Category: Music

Genre: Album

Grade: A
Notable People: Leonard Cohen and Friends
Title: Live in Dublin

Review –Nothing really new here- just the world’s most beloved octogenarian on his endless tour. Three CD’s and one DVD-all recorded live. This is a lot like his previous 2009 live set- but the band has been together now for years and it shows. This is an absolutely incredible outfit. Sharon Robinson (Leonard’s long time “collaborator” and the Webb sisters sing like angels- otherworldly really, the players are cracker jack top of the line and then there is the one and only Javier Mas-another octogenarian form Spain- who is the absolute master of all things stringed. If you don’t know Leonard’s work- this is must; if you do- it’s like a very old friend. Solid!

Genre: Album

Grade: B+
Notable People: Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young
Title: CSNY 1974

Review –This IS a journey through the past. Three CDs and one DVD from the legendary 1974 tour that swept through stadiums across the land. They managed to stay together for three months and then could not stand each other again for ten years. A lot of egos here. Stills was already past his prime vocally and a bit wild in his guitar work. Crosby and Nash bring their impeccable harmonies (though never as good as in the studio). Neil, as always, is clearly the star. He introduced both “On the Beach” and “Long May you Run” on this tour. His songs really stand out. Some of the other tunes are pretty energetic- some rather dull. There is lot of very familiar sounds here in abundance. Nixon was resigning that summer- and the boys were still leading the cheers against the establishment. Good backup for Tim Drummond on bass, Joe Lala on percussion and Russ Kunkel on drums…but not really enough when it comes down to it. The massive box has good photos and liner notes. Also has some previously unreleased songs they played live on the tour. There is good two page layout shot of the show in Buffalo, which has me trying to find a good magnifying glass- since I was at the show, and am convinced I must be in the massive crowd photo. A must have for true CSNY fanatics- not so much for the rest of you.

Genre: Album

Grade: A-/B+
Notable People: Elvis Costello, Marcus Mumford, Jim James, Rhiannon Giddens, The Goldsmith Brothers, Produced by T-Bone Burnett
Title: The New Basement Tapes- Lost on the River

Review – Everyone probably knows the basic premise- songs fleshed out from lost Basement Tapes (Woodstock late 60s) era Dylan discovered lost lyrics. This a who’s who of current folk rock- with members of Dawes. My Morning Jacket, Mumford and Sons, Carolina Chocolate Drops and Elvis comprising an interesting super folk rock band. They are quite good. The Costello songs stand out most to me, and of course, the lyrics are cryptically master Dylan. I can’t say I felt overly moved by this disc, but it is pretty interesting. Great Johnny Depp guitar work on “Kansas City”

Genre: Album

Grade: A-
Notable People: Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga
Title: Cheek to Cheek

Review – Who knew? Lady Gaga is a classic old style siren singer. An album of American classics in the forties jazz styling’s with a master and an apprentice. They really pull this off well. Tony struggles a bit with the “shouter” type numbers but still sings a ballad like no one else and Gaga is a revelation. If you like this type of music- this is a gem.
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Genre: Album

Grade: A-
Notable People: Johnny Cash
Title: Out Among the Stars

Review – A lost treasure trove discovered by Johnny’s son, John Carter Cash- this is music recorded in a dark period following recovery from pill addiction in 1983. Full of spiritual music and romantic musings, with a sense of humor that does not always come through in Cash’s work. There are two duets with June Carter and one with Waylon Jennings. This is really nice present to those of us who have come to revere this man’s music.

Genre: Album

Grade: A
Notable People: Jackson Browne
Title: Standing in the Breach

Review – Jackson, Jackson, Jackson…where have you been? I’ve been waiting for this album for around 35 years since Late for the Sky. An absolute beauty- mixing social concerns with love sings. Beautiful music, great messages, just sweet and moving. Backed by members of Dawes and other really fine acoustic players- even has some pedal steel…and a long awaited return to Winslow, Arizona (“standing on a corner…”). This is great.

Genre: Album

Grade: A-
Notable People: Leon Russell
Title: Life Journey

Review –Hank’s back!!!!! You might have to be “of an age” to remember that incarnation of this great musician…or to remember him at all. Elton John helped him resurrect his lost career a few years ago and he has made nothing but great music since. Nothing incredibly original here, but Leon can still bang out honky tonk piano and sing some great blues. An icon in my book- who seems to be implying he is saying goodbye with this album.

Genre: Album

Grade: A
Notable People: Neil Young
Title: Storytone

Review –Hey, Hey, My, My…Neil Young will never die. He’s back with another brilliant incarnation- this time recording a set of acoustic beauties with a full symphony orchestra and then again just by himself (2 CDs). Neil goes a long ay to entertain himself…and us in the bargain. This is Harvest meets the Philharmonic. Just put him on Mt. Rushmore already.

Genre: Album

Grade: A
Notable People: Leonard Cohen
Title: Popular Problems

Review – A new LC album is an occasion for joy. America’s favorite 80 something is as strong as ever. With his exotic writing, deep emotion filed voice, masterful arrangements and backup band extraordinaire he remains at the top of a very longstanding game. This album is nothing revelatory- just more great love , heartache, protest and wonder songs. Leonard IS THE MAN.

Genre: Album

Grade: A-
Notable People: Linda Ronstadt, Frank Sinatra, Anne Savoy, Aaron Neville, James Taylor, Emmylou, Dolly and more
Title: Duets

Review –2014 release of duet tracks cut with great singers throughout Linda’s career. Very poignant in light of her current battle with Parkinson’s and forced retirement from singing. Nothing ground breaking or even new here- but a testament to the power of one of the great voices of our times. She is one for the ages.