Archive for February, 2023

How Van Halen's Jaw-Dropping First Album Ruined My Sex Life (Again)

How Van Halen’s Jaw-Dropping First Album Ruined My Sex Life (Again)

Van Halen’s self-titled debut arrived 45 years ago this week with a cover photo that was kind of primal and unhinged. I just knew I had to have it.

Returning to One of Yes' Most Overlooked Eras: 'The Ladder'

Returning to One of Yes’ Most Overlooked Eras: ‘The Ladder’

John M. Gouldin breaks down five less-heralded albums Yes released between 1996-2001, continuing with 1999’s ‘The Ladder.’

Shinya Tsukamoto's 'Tetsuo: The Iron Man' (1989): Reel to Real

Shinya Tsukamoto’s ‘Tetsuo: The Iron Man’ (1989): Reel to Real

Lovers of the dark, fans of industrial and all cyberpunks take note: Shinya Tsukamoto’s ‘Tetsuo: The Iron Man’ is movie heaven.

Van Der Graaf Generator - 'The Bath Forum Concert' (2022)

Van Der Graaf Generator – ‘The Bath Forum Concert’ (2022)

This well-recorded 2022 concert from the Bath Forum finds Peter Hammill and Van Der Graaf Generator in superb vocal and instrumental form.

Dave Stryker - 'Prime' (2023)

Dave Stryker – ‘Prime’ (2023)

‘Prime’ by the Dave Stryker Trio is what happens when massive musicianship meets well-honed chemistry.

Bob Mintzer, Snarky Puppy, Grace Fox + Others: Big Bands, Big Sounds and Big Results

Bob Mintzer, Snarky Puppy, Grace Fox + Others: Big Bands, Big Sounds and Big Results

Big band music: What does that mean? Apparently a lot of different things to a lot of different musicians.