How Mitch Easter Helped Take Velvet Crush to a New Level
Velvet Crush had already made a critical splash before ‘Teenage Symphonies to God’ arrived 30 years ago today. Then something amazing happened.
On Second Thought
Discover (or Rediscover) Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham on ‘Moments From This Theatre’
Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham are hardly household names, even though they’ve been a consequential part of the American popular music scene since the 1960s.
How ‘Crosby Stills and Nash’ Captured This Supergroup at Their Peak
Released on 55 years ago this week, ‘Crosby Stills and Nash’ brought together guys whose average work shames most rock composers. Then they upped the ante.
Dragon – ‘O Zambezi’ (1978): Antipodean April
If record execs and promoters had any idea what to do with Dragon, this fun, accessible New Zealand power pop band could have been big in America.
Cold Chisel – ‘Cold Chisel’ (1978): Antipodean April
You simply can’t discuss Aussie pub rock without mentioning Cold Chisel.
Hello Sailor – ‘Hello Sailor’ (1977): Antipodean April
‘Hello Sailor’ is pure fun ’70s rock through a Kiwi lens, with songs boasting elements of funk, R&B, psychedelic, and even a bit of a Polynesian influence.
How the Bee Gees Overcame It All to Produce the Magical ‘Odessa’
The Bee Gees were in a precarious position 55 years ago when their only original double album was first released in the UK. They turned in a masterpiece.
How Eric Clapton’s ‘Me and Mr. Johnson’ Made the Case for British Blues
I thought I didn’t need another take on “Come On In My Kitchen.” Twenty years ago, Eric Clapton proved me wrong with ‘Me and Mr. Johnson.’
Why That Self-Titled 1994 Album Is the Best Motley Crue You Never Heard
Released 30 years ago, ‘Motley Crue’ is actually their heaviest and most mature record – mature, of course, being a relative term.
Why Joe Jackson’s Retro ‘Body and Soul’ Said So Much About His Future
Released 40 years ago today, the daring ‘Body and Soul’ put to bed forever the idea that Joe Jackson was just another punk.
