How Jethro Tull’s Prog Parody ‘Thick As a Brick’ Instead Became a Prog Classic
Jethro Tull was trying to create a pomposity-popping prog-rock caricature. What they ended up with 50 years ago today was a triumph of the form.
Something Else!
Mark Wade Trio – ‘True Stories’ (2022)
The return of his trio allows Mark Wade to completely rethink ideas from Wayne Shorter, Charles Mingus, Fred Hersch, Frank Kimbrough and Mikael Godee.
Five Spiritual, Defiant, Soaring Moments From Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Wrecking Ball’
Bruce Springsteen returned 10 years ago this week with a challenging album that reflected the injustices intrinsic to our recent history.
Junior Kimbrough Set a New Blues Standard on ‘All Night Long,’ Then Vanished
Released 30 years ago this week, ‘All Night Long’ unfortunately arrived too close to the end for Junior Kimbrough.
Tom Shotton – ‘Forever Home’ (2021)
Tom Shotton’s 10-track debut sounds like Billy Joel interacting with Rupert Holmes, supported by occasional input from Steely Dan.
Shane Parish – ‘Liverpool’ (2022)
For anyone who’s had their fill of the sea shanty craze, don’t quit it until you’ve had a chance to hear Shane Parish’s evocative take on these nautical songs. You don’t even have to like sea shanties to really enjoy ‘Liverpool.’
Tomas Fujiwara’s Triple Double – ‘March’ (2022)
Tomas Fujiwara’s twin trios double the chops and double the fun with the welcome Triple Double followup, ‘March.’
Joe Bailey – ‘Devil in the White City’ (2022)
Neo-progressive rocker Joe Bailey continues his take-no-prisoners charge ahead with this self-produced and engineered concept album of eight songs.
Thrift Store Halo – ‘Enemies With Benefits’ EP (2022)
‘Enemies With Benefits’ projects a great sound and feel, with a trio of Thift Store Halo tunes primed to make your day.
How Journey Ended Its Underrated First Era With ‘Next’
Released 45 years ago this month, the powerful and pleasantly pompous ‘Next’ is Journey’s best pre-Steve Perry album.
