Articles by: Preston Frazier

Richard Thompson, Yes, Bob Dylan + Others: Preston Frazier’s Best Live / Reissues of 2017

Richard Thompson, Yes, Bob Dylan + Others: Preston Frazier’s Best Live / Reissues of 2017

Preston Frazier counts down his list of Best Live / Reissues of 2017, touching on favorites from Bob Dylan, Yes and Richard Thompson, among others.

Chicago, “O Come All Ye Faithful” from Chicago XXV: The Christmas Album (1998): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “O Come All Ye Faithful” from Chicago XXV: The Christmas Album (1998): Saturdays in the Park

“O Come All Ye Faithful,” featuring restrained, yet thoughtfully modern production from Roy Bittan, is one of my favorite Chicago Christmas songs.

Yes, “Final Eyes” from Big Generator (1987): YESterdays

Yes, “Final Eyes” from Big Generator (1987): YESterdays

At almost six and a half minutes, Yes’ “Final Eyes” seems to have more credibility among fans than the ‘Big Generator’-era two hits.

King Crimson, Steely Dan, Buckingham / McVie + Others: Preston Frazier’s Best Concerts of 2017

King Crimson, Steely Dan, Buckingham / McVie + Others: Preston Frazier’s Best Concerts of 2017

Preston Frazier looks back at the best concerts of 2017, including tours by Steely Dan, Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie, King Crimson and others.

Vinyl

Alan Simon, “You Are the Sunshine” from Excalibur IV (2017): One Track Mind

This has been a great year for progressive rock releases, but overlooking Alan Simon’s ‘Excalibur IV: The Dark Age of the Dragon’ verges on criminal.

Chicago, “Bethlehem” from ‘What’s It Gonna Be, Santa?’ (2003): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Bethlehem” from ‘What’s It Gonna Be, Santa?’ (2003): Saturdays in the Park

Bill Champlin is said to have always pushed new music on the band. This is once case where Chicago should said no.

David Crosby, “Amelia” from ‘Sky Trails’ (2017): One Track Mind

David Crosby, “Amelia” from ‘Sky Trails’ (2017): One Track Mind

David Crosby seems almost naked without his guitar, yet still shines brightly on yet another stellar Joni Mitchell cover song.

Vinyl

Tomi Malm – Walkin’ on Air (2017)

‘Walkin’ on Air’ is a terrific showcase for Tomi Malm’s soulful AOR songwriting, West Coast-level production and a creme de la creme of players.

Yes, “Love Will Find a Way” from Big Generator (1987): YESterdays

Yes, “Love Will Find a Way” from Big Generator (1987): YESterdays

Despite its lyrically dippiness, “Love Will Find a Way” gave Yes exactly what they wanted: A hit song.

Vinyl

China Crisis, “You Did Cut Me [Live]: from Flaunt the Imperfection (2017, reissue): One Track Mind

Part of the joy attached to the new reissue of China Crisis’ 1985 album ‘Flaunt the Imperfection’ is the inclusion of so much bonus material.