stant classic. The local kid, the high school football star, signs up for the military and goes off to war, returning home with his “bat- tle scars,” and is cheered by family and friends. It’s a red, white and blue tribute to the American soldier. Just a great song. I would expect no less from Garth. “Rodeo and Juliet” has the whole Texas swing vibe that will no doubt set your toes to tappin,” and “Cowboy’s Forever” is a real nice, steel guitar and fiddle enhanced tribute to the American cowboy. “People Loving People” is another upbeat call to arms for the human race to come together and stop fighting. It’s a beauti- ful dream. Yet another major chart topper waiting to happen is “Send ‘Em On Down the Road,” a nice song about being a parent. I re- ally identified with this one. Man, I have missed Garth Brooks. It’s great to have him back, and in full flight.... Prince is a genius. Do I think every record he releases is magic? Of course not, but a few are. Things like Pur- ple Rain, 1999 and Sign of the Times. Now he has released two albums at the same time, and one of them is a master- piece. Art Official Age has the same vibe as those afore-
mentioned records. Every song is different, and every song is great. “Breakdown” wins on all levels. His vocal is super smooth and very soulful - well, except for the one section of the song where he screams it out like Otis Red- ding on 78 rpm- and the lyrics, all about com- ing off of years of alcohol and wild living, are some of his best ever. Of course, the opening tune is pretty funky. The super-bad bass driven “Clouds” sets the stage for a sci-fi ad- venture that finds the Purple One waking from cryogenic sleep after 45 years, finding himself in new world that “does not require time.” Cool. Prince burns across the fret- board on this one with some of his Hendrix-
like lead squall. To be honest, Art Official Age is a super funky, excellent record by a man who pretty much defines the word “artist.”... Bruce Hornsby is an amazing piano player. Everybody knows that, and most of us recall his huge radio hits during the ‘80’s and ‘90’s, and his excellent work with the Grateful Dead. On his lated double-album, Solo Con- certs, Hornsby truly showcases his skills, with just himself and his piano onstage, from classical to blues, jazz and more. “Song E (Hymn in E flat)” sets the stage, and from there is just an exercise in piano perfection. “Preacher in the Ring Part One,” is a jazzy romp, with some might fine tickling of the ivories, in a real improv jam style. Throughout the album, Hornsby interjects teases and excerpts from classical pieces, such as Schoenberg’s “Piano Concerto.”Make no mistake, this is no down- stairs lounge piano player here. Bruce Hornsby is one of the very best. Have a listen to “Catenaires,” a breathtaking ivory workout that made me think of Keith Emerson filtered through Beethoven. Obviously “Mandolin Rain” is included, in slower, more moody ver- sion. Very beautiful. Solo Concerts is nothing less than an excellent, jazzy, laid back album that reminds all of us just how much we loved Bruce Hornsby the first time we heard him on the radio....Leonard Cohen is back with Popular Problems, proving once again that he is a genius song- writer. Sure, his vocals sound like a mashup of Tom
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