Archive for March 18th, 2014

Vinyl

‘Will you give me my job back?’: Difficult early choice led to Steve Cropper’s Hall of Fame career

Steve Cropper had a once-in-a-lifetime chance, in 1960, to become a road warrior. Yet, even while riding the crest of attention afforded by a breakout hit called “Last Night” with the Mar-Keys, the former music-shop clerk knew he had a difficult choice to make. You May Also Like: Does SteveRead More

Vinyl

Something Else! sneak peek: White Wizzard, “Marathon of Dreams” (2014)

It’s an old, familiar tale for these guys now, as another implosion last summer left the once-promising traditional metal outfit White Wizzard reeling again. The band split in ugly fashion with latest singer Michael Joseph, as accusations flew back and forth between the camps. You May Also Like: ‘Leon Russell:Read More

'Preferential treatment towards artists they like': Kiss' Paul Stanley keeps up Hall of Fame argument

‘Preferential treatment towards artists they like’: Kiss’ Paul Stanley keeps up Hall of Fame argument

Paul Stanley isn’t letting the Hall of Fame get the last word. Joel Peresman has asserted that the hall limited Kiss’ induction honorees to the band’s original lineup because successive members simply took up earlier personas — comments Stanley now says are “nonsense” and “half truths.” You May Also Like:Read More

Vinyl

Chicago Underground Duo – Locus (2014)

Rob Mazurek and Chad Taylor’s deft application of lo-fi electronics to out-jazz has been celebrated here a few times, and Locus, their second release with Northern Spy Records, is another reason to celebrate. You May Also Like: Rob Mazurek Quintet’s hypnotic, diverse Sound Is rewarded close listens Rob Mazurek –Read More

Into the Great Wide Open: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, "Strangered In The Night" (1976)

Into the Great Wide Open: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, “Strangered In The Night” (1976)

“Strangered In The Night” is the second and final song on Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers that is a leftover from Petty’s solo record sessions, therefore not technically qualifying as a Heartbreakers song. You May Also Like: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ gritty Mojo was more than just the blues

Vinyl

Topham McCarty Band, “All Your Love” (2014): Something Else! sneak peek

Top Topham’s recent rejoining with the Yardbirds — for whom he served as original lead guitarist in their art-school days — was a chance to come full circle. He began that journey here, however, in an often-overlooked reunion with drummer Jim McCarty. You May Also Like: Yardbirds welcome back ‘Birdland’-eraRead More

Almost Hits: Jackson Browne, "In the Shape of a Heart" from Lives in the Balance (1986)

Almost Hits: Jackson Browne, “In the Shape of a Heart” from Lives in the Balance (1986)

Jackson Browne’s 1986 single “In the Shape of a Heart” was a big hit in certain circles. It went to No. 10 on the adult contemporary chart, but rose to only No. 70 on the Billboard Hot 100. You May Also Like: Jackson Browne, “Shaky Town” from Running on EmptyRead More

Vinyl

On Second Thought: Matthew Shipp Trio – Root Of Things (2014)