Something Else!

Stephan Thelen - 'Fractal Sextet' (2022)

Stephan Thelen – ‘Fractal Sextet’ (2022)

With ‘Fractal Sextet,’ guitarist/composer Stephan Thelen doesn’t necessarily introduce new ideas, but he takes good ideas he already developed and puts them into a new framework. That makes the music that resulted from this sound just as fresh.

How 'Chicago XI' Ended More Than One Era: Gimme Five

How ‘Chicago XI’ Ended More Than One Era: Gimme Five

Even 45 years later, ‘Chicago XI’ isn’t their best-loved original-lineup album. Yet, for better or worse, it remains one of the most memorable of the era.

Fruupp - 'Masquerading With Dawn' (2022)

Fruupp – ‘Masquerading With Dawn’ (2022)

‘Masquerading With Dawn’ is definitive proof that a few music aficionados and die-hard Fruupp fans can do something that’s just really cool.

The Song That Made Pink Floyd's 'Momentary Lapse of Reason' Worthwhile

The Song That Made Pink Floyd’s ‘Momentary Lapse of Reason’ Worthwhile

Pink Floyd’s dream-like “Yet Another Movie” is a rare high point from the transitional ‘Momentary Lapse of Reason,’ released 35 years ago today.

How Brian Eno Made a Triumphant Return to Rock With 'Nerve Net'

How Brian Eno Made a Triumphant Return to Rock With ‘Nerve Net’

All of Brian Eno’s strikingly varied experience was brought to bear 30 years ago this week with an LP that was both booty wagging and intelligent.

Su Andersson - 'Brave' (2022)

Su Andersson – ‘Brave’ (2022)

Su Andersson’s ‘Brave’ is an album that follows in the great assertive tradition of progressive folk, meeting the blue-jeaned coffee-house muster of old.

Gordon Grdina, Mark Helias + Matthew Shipp - 'Pathways' (2022)

Gordon Grdina, Mark Helias + Matthew Shipp – ‘Pathways’ (2022)

If you’re looking for a guitar / piano / acoustic bass combo that breaks all the rules, there’s probably only Gordon Grdina, Matthew Shipp and Mark Helias.

Frank Zappa's Universe via 'Joe's Garage': Act III

Frank Zappa’s Universe via ‘Joe’s Garage’: Act III

This concludes Mick Raubenheimer’s series examining ‘Joe Garage,’ the three-part rock opera released by Frank Zappa in September and November 1979.

Toto's David Paich on His Solo Debut, 'Forgotten Toys': Something Else! Interview

Toto’s David Paich on His Solo Debut, ‘Forgotten Toys’: Something Else! Interview

David Paich joins Preston Frazier to discuss his debut solo EP ‘Forgotten Toys,’ as well as key deep cuts from his legendary Toto discography.

Mamas Gun – 'Golden Days' (2018): On Second Thought

Mamas Gun – ‘Golden Days’ (2018): On Second Thought

Mamas Gun dig deep again and again into the R&B cavalcade of time, conjuring track after track of unique, satisfying music.