Articles by: Steve Matteo

Best of 2023

Bono, Chris Blackwell, Richard Barone + Others: Steve Matteo’s Best of 2023 Rock Books

Bono, Chris Blackwell, Bob Dylan and Richard Barone are among those who made Steve Matteo’s list of Best of 2023 Rock Books.

Inside Billy Joel’s ‘My Life, A Piano Man’s Journey’

Inside Billy Joel’s ‘My Life, A Piano Man’s Journey’

Nothing in a new Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame exhibit feels dated. Billy Joel’s music, while of a time, is timeless.

Rolling Stones – ‘Tattoo You: 40th Anniversary Super Deluxe Edition’ (2021)

Rolling Stones – ‘Tattoo You: 40th Anniversary Super Deluxe Edition’ (2021)

‘Tattoo You’ could easily be called the Rolling Stones’ last really good album of original material, given that ‘Blue and Lonesome’ was a covers project.

Lucinda Williams, Jorma Kaukonen + Manchester Orchestra: 2021’s Seasonal Sounds

Lucinda Williams, Jorma Kaukonen + Manchester Orchestra: 2021’s Seasonal Sounds

The holiday music of 2021 may not be plentiful, but there are a handful of very worthy new releases and reissues.

Pink Floyd – ‘A Momentary Lapse of Reason: Remixed & Updated’ (2021)

Pink Floyd – ‘A Momentary Lapse of Reason: Remixed & Updated’ (2021)

As good as previous Pink Floyd vinyl reissues are, ‘A Momentary Lapse of Reason: Remixed & Updated’ is quite unique.

Herbie Hancock – ‘Maiden Voyage’; Eric Dolphy – ‘Out to Lunch’ (2021 vinyl reissues)

Herbie Hancock – ‘Maiden Voyage’; Eric Dolphy – ‘Out to Lunch’ (2021 vinyl reissues)

Terrific new vinyl reissues of ’60s-era albums by Herbie Hancock and Eric Dolphy represent two very distinct sides of the classic Blue Note period.

Traffic’s Catalog Returns as Individual Vinyl Reissues – But Something Is Missing

Traffic’s Catalog Returns as Individual Vinyl Reissues – But Something Is Missing

Traffic’s albums are presented in their original packaging and sport the iconic pink U.K. Island Records label. Unfortunately, they forgot a key element.

The Band – ‘Stage Fright: 50th Anniversary Edition’ (2021)

The Band – ‘Stage Fright: 50th Anniversary Edition’ (2021)

Robbie Robertson didn’t just remix the Band’s third album with Bob Clearmountain. He created a completely new track sequence for ‘Stage Fright.’

Pink Floyd – ‘Live at Knebworth 1990’ (2021)

Pink Floyd – ‘Live at Knebworth 1990’ (2021)

What makes Pink Floyd’s ‘Live at Knebworth 1990’ a truly special release is that the vinyl was cut at 45 RPM, making for a true audiophile experience.

Digging Into Craft Recordings’ 2021 Chet Baker Vinyl Reissues

Digging Into Craft Recordings’ 2021 Chet Baker Vinyl Reissues

The quality and care put into four new reissues from Chet Baker’s Riverside era make them must-haves for the serious jazz audiophile.