Even when reflecting on the 80s of their youth Deerhoof tends to favor making rock music the makeshift way most rock music was made in the 60s, and the method matters for this music.

You know an album is good when even the filler tracks, like this one from ‘Chicago II,’ are outstanding.

‘Adult Entertainment’ is just that, with 12 songs of various styles, direct yet evocative lyrics and excellent playing from Jon Herington and company.

Jeff Beck’s confident, virtuoso ‘Loud Hailer’ showcases a veteran performer who’s lost not a jot of cutting edge, provocative style as time passes.

If Steely Dan seems like an obvious inspiration for Don Breithaupt’s Monkey House, there’s a reason. He joins Preston Frazier to discuss.

Any fan of melodic rock will appreciate ‘Fallen Angel,’ even if you’re not familiar with Punky Meadows or his ’70s glam band Angel.

In which the crews of the Yellow Submarine and the Ship of Fools pass in the night.

Those who prefer conventional fare might be put off by Chicago’s “Liberation.” Others looking for something more freewheeling may find a lot to like.

The back-to-the-basics approach of ‘A Thesis on the Ballad’ makes its case with the oft-forgotten art of homespun charm and the power of poetry.

Four decades hence, it’s easy to hear the glory of Steely Dan’s diverse and calculating ‘The Royal Scam.’