The opening cut on Toto’s 1978 self-titled debut set the stage musically. All that remained was to bring Bobby Kimball on for his first vocal turn.

Decades later, the Monkees’ Micky Dolenz says “I’m always amazed that people, even real fans of the show, missed that dynamic.”

Death Cab for Cutie show here that they know where they’ve been, but also a determination to carry that experience into vibrant new places.

Call this the Sincerest Form of Flattery Part 2, as we explore those times when artists copied a style so convincingly that it took on its own substance.

Issued five years ago today, ‘American VI: Ain’t No Grave’ finds Johnny Cash in the midst of a bracing acceptance of his looming fate.

Here’s a review of Indonesian guitar whiz Dewa Budjana’s new MoonJune release ‘Hasta Karma,’ featuring the elite Pat Metheny rhythm section of Antonio Sanchez and Ben Williams.

JJ Grey and Mofro get the forthcoming ‘Ol’ Glory’ off to a spirited start with the joyous, charmingly uncomplicated “Everything is a Song.”

Here is an exclusive stream of Mahalia Barnes’ cover of the irresistibly raunchy Betty Davis funk number “Nasty Gal,” featuring Joe Bonamassa.

Released today in 1968, Blood Sweat and Tears’ debut balances free-form experimentalism within a larger framework of American songcraft.

Call this the Sincerest Form of Flattery Vol. 1, as we begin exploring those times when artists like Johnny Cash found undiscovered qualities in a song.