Something Else!

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.

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.

Vinyl

Kansas, “With This Heart” from The Prelude Implicit (2016): One Track Mind

A rebuilt lineup of Kansas recalls their past, even as they show tremendous growth, on an advance track from the band’s first new album in 16 years.

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.

Bill Evans - Time Remembered, The Life & Music of Bill Evans (2016, DVD)

Bill Evans – Time Remembered, The Life & Music of Bill Evans (2016, DVD)

The truth and beauty in Evans’ music is impossible to forget. Bruce Spiegel’s well done documentary ‘Time Remembered, The Life & Music of Bill Evans’ makes sure that we don’t.

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.