Archive for April, 2014

Vinyl

Wishbone Ash – Blue Horizon (2014)

Ghosts follow bands who’ve been at it this long. For Wishbone Ash, no album goes without comparisons to Argus. No vocalist takes the mic outside of the long shadows of Martin Turner, not even Andy Powell — who, like Turner, helped found the group. You May Also Like: Snakecharmer –Read More

Vinyl

One Track Mind: Future Islands, “Seasons (Waiting On You)” from Singles (2014)

By all rights, this should not be my kind of thing. A synth-pop band fronted by a singer who’s bubbling over with earnestness? Sometimes, the “rules” just do not apply. You May Also Like: No related posts.

Vinyl

Richard Marx is back for another song with Ringo Starr: ‘Dude, I’ll make time!’

Richard Marx’s second songwriting intersection with Ringo Starr, following the 2010 track “Mystery of the Night,” has allowed him far more latitude in creating with the former Beatles star. You May Also Like: No related posts.

Vinyl

Deep Cuts: Styx’s ‘Midnight Ride,’ ‘Shooz,’ ‘Queen of Spades,’ others

Although remembered for pop hits like “Come Sail Away” and “Babe,” Styx began as the Midwestern answer to Yes or King Crimson. You May Also Like: No related posts.

Vinyl

‘It makes me dream in CinemaScope’: The E Street Band still provides spark for Bruce Springsteen’s muse

Even as the E Street Band follows Bruce Springsteen into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, some 15 years after the Boss’ induction, putting their impact on his career into perspective remains difficult. You May Also Like: Reevaluating Bruce Springsteen’s ‘The Wild, the Innocent and the E Street Shuffle’

Vinyl

‘I know who’s doing that’: Deep Purple’s Don Airey felt a familiar presence during tribute to Jon Lord, Gary Moore

Don Airey takes fans into the emotional sessions for “Adagio,” a song from All Keyed Up where the keyboardist pays tribute to both Jon Lord, whom he replaced in Deep Purple, as well as former bandmate Gary Moore. You May Also Like: No related posts.

Vinyl

Oran Etkin – Gathering Light (2014)

Oran Etkin brings a childlike wonder to the clarinet, which is not just a passing comment in his case; the clarinetist and saxophonist has a school that teaches smalls kids up to age ten about music in an open and effective way through his Timbalooloo method. You May Also Like:Read More

Vinyl

Bob Mould, “Hey Mr. Grey” from ‘Beauty and Ruin’ (2014): One Track Mind

Once again, Bob Mould slashes, blazes, wails and reveals – all around a timeless melody. That’s his gift, on “Hey Mr. Grey,” and always.

Vinyl

‘I had lots of material’: Jon Davison on the fast-paced sessions for Yes’ Heaven and Earth

Jon Davison found himself bouncing around half the planet, as Yes worked to complete its forthcoming studio effort Heaven and Earth. In fact, sessions continued right up until the group had to leave for its new tour. You May Also Like: No related posts.

WTF?! Wednesdays: Eugene Chadbourne, "Electric Rake" (2005)

WTF?! Wednesdays: Eugene Chadbourne, “Electric Rake” (2005)

My introduction to guitarist/raconteur/wise ass Eugene Chadbourne came out of a short stack of records borrowed from a co-worker. This would have been back in the early 90s. There were things like Dinosaur Jr., Sebadoh, and Henry Kaiser in that pile. You May Also Like: Wendy Eisenberg and Shane ParishRead More