Archive for December, 2023

Why Todd Rundgren’s ‘Back to the Bars’ Remains So Powerful

Why Todd Rundgren’s ‘Back to the Bars’ Remains So Powerful

Let’s take one more warped spin through ‘Back to the Bars,’ an album Todd Rundgren released 45 years ago that still feels brand new.

Norman Lear Would Change Modern TV, But First He Came to Iowa

Norman Lear Would Change Modern TV, But First He Came to Iowa

I have been struck by how long the accolades have continued after the passing of Norman Lear. It made me realize that I have a story, too.

James McGowan Ensemble – ‘Reaching In’ (2023)

James McGowan Ensemble – ‘Reaching In’ (2023)

A conceptual album that draws on many influences, ‘Reaching In’ demonstrates James McGowan’s skill at looking beyond genre definitions.

How Emerson Lake and Palmer Found That Amazing ‘Brain Salad Surgery’ Artist

How Emerson Lake and Palmer Found That Amazing ‘Brain Salad Surgery’ Artist

Released 50 years ago this week, Emerson Lake and Palmer’s ‘Brain Salad Surgery’ featured a cover image by the then largely unknown H.R. Giger.

Joseph Branciforte & Theo Bleckmann – ‘LP2’ (2023)

Joseph Branciforte & Theo Bleckmann – ‘LP2’ (2023)

By erasing lines of distinction between immediate and contemplated, natural and processed, Joseph Branciforte and Theo Bleckmann crafted something that’s truly novel, yet truly inviting with ‘LP2.’

How Boston Said Goodbye to Brad Delp on ‘Life Love and Hope’

How Boston Said Goodbye to Brad Delp on ‘Life Love and Hope’

‘Life Love and Hope’ arrived 10 years ago this week with what appears to be Boston’s last studio recordings featuring late frontman Brad Delp.

‘Hot House: The Complete Jazz at Massey Hall Recordings’ (2023)

‘Hot House: The Complete Jazz at Massey Hall Recordings’ (2023)

How a ’50s-era recording of Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie helped pave the way for updated songs like the Beatles’ “Now and Then.”

Kevin Coyne – ‘Live Rough and More’; ‘Shangri-La: Live in Bremen’ (2023)

Kevin Coyne – ‘Live Rough and More’; ‘Shangri-La: Live in Bremen’ (2023)

Two brilliant live LPs from Kevin Coyne, an idiosyncratic artist who defied the ’70s ethos of prog fantasy, hard-rock machoism, and folky sentimentalism.

Ron Blake on ‘Mistaken Identity,’ ‘SNL’ and That Long Recording Gap

Ron Blake on ‘Mistaken Identity,’ ‘SNL’ and That Long Recording Gap

Ron Blake joined Preston Frazier to discuss his new LP ‘Mistaken Identity,’ working on ‘Saturday Night Live,’ and his lengthy period between studio projects.

Jeff Cosgrove, Noah Preminger + Kim Cass – ‘Confusing Motion for Progress’ (2023)

Jeff Cosgrove, Noah Preminger + Kim Cass – ‘Confusing Motion for Progress’ (2023)

Drummer extraordinaire Jeff Cosgrove joins Noah Preminger and Kim Cass for an inspired sax/bass/drums performance, ‘Confusing Motion for Progress.’