Archive for December, 2014

Vinyl

Mojo Nixon, “Don Henley Must Die” from Otis (1990): One Track Mind

Any time Don Henley speaks, either to blast fans for using smartphones at concerts or to sue someone, I think about Mojo Nixon.

Vinyl

Don’t expect to shake hands with Yes’ Steve Howe: ‘I’ve got to put my work first’

Steve Howe has crafted a legendary career with his hands, and he takes that very seriously, indeed.

S. Victor Aaron’s Best of 2014  (Part 2 of 4, Modern + Mainstream Jazz): Keith Jarrett, Brian Blade, Matthew Shipp

S. Victor Aaron’s Best of 2014 (Part 2 of 4, Modern + Mainstream Jazz): Keith Jarrett, Brian Blade, Matthew Shipp

S. Victor Aaron picks the best of 2014’s modern and mainstream jazz albums, including Keith Jarrett, Brian Blade, Fred Hersch and others.

Graham Nash sorts through CSNY's brilliant, fractured legacy: 'Like juggling four bottles of nitroglycerin'

Graham Nash sorts through CSNY’s brilliant, fractured legacy: ‘Like juggling four bottles of nitroglycerin’

Graham Nash frames Crosby Stills Nash and Young’s ups and downs, their reunions and splits, their huge hits and weird failures.

Vinyl

Dimebag Darrell (1966-2004): An Appreciation

I’m not one to get overly emotional about a celebrity’s death, even one whose work touched me. Dimebag Darrell was different.

Vinyl

Bob Marley, “Is This Love” from Uprising Live! (2014)

The picture is grainy, the sound far too tinny. Still, there’s no denying the magic going on as Bob Marley returns to “Is This Love.”

S. Victor Aaron’s Best of 2014  (Part 1 of 4, Non-Jazz): Lucinda Williams, Me’Shell Ndegéocello

S. Victor Aaron’s Best of 2014 (Part 1 of 4, Non-Jazz): Lucinda Williams, Me’Shell Ndegéocello

S. Victor Aaron picks the best of 2014’s non-jazz albums, including Lucinda Williams, Me’Shell Ndegéocello, Drive-By Truckers and others.

Vinyl

Lead Belly, “Been So Long [Bellevue Hospital Blues]” (2015): One Track Mind

A previously unheard song from blues legend Huddie “Lead Belly” Ledbetter finds him in an impish mood, even while losing a battle with ALS.

Vinyl

Otis Redding tried something new with ‘Dock of the Bay,’ even if someone else got credit

Steve Cropper talks about a memorable moment of improvisation by Otis Redding, and debunks a myth that’s surrounded it ever since.

Vinyl

AC/DC – Rock or Bust (2014)

If AC/DC’s ‘Rock or Bust’ ends up being the final album in the history of classic rock, well, that’s probably OK.