Radio-Active Records consistently offers rare and collectible album sets, which change on a regular basis. Stop by the store to check out our most recent arrivals.
The Bill Barron Quartet, "Motivation" (Savoy Records, 1972) $199.95 IN STORE ONLY
This hard-to-find hard bop chestnut features the acclaimed, if greatly underrated tenor saxophonist joined by his brother, Kenny Barron on piano (Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Henderson), Chris White on bass, (Nina Simone, Billy Taylor), and Al Hicks on drums, (Charlie Mingus, Stanley Turrentine). Considered a landmark album that highlights Bill Barron's unique phrasing and unconventional stylings, "Motivation" continues to influence and impress musicians to this day.
*"Motivation" was Bill Barron's final recording for the Savoy label and has never been re-issued.
Neil Young, "Year of the Horse," (Reprise Records, 1997), $174.95 IN STORE ONLY
This stellar double live album chronicles music from Young's '96 tour and showcases the veteran rocker and his band at their grittest and grungiest. Young is joined by Poncho Sampedro on guitar, Billy Talbot on bass, and Ralph Molina on drums, and tears through rough and tumble tracks like "Barstool Blues" and "Pocahontas." Toss in some metal drudgery and a bit of psychedelia, and 'Horse' electrifies with its mash-up of distortion and feedback. This record rarity has quickly become a classic with its soaring guitar solos, pounding rhythms, and sheer soulful mayhem.
*This is the only vinyl pressing of the 2-LP live set featuring Neil Young with Crazy Horse.
Metallica, “Ride the Lightning,” (1984, Elektra Megaforce Records), $299.95 IN STORE ONLY
Taking its name from a passage in a Stephen King novel, “Ride the Lightning” is an ultra-rare metal find. The record is a thrasher, yet distinctly different from the band’s previous outing, their debut, “Kill ‘Em All.” The recording is crisp and raw and the sound would establish Metallica as a lasting fixture on the heavy metal music scene. “Ride” remains one of the most complex and ambitious metal records ever recorded. Get this copy today!
*An original first pressing of Metallica's 1984 second studio album on Megaforce Records; the silver labels which bear the address of Megaforce (60 York Street, New Jersey, 08857 - in case you were wondering.)
******************** LEGACIES
Celebrate the music of these artists who left us with a trove of memories at 33 1/3.
ERIC CARMEN The former lead singer of the Raspberries scored a US #5 hit with "Go All The Way" in 1972. Carmen creatively crossed over to enjoy a successful solo career, releasing his debut self-titled album in 1975. It spawned the massive hits, "All By Myself," and a year later, "Never Gonna Fall In Love Again." Revisit some of Carmen's band hits and solo work.
ASHTON "FAMILY MAN" BARRETT The longtime bassist for Bob Marley's band, The Wailers, Barrett was a major figure in reggae music, appearing on tracks such as "Get Up Stand Up," and "No Woman No Cry." The self-taught guitarist (he configured his first bass from a curtain rod) also recorded with Yabby You, Peter Tosh and Burning Spear.
