Something Else!

Vinyl

Harry Beckett – Still Happy (2016)

There are just three tracks on ‘Still Happy,’ but they capture the essence of the late Harry Beckett’s fluent jazz trumpet.

Chicago, "Liberation" from Chicago Transit Authority (1969): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Liberation” from Chicago Transit Authority (1969): Saturdays in the Park

Those who prefer conventional fare might be put off by Chicago’s “Liberation.” Others looking for something more freewheeling may find a lot to like.

Robert Whitaker

The Beatles: Revelations of ‘Paperback Writer’ and ‘Rain’

Mike Tiano celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Beatles’ landmark single “Paperback Writer/Rain,” while clearing up some misconceptions.

Vinyl

Ray Wilson – Song for a Friend (2016)

‘Songs for a Friend,’ dedicated to a close confidant who passed away in 2015, shows a decidedly personal side to former Genesis singer Ray Wilson.

The Cure, May 26, 2016: Shows I'll Never Forget

The Cure, May 26, 2016: Shows I’ll Never Forget

The Cure frontman Robert Smith’s uncanny way of putting words to music, making the sum of the two something more than its parts, remains unparalleled.

Vinyl

Michael Bisio & Kirk Knuffke – Row For William O. (2016)

‘Row For William O.’ reveals bassist Michael Bisio to be a great master because he is first and foremost such a good student.

The Monkees - Good Times! (2016)

The Monkees – Good Times! (2016)

If you’ve been waiting for a Monkees reunion project to hit it out of the park, stand back as ‘Good Times!’ steps up to the plate.

Yes, "The Revealing Science of God / Dance of the Dawn" (1973): YESterdays

Yes, “The Revealing Science of God / Dance of the Dawn” (1973): YESterdays

If something works in pop music, it’s usually then run into the ground. Yes seemed immune to the axiom as 1973’s ‘Tales From Topographic Oceans’ arrived.

Vinyl

Iced Earth, “Ghost of Freedom” from Horror Show (2001): One Track Mind

Metal bands aren’t usually known for patriotic tunes. We’ll explore one of the exceptions on this Memorial Day: Iced Earth.

Chicago, "Someday" from Chicago Transit Authority (1969): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Someday” from Chicago Transit Authority (1969): Saturdays in the Park

With ‘Someday,’ Chicago’s Robert Lamm made the first of many political statements – and he did so with an exclamation mark.