The B-Side

Looks like the classic rock gods have decided to smile on central Jersey this summer.

Some tunes to help your eardrums through this season

While it's highly unlikely that Bob Dylan was thinking of masked vigilantes when he penned the line "at midnight all the agents and the superhuman crew come out and round up everyone that knows more than they do" for his 1965 classic "Desolation Row," the bleak and epic song fit Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' classic 1980s graphic novel "Watchmen" so well that Moore titled the work's first issue "At Midnight, All the Agents." Fast forward 20 years, and with the inevitable film version of "Watchmen" set to hit theaters on March 6, North Jersey rock band My Chemical Romance has been chosen to cover "Desolation Row" for the film's soundtrack.

When you're talking with Richie Havens, there can be a lot of ground to cover. With this summer marking the 40th anniversary of the legendary Woodstock festival, and Havens being known worldwide as that event's first performer, it's a given that the three days of peace, love and music will come up. Also, last year Haven's released a stellar new album, "Nobody Left to Crown," which stands as his 30th LP and includes a knockout cover of the Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again."

Patti Smith, Gaslight Anthem and more ring 'Chimes'

Just like every other critic, blogger, scene regular and frequent record store patron around this time of year, I've compiled a "top 10" list. However, rather than throw together a list of my favorite albums, singles, videos, re-issues or beards using the same pool of nominees as every other list-maker, I've decided to make my "top 10" pretty personal. Here is a list of the top 10 shows I saw in New Jersey this year.