Andrew Bird’s ‘Noble Beast / Useless Creatures’ Was as Challenging as It Was Gorgeous
Issued 10 years ago this week, Andrew Bird’s ‘Noble Beast / Useless Creatures’ seemed like odd, demanding music when described. Only, it really wasn’t.
Articles by: Tom Johnson
Why I’m Still Confused by Pink Floyd’s ‘On the Turning Away’
For 30 years now, I’ve been asking myself: “How would the ‘speechless’ know to ‘unite in a silent accord'”?
The Only Thing That Disappointed Me About Aimee Mann’s @#%&*! Smilers Was the Packaging
Aimee Mann angered some fans 10 years go by focusing on keyboard-equipped instruments for the electric guitar-free ‘@#%&*! Smilers.’ Not me.
Iron Maiden’s masterpiece Seventh Son of a Seventh Son changed everything
‘Seventh Son of a Seventh Son,’ released 30 years ago this week, started a journey. Iron Maiden is now a part of me, and I am a part of what’s kept them around.
Mr. Mister’s brilliant Pull simply arrived at the wrong time
Largely uncategorizable, Mr. Mister’s ‘Pull’ would finally be released five years ago after decades of neglect. It was worth the wait.
One fiery moment saved ZZ Top’s Afterburner from ’80s caricature
Released on Oct. 28, 1985, ‘Afterburner’ risked becoming just another faceless piece of glossy MTV-era production – until Billy Gibbons stepped in.
It’s time to give Genesis’ Calling All Stations, ex-frontman Ray Wilson a fair hearing
If ‘Calling All Stations,’ released on September 1, 1997, didn’t have the “Genesis” legacy to live up to, would you have enjoyed it anyway?
A tribute to the transformative powers of my Who’s Next remaster
Originally released on August 14, 1971, the Who’s ‘Who’s Next’ came to life again for me inside the confines of my Unproductivity Mobile Sound Lab.
Dire Straits’ typically overlooked Communique is an understated gem
Dire Straits’ ‘Communique,’ released on June 15, 1979, caught my ear much later – but it only confirmed Mark Knopfler’s genius.
In a surprise, Def Leppard rekindled their classic-era sound with covers-focused Yeah!
When Def Leppard released a covers album on May 23, 2006, I didn’t expect to like it. This must clearly be a band on the verge of calling it quits, right?
