Heading downstairs for this week's used vinyl alert, we toast to the arrival of summer with music for all types of friendly gatherings. Plenty of staples are here this week, including biggies from Bob Dylan, the Beatles, Neil Young, Led Zeppelin, the Kinks, Captain Beefheart, Harry Nilsson, Marianne Faithfull, Gram Parsons, the Grateful Dead, the White Stripes, Tom Waits, Pink Floyd, King Crimson, the Rolling Stones, and Frank Zappa

This isn't the spot to lay down odds on the third race. OTB is where Others Talk Back and give you the lowdown on what they've been feeling lately. This one's for the customers.

The Rolling Stones – “Rock and Roll Circus”  This extravaganza was originally filmed on December 11, 1968.  The whole project was originally thought up as a way to promote “Beggars Banquet.” It not only featured the Stones but also the Who, Taj Mahal, Jethro Tull, Marianne Faithful , classical musician Julius Katchen and the Dirty Mac (Eric Clapton, John Lennon, Mitch Mitchell and Keith Richards).  The Stones performed six live cuts, and those were the last performances with Brian Jones.   The story was that the Stones were unhappy with their performances and shelved the whole project for decades.   Shorter versions of the album were released in 1996 and 2004.  This edition features additional music from Taj Mahal and Dirty Mac.  The Stones’ performances are fine.  I could never understand their reluctance to release this music for almost thirty years.  In fact it is a treat.  And to hear Mr. Jones’ final contribution to the Stones is something quite special. - Ted

Neil Young & the Stray Gators – “Tuscaloosa”  This February 5, 1973 concert was recorded at the University of Alabama.  It features the band that backed him on the “Harvest” album.  And the majority of the songs come from that album.  The album doesn’t document the entire show; it appears that there were tape problems that cut off the beginning and end of the concert.  But these eleven cuts are prime early seventies Neil.   And the seventies were certainly the most creative portion of Mr. Young’s long career.   The forty-five year old tapes are quite impeccable in their sonic quality. The concert features acoustic numbers at the beginning and concludes with snarling electric numbers at the end of the album.   As Mr. Young opens his archives, fans are lucky to get great shows such as “Tuscaloosa.” - Ted

Eagles of Death Metal – “Presents Boots Electric Performing the Best Songs We Never Wrote”  This covers album doesn’t include Josh Homme, but features Jesse Hughes and like-minded friends.  Some of the thirteen songs covered were originally performed by the Ramones, Kiss, AC/DC, Kenny Rogers, David Bowie, Cat Stevens, Steve Miller, Mary J. Blige and George Michael.  The album is loud and a bit obnoxious, but really fun.  It certainly could be described as a total hoot! - Ted