This Week's Top Rock Releases (Nov. 27)
What this week lacks in original material, it makes up for in anniversary re-releases from classic rock bands. (Looking for original album releases? Check out last week’s top rock releases Nov. 20)
Rage Against The Machine, xx
To commemorate its 20th anniversary, Rage Against the Machine will release xx—a boxed set that includes the band’s 1992 self-titled debut album, original demo tape, and DVDs of previously unreleased footage. Inside the box are tapings of their June 2010 performance at London’s Finbury Park and a homemade video of their first public performance (in North Ridge, California, Oct. 1991). The demo includes two unreleased songs, “Darkness of Greed” and “Clear the Lane,” and the debut LP includes three live track B-sides. This compilation is a must-have for RATM fans; but don’t let the release raise your hopes—guitarist Tom Morello told Billboard that there are “no plans” for a future project at this time.
King Crimson, Larks’ Tongues in Aspic
King Crimson’s 1973 album, Larks’ Tongues In Aspic, is being re-released as a part of a 40th anniversary series. The re-mastered LP, treated to new stereo and 5.1 surround mixes by producer Steven Wilson, also includes alternative versions of several songs. The accompanying DVD shows the five-man band performing early versions of songs like “Exiles” and previously unseen footage of a 30-minute improvisation. For fans who are open to hearing King Crimson covers, The Flaming Lips just released a re-imagining of the prog-rock band’s debut LP, In the Court of the Crimson King, which is currently streaming on The Flaming Lips site Satellite Heart Radio.
Asia, Resonance
Resonance is a live album release from British super group Asia. The project was recorded in Switzerland during the band’s reunion tour in 2010, as they were prepping for the release of their fourth studio album, Omega. The two CDs and DVD features all the original members (John Wetton, Geoff Downes, Steve Howe and Carl Palmer) and include six songs from the band’s self-titled debut and sophomore releases. The compilation steers clear of the John Payne years and almost any song that doesn’t include the original line-up, aside from “Go,” featured on 1985’s Astra.
Photo: Lisa Johnson/Sony Music
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This Week's Top Rock Releases (Nov. 27)
What this week lacks in original material, it makes up for in anniversary re-releases from classic rock bands. (Looking for original album releases? Check out last week’s top rock releases Nov. 20)
Rage Against The Machine, xx
To commemorate its 20th anniversary, Rage Against the Machine will release xx—a boxed set that includes the band’s 1992 self-titled debut album, original demo tape, and DVDs of previously unreleased footage. Inside the box are tapings of their June 2010 performance at London’s Finbury Park and a homemade video of their first public performance (in North Ridge, California, Oct. 1991). The demo includes two unreleased songs, “Darkness of Greed” and “Clear the Lane,” and the debut LP includes three live track B-sides. This compilation is a must-have for RATM fans; but don’t let the release raise your hopes—guitarist Tom Morello told Billboard that there are “no plans” for a future project at this time.
King Crimson, Larks’ Tongues in Aspic
King Crimson’s 1973 album, Larks’ Tongues In Aspic, is being re-released as a part of a 40th anniversary series. The re-mastered LP, treated to new stereo and 5.1 surround mixes by producer Steven Wilson, also includes alternative versions of several songs. The accompanying DVD shows the five-man band performing early versions of songs like “Exiles” and previously unseen footage of a 30-minute improvisation. For fans who are open to hearing King Crimson covers, The Flaming Lips just released a re-imagining of the prog-rock band’s debut LP, In the Court of the Crimson King, which is currently streaming on The Flaming Lips site Satellite Heart Radio.
Asia, Resonance
Resonance is a live album release from British super group Asia. The project was recorded in Switzerland during the band’s reunion tour in 2010, as they were prepping for the release of their fourth studio album, Omega. The two CDs and DVD features all the original members (John Wetton, Geoff Downes, Steve Howe and Carl Palmer) and include six songs from the band’s self-titled debut and sophomore releases. The compilation steers clear of the John Payne years and almost any song that doesn’t include the original line-up, aside from “Go,” featured on 1985’s Astra.
Photo: Lisa Johnson/Sony Music