Myvinylreview: Coming Soon in 2011 -- Vinyl From The Rolling Stones, Van Halen, Bob Dylan, The Len Price 3, Robert Plant

2010 is now coming to a close, and no matter what holiday you celebrate, chances are you're either taking some time off from work, or at least following the slower pace so many can thankfully enjoy during this final week of the year. And hopefully, you're also enjoying some great music as well.

2011 brings the start of the third year for Myvinylreview--and with your increased support, you can expect to see even more of what you've come to expect--honest, unbiased reviews of new and reissue vinyl, along with the occasional live show review, music related art and photography feature, and a few other surprises along the way. And with a newly added Myvinylreview community on Facebook, I hope to explore some new ways to add value to your experience. But most importantly, you can continue to count on Myvinylreview for frank advice, to help you decide whether to part with your hard-earned cash for that latest and greatest reissue of your favorite album--or to simply pass. Here's some of what's coming up:

Preview: Bob Dylan -- The Original Mono Recordings Vinyl and Compact Disc Box Sets

Following the success of the Beatles Mono Box released in 2009, Sony/Columbia has just released box sets of Bob Dylan's first eight albums, using the original mono mixes. Going back to the original analog mono masters, this is the first time these versions have been available on compact disc. At the time of this writing, I still have not received the vinyl box, which has likely been mired by holiday postal delays. I have, however, spent some time with the compact disc mono box and I must say I'm impressed.

Short Spin: Herbie Hancock -- Maiden Voyage (Analogue Productions 45 RPM Vinyl)

The Music
The latest release in the Analogue Productions 45 RPM Blue Note vinyl series, is the 1965 masterpiece from Herbie Hancock, Maiden Voyage. Rooted in both hard bop and Miles Davis-inspired modal jazz, this mood-setting jazz concept album goes from haunting, to serene, to ethereal as Hancock is joined by Freddie Hubbard on trumpet, George Coleman on tenor sax, Ron Carter on bass, and Anthony Williams on drums.  And while it isn't quite as forward-thinking as other albums of the time, from the likes of Coltrane or Eric Dolphy, its accessability has earned it top placing on "best of jazz" lists year after year.