Something Else!

Vinyl

Steely Dan Sunday, “Pearl Of The Quarter” by Boz Scaggs (2013)

Last week Boz Scaggs issued his first album since 2008’s Speak Low, another covers-dominant record, but as the name makes clear, Memphis is not a jazz crooner record like his prior two, but rather, a soul crooner record. You May Also Like: Boz Scaggs – Out Of The Blues (2018)Read More

Vinyl

Wayne Hancock – Ride (2013)

The news release that accompanies Wayne Hancock’s latest release on Bloodshot Records opens with a quote from Hank Williams III, who says, “Wayne Hancock has more Hank Sr. in him than either I or Hank Williams Jr. He is the real deal.” You May Also Like: Why I Avoided HerbieRead More

Vinyl

Jaleel Shaw – The Soundtrack Of Things To Come (2013)

A longtime member of both the Mingus Big Band and the Roy Haynes Quartet, saxophonist Jaleel Shaw had first gotten my attention as a leader with 2008’s Optimism and his ASCAP award winning song “Flipside.” You May Also Like: Woody Shaw – ‘Love Dance’ (1976, 2026 reissue) Ernesto Cervini’s TurbopropRead More

Vinyl

The Cash Box Kings – Black Toppin’ (2013)

The Cash Box Kings reanimate that moment when popular music — both black and white — began to coalesce into the rock ‘n’ roll aesthetic. It’s loud music, fun music, occasionally delving into darker themes, but possessing an impetuous, undeniable rhythm. You May Also Like: How Johnny Cash Challenged ConventionRead More

Vinyl

‘It’s a gift that I’ve been given’: Eric Clapton opens up on his lengthy struggles with addiction

In talking about Ginger Baker, his band mate in both Cream and in Blind Faith, Eric Clapton ends up going in depth about his own battles with addiction. You May Also Like: Ginger Baker (1939-2019): An Apprecation

Vinyl

Something Else! Interview: Bob Gonzalez and Don Baskin of the Syndicate of Sound

The Syndicate of Sound, a garage-rock band from San Jose, California, was best known for their No. 8 1966 hit “Little Girl.” They also charted with “Rumors” (No. 55 in 1966) and with “Brown Paper Bag” (No. 73 in 1970) before initially breaking up. You May Also Like: Tony DeRead More

Vinyl

‘It’s stripped down and tribal and rocking’: Producer Buddy Miller previews new Robert Plant album

Robert Plant has been in a reminiscent mood lately, releasing old Led Zeppelin material and offering two consecutive albums dominated by cover tunes. You May Also Like: How Robert Plant and Alison Krauss’ ‘Raising Sand’ Still Confounds Expectations

Vinyl

The Stay Tuned Project – Heart on Fire (2013)

In a world of ever-deepening on-demand specialization, the Stay Tuned Project brilliantly defies easy categorization. There’s rockabilly in here, blue-sky Britpop, touches of reggae, sun-drenched Beach Boys, something approaching Andrew Bird’s trembling openness You May Also Like: Chet Atkins, “Please Stay Tuned” (1985): One Track Mind

Vinyl

Dave Grohl, Paul McCartney, Stevie Nicks, Rick Springfield, others – Sound City: Real To Reel (2013)

Dave Grohl’s soundtrack to his passionately crafted film about Los Angeles’ Sound City recording studio is just as lovingly constructed, with just as many smart insights. Grohl teases out tough new performances from unlikely sources You May Also Like: How Dave Grohl Surprised Everybody With That Paul McCartney Collaboration HowRead More

Vinyl

Benoit Delbecq and Fred Hersch Double Trio – Fun House (2013)

King Crimson, of all things, was the ensemble that first demonstrated (to the wider public, at least) the greater possibilities introduced by a double trio. And now, a Frenchman and an American extend this thrilling concept into jazz. You May Also Like: Illegal Crowns [Tomas Fujiwara, Mary Halvorson, Taylor HoRead More