“And when he feels the world is closing in/he turns his stereo way up high” – The Kinks, “A Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy”
In this summer issue: I review the Kinks' The Journey, Part 3, the final volume of the band’s 60th anniversary retrospective releases, and interview original Kinks drummer Mick Avory. David Chesky, composer and founder of HDTracks and The Audiophile Society, ponders the role of the orchestra in today’s social media-shaped world. B. Jan Montana has a report on audio’s T.H.E. Show. Ray Chesltowski talks with guitar legend Robin Trower to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his classic For Earth Below album. Jeff Weiner concludes his series on blues history by way of classic rock. Paul McGowan continues to give advice on room treatment in excerpts from The Audiophile’s Guide book series. Howard Kneller offers a history of…meters for audio.
Wayne Robins reviews Laura Nyro’s last album, Angel in the Dark. I experience an unexpected audiophile upgrade and tell about what it’s like to play six gigs in three days at the Montauk Music Festival. The Vinyl Beat covers new reissues and old LPs from the Blackbyrds, Black Sabbath, Bill Evans, Tears for Fears, and more. I review Octave Records’ newest release, They Say It’s Wonderful from Jazz guitarist/vocalist Brian Nova, and have a deep conversation about guitars and jazz. We take a look at the revealing new book, Buzz Me In: Inside the Record Plant Studios, which has some real rock and roll stories.
Harris Fogel offers a photo essay from the NAMM 2025 music industry trade show. PS Audio’s Aspen FR5 loudspeakers impress a well-known reviewer. Ken Kessler notes that the reports of reel-to-reel’s demise are premature. We have reviews of new recordings and reissues from the Norwegian Girls Choir, Ola Onabulé and Nicolas Meier, and Patricia Barber. We end the issue with shades of summer, a slow payment history, and an uplifting experience.
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Contributors to This Issue:
Ray Chelstowski, Dave Chesky, Harris Fogel, Ken Kessler, Howard Kneller, Paul McGowan, B. Jan Montana, Rudy Radelic, Wayne Robins, Jeff Weiner, Peter Xeni
Logo Design:
Susan Schwartz-Christian, from a concept by Bob D’Amico
Editor:
Frank Doris
Publisher:
Paul McGowan
Post-publication Nitpicker:
Rich Isaacs
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