Something Else!

Vinyl

Mike Pride – ‘Marimba, July’ and ‘Drums, August’ (2019)

This is drumming extraordinaire Mike Pride taking DIY to the extreme, not only in recording these solo, but also in engineering, mixing & mastering these series of improvisations.

Vinyl

Jim Beard and Jon Herington – ‘Chunks and Chairnobs’ (2019)

The original songs by Jim Beard and Jon Herington are powerful, and the covers on ‘Chunks and Chairnobs’ stand the test of time.

Vinyl

Avram Fefer Quartet – ‘Testament’ (2019)

‘Testament’ leaves me wondering why Avram Fefer isn’t more widely noticed. He consistently brings the goods in composition, technique and sidemen – and delivers.

Vinyl

Projekt Gemineye – ‘In the Year 3073: Book I’ (2019)

‘In the Year 3073: Book I’ builds on the sonic foundation of Projekt Gemineye’s last album, while lyrically proceeding boldly onto the future.

Vinyl

Bent Knee – ‘You Know What I Mean’ (2019)

Just like Joseph from the Bible, Bent Knee’s ‘You Know What They Mean’ has a coat of many colors.

The Solo Song Where Jon Anderson Finally Reclaimed His Yes Legacy

The Solo Song Where Jon Anderson Finally Reclaimed His Yes Legacy

Ex-Yes frontman Jon Anderson, who turned 75 this week, showed that he could still write stirring, conceptually epic pieces.

Why R.E.M.'s 'Live at the Olympia' Showed They Were Back

Why R.E.M.’s ‘Live at the Olympia’ Showed They Were Back

The post-Bill Berry R.E.M. seemed less solid in its artistic footing, making me wonder if the end was near.

Vinyl

Day and Taxi – ‘Devotion’ (2019)

Day and Taxi’s ‘Devotion’ is an outstanding album with a rich combination of improvisation, tonal musicality and depth.

Vinyl

Anthony Phillips – ‘Strings of Light’ (2019)

I always associate Anthony Phillips records with the fall. ‘Strings of Light,’ his first new album in seven years, is no different.

The Smithereens Created a Stone Cold Pop-Rock Classic With '11'

The Smithereens Created a Stone Cold Pop-Rock Classic With ’11’

Released 30 years ago this month, the Smithereens’ ’11’ is defined by haystacks of penetrating hooks and in-the-pocket musicianship.