Archive for July, 2015

Black Sabbath's Often-Dismissed 'Sabotage' Is Far Better Than You Remembered

Black Sabbath’s Often-Dismissed ‘Sabotage’ Is Far Better Than You Remembered

‘Sabotage,’ released in July 1975, finds Black Sabbath still at the height of its powers, but on the brink of slipping into chaos – and that translates into the music.

Hall and Oates' breakthrough Voices was propelled by a huge hit that almost wasn't

Hall and Oates’ breakthrough Voices was propelled by a huge hit that almost wasn’t

A key Hall and Oates song, and one of the duo’s six No. 1 hits, very nearly didn’t get released. It likely would have changed their fortunes forever.

Vinyl

Chris Robinson Brotherhood – Betty’s Blends, Vol. 2: Best From the West (2015)

That Grateful Dead spirit lives on in the down-to-earth musicianship of Chris Robinson and his Brotherhood. And like the Dead, live is better.

Neil Young's Landing on Water highlights an overlooked, endlessly fascinating period

Neil Young’s Landing on Water highlights an overlooked, endlessly fascinating period

Released in July 1986, Neil Young’s ‘Living on Water’ began as a failed Crazy Horse collaboration. Then, it became something quite intriguing.

Savatage - Return to Wacken (2015)

Savatage – Return to Wacken (2015)

Savatage’s ‘Return to Wacken’ is a bit misleading, since it includes studio versions rather than live songs. But there’s still a reason to celebrate.

Vinyl

Rock Candy Funk Party – Groove Is King (2015)

In spite of more modern touches, no one will call ‘Groove Is King’ outdated in twenty years because of the time-honored ways it was conceived and put together.

Vinyl

Here’s the latest on that new CD/DVD, tour dates from Jon Anderson and Jean-Luc Ponty

Jon Anderson and Jean-Luc Ponty’s long-awaited collaborative CD/DVD is coming soon. We’ve got details on tour dates, too.

Vinyl

Merzbow/Pandi/Gustafsson with Thurston Moore – Cuts of Guilt, Cuts Deeper (2015)

This ain’t pop music, ladies and gentleman. It’s a party of noise.

Toto, "99" from 'Hydra' (1979) Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “99” from ‘Hydra’ (1979) Toto Tuesdays

A Steve Lukather-sung ballad, “99” did respectively enough, reaching the Top 40. But why wasn’t it Toto’s biggest hit to that point?

Yes' Chris Squire Was the Quintessential Rock Star and Consummate Musician

Yes’ Chris Squire Was the Quintessential Rock Star and Consummate Musician

Mike Tiano shares personal memories of the late Chris Squire, as well as a classic interview that sheds new light on the Yes stalwart’s towering legacy.