How ‘Islands’ Signaled the Sad End of the Band’s Five-Man Edition
The Band’s original incarnation exited 45 years ago today with a pieced-together, yet still occasionally resonant final studio project.
On Second Thought
How Jethro Tull’s Prog Parody ‘Thick As a Brick’ Instead Became a Prog Classic
Jethro Tull was trying to create a pomposity-popping prog-rock caricature. What they ended up with 50 years ago today was a triumph of the form.
Junior Kimbrough Set a New Blues Standard on ‘All Night Long,’ Then Vanished
Released 30 years ago this week, ‘All Night Long’ unfortunately arrived too close to the end for Junior Kimbrough.
How Journey Ended Its Underrated First Era With ‘Next’
Released 45 years ago this month, the powerful and pleasantly pompous ‘Next’ is Journey’s best pre-Steve Perry album.
Why Paul McCartney’s ‘Kisses on the Bottom’ Was the Perfect LP at the Perfect Time
Paul McCartney finally returned to the traditional pop and jazz of his youth 10 years ago this week. In more ways than one, I’m glad that he waited.
Why Complaints About Van Halen’s ‘A Different Kind of Truth’ Were Overblown
Van Halen released a reunion LP with David Lee Roth 10 years ago today that was dotted with song scraps from their glory days. So what?
How ‘Paul Simon’ Set the Template for a Career of Dizzying Musical Exploration
‘Paul Simon’ arrived 50 years ago today with his first – but most certainly not his last – extended travels into world music.
The Best Prog Album of 2021 You’re Not Hearing?
Mike Tiano’s recently released progressive-rock LP ‘Creetisvan’ features contributions from David Sancious, Randy George and Billy Sherwood.
John Mellencamp’s ‘Freedom’s Road’ Heralded an On-Going Artistic Rejuvenation
Released 15 years ago this week, John Mellencamp’s ‘Freedom’s Road’ explored the uncertainties that exist inside middle America’s most reliable traditions.
How Muddy Waters Came Roaring Back With ‘Hard Again’
Released 45 years ago today, Muddy Waters’ ‘Hard Again’ marked the kind of comeback you expect from the great ones.
