As with last year’s inaugural edition, The Official™ SomethingElse! year-ending Top 10 list requires two or more of us to be in agreement as we gathered around the watercooler at SER Towers. It’s no easy task.

There are certain names that signify quality in a musical release, and there’s a bunch gathered right here: Backing former John Coltrane pianist Tyner, there’s bassist extraordinaire Ron Carter and drummer Jack DeJohnette, but along for the ride, and to make the title make sense, are guitarists Bill Frisell, Marc Ribot, Derek Trucks, John Scofield and banjo-god Bela Fleck. Each [...]

Established in 1998 by journalist David Bash, International Pop Overthrow is a fun and exciting musical event. Held in select locations across the United States, the festival has also traveled to England

Here’s a run down — with a few of our thoughts — on some notable music projects, both new and reissue, slated for release for the week of Dec. 26, 2011.