Archive for August, 2015

The Beatles, “Think For Yourself” from Rubber Soul (1965): Deep Beatles

The Beatles, “Think For Yourself” from Rubber Soul (1965): Deep Beatles

With the Beatles’ “Think For Yourself,” it became clear that George Harrison’s skill as a songwriter was developing at an incredibly fast rate.

A tribute to the transformative powers of my Who’s Next remaster

A tribute to the transformative powers of my Who’s Next remaster

Originally released on August 14, 1971, the Who’s ‘Who’s Next’ came to life again for me inside the confines of my Unproductivity Mobile Sound Lab.

Vinyl

Iron Maiden, “Speed of Light” from Book of Souls (2015): One Track Mind

Unfortunately, I’m not hearing the energy and power of classic Iron Maiden. It can be done, though. Judas Priest proved that last year.

Vinyl

Elephant’s Memory, “Mongoose” (1970): Forgotten Series

Before hooking up with John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Elephant’s Memory hit the Top 50 with “Mongoose,” a song that was thrillingly raw.

Something Else! columnist Kit O’Toole featured at Fest for Beatles Fans

Something Else! columnist Kit O’Toole featured at Fest for Beatles Fans

Kit O’Toole, who writes a regular column for Something Else!, is a featured speaker at this weekend’s Fest for Beatles Fans in Chicago.

Yes, Aug. 12, 2015: Shows I’ll Never Forget

Yes, Aug. 12, 2015: Shows I’ll Never Forget

Billy Sherwood had huge shoes to fill as he replaced the late bassist Chris Squire for Yes’ Aug. 12, 2015 stop at Pier 6 in Baltimore.

Vinyl

Craig Scott’s Lobotomy – War Is A Racket (2015)

What do you get when you cross Captain Beefheart with Sun Ra, Negativland and the Residents? Hang on to your hats, the Craig Scott Lobotomy has arrived.

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

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

I’d argue ‘Hydra’ did more to establish Toto’s style and sound than their debut. The complex and entertaining “Lorraine” is exemplary of that.

Inside the naming of Booker T. and the MGs’ ‘Green Onions’ : ‘The stinking-est music I’ve ever heard!’

Inside the naming of Booker T. and the MGs’ ‘Green Onions’ : ‘The stinking-est music I’ve ever heard!’

Steve Cropper recalls the off-handed approach to finding a title for Booker T. and the MGs’ timeless ‘Green Onions,” released in August 1962.

Vinyl

Moody and mystical, Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow debut launched medieval metal

Unfairly compared to Deep Purple, ‘Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow’ nevertheless arrived in August 1975 with a plethora of cool and interesting moments.