Colin James - National Steel

year 97 review: Colin James is most noted for his rock and big band work from early in his recording career. He serves both of those genres well. It's rather obvious, however, that his greatest musical influence is the blues. He is an incredible blues player from north of the border. This ulbum does well to prove that. His mastery of early blues numbers from such important artists as Muddy Waters and the legendary Robert Johnson shine on through here. Colin James is under-exposed in the US and unfortunately underappreciated on both sides of the border. If you are a diehard blues fan or even just have a passing interest, buy this album. You'll not only be serving Mr. James well by showing your appreciation, but you'll be doing yourself an even bigger favour by giving your ears such a gift.

Beach Boys - The Very Best Of

bio: Beginning their career as the most popular surf band in the nation, the Beach Boys finally emerged by 1966 as America's pre-eminent pop group, the only act able to challenge (for a brief time) the overarching success of the Beatles with both mainstream listeners and the critical community. From their 1961 debut with the regional hit "Surfin," the three Wilson brothers -- Brian, Dennis, and Carl -- plus cousin Mike Love and friend Al Jardine constructed the most intricate, gorgeous harmonies ever heard from a pop band. With Brian's studio proficiency growing by leaps and bounds during the mid-'60s, the Beach Boys also proved to be one of the best-produced groups of the '60s, exemplified by their 1966 peak with the Pet Sounds LP and the number one single "Good Vibrations." Though Brian's escalating drug use and obsessive desire to trump the Beatles..