Something Else!

Vinyl

Ron Sexsmith, “Can’t Get My Act Together” from Carousel One (2015)

As sun-flecked as Ron Sexsmith’s melodies no doubt are, his lyrics often run the other way. “Can’t Get My Act Together,” however, feels brand new.

Yes, "Looking Around" from Yes (1969): YESterdays

Yes, “Looking Around” from Yes (1969): YESterdays

As the first Jon Anderson/Chris Squire composition to appear on a Yes album, “Looking Around” represents a landmark moment.

Silk Degrees launched Boz Scaggs' solo career, and Toto too: 'So much talent and invention'

Silk Degrees launched Boz Scaggs’ solo career, and Toto too: ‘So much talent and invention’

Boz Scaggs released his biggest-ever hit this month in 1976, providing the big-bang moment for an up-and-coming band named Toto along the way.

Vinyl

The Jackson 5 – The Ultimate Collection (1996): On Second Thought

Rare is the group that appeals to both squealing girls and picky critics, but such was the Jackson 5.

Daryl Hall + Robert Fripp, "Babs and Babs / Urban Landscape" from Sacred Songs (1980)

Daryl Hall + Robert Fripp, “Babs and Babs / Urban Landscape” from Sacred Songs (1980)

Daryl Hall has said he and Robert Fripp were trying to combine sounds from two different cultures to “form a third kind of music.” They did.

Vinyl

BoDeans, “Slave” from I Can’t Stop (2015): One Track Mind

If you’re expecting another rootsy upbeat rocker from the BoDeans, the frankly scarifying blues of “Slave” likely comes as something of a shock.

Vinyl

Steve Hackett, “Wolflight” from Wolflight (2015): One Track Mind

“Wolflight” is a colloquialism for the time just before dawn, when the world is rousing itself. Steve Hackett seems to be similarly coming alive again.

David Gilmour, "Out of the Blue" from About Face (1984): On Second Thought

David Gilmour, “Out of the Blue” from About Face (1984): On Second Thought

Combine David Gilmour’s “Out of the Blue” – released March 27, 1984 – with the best of The Final Cut, and you’d get the next great Pink Floyd album.

Ringo Starr - Postcards from Paradise (2015)

Ringo Starr – Postcards from Paradise (2015)

His current All-Starrs buoy everything that surrounds them — including, it’s clear, Ringo Starr himself. The ultimate bandmate, Starr sounds whole again.

Vinyl

Aerosmith’s ‘Nobody’s Fault,’ ‘Movin’ Out,’ ‘Taste of India,’ others: Deep Cuts

As Steven Tyler — born on March 26, 1948 — celebrates another trip around the sun, we decided to travel deep into our Aerosmith collections.