Brownout’s instrumental explorations into the music of Public Enemy manage to tell a compelling, socially engaged story without using words.

A re-release of Durand Jones and the Indications’ self-titled debut seemed initially strange to me. The original is hard to improve upon.

Here is the video premiere of the Albert Ayler/Mary Parks song “Heart Love”, by the Jeff Lederer-led collective Shakers n’ Bakers.

Released 10 years ago today, this album found Maceo Parker trying another fun experiment with history and sound, but with mixed results.

Robert Finley stopped to talk about different things but mostly, he just played, accompanied only by the rattling window unit.

Mixing and matching experimental edges with bouts of moodiness, the Temptations stage more exceptional performances throughout ‘All Directions.’

Featuring spirited harmonizing and red-hot grooves, Chairmen of the Board’s ‘Greatest Hits’ asserts the heartfelt sounds of a group primed for rediscovery.

‘On Broadway’ offers mostly curiosities for admirers and collectors of the brilliant ’60s and ’70s songs composed by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil.

‘Over the Covers’ showcases the Brownout I always love with a new sense of urgency and maturity.

‘Super Freak: The Life of Rick James’ offers a glimpse at the human being and musical legacy underneath all the coked-out madness.