Blue Hour 002 (2016)

Throughout Van Morrison's long career, his hit records have usually been followed by more obscure ones, so it should come as no surprise that 1990's Enlightenment was more subtle than its hit predecessor, Avalon Sunset. The intention of Enlightenment is marked by its first two songs, the scorching Celtic rhythm & blues of the opener, "Real Real Gone," and the pained spiritual yearning of the title track, a midtempo ballad drenched in nylon-string guitars, atmospheric synths, a gorgeous melody, and a tough Wurlitzer piano. The first tune, with its raucous horns, B-3, and crackling hi-hat and snare work, comes from the shouting R&B singer we've known since Moondance. It's addressed to a nameless other, with a call-and-response horn section answering his every line like it was the gospel truth…

Any band that's released nearly as many compilations as studio albums in the past 15 years certainly doesn't need another one, but International appeared anyway, and though it's slightly better than The Best of New Order, it's not nearly as solid as Substance. Beginning with New Order's recorded debut, 1981's "Ceremony," the collection proceeds immediately to the group's worldwide breakout with 1983's "Blue Monday," then slots mid-'80s classics "Confusion," "The Perfect Kiss," and "Bizarre Love Triangle." It certainly didn't need three tracks from 2001's Get Ready. Most of the tracks are album versions, though the compilers made wise choices on remixes of "Bizarre Love Triangle" and "Touched by the Hand of God." As befits a middling compilation from an excellent band, International is a take-it-or-leave-it proposition.

Pink Floyd's supporting shows in 1980 and 1981 for Roger Waters' narcissistic, nihilistic epic The Wall are the stuff of rock & roll legend. Throughout the '70s, the band earned the reputation as one of the best live acts in rock & roll – and not just because they delivered musically but because they delivered a full-fledged show. They had model planes crashing into the stage, giant inflated pigs hovering around the arena and, of course, astonishing live shows. All of Floyd's showmanship culminated in The Wall, an album that wasn't only a story, it was designed to be a theatrical experience. And that's exactly what Floyd designed under the direction of Waters and with the assistance of such artisans as animator Gerald Scarfe and stage designers Mark Fisher and Jonathan Park.

Cybill Shepherd's first ever live CD release, recorded at the Cinegrill at the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in June of 2000. The act is a fusion of song and comedy from her thirty year rollercoaster of a career. Cybill is frank, funny and as bold as ever. It includes it all... the laughs, the tears, even cutlery against plates!