Gordon Lightfoot Book, Music and More!

Fans of twangy instrumental rock (Ventures, Shadows, etc.) will be thrilled by this reissue set devoted to the legendary Edmonton group. Dakus and his band ruled Western Canada in the late 1950s and early ’60s. Tasty singles like “El Ringo” and the weird ’n’ wacky “Dog Food” brought them to the attention of producer Norman Petty (Buddy Holly), who eventually recorded “Pedro’s Pad” and “Side Winder” (both included here) at his Clovis, New Mexico studio. Irresistible stuff, with two more volumes to come.

The bonus material for the 60th birthday tribute to Chuck Berry, originally filmed in 1986 by Taylor Hackford (Ray), is priceless. On top of the concert movie, with music director Keith Richards and guests including Eric Clapton and Etta James, the DVD offers rehearsal footage and interviews with Berry peers like Bo Diddley, Little Richard and a crazed Jerry Lee Lewis. Most revealing is the behind-the-scenes drama in which Berry holds the entire production hostage—proving himself rock’s most ruthless genius.

What sets Toronto’s Billy Talent apart from so many screamo-punk pretenders is the band’s issue-oriented songs and singer Ben Kowalewicz’ surprisingly melodic throat-shredding roar. The group’s second album, co-produced by Gavin Brown and guitarist Ian D’Sa, bristles with explosive energy and raging conviction. From the opening salvo “Devil in Midnight Mass” and the fiery “Red Flag” to the searing “Covered in Cowardice” and the closing “Burn the Evidence,” there’s no room for wimpy apathy. June 27