Kit O’Toole, who writes a regular column for Something Else!, is a featured speaker at this weekend’s Fest for Beatles Fans in Chicago.

Billy Sherwood had huge shoes to fill as he replaced the late bassist Chris Squire for Yes’ Aug. 12, 2015 stop at Pier 6 in Baltimore.

What do you get when you cross Captain Beefheart with Sun Ra, Negativland and the Residents? Hang on to your hats, the Craig Scott Lobotomy has arrived.

I’d argue ‘Hydra’ did more to establish Toto’s style and sound than their debut. The complex and entertaining “Lorraine” is exemplary of that.

Steve Cropper recalls the off-handed approach to finding a title for Booker T. and the MGs’ timeless ‘Green Onions,” released in August 1962.

Unfairly compared to Deep Purple, ‘Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow’ nevertheless arrived in August 1975 with a plethora of cool and interesting moments.

A big ballad, Grace Marino’s “It’s True” explodes with emotional elasticity and really packs a punch.

‘Revolver,’ released in America on August 8, 1966, can be seen as the Beatles’ big-bang moment. Paul McCartney says he could see it coming.

A visit to a pub with Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi led to Ian Gillan joining Black Sabbath for ‘Born Again,’ released on Aug. 7, 1983.

It’s time for a reassessment of Lobo. You’re reminded on this great compilation that he penned spiffy songs, and sang them with inviting sincerity.