Archive for October, 2021

How Aimee Mann's 'One More Drifter in the Snow' Brought Unexpected Holiday Cheer

How Aimee Mann’s ‘One More Drifter in the Snow’ Brought Unexpected Holiday Cheer

Before ‘One More Drifter’ arrived 15 years ago today, I couldn’t have imagined that Aimee Mann would do a Christmas album – or that I would love it so much.

Chicago, "Where Were You" from 'Chicago XXX' (2006): Saturdays in the Park

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

“Where Were You” stands out for what’s not there: A gaggle of hired-hand sessions guys meant to bolster Chicago musically.

Why 'Endless Wire' Should Have Been the Who's Final Farewell

Why ‘Endless Wire’ Should Have Been the Who’s Final Farewell

Released 15 years ago this week, the Who’s ‘Endless Wire’ spent some well-deserved time as a more fitting finish than the somewhat-sour ‘It’s Hard.’

Chris Church - 'Backwards Compatible' (2020; 2021 reissue)

Chris Church – ‘Backwards Compatible’ (2020; 2021 reissue)

Chris Church’s third solo album ‘Backwards Compatible’ disappeared in the spring of 2020 as the pandemic panic took hold. Now, it’s getting a second chance.

Satoko Fujii + Alister Spence - 'Any News' (2021)

Satoko Fujii + Alister Spence – ‘Any News’ (2021)

From two very fertile musical minds come endless ways to approach a duet. with ‘Any News,’ Satoko Fujii and Alister Spence don’t even need to plug in and be in the same room to make theirs compelling.

Australian Crawl - 'Sirocco' (1981): Forgotten Series

Australian Crawl – ‘Sirocco’ (1981): Forgotten Series

‘Sirocco’ became Australian Crawl’s first No. 1 LP in their home country, but didn’t manage anywhere near that level of success on the ‘Billboard’ charts.

James Brandon Lewis Quartet  - 'Code of Being' (2021)

James Brandon Lewis Quartet – ‘Code of Being’ (2021)

James Brandon Lewis typically alters his approach from album to album but with his forceful new quartet, the second go-around ‘Code of Being’ is not a bad idea at all.

Yes, "Future Memories" from 'The Quest' (2021): YESterdays

Yes, “Future Memories” from ‘The Quest’ (2021): YESterdays

Ever-more-confident Yes frontman Jon Davison seems to be growing into his role with each passing verse on the solo-written “Future Memories.”

Playin' the Changes With Tom Petty, Aerosmith + Cheap Trick: Shadows in Stereo

Playin’ the Changes With Tom Petty, Aerosmith + Cheap Trick: Shadows in Stereo

Often over-looked albums by Tom Petty, Aerosmith and Cheap Trick are turning 40 next year. But why wait for a rock ‘n’ roll re-evaluation?

How Frank Zappa's 'Trance-Fusion' Became Yet Another Unpredictable Gift

How Frank Zappa’s ‘Trance-Fusion’ Became Yet Another Unpredictable Gift

‘Trance-Fusion’ arrived 15 years ago today, offering no traditional structures, no choruses, and few repeated elements. It was classic Frank Zappa.