Articles by: Mark Saleski

Why Billy Corgan’s ‘TheFutureEmbrace’ Still Leaves Me Cold

Why Billy Corgan’s ‘TheFutureEmbrace’ Still Leaves Me Cold

Billy Corgan released his solo debut 15 years ago this week, while simultaneously announcing that he was getting back together with the Smashing Pumpkins.

On the Joy, and the Pain, of Pete Townshend’s ‘Empty Glass’

On the Joy, and the Pain, of Pete Townshend’s ‘Empty Glass’

Released 40 years ago this month, Pete Townshend’s ‘Empty Glass’ was so intense and bittersweet that, for a while, I didn’t have the strength to revisit it.

Adrian Belew’s ‘Side One’ Was a Journey Through His Rich Musical History

Adrian Belew’s ‘Side One’ Was a Journey Through His Rich Musical History

Released 15 years ago this week, Adrian Belew’s ‘Side One’ began four separate installments of adrenaline-charged, twisty guitar. Better buckle up!

My Chemical Romance Transcended Modern Rock With ‘Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge’

My Chemical Romance Transcended Modern Rock With ‘Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge’

My Chemical Romance internalized an impressive array of influences, then made them their own 15 years ago.

Tom Waits Challenged Our Preconceived Notions (Again) With ‘Glitter and Doom Live’

Tom Waits Challenged Our Preconceived Notions (Again) With ‘Glitter and Doom Live’

Ten years ago this week, Tom Waits documented a tour filled with the music of clattery proto-jug bands, shimmery jazz ensembles, and randy blues hucksters.

Returning to U2’s ‘How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb,’ Over Lunch

Returning to U2’s ‘How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb,’ Over Lunch

Some thought U2 was washed up when they released ‘How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb’ 15 years ago today. Let’s dig in.

Why R.E.M.’s ‘Live at the Olympia’ Showed They Were Back

Why R.E.M.’s ‘Live at the Olympia’ Showed They Were Back

The post-Bill Berry R.E.M. seemed less solid in its artistic footing, making me wonder if the end was near.

Vinyl

Ginger Baker (1939-2019): An Apprecation

My only intersection with Ginger Baker became one of the most amazing nights of music I’ve ever seen.

Of All the Tom Waits Albums, ‘Real Gone’ May Be the Tom Waits-iest

Of All the Tom Waits Albums, ‘Real Gone’ May Be the Tom Waits-iest

Released 15 years ago today, Tom Waits’ ‘Real Gone’ is like your favorite pair of jeans: well-worn, full of character and hard to improve upon.

Mark Knopfler Touched on Both His Past and Future With ‘Get Lucky’

Mark Knopfler Touched on Both His Past and Future With ‘Get Lucky’

Released 10 years ago this week, Mark Knopfler’s ‘Get Lucky’ offered us a compelling distillation of his thematic and musical storytelling.