On Second Thought

Why ‘Big Generator’ Failed to Build on Yes’ Amazing ‘90125’ Breakthrough

Why ‘Big Generator’ Failed to Build on Yes’ Amazing ‘90125’ Breakthrough

Released 35 years ago today, ‘Big Generator’ took a step back after Yes’ complete reinvention with ‘90125.’ What went wrong?

Why I Avoided Herbie Hancock’s Triumphant ‘River: The Joni Letters’ For So Long

Why I Avoided Herbie Hancock’s Triumphant ‘River: The Joni Letters’ For So Long

Issued 15 years ago this week, ‘River: The Joni Letters’ took flight by celebrating Joni Mitchell without making Herbie Hancock a sideman on his own LP.

How Yes Pushed Themselves to the Limit on ‘Close to the Edge’

How Yes Pushed Themselves to the Limit on ‘Close to the Edge’

Released 50 years ago today, ‘Close to the Edge’ represented a dramatic furthering of Yes’ creative process. They’d lose one member along the way.

How Brian Eno Made a Triumphant Return to Rock With ‘Nerve Net’

How Brian Eno Made a Triumphant Return to Rock With ‘Nerve Net’

All of Brian Eno’s strikingly varied experience was brought to bear 30 years ago this week with an LP that was both booty wagging and intelligent.

On the Trail of Everything Bob Mould Ever Released With Sugar

On the Trail of Everything Bob Mould Ever Released With Sugar

Bob Mould’s post-Husker Du band Sugar debuted 30 years ago today with ‘Copper Blue,’ then soon vanished. Here’s where to find everything they recorded.

Frank Zappa’s Universe via ‘Joe’s Garage’: Act III

Frank Zappa’s Universe via ‘Joe’s Garage’: Act III

This concludes Mick Raubenheimer’s series examining ‘Joe Garage,’ the three-part rock opera released by Frank Zappa in September and November 1979.

How ‘Sentimental Hygiene’ Bolstered Warren Zevon’s Considerable Legend

How ‘Sentimental Hygiene’ Bolstered Warren Zevon’s Considerable Legend

Warren Zevon didn’t just release his best album since ‘Excitable Boy’ 35 years ago today. He released his best album, period.

Why Dennis Wilson’s Rough-Hewn Debut ‘Pacific Ocean Blue’ Was So Surprising

Why Dennis Wilson’s Rough-Hewn Debut ‘Pacific Ocean Blue’ Was So Surprising

‘Pacific Ocean Blue’ arrived 45 years ago today as a rare spotlight for the Beach Boys’ craggy-voiced bad boy Dennis Wilson.

Frank Zappa’s Universe via ‘Joe’s Garage’: Act II

Frank Zappa’s Universe via ‘Joe’s Garage’: Act II

This is the second in a series where Mick Raubenheimer examines ‘Joe’s Garage,’ a three-part rock opera by Frank Zappa from 1979.

Frank Zappa’s Universe via ‘Joe’s Garage’: Act I

Frank Zappa’s Universe via ‘Joe’s Garage’: Act I

This is the first in a three-part series from Mick Raubenheimer examining Frank Zappa’s ‘Joe Garage,’ itself a three-part rock opera which arrived in 1979.