Audiophile Digital

For some of us, this 1968 release – Beck's first solo effort – slaughters Led Zep's similar debut six months later. The two share roots in The Yardbirds, but Beck simply took it further, forging a megagroup with Rod Stewart on vocals, Ron Wood on bass and Mickey Waller on drums, the legendary Nicky Hopkins adding piano, with half of Led Zep contributing, too. The resultant set is one of my personal Top 10 all-time faves, up there with Howard Tate and Buffalo Springfield albums, a permanent joy thanks to Rod's interpretation of 'Ol' Man River', the reimagined 'Shapes Of Things', a gorgeous 'Greensleeves', and the double whammy of 'I Ain't Superstitious' and 'You Shook Me'. Blues rock at its most inventive. KK

The Black Crowes
Present: Shake Your Money Maker
UMC 0880725 (three discs; 4LPs: 0880253)

Or 'how the labels get me to buy two or more formats'. The superb LP reissue of this Faces-flavoured boogie/blues-rock album [HFN Aug '21] contained just the original. This devotes CD1 to the original release, CD2 adds ten B-sides and unreleased tracks, while CD3 delivers a 'homecoming concert' in Atlanta, Georgia, from 1990. As it's bargain-priced, you might prefer it to the costlier 4LP option. Either way, the extras are worth it, eg, a genuine surprise in their stellar live cover of The Beatles' 'Get Back', a heart-wrenching studio version of John Lennon's 'Jealous Guy' and a rousing take of Humble Pie's '30 Days In The Hole'. Hmmm – that 3LP set beckons. KK

Mickey Dolenz
Dolenz Sings Nesmith
7a Records 7A033

There's no shortage of Monkees reissues, but this is unexpected, drummer Dolenz covering fellow band member Mike Nesmith's compositions in 2021. Nesmith did better than the rest post-Monkees, his songwriting success beginning with 'Different Drum', which kick-started the career of Linda Ronstadt, while he enjoys cult status. Here Dolenz's distinctive vocals are applied to 14 of Nesmith's tunes, wrapped in a sleeve that pays tribute to another set of covers, Nilsson Sings Newman. This is a fine-sounding, enjoyable trip, but an opportunity was missed: Dolenz's voice would have proven perfect for Nesmith's incomparable 'Rio'. KK

Mick Fleetwood & Friends
Celebrate The Music Of Peter Green
BMG BMGCAT454TCD-1 (two discs + Blu-ray)

Its title continues 'and the Early Years of Fleetwood Mac'. This homage to the musician – some say the best British blues guitarist of them all – was a one-off gig at the Palladium on 25 Feb '20, just before lockdown. Attesting to his legacy, guests included Dave Gilmour, Billy Gibbons, John Mayall, Bill Wyman, Pete Townshend, and too many others to list, while Fleetwood Mac were represented by Fleetwood, Christine McVie, Jeremy Spencer, and new boy Neil Finn, with Glyn Johns producing. The Blu-ray offers the video in stereo, DTS 5.1 and Dolby Atmos. A timely tribute, no classic tracks overlooked, as, sadly, Green passed away shortly after. KK