Jimi Hendrix
Hendrix in the West
Winterland (single disc version)
Experience Hendrix/Legacy
By David Chiu
A double dose of live Hendrix has recently come in the form of two recently released sets that deliver the same result: the guitar hero and his band as mesmerizing performers who leave the audience satisfied by the sheer force of the music. Continue reading “CD Review: Jimi Hendrix”
Steve Winwood
ICON
Island/UME
By David Chiu
There have been numerous Steve Winwood compilations, but what makes this one particular collection unique is that it entirely devoted to his solo work under his name, as opposed to combining it with his output from the Spencer Davis Band, Traffic and Blind Faith. Continue reading “CD Review: Steve Winwood”
Patti Smith
Outside Society
Arista/Columbia/Legacy
By David Chiu
Had Patti Smith had made her debut album Horses in 2011 rather in 1975, there is hardly a chance it would have been released on a major label. That’s how different and groundbreaking that album was and 36 years later, it’s still remains a timeless work. Since that album, Smith’s music has always drawn on the avant-garde, the influence of the Beat poetry, and rip-roaring rock and roll. Her legendary career is celebrated on this new single-disc compilation spanning from Horses through 2007’s 12 Songs. Continue reading “CD Review: Patti Smith”
REO Speedwagon
Hi Infidelity: 30th Anniversary Edition
Epic/Legacy
By David Chiu
Sometimes, a little personal turmoil within a band can yield great results. That is the case with REO Speedwagon’s 1981 masterpiece, Hi Infidelity, which was recently reissued to celebrate its 30th anniversary this year. Continue reading “CD Review: REO Speedwagon”
Paul McCartney
McCartney
McCartney II
Hear Music
By David Chiu
Coming off the Beatles’ breakup in 1970, it would have been tempting for Paul McCartney to make a huge musical splash with his solo debut record. However, that wasn’t the case with ‘McCartney,’ which was released that year. Continue reading “CD Review: Paul McCartney”
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
Let Love In
Murder Ballads
The Boatman’s Call
Mute
By David Chiu
The mid to late ‘90s was a pretty fruitful period for Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, one that saw the band release a string of highly-praised albums. That is the case with these recent reissues of albums from 1994 to 1997 (along with 2001’s No More Shall We Part), accompanied by a DVD of additional tracks and videos. Continue reading “CD Review: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds”
Paul Simon
Paul Simon
There Goes Rhymin’ Simon
Still Crazy After All These Years
By David Chiu
Given the body of work that he established in the ‘60s with partner Art Garfunkel, Paul Simon had no problem duplicating that success in the ‘70s as a solo artist. Continue reading “CD Review: Paul Simon”
Ozzy Osbourne
Blizzard of Ozz
Diary of a Madman
Epic/Legacy
By David Chiu
Any concern whether Ozzy Osbourne can make it on his own after leaving Black Sabbath became an afterthought with his 1980 solo debut Blizzard of Ozz, a record that kind of ushered in an accessible but still heavier form of metal for the ‘80s. Continue reading “CD Review: Ozzy Osbourne”
R.E.M.
Lifes Rich Pageant
Capitol/IRS
By David Chiu
With each album they released since 1983 during the early part of their history, R.E.M. got closer and closer to mainstream popularity. One can detect that ascendancy with 1986’s Lifes Rich’s Pageant, which certainly ranks as one of their best. Continue reading “CD Review: R.E.M.”
The Kinks
Kinks
Kinda Kinks
The Kinks Kontroversey
Sanctuary UME
By David Chiu
If you are a Kinks fan, this is your year, because UME recently reissued three of the band’s early records containing not only the original album tracks, but collectively carry an overwhelming amount of bonus tracks: mono versions, demos, outtakes and BBC performances. Continue reading “CD Review: The Kinks”
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