essay Archive
03 Feb 2025
Take Five: Great Songs from Sweet
Initially a vehicle for the bubblegum-meets-hard rock songcraft of the ChinniChap songwriting team (Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman), London-based glam rockers Sweet scored an impressive run of hit singles during […]
02 Feb 2025
Music Blurbs. Vol. 7
More of my capsule commentaries. Sixpence None the Richer This alt-rock band originally from New Braunfels, Texas is something of an outlier in the world of popular music. Fronted by […]
31 Jan 2025
Five Great Covers by the Who
The Who released Odds & Sods on their own Track Records in October 1974. A compilation of rare tracks, the record was assembled by the band’s bassist John Entwistle in […]
30 Jan 2025
Five Notable Grace Slick Guest Vocals
Grace Slick is one of the most distinctive voices in rock. First with the Great Society (with whom she recorded the earliest versions of two classics, “White Rabbit” and “Somebody […]
29 Jan 2025
Five Great Performances from Jon Anderson
Jon Anderson is one of rock’s most distinctive vocalists. An alto tenor, he was the primary voice of Yes for most of the period between that group’s inception in 1968 […]
28 Jan 2025
Five must-hear songs from Split Enz
Led by Neil Finn, Crowded House was one of the most popular groups in the world through the 1990s and beyond. With hits like “Don’t Dream it’s Over,” the group […]
27 Jan 2025
Take Five: Classic Ringo Starr Singles
Ringo Starr was one-fourth of the most influential group in the history of rock music. His inimitable style, charm and drumming endeared him to legions of fans. He sang on […]
26 Jan 2025
Five Highlights from ‘90s Tribute Albums
All-star tribute albums have been a popular medium in the world of popular music for many years. But the CD age brought with it a renewed interest in the form. […]
25 Jan 2025
Music Blurbs, Vol. 6
More of my capsule commentaries. Jonathan Richman Whether he meant to or not, Jonathan Richman became one of the most influential figures in alternative rock. Leading his band The Modern […]
18 Jan 2025
Music Blurbs Vol. 5
More of my capsule commentaries. Danielle Nicole Danielle Nicole makes music informed by the blues yet not constrained by it. The electric bassist and singer debuted with siblings Nick and […]