Artist Spotlight: Rod Stewart

It's always a shame when later stumbles begin to obscure a talented artist's earlier triumphs. The beauty of being a site like the Daily Vault, though, is that we don't care if your best album came out yesterday or in 1971; we'll review either one with the same gusto and attention to detail. This week on the DV, faithful scribe Mark Millan returns to cover a series of classic albums from the heyday of British blues-rocker Rod Stewart, long before he cashed in his considerable musical cred to ask if you thought he was sexy. Beginning with today's review of Every Picture Tells A Story, Mark will deliver reviews of four Stewart classics from the early to mid 1970s, plus one of his less embarrassing albums from the mostly forgettable '80s. Enjoy the ride...

Beck is back (Jeff, that is)

Jeff Beck has had a career anyone would be envious of, from The Yardbirds to his partnership with Rod Stewart in the Jeff Beck Group to years of solo instrumental work with the likes of Jan Hammer. What he's never had before this year, is a live performance DVD. And perhaps you're thinking "Yeah, but the guy's in his mid-60s... do I really want to see a former great on the downside of his career?"

You do. You really do, because no one who watches his new DVD Live At Ronnie Scott's would even think of suggesting that Beck has lost a step. To the contrary, his technical mastery of the electric guitar is apparent in every frame, and he plays perhaps more soulfully and subtlely than ever, supported by a truly stellar backup band featuring legendary jazz drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, 21-year-old bass prodigy Tal Wilkenfield and British jazz pianist of the moment Jason Rebello.

It's one of the best performances you'll see this year, it features guest shots from the likes of Joss Stone, Imogen Heap and Eric Clapton, and you can pick it up for free by signing up for our April 14 drawing here. You won't regret it...