Articles by: Tom Johnson

Vinyl

Genesis – Box Set 3; 1970-1975 (2008)

1970-1975 was one of the most creative, if not weird, periods of musical history, and that goes for Genesis as well. The most artistically exciting material of the band’s career, which is all covered on Box Set 3 (1970-1975), was produced during these years. You May Also Like: No relatedRead More

Vinyl

Half Notes: The Shins – Wincing the Night Away (2007)

Maybe it’s a “sophomore slump” of sorts to some — despite this being their third album — since their big break came with the film “Garden State” just after 2003’s Chutes Too Narrow was all the rage. Will they really change your life? I think a lot of people thoughtRead More

Vinyl

Rodrigo Sanchez and Gabriela Quintero – Rodrigo y Gabriela (2007)

There was a time when I was pretty consumed with, and you could make an argument that it could be considered “obsessed with,” Robert Fripp’s Guitar Craft legion You May Also Like: No related posts.

Vinyl

Shows I'll Never Forget: James, Oct. 2, 2008

At the El Rey Theater, Los Angeles I don’t get to see concerts like I used to. Back in college, it seemed like I saw something every couple of weeks. You May Also Like: Alice Cooper, Oct. 28, 2016: Shows I’ll Never Forget The Everly Brothers, Oct. 30, 1998: ShowsRead More

Vinyl

One Track Mind: Queen + Paul Rodgers, "Say It’s Not True" (2007)

It’s been four years since Queen + Paul Rodgers issued this song in honor of World AIDS Day on Nov. 30, 2007. Time to put aside the problems many have had with Queen carrying on, and focus on the track itself. You May Also Like: Why You Should Give QueenRead More

Vinyl

Forgotten series: El-P – High Water (2004)

High Water begins in a suspicious manner — not for a jazz album, necessarily, but for a jazz album issued via the Blue Series imprint of Thirsty Ear You May Also Like: No related posts.

Vinyl

Craig Taborn – Junk Magic (2004)

With Junk Magic, Craig Taborn issued another slab of envelope-pushing jazz — carrying on with the forward-looking theme of the Blue Series. You May Also Like: Craig Taborn’s Junk Magic – ‘Compass Confusion’ (2020) Tim Berne’s Hardcell [Berne, Craig Taborn + Tom Rainey] – ‘Sensitive’ (2021) Steve Lehman Trio +Read More

Vinyl

Superdrag – Last Call for Vitriol (2002)

Details magazine editor Bart Blasengame once claimed that “if you don’t like Superdrag, you don’t like rock n’ roll.” It said that right on the sticker on the cover this album. You May Also Like: Toto, “Living For the City” from ‘Through the Looking Glass’ (2002): Toto Tuesdays Rita CoolidgeRead More

Vinyl

Schoolyard Heroes – The Funeral Sciences (2004)

When I saw titles like “All-You-Can-Eat Cancer” and “Bury the Tooth of the Hydra and a Skeleton Army Will Arise,” I knew I was in for something at least interesting. You May Also Like: Electric Simcha – ‘Joy’ (2020) How ‘Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols’ Changed EverythingRead More

Vinyl

Half Notes: Gorillaz – Demon Days (2005)

The sophomore release from the best cartoon-band in the world found them skirting that dreaded sophomore-slump, for the most part. Out is Dan the Automator, in is Grey Album conspirator Danger Mouse, and the difference is notable in the tone of the album. Where the self-titled release was a littleRead More