Archive for June, 2015

Toto, “Hydra” from ‘Hydra’ (1979): Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “Hydra” from ‘Hydra’ (1979): Toto Tuesdays

‘Hydra,’ Toto’s second album, confounded critics and fans alike upon its release in October 1979, but it has aged well.

Vinyl

Bad Company – ‘Bad Company; Straight Shooter’ (1974-75; 2015 reissues)

Bad Company was better than they were given credit for. And Paul Rodgers, these reissues make clear, ranks among the best rock singers of all time.

Vinyl

Late Yes legend Chris Squire left me with a lasting concert memory

It had been 35 years since I’d seen the quintessential prog-rockers Yes, led by the recently departed Chris Squire. They didn’t disappoint.

Bob Dylan Found Refuge, Rebirth with the Band on ‘The Basement Tapes’

Bob Dylan Found Refuge, Rebirth with the Band on ‘The Basement Tapes’

“Don’t Ya Tell Henry,” released 40 years ago this month on ‘The Basement Tapes,’ illustrates how Bob Dylan and the Band pushed each other to greatness.

Vinyl

Warren Haynes, “Common Man” from Ashes and Dust (2015): One Track Mind

Warren Haynes’ “Common Man” is just what you want from a collaborative effort like this, something that shines a new light on a long-treasured figure.

Alan Parsons Project’s sci-fi rock triumph I Robot still asks prescient questions

Alan Parsons Project’s sci-fi rock triumph I Robot still asks prescient questions

Alan Parsons Project’s prophetic ‘I Robot,’ issued this month in 1977, focused on the uneasy relationship between human and machine.

Prefab Sprout’s lost Steve McQueen was a perfect slice of synth-pop heaven

Prefab Sprout’s lost Steve McQueen was a perfect slice of synth-pop heaven

‘Steve McQueen,’ released this month in 1985, should’ve hurtled Prefab Sprout to fame in MTV-era America. Instead, they remained curiously anonymous.

Vinyl

John Hiatt, “Take It Down” from Crossing Muddy Waters (2000): One Track Mind

It turns out master singer-songwriter John Hiatt hit the nail on the head concerning the current Confederate flag controversy – some 15 years ago.

Vinyl

Tim Kuhl – 1982 (2015)

Here is a review of the Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger’s Tim Kuhl’s latest project, ‘1982,’ an alternately soothing and moderately disquieting record.

Matthew Shipp unveils new trio with upcoming release The Conduct of Jazz

Matthew Shipp unveils new trio with upcoming release The Conduct of Jazz

Here is an early look at the revamped Matthew Shipp Trio’s upcoming Thirsty Ear release, ‘The Conduct of Jazz.’