Archive for July, 2017

Vinyl

Michael McDonald, “Find It In Your Heart” from Wide Open (2017): One Track Mind

Michael McDonald’s “Find It In Your Heart” fits comfortably in his canon of strong love songs, and is a welcome return of the master.

Chicago, "Hanky Panky" from Chicago VII (1974): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Hanky Panky” from Chicago VII (1974): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago’s “Hanky Panky” shows a versatility at Peter Cetera’s instrument for which he never truly receives due credit.

Paul McCartney, July 25, 2017: Shows I'll Never Forget

Paul McCartney, July 25, 2017: Shows I’ll Never Forget

This Paul McCartney concert was a trip through time, and a reminder of the Beatles’ lasting influence on today’s music.

June Foray, Legendary Voice Actor (1917-2017): An Appreciation

June Foray, Legendary Voice Actor (1917-2017): An Appreciation

Mike Tiano remembers June Foray, best known as the voice of Rocky the Flying Squirrel. She was 99.

The Beatles, "Flying" from Magical Mystery Tour (1967): Deep Beatles

The Beatles, “Flying” from Magical Mystery Tour (1967): Deep Beatles

While “Flying” may seem like an inconsequential instrumental, it demonstrates the influence the Beatles had on a popular music form: electronica.

Yes, "Cinema" from 90125 (1983): YESterdays

Yes, “Cinema” from 90125 (1983): YESterdays

This song, which won a Grammy for best rock instrumental performance, has the distinction of being one of only a handful of instrumental songs by Yes.

Chicago, "Italian From New York" from Chicago VII (1974): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Italian From New York” from Chicago VII (1974): Saturdays in the Park

You won’t find this on anyone’s list of Top 10 favorite Chicago songs, but “Italian from New York” proves just how versatile they were in the ’70s.

Cheap Trick – Cheap Trick (1977); We're All Alright! (2017): Shadows in Stereo

Cheap Trick – Cheap Trick (1977); We’re All Alright! (2017): Shadows in Stereo

Cheap Trick’s ‘We’re All Alright!’ does what so few late-career albums are able to do: tap into what made a band great in the first place.

Vinyl

Gary Bartz’s NTU Troop – Harlem Bush Music – Uhuru (1971)/Joe Henderson – The Elements (1973) (2017 reissues)

Jazz Dispensary reissues two early 70s documents of explorative jazz: Gary Bartz NTU Troop – ‘Harlem Bush Music – Uhuru’ (1971) and Joe Henderson feat Alice Coltrane – ‘The Elements’ (1973)

Toto, "Straight for the Heart" from The Seventh One (1988): Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “Straight for the Heart” from The Seventh One (1988): Toto Tuesdays

“Straight for the Heart” appears to be a straight-forward rock-pop single, but Toto always adds a level of sophistication to make their songs different.