Preston Frazier’s Mid-Year Best of 2016: Steve Porcaro, Ben Craven, Cyndi Lauper + others
As we reach the half-way mark, Preston Frazier offers an endlessly varied Mid-Year Best of 2016 list that spans genres and generations.
Spotlight
Chicago, “Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon” from Chicago II (1970): Saturdays in the Park
As good as some of Chicago’s other ambitious musical endeavors may have been, it could be argued that none matched “Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon.”
Durand Jones, soul singer: Something Else! Interview
Durand Jones joins Preston Frazier for a Something Else! Sitdown to discuss his soulful new album, and how his roots inform this unique throwback sound.
Yes, “Ritual / Nous Sommes Du Soleil” (1973): YESterdays
Yes’ sixth studio album, ‘Tales from Topographic Oceans,’ ends with its most accessible side of music.
Tell It to the Judge – Cases of Misguided Muses: Odd Couples
Like Led Zeppelin, Bruce Springsteen, John Fogerty and others have seen their songs become the center of interesting disputes.
The Beatles, “Please Mister Postman” from With the Beatles (1963): Deep Beatles
“Please Mister Postman” illustrates how the Beatles adapted other musical forms to create their own sound, both honoring their forebears and adding another dimension.
Toto, “Africa” from Toto IV (1982): Toto Tuesdays
“Africa,” the last song on ‘Toto IV,’ represents an end in many respects for the band.
Jon Anderson, of Yes and Anderson Rabin Wakeman: Something Else! Interview
The always-busy Jon Anderson joins Preston Frazier for a Something Else! Sitdown that, predictably, covers a lot of musical ground.
Yes, “The Ancient / Giants Under the Sun” (1973): YESterdays
Is Yes’ “The Ancient / Giants Under the Sun” an easy listen? No, but it sure is a good one.
Paul Jolly, free jazz musician, club owner and producer: Something Else! Interview
Paul Jolly, a free jazz musician, producer and advocate, has made good on his own personal mantra: “Wake up every day, and do something positive and with love.”
