Archive for March, 2015

Vinyl

Ron Sexsmith, “Can’t Get My Act Together” from Carousel One (2015)

As sun-flecked as Ron Sexsmith’s melodies no doubt are, his lyrics often run the other way. “Can’t Get My Act Together,” however, feels brand new.

Yes, “Looking Around” from Yes (1969): YESterdays

Yes, “Looking Around” from Yes (1969): YESterdays

As the first Jon Anderson/Chris Squire composition to appear on a Yes album, “Looking Around” represents a landmark moment.

Silk Degrees launched Boz Scaggs’ solo career, and Toto too: ‘So much talent and invention’

Silk Degrees launched Boz Scaggs’ solo career, and Toto too: ‘So much talent and invention’

Boz Scaggs released his biggest-ever hit this month in 1976, providing the big-bang moment for an up-and-coming band named Toto along the way.

Vinyl

The Jackson 5 – The Ultimate Collection (1996): On Second Thought

Rare is the group that appeals to both squealing girls and picky critics, but such was the Jackson 5.

Daryl Hall + Robert Fripp, “Babs and Babs / Urban Landscape” from Sacred Songs (1980)

Daryl Hall + Robert Fripp, “Babs and Babs / Urban Landscape” from Sacred Songs (1980)

Daryl Hall has said he and Robert Fripp were trying to combine sounds from two different cultures to “form a third kind of music.” They did.

Vinyl

BoDeans, “Slave” from I Can’t Stop (2015): One Track Mind

If you’re expecting another rootsy upbeat rocker from the BoDeans, the frankly scarifying blues of “Slave” likely comes as something of a shock.

Slash explains why Bob Dylan once refused to use his solo: ‘For me … the ultimate compliment’

Slash explains why Bob Dylan once refused to use his solo: ‘For me … the ultimate compliment’

Slash added one of his “better one-off solos” to a Bob Dylan song, but it was never released. Find out why the Guns N’ Roses legend is OK with that.

Vinyl

Dennis DeYoung says ‘Glee’ finally got Styx’s ‘Come Sail Away’ right: ‘This song is not easy to sing’

Dennis DeYoung says, after years of failed attempts by others, ‘Glee’ nailed it with their rousing recent rendition of Styx’s “Come Sail Away.”

Vinyl

Steve Hackett, “Wolflight” from Wolflight (2015): One Track Mind

“Wolflight” is a colloquialism for the time just before dawn, when the world is rousing itself. Steve Hackett seems to be similarly coming alive again.

Vinyl

The Blues Brothers insisted on lifting legacy artists: ‘We did not grab a share of it’

The Blues Brothers fought their label to make sure early heroes like Floyd Dixon, Steve Cropper and Isaac Hayes received royalties.