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.
Mark Knopfler’s ‘The Studio Albums 1996–2007′: Review
The music is well recorded, but if you’re looking for the arena rock and guitar pyrotechnics that characterized Dire Straits, you may be disappointed.
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Judy Collins’ 1st-Ever Album of All-Original Songs: ‘Spellbound’ Reviewed
After more than half a century and 55 albums, the singer has finally released a full album of her own compositions. Our reviewer approves.
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‘The Trogg Tapes’: Beyond ‘Wild Thing’
The newly reissued 1976 LP, featuring original lead singer Reg Presley, showcases both the rocking side and the gentler tunes of the British band
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Elvis Costello Pumps It Up on ‘The Boy Named If’: Review
Costello is in fine form and his backup band, the Imposters, still cooks. His trademark vocals and colorful vignettes continue to fascinate
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David Bowie’s ‘Brilliant Adventure’ Box Set: Review
While the new collection is not the high point of the recent series of Bowie boxes, it does have a lot to recommend it including a BBC Radio concert from 2000
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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
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Zappa’s ‘200 Motels’ Soundtrack 50th Anniv. Box Set: Review
if you’re a serious fan, you’ll be glad to hear that ‘200 Motels’ has been dramatically expanded. But prepare to wade through a lot of silliness.
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The Band’s ‘Cahoots’ Deluxe Edition: Review
‘Cahoots’ was not a step down from its predecessors, but those records set a high standard. The new expanded edition adds plenty of value.
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The Doors’ ‘L.A. Woman’ 50th Anniversary Edition: Review
On their final LP with the original quartet, the band returned to the blues, delivering such classic hits as “Love Her Madly” and “Riders on the Storm”
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The Pretenders’ 1st 2 LPs Reissued: Review
If, you own only the original 1980 and 1981 albums—or for some crazy reason don’t even have those—the decision to buy these new editions should be easy
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