On Second Thought

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On Second Thought: Liam Finn – Fomo (2011)

With Fomo, Liam Finn found his own voice while carrying on the family tradition of sunny pop song craft leavened with trippy experimentalism. The Finn family firm, of course, includes father Neil and uncle Tim You May Also Like: Liam Gallagher – As You Were vs. Noel Gallagher – WhoRead More

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On Second Thought: Paul McCartney and Wings – Wings Over America (1976; 2013 reissue)

Members of certain generations instantly sense excitement when hearing the opening lyrics to “Venus and Mars”: “Sitting in the stand of the sports arena, waiting for the show to begin.” You May Also Like: ‘Wings Over America’ Remains a Pinnacle for Paul McCartney, Warts and All

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On Second Thought: The High Llamas – Talahomi Way (2011)

Full Disclosure: At a secret council convened by the Bilderbergers, the Trilateral Commission and the Order of the Golden Dawn, it was decreed that all critics writing about the High Llamas must reference Brian Wilson at least twice. You May Also Like: No related posts.

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In Defense of 1982’s ‘A Flock of Seagulls’: Time to Get Over the Singer’s Haircut

Let’s return to ‘A Flock of Seagulls,’ the self-titled debut album by Liverpool’s other Fab Four.

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On Second Thought: Alanis Morissette – Live at Montreux (2013)

In 1995, she was trudging herself across a desert and screaming out an angst-ridden tune that was possibly about the dude from “Full House.” My teenaged-self went into overdrive at this Alanis Morissette You May Also Like: Forget What You Heard About Alanis Morissette’s Flavors of Entanglement, And Just ListenRead More

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Crosby, Stills and Nash – CSN (1977): On Second Thought

Jaws dropped, knees quaked and eyes twinkled. That was the reaction, when it was announced David Crosby from the Byrds, Stephen Stills from Buffalo Springfield and Graham Nash from the Hollies had formed a band together. You May Also Like: No related posts.

Buffalo Springfield - 'Buffalo Springfield' (1966): On Second Thought

Buffalo Springfield – ‘Buffalo Springfield’ (1966): On Second Thought

Slotted high on lists as one of the greatest debut albums of all time, ‘Buffalo Springfield’ introduced the public to a revolutionary new sound.

Bryan Adams, Cat Stevens, Dire Straits, ELP, Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney + Others: On Second Thought

Bryan Adams, Cat Stevens, Dire Straits, ELP, Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney + Others: On Second Thought

A look back at some garage-sale finds from Bryan Adams, Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney and others that I wouldn’t have paid full price for when they were new.

Cinderella – 'Long Cold Winter' (1988): On Second Thought

Cinderella – ‘Long Cold Winter’ (1988): On Second Thought

‘Long Cold Winter’ has emerged as Cinderella’s finest moment – and one of the must-have records of 1980s hard rock.

Vinyl

On Second Thought: Richard Thompson – Electric (2013)

Back when I compiled my “Best” Guitarists list, my hope was to reframe the discussion, making people see that there are different ways of evaluating talent. The good news is that most folks seemed to get the idea. You May Also Like: Linda and Richard Thompson, “The Great Valerio” (1974):Read More