Author Archive
10 May 2010
Album Review: Tell Me: Ember Beat Vol. 1 (1962-1964)
For fans of beat era music (more on that term presently), it’s a jaw-dropping experience to discover the three discs in Fantastic Voyages’ Ember Beat series. Three CDs (packaged and […]
07 May 2010
Bootleg Bin: Yes – YesSessions
Here’s one for the prog fans. Yes was among the best groups to hybridize progressive and popular styles. With Jon Anderson‘s pliant upper-register vocal juxtaposed against Chris Squire‘s assertive bass […]
06 May 2010
Album Review: Various Artists – Good to the Last Drop
For whatever reason, some of the most interesting compilations of soul, funk and R&B are coming out of the UK. Keb Darge‘s work in this area is well-known; his comps […]
05 May 2010
DVD Review: You Really Got Me — The Story of the Kinks
When it comes to You Really Got Me: the Story of the Kinks, there’s good news and bad news. The good news is pretty simple: it’s the Kinks. This British […]
04 May 2010
Album Review: Jody Porter – Close to the Sun
Rock history is littered with examples of artists who need to break out on their own to fulfill their creative ambitions. Sometimes they are able to do it while remaining […]
03 May 2010
Album Review: Milt Matthews Inc. – For the People
Some old recordings are rare for a reason. When I was a kid in the 70s, like lots of other boys my age, I collected beer cans. And we quickly […]
30 Apr 2010
Skinny Legs and All – Despite Their Age, They’re Not Kidding Around
You can learn a lot about a band by attending their pre-show sound check. Plenty of veteran bands give short shrift to this pre-show ritual, and they pay the price […]
29 Apr 2010
Coming Attractions
So last night I traveled to Charlotte NC to see Bigelf and Porcupine Tree in concert. I had met, interviewed, and seen both acts onstage before, so this show was […]
29 Apr 2010
Happy Birthday: Tommy James
Singer/guitarist Tommy James (most famous as leader of 60s pop group the Shondells) turns 63 today. During the 60s the Shondells racked up an impressive string of top 40 pop […]
28 Apr 2010
Album Review: Sinatra/Jobim – The Complete Reprise Recordings
This one’s a bit problematic. Sure, The Voice is in fine form: few singers before or since have been possessed of such seemingly effortless control over their instrument. Sinatra handles […]