Classic Rock Gift Guide
Everyone knows Classic Rock. It’s that station on the radio dial that plays this music that’s almost cool. The station that the guy in the car next to you is drumming on his steering wheel to. The music your dad listens to on those round black things. Well not all Classic Rock artists have self-destructed their career, or self-destructed period, and here’s my picks for the ones that have a reason to celebrate.
Dirty Dozen – George Thorogood and the Destroyers – George Thorogood has made a career of the blues, both remakes of classic tunes and Lonesome George originals like Bad to the Bone. Dirty Dozen is a mix of tunes that have been written by a who’s who of blues legends like Howlin‘ Wolf, Bo Diddly, ‘Sleepy’ John Estes, Muddy Waters, and Willie Dixon, and performed George Thorogood style. Every song on this disc is memorable but Blue Highway is a favorite of mine.
Archives Vol. 1, 1963 – 1972 – Neil Young – One quarter of C.S.N. & Y., the Godfather of Grunge (Yeah, I never understood that one), what ever title you may want to bestow on him the one that sums it up perfectly is Neil Young. And as well as continuing to write and tour, he has decided to chronicle his career one decade at a time. The unique thing about this set is that it will be released in three formats; ten Blu-Ray discs, ten DVDs and eight Compact Discs. The CD set has 116 song, 40 of which are previously unreleased. The DVD and Blu-Ray have 128 tracks (12 hidden). The DVD contains video interviews, trailers, concert footage as well as rare, alternate and previously unreleased tracks. The plans for the Blu-Ray set are unprecedented. In addition to the video footage and audio tracks the Blu-Ray will contain interactive reviews, liner notes, articles, sheet music with original markings and notations. Neil said in an interview that he wanted the fans to see what was going on at the time he was creating classics solo, Buffalo Springfield and CSN & Y material. A set like this isn’t for everyone but it would be worth it to hear the original version of Cinnamon Girl and Cowgirl in the Sand.
Sonic Boom – Kiss – I debated on whether to put this one in a hard rock section, but lets face it, I saw them on In Concert in 1974, so Classic Rock it is. But don’t think that just because they got put in the classic rock doesn’t mean it doesn’t rock. Sonic Boom is a good album, but not a great album. A solid no nonsense disc, but I didn’t hear a clear cut hit single. Which isn’t a bad thing if you’re Kiss, with your legions of fans? And there are always people that are looking for an album that they can count on.
God and Guns – Lynyrd Skynyrd – Here’s another band that has put out another solid album this year. This one almost didn’t get made after keyboardist Billy Powell passed in January 2009, leaving Gary Rossington as the last original member, and bassist Ean Evans a couple of months later. But band members were replaced and taught to play all the classic tunes with the nuances fans expect. And fans will not be disappointed with this offering. Pay special attention to Little Thing Called You, Southern Ways, Skynyrd Nation, and the title track God and Guns. But none of the songs are disappointing. Offered as a single disc and a double disc Special Edition.
Anomaly – Ace Frehley – It’s been many a year since the original Kiss guitarist released a solo project. And like a fine wine Ace has only gotten more proficient and mature with age. I can safely say this is some of his best work, ever. Gone is the flash and in its place is a tight sizzle that gives his to the guitar sound a new depth that is evident in his acoustic work as well. Pay special attention to Foxy and Free, A Little Below the Angels, Outer Space, and the remake of Sweets Fox on the Run.
Honorable Mention
The Beatles catalogue re-mastered. It’s the Beatles, ‘Nuff Said.
