Archive for November, 2017

Diverse Discs and Finicky Formats from the Beatles, Police, U2 and Others: Shadows in Stereo

Diverse Discs and Finicky Formats from the Beatles, Police, U2 and Others: Shadows in Stereo

Competing formats and differing licensing agreements have caused songs by the Beatles, Police, Black Sabbath and others to get lost in the shuffle.

Chicago, “Questions 67 & 68” from Chicago Transit Authority (1969): One Track Mind

Chicago, “Questions 67 & 68” from Chicago Transit Authority (1969): One Track Mind

Mixing elegance with volume and power, “Questions 67 & 68” shines a light on vintage Chicago in the best possible way.

Vinyl

Wadada Leo Smith – Najwa (2017)

Teeming with guitars, Wadada Leo Smith’s ‘Najwa’ is one of those particularly bright moments in a catalog full of them.

Vinyl

Tomi Malm – Walkin’ on Air (2017)

‘Walkin’ on Air’ is a terrific showcase for Tomi Malm’s soulful AOR songwriting, West Coast-level production and a creme de la creme of players.

Vinyl

Sia – Everyday Is Christmas (2017)

In its best moments, ‘Everyday Is Christmas’ challenges the notion of what a holiday album should be. Sia just needed more of them.

Yes, “Love Will Find a Way” from Big Generator (1987): YESterdays

Yes, “Love Will Find a Way” from Big Generator (1987): YESterdays

Despite its lyrically dippiness, “Love Will Find a Way” gave Yes exactly what they wanted: A hit song.

The Beatles, “Yes It Is” from Past Masters (1965): Deep Beatles

The Beatles, “Yes It Is” from Past Masters (1965): Deep Beatles

Arguably one of the Beatles’ best B-sides, “Yes It Is” features sophisticated wordplay, deeply reflective lyrics, and unusual chord changes.

Vinyl

China Crisis, “You Did Cut Me [Live]: from Flaunt the Imperfection (2017, reissue): One Track Mind

Part of the joy attached to the new reissue of China Crisis’ 1985 album ‘Flaunt the Imperfection’ is the inclusion of so much bonus material.

Vinyl

Noel Redding’s Fat Mattress – Fat Mattress (1969): Forgotten Series

Itching to do his own thing, Jimi Hendrix bassist Noel Redding formed Fat Mattress, which fused whimsical psychedelic pop with sunshine-spangled folk rock.

Chicago, “Feliz Navidad” from Chicago XXV: The Christmas Album (1998): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Feliz Navidad” from Chicago XXV: The Christmas Album (1998): Saturdays in the Park

“Feliz Navidad” is an upbeat Latin-tinged Christmas carol from the legendary Jose Feliciano – or at least it was until Chicago got a hold of it.