Articles by: Mark Saleski

Vinyl

Greg Brown – The Evening Call (2006)

This album is a musical security blanket of sorts. Actually, that’s how I feel about Greg Brown’s music in general, even the really ugly stuff. Oh yes, there is ugly stuff. You May Also Like: Greg Brown’s ‘In the Hills of California’ Finally Reproduced His Nervy Live Sound Greg ‘Stackhouse’Read More

Vinyl

Southside Johnny with LaBamba’s Big Band – Grapefruit Moon: Songs of Tom Waits (2008)

There are times when a person experiences moments of such extreme happiness that it’s difficult to contain the emotion. I suspect that even the most curmudgeonly people have them. I should know, because I have my moments of curmudgeon on a daily basis. Anyway…for me, this “super-happy” can feel likeRead More

Vinyl

The Friday Morning Listen: Pat Metheny Group – Imaginary Day (1997)

I’m one of those people who tend to not remember their dreams. Most mornings, I have a feeling that some dreams have come to pass, but couldn’t tell you about any of them in much detail. You May Also Like: Pat Metheny, May 16, 2019: Shows I’ll Never Forget WhyRead More

Vinyl

Half Notes: David Byrne – Big Love: Hymnal (2008)

The music that David Byrne has created, especially outside of the realm of the Talking Heads, has always resonated with me. Be it The Catherine Wheel, Music for the Knee Plays, or My Life in the Bush of Ghosts, Byrne seems to be able to draw musical influences in fromRead More

Bruce Springsteen, "Badlands" (1978): Sparks Fly On E Street

Bruce Springsteen, “Badlands” (1978): Sparks Fly On E Street

It’s hard to imagine, but there was a time when Bruce Springsteen intended to release “Badlands” with no saxophone solo.

Vinyl

Shows I'll Never Forget: Pat Metheny, March 26, 2005

In Boston After experiencing the first two minutes of this Pat Metheny Group concert, there was no doubt that Boston-area fans just plain love the man. You May Also Like: Pat Metheny, May 16, 2019: Shows I’ll Never Forget Pat Metheny, “You Are” from ‘From This Place’ (2019): One TrackRead More

Vinyl

Half Notes: Lily Allen – It's Not Me, It's You (2009)

I first heard (and heard of) Lily Allen on “Saturday Night Live.” It used to be that I’d watch that show just for the musical guests. In recent years, that part of the show (OK, the whole show) has been way more spotty. So out comes this Lily Allen. FlowerRead More

Vinyl

The Friday Morning Listen: The Vince Guaraldi Trio – A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

I would like to be all quiet and happy and wish everybody a beautiful holiday season but I’m just not feeling it. In fact, I’m pissed off, a little depressed, and ready to punch the next person I see. You May Also Like: The Jerry Granelli Trio – ‘Plays VinceRead More

Vinyl

Ani DiFranco – Red Letter Year (2008): Half Notes

I can’t help it, but I cringe when hearing that a musician has had their first child. We know what’s coming. The new album where the happy new parental unit goes all gooey about this new life and how wonderful it all is. Holy crap, that sounds cynical. Ahem …Read More

Vinyl

The Ventures – The Ventures' Christmas Album (1965)

I am ashamed to admit that I’d never owned a copy of The Ventures’ Christmas Album, until a few years ago when I wandered into Bull Moose Music in Portland, Maine You May Also Like: Metallica’s Remix of “Some Kind of Monster” Finally Fixed What’s Wrong With ‘St. Anger’ TheRead More