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Evanescence – Synthesis (2017)

Evanescence’s ‘Synthesis’ offers classical reworkings of some of the band’s most well-known songs – and a new track that brings the whole concept together.

Vinyl

Cath Roberts and Favourite Animals – Favourite Animals (2017)

Initially, Cath Roberts only intended to expand Sloth Racket to 10 members for a jazz festival appearance, then Favourite Animals became a new band.

Vinyl

Alan Simon, “You Are the Sunshine” from Excalibur IV (2017): One Track Mind

This has been a great year for progressive rock releases, but overlooking Alan Simon’s ‘Excalibur IV: The Dark Age of the Dragon’ verges on criminal.

Vinyl

Spirit – Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus (1970): Forgotten Series

Songwriting combines with dynamic musicianship to make Spirit’s ‘Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus’ a too-often-overlooked masterpiece.

Kit O'Toole's Top Beatles Albums, Books, Collectibles and Movies for 2017

Kit O’Toole’s Top Beatles Albums, Books, Collectibles and Movies for 2017

An expanded gift guide highlighting notable new Beatles-related items, with items that appeal to both the most-casual and hard-core enthusiasts.

Chicago, "Bethlehem" from 'What's It Gonna Be, Santa?' (2003): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Bethlehem” from ‘What’s It Gonna Be, Santa?’ (2003): Saturdays in the Park

Bill Champlin is said to have always pushed new music on the band. This is once case where Chicago should said no.

Vinyl

Joan Baez, Queen of Folk Songwriting: Gimme Five

Few seem to know that Joan Baez is a gifted songwriter in her own right, composing many powerful and poetic tracks over the course of the decades.

David Crosby, "Amelia" from 'Sky Trails' (2017): One Track Mind

David Crosby, “Amelia” from ‘Sky Trails’ (2017): One Track Mind

David Crosby seems almost naked without his guitar, yet still shines brightly on yet another stellar Joni Mitchell cover song.

Diverse Discs and Finicky Formats from the Beatles, Police, U2 and Others: Shadows in Stereo

Diverse Discs and Finicky Formats from the Beatles, Police, U2 and Others: Shadows in Stereo

Competing formats and differing licensing agreements have caused songs by the Beatles, Police, Black Sabbath and others to get lost in the shuffle.

Chicago, "Questions 67 & 68" from Chicago Transit Authority (1969): One Track Mind

Chicago, “Questions 67 & 68” from Chicago Transit Authority (1969): One Track Mind

Mixing elegance with volume and power, “Questions 67 & 68” shines a light on vintage Chicago in the best possible way.