Archive for October, 2017

Esso Afrojam Funkbeat, World Trade, Tomi Malm + others: Five for the Road

Esso Afrojam Funkbeat, World Trade, Tomi Malm + others: Five for the Road

This occasional look at road-worthy artists includes Esso Afrojam Funkbeat, Billy Sherwood’s World Trade, Tomi Malm and others.

Vinyl

China Crisis, “Tragedy & Mystery” from Working With Fire and Steel (2017 reissue): One Track Mind

China Crisis’ ‘Working with Fire and Steel’ has been expanded with two bonus discs that are equally as enchanting as the original release.

The McCoys – Infinite McCoys (1968): On Second Thought

The McCoys – Infinite McCoys (1968): On Second Thought

With 1968’s ‘Infinite McCoys,’ the McCoys showed they were dead serious about burying their image as a radio-ready pop act.

Toto, “Love Has the Power” from Past to Present (1990): Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “Love Has the Power” from Past to Present (1990): Toto Tuesdays

Toto’s greatest-hits album included bonus tracks with yet another new singer. Jean-Michel Byron wasn’t around long, but he left a lasting impression.

Vinyl

Mungo Jerry – Dawn Albums Collection (2017)

Mungo Jerry is known primarily in the U.S., unfortunately, as a one-hit wonder. The ‘Dawn Albums Collection’ puts “In the Summertime” in context.

‘Pink Floyd – The Wall,’ February 7, 1980: Shows I’ll Never Forget

‘Pink Floyd – The Wall,’ February 7, 1980: Shows I’ll Never Forget

Pink Floyd created a signature concert experience during their first performances of ‘The Wall,’ but I was lucky to have been there at all.

Vinyl

Noah Jack, “Neighborhood” (2017): One Track Mind

The things that an autistic person like Noah Jack can achieve can astound you. Listening to “Neighborhood” is all the proof you need of that.

Chicago, “Skinny Boy” from Chicago VII (1974): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Skinny Boy” from Chicago VII (1974): Saturdays in the Park

“Skinny Boy,” a song that later appeared on the Robert Lamm solo album of the same name, was this weird little treat to end a great Chicago album.

The Wild One, Forever: In Appreciation of Tom Petty

The Wild One, Forever: In Appreciation of Tom Petty

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers represented what we strive for across so many aspects of our lives: consistency, dependability, and longevity.

Vinyl

Hiromi and Edmar Castaneda – Live in Montreal (2017)

Hiromi and Edmar Castaneda’s ‘Live in Montreal’ is a revelation about the enchantment that can come from combining world-class piano with an unconventionally inventive harp.