Archive for October, 2016

Chicago, “Motorboat to Mars” / “Free” from Chicago III (1971) Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Motorboat to Mars” / “Free” from Chicago III (1971) Saturdays in the Park

“Free” isn’t as well remembered as some of Chicago’s bigger classic hits of the era, but I have a great time every time I hear it.

The Beatles, “No Reply” from  Beatles for Sale (1964): Deep Beatles

The Beatles, “No Reply” from Beatles for Sale (1964): Deep Beatles

What is the link between a 1957 hit and the Beatles’ 1964 track “No Reply”? The answer lends insight into the group’s changing sound and growing lyrical sophistication.

Vinyl

Ethan Keller – Dead Man Dancing (2016)

‘Dead Man Dancing’ is Ethan Keller up close and personal, warts and all. And you know what? He’s still sounding good.

Vinyl

Mats Gustafsson – MG 50: Peace and Fire (2016)

Mats Gustafsson says it is vital to remain open, inquisitive and to explore music. With ‘MG 50: Peace and Fire,’ he does just that.

Vinyl

Ron Temperton’s Early Groove: Remembering Heatwave

Rod Temperton has died at age 66, after rising to early fame as a songwriter for Heatwave.

Vinyl

Ian East – Inner Paths (2016)

Ian East’s ‘Inner Paths’ is an ethnic fusion album that’s fun to listen to now and will be fun to listen to a hundred plays from now. Getting a world music education can hardly be more enjoyable than listening to this.

Yes, “Parallels” from Going For the One (1977): YESterdays

Yes, “Parallels” from Going For the One (1977): YESterdays

Despite the fact that “Parallels” is a solo contribution from the late Chris Squire, there is no doubt this is a Yes song.

Vinyl

Greg Ward – Touch My Beloved’s Thought (2016)

Paying homage to a Charles Mingus masterpiece with inspired original material is just what you’d expect from the ever-curious, ever-expansive alto saxophonist Greg Ward.

Tom Wilmeth Explores Bob Dylan’s Impact on ‘Sound Bites: A Lifetime of Listening’

Tom Wilmeth Explores Bob Dylan’s Impact on ‘Sound Bites: A Lifetime of Listening’

Bob Dylan is revealed as something of a touchstone in ‘Sound Bites: A Lifetime of Listening,’ the fascinating new book by Something Else! contributor Tom Wilmeth.

Vinyl

Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band, “Boomtown Blues” from The Distance (1982): One Track Mind

Bob Seger’s ‘The Distance’ has a musical power which exceeds the lyrical heft of the far-more-popular ‘Night Moves,’ as heard on stand-out cuts like “Boomtown Blues.”