Deep Purple releases new song and video 'Pictures Of You' out today, June 5

Check out the latest news on Deep Purple's eagerly-awaited album =1 and listen to the new advance track "Pictures Of You" too...Robert Kinsler

DEEP PURPLE RELEASES NEW SONG AND VIDEO FROM UPCOMING ALBUM ‘=1’. ‘PICTURES OF YOU’ OUT TODAY

Photo: Jim Rakete

New York, New York (June 5, 2024) – Following the success of their debut single ‘Portable Door’, Deep Purple has released ‘Pictures Of You’ today, the second song from their upcoming album ‘=1’. Listen to the new song Deep Purple’s latest song, ‘Pictures Of You’ is now available for streaming and as instant gratification track with all digital download pre-orders for ‘=1’. Additionally, the single is offered as part of a four-track bundle which features two previously unreleased live recordings from 2022 in Milan, Italy: ‘When A Blind Man Cries’ and ‘Uncommon Man’. For collectors, the excitement continues as the physical pre-sale of ‘Pictures Of You’ begins today. The single will be released on CD and 12” vinyl on June 28, 2024, with each format being strictly limited to 5,000 pieces worldwide, and each copy being numbered by hand. Accompanying the new single release, the official music video for ‘Pictures of You’ will premiere today at 05:00pm CET/ 04:00pm BST / 11:00am ET on Deep Purple’s YouTube channel. The first music video for ‘Portable Door’, featuring the band performing live on stage, quickly surpassed one million views. In this new video, fans will once again see Deep Purple in their element, performing together. Join the music video premiere The enigmatic album title ‘=1’ encapsulates the band’s philosophy of unity amidst complexity, promising an album that resonates deeply with their five decades spanning hard rock legacy. Produced once again by iconic Bob Ezrin, ‘=1’ captures the purest classic Deep Purple sound, without relying on nostalgia. Access the new album In celebration of the new album, Deep Purple will perform more than 60 concerts worldwide this year during their ‘=1MORE TIME’ tour. With three consecutive No.1 albums in their back pocket and a resurgent new energy powering them forward, this is Deep Purple at their pinnacle. ‘Now WHAT?!’ (2013), inFinite’ (2017), and ‘Whoosh!’ (2020) have sold over one million copies worldwide, making Deep Purple one of the most successful rock bands currently active. The latest studio album, “Whoosh!”, reached #1 on the album charts in 7 countries and charted in the top 10 in another 12. ‘=1’ will be released on July 19th via earMUSIC as Ltd. CD+DVD (Digipak), CD (Jewelcase), 2LP Gatefold (black, 180g), Ltd. Purple 2LP Gatefold (180g), Ltd. Crystal Clear 2LP (180g) and Ltd. Box Set (CD+DVD Digipak, 2LP black Gatefold, 3x exclusive 10” vinyl editions feat. live recordings from Deep Purple’s 2022 tour, exclusive Collector’s T-shirt, 2x exclusive guitar picks, 1x exclusive art print, 1x exclusive lanyard, and the chance to win a Golden Ticket giving access to every show on the Deep Purple ‘=1 MORE TIME’ tour). All LPs include a rich 12-page LP sized booklet – exclusively in the first print run! The bonus DVD features the approx. 60min documentary ‘Access All Areas’ joining Deep Purple backstage on tour and providing an exclusive look behind the scenes. Further exclusive items are available via the official album store: Ltd. 2LP Picture Disc, Ltd. Cassette, strictly limited canvas signed by all band members – limited to 150 items only and various other merchandise items.

=1 MORE TIME TOUR DATES Aug. 14 – Hollywood, FL @ Hard Rock Live Aug. 15 – Tampa, FL @ Seminole Hard Rock Event Center Aug. 17 – The Woodlands, TX @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Aug. 18 – Durant, OK @ Choctaw Casino – Grand Theater Aug. 19 – Fort Worth, TX @ Dickies Arena Aug. 21 – Cincinnati, OH @ PNC Pavilion at Riverbend Music Center Aug. 22 – Sterling Heights, MI @ Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill Aug. 23 – Tinley Park, IL @ Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre Aug. 25 – Toronto, ON @ Budweiser Stage Aug. 27 – Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre Aug. 28 – Gilford, NH @ BankNH Pavilion Aug. 30 – Camden, NJ @ Freedom Mortgage Pavilion Aug. 31 – Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center Sept. 1 – Wantagh, NY @ Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater Sept. 3 – Bridgeport, CT @ Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater Sept. 4 – Saratoga Springs, NY @ Broadview Stage at SPAC Sept. 6 – Bethel, NY @ Bethel Woods Center for the Arts Sept. 7 – Bristow, VA @ Jiffy Lube Live Sept. 8 – Scranton, PA @ The Pavilion at Montage Mountain Tickets are available at www.deeppurple.com

