Dire Straits’ typically overlooked Communique is an understated gem
Dire Straits’ ‘Communique,’ released on June 15, 1979, caught my ear much later – but it only confirmed Mark Knopfler’s genius.
Spotlight
In defense of Roger Waters’ oft-derided, over-the-top Radio K.A.O.S.
Roger Waters’ ‘Radio K.A.O.S,’ released on June 15, 1987, was defined by a tangled narrative and plasticine production. Here’s why we like it, anyway.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ gritty Mojo was more than just the blues
Released on June 15, 2010, Tom Petty’s ‘Mojo’ built off a rootsy foundation, extending their reign as the most sophisticated garage band in America.
Paul McCartney says the Beatles used Motown as a template – for what not to do
The Beatles covered a few Motown cuts, but that doesn’t mean they fashioned themselves after Detroit’s hitmaking juggernaut. In fact, quite the opposite.
Micky Dolenz on a Monkees song that got away: ‘I always kick myself in the butt’
Micky Dolenz memorably turned down a huge hit at the peak of the Monkees’ popularity. It took years for him to right the wrong.
The Cars’ Often-Overlooked ‘Candy-O’ Still Revs With Excitement
‘Candy-O,’ released on June 13, 1979, wasn’t quite as immediate or artfully cool as the Cars’ celebrated debut. Here’s why we love it, anyway.
Adam Lambert on the difficulties of updating old Queen material: ‘That was tricky’
Adam Lambert talks about walking the fine line between loving tribute and any attempt to inject his own personality into Queen’s legacy.
Ornette Coleman, an inscrutable genius, gave jazz its freedom
There were technical things that made Ornette Coleman’s work great. But stressing that gives away the one thing that really mattered: Its freedom.
Steve Cropper Still Can’t Get Over Producing Jeff Beck: ‘How Is He Doing That?’
As Steve Cropper watched Jeff Beck at work on 1972’s ‘Jeff Beck Group,’ he’d focus on his hands and think: “You can’t get that there.” Then, Beck would.
Rolling Stones’ Some Girls offered one final blast of nervy, rock ‘n’ roll attitude
The Rolling Stones’ ‘Some Girls,’ released on June 9, 1978, was a very important moment. We now know that they would never sound the same again.
