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.
Frank Zappa & Captain Beefheart’s ‘Bongo Fury’ Expanded: Review
Besides a version of the original LP that was remastered in 2012, the set includes songs that didn’t make the 1975 album.
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‘American Dream’ Recalls When John Mellencamp Was Johnny Cougar: Review
Mellencamp compositions predominate in the anthology, and they suggest where he might be headed. In some of his songs.
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A Revelatory Edition of Buddy Holly & the Crickets’ Classic LP: Review
The “Chirping” Crickets, their debut, turned out to be the only album they would make together.
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Talking Heads’ Earliest Years Explored in ‘Tentative Decisions’: Review
The performances collected here are somewhat less polished and forceful than the ones on their debut and sophomore LPs.
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‘This Can’t Be Today: American Psychedelia & the Paisley Underground’: Review
You don’t have to be hugely successful to be hugely influential. Paisley Underground groups had an impact on numerous performers who emerged later.
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Nektar Releases an Expanded Edition of Their Prog-Rock LP, ‘Down to Earth’: Review
The LP features a more lighthearted concept than their previous albums, combining memorable songs with a circus theme.
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Two Blasts from the Blasters’ Past Get Reissues: Review
The punk-influenced roots-rock band showed off the songwriting prowess of brothers Dave and Phil Alvin.
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‘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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