Bob Dylan converted to Christianity in 1979. Like many who have been born again, Dylan spoke and sang solely of his faith for a brief period – roughly half a year, beginning in November of 1979 and ending in May of 1980. Facing a fan base who were generally furious at his newfound religion, Dylan started to thread some oldies into his set lists but he didn't leave gospel behind until he released Infidels in 1983.
The 50th Anniversary Collection from Neil Diamond, is a celebratory music package marking the 50th anniversary of the iconic, Grammy Award-winning and Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame member's first hit 'Solitary Man' plus 49 additional hits. 'Solitary Man' began his trajectory as a legendary songwriter, prolific musician and celebrated performer with a time span that has now marked five decades and counting. The exclusive 3 CD package includes 50 songs that range 50 years in Diamond's career. Under the supervision of Diamond, the forthcoming anniversary set will include his own handpicked songs and a carefully booklet with new liner notes.
Having established that their 21st century reunion was not a passing thing, Suede decided to stretch themselves with The Blue Hour, the third record they've made since reuniting in 2013. Unlike that year's Bloodsports or its 2016 sequel Night Thoughts, The Blue Hour isn't produced by Ed Buller, who helmed their three big records of the 1990s (Suede, Dog Man Star, Coming Up), it's the work of Alan Moulder, the veteran producer whose fingerprints were all over alternative rock of the '90s that had little to do with Brit-pop.
Known for his searching, often conversational style, guitarist Bill Frisell is also a maverick with a wide-ranging ear for avant-garde jazz, country twang, and droney noise. His albums with such varied collaborators as trumpeter Ron Miles, violinist Jenny Scheinman, and saxophonist Don Byron often sound like two or more people having an engaging discussion. Interestingly, barring 2000's Ghost Town, he has seldom recorded in a solo setting. Frisell amends this with 2018's mutative, deeply considered Music IS, his second album of solo recordings.
Keb' Mo' and Taj Mahal have been friends and colleagues for years but 2017's TajMo is the first time the pair have recorded an album. It also marks the first time Taj Mahal has entered a studio since 2008 – Keb' Mo' last released an album in 2014 – and if this seems like it should be a momentous occasion, what's striking about TajMo is how casual the whole affair is. The duo designed TajMo to be an upbeat, life-affirming listen, something that emphasizes how the blues can also offer a good time.