The Best of 2017 (So Far) includes jazz, pop, blues, prog and things that are, quite thrillingly, simply outside of any general category.

True to the stated purpose of Burning Ghosts, ‘Reclamation’ is another piercing protest document without words. But regardless of what your politics might be, there’s much to relish here as long as you appreciate raw passion delivered through accomplished musicianship and a fearless attitude.

The ever-discerning Carla Bley herself is a fan of the Bley tribute ‘The New National Anthem,’ and with the sheer joy on display that went into making this record, it’s not hard to figure why.

The third single from Yes’ 1983 blockbuster ‘90125’ boasts a balanced mix of progressive elements and rock sensibilities.

Maciek Pysz and Gianluca Corona’s ‘London Stories’ features only two guitars, yet there are so many textures, changes and different emphasis.

For us, rock and roll was a term applied to music of the 1950s such as Elvis Presley or Chuck Berry – and was strictly to be avoided.

It didn’t help that a different singer was featured on each single from the Alan Parsons Project’s smash album, which arrived in June 1982.

Chicago’s Terry Kath delivers a raw, emotional performance not unlike John Lennon’s brilliant but bleak ‘Plastic Ono Band’ album.

A vintage poster and some cut-up tapes: these two elements play key roles in the Beatles’ “Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!”

If Living Colour’s “Come On” is representative of the whole project, ‘Shade’ is going to be well worth the wait.