Mixing standard pop and rock practices with experimental sprinklings, ‘Nazz Nazz’ should have sent Todd Rundgren’s band into the superstar stratosphere.

A melding of klezmer, jazz and not a little bit of funk, Big Brooklyn’s ‘Purpose’ is a hugely engaging debut – and the first, hopefully, of many more to come.

On an album dominated by flinty rockers, “The Other Side” stands out as a classic Toto ballad. It may be Steve Lukather’s best vocal performance on ‘Kingdom of Desire.’

Jeff Coffey has exited Chicago, citing the group’s relentless touring schedule. Luckily, he seems to have no intention of resting on the beach.

Why did someone, or some group of ones, allow Chicago to release a song with James Pankow on lead vocals?

Bill Frisell is never more Bill than when it’s only Bill, and no one else. ‘Music IS’ features only Frisell’s music, as his deftly looped samples become a second instrument.

A terrific addition to Lance Lopez’s catalog, ‘Tell the Truth’ boasts an assessable combination of excellent guitar playing, strong vocals and deft production.

Producer Trevor Rabin scales back some of the excesses from 1987’s ‘Big Generator,’ creating a Yes song with Chris Squire that boasts a socially relevant theme.

Hopscotching between the psychedelic garage rock of 1967 and the power pop of 1977, the Lemon Clocks remind us why those musical eras were so special.

Zig Zag Power Trio, Aaron Comess and Sofia Trio are part of the latest edition of Five for the Road, an occasional look at music that’s been in my car lately.