Archive for June, 2019

How Levon Helm's 'Electric Dirt' Confirmed a Stirring Late-Career Resurgence

How Levon Helm’s ‘Electric Dirt’ Confirmed a Stirring Late-Career Resurgence

Released 10 years ago today, Levon Helm’s ‘Electric Dirt’ was the sound of a man, and a singer, reborn.

Vinyl

Wertico Cain and Gray – ‘Without Compromise’ (2019)

Nothing was spared in making Wertico Cain and Gray’s seventh collaboration a rich listening and viewing experience.

Vinyl

With ‘In Between Evolution,’ the Tragically Hip Struck a Hopeful Pose Once More

Released 15 years ago today, the Tragically Hip’s ‘In Between Evolution’ returned to a typical but sadly uncommon search for beauty.

Vinyl

The Police – ‘Everyone Stares: The Police Inside Out’ (2019)

‘Everyone Stares’ lets fans into the Police’s inner sanctum as they experience key early victories – and early frustrations, too.

Vinyl

James Taylor – ‘One Man Band’ (2007; 2019 reissue)

The first-ever vinyl reissue of James Taylor’s ‘One Man Band’ live album prompts a re-evaluation.

Songs About Brain Power From Metallica, Ramones, Elvis Presley + Others: Odd Couples

Songs About Brain Power From Metallica, Ramones, Elvis Presley + Others: Odd Couples

Songs about brain power by Metallica, Ramones, Elvis Presley and others square off in a new edition of JC Mosquito’s Odd Couples.

Toto, "High Price of Hate" from 'Mindfields' (1999): Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “High Price of Hate” from ‘Mindfields’ (1999): Toto Tuesdays

Toto’s “High Price of Hate” is basically over about a third of the way in – or it should be, anyway.

Vinyl

Richard X. Heyman – ‘Pop Circles’ (2019)

A flawless collection of pop rocking shapes and sounds, ‘Pop Circles’ finds Richard X. Heyman in his element once again.

Vinyl

Sarah Gail Brand – ‘All Will Be Said, All to Do Again’ (2019)

Sarah Gail Brand has been described as “the most exciting trombone player for years,” and I agree.

Tortoise's Quietly Effective Eponymous Album Burrowed In at its Own Pace

Tortoise’s Quietly Effective Eponymous Album Burrowed In at its Own Pace

Released 25 years ago this week, Tortoise’s self-titled album still evokes a mood.