Record reviews

Record reviews

Chuck Berry

Album: “CHUCK”

Grade: A

Nearly three months after Chuck Berry left the stage, here’s his entertaining encore.

“CHUCK” might even be Berry’s best album. While his hit singles in the 1950s helped lay the foundation for rock ‘n’ roll, LPs were then an afterthought, and it has been nearly 40 years since he released one. But “CHUCK” was assembled with plenty of care – Berry began working on the material in the 1980s, and wrapped up the project shortly before he died in March at age 90.

“CHUCK” doesn’t traffic in nostalgia. Yes, his patented guitar intro with the three-note pickup kicks off two tunes, following the formula of Berry classics. But he ventures far beyond that formula with slow blues (“You Go to My Head” and “She Still Loves You”), swampy story-song R&B (”Dutchman”) and a country ballad that serves as his “My Way” (“Darlin”’).

All of which leaves room for an occasional nod to the past. “Lady B. Goode” is prime Chuck, a sequel to his best-known hit. On “Jamaica Moon,” Berry rewrites his 1956 single “Havana Moon,” the setting changed because he always blamed anti-Castro sentiment for the song’s so-so success. His island patois is pitch perfect, and throughout his distinctive vocals add to the set’s charm. He sounds wise, not wizened.

It wouldn’t be Berry without plenty of solos. “Lady B. Goode” features guitar work from three generations of the family – Chuck, Charles Jr. and Charles III. Gary Clark Jr. and Tom Morello, Berry descendants in another way, are among the guest performers. The final cut, “Eyes of Man,” is an extraordinary dust-to-dust Biblical ballad — real roots music, and a fitting farewell from the hereafter.

—Steven Wine, Associated Press

Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie

Album: “Lindsay Buckingham Christine McVie”

Grade: B

The first duet album from Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie is nearly Fleetwood Mac, with only Stevie Nicks missing from the band’s classic lineup.

Its development began even before McVie rejoined the band after 16 years for the 2014-15 “On With the Show” tour, when Buckingham recorded several songs with the Mac rhythm section of Mick Fleetwood and John McVie, who also contribute to the finished album.

More layers were added when Buckingham worked on snippets of chords, lyrics and melodies he was sent by McVie and a couple of their writing collaborations – the vocals-soaked pop of “Red Sun” and “Too Far Gone,” with a Knopfler-esque, bluesy guitar riff and pounding drums – are among the highlights.

“Game of Pretend” is a trademark McVie piano-led ballad which starts with great promise but turns to mush on the refrain. The other track she penned alone on the 10-song album is the excellent closer “Carnival Begin,” her best vocal wonderfully framed by Buckingham’s production touches and his typically yearning guitar solo that fades away too soon.

—Pablo Gorondi, Associated Press

Glen Campbell

Album: “Adios”

Grade: B

There’s no way to hear Glen Campbell’s farewell album, “Adios,” except through the prism of his rapid descent into Alzheimer’s.

It’s syrupy, laced with over-the-top emotion and full of can’t-miss references to the challenges posed by Campbell’s long, slow decline. And yet there is still the clear, familiar voice that touched so many in his long-running television variety show and on a string of albums that helped move country music into mainstream American culture.

Campbell’s wife, Kim Campbell, says the new album gave her husband, now 81, a chance to say goodbye. How much say-so he had in that decision is unknown. But once Campbell’s fans get past the uneasiness of wondering whether he’s being exploited, they’ll find comfort in the voice they know and love.

The album, a collection of covers and songs Campbell cherished, includes collaborations with Willie Nelson, Roger Miller and Vince Gill. And no, it doesn’t shy away from over-the-top sentimentality.

On “Postcards from Paris,” for example, Campbell is joined by sons Cal and Shannon and daughter Ashley for the money line, “I wish you were here.” The double-meaning reference to his illness can’t be missed.

Ultimately, you know you’re not listening to a musical milestone here, but the songs are pleasant enough.

—Scot Stroud, Associated Press