Articles by: Preston Frazier

Vinyl

Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band, “Boomtown Blues” from The Distance (1982): One Track Mind

Bob Seger’s ‘The Distance’ has a musical power which exceeds the lyrical heft of the far-more-popular ‘Night Moves,’ as heard on stand-out cuts like “Boomtown Blues.”

Yes, "Turn of the Century" from Going For the One (1977): YESterdays

Yes, “Turn of the Century” from Going For the One (1977): YESterdays

Despite some pre-session turmoil, “Turn of the Century” finds Yes focused, inspired and acting as one cohesive unit.

Living Colour - Mixtape (2016)

Living Colour – Mixtape (2016)

The biggest letdown with ‘Mixtape’ is that it’s an EP, rather than a long-anticipated album. Still, any new music by Living Colour is cause for celebration.

Yes, "Going For the One" from Going For the One (1977): YESterdays

Yes, “Going For the One” from Going For the One (1977): YESterdays

The meaning of “Going For the One” doesn’t matter, as Yes does more with this abstract gem than their contemporaries were striving for at the time.

Vinyl

Armando Perez, of Esso Afrojam Funkbeat: Something Else! Interview

Armando Perez discusses the new project by the Chicago-based funk band Esso Afrojam Funkbeat, and how the issues facing immigrants shape their work.

Toto, "Angel Don't Cry" from Isolation (1984): Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “Angel Don’t Cry” from Isolation (1984): Toto Tuesdays

“Angel Don’t Cry” should have been the leadoff single from 1984’s ‘Isolation,’ showcasing Toto’s new lead singer.

Chicago, "Sing a Mean Tune Kid" from Chicago III (1971): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Sing a Mean Tune Kid” from Chicago III (1971): Saturdays in the Park

The only downside on Chicago’s “Sing a Mean Tune Kid” is its abrupt ending. But I guess I shouldn’t be too greedy.

Yes, "To Be Over" from 'Relayer' (1974): YESterdays

Yes, “To Be Over” from ‘Relayer’ (1974): YESterdays

“To Be Over,” the closing track on ‘Relayer,’ demonstrates the creative high that Yes was on in 1974.

Vinyl

Kansas, “With This Heart” from The Prelude Implicit (2016): One Track Mind

A rebuilt lineup of Kansas recalls their past, even as they show tremendous growth, on an advance track from the band’s first new album in 16 years.

Toto, "Stranger in Town" from Isolation (1984): Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “Stranger in Town” from Isolation (1984): Toto Tuesdays

“Stranger in Town” was written by Toto’s David Paich and Jeff Porcaro, who also composed the smash hit “Africa.” But it couldn’t be more different.