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New Release: March 2026
The Ultimate Mixtape
A Classic Rock Lover’s Guide to New Music
reviewing and discussing the newer recordings from many of the stars of the golden age of Rock ‘n’ Roll, along with suggested playlists to prove that the art of Rock music is still alive and kicking, and pounding in the heartbeats of fans around the world.
Includes reviews of the Top 25 Classic Rock records of the past 25 years, including the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Tom Petty, Bob Seger, Rod Stewart, and more.
The Ultimate Mixtape is truly a unique concept marrying critique with guidance for both baby boomers that grew up listening to Classic Rock as well as younger music fans who may be discovering some of these artists for the first time.
This easy to read guide is broken down chronologically and every chapter is followed by a listing of suggested songs for readers to download and create a playlist. Several album critiques are accompanied by exclusive interviews that pertain to the album being reviewed, and multiple singles from the same time frame are reviewed.
“Michael has captured the essence of a great mixtape. His taste in latter day music by classic artists who’ve unfortunately been ignored is impeccable. What fun!”
Tom Frangione
The Beatles Channel, SiriusXM Radio
Get it Today on Amazon!
Music Head – A Memoir of Purpose
Now available at Amazon.com and your better book dealers
Take a look inside Music Head – A Memoir of Purpose here
Books by Michael A. Cimino available on Amazon
Music Head
Badfinger and Beyond – The Authorized biography of Joey Molland
Click here for more about Badfinger and the book
Click here to follow the author
Author, journalist, and radio personality Michael A. Cimino is a professional restaurant consultant and sommelier. Early in his career Michael became a serious record collector and during his tenure in suburban NY radio he conducted interviews with various musicians for Westchester’s WZFM, Rockland County’s WRKL, and Orange County’s WKOJ. During this time he had the opportunity to produce a documentary on his childhood heroes, Badfinger, and do promotional work with Rock legends Crosby, Stills, and Nash, as well as interview Folk legends Pete Seeger and the Kingston Trio. This led to the publication of his first articles in the New York Review of Records and Rock Society magazine.
Following the homogenization of New York Radio, Michael founded Cottage Views Classic Rock News and won acclaim from the international music community with poignant reviews and interviews with legendary Rock musicians, including The Kinks’ Davies brothers, The Beatles’ original drummer Pete Best, Gregg Rolie of Santana and Journey fame, the late bassists John Entwistle of The Who and Noel Redding of the Jimi Hendrix Experience, members of 10,000 Maniacs, Little Feat, Fairport Convention, Strawbs, and dozens of others. Click here for photos.
Badfinger and Beyond – The Biography of Joey Molland was released to wide acclaim and debuted at the Fest for Beatles Fans in Chicago in 2011. Michael’s first book, The Waitperson’s Guide To Wine – Practical Information For Service, was compiled from his wine lectures and is used as a training tool in newly opened restaurants and dining establishments. A newly updated version, A Beginner’s Guide to Wine, was released October 23, 2019.
His autobiography Music Head – A Memoir of Purpose is part music history told by some of the stars from the 50s, 60s, and 70s, and part stories of how music influenced his life and tenure in music journalism.
Now available on Amazon: Music Head – A Memoir of Purpose
Michael’s latest book, The Ultimate Mixtape – A Classic Rock Lover’s Guide to New Music was released on 3 March 2026 and is now available on Amazon.com and better booksellers in the Finger Lakes area.
Buy now: Badfinger and Beyond – The Authorized biography of Joey Molland
Click here for more about Badfinger and the book
Buy Now: A Beginner’s Guide to Wine