Articles by: Mark Saleski

Vinyl

Xiu Xiu – NINA (2013)

Xiu Xiu vocalist Jamie Stewart enlists Ches Smith and These Arches to record a Nina Simone tribute record. The resulting NINA is one of the weirdest records of 2013. You May Also Like: The Sunny Four [David Torn, Aurora Nealand, Ches Smith + Tim Berne] – ‘MYSTIC’ (2023) Tim Berne,Read More

On Second Thought: Boston - Life, Love and Hope (2013)

On Second Thought: Boston – Life, Love and Hope (2013)

There was a time when Boston could do no wrong. Their 1976 debut album dominated the rock scene with that signature combination of Tom Scholz’ guitar cathedrals and Brad Delp’s soaring vocals. You May Also Like: How Boston Said Goodbye to Brad Delp on ‘Life Love and Hope’

Sparks Fly On E Street: Bruce Springsteen, "My Best Was Never Good Enough" (1995)

Sparks Fly On E Street: Bruce Springsteen, “My Best Was Never Good Enough” (1995)

Why would Bruce close out a poignant album of dark and troubled times with a short, sweet, and cliché-ridden song? You May Also Like: Reevaluating Bruce Springsteen’s ‘The Wild, the Innocent and the E Street Shuffle’

(Cross the) Heartland: Pat Metheny Group, "Airstream" (1979)

(Cross the) Heartland: Pat Metheny Group, “Airstream” (1979)

Danny Gottlieb tosses in a quick drum lick before the introductory chord sequence takes off. For just a few bars, there’s a chance that the non-stop energy of (Cross the) Heartland will be maintained. You May Also Like: Lyle Mays (1953-2020): An Appreciation Pat Metheny, “You Are” from ‘From ThisRead More

Vinyl

The Friday Morning Listen: Arlo Guthrie – Alice’s Restaurant (1967)

Me and TheWife™ left the house late morning yesterday to have Thanksgiving dinner at the house of some old friends. After a dinner that couldn’t be beat, we packed ourselves back in the Subaru for the ride home. Wow. You May Also Like: No related posts.

WTF?! Wednesdays: Frank Zappa, "Improvised Concerto for Two Bicycles, Prerecorded Tape, and Instrumental Ensemble" (1963)

WTF?! Wednesdays: Frank Zappa, “Improvised Concerto for Two Bicycles, Prerecorded Tape, and Instrumental Ensemble” (1963)

You May Also Like: Frank Zappa’s Universe via ‘Joe’s Garage’: Act II How Frank Zappa’s ‘Trance-Fusion’ Became Yet Another Unpredictable Gift

Vinyl

Leni Stern – Jelell (2013)

Perhaps like a lot of jazz guitar fans, I came to Leni Stern by way of her husband Mike, the owner of the so-called “Chops of Doom.” You May Also Like: Mike Stern – Trip (2017)

Vinyl

Billie Joe Armstrong + Norah Jones – ‘Foreverly’ (2013)

Billy Joe Armstrong, lead instigator of Green Day, teams up with Norah Jones to revisit the Everly Brothers? C’mon, you’re kidding me, right?

Sparks Fly On E Street: Bruce Springsteen, "Galveston Bay" (1995)

Sparks Fly On E Street: Bruce Springsteen, “Galveston Bay” (1995)

Here’s a powerful bit of storytelling, about the intersection of lives that have seen tragedy and, depending on the decisions they make, might see more. You May Also Like: Reevaluating Bruce Springsteen’s ‘The Wild, the Innocent and the E Street Shuffle’

(Cross the) Heartland: Pat Metheny Group, "(Cross the) Heartland" (1979)

(Cross the) Heartland: Pat Metheny Group, “(Cross the) Heartland” (1979)

For me, it all started here, so this short story bears repeating. I was hanging out with a cousin, doing the usual late 70s thing. That is, listening to music, playing backgammon, and wondering if we’d ever get laid. You May Also Like: Pat Metheny, May 16, 2019: Shows I’llRead More