Something Else!

Vinyl

Amy Edwards – Ghosts and Saints (2014)

Left to her own devices after a band breakup, Austin-based singer-songwriter Amy Edwards found herself stuck between her melancholy over what had been and her hopefulness for what might come next. Ghosts and Saints, at times hard-eyed and at others remarkably open, is stronger for that essential dichotomy. She purrsRead More

Vinyl

The Small Faces – Here Come the Nice: The Immediate Years (2014)

After years of sub-par compilations, best of collections and generally below-standard packaging and repackaging of their recorded output, those mod dignitaries the Small Faces have finally received a respectful and proper tribute You May Also Like: Elton John – ‘Jewel Box’ (2020) Steppenwolf – ‘Magic Carpet Ride: The Dunhill /Read More

Vinyl

Matt Schofield – Far As I Can See (2014)

It would have been easy enough for Matt Schofield, the most heralded blues guitarist to come out of England in recent memory, to leave at slow burns and nifty shuffles. But Far As I Can See displays broader ambitions — and from the first. You May Also Like: Matt SmithRead More

Vinyl

Something Else! sneak peek: Tommy Malone, “You May Laugh” from Poor Boy (2014)

Tommy Malone might forever be known as a founder and frontman for the widely admired subdudes, but as he reminded us last year with his first solo effort in ages, Natural Born Days, You May Also Like: No related posts.

Vinyl

Wanja Slavin – For Very Sad and Very Tired Lotus Eaters (2014)

Very Sad begins with a melancholy moment, as Wanja Slavin unfurls these lengthy, enveloping lines on the alto over a stark figure from pianist Rainer Bohm. You May Also Like: ElectroBluesSociety feat. Boo Boo Davis, “It’s a Sad Thing” (2021): One Track Mind Jonny Lang – Signs (2017)

(Cross the) Heartland: Pat Metheny, "80/81 " (1980)

(Cross the) Heartland: Pat Metheny, “80/81 ” (1980)

Even though Bright Size Life contains a lot of elements of traditional jazz, it wasn’t until Metheny brought saxophones to the mix that it felt as though his version of the tradition was being presented. You May Also Like: How ‘Wish’ Scuffed Up Joshua Redman’s Initial Melodicism Pat Metheny, MayRead More

Vinyl

Joe Louis Walker – Hornet’s Nest (2014)

It’s a time of consolidation for Joe Louis Walker, an attacking blues guitarist who has, forever it seemed, been the best modern player to never get his due. That changed in a big way with 2012’s aptly named Alligator debut, Hellfire. You May Also Like: Seth Walker – ‘Are YouRead More

Deep Beatles: "Cry Baby Cry" from The Beatles (1968)

Deep Beatles: “Cry Baby Cry” from The Beatles (1968)

John Lennon may have called it “a piece of rubbish,” but “Cry Baby Cry” symbolizes one of Lennon’s more underrated compositions. Written while in India, “Cry Baby Cry” serves as a twisted nursery rhyme, and he would return to the motif years later on Double Fantasy’s “Cleanup Time.” The 1968Read More

Vinyl

Claire Clube and Anne Heaton – Dora (2014)

There are turning points in life that don’t announce themselves. That is, you won’t realize what has happened until long after the fact. You May Also Like: Why Patti Smith’s Resiliency Leads Me Back to ‘Easter,’ Time and Again Sam Boshnack Quintet – Nellie Bly Project (2017)

Vinyl

Matt Newton – Within Reach (2014)

Powerful pianists can often be impressive, but I’m more impressed if a pianist never has to mash the pedal to capture my ears. You May Also Like: Jeff Oster – ‘Reach’ (2018)