Why J.J. Cale and Eric Clapton’s ‘The Road to Escondido’ Still Resonates
Released 15 years ago this week, J.J. Cale and Eric Clapton’s ‘The Road to Escondido’ was the kind of record I would not have “gotten” in my teens.
On Second Thought
How the Overlooked ‘Menlove Ave’ Put John Lennon In His Best Light
Released 35 years ago today, ‘Menlove Ave’ contains unvarnished demos and other miscellaneous musings cut by John Lennon during mid-’70s sessions.
How Aimee Mann’s ‘One More Drifter in the Snow’ Brought Unexpected Holiday Cheer
Before ‘One More Drifter’ arrived 15 years ago today, I couldn’t have imagined that Aimee Mann would do a Christmas album – or that I would love it so much.
Why ‘Endless Wire’ Should Have Been the Who’s Final Farewell
Released 15 years ago this week, the Who’s ‘Endless Wire’ spent some well-deserved time as a more fitting finish than the somewhat-sour ‘It’s Hard.’
How Frank Zappa’s ‘Trance-Fusion’ Became Yet Another Unpredictable Gift
‘Trance-Fusion’ arrived 15 years ago today, offering no traditional structures, no choruses, and few repeated elements. It was classic Frank Zappa.
How Tom Waits Got Focused But Stayed Blessedly Weird on ‘Bad As Me’
Released 10 years ago today, ‘Bad As Me’ delivered a set of short but focused songs that spanned a wide range of Tom Waits-isms, both old and new.
How ‘The Chosen Few’ Put Judas Priest’s Huge Impact in Perspective
This compilation arrived 10 years ago today with few surprises for diehard Judas Priest fans. The intriguing part was who chose which song – and why.
How Savatage’s ‘Streets: A Rock Opera’ Provided a Life-Changing Moment
A key track from Savatage’s ‘Streets: A Rock Opera,’ released 30 years ago this week, made all the difference in the world for one troubled fan.
How Julian Lennon Faced It All on ‘Everything Changes’
Released 10 years ago this week, Julian Lennon’s ‘Everything Changes’ emerged as the most assured release yet from an underrated pop melodist.
How Talk Talk’s Brilliant ‘Laughing Stock’ Set the Stage for Radiohead
For those who bought a copy 30 years ago this month, and there weren’t many, Talk Talk’s ‘Laughing Stock’ led the way into an as-yet-unformed genre. You’re welcome, Radiohead.
