Archive for December, 2021

When Guided By Voices Came Storming Back With 'Doughnut for a Snowman'

When Guided By Voices Came Storming Back With ‘Doughnut for a Snowman’

Ten years ago, a five-song, seven-minute (yes seven-minute) EP heralded a period of astonishing productivity for the newly reformed Guided by Voices.

Lisa Mychols & Super 8, "A Very Merry Christmas" (2021): One Track Mind

Lisa Mychols & Super 8, “A Very Merry Christmas” (2021): One Track Mind

Lisa Mychols & Super 8’s “A Very Merry Christmas” unites glittery Phil Spector/Brian Wilson-informed production values with a power-popping presence.

Pink Floyd - 'A Momentary Lapse of Reason: Remixed & Updated' (2021)

Pink Floyd – ‘A Momentary Lapse of Reason: Remixed & Updated’ (2021)

As good as previous Pink Floyd vinyl reissues are, ‘A Momentary Lapse of Reason: Remixed & Updated’ is quite unique.

Jimmy Ryan - 'Astral Cafe' (2021)

Jimmy Ryan – ‘Astral Cafe’ (2021)

A rock-guitar lover’s goldmine, ‘Astral Cafe’ finds Illinois guy Jimmy Ryan grooving on his sonic pursuit of an electric Eden.

Beatles Gift Guide: Kit O'Toole's Top 2021 Albums, Books, Movies, Box Sets + More

Beatles Gift Guide: Kit O’Toole’s Top 2021 Albums, Books, Movies, Box Sets + More

For Beatles fans, 2021 proved to be a bonanza.

Bob James Trio, "Feel Like Making Love / Night Crawler" (2022): One Track Mind

Bob James Trio, “Feel Like Making Love / Night Crawler” (2022): One Track Mind

Take away the fussy orchestral arrangements from these vintage songs and you’re left with what made Bob James a long-time great. He still is.

Steely Dan, "Black Cow" from 'Northeast Corridor' (2021): Steely Dan Sunday

Steely Dan, “Black Cow” from ‘Northeast Corridor’ (2021): Steely Dan Sunday

This lineup has played together longer than any incarnation of Steely Dan, so the results overall are excellent.

Chicago, "More Will Be Revealed" from 'Chicago XXXVI: Now' (2014): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “More Will Be Revealed” from ‘Chicago XXXVI: Now’ (2014): Saturdays in the Park

Robert Lamm shows that he can still write and arrange great Chicago songs, but it’s a shame the production betrays him.

Projekt Gemineye, "The Holy Shield" (2021): One Track Mind

Projekt Gemineye, “The Holy Shield” (2021): One Track Mind

If Projekt Gemineye’s forthcoming ‘In the Year of 3073: Book II’ continues the theme and musical glory of this first single, we are in for a treat.

'Wings Over America' Remains a Pinnacle for Paul McCartney, Warts and All

‘Wings Over America’ Remains a Pinnacle for Paul McCartney, Warts and All

Released 45 years ago today, ‘Wings Over America’ stands as some of the most vital work that Paul McCartney has ever done.