Articles by: Nick DeRiso

Vinyl

Townes Van Zandt – Sunshine Boy: The Unheard Studio Sessions and Demos (2013)

Never quite at peace, with an uncomfortability in this world likely related to a chemical imbalance, Townes Van Zandt found small solaces in writing You May Also Like: Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes – Hearts of Stone (1978); Men Without Women: Live (2011)

Vinyl

Chris Stamey – Lovesick Blues (2013)

A nocturnal gust of sadness, Chris Stamey’s Lovesick Blues is a soundtrack to an endless, impossibly vivid night of heartbreak — dark, impossibly dark, but at the same time beautiful. You May Also Like: Chris Stamey, “Universe-sized Arms” from Euphoria (2015): One Track Mind Chris Stamey, “Make Up Your Mind”Read More

Vinyl

Professor Porkchop and the Dirty Dishes – U R My Everything (2013)

As Professor Porkchop’s album rocks and sways, there is much to be said about the music. U R My Everything weaves in every thread in the crazy-quilt tapestry of sounds associated with Louisiana You May Also Like: Professor Tip Top – ‘Tomorrow Is Delayed’ (2021) Close as You Get foundRead More

Vinyl

Mike Oldfield – Tubular Beats (2013)

A new remix project focusing on Mike Oldfield’s 1973 genre-defining new-age smash Tubular Bells ends on a stirring note, as the multi-instrumentalist is joined by ex-Nightwish singer Tarja Turunen on the finale “Never Too Far.” You May Also Like: Ashley Davies – ‘Gold’ (2022) Soft Machine – ‘Other Doors’ (2023)

Vinyl

One Track Mind: Depeche Mode, “Heaven” from Delta Machine (2013)

Dimly foreboding, funereal in the most intriguing of ways, Depeche Mode’s new single “Heaven” moves with a delicious deliberateness. It’s all atmosphere, all feel, completely enveloping. You May Also Like: Paul McCartney, “Take It Away” from Tug of War (1982): One Track Mind

Vinyl

A tragic update on ailing ex-Wings guitarist Henry McCullough: ‘He’s suffered some significant brain damage’

Guitarist Henry McCullough is unlikely to make a meaningful recovery after suffering a heart attack last November, says Denny Seiwell, his former bandmate with Paul McCartney and Wings in the early 1970s. You May Also Like: Henry McCullough dies; played guitar with Paul McCartney and Wings, Joe Cocker, Spooky ToothRead More

Vinyl

Richard Thompson – Electric (2013)

Richard Thompson amps up the dying-light rage that has always made for his best albums, while smartly avoiding the studio trickery that sometimes muted his gift during the Mitchell Froom years. You May Also Like: Linda and Richard Thompson, “The Great Valerio” (1974): One Track Mind

Vinyl

Lisa Loeb – No Fairy Tale (2013)

Lisa Loeb returns with her first project aimed at an adult audience since 2004’s The Way It Really Is. But she doesn’t settle back into the absorbing, modestly constructed singer-songwriter craft of that project You May Also Like: Jeff Lorber + Chuck Loeb, with Everette Harp, Rick Braun, et. alRead More

Vinyl

Jawanza Kobie – Feels Better Than It Sounds (2013)

Across 10 original tracks, all but one of which is an instrumental, West Philadelphia keyboardist Jawanza Kobie crafts a layered, deeply enjoyable amalgam on the new release Feels Better Than It Sounds. You May Also Like: Harriet Tubman, with Wadada Leo Smith – Araminta (2017) Richard Thompson, “Broken Doll” fromRead More

Vinyl

Books: Basement Songs, by Scott Malchus (2012)

Scott Malchus’ book talks with passion and care about the way music intertwines into our lives and into our hearts. It’s not a compendium of favorite songs, but of favorite memories. You May Also Like: ‘All Things Must Pass Away: Harrison, Clapton, and Other Assorted Love Songs’ by Kenneth WomackRead More