INDISPENSABLE REISSUES
October 2023
Kristine England
October 31, 2023
Bad Company
Bad Company
One the best-known of the 70s “supergroups,” Bad Company formed in 1973 when ex-Free members Paul Rodgers (vocals, piano) and Simon Kirke (drums) joined forces with Mick Ralphs (Mott the Hoople) bassist Boz Burrell (King Crimson). The band’s 1974 eponymous debut on Led Zeppelin’s Swan Song Records topped the Billboard album charts yielded two top ten singles, and several tracks remain radio staples to this day. This reissue is part of Atlantic Records’ 75th Anniversary collection and released on clear vinyl.
"Bad Company"
Buffalo Springfield
Again
One of Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, Again is the second album from Buffalo Springfield, released in 1967. It’s an incredible feat that the record was made at all, with bassist Bruce Palmer deported at one point for marijuana possession (in California of all places), Neil Young quitting and rejoining the group, and with the use of session musicians to fill in when core members were unavailable. Another of Rhino’s Rocktober series, Again has been reissued on clear vinyl.
"Mr. Soul"
Charles Mingus
Blues & Roots
Another Atlantic 75 reissue, Charles Mingus’ Blues and Roots was recorded in 1959 and released a year later. Mingus explained the origin of the record in the liner notes, stating, “...because some people, particularly critics, were saying I didn't swing enough. He wanted to give them a barrage of soul music: churchy, blues, swinging, earthy.” The record features renowned musicians like saxophonists John Handy, Jackie McLean, Booker Ervin, and Pepper Adams, trombonists Willie Dennis and Jimmy Knepper, pianist Horace Parlan, and Mingus stalwart Danny Richmond on drums.
"Moanin'"
Frank Zappa and the Mothers
Over-Nite Sensation
Over-Nite Sensation is one of Zappa’s most well-known albums, even to the casual listener. “Montana” was an AOR staple, but the entire album is filled to the brim with Zappa’s razor-sharp critiques of American culture (including my favorite, "I Am the Slime") and his customary musical inventiveness. The expanded 50th-anniversary set contains 88 tracks: outtake, alternate edits, bonus tracks from the vault, and two separate live recordings.
"Montana"
The Band
The Last Waltz
The Last Waltz was recorded on Thanksgiving Day in 1976 in San Francisco. First known as Bob Dylan’s backing band, the group had a tumultuous history yet has enjoyed an enduring legacy. The original six LP set was accompanied by a film of the concert, directed by Martin Scorsese. The show had multiple special guests, including Dylan, Neil Young, Eric Clapton, Joni Mitchell, Ringo Starr, the Staple Singers, and many more. The vinyl reissue from Rhino for its Rocktober series coincides with a new theatrical run for the film as well.
“The Weight”