On Second Thought

Vinyl

When the Libertines Finally Broke Through the Media Frenzy

Issued 15 years ago this week, the Libertines’ surprisingly nuanced self-titled album helped me take the band seriously.

Milton Nascimento’s Genius Confirmed Even on Guest-Packed ‘Angelus’

Milton Nascimento’s Genius Confirmed Even on Guest-Packed ‘Angelus’

Released 25 years ago, Milton Nascimento’s ‘Angelus’ deftly blended jazz greats, lithe pop music and these title-worthy textures from another land.

How ‘It Might Get Loud’ Revealed a Simple Truth About Three Legends

How ‘It Might Get Loud’ Revealed a Simple Truth About Three Legends

Jimmy Page, the Edge and Jack White debuted in a film 10 years ago today that brought out my inner guitar geek.

How ‘This Time’ Brought Robert Cray Full Circle Again

How ‘This Time’ Brought Robert Cray Full Circle Again

Released 10 years ago today, ‘This Time’ found an inspired Robert Cray working with two links to his glorious past.

Robben Ford’s Tasty, Energetic ‘Soul on Ten’ Reframed His Recent Work

Robben Ford’s Tasty, Energetic ‘Soul on Ten’ Reframed His Recent Work

Someone once said Robben Ford has forgotten more licks than most guitarists ever learn. ‘Soul on Ten’ arrived 10 years ago this week as proof.

Adrian Belew Power Trio’s ‘e’ Opened the Door to a World of New Sounds

Adrian Belew Power Trio’s ‘e’ Opened the Door to a World of New Sounds

Released 10 years ago today, ‘e’ did more than advance Adrian Belew’s considerable legacy. It introduced us to a pair of exciting new talents.

Patti Scialfa Once Again Showed She Could Stand on Her Own With ’23rd Street Lullaby’

Patti Scialfa Once Again Showed She Could Stand on Her Own With ’23rd Street Lullaby’

I probably would have loved the record Patti Scialfa issued 15 years ago this week, even without the weight of the past chiming in.

How Son Volt Got Back on Track With the Searching ‘American Central Dust’

How Son Volt Got Back on Track With the Searching ‘American Central Dust’

Released 10 years ago today, Son Volt’s ‘American Central Dust’ found Jay Farrar asking questions – and being OK when he didn’t always get answers.

How Mitch Easter Helped Take Velvet Crush’s ‘Teenage Symphonies to God’ to a New Level

How Mitch Easter Helped Take Velvet Crush’s ‘Teenage Symphonies to God’ to a New Level

Velvet Crush had already made a critical splash before this album arrived 25 years ago today. Then something amazing happened.

How Levon Helm’s ‘Electric Dirt’ Confirmed a Stirring Late-Career Resurgence

How Levon Helm’s ‘Electric Dirt’ Confirmed a Stirring Late-Career Resurgence

Released 10 years ago today, Levon Helm’s ‘Electric Dirt’ was the sound of a man, and a singer, reborn.