Another hard to believe album that is 50 years old. Released in 1971, this was a McCartney solo album, before Wings, but made in partnership with wife Linda. That partnership was scoffed at by his publishing company, and some in the industry, who were not convinced that she was a real songwriter. Linda McCartney took … More Ram: Paul & Linda McCartney at 50 Years
Let me clarify, new music to me. I was watching this streaming show called Loudermilk, and I heard this haunting, melodic song, lush, almost ethereal. The gentle piano chords instantly settled into my brain. This should be subtitled: Music for Introverts. The music is highly reflective and feels like is describes those puzzle pieces that … More Andy Shauf: New Music
What a great mix of musical styles. Pop, rock, heavy metal, R&B, blues. This was the singer-songwriter era too, the laidback Southern California sound. Carole King would have the largest selling album with Tapestry, the touchstone for the singer-songwriter generation. Other landmark albums were: Led Zeppelin IV, Fragile, Who’s Next, Sticky Fingers, Aqualung, What’s Going … More 1971: Music From 50 Years Ago
Genesis has announced their American/Canadian leg of their The Last Domino? tour. I believe it is safe to assume this could be the last Genesis tour, although if it goes well there might be more dates added later. Not only are these guys well into senior citizen status, but Phil Collins is barely mobile. If … More Last Time Around: Old-Time Rockers
This is one of my favorite live albums. There was about a decade where the best live albums were made, from 1970 to 1982. This was before most live recordings were sweetened to the point of being studio- produced works. Yes, so clunker notes were replaced and maybe some background vocals cleaned up, but most … More The Kinks: One for the Road (1980)
Even if you did not live there the era, you can’t escape songs like “Daydream Believer”, “Last Train to Clarksville”, “(I’m Not Your) Stepping Stone”, “Pleasant Valley Sunday” or “I’m a Believer” other charting hits. The Monkees’ recording output was so great that many songs were not released as singles or if they were, they … More The Monkees: Lesser Known Gems
There is no one like Frank Zappa. After almost 20 years after his death, Alex Winter, with the cooperation of the Zappa Family Trust, released a very good documentary about Zappa. I cannot say that I was a fan of Zappa’s music, it was always a bit theatrical and strange to me. This is the … More Zappa (2020)
Yes, even The Beatles had songs that did not fully register at the time. Great songs overlooked, edged-out by more popular or promoted songs. A dozen (there are many more), but here are 12 that quickly come to mind. “No Reply” – From Beatles for Sale (1964), written most by Lennon while on holiday. Offered … More The Beatles: 12 Under-Appreciated Songs
Poco leader and guitarist suffered a fatal heart attack yesterday. He was 75 years old and was in the band for more than 50 years. Poco went through many iterations through the years with Rusty being the only original member to play the entire with every version. Rusty came close to retirement back in 2013, … More Rusty Young Remembered
John Lennon has been gone more than 40 years now. How is that possible? Lennon’s solo work has been remastered in recent years and repackaged. Now, this material has been remixed and expanded packages of his solo albums are getting the grand treatment. John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band, his first official solo album, has arrived in … More John Lennon: Gimme Some Truth
