With “Palabras Como Cuerpos,” Joaquin Sabina seems to take Phil Ochs’ motto to heart, realizing that in such an ugly time, the true protest is beauty.

“Where Did All the Good Times Go” finds Joe Mandica and Grace Marino rocking hard to a bluesy formula dipped in a nip of southern-fried hospitality.

Chris Carver displays his formidable chops as band leader, producer, songwriter and keyboardist on ‘Ghost in the Machine.’

The eminent Dr. John plays Ramsey Lewis’ “Jungle Strut,” a deep groove that originally graced Lewis’ classic 1974 funk-jazz album ‘Sun Goddess.’

After a pair of largely meditative albums, David Gilmour sounds as if he’s just come fully awake on the lithe and propulsive “Rattle That Lock.”

Like the best of his Rolling Stones-rejuvenating late ’80s solo work, this new Keith Richards song comes off like a loose, late-night aside.

Jeff Beck and Rod Stewart equalled the emotional directness of their initial collaborations with “People Get Ready,” released on ‘Flash’ in July 1985.

Sleek, clean, and shimmering to a pure pop glow, Taylor Penrose’s “Believe” soars with feeling and finesse.

Managed by a smooth and confident delivery, Fortunato Isgro’s “Keep Thinking of You” glistens and glitters with soulful pop procedures.

The 1957 Tail-Fin Fiasco blissfully combines the jazzy intellect of Steely Dan, the sharp wit of 10cc and the irresistible power pop of Squeeze. “Clean Break” is a lost track from ‘Pretzel Logic’.