About Deep Purple There simply aren’t enough superlatives to properly acknowledge the contribution Deep Purple has made to rock music. Having sold more than 100 million albums and filled global arenas for decades, there’s little wonder that the respected British radio station Planet Rock named the group the '5th Most Influential Band Ever’. The band were also presented the ‘Legend Award’ at the 2008 World Music Awards and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016. Deep Purple truly are ‘rock royalty’. With a body of work spanning seven decades, Deep Purple has helped pioneer and define the hard rock genre while progressively moving into new areas, both keeping their sound fresh and attracting new fans to the legions who have remained loyal since the band’s inception. The celebrated MKII line up of Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Ian Paice, Jon Lord and Ritchie Blackmore were responsible for creating many of the defining rock albums of the early 70’s, including ‘Made In Japan’, universally accepted as one of the most important and influential live albums of all time. Known as one of the hardest working bands ever, Deep Purple has continued to release No.1 albums and tour globally since forming in 1968, with little rest. In 2007 (almost 40 years after being formed), the band performed 40 dates in France to an award-winning audience, and they continue to spend much of their year on the road selling out arenas across the globe. Deep Purple has stayed true to its musical roots taking from an eclectic mix of styles to create a distinctive sound that defines the band today, but which in turn, has created a legacy that very few bands could ever hope to replicate. The band has written and produced so many “classic,” well-known songs, that its audience range widely in age and background – something the band has readily embraced. Deep Purple’s recent studio album, ‘Whoosh!’ (2020), followed their worldwide chart-topping albums ‘inFinite’ (2017) and ’NOW What?!’ (2013). 2024 sees the release of their brand-new album ‘=1’. On all albums, Deep Purple joined forces with producer Bob Ezrin, who has worked with the likes of KISS, Pink Floyd, Lou Reed and Alice Cooper. Furthering their collaboration with Ezrin, in 2021 and during the pandemic the band recorded a collection of cover songs from their own homes (normal for most bands nowadays, revolutionary for a band that records everything together in the studio), creating an eclectic and celebratory history of their roots in music, in the shape of ‘Turning To Crime’. In 2022 came the sad news of Steve Morse’s departure due to personal circumstances. Moving forward, Deep Purple sought out the masterful skills of guitarist Simon McBride and played the year out in style, exciting crowds with a new energy and excitement. Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Ian Paice, Don Airey, and Simon McBride continue with renewed vitality, pushing the boundaries of hard rock to audiences around the globe, proving that Deep Purple are very much here to stay.

Deep Purple releases 'Portable Door,' first song and video from upcoming new album "=1"

Check out the hard rocking new track from Deep Purple courtesy of the newly-posted official music video and learn more about the legendary band's upcoming album =1 out July 19, 2024...Robert Kinsler

Deep Purple / Photo: Jim Rakete

New York, NY (April 30, 2024) – Deep Purple, following the announcement of their new studio album ‘=1’, releases the first single, ‘Portable Door’, today. The new song is now available for streaming and as an instant gratification track with all ‘=1’ download pre-orders. Listen to the new song

