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.

Strawberry Alarm Clock’s First LP Since 1969: 2026’s ‘Where’s One?’ Review

The group’s penchant for psychedelia remains obvious throughout, but its sound has become much more complex and sophisticated.

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The Beatles’ ‘Revolver’ Box Set: Was It Their Most Ambitious Adventure?

The music sounds noticeably brighter and sharper than before, and the vocals and instruments can be distinguished more clearly.

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The Waterboys’ ‘Atlantic Rain: The Lost Fisherman’s Blues Recordings’ Unearths Gems: Review

The new box delivers two more hours of music from the classic 1988 sessions, including a 20-minute take on the Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.”

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The Rolling Stones Remain Fired Up on ‘Foreign Tongues’: Review

With two core members in their 80s and the other almost there, the Stones still sound much like they did during their peak years.

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Sixty Years After ‘Red Rubber Ball,’ a New Cyrkle Album, ‘Revival’: Review

The 1960s pop-rock outfit was the first American band signed by Beatles manager Brian Epstein, who named the group.

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A Passionately Performed Concert LP, ‘Quality Footwear,’ from Graham Parker: Review

GP serves up 11 performances that show he still knows how to squeeze out the sparks.

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A Tribute Album to Badfinger’s Pete Ham Unearths Obscure Gems: Review

Like the band’s work, many of the songs and performances on this anthology will remind you of mid-period Beatles.

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The Lovin’ Spoonful’s Lovable Catalog Gets Boxed: Review

This 170-track, seven-disc set packs in eight remastered albums, most in both stereo and mono, plus a ton of bonus tracks.

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George Thorogood Live Anthology Collects Fiery Tracks: Review

If you’re looking for a concise survey of the hard-working band’s live shows, you couldn’t do better than the new album.

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Hometown Vibes Permeate Bruce Springsteen’s Excellent ‘Live from Asbury Park’: Review

The Boss’ return to familiar turf lends a special flavor to this 2024 performance.

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