TOP PICK
KISS
Monster
(Universal)
The heavy metal veterans sound surprisingly inspired on this, their first studio album in three years. Guitarist Paul Stanley’s voice is a little more weathered and worn than normal, but the band sounds energized on songs such as “Hell or Hallelujah” and the grunge-y “Back to the Stone,” both of which rely upon big, bold bluesy guitar riffs.
VIDEO
Beatles
Magical Mystery Tour
(EMI)
Essentially a long-form music video, this Beatles film was essentially out-of-print prior to this reissue on DVD and Blu-Ray that comes complete with commentary from Beatle Paul McCartney, and deleted scenes (including one featuring the band Traffic performing “Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush” in a giant field). As long as you don’t take it too seriously, the film has camp value and comes off as quite a goof despite its reputation as a big waste of time.
MUSIC
Danko Jones
Rock n Roll is Black n Blue
(Bad Taste)
This Canadian hard rock band sounds more like Soundgarden than Soundgarden does these days. This hard-hitting album swings with real swagger and in songs like "I Don't Care" and "The Masochist," the guys unabashedly embrace reckless behavior. Nice!