Accompanying the release, the music video for ‘Portable Door’ will premiere today at 05:00pm CET / 04:00pm BST / 11:00am ET on the Deep Purple YouTube channel (LINK). Produced by the Berlin-based agency Mutter & Vater and directed by Leo Feimer, the video showcases Deep Purple against the backdrop of the new album artwork, capturing the band in their essence as they share a stage and perform together. The enigmatic album title ‘=1’ encapsulates the band’s philosophy of unity amidst complexity, promising an album that resonates deeply with their five decades spanning hard rock legacy. Produced once again by iconic Bob Ezrin, ‘=1’ captures the purest classic Deep Purple sound, without relying on nostalgia. Access the new album In a recent interview regarding the sonic direction of their upcoming album, guitarist Simon McBride shared insights, saying: “The new album will reflect what the five of us create in the rehearsal room. Many of the songs, like ‘Portable Door’, were written in the first sessions and literally came together in 5 or 10 minutes. It all was so easy and natural.” Frontman Ian Gillan, highlighting the organic nature of Deep Purple’s song writing, added: “Throughout Deep Purple’s history, our best songs have always been those that were written in no time at all. We’ve played what felt good and developed songs as we have always done.” In celebration of the new album, Deep Purple will perform more than 60 concerts worldwide this year during their ‘=1 MORE TIME’ tour. With three consecutive No.1 albums in their back pocket, this is Deep Purple at their pinnacle. ‘Now WHAT?!’ (2013), ‘inFinite’ (2017), and ‘Whoosh!’ (2020) have sold over one million copies worldwide, making Deep Purple one of the most successful rock bands currently active. The latest studio album, “Whoosh!”, reached #1 on the album charts in 7 countries and charted in the top 10 in another 12. ‘=1’ will be released on July 19th via earMUSIC as Ltd. CD+DVD (Digipak), CD (Jewelcase), 2LP Gatefold (black, 180g), Ltd. Purple 2LP Gatefold (180g), Ltd. Crystal Clear 2LP (180g) and Ltd. Box Set (CD+DVD Digipak, 2LP black Gatefold, 3x exclusive 10” vinyl editions feat. live recordings from Deep Purple’s 2022 tour, exclusive Collector’s T-shirt, 2x exclusive guitar picks, 1x exclusive art print, 1x exclusive lanyard, and the chance to win a Golden Ticket giving access to every show on the Deep Purple ‘=1 MORE TIME’-tour). All LPs include a rich 12-page LP sized booklet – exclusively in the first print run! The bonus DVD features the approx. 60min documentary ‘Access All Areas’ joining Deep Purple backstage on tour and providing an exclusive look behind the scenes. Further exclusive items are available via the official album store: Ltd. 2LP Picture Disc, Ltd. Cassette, strictly limited canvas signed by all band members – limited to 150 items only and various other merchandise items. =1 MORE TIME TOUR DATES: Aug. 14 – Hollywood, FL @ Hard Rock Live Aug. 15 – Tampa, FL @ Seminole Hard Rock Event Center Aug. 17 – The Woodlands, TX @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Aug. 18 – Durant, OK @ Choctaw Casino – Grand Theater Aug. 19 – Fort Worth, TX @ Dickies Arena Aug. 21 – Cincinnati, OH @ PNC Pavilion at Riverbend Music Center Aug. 22 – Sterling Heights, MI @ Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill Aug. 23 – Tinley Park, IL @ Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre Aug. 25 – Toronto, ON @ Budweiser Stage Aug. 27 – Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre Aug. 28 – Gilford, NH @ BankNH Pavilion Aug. 30 – Camden, NJ @ Freedom Mortgage Pavilion Aug. 31 – Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center Sept. 1 – Wantagh, NY @ Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater Sept. 3 – Bridgeport, CT @ Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater Sept. 4 – Saratoga Springs, NY @ Broadview Stage at SPAC Sept. 6 – Bethel, NY @ Bethel Woods Center for the Arts Sept. 7 – Bristow, VA @ Jiffy Lube Live Sept. 8 – Scranton, PA @ The Pavilion at Montage Mountain Tickets are available at www.deeppurple.com.

