Archive for November, 2015

Vinyl

The Necks – Vertigo (2015)

With ‘Vertigo’ as with their 17 prior albums, The Necks reveals its secrets in enticing ways over the course of one long, enchanting track.

Roger Waters should have left Pink Floyd’s The Wall at this

Roger Waters should have left Pink Floyd’s The Wall at this

When Pink Floyd’s ‘The Wall’ arrived on Nov. 30, 1979, it included a deep cut that perfectly summed up the theme. Too bad he kept going.

Vinyl

Jeremy Carlstedt – Stars Are Far (2015)

The highly intuitive and forceful nature of the drummer Jeremy Carlstedt shines through to lend cohesion and makes ‘Stars Are Far’ a gripping excursion that tests the limits of rock-jazz.

Vinyl

The JAC Christmas Crew, “Holiday On Mars” (2015): Something Else! sneak peek

Seething with energy and sass, the JAC Christmas Crew not only know how to write a good and witty song, but they also know how to arrange and deliver such wares in a cool and courageous manner.

Vinyl

Smokey Robinson still thrilled by George Harrison’s long-ago tribute: ‘A wonderful, flattering thing’

George Harrison paid tribute to Smokey Robinson both with the Beatles and as a solo artist, including a key cut on ‘Thirty Three and 1/3’ from November 1976.

Here’s how Genesis’ ‘The Musical Box’ gave rise to Eddie Van Halen

Here’s how Genesis’ ‘The Musical Box’ gave rise to Eddie Van Halen

Eddie Van Halen must have been paying close attention to Steve Hackett’s unique approach to the song, released in November 1971 on Genesis’ ‘Nursery Cryme.’

Vinyl

Chad Bradford, “At Christmas Time” (2015): One Track Mind

Even if you don’t celebrate Christmas, you’re still sure to appreciate both the message and melody of Bradford’s song that illuminates with classic purity.

Vinyl

Walter Trout – Battle Scars (2015)

Depite Water Trout’s devastating illness, ‘Battle Scars’ boasts a striking resiliency and sense of purpose.

The Beatles, “She Said She Said,” from ‘Revolver’ (1966): Deep Beatles

The Beatles, “She Said She Said,” from ‘Revolver’ (1966): Deep Beatles

John Lennon’s willingness to shatter traditional notions of song structure and lyrical themes helped set the Beatles apart from other groups.

Vinyl

Brian Eno’s Small Craft on a Milk Sea has only gotten better with time

When Brian Eno’s ‘Small Craft on a Milk Sea’ arrived in November 2010, I was disappointed. You expect him to be ever changing.