By any means, 'Shade' is an impressive achievement that few bands 30 years into their career can ever hope to achieve. It may not replace their classic releases, but it absolutely belongs right next to them.

In just over one year's time, JB's dropped three tremendous releases to the masses: 'Blues of Desperation,' 'Live at the Greek Theatre,' and now 'Live at Carnegie Hall.'

With just seven songs totaling 40 minutes, prog metal forefathers Uriah Heep created a monster of a record that has lost none of its meaty charm over time. The "alternate look" at the album that comprises the 11-track bonus disc adds a fuller picture of this era of one of early hard rock/metal's most overlooked acts.

Over 40 years after its initial release, 'Max's Kansas City 1976' has been greatly expanded (from 10 to 40 tracks) and is an indispensable source of music history of a club that spawned the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Velvet Underground, New York Dolls, and along with CBGB's, the NYC punk movement itself.

One-off or not, 'Crystal Fairy' should still go down as a late career highlight for The Melvins maestros (Buzz Osborne and Dale Crover) and a breakout performance for Teri Gender Bender.

'Turbo' has its flaws but it should still be appreciated as the distinct, experimental nugget full of party rockers that it is. The real gem of this three-CD edition, however, is the 20-track live show from May 22, 1986 that makes up the latter two discs.

These are in no particular order, except for this first one, my vote for song of 2016, at least for guitar. After listening to Joe Bonamassa's blistering, searing solo, you will not forget it anytime soon.

As for the music of 2016, there was the usual amount of "meh" mixed in with a host of impressive releases. Certainly, there were no game-changers that I heard. (Sorry Kanye and Kendrick.)

More than 20 years into its professional recording career, the Deftones are still killing the (alt-metal) competition - 'Gore' slays, and it features Alice in Chains guitar wizard Jerry Cantrell. Need I say more?

Pentagram's resurgence and growing popularity in recent years is rooted in one basic fact: They are one of the pioneers of "American" hard rock/heavy metal. And it all began with these two compilations of their earliest material, recorded between 1972-1976, now newly remastered with full lyrics, band history and some rare mixes. Basically, it is hard rock heaven.