Archive for March, 2019

Diana Krall’s Sweetly Erotic ‘Quiet Nights’ Was Perfectly Named

Diana Krall’s Sweetly Erotic ‘Quiet Nights’ Was Perfectly Named

Released a decade ago today, Diana Krall’s ‘Quiet Nights’ succeeds as easy listening – in the best sense of those words.

Aerosmith Finally Got Down, Dirty and Just Right Again on ‘Honkin’ on Bobo’

Aerosmith Finally Got Down, Dirty and Just Right Again on ‘Honkin’ on Bobo’

It didn’t last very long, but Aerosmith belatedly recaptured their initial spirit and energy 15 years ago today on ‘Honkin’ on Bobo.’

Chicago “Life Is What It Is” from ‘Chicago 13’ (1979): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago “Life Is What It Is” from ‘Chicago 13’ (1979): Saturdays in the Park

“Life Is What It Is” doesn’t sound like it belongs on the stink-fest that is 1979’s ‘Chicago 13.’

Vinyl

Grupo Fantasma – ‘American Music Vol. VII’ (2019)

Most bands that have been around as long as these guys are content to rest on their legacy. Grupo Fantasma is not most bands.

Vinyl

Todd Rundgren’s Utopia – ‘Live at the Chicago Theatre’ (2019)

So maybe no one asked for a reunion of Todd Rundgren’s Utopia? It’s a question that should have been asked. And ‘Live at the Chicago Theatre’ is the answer.

The Beatles, “Child of Nature” (1968): Deep Beatles

The Beatles, “Child of Nature” (1968): Deep Beatles

Songs can change radically from demo to final version. Nothing demonstrates this fact more than the Beatles’ “Child of Nature.”

Vinyl

The Near Jazz Experience with Adrian Sherwood – ‘Afloat in Dub’ (2019)

As Adrian Sherwood helps transform these Near Jazz Experience songs, the listener gains a much wider viewpoint.

Yes, “Universal Garden” from ‘Open Your Eyes’ (1997): YESterdays

Yes, “Universal Garden” from ‘Open Your Eyes’ (1997): YESterdays

The initial three songs on Yes’ ‘Open Your Eyes’ find the world’s greatest progressive rock band at the top of their game.

Vinyl

Ivo Perelman – ‘Strings 3’ (2019)

Ivo Perelman has added Nat Wooley on trumpet. ‘Strings 3’ answers the question of whether that was bonkers or completely wonderful.

Lou Reed Head Faked His Fans Once Again With ‘Animal Serenade’

Lou Reed Head Faked His Fans Once Again With ‘Animal Serenade’

Lou Reed’s live ‘Animal Serenade’ delivered the goods 15 years ago this week, but – gasp! – in an elegant, almost cerebral fashion.