Archive for May, 2015

Vinyl

Tom Tallitsch – All Together Now (2015)

The tenor ace Tallitsch delivers another mainstream jazz outing with a stellar supporting cast that’s dynamic, majestic and yes, a boatload of fun.

Yes, “Survival” from Yes (1969): YESterdays

Yes, “Survival” from Yes (1969): YESterdays

Yes knows a thing of two about survival. As such, it seems only fitting that the last song on their debut is so titled.

Los Lobos’ ‘Kiko’ Was a Mysterious, Completely Transfixing Triumph

Los Lobos’ ‘Kiko’ Was a Mysterious, Completely Transfixing Triumph

Released on May 26, 1992, ‘Kiko’ is still, by any measure, Los Lobos’ most unusual album. That’s what lures me back, again and again.

Vinyl

Often-Forgotten ‘David Gilmour’ Was Pink Floyd Leader’s Most Varied Solo Effort

Released on May 25, 1978, ‘David Gilmour’ is a complete solo statement, refreshing in that it’s not trying too hard to sound like Pink Floyd.

Vinyl

The Aristocrats, “Culture Clash” (2013): One Track Mind

The Aristocrats’ versatility, power and instrumental prowess may be best heard on the title track from 2013’s ‘Culture Clash.’

Vinyl

Ronnie James Dio moved into the spotlight with the dark, uplifting Holy Diver

‘Holy Diver, released on May 25, 1983, found Ronnie James Dio setting a new course after work with Rainbow and Black Sabbath.

Vinyl

Warren Haynes, “Spots of Time” from Ashes and Dust (2015): One Track Mind

Free of the expectations surrounding the Allman Brothers Band and Gov’t Mule, Warren Haynes emerges with a sound both familiar and new.

In a surprise, Def Leppard rekindled their classic-era sound with covers-focused Yeah!

In a surprise, Def Leppard rekindled their classic-era sound with covers-focused Yeah!

When Def Leppard released a covers album on May 23, 2006, I didn’t expect to like it. This must clearly be a band on the verge of calling it quits, right?

Vinyl

Joe Ely, May 23, 2015: Shows I’ll Never Forget

Rivers, highways, coyotes, border crossings, and the wide night sky all played a part in Joe Ely’s resonant Lone Star travelogue.

Free-form Monkees humor once drove Hollywood legend to curse: ‘I hate these f–ing kids’

Free-form Monkees humor once drove Hollywood legend to curse: ‘I hate these f–ing kids’

The Monkees TV show was designed toward improvisation. But not every guest star meshed with the Monkees’ gonzo approach.