Archive for November, 2021

Donald Fagen, "New Frontier" from 'The Nightfly Live' (2021): Steely Dan Sunday

Donald Fagen, “New Frontier” from ‘The Nightfly Live’ (2021): Steely Dan Sunday

A fellow Something Else! Dan-ophile once argued that “New Frontier” was one of Donald Fagen’s best songs. I didn’t agree then, but my mind’s been changed.

Chicago, "Already Gone" from 'Chicago XXX' (2006): Saturdays in the Park

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

“Already Gone” shows once again that ‘Chicago XXX’ isn’t a bad album. It’s a good album that was just ruined by poor production.

Herbie Hancock - 'Maiden Voyage'; Eric Dolphy - 'Out to Lunch' (2021 vinyl reissues)

Herbie Hancock – ‘Maiden Voyage’; Eric Dolphy – ‘Out to Lunch’ (2021 vinyl reissues)

Terrific new vinyl reissues of ’60s-era albums by Herbie Hancock and Eric Dolphy represent two very distinct sides of the classic Blue Note period.

Why R.E.M.'s 'Part Lies, Part Heart, Part Truth, Part Garbage' Remains Definitive

Why R.E.M.’s ‘Part Lies, Part Heart, Part Truth, Part Garbage’ Remains Definitive

R.E.M.’s reflective and unconventional ‘Part Lies, Part Heart, Part Truth, Part Garbage’ arrived 10 years ago today as a sort-of concept greatest-hits set.

Matthew Shipp - 'Codebreaker' (2021)

Matthew Shipp – ‘Codebreaker’ (2021)

Listening to Matthew Shipp create on unaccompanied piano is like peering into the soul of a man. ‘Codebreaker’ exposes the soul of an artist absorbing decades of accomplishment but still capable of decades more.

Gerard - 'Gerard' (1976): Forgotten Series

Gerard – ‘Gerard’ (1976): Forgotten Series

In retrospect, it’s not hard to see why this copycat-sounding self-titled debut is their only LP. ‘Gerard’ is perhaps the best Chicago album of the era.

Yes, "A Living Island" from 'The Quest' (2021): YESterdays

Yes, “A Living Island” from ‘The Quest’ (2021): YESterdays

The Yes lockdown album bides its time, waiting for just the right moment to discuss the COVID-19 shaped elephant in the room.

Ken Sharp, "Hellcat" (2021): One Track Mind

Ken Sharp, “Hellcat” (2021): One Track Mind

Ken Sharp’s last studio album ‘Miniatures’ was cut from an orchestral-pop cloth, but the new single “Hellcat” returns to his power-pop roots.

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Carn Davidson 9 – ‘The History of Us’ (2021): Something Else! video premiere

The video debuting here takes us on a whirlwind tour of Carn Davidson 9’s upcoming new album ‘The History of Us’ and the driving force behind it.

Donald Fagen, "Maxine" from 'The Nightfly Live' (2021): Steely Dan Sunday

Donald Fagen, “Maxine” from ‘The Nightfly Live’ (2021): Steely Dan Sunday

This live version of “Maxine” is a worthy addition to the Steely Dan canon, and the most robust early performance on Donald Fagen’s ‘The Nightfly Live.’