Artist: The Fixx
Album: Beautiful Friction (Kirtland Records)
Worth buying: Yes
You might be interested in buying this if you like: the 1982 Fixx album “Shuttered Room,” Simple Minds, Peter Gabriel
Tell me more: It has been 30 years since the Fixx burst on the international New Wave music scene with the album “Shuttered Room” which yielded such timeless modern rock hits as “Stand or Fall” and “Red Skies.” Fast forward to 2012 and the British quintet has released another epic rock album, “Beautiful Friction.” Every track on the disc is outstanding, with the driving anthem “Anyone Else,” luxuriant “Second Time Around” and hypnotic “Just Before Dawn” building on the outfit’s wonderful legacy. The ferocious “Take a Risk” and textured “Shaman” in particular showcase a band that is interested in continuing to mine new musical territory while using the hottest political and economic issues of the day as the lyrical focus of many of the songs.
Artist: The Stone Temple Pilots
DVD/Blu-ray Title: Alive In the Windy City (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
Worth buying: Yes
You might be interested in buying this if you like: Velvet Revolver, Nirvana, Blind Melon
Tell me more: Although it’s been 20 years since Stone Temple Pilots formed in San Diego in 1992, “Alive In the Windy City” marks the first concert authorized for release on DVD by the rock outfit. On the recently-issued DVD (also available on Blu-ray), the band is captured while performing a hard-rocking 18-track set at the Riviera Theatre in Chicago in March 2010. With lead singer Scott Weiland in fine form, the rest of the band (bassist Robert DeLeo, guitarist Dean DeLeo, drummer Eric Kretz) is amped while performing the mix of classic and new material. Highlights abound, with powerful versions of “Vasoline,” “Plush” and “Big Empty” thrilling an eager and enthusiastic crowd. The DVD includes an interview with the band as a bonus feature.
Get Stone Temple Pilots: Alive in the Windy City DVD here
Get it on Blu Ray here
Artist: Shawn Jones
Album: Struggle Makes You Stronger (High Drive Records)
Worth buying: Yes
You might be interested in buying this if you like: Joe Bonamassa, Jonny Lang, Tab Benoit
Tell me more: Few artists possess the blend of guitar prowess, songwriting skills and great vocals displayed by Shawn Jones. On the Southern California-based artist’s latest album “Struggle Makes You Stronger,” it’s clear there is little that Jones can’t express in a song. From the scorching blues-rock of “She Don’t Know (‘Bout Her Own Mojo)” and heartfelt soul of “Day Without Rain” to the tender ballad “Sweet Victoria” and countrified blues of “Lonesome Road,” Jones has crafted another masterpiece.
Get Sean Jones music at
Robert Kinsler July 2012
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