‘Bright Size Life’ Gave Early Definition to Pat Metheny’s Incredible Career
In the 45 years since Pat Metheny’s debut album arrived, I haven’t gone many weeks (if even days) without listening. Yet there are still new revelations.
On Second Thought
When Guided By Voices Came Storming Back With ‘Doughnut for a Snowman’
Ten years ago, a five-song, seven-minute (yes seven-minute) EP heralded a period of astonishing productivity for the newly reformed Guided by Voices.
‘Wings Over America’ Remains a Pinnacle for Paul McCartney, Warts and All
Released 45 years ago today, ‘Wings Over America’ stands as some of the most vital work that Paul McCartney has ever done.
Thrift Store Halo – ‘Pop-Rocket’ (2017): On Second Thought
Thrift Store Halo’s long-awaited ‘Pop-Rocket’ EP pinned the passionate angst of vintage Graham Parker to a wall of hard-fisted power-pop arrangements.
Why the Black Keys’ ‘El Camino’ Was More Continuation Than Breakthrough
‘El Camino’ arrived 10 years ago today as an extension of everything the Black Keys accomplished with ‘Brothers’ – just turned up to 11.
How Johnny Cash’s ‘Hundred Highways’ Kept Adding to His Remarkable Legacy
The first posthumous Johnny Cash LP arrived 15 years ago with plenty of harsh truths, but ‘A Hundred Highways’ never forgot the simple pleasures either.
Richard and Linda Thompson – ‘Shoot Out the Lights’ (1982): On Second Thought
Infidelity, bottle-throwing, love and loss swirl around ‘Shoot Out the Lights,’ recorded 40 years ago this month by Richard and Linda Thompson.
How the Beatles’ ‘Love’ Brilliantly Defied Stubborn Fan Expectations
Released 15 years ago this week, ‘Love’ remains a treasure trove for open-minded listeners in search of new details in the Beatles’ well-worn catalog.
Why R.E.M.’s ‘Part Lies, Part Heart, Part Truth, Part Garbage’ Remains Definitive
R.E.M.’s reflective and unconventional ‘Part Lies, Part Heart, Part Truth, Part Garbage’ arrived 10 years ago today as a sort-of concept greatest-hits set.
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.
