Something Else!

Vinyl

Nickel Creek – A Dotted Line (2014)

Nickel Creek formed in 1989 when Sean Watkins was just 11 years old. By the time 2007 rolled around, the trio, which also includes Sara Watkins (fiddle, vocals) and Chris Thile (mandolin, vocals), took an “indefinite hiatus.” Despite the fact that this shocked many fans, it wasn’t that surprising. TheRead More

Vinyl

The Alan Parsons Project, “Fragile” (2014): One Track Mind

“Fragile” illustrates once again how the ever-malleable, at times almost faceless Alan Parsons Project continues through loss.

Vinyl

Brent Johnson – Set The World On Fire (2014)

Brent Johnson was born in south Texas, but having spent most of his life in New Orleans, he’s more of a Louisiana guitar slinger than a Lone Star State one. You May Also Like: The Crazy World of Arthur Brown, “Fire” (1968): One Track Mind How B.B. King Left UsRead More

Steely Dan Sunday, "Three Picture Deal" (2008)

Steely Dan Sunday, “Three Picture Deal” (2008)

<<< BACKWARD (“God’s Eye View”) ||| ONWARD (“Slinky Thing”) >>> *** STEELY DAN SUNDAY INDEX *** Is it fantasy, twisted reality or just plan good story telling? Whatever it is, Walter Becker’s second solo album goes out on a strong note. You May Also Like: Steely Dan Sunday: “Paging AudreyRead More

Vinyl

One Track Mind: Earth Wind and Fire, “Can’t Hide Love” from Essential (2014)

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plP4Z2hHXvE&w=500&h=305] This sound, in the dead of night, comes rushing out of my radio — a tornadic gust of horns. Then there follows a devastatingly cool lyric, amid a suave and spacious groove. But who is it? 45 seconds in, I finally peg “Can’t Hide Love” as the newRead More

Vinyl

For all of his talent, Kurt Cobain was not the spokesman for my generation

I was finishing my senior year in college, and remember watching MTV’s announcement of Kurt Cobain’s suicide, 20 years ago today. I admit I wasn’t surprised, as he always seemed like a tortured soul. Two decades later, I must admit, I still feel ambivalent toward Nirvana. You May Also Like:Read More

Fabian Almazan - Rhizome (2014)

Fabian Almazan – Rhizome (2014)

If you’ve seen trumpeter Terence Blanchard live you are already well aware of pianist/composer Fabian Almazan.

Vinyl

Something Else! sneak peek: Gregg Allman, “Midnight Rider” from All My Friends (2014)

The Allman Brothers Band will soon pull into the station for good, but Gregg Allman shows via a forthcoming concert film that he’s not finished playing the role of Midnight Rider. You May Also Like: How the Allman Brothers Band Rebounded Despite Crushing Loss

Vinyl

Carl Weingarten – Life Under Stars (2014)

Carl Weingarten didn’t intend to follow-up his ensemble long player Panomorphia with another ensemble album but that’s how Life Under Stars — eight years in the making — turned out. You May Also Like: Carl Weingarten – This Is Where I Found You (2018) Carl Weingarten – An Endless PremonitionRead More

Vinyl

Viper Mad Trio – Buddy Bolden’s Blues (2014)

Viper Mad Trio’s chin-wagging pre-World War II rave up is anchored in both tradition and personal relationships.