Archive for July, 2013

Vinyl

Forgotten series: The Black Swans – Don’t Blame the Stars (2011)

It’s a truism that our society pays homage to the sham psychotic, while sweeping the genuinely mentally ill under the rug. You May Also Like: Australian Crawl – ‘Sirocco’ (1981): Forgotten Series

Vinyl

Jan Luley – Blues Gumbo: Down in Pianorleans (2013)

Pianist Jan Luley has fashioned an album in Blues Gumbo: Down in Pianorleans with a lasting sense of place – of second-line parties, and swampy regret, and spicy passions – despite having studied piano not in the Big Easy but in Holland. No matter. Listen as Luley reanimates the classicRead More

(Cross the) Heartland: Pat Metheny, "Unity Village" (1976)

(Cross the) Heartland: Pat Metheny, “Unity Village” (1976)

Here we have Pat’s solo guitar remembrance of weekend gigs at the Unity School of Christianity. The church was a part of the Metheny family history as both his dad and his brother had played in the church’s Unity Village Band. You May Also Like: ‘Bright Size Life’ Gave EarlyRead More

"Doctor Robert" from 'Revolver' (1966): Deep Beatles

“Doctor Robert” from ‘Revolver’ (1966): Deep Beatles

The Beatles recorded their share of mysterious tracks, but the ‘Revolver’ deep cut “Doctor Robert” continues to baffle critics and fans alike.

Vinyl

Oliva – Raise the Curtain (2013)

If you thought Jon Oliva’s debut solo album would sound like Savatage or Jon Oliva’s Pain, you’ll be disabused of that notion right from the top. The album opens with the title track, which sounds like nothing you’ve ever heard You May Also Like: Archon Angel – ‘Fallen’ (2020)

S. Victor Aaron’s Mid-Year Best of 2013 (Fusion Jazz): John Scofield, Rock Candy Funk

S. Victor Aaron’s Mid-Year Best of 2013 (Fusion Jazz): John Scofield, Rock Candy Funk

“Fusion jazz” is one of my favorite genres because it can encompass the intelligent, episodic prog rock of Guapo, forward-thinking world fusion of Maira Marquez or plain fun instrumental music of Rock Candy Funk Party. You May Also Like: Scary Goldings, feat. John Scofield – ‘IV’ (2021)

Sammy Hagar Songs With Van Halen That Aren't Terrible: Gimme Five

Sammy Hagar Songs With Van Halen That Aren’t Terrible: Gimme Five

We’d like to make the argument for those times when Sammy Hagar’s edition of Van Halen, affectionately known as Van Hagar, was pretty good.

Vinyl

The Friday Morning Listen: Bruce Springsteen – Wrecking Ball (2012)

It’s been a long time since I’ve listened to Wrecking Ball. For going on a year now, it’s been riding around with me in the car, never making it into the player. Why? I just can’t. You May Also Like: No related posts.

Vinyl

Preservation Hall Jazz Band – That’s It! (2013)

Its very name speaks to the old ways, and keeping them as they always were. And for a long time, maybe too long, that’s the way it’s been with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Until now. You May Also Like: The Blind Boys of Alabama’s Down in New Orleans addedRead More

Vinyl

Mickey Thomas, on Jefferson Starship’s transformation into Starship: Something Else! Interview

For Mickey Thomas, a summer stop as part of the Raiding the Rock Vault series hosted by Asia’s John Payne is a kind of homecoming. The two singers know each other well, and share a bond having carried forward with established bands You May Also Like: Moody Blues’ Ray ThomasRead More