About Deep Purple There simply aren’t enough superlatives to properly acknowledge the contribution Deep Purple has made to rock music. Having sold more than 100 million albums and filled global arenas for decades, there’s little wonder that the respected British radio station Planet Rock named the group the '5th Most Influential Band Ever’. The band were also presented the ‘Legend Award’ at the 2008 World Music Awards and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016. Deep Purple truly are ‘rock royalty’. With a body of work spanning seven decades, Deep Purple has helped pioneer and define the hard rock genre while progressively moving into new areas, both keeping their sound fresh and attracting new fans to the legions who have remained loyal since the band’s inception. The celebrated MKII line up of Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Ian Paice, Jon Lord and Ritchie Blackmore were responsible for creating many of the defining rock albums of the early 70’s, including ‘Made In Japan’, universally accepted as one of the most important and influential live albums of all time. Known as one of the hardest working bands ever, Deep Purple has continued to release No.1 albums and tour globally since forming in 1968, with little rest. In 2007 (almost 40 years after being formed), the band performed 40 dates in France to an award-winning audience, and they continue to spend much of their year on the road selling out arenas across the globe. Deep Purple has stayed true to its musical roots taking from an eclectic mix of styles to create a distinctive sound that defines the band today, but which in turn, has created a legacy that very few bands could ever hope to replicate. The band has written and produced so many “classic,” well- known songs, that its audience range widely in age and background – something the band has readily embraced. Deep Purple’s recent studio album, ‘Whoosh!’ (2020), followed their worldwide chart-topping albums ‘inFinite’ (2017) and ’NOW What?!’ (2013). 2024 sees the release of their brand-new album ‘=1’. On all albums, Deep Purple joined forces with producer Bob Ezrin, who has worked with the likes of KISS, Pink Floyd, Lou Reed and Alice Cooper. Furthering their collaboration with Ezrin, in 2021 and during the pandemic the band recorded a collection of cover songs from their own homes (normal for most bands nowadays, revolutionary for a band that records everything together in the studio), creating an eclectic and celebratory history of their roots in music, in the shape of ‘Turning To Crime’. In 2022 came the sad news of Steve Morse’s departure due to personal circumstances. Moving forward, Deep Purple sought out the masterful skills of guitarist Simon McBride and played the year out in style, exciting crowds with a new energy and excitement. Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Ian Paice, Don Airey, and Simon McBride continue with renewed vitality, pushing the boundaries of hard rock to audiences around the globe, proving that Deep Purple are very much here to stay.

Deep Purple will release a new album titled '=1' on July 19, 2024

One of my favorite hard rock bands is set to return with a new album; Deep Purple has announced the forthcoming release of =1 on July 19. Get all the details via the official press release below...Robert Kinsler

One of the greatest rock bands of all time to release new album ‘=1’ July 19, 2024 via earMUSIC ‘It all adds up to 1’ Pre-Order here

New York, NY (April 24, 2024) – One of the greatest and most influential rock bands of all time releases new album ‘=1’, on July 19 via earMUSIC. The first single will be unveiled on April 30 at midnight, a taster for the full 13 tracks of pioneering and rip-roaring rock 'n' roll. Deep Purple continue their charge of recent years, releasing hit albums and filling arenas around the world, adding yet more layers to their 100 million album selling legacy. The band are credited as one of the key originators of heavy rock and have constantly progressed their boundaries of music. They are fronted by the legendary Ian Gillan, whose vocals have defined generations, accompanied by the masterful bassist Roger Glover, the powerhouse drummer Ian Paice, and the maestro on keyboards Don Airey. This is the band’s first album with sensational guitarist Simon McBride, who seamlessly slotted in when longtime member Steve Morse left due to personal circumstances. Since 2022, Simon has already played to Deep Purple audiences totalling more than half a million people. But Deep Purple is more than just their members and ‘=1’ embodies the essence and attitude of their 1970s incarnation possibly more than any other album in recent memory. With the legendary Bob Ezrin once again producing, the record evokes the pioneering band’s classic sound, without relying on nostalgia. The enigmatic title ‘=1’ symbolises the idea that in a world growing ever more complex, everything eventually simplifies down to a single, unified essence. Everything equals one. Its full meaning will be revealed in the coming weeks, with the artwork also playing its part. Fans have already been speculating after mysterious equations and depictions of multiverses appeared in London, Paris, and Berlin in recent days (link to images here). With three consecutive No.1 albums in their back pocket, this is Deep Purple at their pinnacle. ‘Now WHAT?!’ (2013), ‘inFinite’ (2017), and ‘Whoosh!’ (2020) have sold over one million copies worldwide, making Deep Purple one of the most successful rock bands currently active. The latest studio album, “Whoosh!”, reached #1 on the album charts in 7 countries and charted in the top 10 in another 12. Taking the US by storm this summer Deep Purple will be shaking the walls of arenas, with an explosive lineup of unforgettable hits taken from their repertoire of rock spanning over half a century. ‘=1’ will be released on July 19th via earMUSIC as Ltd. CD+DVD (Digipak), CD (Jewelcase), 2LP Gatefold (black, 180g), Ltd. Purple 2LP Gatefold (180g), Ltd. Crystal Clear 2LP (180g) and Ltd. Box Set (CD+DVD Digipak, 2LP black Gatefold, 3x exclusive 10” vinyl editions feat. live recordings from Deep Purple’s 2022 tour, exclusive Collector’s T-shirt, 2x exclusive guitar picks, 1x exclusive art print, 1x exclusive lanyard, and the chance to win a Golden Ticket giving access to all shows on the Deep Purple “=1 MORE TIME”-tour). All LPs include a rich 12-page vinyl sized booklet. The bonus DVD features the approx. 60min documentary ‘Access All Areas’ joining Deep Purple backstage on tour and providing an exclusive look behind the scenes. Further exclusive items are available via the official album store (here): Ltd. 2LP Picture Disc, Ltd. Cassette, strictly limited canvas signed by all band members – limited to 50 items only and various other merchandise items.

