all previously unissued and produced by Joel Dorn and Doc Pomus.
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‘With a Little Help from My Friends’ Album Collects 74 Beatles Covers: Review
The many winners include soulful renditions of “Let It Be” by Aretha Franklin and “Hey, Jude” by Wilson Pickett, the latter with guitar by Duane Allman
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Rumble Review: Vintage Rock from Robert Gordon & Link Wray
The rock ‘n’ roll revivalist and the actual early rock ‘n’ roller collaborated on studio albums and concert tours, including this one from 1978.
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A Box Set Expands on the Rolling Stones’ ‘Black and Blue’: Review
The 50th anniversary set expanding on the 1975 album includes reggae- and funk-influenced tracks as well as strong ballads.
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Fabulous Thunderbirds’ Kim Wilson Shines on 2025 Release, ‘Slow Burn’: Review
The album delivers a dozen blues-rock winners, culled from five live-in-the-studio sessions.
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‘Rock the Plaza,’ a Star-Studded Fundraiser Led by Alice Cooper and Paul Rodgers: Review
The lineup performs such classics as “School’s Out,” “Can’t Get Enough,” “I Got You Babe” and “Right Down the Line.”
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A Box Set, ‘Watching the Sky,’ Collects the Bangles’ Best Work: Review
The 2025 release collects the band’s best work, along with a full disc of bonus material.
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