<\/p>\n
(Editor\u2019s note:\u00a0 New Music That Doesn\u2019t Suck is an occasional commentary on the current state of rock music by music industry veteran David Hersrud.)<\/em><\/p>\n I usually avoid box sets and deluxe versions of classic albums. Unless you are a totally devoted fan they don\u2019t offer much in the way of new insights. The people I have talked to about their purchase usually tell me they play it through once and then file it. <\/p>\n They become musical \u201ccoffee table\u201d books. So buying a copy of David Bowie\u2019s \u201cZiggy Stardust Era\u201d, The Beatles super deluxe edition of \u201cRevolver\u201d complete with a 100 page booklet of detailed liner notes and photos, or another super deluxe box set of Pink Floyd\u2019s 50th anniversary remaster of \u201cDark Side of the Moon\u201d\u00a0 just doesn\u2019t interest me. <\/p>\n Having said that, I have to admit to buying \u201cThe Making of Five Leaves Left\u201d, the 4 volume set that chronicles the making of Nick Drake\u2019s classic first album.<\/p>\n Nick Drake: \u201cCello Song\u201d from \u201cFive Leaves Left\u201d<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n If you aren\u2019t a fan of Nick Drake or haven\u2019t heard his music it might be hard to understand the reverence with which he is held even 50 plus years after his death. For some he is only known for the use of his music in Volkswagen commercials in the late 90s. He was a masterful acoustic guitarist with a\u00a0 warm somewhat hushed baritone voice. He was also by all accounts incredibly shy. The set contains no new or unearthed songs; instead there are demos, alternate takes\u00a0 that only serve to enhance the mystique. There is also a 60 page booklet. And while some box sets seem thrown together, the Drake set took 9 years to complete.<\/p>\n Aerosmith and YUNGBLUD: \u201cMy Only Angel\u201d<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n A unique but welcome collaboration between Aerosmith and the English rocker that included an appearance at the MTV Video Music Awards and the opening salvo of what will hopefully be a 5 song EP. This represents the band\u2019s first new music in over a decade<\/p>\n Ivy: \u201cHeartbreak\u201d from \u201cTraces of You\u201d<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Another long-overdue offering that seemed hard to fathom after the death of band-mate Adam Schlesinger (also the co-founder of Fountains of Wayne) in 2020. The band \u201cstumbled\u201d upon numerous unfinished songs while preparing reissues and proceeded to turn them into an album.<\/p>\n AFI: \u201cBehind The Clock\u201d<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n \u201cSilver Bleeds The Black Sun\u201d is the band\u2019s 12th album. Starting as a hardcore punk band in the early 90s, they have subtly shifted musical direction numerous times. This without losing their core audience. Their latest foray into 80s gothic rock makes for one of their best and most interesting albums to date.<\/p>\n The Grimm: \u201cCrawlin\u201d from \u201cGrimm Fairy Tales\u201d<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n The music press is full of stories about bands that are releasing new music years and years after breaking up. However, 50 years must be some kind of record. The Grimm were formed in 1961 as a folk group but were caught up in Beatlemania and went electric. And just as the band was about to sign\u00a0 with a major label, the Vietnam War and Christian mission work split them up.<\/p>\n Fortunately a reunion got the band together to record some of their original songs. The response to the original music was such that the band is ready to release it\u2019s 5th studio album.<\/p>\n \u00a0Ladytron: \u201cI Believe in You<\/span><\/a>\u201d<\/p>\n Another electro-pop gem from the English band and to quote a review, \u201cHelen Marnie sounds as exquisitely bored as she always has\u201d. They have 7 albums to their credit and remixes for bands like Blondie, Nine Inch Nails, Gang of Four and Goldfrapp. Hopefully the new single is a precursor to album #8.<\/p>\n Robert Plant: \u201cChevrolet\u201d<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n The latest from one of the most recognizable voices in rock music (see Led Zeppelin). His latest musical effort is what he calls \u201ca song book of the lost and found\u201d as it is equal parts blues, folk and gospel. \u201cSaving Grace\u201d isn\u2019t a solo album as Plant\u2019s participation might lead one to believe. His best music has always been produced when part of an ensemble and \u201cSaving Grace\u201d is no different.<\/p>\n Smashing Pumpkins: \u201cChrome Jets\u201d<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n The alt-rock legends are back with a song left over from their 2023 album Aghori Mhori Mei (the bands 13th album). It\u2019s a return to the guitar driven rock that defined their earlier music and gave them 2 albums listed in The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.<\/p>\n Mavis Staples: \u201dBeautiful Strangers\u201d<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n It\u2019s easy to add \u201clegendary\u201d to a musical description but impossible to remove when discussing the musical contributions of a Mavis Staples. She has gone from being a member of God\u2019s Greatest Hitmakers to winning numerous Grammy awards, being inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and named as one of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time. Her latest album “Sad And Beautiful World\u201d features guest artists Buddy Guy, Bonnie Raitt and MJ Lenderman.<\/p>\n