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Rolling Stones - Shine A Light (Universal Music Canada)

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The world’s greatest rock ‘n’ roll band bring their wares to New York City’s Beacon Theatre on this double disc live set, released in conjunction with Martin Scorsese’s concert film of the same name. With guest appearances from The White Stripes’ Jack White (joining the band for Exile On Main St track Loving Cup), Buddy Guy (Champagne and Reefer) and Christina Aguilera (performing Let It Bleed’s Live With Me), the Stones tear through these tracks and other classics such as Jumpin’ Jack Flash, Sympathy For The Devil, Brown Sugar and Paint It, Black with an enviable energetic passion. Credit the cosiness a venue like The Beacon Theatre (capacity 2,600 people) must bring to a band accustomed to playing to tens of thousands of people but any way you slice it, the Stones performance is inspiring to hear, even with the flood of live albums from the band already on the market.

Mudcrutch - S/T (Reprise / Warner Music Canada)

Before The Heartbreakers, veteran rocker Tom Petty fronted the band Mudcrutch. Formed in 1970, the group originally disbanded in 1974; it’s with great interest then that 2008 finally brings us Mudcrutch’s debut record, consisting of original band members Petty, Heartbreakers Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench along with drummer Randall Marsh and guitarist Tom Leadon. Naturally, the group’s sound can be closely identified with that of Petty’s although the sound at times is more roots-oriented than what a Tom Petty record might offer. Orphan Of The Storm, Oh Maria, House Of Stone and Queen Of The Go-Go Girls are solid proof that while the group stretches out into jam-band territory on the almost 10-minute-long Crystal River and instrumental track June Apple.

Mudcrutch will be of definite interest to any Tom Petty fan. While I have yet to tire of Petty’s music, it’s good to hear him spread his musical wings somewhat.

The Cardigans – Best Of (Stockholm Records / Universal Music Canada)

Although The Cardigans will forever be associated with 1996’s worldwide hit Lovefool, one of Sweden’s finest pop bands have so much more to offer and it’s all neatly packaged on this first retrospective on the group. Tracks from the group’s first two records (including Carnival and Sick and Tired) show a considerably more sugary pop side of the band then what some might expect or know. Other highlights include the band’s collaboration with Tom Jones on the Talking Heads’ Burning Down The House, I Need Some Fine Wine and You - You Need To Be Nicer (one of 2005’s best pop songs), the warm and inviting For What It’s Worth, the electro pop of Erase/Rewind and the lovely ballad Don’t Blame Your Daughter (Diamonds).

Combine some truly great pop music with some rather funny liner notes and you’ve got a recipe for success in my books.

- By Ken Kelly