How Journey Ended Its Underrated First Era With ‘Next’
Released 45 years ago this month, the powerful and pleasantly pompous ‘Next’ is Journey’s best pre-Steve Perry album.
On Second Thought
Why Paul McCartney’s ‘Kisses on the Bottom’ Was the Perfect LP at the Perfect Time
Paul McCartney finally returned to the traditional pop and jazz of his youth 10 years ago this week. In more ways than one, I’m glad that he waited.
Why Complaints About Van Halen’s ‘A Different Kind of Truth’ Were Overblown
Van Halen released a reunion LP with David Lee Roth 10 years ago today that was dotted with song scraps from their glory days. So what?
How ‘Paul Simon’ Set the Template for a Career of Dizzying Musical Exploration
‘Paul Simon’ arrived 50 years ago today with his first – but most certainly not his last – extended travels into world music.
The Best Prog Album of 2021 You’re Not Hearing?
Mike Tiano’s recently released progressive-rock LP ‘Creetisvan’ features contributions from David Sancious, Randy George and Billy Sherwood.
John Mellencamp’s ‘Freedom’s Road’ Heralded an On-Going Artistic Rejuvenation
Released 15 years ago this week, John Mellencamp’s ‘Freedom’s Road’ explored the uncertainties that exist inside middle America’s most reliable traditions.
How Muddy Waters Came Roaring Back With ‘Hard Again’
Released 45 years ago today, Muddy Waters’ ‘Hard Again’ marked the kind of comeback you expect from the great ones.
Bruce Springsteen’s Stark and Ageless ‘Nebraska’: A Song-by-Song Look Back
Mark Saleski offers an in-depth examination of Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Nebraska,’ which was primarily recorded 40 years ago today.
How the Dr. John-Led ‘Bluesiana’ Sequel Somehow Matched the Original
‘Bluesiana II’ arrived 30 years ago missing a key figure from the band’s all-star lineup in the recently deceased Art Blakey. I didn’t have high hopes.
Why the Who’s ‘A Quick One’ Pointed to (Much) Bigger Things to Come
Released 55 years ago this month, ‘A Quick One’ saw the Who exploring unusual themes to great effect. ‘Tommy’ and ‘Quadrophenia’ were just over the horizon.
