Paul Simon’s Graceland stirred outsized praise, and some criticisms too
To paraphrase Paul Simon, these are songs of miracle and wonder. Decades after its August 25, 1986 release, however, ‘Graceland’ still sparks controversy.
Other News
Bruce Springsteen – ‘Born to Run’ (1975): Deep Cuts
Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born to Run,’ released on Aug. 25, 1975, is dotted with career-making, warhorse tracks. But what of its lesser-heard songs?
Joe Magnarelli – Three On Two (2015)
The way trumpet ace Joe Magnarelli’s band members interact each other so well makes ‘Three On Two’ a gratifying way to experience mainstream jazz.
Paul McCartney’s overly mechanized Press to Play had one saving grace
Paul McCartney has been on a creative tear of late. But first he had to dispense with the overproduced dud ‘Press to Play,’ released on Aug. 25, 1986.
Armored Saint – Win Hands Down (2015)
If there’s one word to ‘Win Hands Down,’ and Armored Saint in general, it’s consistency. You know what you’re going to get, and you get it every time.
Everything came together for JJ Grey and Mofro on the swampy, soulful Georgia Warhorse
JJ Grey and Mofro started out as a very good band. ‘Georgia Warhorse,’ released on August 24, 2010, catapulted them to greatness.
The Apples in Stereo – The Discovery of a World Inside the Moone (2000): Forgotten Series
Sweet and sparkly vocals, supported by swarms of sunny harmonies, make Apples in Stereo songs easy to love.
Chad Bradford, “Friday Morning Rain” (2015): One Track Mind
Chad Bradford’s “Friday Morning Rain” resides in the same rootsy pop orbit of Joe South and B.J. Thomas, striking the heart hard and fast.
Herbcraft – Wot Oz (2015)
Herbcraft’s ‘Wot Oz’ is a saturated-sounding mono four-track recording and, with that self-imposed limitation, it’s pretty intense stuff.
Lizz Wright – Freedom and Surrender (2015)
Lizz Wright’s ‘Freedom and Surrender’ is a stirring and eclectic mix of adult contemporary and jazz stylings which is not to be missed.
