This is the first in a three-part series from Mick Raubenheimer examining Frank Zappa’s ‘Joe Garage,’ itself a three-part rock opera which arrived in 1979.

Here are the ’60s classic-rock records we simply couldn’t live without if something went wrong on our three-hour tour … our three-hour tour …

I picked up Def Leppard’s ‘Hysteria’ after its release 35 years ago today because I loved ‘Pyromania.’ That began a years-long stint of daily listening.

With Agony Street, the late Swedish multi-instrumentalist Klas Qvist created music that’s up-tempo, melodic, joyous and Sir James Paul McCartney infectious.

‘In the USA: Live Recordings 1972-73′ collects more rare and unheard concert material from ex-Yes guitarist Peter Banks’ subsequent band Flash.

Released 55 years ago this week, the Yardbirds’ ‘Little Games’ showed a whole lot of imagination – despite their looming fate.

Don Breithaupt goes in depth on Monkey House’s ‘Remember the Audio,’ how the band has evolved over 30 years and the brilliance of guitarist Drew Zingg.

For whatever reason, Pantera seemed to be embarrassed by their first four records. But there’s certainly nothing to be embarrassed about with ‘Power Metal.’

Released 30 years ago today, ‘Burning Questions’ showed that time hadn’t dulled Graham Parker’s legendary rapier wit, or his inquisitiveness.

Alestorm’s pirate ship has been righted and is back on course.