New albums by the Who and Kinks? Maybe they should quit while they’re ahead
After all, it could come out differently than what we’d expect or want.
Something Else!
One Track Mind: Elton John, “Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters” from Million Dollar Piano (2014)
This arrives looking like every bad thing that sends you back to the old records.
Haitian Rail – Solarists (2014)
‘Solarists’ immediately establishes Haitian Rail as a fearsome battery of inscrutable, noise with terrific give-and-take. And trombonist Dan Blacksberg’s presence assures that they hold up the jazz part of the experimental metal-jazz equation, losing none of their ferocity along the way.
Julie Slick + Marco Machera – Fourth Dementia (2014)
They’ve created an album that’s both emotionally open, and a wonder of intricate control.
Steely Dan Sunday, “Stand by the Seawall” (1977, unreleased)
A crystalline peak behind the scenes of Steely Dan’s studio gigs.
One Track Mind: Peter Gabriel, “Mercy Street” from Back to Front (2014)
A mystery-laced tribute to Anne Sexton has lost none of its power, 25 years on.
David + David – Boomtown (1986): On Second Thought
Dark and intriguing, it left us eager for a second album that, alas, never came.
Ringo Starr’s current All-Starr Band can’t stop having fun: ‘It was very organic and natural’
Together since 2012, the All-Starrs play the Greek in LA tonight – but they’ll be back.
Marco Minnemann – EEPS (2014)
A multi-instrumentalist who makes a living at the drums but has plenty more to say.
Something Else! sneak peek: Dirty Loops, “Wake Me Up” (2014)
A lot of Dirty Loops’ covers have been released via YouTube, and the latest one to hit the video circuit is their more organic, more virtuosic rendition of Avicii’s Aloe Blacc-sung “Wake Me Up.”
