Spotlight

Yes, "To Be Over" from 'Relayer' (1974): YESterdays

Yes, “To Be Over” from ‘Relayer’ (1974): YESterdays

“To Be Over,” the closing track on ‘Relayer,’ demonstrates the creative high that Yes was on in 1974.

Vinyl

Fresh Cut Orchestra, “Gray, Freddie” (2016): Something Else! Video Premiere

A no-nonsense, unvarnished approach to the music accompanies the message rendered by the core, acoustic FCO for this one-off tune calling attention to police brutality.

Toto, "Stranger in Town" from Isolation (1984): Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “Stranger in Town” from Isolation (1984): Toto Tuesdays

“Stranger in Town” was written by Toto’s David Paich and Jeff Porcaro, who also composed the smash hit “Africa.” But it couldn’t be more different.

Vinyl

Peter Asher and Albert Lee, Aug. 12, 2016: Shows I’ll Never Forget

At the start of this concert with Albert Lee, Peter Asher said the goal was “to make this coffee house a bit like your living room.” They succeeded.

Chicago, "It Better End Soon" from 'Chicago II' (1970): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “It Better End Soon” from ‘Chicago II’ (1970): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago’s more political material, “It Better End Soon” included, happens to be some of my favorite from their extensive catalog.

Vinyl

LCD Soundsystem, Aug. 5, 2016: Shows I’ll Never Forget

Fortunately for the music world, LCD Soundsystem are back. Let’s hope they remain – on record, and in lights.

The Beatles, "You’re Going to Lose That Girl" from Help! (1965): Deep Beatles

The Beatles, “You’re Going to Lose That Girl” from Help! (1965): Deep Beatles

Thematically and musically, “You’re Going to Lose That Girl” signals yet another stage in the Beatles’ artistic development.

Olympics Tribute with Velvet Underground, Eric Clapton, Harry Nilsson + others: Odd Couples

Olympics Tribute with Velvet Underground, Eric Clapton, Harry Nilsson + others: Odd Couples

Performance enhancers became an early story line in the 2016 Rio Olympics. But which drug-related rock song provides the best soundtrack?

Yes, "Sound Chaser" from 'Relayer' (1974): YESterdays

Yes, “Sound Chaser” from ‘Relayer’ (1974): YESterdays

This is the closest Yes gets to sounding like the jazz-fusion of Mahavishnu Orchestra, rather than simply the world’s greatest progressive rock band.

Vinyl

Amendola vs. Blades Greatest Hits crowdfunding drive in final hours, make a pledge now!

San Francisco Bay Area drums/organ sensation Amendola vs Blades quest to finally putting out a record is near the end; please pledge to their crowdfunding project to put them over the top!