Archive for May, 2015

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Ben Craven, progressive rocker: Something Else! Interview

Preston Frazier talks to Australian progger Ben Craven about his well-regarded career, his next album and his intriguing new music delivery system.

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Many Arms + Toshimaru Nakamura – Many Arms and Toshimaru Nakamura (2015)

Inserting Toshimaru Nakamura into the mix doesn’t transform Many Arms, it amplifies their punk ethos/free jazz spirit instead.

Past the Big Hits, Dire Straits' 'Brothers in Arms' Offered Moving Examination of War

Past the Big Hits, Dire Straits’ ‘Brothers in Arms’ Offered Moving Examination of War

Released on May 13, 1985, Dire Straits’ ‘Brothers in Arms’ likely surprises return visitors with its depth of intellect and emotion.

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Jeff Beck, “Tribal” from Jeff Beck Live+ (2015): One Track Mind

These are the same horizons where Jeff Beck once roamed with the Yardbirds, amped up for a new generation.

Wes Montgomery - In the Beginning (2015)

Wes Montgomery – In the Beginning (2015)

The magic, and the mystery, of ‘In the Beginning’ is in hearing a frisky young Wes Montgomery start his journey toward greatness.

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The Monkees once tricked critics into giving them a fair hearing: ‘It’s so funny’

Micky Dolenz says some people never accepted the latter-day Monkees as a creative force – until Mike Nesmith came up with a creative idea.

Yes, "Sweetness" from Yes (1969): YESterdays

Yes, “Sweetness” from Yes (1969): YESterdays

“Sweetness,” which became Yes’ debut single in 1969, shows a fledgling band that hasn’t quite become more than the sum of its parts.

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J.D. Souther – Tenderness (2015)

J.D. Souther has never written more connective lyrics, never sung them better – and both, it seems, were sparked by an ageless new setting.

Mavis Staples recalls lasting impact of the Band's 'Last Waltz,' Rick Danko's humor + Bob Dylan's hair

Mavis Staples recalls lasting impact of the Band’s ‘Last Waltz,’ Rick Danko’s humor + Bob Dylan’s hair

Mavis Staples says her appearance as a guest on the the Band’s ‘Last Waltz’ film forever reshaped not just her life but her setlist.

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The History of Canadian Rock ‘n’ Roll, by Bob Mersereau (2015): Books

Touching base on everything and anything, Bob Mersereau’s ‘The History of Canadian Rock ‘n’ Roll’ affirms how multi-faceted the country is.