On Second Thought

Why ‘Endless Wire’ Should Have Been the Who’s Final Farewell

Why ‘Endless Wire’ Should Have Been the Who’s Final Farewell

Released 15 years ago this week, the Who’s ‘Endless Wire’ spent some well-deserved time as a more fitting finish than the somewhat-sour ‘It’s Hard.’

How Frank Zappa’s ‘Trance-Fusion’ Became Yet Another Unpredictable Gift

How Frank Zappa’s ‘Trance-Fusion’ Became Yet Another Unpredictable Gift

‘Trance-Fusion’ arrived 15 years ago today, offering no traditional structures, no choruses, and few repeated elements. It was classic Frank Zappa.

How Tom Waits Got Focused But Stayed Blessedly Weird on ‘Bad As Me’

How Tom Waits Got Focused But Stayed Blessedly Weird on ‘Bad As Me’

Released 10 years ago today, ‘Bad As Me’ delivered a set of short but focused songs that spanned a wide range of Tom Waits-isms, both old and new.

How ‘The Chosen Few’ Put Judas Priest’s Huge Impact in Perspective

How ‘The Chosen Few’ Put Judas Priest’s Huge Impact in Perspective

This compilation arrived 10 years ago today with few surprises for diehard Judas Priest fans. The intriguing part was who chose which song – and why.

How Savatage’s ‘Streets: A Rock Opera’ Provided a Life-Changing Moment

How Savatage’s ‘Streets: A Rock Opera’ Provided a Life-Changing Moment

A key track from Savatage’s ‘Streets: A Rock Opera,’ released 30 years ago this week, made all the difference in the world for one troubled fan.

How Julian Lennon Faced It All on ‘Everything Changes’

How Julian Lennon Faced It All on ‘Everything Changes’

Released 10 years ago this week, Julian Lennon’s ‘Everything Changes’ emerged as the most assured release yet from an underrated pop melodist.

How Talk Talk’s Brilliant ‘Laughing Stock’ Set the Stage for Radiohead

How Talk Talk’s Brilliant ‘Laughing Stock’ Set the Stage for Radiohead

For those who bought a copy 30 years ago this month, and there weren’t many, Talk Talk’s ‘Laughing Stock’ led the way into an as-yet-unformed genre. You’re welcome, Radiohead.

How Daryl Hall Reclaimed His Legacy With ‘Laughing Down Crying’

How Daryl Hall Reclaimed His Legacy With ‘Laughing Down Crying’

Released 10 years ago today, ‘Laughing Down Crying’ found Daryl Hall rediscovering his pop muse, all on his own.

Arthur Alexander – ‘One Bar Left’ (2018): On Second Thought

Arthur Alexander – ‘One Bar Left’ (2018): On Second Thought

A fantastic album from top to bottom, ‘One Bar Left’ continually spotlights Arthur Alexander’s allegiance to authentic rock ‘n’ roll.

Joni Mitchell – ‘Chalk Mark in a Rain Storm’ (1988): On Second Thought

Joni Mitchell – ‘Chalk Mark in a Rain Storm’ (1988): On Second Thought

Fans often overlook Joni Mitchell’s Geffen-era albums. Too bad, as this one is another jewel in her musical crown.