Archive for December, 2019

Toto, "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" from 'Through the Looking Glass' (2002): Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” from ‘Through the Looking Glass’ (2002): Toto Tuesdays

“While My Guitar Gently Weeps” stands as the ultimate sign of respect for Toto leader Steve Lukather’s musical heroes in the Beatles.

Toto, ELP, Prince, Yes + Others: Preston Frazier's Best of 2019 Box Sets, Reissues and Live

Toto, ELP, Prince, Yes + Others: Preston Frazier’s Best of 2019 Box Sets, Reissues and Live

This Best of 2019 list includes both Yes and their former drummer Bill Bruford, and Toto and their former drummer Simon Phillips, among others.

Vinyl

Gorilla Mask – ‘Brain Drain’ (2019)

With their fourth album ‘Brain Drain’, Gorilla Mask is often in your face. That said, their tactics with rhythm and harmony remain an integral part of their attack, too.

Vinyl

Bill Bruford’s Earthworks – ‘Heavenly Bodies: Expanded Collection’ (2019)

If this Bill Bruford compilation took an Ancestry DNA test, the results would point to an old Soft Machine song: It feels, it reels and it squeals.

Vinyl

Paul Bley, Gary Peacock + Paul Motian – ‘When Will The Blues Leave’ (1999, rel. 2019)

There’s no better way to remember the brilliance of the late Paul Bley and Paul Motian – as well as that of the still-thriving Gary Peacock.

Vinyl

Tol-Puddle Martyrs – ‘Brainfade’ (2019)

Tol-Puddle Martyrs’ fine and interesting ‘Brainfade’ is commercial enough for the masses, but cool enough to march to its own cadence.

You Probably Never Heard Adam's Farm's 'Rock Music Machine,' and That's a Shame

You Probably Never Heard Adam’s Farm’s ‘Rock Music Machine,’ and That’s a Shame

Issued 25 years ago, ‘Rock Music Machine’ was the first of just three mid ’90s-era releases from Adam’s Farm.

Alice Cooper, John Coltrane, Dream Syndicate + Others: J.C. Mosquito's Best of 2019

Alice Cooper, John Coltrane, Dream Syndicate + Others: J.C. Mosquito’s Best of 2019

Here’s a Best of 2019 list featuring favorites from this year’s new releases – along with some albums that were just new to me.

Yes, "Nine Voices (Longwalker)" from 'The Ladder' (1999): YESterdays

Yes, “Nine Voices (Longwalker)” from ‘The Ladder’ (1999): YESterdays

“Nine Voices (Longwalker)” is a loving tribute to the man who helped Yes to produce their best work for many years.

Vinyl

Reut Regev’s R*Time – ‘Keep Winning’ (2019)

Avant garde jazz could use more joy and wit, which is Reut Regev R*Time’s secret weapon for making you want to listen.