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.
Allman Brothers Band’s ‘Down in Texas ’71’: Review
If you’re hungry for more early-era ABB, this set is worth a look. Its program includes both originals and a handful of classic blues covers.
Read More
Lynyrd Skynyrd at Knebworth 1976: Review
The concert is well preserved on this release, which features 11 numbers, among them “Gimme Three Steps,” “Workin’ for MCA” and “Call Me the Breeze.”
Read More
‘Bob Dylan 1970’—New Treasures from the Vaults: Review
This is your chance to be a fly on the wall and listen in as Dylan explores his options, tries out different voices and delivers a wide variety of songs.
Read More
Tommy James and the Shondells Complete—Review
With 17 Top 40 hits, and covers by everyone from Springsteen to Dolly Parton, they were a major act. Now, finally, all of their work is in one place.
Read More
Joni Mitchell’s ‘Archives’ Collected in a New Boxed Set: Review
Like Dylan before her, Mitchell transitioned almost overnight fromimpressive but derivative covers artist to an original singer/songwriter
Read More
David Bowie’s Brilliant Last Will and Testament
Bowie’s final album, ★ (Blackstar), ruminates on mortality with some of his most challenging artistry, and a serious statement about life and death
Read More
Steve Forbert Tips His Hat to ‘The Father of Country Music,’ Jimmie Rodgers
The two Mississippi singer-songwriters share more in common than a birthplace. Forbert brings a contemporary, personal touch to these American classics.
Read More
Fleetwood Mac ‘1969 to 1974’ Revisited in New Boxed Set: Review
The collection includes seven complete studio albums featuring the early lineups of the band, before they became a household name.
Read More
Jesse Colin Young Gets it Together on New Acoustic Solo Album
The recent material is excellent, but longtime fans will likely be most interested in the re-recordings of Youngbloods classics and early Young solo tunes.
Read More
Jerry Jeff Walker: More Than ‘Mr. Bojangles’
The outlaw country singer was also a first-rate songwriter, capable of sweet, evocative folk tunes of memorably iconoclastic characters
Read More