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.
‘With a Little Help from My Friends’ Album Collects 74 Beatles Covers: Review
The many winners include soulful renditions of “Let It Be” by Aretha Franklin and “Hey, Jude” by Wilson Pickett, the latter with guitar by Duane Allman
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Rumble Review: Vintage Rock from Robert Gordon & Link Wray
The rock ‘n’ roll revivalist and the actual early rock ‘n’ roller collaborated on studio albums and concert tours, including this one from 1978.
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A Box Set Expands on the Rolling Stones’ ‘Black and Blue’: Review
The 50th anniversary set expanding on the 1975 album includes reggae- and funk-influenced tracks as well as strong ballads.
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Fabulous Thunderbirds’ Kim Wilson Shines on 2025 Release, ‘Slow Burn’: Review
The album delivers a dozen blues-rock winners, culled from five live-in-the-studio sessions.
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‘Rock the Plaza,’ a Star-Studded Fundraiser Led by Alice Cooper and Paul Rodgers: Review
The lineup performs such classics as “School’s Out,” “Can’t Get Enough,” “I Got You Babe” and “Right Down the Line.”
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A Box Set, ‘Watching the Sky,’ Collects the Bangles’ Best Work: Review
The 2025 release collects the band’s best work, along with a full disc of bonus material.
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Dion’s ‘The Rock ‘n’ Roll Philosopher’ Mixes Reimagined Hits & New Material: Review
The new recordings offer a mix of rockers and ballads and incorporate fresh compositions as well as reinterpretations of old favorites.
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Bob Dylan’s ‘Through the Open Window’ Explores Revealing Early Work: Review
The set aims to dig beneath the surface and hold a magnifying glass to his creative process.
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New Warren Zevon Album Features His Final Gig: Review
The 2003 Edmonton show, which proved to be his last, is featured on a 2025 well-recorded release.
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An Expanded Edition of the Beatles’ ‘Anthology Collection’: Review
If you’re a fan (and who isn’t?) and don’t already own the first three compendiums, the new set should prove irresistible.
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