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.
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.
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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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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
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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.
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