As we come jumping out of the pandemic, many bands are putting out their wares to welcome us back, with varying results.
Blackberry Smoke – You Hear Georgia
Audio CD (paid link)
Blackberry Smoke have an all new album called ‘You Hear Georgia.’ Now although this band are good fun live, they really don’t have an original thought. They have built a whole career out of being a Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band, but they mostly play their own songs which are a parody of Lynyrd Skynyrd songs. Played in the style of, “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.” Would I go and see them live? Yes. Would I pay good money for this album? No. If you want to listen to Lynyrd Skynyrd listen to Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Dream Theater – A View from the Top of the World
‘A View from the Top of the World’ and this has
certainly captured the scene very well.
I love the old boots.
Audio CD (paid link)
Dream Theater have been going with a varying lineup since 1985. During their enforced time off the road they have put their collective heads together and come up with a classic. Full of progressive rock epics, their masterpiece, the title track, is saved until the last track. Clocking in at over 24 minutes, it’s a monster. A band effort, but guitarist John Petrucci shines.
Two of the most iconic bands in rock history have issued expanded editions of classic albums.
Rolling Stones – Tattoo You
is I’m glad it did not start a
fashion statement, or did it?
Audio CD Tattoo You (2021 Remaster)[4 CD/Picture Disc Box Set] (paid link)
The Rolling Stones have brought out ‘Tattoo You’ again with all the bells and whistles in place. A remixed version of the original album, it’s a CD of nine previously unreleased tracks recently completed by the Stones in the studio. (Don’t forget that ‘Tattoo You’ was a collection of rejects in the first place, so what you are getting is rejects from the rejects!) Plus a two CD recording of the Stones in their pomp at Wembley Arena in 1982. So saying, it’s all rather fine.
Beatles – Let It Be
album Let It Be, although it was actually recorded
before Abbey Road.
Audio CD (paid link)
‘Let It Be’ by the Beatles is released again. This time as a 5 CD + A Vinyl edition, and a book, etc. The original album is great. But do you want another collection of inferior versions of the songs originally released, or be excited by halfhearted jams from the Fab Four plus Billy Preston for 6,000 baht plus P&P? Then order now. If not, stick to the version you already should have.
Hopefully 2022 will bring us plenty of good rock music to add to our collections. Fingers crossed.
Written by Mott the Dog. Whilst waiting for a good run out.
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