Archive for September, 2021

Jukka Iisakkila – ‘Clocks and Clouds’ (2021)

Jukka Iisakkila – ‘Clocks and Clouds’ (2021)

Jukka Iisakkila’s ‘Clocks and Clouds’ is a jazz-fusion / progressive rock album that revels in the consequences of head bending.

How Talk Talk’s Brilliant ‘Laughing Stock’ Set the Stage for Radiohead

How Talk Talk’s Brilliant ‘Laughing Stock’ Set the Stage for Radiohead

For those who bought a copy 30 years ago this month, and there weren’t many, Talk Talk’s ‘Laughing Stock’ led the way into an as-yet-unformed genre. You’re welcome, Radiohead.

Nektar – ‘… Sounds Like Swiss’ (2021)

Nektar – ‘… Sounds Like Swiss’ (2021)

This recently found live recording of Nektar is a wonderful time capsule from before their “future” ever needed to be “remembered.”

How Daryl Hall Reclaimed His Legacy With ‘Laughing Down Crying’

How Daryl Hall Reclaimed His Legacy With ‘Laughing Down Crying’

Released 10 years ago today, ‘Laughing Down Crying’ found Daryl Hall rediscovering his pop muse, all on his own.

Allison Miller and Jane Ira Bloom – ‘Tues Days’ (2021)

Allison Miller and Jane Ira Bloom – ‘Tues Days’ (2021)

There was no pressure to formulate a plan, as an album wasn’t on their minds. So, Allison Miller and Jane Ira Bloom played with total abandon.

Chicago, “Caroline” from ‘Chicago XXX’ (2006): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Caroline” from ‘Chicago XXX’ (2006): Saturdays in the Park

The Jason Scheff co-written “Caroline” seems to be making the same old mistakes, until a key figure from Chicago’s modern era arrives to save the day.

Ethan Chilton, “Caldera” from ‘The Planets’ (2021): One Track Mind

Ethan Chilton, “Caldera” from ‘The Planets’ (2021): One Track Mind

Ethan Chilton’s “Caldera” a funky little fusion number that’s an alluring outlier track from ‘The Planets,’ an album full of alluring outlier tracks.

Henry Threadgill Zooid – ‘Poof’ (2021)

Henry Threadgill Zooid – ‘Poof’ (2021)

Henry Threadgill’s creative light burns as bright as it ever did, and ‘Poof’ from his long-running Zooid ensemble is proof of why he is still earning accolades.

Arthur Alexander – ‘One Bar Left’ (2018): On Second Thought

Arthur Alexander – ‘One Bar Left’ (2018): On Second Thought

A fantastic album from top to bottom, ‘One Bar Left’ continually spotlights Arthur Alexander’s allegiance to authentic rock ‘n’ roll.

Will Ackerman, Jeff Oster + Tom Eaton – ‘Brothers’ (2021)

Will Ackerman, Jeff Oster + Tom Eaton – ‘Brothers’ (2021)

It’s easy to use electronic wizardry these days but that’s not the same as handmade music. Will Ackerman, Jeff Oster and Tom Eaton drive the point home on ‘Brothers.’