Something Else!

Blue Oyster Cult – ‘The Symbol Remains’ (2020)

Blue Oyster Cult’s ‘The Symbol Remains’ ought to give old rock fans a bit of relief from the new normal, whatever that is.

Yes, “To Ascend” from ‘Heaven and Earth’ (2014): YESterdays

“To Ascend” seems half-heartedly arranged and uninspired. Despite a promising start, this became a common theme for Yes’ ‘Heaven and Earth.’

Chiminyo – ‘I Am Panda’ (2020)

If you like your genres mixed and mashed, ‘I Am Panda’ by Chiminyo – a.k.a. Tim Doyle – is a good place to start.

Richard Turgeon, “Powder Keg” (2020): One Track Mind

Crank it to the max and support San Francisco-area songwriter Richard Turgeon’s hope and vision for a better day for all of us.

Chicago, “Somebody, Somewhere” from ‘Twenty 1’ (1991): Saturdays in the Park

This is another keyboard-heavy ‘Twenty 1’ track with histrionic vocals and by-the-book guitar solos that will never remind anyone of the real Chicago.

Pink Floyd, “Wearing the Inside Out” from ‘Division Bell’ (1994): One Track Mind

Returning to the first lead vocal by founding Pink Floyd keyboardist Richard Wright since his turn on “Time” from 1973’s ‘Dark Side of the Moon.’

James Brandon Lewis Quartet – ‘Molecular’ (2020)

‘Molecular’ uses the double helix DNA component structure as a compass to guide James Brandon Lewis’ own harmonic map.

Amaranthe – ‘Manifest’ (2020)

At times, Amaranthe’s ‘Manifest’ is so poppy that I feel almost embarrassed to crank it up, but then it swings around and punches you square in the face.