Archive for December, 2013

Vinyl

Badfinger’s Joey Molland, “Walk Out in the Rain” from Return to Memphis (2013): Exclusive stream

Joey Molland returns for his first solo album since 2001’s This Way Up, and it’s unlike anything from the guitarist’s seminal power pop work with Badfinger.

Vinyl

‘He literally blew me away’: Steve Cropper’s surprising choice for favorite electric guitarist

Steve Cropper has claimed his share of accolades as a guitarist, finishing at No. 35 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 100 greatest and while ending up at No. 2 on the Mojo list. But who’s his favorite? You May Also Like: No related posts.

Almost Hits: Bobby Caldwell, "Coming Down From Love" (1980)

Almost Hits: Bobby Caldwell, “Coming Down From Love” (1980)

Here’s the answer to that question, “what to do for an encore after such a note-perfect quiet storm groove tune as ‘What You Won’t Do For Love’?” You May Also Like: No related posts.

Vinyl

Xiu Xiu – NINA (2013)

Xiu Xiu vocalist Jamie Stewart enlists Ches Smith and These Arches to record a Nina Simone tribute record. The resulting NINA is one of the weirdest records of 2013. You May Also Like: The Sunny Four [David Torn, Aurora Nealand, Ches Smith + Tim Berne] – ‘MYSTIC’ (2023) Tim Berne,Read More

On Second Thought: Boston - Life, Love and Hope (2013)

On Second Thought: Boston – Life, Love and Hope (2013)

There was a time when Boston could do no wrong. Their 1976 debut album dominated the rock scene with that signature combination of Tom Scholz’ guitar cathedrals and Brad Delp’s soaring vocals. You May Also Like: How Boston Said Goodbye to Brad Delp on ‘Life Love and Hope’

Kit O’Toole’s Top Beatles Albums, Books, Collectibles and Movies for 2013

Kit O’Toole’s Top Beatles Albums, Books, Collectibles and Movies for 2013

The upcoming 50th anniversary of the Beatles’ American debut has inspired a slew of related books, CDs, movies, and other collectibles. In other words, this Christmas will be a dream You May Also Like: No related posts.

Vinyl

Forgotten series: The Cynics – Spinning Wheel Motel (2011)

Not enough people heard the full-throttle contemporary garage music hurtled at you by these Pittsburgh legends, as the Cynics made a solid comeback a few years ago. You May Also Like: Ross Hammond, with Oliver Lake and Mike Pride – ‘Our Place On the Wheel’ (2020)

Vinyl

Midlake – Antiphon (2013)

After the departure of singer and songwriter Tim Smith for the band Harm, there were of course some doubts about the future direction of Midlake. Smith’s voice and the harmonies were probably the core of the band. You May Also Like: How an ‘Antique French Garage Band’ Nailed the WholeRead More

Sparks Fly On E Street: Bruce Springsteen, "My Best Was Never Good Enough" (1995)

Sparks Fly On E Street: Bruce Springsteen, “My Best Was Never Good Enough” (1995)

Why would Bruce close out a poignant album of dark and troubled times with a short, sweet, and cliché-ridden song? You May Also Like: Reevaluating Bruce Springsteen’s ‘The Wild, the Innocent and the E Street Shuffle’

Vinyl

Bogdo Ula – The Return of the Sons of Ra (2013)

They gathered for five days at this countryside studio in Finland, plugging in and recording whatever happened. You May Also Like: Projekt Gemineye, “Sacred Sons” from ‘In the Year 3073: Book II’ (2020): One Track Mind Los Lobos – ‘Native Sons’ (2021)