Raoul Björkenheim / eCsTaSy – Out of the Blue (2015)
Visceral, vivid and uncompromising, ‘Out of the Blue’ picks up where Raoul Björkenheim and eCsTaSy’s first album left off.
Something Else!
Danny Elfman and ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas,’ November 1, 2015: Shows I’ll Never Forget
A spectacular live reinterpretation of ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ found composer Danny Elfman staging a partial on-stage Oingo Boingo reunion, as well.
Robin Eubanks Mass Line Big Band – More Than Meets The Ear (2015)
Robin Eubanks’s ‘More Than What Meets The Ear’ might be just what big band jazz needs to get revitalized for the 21st century.
Yes, “Roundabout” from ‘Fragile’ (1971): YESterdays
“Roundabout” gave Yes’ reworked lineup an opportunity to shine, as the newly installed Rick Wakeman makes a lasting impression.
U2 vs. Foo Fighters, Adele vs. Alice Cooper, Neil Young vs. Steve Earle + more: Odd Couples
No “best of” list here. Just a year-end housecleaning of random Odd Couples jabs, hooks and uppercuts – and not always above the belt.
Preston Frazier’s Best of 2015 (Reissues and Box Sets): Joni Mitchell, Yes, Mr. Mister + others
Joni Mitchell, Yes, Mr. Mister, Kevin Gilbert and David Baerwald find a home on Preston Frazier’s Best of 2015 list for reissues and box sets.
Jeremy – Christmas In My Heart (2015)
A balance of catchy pop, hard-hitting rock and angelic calm, Jeremy’s ‘Christmas In My Heart’ is perfect for anyone who’s tired of the same old songs.
‘The Smith Tapes 1969-1972: Lost Interviews with Rock Stars & Icons’ (2015): Books
Howard Smith’s ‘Lost Interviews with Rock Stars & Icons’ lends new perspectives on historical figures we thought we knew well.
Queensryche – Condition Human (2015)
‘Condition Human’ marks the full return of the Queensryche that I know and love.
Jacob Garchik – Ye Olde (2015)
Jacob Garchik’s ‘Ye Olde’ might be about the hardest rockin’ thinking man’s fusion record in recent memory.