=1 MORE TIME TOUR DATES: Aug. 14 – Hollywood, FL @ Hard Rock Live Aug. 15 – Tampa, FL @ Seminole Hard Rock Event Center Aug. 17 – The Woodlands, TX @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Aug. 18 – Durant, OK @ Choctaw Casino – Grand Theater Aug. 19 – Fort Worth, TX @ Dickies Arena Aug. 21 – Cincinnati, OH @ PNC Pavilion at Riverbend Music Center Aug. 22 – Sterling Heights, MI @ Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill Aug. 23 – Tinley Park, IL @ Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre Aug. 25 – Toronto, ON @ Budweiser Stage Aug. 27 – Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre Aug. 28 – Gilford, NH @ BankNH Pavilion Aug. 30 – Camden, NJ @ Freedom Mortgage Pavilion Aug. 31 – Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center Sept. 1 – Wantagh, NY @ Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater Sept. 3 – Bridgeport, CT @ Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater Sept. 4 – Saratoga Springs, NY @ Broadview Stage at SPAC Sept. 6 – Bethel, NY @ Bethel Woods Center for the Arts Sept. 7 – Bristow, VA @ Jiffy Lube Live Sept. 8 – Scranton, PA @ The Pavilion at Montage Mountain Tickets are available at www.deeppurple.com About Deep Purple There simply aren’t enough superlatives to properly acknowledge the contribution Deep Purple has made to rock music. Having sold more than 100 million albums and filled global arenas for decades, there’s little wonder that the respected British radio station Planet Rock named the group the '5th Most Influential Band Ever’. The band were also presented the ‘Legend Award’ at the 2008 World Music Awards and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016. Deep Purple truly are ‘rock royalty’. With a body of work spanning seven decades, Deep Purple has helped pioneer and define the hard rock genre while progressively moving into new areas, both keeping their sound fresh and attracting new fans to the legions who have remained loyal since the band’s inception. The celebrated MKII line up of Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Ian Paice, Jon Lord and Ritchie Blackmore were responsible for creating many of the defining rock albums of the early 70’s, including “Made In Japan”, universally accepted as one of the most important and influential live albums of all time. Known as one of the hardest working bands ever, Deep Purple has continued to release No.1 albums and tour globally since forming in 1968, with little rest. In 2007 (almost 40 years after being formed), the band performed 40 dates in France to an award-winning audience, and they continue to spend much of their year on the road selling out arenas across the globe. Deep Purple has stayed true to its musical roots taking from an eclectic mix of styles to create a distinctive sound that defines the band today, but which in turn, has created a legacy that very few bands could ever hope to replicate. The band has written and produced so many “classic,” well-known songs, that its audience range widely in age and background – something the band has readily embraced. Deep Purple’s recent studio album, “Whoosh!” (2020), followed their worldwide chart-topping albums “inFinite” (2017) and “NOW What?!” (2013). 2024 sees the release of their brand-new album “=1”. On all albums, Deep Purple joined forces with producer Bob Ezrin, who has worked with the likes of KISS, Pink Floyd, Lou Reed and Alice Cooper. Furthering their collaboration with Ezrin, in 2021 and during the pandemic the band recorded a collection of cover songs from their own homes (normal for most bands nowadays, revolutionary for a band that records everything together in the studio), creating an eclectic and celebratory history of their roots in music, in the shape of ‘Turning To Crime’. In 2022 came the sad news of Steve Morse’s departure due to personal circumstances, but Deep Purple, never a band to let a set back throw them off course, sought out the masterful skills of guitarist Simon McBride and played the year out in style, exciting crowds with a new energy and excitement. Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Ian Paice, Don Airey and Simon McBride continue with renewed vitality, pushing the boundaries of hard rock to audiences around the globe, proving that Deep Purple are very much here to stay.

