Simon Phillips, Poco and Oz Noy are part of the latest edition of Five for the Road, an occasional look at music that’s been in my car lately.

‘Paul Simon’ arrived 50 years ago today with his first – but most certainly not his last – extended travels into world music.

Songwriter Erik Ritland reflects on the impact Meat Loaf had on his music – and his life.

Released 15 years ago this week, John Mellencamp’s ‘Freedom’s Road’ explored the uncertainties that exist inside middle America’s most reliable traditions.

Projekt Gemineye’s ‘In the Year 3073’ trilogy has been an invigorating ride, with an ending which more than exceeds expectation.

Drug Couple’s new album ‘Stoned Weekend’ is definitive proof that, in several parallel universes, “strawberry fields” are indeed “forever.”

Fred Phillips’ Best of 2021 Hard Rock and Metal also includes Black Label Society, Durbin, Ad Infinitum, Cody Jinks, Unto Others and Iron Maiden, among others.

Zan Zone’s ‘It’s Only Natural’ is all over the place, and it’s all over the place in a wonderful all over and very eclectic place way.

‘Tattoo You’ could easily be called the Rolling Stones’ last really good album of original material, given that ‘Blue and Lonesome’ was a covers project.

Similarities to Weezer and Fountains of Wayne abound on ‘Conflagration Vespers,’ but the Craig Torso Show possesses more of an experimental edge.