The Hard Thing About Hard Things

It's easy to write off There's a Riot Goin' On as one of two things – Sly Stone's disgusted social commentary or the beginning of his slow descent into addiction. It's both of these things, of course, but pigeonholing it as either winds up dismissing the album as a whole, since it is so bloody hard to categorize…

It's easy to write off There's a Riot Goin' On as one of two things – Sly Stone's disgusted social commentary or the beginning of his slow descent into addiction. It's both of these things, of course, but pigeonholing it as either winds up dismissing the album as a whole, since it is so bloody hard to categorize. What's certain is that Riot is unlike any of Sly & the Family Stone's other albums, stripped of the effervescence that flowed through even such politically aware records as Stand! This is idealism soured, as hope is slowly replaced by cynicism, joy by skepticism, enthusiasm by weariness, sex by pornography, thrills by narcotics…

Change is good. Change is important. Change is the enemy of stagnation, a vital means to keep things fresh, innovative and exciting. For TAX THE HEAT, ‘change’ means something else too. The title track of the acclaimed British band’s stunning new album, »Change Your Position«, sees them addressing the turbulent state of the world right now and the very real impact it is having on people. “It’s looking at division in society and people using it as an excuse to do wrong and say wrong,” says singer and guitarist Alex Veale. “It’s saying, ‘Look, change your position.’ It’s holding up a mirror to things.” Fittingly, »Change Your Position« - recorded once again with maverick producer Evansson - represents a huge leap forward for TAX THE HEAT, who are completed by guitarist JP Jacyshyn, bassist Antonio Angotti and drummer Jack Taylor.

Blue Note Records has announced an April 26 release of Sonny Rollins A Night at the Village Vanguard: The Complete Masters, a special Tone Poet Vinyl Edition of the legendary saxophonist’s tour-de-force live trio album. The expanded 3-LP set, which can be ordered now on the Blue Note Store, marks the first time Rollins’ complete recorded performances at the Village Vanguard on November 3, 1957 will be made available in a single vinyl package. The collection is also available as a 2-CD set and on all digital formats.

Various Artists - Woodstock - Back to the Garden: The Definitive 50th Anniversary Archive (2019) {38CD Box Set Rhino X3CDWO001}
XLD rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 11.7 Gb | MP3 @320 -> 5.11 Gb | Artwork (web) | 5% repair rar
© 1969, 2019 Rhino Records | X3CDWO001
Rock / Psychedelic / Acid Rock / Blues Rock / Folk / Rock & Roll

Fifty years after the three-day concert made rock’n’roll history, a gargantuan, 38-disc set attempts to tell the full story of the event for the very first time. The mythological status of 1969’s Woodstock Music and Arts Festival can sometimes feel overpowering. The festival is the ultimate expression of the 1960s. Moments from the three-day concert have crystallized as symbols of the era, with details like Richie Havens’ acoustic prayer for freedom, Roger Daltrey’s fringed leather vest, or Jimi Hendrix’s “Star Spangled Banner” held up as sacred countercultural relics.

Eighteen months after his last long-player, ‘Reunited’, the acclaimed British guitarist Snowy White presents his new album containing 12 new tracks. Once again, Snowy called on his musical collaborators and friends, including Max Middleton (piano/keys), Ferry Langendrijk (keys), Jessica Lauren (keys), Kuma Harada (bass), Walter Latupeirissa (bass), Juan van Emmerloot (drums) and Jeff Allen(drums). Since the late 1960s, Snowy and his characteristic guitar-playing have made their mark on tasteful blues rock. Whether as a member of Thin Lizzy (on the albums ’Chinatown’ and ’Renegade’), working with Peter Green (Fleetwood Mac), as an indispensable tour musician for Pink Floyd and later Roger Waters, or as a highly-respected solo artist: Snowy has always remained true to his love for excellent, handmade music.