Reissues

For a less musically talented band, being able to reconceive the sounds within the songs physically and rhythmically could have turned this kind of release been a box set of cheap sonic “tricks” designed to fool the listener into thinking the extra money it costs to buy the “enhanced” version of an album was well worth it. For Chicago? It allowed them to see just what was possible with the sound.

For weeks I’ve been listening to the new 'A Decade of Dio: 1983-1993' box set from Rhino Entertainment and regretting time lost. As opposed to the usual “greatest hits” collection approach to a box set with interspersed unreleased alternate takes, 'Decade' is simply the first six albums from Ronnie James Dio’s solo career, remastered and repackaged with some amazing new artwork from longtime Dio cover artist, Marc Sasso.

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.

Whether they intended it or not - I’m never sure if the band is being serious or not - there are some grooves on this album that just cut through me and have me hitting repeat several times.

Pete Seeger is a genuine American treasure. Anyone who loves folk music or is interested in American music history should have this pack in their collection.

This is Americana at its finest and a great tribute to the state, especially its Creole and Cajun music and its influence on popular music.

While not bad, 'Paper' could benefit from less layering and stronger vocals, as well as a unifying theme.

Enter to win a box set with remastered and expanded 2-CD versions of Phil Collins's classic 'Face Value' and 'Both Sides' solo albums.

The 1974 album from Arthur Lee's reconstituted Love is out for the first time on CD and digital, with plenty of bonus tracks.

The video version of the album is a goofy-fun immersion into a mid-1970s world of hyper-costumed, half-baked concept-album dizziness. But there's nothing half-baked about this masterful, somewhat neglected album.