On Second Thought

How Rush Finished at the Top of Their Game With ‘Clockwork Angels’

How Rush Finished at the Top of Their Game With ‘Clockwork Angels’

Sadly, ‘Clockwork Angels’ arrived 10 years ago as their final studio effort. But this was no mere shelf-filler: This was pure Rush.

How Beach Boys Found the Sun Again With ‘That’s Why God Made the Radio’

How Beach Boys Found the Sun Again With ‘That’s Why God Made the Radio’

Ten years ago, the Beach Boys returned with the triumphant ‘That’s Why God Made the Radio,’ finally expanding upon their own dashed aspirations.

How Tesla’s ‘Real to Reel’ Set Redefined the Classic Rock Cover Album

How Tesla’s ‘Real to Reel’ Set Redefined the Classic Rock Cover Album

Tesla released ‘Real to Reel’ 15 years ago, in a rare moment where it actually felt like the band was influenced by the music they chose.

The Beatles’ ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’: Greatest of All Time?

The Beatles’ ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’: Greatest of All Time?

The Beatles released what many consider to be the finest rock album ever 55 years ago today, but it’s not like that event rocked my world.

Why ‘Bobby Charles’ Is the Best Band Album Not Released by the Band

Why ‘Bobby Charles’ Is the Best Band Album Not Released by the Band

Bobby Charles’ too-often-overlooked self-titled album arrived 50 years ago with a set of timeless and beautiful songs – and some very famous friends.

Sonny Landreth Boldly Stepped Forward on ‘Outward Bound’

Sonny Landreth Boldly Stepped Forward on ‘Outward Bound’

Sonny Landreth’s terrific solo re-introduction arrived 30 years ago this month, deftly sidestepping several pitfalls associated with guitar-sideman records.

How ‘Revenge’ Became Kiss’ Last Gasp of Greatness

How ‘Revenge’ Became Kiss’ Last Gasp of Greatness

Released 30 years ago today, ‘Revenge’ is the one non-makeup Kiss record that belongs in the conversation with their best work.

Wilco’s ‘Sky Blue Sky’ Was a Rare Instant-Classic Rock Album

Wilco’s ‘Sky Blue Sky’ Was a Rare Instant-Classic Rock Album

Released 15 years ago this week, Wilco’s ‘Sky Blue Sky’ became my road music, an escape from the everyday nothingness that often drives us insane.

How Pee Wee Ellis Finally Stepped Into the Spotlight With ‘Blues Mission’

How Pee Wee Ellis Finally Stepped Into the Spotlight With ‘Blues Mission’

Ex-James Brown saxist Pee Wee Ellis unveiled his debut solo LP 30 years ago this month, proving again that he was one of the funkiest homo sapiens anywhere.

How James Blood Ulmer Comforted New Orleans on ‘Bad Blood in the City’

How James Blood Ulmer Comforted New Orleans on ‘Bad Blood in the City’

He may not be from NOLA, but James Blood Ulmer proved 15 years ago this week that he was a true New Orleanian at heart.