Yardbirds welcome back ‘Birdland’-era frontman John Idan: ‘I learned every lick I could find’
John Idan, long before he joined the Yardbirds the first time, was into the harder-edged music of the day. Then, something happened.
Spotlight
Bo Diddley used a canny sense of PR to open the door for modern rock and hip hop
The famous “shave-and-a-haircut, two-bits” beat didn’t start with Bo Diddley, who died on June 3, 2008. Through sheer force of will, he made it his own.
Marty Walsh, former Supertramp guitarist: Something Else! Interview
Perhaps best known for a stint in Supertramp, Marty Walsh is a do-anything sessions guitarist you’ve heard – even if you don’t think you’ve heard of him.
Bill Wyman, “What & How & If & When & Why” (2015): Something Else! sneak peek
Bill Wyman’s “What & How & If & When & Why” doesn’t sound anything like is his earlier laid-back rootsy fare – to say nothing of the Rolling Stones.
Journey, “I’ll Be Alright Without You” from Raised on Radio (1986): One Track Mind
Neal Schon takes us inside the unique guitar sound from Journey’s “I’ll Be Alright Without You,” released on May 27, 1986 as part of ‘Raised on Radio.’
Los Lobos’ ‘Kiko’ Was a Mysterious, Completely Transfixing Triumph
Released on May 26, 1992, ‘Kiko’ is still, by any measure, Los Lobos’ most unusual album. That’s what lures me back, again and again.
Often-Forgotten ‘David Gilmour’ Was Pink Floyd Leader’s Most Varied Solo Effort
Released on May 25, 1978, ‘David Gilmour’ is a complete solo statement, refreshing in that it’s not trying too hard to sound like Pink Floyd.
Ronnie James Dio moved into the spotlight with the dark, uplifting Holy Diver
‘Holy Diver, released on May 25, 1983, found Ronnie James Dio setting a new course after work with Rainbow and Black Sabbath.
In a surprise, Def Leppard rekindled their classic-era sound with covers-focused Yeah!
When Def Leppard released a covers album on May 23, 2006, I didn’t expect to like it. This must clearly be a band on the verge of calling it quits, right?
Free-form Monkees humor once drove Hollywood legend to curse: ‘I hate these f–ing kids’
The Monkees TV show was designed toward improvisation. But not every guest star meshed with the Monkees’ gonzo approach.
