New Neil Young This Friday, a Big Win for AM Radio, and a Festival Worth the Drive

New music from Neil Young, a 35th birthday for a funk-rock landmark, and Congress goes to bat for the AM dial — here's what's spinning in the wider world this Wednesday, September 24.

There's plenty to like on the music wire this week, friends — new records rolling in Friday, a rare piece of good news for radio out of Washington, and a festival up in Kentucky that reads like a classic-rock station's dream playlist. Pour a cup and let's get to it.

First, the new releases. Neil Young — who has never once slowed down long enough for the rest of us to catch up — drops 'Second Song' this Friday, September 25, his latest collaboration with the Chrome Hearts and the follow-up to last year's 'Talkin to the Trees.' The same day brings a wave of catalog treasures: Bob Seger's million-selling comeback 'Face the Promise' returns in an expanded edition, David Bowie's early years get the spotlight on 'The Shel Talmy Recordings,' and Phil Collins' solo debut 'Face Value' arrives as an expanded box set with new Atmos and surround mixes.

Today is a fine day for rock history, too. Thirty-five years ago — September 24, 1991 — the Red Hot Chili Peppers released 'Blood Sugar Sex Magik,' the record that gave us 'Under the Bridge' and 'Give It Away.' On this date in 1975, Rush put out 'Caress of Steel,' the album that pointed the way toward their progressive future. Go back further and you'll find Deep Purple sharing a London stage with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in 1969, and Elvis Presley releasing 'Jailhouse Rock' in 1957. Not a bad lineage for a Wednesday.

Now the radio news, and it's the kind we like. The U.S. House passed the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act earlier this month by voice vote, and the bill now heads to the Senate. If it becomes law, automakers would be required to keep AM radio as standard equipment in new vehicles — no extra charge, no subscription. Introduced by Representatives Frank Pallone and Gus Bilirakis, the bill drew more than 300 bipartisan cosponsors, with supporters pointing to AM's role in emergency broadcasting when other systems go dark. Down here in south Georgia, where a storm can knock out cell service faster than you can say 'hurricane season,' that argument lands.

And if you're up for a road trip, Bourbon & Beyond kicks off today in Louisville, Kentucky, and runs through Sunday. Foo Fighters headline tonight, with Mumford & Sons, Chris Stapleton, and Dave Matthews Band closing out the nights that follow — and the undercard is stacked with names we play right here, including Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Charley Crockett, The Red Clay Strays, Hootie & the Blowfish, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, and Counting Crows.

That's the news from our side of the dial. Keep it tuned to Pretoria Fields Radio — we'll keep the classics coming.

— The Pretoria Fields Radio news desk