essay Archive
06 Nov 2026
Take Five: Great Recordings from Jeff Buckley
The rock era is littered with tantalizing “What if?” cases, but few are more compelling than that of Jeff Buckley. The singer-songwriter had released only one album – 1994’s Grace […]
27 Oct 2026
Take Five: Must-hear Tracks Featuring Mitch Mitchell
Drummer Mitch Mitchell is best known for his work as a member of legendary power trio the Jimi Hendrix Experience. With that group he recorded three landmark albums: Are You […]
23 Oct 2026
Take Five: Thin Lizzy’s Biggest Hit Singles in Ireland
While their success on record charts in the U.S. was measured, Thin Lizzy was wildly popular in other countries. Ranked as one of the top acts of the 1970s, the […]
19 Oct 2026
Take Five: Deep Purple Making Their Mark
Deep Purple are heavyweights in the world of rock. Listeners around the globe know the British group’s biggest hits, including the signature track “Smoke on the Water” from the band’s […]
09 Oct 2026
Music Blurbs, Vol. 26
Styx and Chicago Two of the most successful American bands of the rock era are teaming up for a tour in which they share top billing. Formed in Chicago in […]
25 Sep 2026
Five Classics from the Original Alice Cooper
My Take Five column has surveyed the work of Alice Cooper on two previous occasions: one explored his notable guest spots; the other focused on music from his solo career. […]
24 Sep 2026
Take Five: Early Classics from Crowded House
Crowded House are a globally beloved group, having sold in excess of 15 million albums worldwide between 1986 and 2024. Launched in 1985 as the Mullanes, the group led by […]
11 Sep 2026
Take Five: Robert Fripp Guest Spots
Robert Fripp is a guitarist capable of conveying massive power and ethereal subtlety, sometimes in a single piece of music. As the sole constant member of King Crimson, Fripp has […]
10 Sep 2026
Take Five: Notable Steve Miller Tracks
The music of the Steve Miller Band is inextricably associated with classic rock of the 1970s. While the San Francisco-based band led by guitarist Miller launched in 1968 as a […]
04 Sep 2026
Take Five: Must-hear Tracks featuring Eric Burdon
Acclaimed by Rolling Stone as No. 57 in their “100 Greatest Singers of All Time, Eric Burdon has has a fascinating career. First as lead singer with the Animals during […]