This is the nexus point, for me, when Hall and Oates finally reached everything they had been grasping for in trying to blend their core R&B vibe with the too-cool nihilism of new wave. You May Also Like: Hall and Oates’ most complicated hit song might surprise you: ‘Very unusual,Read More

It would be easy enough to tag this as Southern rock, or as blues, or even — at times — as gospel, were Randall Bramblett’s The Bright Spots not so consistently all of those things, and something more. You May Also Like: Sea Level, “That’s Your Secret” (1977): One TrackRead More

Like most fans, we were hoping the Rolling Stones would pull out some deep cuts as they convened to celebrate five decades of debauched rock. What we got, however, was “Emotional Rescue” You May Also Like: Keith Richards on the ’80s argument that saved the Rolling Stones: ‘He was takingRead More

Best known as the drummer in the barrier-breaking metal band Living Colour, Will Calhoun has quietly put together an impressive resume in jazz

John Frusciante has released a lengthy, darkly emotional rumination, written for a friend that went back to the guitarist’s days in the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Wayne Forman, tragically, died before he could hear this tribute. You May Also Like: When John Frusciante Returned to Solo Work on ‘Shadows CollideRead More

While there is an argument to be had about Baz Luhrmann’s temerity in remaking “The Great Gatsby,” you’ll get no such reservations when it comes to Jack White’s scorching version of this U2 deep cut from the forthcoming soundtrack. You May Also Like: Four Jacks and a Jill, “Master Jack”Read More

The standard-bearing harp influence of Walter Jacobs — he established the vocabulary still used by nearly every amplified modern player — is well documented. This guest-packed concert tribute reminds you of his composing prowess, too. You May Also Like: Little Walter – The Blues World of Little Walter (1988): ForgottenRead More

Baby, you’re a Beatles fan: The monthly readers poll for April 2013 is dominated by Fab Four-related stuff — though, ultimately, Deep Purple’s terrific new effort topped the newest Something Else! list. You May Also Like: The Beatles, “What Goes On” from ‘Rubber Soul’ (1965): Deep Beatles The Beatles, “Boys”Read More

Missing longtime member Tom Pittman, but none of the knee-slapping fun, the Austin Lounge Lizards’ fizzy Home and Deranged takes on such typically topical subjects as airport patdowns, big-ego music stars, fat-cat bankers and government conspiracy theories. You May Also Like: Genesis, “Home by the Sea / Second Home byRead More

Midwesterner Dan Hazlett ambles out on The Corner of My Eye with a gently undulating cadence and an ever-so-comfy vocal on “The Alchemy of Fish,” beginning an album-long connection with every classic 1970s-era singer-songwriter type. You May Also Like: Dan Auerbach + The Arcs, “Stay in My Corner” from Yours,Read More