Heart
Strange Euphoria
Epic/Legacy
By David Chiu
Heart’s new boxed set isn’t so much an exhaustive retrospective crammed with the familiar hits, although some of them are present. Rather, it goes for something far deeper through previously unreleased early demos, live recordings, side projects and album tracks/non-singles to offer a broad overview of Ann and Nancy Wilson’s extraordinary career. Continue reading “CD Review: Heart”
Check out “Speed the Collapse,” a new track off of Metric’s upcoming album Synthetica, due out June 12. Continue reading Stream: “Speed the Collapse” by Metric
Thin Lizzy
Nightlife
Fighting
Mercury/UME
Two of Thin Lizzy’s early albums, which were recently reissued in expanded form, rank alongside 1976’s Jailbreak as some of their best work. Both records showcase the elements that defined Thin Lizzy’s sound: legendary front man Phil Lynott’s soulful yet yearning vocals; powerful guitar playing; and the relentless ‘take-no-prisoners’ and everyman sentiments in the lyrics. Continue reading “CD Review: Thin Lizzy”
Janis Joplin
The Pearl Sessions
Columbia/Legacy
By David Chiu
Whether it could be considered fate or destiny, Janis Joplin’s last album, Pearl, recorded before her death, ultimately became a poignant tribute to the emotive, blues-influenced singer. The songs on this 1971 release encompass all what she was about: attitude, fragility and tenderness. Continue reading “CD Review: Janis Joplin”
Glenn Frey
After Hours
Universal Music/UME
By David Chiu
At first, it may seem strange that Glenn Frey would record a standards album given his legendary background in Southern California rock with the Eagles as well as his pop hits as a solo artist. Continue reading “CD Review: Glenn Frey”
Matisyahu returns with “Sunshine,” a track off of his new album Spark Seeker, due out on July 17. For those … Continue reading Stream: “Sunshine” by Matisyahu
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