Reissues, retrospectives and returns: Deep Purple, Colin Blunstone, Buck Owens and the Buckeroos, Walter Hyatt tribute

The return of Deep Purple as well as essential reissues from singer-songwriter Colin Blunstone and Buck Owens and the Buckeroos as well as tribute to the late country music star Walter Hyatt are definitely worth adding to your music library.

Artist: Deep Purple

Title: Turning To Crime (earMUSIC)

You might like if you enjoy: Deep Purple, Steve Morse, Ian Gillan, Peter Green

Tell me more: Deep Purple is back with Turning To Crime, the classic hard rock troupe's first ever album featuring a full track listing covering other artists' songs. The new album is also the third release in a must-hear series of titles produced by Bob Ezrin that has marked a successful new chapter for Deep Purple (singer Ian Gillan, bassist Roger Glover, drummer Ian Paice, keyboardist Don Airey, guitarist Steve Morse). It should come as little surprise that the 12-track "Turning To Crime" celebrates Deep Purple's signature sound while also creatively honoring the classics revisited on the disc. A driving take on Love's "7 And 7 Is" kicks off the album, the rousing cover enhanced by Morse's guitar and Airey keyboards. Other early standouts on the album include a playful take on the Ray Charles favorite "Let The Good Times Roll," and potent versions of the Peter Green-penned "Rockin' Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu" and "Oh Well," the latter shining a welcome light on Gillan's powerful vocals and Morse's breathtaking lead guitar playing. The magic continues with a psychedelia-tinged reading of the Yardbirds' "Shapes Of Things," amped cover of Bob Seger's "Lucifer," and burning take on Cream's "White Room." A dazzling eight-minute medley caps the album with selections pulled from the far-flung likes of Freddie King, Booker T. and the M.G.'s, Allman Brothers and Led Zeppelin revisited. Other artists covered on the album include Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels, Bob Dylan, Little Feat and Jimmy Driftwood. Information: Deep-Purple.com or ear-music.net.

Artist: Colin Blunstone

Title: One Year: 50th Anniversary Edition (Sundazed Music)

You might like if you enjoy: The Zombies, Colin Blunstone

Tell me more: Originally released in November 1971, singer-songwriter Colin Blunstone's One Year was The Zombies lead vocalist's solo debut; Blunstone's Zombies band mates Rod Argent and Chris White co-produced the album. Now comes the outstanding 50th Anniversary Edition of the classic LP that immerses the listener in the artist's enthralling mix of neo-classical, rock, jazz and Baroque pop. In addition to the original album track listing, the reissue includes 14 previously unreleased recordings and nine unrecorded compositions. One of rock's greatest singers, Blunstone's soaring and mesmerizing vocals shine across the collection. The reissue is a joy with the uptempo "She Loves The Way They Love Her," classical music-mining "Misty Roses" (featuring Zombies bassist Chris White on classical guitar) and "Smokey Day," jazz-tinged Baroque rock classic "Caroline Goodbye," and buoyant "Mary Won't You Warm My Bed" all early delights on the disc. The gorgeous "Her Song", soaring "Say You Don't Mind," flamenco guitar-adorned "I've Always Had You," touching "I'm Coming Home" and dark "Sing Your Own Song" (the latter a song written in response to Blunstone reading about his own death in Rolling Stone) are among the late-title highlights. The physical release — available on audio CD and vinyl — includes never-before-seen photos and new liner notes penned by Blunstone. Information: ColinBlunstone.net. 

Artist: Buck Owens and the Buckeroos

Titles: Your Mother's Prayer; The Kansas City Song; I Wouldn't Live in New York City; In the Palm of Your Hand; Ain't It Amazing, Gracie; (It's a) Monster Holiday (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Dwight Yoakam, Buck Owens, Merle Haggard

Tell me more: Back in June of this year, Omnivore Recordings announced the reissue of remastered editions of nine outstanding Buck Owens and the Buckeroos album titles spanning 1968 to 1974. For fans of the legendary and beloved country music artist, these titles are crucial. In August I reviewed the first trio of these special editions and am going to highlight the other six in this week's column. 

Originally released in early 1970, Your Mother's Prayer features a gospel-centered approach highlighted by the beautiful title track (bolstered by classical and pedal steel guitar textures), the swinging "That Old Time Religion," the affecting "In God I Trust" and lively "That Sunday Feeling." Owens wrote or co-wrote seven of the 11 tracks on an album that ranks among the best country music gospel albums of all time.  

