RAGE RECOMMENDS

MAYTIME MUSIC

ANOTHER WORLD

BRIAN MAY

This was originally released in 1998 but unissued until now. It’s time to revel in the guitar and vocal mastery of Brian May in this second release of his Gold Series Remastered. Get ready to rock as righteously as originally intended . May is one of the strongest musical forces behind Queen, but here he champions his playing, songwriting and arrangements with his kind of magic. Another World is getting the royal treatment with this album now released on Boxset, CD, vinyl, cassette and digital formats plus a two-CD set filled with alternative versions, B-sides and live tracks. Additionally, there is a cavalcade of the finest musicians joining him at the time of this second solo album and the unparalleled quality of material. The results are just as magnificent and musically relevant right now.

After the short lift off of “Space,” CD 1 begins with a slamming jam both tender and tough called “Business.” Then the Queen-influenced territory comes cascading in with the electric and fast paced style of “China Belle.” This “Belle” sizzles with the song’s intensity of rock adrenaline. The diversity of May’s talent for songwriting comes into play with the beauty of “Why Don’t We Try Again.” May truly rediscovered his amazing qualities as a musician while also enjoying the true roots of his talent creatingAnother World. This is sensationally showcased in every song. There is no mistaking his distinctive majesty as a maestro of guitar and a true rock god of our time. Available now

SOFT SPOT

CHELSEA JADE

Every once in a while, a female singer immediately strikes a vibrant musical chord in the listener, not only seductive to the ears but with a spark of creative and intelligent songwriting skills that is just as crucial. This is the case with Chelsea Jade in Soft Spot. She can be your Mariah Carey at times, yet she hits you with the cynical attitude and slam of her creation called “Superfan.” Suddenly, the surprise of this quality creates a new and true originality. A “cool” substance of smarts behind the sultry style that is so welcome to hear. Listen to “Big Spill” as she lays down the law on a bad romance or when she goes all Alanis Morissette-style on “Good Taste.” Jade can hit all the right spots splendidly on Soft Spot. Available now

RICK BRAUN

RICK BRAUN

In a recording career that has encompassed 30 years, Rick Braun gets star billing for his latest release, Rick Braun. The results are just as rewarding for jazz aficionados of his trumpet. There is always his creative spark to make each album an adventure of sorts. Braun encompasses several spirited moods on this collection. A sun-soaked excursion with the top down exudes from “Da Funk” with a smooth touch of 1970s “Shaft” soul. While “Playing Around” is a destination of mellow retreat in the cruising lane. There is also romance on the horizon as “The Color of Love” washes in with a subtle and tender touch of his horn. Slow down or percolate . . . or just simply enjoy the grooves in this new set of playing from Rick Braun. Available now