A November To Remember

A November To Remember

       Given the massive amount of fantastic new releases that have come out in the last few weeks (Mumford & Sons, Muse, The XX, Grizzly Bear and Bob Dylan to name a few), it's really looking like the music world has been saving its best for last. In November we will be seeing some major releases from three of the most legendary bands in the world. 

       To get the ball rolling the Rolling Stones will be releasing a new greatest hits package, Grrr!, on 11/13. I realize that a new Stones hits package isn't exactly something to write home about--the Stones have about 10 hits collections already. I can only assume that this hits package is part of the whole 50th anniversary celebration that also includes a photo book and documentary, Crossfire Hurricane. The real draw here is the new tracks--the first new material from The Stones since 2005's A Bigger Bang. "Doom & Gloom" is the first of the new tracks and it's a killer. It's got the punch and energy of Sticky Fingers era Stones and that just puts a huge grin on my face. I have yet to hear the second new song, "One More Shot". My hope is that it's another rocker and not one of Jagger's wussy ballads. Check out "Doom & Gloom" right here:

      November 13th will also see the long awaited release of the Beatles catalog on vinyl. I almost couldn't contain my joy in reading the news of this release. I have been hoping for the vinyl remasters since 2009 when the Beatles released them on CD. They have really gone all-out for these. All 13 original albums and Past Masters will be released individually as well as being included in a massively expensive box set. The original artwork has been faithfully reproduced, and all of the albums will be pressed on 180 gram audiophile vinyl. This is what turntables were made for. 

       November 19th will be the release of Celebration Day. This album/DVD documents the 2007 reunion of Led Zeppelin at the O2 arena in London. I have been waiting for this ever since the night of the show. Led Zeppelin doesn't have a wealth of leftover material or bootleg live stuff laying around, so anything new from them is sure to be an event. With 16 tracks, they did a great job of including both the expected ("Stairway To Heaven", "Dazed And Confused" and "Whole Lotta Love") and a few surprises ("For Your Life" makes it's live debut nearly 30 years after it's release on Presence). The reviews from the show have all been hugely positive so I have no doubt that this will blow me away. 

        

       As if these fantastic releases weren't enough to keep you busy, November 23rd will be the third annual Record Store Day Black Friday celebration. We can't tell you just who and what will be coming out that day just yet, but given the great limited editions that have come through the door in the past, one can only assume that this year will see more great releases that you'll only be able to get at your local independent record store. 

       Start pinching those pennies, kiddies. You're gonna need them.