Something Else!

Toto, "Angel Don't Cry" from Isolation (1984): Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “Angel Don’t Cry” from Isolation (1984): Toto Tuesdays

“Angel Don’t Cry” should have been the leadoff single from 1984’s ‘Isolation,’ showcasing Toto’s new lead singer.

Vinyl

Donny McCaslin – Beyond Now (2016)

Donny McCaslin’s ‘Beyond Now’ is an astonishing show of talent and indefinable music which crosses boundaries and merges them – yet retains his jazz influences.

Vinyl

Yes, Aug. 21, 2016: Shows I’ll Never Forget

The night was a success. The concert had been enthusiastically received. But was it Yes?

Chicago, "Sing a Mean Tune Kid" from Chicago III (1971): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Sing a Mean Tune Kid” from Chicago III (1971): Saturdays in the Park

The only downside on Chicago’s “Sing a Mean Tune Kid” is its abrupt ending. But I guess I shouldn’t be too greedy.

The Beatles, "Slow Down" from Past Masters (1964): Deep Beatles

The Beatles, “Slow Down” from Past Masters (1964): Deep Beatles

While “Slow Down” may not rank among the Beatles’ most well-known covers, it does provide a snapshot of the group’s raw early days.

Vinyl

Billy Joe Shaver, Aug. 17, 2016: Shows I’ll Never Forget

The show was an hour and a half late. Audience members were understandably nervous. Then, in strode Billy Joe Shaver — all 77 years of him.

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

Seth Walker – Gotta Get Back (2016)

Think of ‘Gotta Get Back’ more as Walker’s renewal of his vows to the family and sweet, soulful roots music that made him who he is.

Vinyl

Metallica, “Hardwired” from Hardwired … to Self Destruct (2016): One Track Mind

I didn’t want to go with a knee-jerk reaction to Metallica’s “Hardwired.” I wanted to give it a chance to grow on me. It hasn’t yet.

Vinyl

Outset – Outset (2016)

Chicago’s chordless quartet’s self-titled album ‘Outset’ is a laudable debut not of what is possible down the road but what is achieved right out of the gate.