Little Steven Van Zandt at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. He not only gave the Hollies a wonderful induction speech, but he played guitar during "Long Cool Woman (in a Black Dress)," which was equally impressive. Del-Lords reunite. One of my favorite New York bands of all time is back, playing some gigs in Spain and releasing an EP of new songs, "Under Construction," via its website.
Jimi Hendrix package of "Valleys of Neptune" and "First Rays of the New Rising Sun" plus DVD. The CD sound quality is excellent, as are the accompanying booklet, notes and photos. Almost as good as last year's Beatles package.
JAY SNYDER, EDINA
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ø Alex Chilton, R.I.P. The godfather of power-pop made his mark with the Box Tops and Big Star. The Replacements saluted indie rock's first big star in the song "Alex Chilton."
Becky Schlegel, "Dandelion." Even though she recently moved to Nashville, this under-discovered country thrush sprouted this CD in Minneapolis with Minnesota musicians. She has a warm, knowing, slightly twangy voice and a flair for writing smart, fresh songs that resonate in country circles.
"Echoes: The Complete History of Pink Floyd" by Glenn Povey. Although this 368-page paperback is heavy on photos and light on interviews with the band's principals, superfan and former fanzine publisher Povey has done thorough research on Floyd's gigs. Want to know what the band played on June 22, 1994, at the Metrodome? It's here.
JON BREAM, STAR TRIBUNE
