Asia [with John Payne], “Ghost in the Mirror” from Silent Nation (2004): One Track Mind
Released on August 31, 2004, Asia’s ‘Silent Nation’ represented the final collaboration between longtime partners Geoff Downes and John Payne.
Archive for August, 2015
Jimmie Vaughan reached back for ’50s-style cool on Plays Blues, Ballads & Favorites
Jimmie Vaughan’s ‘Plays Blues, Ballads & Favorites,’ released five years ago this summer, shined a needed spotlight on some largely unheard covers.
Dr. John, Preservation Hall + others: Music framed initial journey past Hurricane Katrina
In the period immediately after New Orleans’ levees failed under Hurricane Katrina’s onslaught beginning on Aug. 29, 2005, musicians began trying to make sense of things.
Mike Pride – Listening Party (2015)
Mike Pride states, “making this solo record has been a total mind-bender.” Listening to ‘Listening Party’ is a mind-bender as well.
The New Trocaderos – Thrills and Chills (2015)
An ‘Animal House’-style party ambience, surrounded by garage rock grooves and crafty pop detours, powers the New Trocaderos’ ‘Thrills and Chills.’
Journey, “Faith in the Heartland” from Generations (2005): One Track Mind
On this standout cut from ‘Generations,’ released on August 29, 2005, Journey returned to a familiar theme – and, in turn, recalled past glories.
Michael Dease – Decisions (2015)
A model of consistency, style and grace, Michael Dease stays at the head of the class among jazz trombonists with his seventh album, ‘Decisions.’
Keith Richards on the ’80s argument that saved the Rolling Stones: ‘He was taking it in a wrong direction’
On Aug. 29, 1989, a reunited Rolling Stones issued the well-received ‘Steel Wheels.’ Keith Richards says it took “World War III” to get there.
The Beatles, “Thank You Girl” from ‘Past Masters’ (1963): Deep Beatles
Passed over as an A-side, “Thank You Girl” illustrated the foundational role the blues, R&B, and early rock ‘n’ roll played in the Beatles’ early sound.
Motley Crue – Theatre of Pain (1985): On Second Thought
Motley Crue’s ‘Theatre of Pain’ doesn’t equal the power of ‘Shout at the Devil’ or the sleazy fun of ‘Dr. Feelgood,’ but it’s worth another listen.
