Spotlight

Vinyl

Marco Minnemann, “Thoughts Take Shape” (2015): Exclusive Something Else! stream

This exclusive Something Else! stream from ‘Celebration’ offers new insights into one of Marco Minnemann’s very best solo projects.

Phil Austin of the Firesign Theatre (1941-2015): An Appreciation

Phil Austin of the Firesign Theatre (1941-2015): An Appreciation

Mike Tiano remembers the late Phil Austin, who left a rich legacy of comedy with the Firesign Theatre.

Vinyl

Preston Frazier’s Mid-Year Best of 2015 (Pop, Jazz + Rock): Yes, Richard Page, Toto + others

This Mid-Year Best of 2015 list also includes J.D. Souther, Jose James, Luke Reynolds, Kevin Gilbert, Leslie Johnson, Joni Mitchell, Marc Cary and others.

Vinyl

Act unnaturally: The Beatles’ Ringo Starr in the movies

When you ask Ringo Starr about his movie career, he’s happy to talk about ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ and ‘Help!’ Bill DeYoung’s look back shows that’s probably for the best.

The Best Moment on Jimmy Page's Solo Debut Didn't Involve Robert Plant

The Best Moment on Jimmy Page’s Solo Debut Didn’t Involve Robert Plant

When Jimmy Page’s ‘Outrider’ arrived on June 19, 1988, the focus went to a one-song Robert Plant reunion. The LP’s highpoint, however, was found elsewhere.

Vinyl

Nick DeRiso’s Mid-Year Best of 2015 (Pop, Rock + Roots): Toto, Bob Dylan, Neal Schon + others

This Mid-Year Best of 2015 list also includes Death Cab for Cutie, James McMurtry, Steve Hackett, Randy Bachman, Richard Thompson and Ringo Starr.

The conflicted history of Sammy Hagar's Van Halen smash "Right Now": 'It shows you what I know'

The conflicted history of Sammy Hagar’s Van Halen smash “Right Now”: ‘It shows you what I know’

“Right Now,” released this week as part of 1991’s ‘For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge,’ was both a huge Van Halen hit and a harbinger of their eventual split.

David Crosby, June 12, 2015: Shows I'll Never Forget

David Crosby, June 12, 2015: Shows I’ll Never Forget

His shows with Graham Nash and Stephen Stills are where the money is. But David Crosby, alone and acoustic, now that was something special.

The Isley Brothers, "Here We Go Again" (2015, rec. 1980): Something Else! sneak peek

The Isley Brothers, “Here We Go Again” (2015, rec. 1980): Something Else! sneak peek

Here is a sneak peek of a track from the great lost Isley Brothers album, ‘Wild In Woodstock: The Isley Brothers Live At Bearsville Sound Studio 1980.’ It’s a funky, uptempo number called “Here We Go Again.”

Vinyl

Hall and Oates were reinvigorated by a down period: ‘We revamped our entire approach’

Once on a seemingly unstoppable roll, Hall and Oates became mired in a lengthy dry spell. John Oates says it’s the best thing that could have happened.