Amaranthe – ‘Manifest’ (2020)
At times, Amaranthe’s ‘Manifest’ is so poppy that I feel almost embarrassed to crank it up, but then it swings around and punches you square in the face.
Something Else!
Tower of Power – ‘Step Up’ (2020)
Tower of Power’s outstanding ‘Step Up’ harkens back to the best of the band’s past while still being contemporary.
Allen Shawn and Michael Bisio – ‘Improvisations’ (2020)
Michael Bisio has such a keen sense of intuition that he can improvise with anyone. Here, he seeks out a new challenge with an unlikely partner in Allen Shawn.
Jess Gillam – ‘Time’ (2020)
‘Time’ is a journey of discovery, not only in Jess Gillam’s mastery of her instrument but also in re-worked compositions.
Norah Jones – ‘Pick Me Up Off the Floor’; Puss N Boots – ‘Sister’ (2020)
Norah Jones’ continuous search for new sounds and new collaborators has resulted in a varied career that seems to satisfy her enormous talents.
How Neil Young’s ‘Le Noise’ Found Light in a World of Darkness
Released 10 years ago today, the textured ‘Le Noise’ landed somewhere between Neil Young’s acoustic work and his more muscular full-band rock music.
Refuge Is Taking Advantage of Pandemic Downtime to Evolve: Something Else! Interview
Greg Granger caught up with Refuge, a celebrated new rock band of multinational youths living in Nairobi, Kenya.
Matthew Shipp and Rob Brown – ‘Then Now’ (2020)
Matthew Shipp and Rob Brown’s ‘Then Now’ finds two fiercely individual artists blending into a creative whole without compromising their identities.
‘John Lennon 80: The Last Days in the Life,’ by Kenneth Womack: Books
Kenneth Womack’s ‘John Lennon 80’ paints a realistic, balanced picture of his final era’s setbacks, victories and, sadly, unfulfilled dreams.
Bob James – ‘Once Upon a Time: The Lost 1965 New York Studio Sessions’ (2020)
‘Once Upon a Time’ explores the possible directions that Bob James largely eschewed in favor of a more melodic – and popular – approach.
