Other News

Vinyl

Elliott Sharp, with Mary Halvorson and Marc Ribot – Err Guitar (2017)

‘Err Guitar’ by Elliott Sharp, Mary Halvorson and Marc Ribot is three masters of the outside guitar pushing each other to go even further out, making this a notably delirious entry in the catalogs of all three.

Vinyl

Gary Numan – Telekon (1980): On Second Thought

While ‘Telekon’ went on to inspire many new wave synth-pop artists during the ’80s, Gary Numan’s time in the spotlight wouldn’t last long.

Vinyl

Denise LaSalle, Soul-Blues Belter (1939-2018): An Appreciation

We loved the sexy, hard-as-nails Denise LaSalle for creating a series of titanic grooves, and also because we were never certain that she couldn’t have kicked our ass.

Yes, "Holy Lamb" from Big Generator (1987): YESterdays

Yes, “Holy Lamb” from Big Generator (1987): YESterdays

Perhaps with different sonic sensibilities, Yes’ “Holy Lamb (Song for Harmonic Convergence)” could have been great.

Vinyl

Stephen Stills & Judy Collins – ‘Everybody Knows’ (2017)

Stephen Stills finds the fountain of youth by going back to one of his original muses, Judy Collins, who co-headlines on ‘Everybody Knows.’

Vinyl

Mark Anthony K on Projekt Gemineye’s ‘A Brand New Day’: ‘A Little More Guitar Heavy’

Mark Anthony K joins Preston Frazier to discuss Projekt Gemineye’s ‘A Brand New Day,’ the second installment of a song cycle that began with 2017’s ‘An Ordinary Day.’

Chicago, "Oh Thank You Great Spirit" from Chicago VIII (1975): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Oh Thank You Great Spirit” from Chicago VIII (1975): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago is typically associated with horns, but “Oh Thank You Great Spirit” makes it clear that the rhythm section was the band’s heart and soul.

Alestorm, Bob Wayne, Alice Cooper, Hellbound Glory + Others: Fred Phillips' Best Metal, Country and Hard Rock of 2017

Alestorm, Bob Wayne, Alice Cooper, Hellbound Glory + Others: Fred Phillips’ Best Metal, Country and Hard Rock of 2017

It was, honestly, a pretty lousy year for music. This list of Best Metal, Country and Hard Rock of 2017 highlights five exceptions, and some key honorable mentions.

Vinyl

Gregory Lewis, with Marc Ribot – Organ Monk Blue (2018)

‘Organ Monk Blue’ sustains Gregory Lewis’ intriguing concept of a Thelonious Monk on the organ. It didn’t hurt that this time Lewis revitalizes the blues along the way, too.

Vinyl

Gene Clark – Firebyrd (1984): On Second Thought

The late Gene Clark’s work never lacked critical praise, but mainstream acceptance was not to be had – and ‘Firebyrd’ was no exception.