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.
Ellen Foley Returns with ‘Fighting Words’: Review
On her fifth solo album, the singer proves that she can still come out fighting, at least when her material is up to the task.
Read More
Beach Boys’ ‘Feel Flows’ Box Set: Review
The box proves that the band’s genius didn’t end in the mid-’60s. All six members of the group contributed fine material during this unheralded period.
Read More
George Harrison’s ‘All Things Must Pass Uber Deluxe’ Box Set: Review
The new edition, which adds nearly 50 previously unreleased tracks, offers numerous reminders that the album deserves its sterling reputation.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
Tim Buckley Recorded Live in San Francisco, 1968: Review
The singer-songwriter was at his creative peak–his vocals and guitar work are fine throughout–and his band is compelling.
Read More
‘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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More