The Who’s disjointed, disappointing It’s Hard never lived up to its initial promise
Featuring a decidedly un-Who sounding single, ‘It’s Hard’ arrived on Sept. 4, 1982 with a confusing thud. Even its best song was a broken promise.
On Second Thought
Roger Waters Created His Solo Masterwork With Focused, Trenchant ‘Amused to Death’
‘Amused to Death,’ released on September 1, 1992, found Roger Waters returning to a tried-and-true formula. The result was his best solo album.
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?
Jimmie Vaughan reached back for ’50s-style cool on Plays Blues, Ballads & Favorites
Jimmie Vaughan’s ‘Plays Blues, Ballads & Favorites,’ released five years ago this summer, shined a needed spotlight on some largely unheard covers.
Dr. John, Preservation Hall + others: Music framed initial journey past Hurricane Katrina
In the period immediately after New Orleans’ levees failed under Hurricane Katrina’s onslaught beginning on Aug. 29, 2005, musicians began trying to make sense of things.
Journey, “Faith in the Heartland” from Generations (2005): One Track Mind
On this standout cut from ‘Generations,’ released on August 29, 2005, Journey returned to a familiar theme – and, in turn, recalled past glories.
Motley Crue – Theatre of Pain (1985): On Second Thought
Motley Crue’s ‘Theatre of Pain’ doesn’t equal the power of ‘Shout at the Devil’ or the sleazy fun of ‘Dr. Feelgood,’ but it’s worth another listen.
Paul Simon’s Graceland stirred outsized praise, and some criticisms too
To paraphrase Paul Simon, these are songs of miracle and wonder. Decades after its August 25, 1986 release, however, ‘Graceland’ still sparks controversy.
Paul McCartney’s overly mechanized Press to Play had one saving grace
Paul McCartney has been on a creative tear of late. But first he had to dispense with the overproduced dud ‘Press to Play,’ released on Aug. 25, 1986.
Everything came together for JJ Grey and Mofro on the swampy, soulful Georgia Warhorse
JJ Grey and Mofro started out as a very good band. ‘Georgia Warhorse,’ released on August 24, 2010, catapulted them to greatness.
