L is for Lyn, Lissie & Led Zeppelin: The Record File

L is for Lyn, Lissie & Led Zeppelin: The Record File – by Tony Mastrianni.

Lyn Christopher: “Lyn Christopher” reissue (Real Gone Music)

The 1973 self-titled debut record from vocalist Lyn Christopher is a beguiling blend of pop and R&B sounds and one of the most collectible releases of its era. Lyn’s awesome vocals are backed by some of New York City’s finest studio musicians and features the first appearance on record by Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons of KISS, who contributed background vocals to two tracks. (People can say what they want about KISS, but their debut self-titled album the following year was a killer album). Lyn’s most influential song here, “Take Me with You,” has been sampled by many artists, including Mobb Deep’s Havoc, LL Cool J, 50 Cent, The Game, and Smut Peddlers. The production is great, and the audio is top shelf.

Also recommended from this label is: Better Than Ezra: “Deluxe” (2-LP green vinyl)

Hard to believe that this multi-platinum record—boasting the #1 Modern Rock single “Good”—has never been widely available on vinyl. Originally self-released by Better Than Ezra in 1993 and re-released by Elektra in 1995, Deluxe provides a ticket back to that beloved jangle-pop, college radio sound. Also features the alternative hit singles “In the Blood” and “Rosealia.” 2-LP emerald green vinyl pressing inside a gatefold jacket, reissued with the full support of the band

For those of you who don’t know who Lissie is, you are about to find out. One of my favorite woman crooners over the last several years, she has been recording for some 15 years, originating in Illinois in 2010. Since then, the indie folk/rock balladeer has become a highly acclaimed international act with a string of albums. Her latest issue is the EP “Promises,” which shines bright as a selection of some of her favorite cover songs. The singer/songwriter has an arresting voice, and her music is uniquely suited to her sing-talk delivery style. I had the opportunity to speak to her recently, and here is what she had to share about this new collection of cover songs and her upcoming tour:

“Throughout my career, I have always enjoyed covering songs that I love, that I felt like I could relate to my life and sing in my own voice with respect and reverence to the original.

Every few years, I’ve put together a collection of cover songs that speak my current emotional language. We all go through phases and stages, and music is such a gift for processing life events!

The ‘Promises’ EP started with a love of the Alphaville song ‘Forever Young.”  As I have aged, changed and grown, grieved, and celebrated, that song has moved me so deeply with its humanity, on many occasions!  Feeling its soaring notes in my chest, as I sing it, is healing.

As life was taking shape and I got engaged and am now married, working on songs that held promise became a theme.

I thought about the promise that I was making to my husband to stand by him, and sang ‘I’ll Stand by You’ to him at our wedding. And my niece performed ‘Forever Young’ during my father and I’s dance together at the reception. She brought the house down!

In an election year, I thought about the promise that a country once held in Simon & Garfunkel’s classic ‘America.’

With ‘Just Make it Stop,’ for me, it felt like a promise to myself to keep believing in the fight that goes on! In goodness and outrage!

‘Everywhere,’ well, I promise to never stop loving and covering Fleetwood Mac. Haha.

‘Eternal Flame’ is the standout track originally written and performed by the Bangles years ago. My version was recorded YEARS ago with the Travelling Band in Norway and unearthed during this process, so I was happy for it to see the light!

I hope that you all enjoy my take on these meaningful and precious songs! Finally. I look forward to playing in Woodstock with all the history, and for my love of the music. Hope to see your readers at the concert! Great musicians changed the world there years ago!”

***You can check her out performing at Woodstock this November 22nd, at the BEARSVILLE THEATRE!

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LED ZEPPELIN REISSUE GEM and SOLO PROJECTS

Led Zeppelin: “Physical Graffiti” (50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition 180-gram 3-LP)

Jimmy Page began the initial work at his home studio in Plumpton, Sussex, England, in the summer and autumn of 1973, with the first recording sessions taking place that October at Headley Grange, using Ronnie Lane’s Mobile Studio. Further sessions at Headley continued in January 1974. Additional overdubs were recorded at Olympic Studios, where Page completed mixing of the album in July 1974. Just released is the deluxe 50th anniversary vinyl edition of “Physical Graffiti.” The deluxe version with that third disc of rough mixes, early versions, and other alternate versions returns to print in a beautiful gatefold package and now with an added replica “Physical Graffiti” promotional poster. (Atlantic)

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Led Zeppelin singer extraordinaire, Robert Plant, announced the release of “Saving Grace,” the first album featuring the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer’s new band of distinguished players, which he recently referred to as “a song book for the lost and found.” With a release date of September 26 on Nonesuch Records, the genesis of this album began during a lockdown spent in “The Shire,” when Plant’s customary wandering was all but forbidden. While his recent adventures have centered around Nashville, having reunited with Alison Krauss for 2021’s chart-topping, multi-Grammy-nominated “Raise The Roof” LP, it was in the English countryside that Robert Plant connected closely to this diverse group of musicians, who, through their own experiences, had a shared leaning towards his much-loved corners of evocative song. Together, Plant, vocalist Suzi Dian, drummer Oli Jefferson, guitarist Tony Kelsey, banjo and string player Matt Worley, and cellist Barney Morse-Brown — have spent the past six years growing a wide-ranging workshop of styles and personalities, weaving through time and circumstance with joy and abandon. “Saving Grace” breathes fresh life into a collection of centuries-old music as well as more recent treasures by Memphis Minnie, Bob Mosley (Moby Grape), Blind Willie Johnson, The Low Anthem, Martha Scanlan, Sarah Siskind, and Mimi Parker and Alan Sparhawk’s Low. (NONESUCH) ——

Jimmy Page and the Black Crowes: “Live At The Greek” (limited six vinyl LP collection)

The Black Crowes were nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year! Now releasing the Greek Theater (LA) performance of Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin) playing with the Black Crowes from Summer 1999. Unlike previous versions, this is the FULL show, including over 15 unreleased tracks, and all the Black Crowes tunes that have never been released until now! This is quickly turning into a major collector’s item! (BLACK CROW PARTNER label)

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Peter Murphy: “Silver Shade” (Metropolis)

This is an amazing album. Each song is fresh, inspired, and intimate. There are lyrical and musical nods to Murphy’s classic albums from the ‘80s and ‘90s (“Love Hysteria,” “Deep,” ”Holy Smoke,” and “Cascade”), as well as bits that let some Bauhaus influence enter the mix. Favorites include “Sherpa,” “Silver Shade,” “Cochita Is Lame,” “The Artroom Wonder,” “Meaning Of My Life,” “Time Waits,” and “Sailmaker’s Charm.” A must-have for fans of Bauhaus and Love and Rockets. It is also great for new listeners who are unfamiliar with Mr. Murphy. The album is probably the most impressive alternative rock iteration by a classic artist released thus far in 2025. High drama, exhilarating writing, and distinctive and savvy instrumentation married to complex singing arrangements make this a must-have. I guarantee that “Silver Shade” towers above whatever you have lurking around your turntable right now. Guest contributions by Trent Reznor and Boy George (bonus track). FIVE STARS.

Till next time …

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