Andrew Bird’s ‘Noble Beast / Useless Creatures’ Was as Challenging as It Was Gorgeous
Issued 10 years ago this week, Andrew Bird’s ‘Noble Beast / Useless Creatures’ seemed like odd, demanding music when described. Only, it really wasn’t.
Post Tagged with: "On Second Thought"
Derek Trucks Band’s ‘Already Free’ Gave Us a Fine-Tuned, Intimate Farewell
Derek Trucks Band released ‘Already Free,’ their final studio recording, 10 years ago today.
Johnny Winter Refined His Hell-Raising Brand of Texas Blues on ‘Guitar Slinger’
35 years ago, Johnny Winter returned with a great, grimy studio album where you could smell the booze and cigarettes.
Herbie Hancock’s ‘Fat Albert Rotunda’ Hinted at Mainstream Successes to Come
Fifty years ago, Herbie Hancock paused to have a little cartoon-related fun. And when Herbie is having fun, his listeners usually are, too.
How ‘Wish’ Scuffed Up Joshua Redman’s Initial Melodicism
Joshua Redman’s sophomore album, released 25 years ago, represented a bold new direction for the just-debuted saxophonist.
Philip Glass Transcended David Bowie’s Towering Influence on ‘Low Symphony’
Released 25 years ago, Philip Glass’ ‘Low Symphony’ wasn’t a note-for-note David Bowie redo, but a brilliant borrowing of themes for inspiration.
Walter ‘Wolfman’ Washington Got Going Again With ‘Doin’ the Funky Thing’
Released 10 years ago, Walter “Wolfman” Washington’s ‘Doin the Funky Thing’ embraced blues modernity, while keeping one scuffed-up toe in the past.
Neil Young Set a Solo Course on ‘Sugar Mountain: Live at Canterbury House’
Released 10 years ago today, ‘Sugar Mountain’ showed that the inner beauty of Neil Young’s early songs shine, even when completely unadorned.
Lisa Germano’s ‘Happiness’ Broke Out of the John Mellencamp Roots Rut
Issued 25 years ago, Lisa Germano’s darkly intriguing debut made it clear that she had always been more than simply an accompanist.
Gerry Rafferty’s Reverie on ‘City to City’ Always Takes Me Back
Forty years ago, Gerry Rafferty’s most famous album offered a lasting sense of rebirth, even if the former Stealers Wheel frontman never found it himself.
