While I wait for a digitized DVD set from Crawdaddy! magazine (no, there isn't one coming that I know about although I certainly push the idea quite a bit to the fine folks over there), I ran across a magazine that I've since fallen in love with. The magazine is called Elmore and features a look at American Rock 'n' Roll (the mastline reads 'Saving American Music'). My first issue featured Richie Haven on the cover. The issue itself was brilliant and immensely rewarding, reminding me of Crawdaddy!. I just received my second issue and once again, I am more than pleased.

But don't let the 'American Music' statement put you off or otherwise dampen any interest you might have. In their latest issue, which features married or working together current couples of Rock, there is a review of the latest Ian Hunter album, Man Overboard. And we all know how British Ian Hunter is. The magazine explores and reviews reissued music (The Woodstock Experience - Jefferson Airplane, #1 Records/Radio City - Big Star, A Lovely Sight - Pisces, Sun Ra, and more), an across the board selection of new releases (Warpaint Live - The Black Crowes, So Long Sunrise - Sons of Moon, The Loho Sessions - Leroy Justice, and more).

And there is a great editorial article by Steve Walbridge on the terrible state of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Madonna and not Alice Cooper? The Bee Gees and not The Moody Blues? While I disagree (don't hit me) that KISS ever really did anything to merit the award, many disagree that Grand Funk Railroad deserve an entry, although I do. Doesn't matter. What does matter is that many, MANY times, awful selections have occured while the truly deserving ones remain uninitiated.

There is a GREAT feature in the magazine called Collecting (written by Arnie Goodman) that centers on a theme or artist and attempts to provide a clear path for the best enjoyment of the featured artist or theme. In the Havens issue, they concentrated on the Woodstock bands, while the current issue explores Canned Heat. It's a great idea that I wish that I had come up with for MusicTAP.

Elmore magazine deserves your attention because its a great read cover to cover. It's published six times a year, with each issue spanning two months. And it keeps it inside of 50 pages. Go to the website and check out the content. Next to the cover, is a link to read the entire magazine. I'm betting that you're going to be pleased. Hopefully, you'll be pleased enough that you'll support them with a subscription.

Since The Beatles remasters are just around the corner, I've been thinking about what may be their best song. For my part, I'm totally down with "Hey Jude." I can't even think of The Beatles without that song coming to mind. But I'm sure that you all have something in mind as well. Maybe you agree, maybe you don't but I'd love to hear what you think may be the best, most representative Beatles tune. Send me your choice.

We have several reviews for you today. James Hrivnak has returned to the TAP fold with a review of Ursa Major, the recently released new album from Third Eye Blind. I paid attention to the newest release by Buffy Sainte-Marie, her CD/DVD offering called Running For the Drum.

See you again on Wednesday in this rapidly declining August month. And do not forget to check out the new band introduction of DC's The Opposite Sex, especially if you like The Cure, Echo and The Bunnymen, etc.

Round 23 of Great Album Covers:

Paul S. - "Maybe I missed them...but I am surprised not see any Roger Dean covers..." :

Here's the one that all RetroRock fans are waiting for, the latest Wolfmother album. It is expected on October 13 in CD, DD, and vinyl LP formats. Hang tight...it's almost here. Here's a cover shot to tuck you in with:

Hollywood Records plans the release of Congregation of the Damned coming from Atreyu. This album is slated for October 27.

Varese Sarabande Records will release 12 Number One Hits for Conway Twitty. This collection is scheduled for October 6.

DGC REcords will release After the Ending from Dashboard Confessional on October 13 for the CD and DD versions, while October 13 is scheduled for the 2CD Deluxe Edition.

Vagrant Records will release Desperate Living from Horse the Band on October 6.

Def Jam Records plan to release All World: Greatest Hits, and All World: Greatest Hits Volume 2 for LL Cool J, with both planned for November 24.

Lost Highway Records will be releasing Natural Forces by Lyle Lovett on October 20.

Universal Republic will release 1372 Overton Park by Lucero on October 6. this will be released on CD, DD, and vinyl LP.

Interscope Records will release Humanoid from Tokio Hotel on October 6 on CD, DD, and 2-disc Deluxe Edition.

Eagle Vision will release two John Denver DVDs that include Around the World Live, and Rocky Mountain High: Live in Japan on October 13.

Sanctuary Records will issue two Uriah Heep titles on DD, planned for September 8. Titles include Innocent Victim, and The Best of Uriah Heep, Part 2.

Motown will release a DD title for Michael Jackson of The Original Soul of Michael Jackson on September 8, as well as Soulsation! by The Jackson Five on August 31.

A&M Records will issue a DD for Nazareth called The Anthology, which is planned for October 20.

Universal Republic will release a CD, CD/DVD Special Edition, and DD of En Concert from Jack Johnson on October 27.

A&M Records will release a CD and DD version of Live at Woodstock from Joe Cocker. This title is scheduled for October 6.

If you ever liked Echo and the Bunnymen, Siouxie and the Banshees, and/or killing Joke, then we have a new discovery for you. The Opposite Sex from DC has returned with an EP that juice those of you who appreciate good talent and that draws influence from the music that you loved in the past.

Their new (09/01) EP, Live + Burn follows their Violent Heartstrings from 2007 with more great music. I'll be surprised if you DON'T like 'em. To get you started, they are gifitng you with a free downloadable MP3 from the EP, "Frozen Heart, Frozen Mind."

They can be sampled further at their MySpace, Facebook, and LastFM. You can even follow 'em on Twitter.

Nettwerk Records will digitally release the 4-track EP, named Great Escape, by UK's The Rifles, whom Paul Weller of The Jam has gushed about, on July 28. Later in the year, Nettwerk will release their full-length album, which we'll be sure to cover. Three tracks found on this release will NOT be found on the band's upcoming album. Check 'em out at Facebook, and/or MySpace, and/or their official site.