Released in July 1970, The Kansas City Song, features 10 infectious songs showcasing Owens' strong songcraft, signature vocal and the top-tier musical talents of guitarists Don Rich and Doyle Holly, drummer Jerry Wiggins, keyboardist Earl Poole Ball, bassist pianist Jim Shaw and pedal steel legend Buddy Emmons. Standouts include the rousing title track, tender ballads "Bring Back My Peace Of Mind," "I'd Love To Be Your Man," melodic "Amsterdam" and poignant "Black Texas Dirt." 

Released at the end of 1970, each song on I Wouldn't Live in New York City focuses on a different city. The concept album reached #12 on the country album charts and is a wonderful listen. The comedic "I Wouldn't Live in New York City (If They Gave Me The Whole Dang Town)" was recorded live on the streets of The Big Apple. Other memorable originals on the disc include the wistful "Reno Lament," beautiful "The Wind Blows Every Day In Chicago," church bells-bolstered "(It's A Long Way To) Londontown" and Latin-fused "Santa Domingo."

Released in January 1973, In the Palm of Your Hand proved to be another hit for the prolific Owens. Featuring 10 tracks, standouts on the set include the romantic title track, country rock-tinged "Made In Japan," yearning "Sweethearts In Heaven" and bittersweet "Arms Full Of Empty."

Released a mere two months after In the Palm of Your Hand, Ain't It Amazing, Gracie continued Owens' creative and commercial success courtesy of 10 indelible tracks. The pretty "Long Hot Summer," a shining cover of Home Joy's "Streets of Bakersfield," colorful "Your Monkey Won't Be Home Tonight" and sorrowful "Old Faithful" are among the terrific cuts on the album.

Issued in 1974, (It's a) Monster Holiday was Owens and his Buckeroos' 23rd Top 10 country album. The album features a rich mix of humorous tracks (the title track, "Meanwhile Back at the Ranch"), uptempo material ("Stony Mountain West Virginia," "Kiss An Angel Good Mornin'," "Pass Me By (If You're Only Passing Through)") and lush ballads ("Amazing Love," "I Love," "You're Gonna Love Yourself in the Morning"). The album also features "On the Cover of the Music City News," a clever re-write by Owens and Shaw of Shel Silverstein's "Cover of the Rolling Stone."

The Omnivore Recordings reissues have been released in their original configurations on audio CD and Digital (in both standard and high resolution); each has been mastered from the original analog tapes by Michael Graves and produced for release by Grammy-winner Cheryl Pawelski, and all feature expanded artwork and new liner notes from Owens biographer Randy Poe (the author of "Buck 'Em! The Autobiography of Buck Owens"). Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artists: Lyle Lovett, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Junior Brown, David Ball, more

Title: Mighty Fine: An Austin City Limits Tribute to Walter Hyatt (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: David Ball, Lyle Lovett, Shawn Colvin, Uncle Walt's Band

Tell me more: During the late 1970s and early '80s, Uncle Walt's Band (David Ball, Champ Hood, Walter Hyatt) was one of the most popular artists in Austin, Texas. The South Carolina-spawned trio issued several self-released titles before breaking up in 1983. Even after the acclaimed trio broke up and Hyatt returned to Nashville with his wife, Heidi, he remained a fixture on the country music scene and even produced Lyle Lovett's 1990 major label debut "King Tears." Hyatt also recorded several solo albums, including 1993's Music Town. Sadly, Hyatt died in the May 11, 1996 ValueJet Plane crash that took the lives of all passengers and crew. Lovett subsequently helped organize tribute concerts to benefit Hyatt's wife and children; now tracks from a 1997 "Austin City Limits" Tribute to Hyatt have been released; the title (Mighty Fine: An Austin City Limits Tribute to Walter Hyatt) features 11 tracks from the original broadcast and six additional tracks not shown on the television special. Additionally, four previously-unissued Hyatt recordings — including the timely "In A Christmas Dream" — are included as bonus tracks. The wonderful release features a diverse lineup of artists who worked with or were influenced by Hyatt including Lovett, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Marcia Ball, Junior Brown, Shawn Colvin, and his Uncle Walt's Band mates Ball and Hood. "Mighty Fine" is available on audio CD and via Digital. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com. 

Robert Kinsler