Tears for Fears
Songs for a Nervous Planet
(Concord)

Recorded last year in Franklin, Tenn., Songs for a Nervous Planet is the British synth-pop/rock duo’s first concert album amid a career that spans more than four decades. It was definitely worth the wait.

The physical 2CD format comes in a nice three-panel foldout sporting vivid artwork and performance shots. Inside the booklet are lyrics for four new studio recordings. An upbeat, luxurious “Say Goodbye to Mum and Dad” features a whistling motif, while idyllic standout “Astronaut” has billowy keyboards and co-lead singer/bassist Curt Smith’s still-amazing falsetto.

A third of the 18 live tracks were taken from 2022’s outstanding comeback album The Tipping Point. The pair, backed by a six-piece touring band, are in top vocal and musical form here. Co-lead singer/guitarist Roland Orzabal increases the drama on “Sowing the Seeds of Love” and a brawny “Break it Down Again,” while Smith does the same during “Mad World” and “Pale Shelter.” Major Eighties hits “Head Over Heels,” “Shout,” and “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” are especially dynamic. Elsewhere, “Change” gets a subtle EDM-styled makeover. 

Info: tearsforfears.com

Various Artists
Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival 2023
(Rhino)

Held over two days at crypto.com Arena in LA, proceeds from the seventh edition of Eric Clapton’s all-star concert (including the pay-per-view broadcast and subsequent home video release) benefit his Crossroads Centre, a Caribbean treatment and education facility for chemically dependent people.

Besides Slow Hand, the astounding lineup included Sheryl Crow,
Santana, ZZ Top, Stephen Stills, Los Lobos, Roger McGuinn, The Wallflowers, Jimmie Vaughan, special guests Stevie Wonder and John Mayer, several blues guitar practitioners and more.

The beautiful physical 4CD/2 Blu-ray format comes with a booklet containing various musician collages. Among the highlights across 54 tracks: Gary Clark Jr.’s captivating, soulful “Habits”; Crow’s sparsely haunting “Redemption Day” (and an exhilarating “My Favorite Mistake,” assisted by Mayer); The Wallflowers’ ragged, but endearing take on Tom Petty’s “The Waiting”; ZZ Top’s “Gimme All Your Lovin’”; young Southern rocker Marcus King’s spirited
selections; H.E.R.’s sassy rock take on Lenny Kravitz’s “Are You Gonna Go My Way”; Clapton’s Bob Marley hit “I Shot the Sheriff” and emotional tribute to the late Robbie Robertson on The Band’s “It Makes No Difference.”

Info: crossroadsantigua.org

The Blasters
Over There: Live at The Venue, London - The Complete Concert
(Liberation Hall)

Available in full for the first time, Over There documents the Downey band’s rip-roaring May 1982 U.K. gig. Dave & Phil Alvin and company plow through nearly two dozen early rock ‘n’ roll and classic R&B-leaning tracks. While listening, you can almost sense the sweat dripping from performances of covers by Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, Roy Orbison, and the group’s own “Border Radio,” “Marie Marie” and “American Music.” Future Los Lobos sax man Steve Berlin really elevates “I’m Shakin’.” Esteemed veteran journalist Chris Morris penned the informative liner notes.

Info: bandcamp.com