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.
The Rolling Stones’ ‘Live on Copacabana Beach’: Review
The Stones are in fine form at the Brazilian show as they tackle classic material, none of which should need any introduction to anyone.
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Laura Nyro ‘Live in Japan’: Previously Unreleased Concert Set Reviewed
The set embraces some of Nyro’s best-known compositions, including “Wedding Bell Blues,” “And When I Die” and “Save the Country,” plus terrific covers.
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Crowded House Returns With ‘Dreamers Are Waiting’: Review
With several personnel changes, they sound somewhat different, but the album recalls Neil Finn’s lush, richly textured, understated solo work.
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‘Zappa ’88: The Last U.S. Show’: A Versatile, Career-Spanning Farewell
No musician alive or dead has ever been more versatile than Zappa, and this concert set, featuring everything from classical to Zeppelin, proves it.
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Lulu’s ‘Gold’ Reviewed: More Than ‘To Sir With Love’
Her material is mostly excellent and certainly diverse. The compilation does her justice, although it skimps on the visuals and annotation.
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Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s ‘Déjà vu’ Deluxe: Review
The set offers an opportunity to reappraise this classic album and also peek behind the curtain, see how it came together.
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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.
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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.”
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‘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.
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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.
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