Blasts from the past

The CDs today both contain heady blasts from the past, but the artists are checking in with new CDs. The names James Taylor and Carole King evoke potent memories from the ‘70s, but their songs are pop classics, and continue to be treated with reverence by today’s musicians. And the second CD comes courtesy of Slash, lead guitarist for the fabled rock band Guns N’ Roses.

James Taylor & Carole King — Live at the Troubadour (MCA Music). These two singer/songwriters practically invented the genre back in the ‘70s, and the liner notes reveal that the first time they performed together was at the fabled Troubadour in 1971. Well. They got back together in 2007 for a series of concerts and this packaged CD and DVD is the result. You’ve Got a Friend, Sweet Baby James, Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow, and a host of songs that instantly bring back memories are what we get on this musical gift. Taylor’s voice is in truly fine form, while King’s strains to reach or sustain some of the notes, but that’s all forgiven, given how these songs are such standards today. Up On the Roof is a surprise favorite, and the patter in between songs are great!

Slash — R&FN’R (MCA Music). A showcase for his blues rock guitar-playing, the 17-track CD reads like a who’s who of rock vocalists that stretch back to the ‘70s. Iggy Pop, Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters, Kid Rock, Ozzy Osbourne, Alice Cooper (with Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger), Chris Connell and Myles Kennedy; these are just some of the illustrious names who lent their time and voices to Slash’s solo effort. Among the real surprises are Fergie on Beautiful Dangerous, proving she can rock with the best of them; and on the rock ballad Gotten, we have Adam Levine of Maroon 5. While these guest artists all show off their vocal prowess, laying the foundation on every track is the power-guitar, crash n’ burn style of the inimitable Slash. For those who want their rock hard!