Archive for June, 2016

Vinyl

Jackson Taylor and the Sinners – ‘Which Way Is Up’ (2016)

Listening to Jackson Taylor’s latest record, one has to wonder if the hell-raising country rocker has reached a crossroads.

Chicago, "Movin' In" from 'Chicago II' (1970): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Movin’ In” from ‘Chicago II’ (1970): Saturdays in the Park

A new cohesiveness sets apart “Movin’ In” and, inevitably, the entire second album that followed Chicago’s brilliant debut.

The Beatles, "Chains" from Please Please Me (1963): Deep Beatles

The Beatles, “Chains” from Please Please Me (1963): Deep Beatles

This King and Goffin track typifies the Beatles’ early era, a time when the band was forming their own identity.

Vinyl

Steve Porcaro – Someday / Somehow (2016)

The sublime ‘Someday/Somehow’ finds Toto co-founder Steve Porcaro at the peak of his considerable powers.

Vinyl

Nick Millevoi – Desertion (2016)

It’s by far the most listenable effort led by Nick Millevoi, but lack of harshness, density and dissonance doesn’t mean the lack of art in ‘Desertion.’

Vinyl

Punky Meadows – Fallen Angel (2016)

Any fan of melodic rock will appreciate ‘Fallen Angel,’ even if you’re not familiar with Punky Meadows or his ’70s glam band Angel.

Toto, "We Made It" from Toto IV (1982): Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “We Made It” from Toto IV (1982): Toto Tuesdays

Toto’s “We Made It” is often overlooked, yet the David Paich/Jeff Porcaro collaboration offers so much more than meets the ear.

The Beatles vs. The Doors: Odd Couples

The Beatles vs. The Doors: Odd Couples

In which the crews of the Yellow Submarine and the Ship of Fools pass in the night.

Vinyl

Harry Beckett – Still Happy (2016)

There are just three tracks on ‘Still Happy,’ but they capture the essence of the late Harry Beckett’s fluent jazz trumpet.

Chicago, "Liberation" from Chicago Transit Authority (1969): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Liberation” from Chicago Transit Authority (1969): Saturdays in the Park

Those who prefer conventional fare might be put off by Chicago’s “Liberation.” Others looking for something more freewheeling may find a lot to like.