Other News

Chicago, "What Does It Take" from 'Twenty 1' (1991): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “What Does It Take” from ‘Twenty 1’ (1991): Saturdays in the Park

Jason Scheff is a vocal powerhouse on Chicago’s “What Does It Take,” singing with so much emotion and emphasis.

Jason Stein + Adam Shead - 'Synaptic Atlas' (2020)

Jason Stein + Adam Shead – ‘Synaptic Atlas’ (2020)

Jason Stein and Adam Shead’s ‘Synaptic Atlas’ is not at all about notes and charts but rather, making a metaphysical connection and exchange through their instruments.

Blue Oyster Cult - 'The Symbol Remains' (2020)

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

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)

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

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

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

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.’

Vinyl

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)

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.