Archive for February, 2018

Vinyl

Tim Kuhl – Sky Valley (2018)

Tim Kuhl’s journey from a jazz drummer to a creator of experimental electronica rock is not a road much traveled.

The Beatles, “Bad Boy” from Past Masters (1965): Deep Beatles

The Beatles, “Bad Boy” from Past Masters (1965): Deep Beatles

Like the Beatles’ other covers, Larry Williams’ “Bad Boy” reveals their roots: In this case, rhythm and blues.

Toto, “She Knows the Devil” from Kingdom of Desire (1992): Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “She Knows the Devil” from Kingdom of Desire (1992): Toto Tuesdays

“She Knows the Devil” seems to be meant as nothing more than good rock-funk fun. If that’s the case, this Toto song accomplished its mission.

Matthew Shipp Quartet – Sonic Fiction (2018)

Matthew Shipp Quartet – Sonic Fiction (2018)

With the singularly outsized saxophone and clarinet personality of Mat Walerian in the mix for ‘Sonic Fiction,’ Matthew Shipp has found a plenty good justification for going back to a quartet.

Chicago, “Satin Doll” from Chicago VIII (2002 reissue): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Satin Doll” from Chicago VIII (2002 reissue): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago’s update of this old Duke Ellington favorite showed their versatility, and their willingness to try anything.

Vinyl

Matthew Shipp – Zero (2018)

‘Zero’ is another one of those ‘pure’ Matthew Shipp solo piano records where there’s nothing in between the depths of his soul and your ears.

The Ramones – Pleasant Dreams (1981): Forgotten Series

The Ramones – Pleasant Dreams (1981): Forgotten Series

Reactions were indeed mixed for ‘Pleasant Dreams,’ but, in the end, the Ramones’ sixth studio effort stands as their last truly great album.

Vinyl

Chicken Diamond – Skeleton Coast (2018)

The direct punk-blues of the French one-man-band Chicken Diamond never gets old, and Diamond’s fifth long player Skeleton Coast is just as fresh and violent as the other four LP’s. That’s right, there are still You May Also Like: Chicken Diamond – The Night Has A Thousand Eyes (2016) RobRead More

Vinyl

Walter Becker, “Were You Close Today” (2018): One Track Mind

I always regarded Walter Becker as a self-effacing musical genius. This rough take on one of his compositions that wasn’t even deemed good enough to finish only affirms that conviction about him.

Yes, “Masquerade” from Union (1991): YESterdays

Yes, “Masquerade” from Union (1991): YESterdays

While it’s good, Yes’ Steve Howe-played and -produced “Masquerade” seems like an unusual song to receive a Grammy nomination.