Archive for December, 2016

Vinyl

Heart – ‘Live at the Royal Albert Hall with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’ (2016)

Heart’s ‘Live at the Royal Albert Hall with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’ shows a jubilant band obviously thrilled at the prospect of performing in such a storied venue.

Vinyl

Jason Stein, Paul Giallorenzo and Frank Rosaly – Hearts and Minds (2016)

Not always tuneful but unfailingly engaging and playful, ‘Hearts and Minds’ exemplifies the best qualities of adventurous Chicago jazz.

Vinyl

Rush – ‘2112: 40th Anniversary Edition’ (2016)

In retrospect, I’m kind of sorry I just couldn’t get into Rush’s ‘2112’ when it first came out.

Toto, “We Can Make It Tonight” from Fahrenheit (1986): Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “We Can Make It Tonight” from Fahrenheit (1986): Toto Tuesdays

Toto’s “We Can Make It Tonight” emerged as a terrific showcase for new vocalist Joseph Williams, but something was missing.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2017: Better Late Than Never For Yes?

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2017: Better Late Than Never For Yes?

With today’s announcement, it would seem the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame finally saw the light by including Yes – but they’re not off the hook yet.

Vinyl

Ed Toth, drummer with the Doobie Brothers: Something Else! Interview

Ed Toth discusses his time in the Doobie Brothers, as well as earlier work as a former member of the platinum-selling Vertical Horizon.

Vinyl

Azymuth – Fênix (2016)

Like the mythical phoenix bird that rises from the ashes, Azymuth has rebounded from a devastating blow. On ‘Fênix’, José Roberto Bertrami’s spirit lives on strong.

Chicago, “Little Drummer Boy” from Chicago XXV (1998): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Little Drummer Boy” from Chicago XXV (1998): Saturdays in the Park

Since it arrived on 1998’s ‘Chicago XXV,’ this update of “Little Drummer Boy” has grown to become a personal favorite – and, in my opinion, the definitive version.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Open Letter: Stop Being the Old Boys’ Club

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Open Letter: Stop Being the Old Boys’ Club

Mike Tiano makes a new argument for Yes’ long-overdue induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Preston Frazier’s Best Reissues and Box Sets of 2016: David Lindley, King Crimson, Kate Bush

Preston Frazier’s Best Reissues and Box Sets of 2016: David Lindley, King Crimson, Kate Bush

Preston Frazier offers his thoughts on the best reissues and box sets from 2016, with two special honorable mentions.