Something Else!

Vinyl

One Track Mind: Luther Dickinson, “Vandalize,” from Rock ‘n Roll Blues (2014)

You might have expected the solo music from Luther Dickinson — he of the blues-bending North Mississippi All-Stars, and also the son of Deep South producing legend Jim Dickinson — would have a rootsy feel. You would be wrong. You May Also Like: Why Bruce Dickinson’s ‘Tattooed Millionaire’ Keeps RevealingRead More

Vinyl

Something Else! sneak peek: Nels Cline Singers, “Companion Piece” from Macroscope (2014)

Wilco lead axe man and everyone’s favorite experimental rock-jazz guitarist Nels Cline is poised to unleash his fifth album leading his Nels Cline Singers on April 29. You May Also Like: The Nels Cline Singers – ‘Share the Wealth’ (2020)

WTF?! Wednesday: Céleste Boursier-Mougenot, "From Here To Ear" (2014)

WTF?! Wednesday: Céleste Boursier-Mougenot, “From Here To Ear” (2014)

I have to admit that I get a kick out of exposing people to odd sounds. When they get that somewhat worried look on their face — either eye-rolling disdain or fear (that the listening session will go on for too long) — then I have done my job. YouRead More

Vinyl

One Track Mind: Andy Summers’ Circa Zero, “Levitation” from Circus Hero (2014)

The surprise isn’t that Andy Summers — the Police’s guitar-playing lyrical heart — is back with a rock band. It’s only: What took him so long? You May Also Like: The Police – ‘Everyone Stares: The Police Inside Out’ (2019)

Vinyl

Randy Ingram – Sky/Lift (2014)

Randy Ingram was part of a cluster of new talent that was being brought to light by the Brooklyn Underground Jazz record label in the late aughts. The Road Ahead (2009) was a solid debut for the California-raised pianist and composer. You May Also Like: Wilco (The Album) echoed, butRead More

Vinyl

Jon Irabagon, with Barry Altschul and Mark Helias – It Takes All Kinds (2014)

It’s impossible to cover the current jazz scene and not soon encounter saxophone extraordinaire Jon Irabagon. You don’t have to look for him, he’ll just show up on various performances You May Also Like: Mark Helias’ Open Loose – ‘The Third Proposition’ (2020) Barry Altschul & The 3Dom Factor –Read More

Sparks Fly On E Street: Bruce Springsteen, "The Fuse" (2002)

Sparks Fly On E Street: Bruce Springsteen, “The Fuse” (2002)

The great songwriting tradition of blending opposites gets quite a workout on “The Fuse.” We have the vignette of the (possibly doomed) lovers in the last verse, which seems to leaven the darkness of the earlier verses, where death takes on a heavy presence. You May Also Like: Reevaluating BruceRead More

Vinyl

Something Else! sneak peek: Keb Mo, “The Old Me Better” from BluesAmericana (2014)

If you need any indication of how comfortable bluesman Keb Mo is, two decades after his well-regarded debut, look no further than the advance track from his forthcoming album BluesAmericana. You May Also Like: Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ – Tajmo (2017)

Vinyl

Pixies – ‘EP1’ (2013)

‘EP1’ seemed to hint at a productive spurt for the Pixies, the groundbreaking alternative band who I discovered woefully late.

Vinyl

Nate Jones Band – The Nate Jones Band EP (2014)

Let’s face it, the criteria of what makes a good singer-songwriter record are usually straightforward: does the singer-songwriter sing well and two, does he sing good songs? You May Also Like: Durand Jones – Durand Jones and the Indications: Deluxe Edition (2018)