This seems like an appropriate title for the new Queen album, seeing as how guitarist

David Gilmour of Pink Floyd has released a brand new multi-format CD/DVD of his live performance at the Gdansk Shipyards in Poland back in 2006. Filmed and recorded in front of 50,000 people, this package well-represents the tour that supported Gilmour’s “On An Island” solo album. Although the guitarist and singer’s “Rember That Night - Live at Royal Albert Hall” set from May ‘06 is somewhat superior, this set should not be ignored. It was the last date of the tour and Gilmour’s band, including fellow Floyd mate Richard Wright (who we lost last month to cancer) and Phil Manzanera (the fine guitarist of Roxy Music) was honed to razor sharpness. Included is solo material and a generous supply of Pink Floyd standards. The gem of the entire set is the 24-minute version of “Echoes,” the masterpiece originally featured on Floyd’s 1971 “Meddle” album. What does set this release apart is the fine accompanyment from the 40-piece Baltic Symphony Orchestra conducted by Zbigniew Preisner. The involvement of so many of Poland’s finest artists, plus the location at the birthplace of Solidarity and Lech Walesa’s story - which eventually led to the undoing of the Soviet Bloc’s grip over Eastern Europe, makes this a very emotional night and a terrific concert. It’s available in a 2-CD audio-only edition, the 2-CD and one DVD version with the 114-minute concert in video & a documentary, 4-disc version with additional video from Abbey Road and other locations and finally there’s a 5-disc mega-package with bonus collectibles. Head to David Gilmour’s official website for details - davidgilmour.com

Lindsey Buckingham, the jack of all trades in Fleetwood Mac since the end of 1974 (with a rather famous absence from ‘87-’97) has been forging a solo career since his first album, “Law and Order” in 1981.  Since then, his often-eclectic course draws no apologies from the extraordinary guitarist, singer and songwriter.  This is art for art’s sake, with Buckingham’s vast success in Big Mac allowing the cash lifeline to fund even his wildest ideas and whims.  As an accomplished engineer and producer, this means he can happily hole himself up in his studio for years at a time.  Fortunately, this latest project comes rather quickly upon the heels of his last.  “Gift of Screws” is a delight - mixing the expected eclectic (there’s an oxymoron!) as well as the commercial angle he often worked to fantastic success with Mac.  There’s some hit material here mixed amongst the sometimes experimental.  ”Did You Miss Me” and “The Right Place to Fade” both conjur sweet melodies and channel sugary pop harmonies.  ”Wait for You” is a bit more intense - built on an irresistable electric guitar figure that powers the beat and provides the hook.  Always interesting, always creative - this is another brave record for Lindsey Buckingham - and one you will also like even if you’ve only enjoyed him as a member of one of Classic Rock’s most successful groups ever. 

Gov’t Mule - “Holy Haunted House”

The new one from Warren Haynes and the boys is a double CD set - recorded last Halloween ‘07 in St. Paul, Minnesota. The Mule have picked up a trick that Phish used to do on Halloween night - they’d choose a classic album and do it in its entirety for the second set of the night. Phish were masters at this, taking on such tasks as the Beatles ‘White’ Album, the Who’s “Quadrophenia” and “Dark Side of the Moon.” Maybe Warren got the idea from Phish bassist Mike Gordon, whom he’s played with in the past. Who knows, but the tradition is now passed on. Last year Gov’t Mule performed the entirety of Led Zeppelin’s “Houses of the Holy” album with some extras like an extended drum solo courtesy of Matt Abts. To help out on the guitar parts that were originally doubletracked by Jimmy Page in the studio, the Mule deputized Audley Freed - who played with the Black Crowes during the period when the band went on the road with Led Zeppelin’s guitar player. So Freed knows these Zeppelin songs cold and he and Warren smoke those guitar lines - from the opening “Song Remains the Same” to the last note of “The Ocean.” There’s a whole other set on Disc 1 too - including Mule classics like “Birth of the Mule” and “Blind Man in the Dark.” This is a great look at a special night. Wonder what the Mule will do this Halloween night at the Orpheum? My vote goes to Jimi Hendrix “Band of Gypsies.” I’d love to hear Warren wail on “Machine Gun.” If anyone can do it - he can! Plus, Matt Abts can nail Buddy Miles’ parts - even if he doesn’t have the Afro!

Chrissie Hynde is the Pretenders these days and she has assembled a new lineup of the group to record the 9th album in the band’s history since 1980.  This would be the band’s first new album in six years and will be available through Shangri-la Music on October 7th as a CD.  Those who pre-order through itunes will get a special edition with three additional tracks added to the 11 on the disc.  A couple years ago when the Pretenders played at the Boston Garden with the Who, Chrissie Hynde looked fit, sounded great and looked genuinely excited to be onstage – something that hasn’t always occurred in the sometimes spotty, occasionally tragic career of this Ohio native.  If that show was an early indication that Hynde appears to be at a good place in her life – this CD is the confirmation.  Late-seventies era rock is well represented by the title track and “Boots of Chinese Plastic.”  Steel guitars brighten the mood of “Love’s a Mystery” which could well follow in the mold of “Brass in Pocket” and generate some mainstream radio play.  All in all – a fine new release from an old friend.  Go to thepretenders.com for more info and if you’re going to Farm-Aid on Saturday, don’t miss the group!