Something Else!

Chicago, "I'm a Man" from Chicago Transit Authority (1969): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “I’m a Man” from Chicago Transit Authority (1969): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago swung for the fences repeatedly on this first album, and that included taking on a popular rock song – perhaps the height of hubris for a new band.

Vinyl

‘We Are Twisted F***ing Sister!’ (2014): Movies

This film provides an often funny and, at times, downright perplexing glimpse into the making of Twisted Sister, one of the most recognized metal bands.

Vinyl

Brian Groder Trio – R Train on the D Line (2016)

Brian Groder has another go at it with his supercharged trio on ‘R Train on the D Line,’ creating the logical sequel to 2014’s ‘Reflexology.’

Sorting Through Deep Purple's Musical Family Tree: Shadows in Stereo

Sorting Through Deep Purple’s Musical Family Tree: Shadows in Stereo

Deep Purple’s hall of fame impact on rock music extends to a number of related bands, from Rainbow and Trapeze to Quatermass and Whitesnake.

Yes, "Siberian Khatru" from Close to the Edge (1972): YESterdays

Yes, “Siberian Khatru” from Close to the Edge (1972): YESterdays

Like its album mates on ‘Close to the Edge,’ Yes’ “Siberian Khatru” can hardly be called your typical rock fare.

Vinyl

Kikanju Baku, Michael Gregory Jackson, Joseph Daley – Endogeny & Exogamy (2016)

Maybe it’s time for people other than Roscoe Mitchell to pay more attention to this wildly creative drummer by the name of Kikanju Baku.

Chicago, "South California Purples" from Chicago Transit Authority (1969): Saturday in the Park

Chicago, “South California Purples” from Chicago Transit Authority (1969): Saturday in the Park

In the ’70s, Chicago came very close to their original goal of becoming the ‘American Beatles.’ It all starts here.

Vinyl

Metal Church – XI (2016)

Metal Church’s ‘XI’ marks the return of singer Mike Howe, who first appeared on 1989’s Blessing in Disguise – a personal favorite.

Vinyl

Jack Hues and The Quartet – A Thesis on the Ballad EP (2016)

The back-to-the-basics approach of ‘A Thesis on the Ballad’ makes its case with the oft-forgotten art of homespun charm and the power of poetry.

Toto, "Afraid of Love" from Toto IV (1982): Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “Afraid of Love” from Toto IV (1982): Toto Tuesdays

“Afraid of Love” isn’t just one of the best deep cuts found on Toto IV; it’s one of Toto’s catchiest, most accessible album tracks ever.