April 19th, 2023
The Flaming Lips Battle History 20th anniversary deluxe deep dive from Oklahoma's favorite sonsBy: JoE Silva
As someone who’d missed the early psycho-garage days and didn’t care all that much for the “Jelly” song, I was fully unprepared for the full force of what the Flaming Lips had become when they touched down in Athens, Georgia in September of 2000. Sure, the LSD helped, but long before we were inside of its fluorescent metallic grip, it was clear that the Category-5 euphoria of their live show could not be denied. Let’s remember that at the time, they were performing as... Read More
March 31st, 2023
More Monkey Business From Gorillaz Cartoon Pop Heroes Kick Off New PhaseBy: JoE Silva
After a failed Netflix deal to put Gorillaz cartoon band members into a full length film, Damon Albarn and illustrator Jamie Hewlett regroup under a slick pop banner to deliver album number eight with the help of mega-producer Greg Kurstin.
Read MoreMarch 31st, 2023
The Zombies Play a "Different Game" The British Invasion Stalwarts Enjoy an Energetic Creative BurstBy: Evan Toth
Upon reaching a certain age, it’s inevitable to ponder the impending end of the run, to embrace - as Warren Zevon once wryly observed - the importance of enjoying every sandwich. Unfortunately, these thoughts aren’t reserved only for card-carrying members of the octogenarian or nonagenarian membership club. The reality is that this experience of life is something that humans of all ages should appreciate, explore and enjoy. After all, one never knows how long a life... Read More
March 16th, 2023
Hill's "Dance With Death" Is A Lively Set! why this 1968 recording, a new "Tone Poet" series release, sat on the shelf until 1980 is a mysteryBy: Michael Fremer
No one knows why this Andrew Hill album recorded October 11th 1968 wasn’t released until 1980 as part of a Michael Cuscuna produced series. “Tone Poet” Joe Harley doesn’t know, nor, he told me, does Cuscuna. Harley posits a few possible reasons, none of which have anything to do with the music here, which in 1968 clearly was release-worthy. The vinyl revival/resurgence whatever you wish to call it has been a boon to artists like the late composer/performer/academic... Read More
March 14th, 2023
A Sonically Spectacular Percussion Record Worth Repeated Plays compositions by Lou Harrison and Steve Reich plus a world premier co-commissioned by the EnsembleBy: Michael Fremer
Recorded during the same 2011 and 2012 Zipper Hall, Los Angeles sessions that produced the remarkable percussion record “Smoke & Mirrors” (Yarlung 17255-195V), “Earth & Wood” is another sonic spectacular recorded directly to tape using a single AKG C24 stereo microphone (with Elliot Midwood mic amplification). The one-mike recording technique required “just so” placement of both it and the seven member Smoke and Mirrors Percussion Ensemble that performed the... Read More
March 10th, 2023
A Box Set That Delivers Well Beyond the Expected Enhanced Version of the Classic Collaboration A video review of a brilliantly curated and executed compilationBy: Michael Fremer
Rather than writing the usual written review of this extensive, well-produced and brilliantly curated set, I chose a video review to better show the box and associated records. The set includes a double LP containing the Painted From Memory collaboration spread to 3 sides. Side 4 contains selected songs from the never fully realized Bacharach/Costello musical Taken From Life performed by various artists including Cassandra Wilson and Bill Frisell, Audra Mae and of... Read More
March 10th, 2023
Van Morrison’s Backward Tumble Is Fully Underway From the archives: You're best waiting for Van to get energized againBy: Tracking Angle
In commemoration of Van Morrison's new album Moving On Skiffle, we revisit a past era of Van mediocrity via our archive review of 1996's How Long Has This Been Going On?
Read MoreMarch 5th, 2023
Nathan Davis Live Recordings Re-pressed by Sam Records The 3LP 'Live In Paris' is still available and highly desirableBy: Michael Fremer
This recently re-pressed set of Nathan Davis live in Paris recordings should help create a new following for this somewhat overlooked American multi-instrumentalist, composer, and educator who turned down a Blue Note contract and an offer to join Art Blakey's group, remaining in Paris during the turbulent 1960s.
Read MoreMarch 3rd, 2023
Christian McBride's 2009 Collaborative Project Got a 2021 Limited Edition Double Vinyl Release great sound and musicBy: Michael Fremer
I got invited to a record launch party for Christian McBride's new album "Christian McBride's New Jawn Prime" held at Oswald Mills Audio's Brooklyn loft. "Conversations...." had been sitting unplayed for far too long so I figured I'd give it a spin to prep for the launch.McBride listening to his new album played back on the OMA K3 turntableI'm not sure if he'd ever heard any of his recordings reproduced on a system... Read More
March 1st, 2023
Gil Scott-Heron’s ‘Pieces Of A Man’ Reissued On AAA Vinyl BGP’s 45 rpm edition of this essential album is a stunning revelationBy: Malachi Lui
Gil Scott-Heron’s Pieces Of A Man shouldn’t be relevant anymore. That is, it shouldn’t have to be relevant anymore, but it unfortunately still is. Since its 1971 release, its themes of racism, poverty, addiction, and the slight hope for a better future have retained a visceral urgency; partly because of Scott-Heron’s brilliant lyrics and powerful performances, and also because over 50 years later, the issues he wrote about continually worsen.Released on producer Bob... Read More
February 27th, 2023
ERC Cut "The Doors" Mono Using the Same Tape Elektra Used in 1967 So Why the "Controversy"? the "LEDO" controversy explainedBy: Michael Fremer
Recorded in 1966 and released in January of 1967 The Doors' debut album, powered by the edited single "Light My Fire" reached #2 on the Billboard charts, while the single was the "summer of love"'s #1 hit. If you were alive then you heard the single that summer wherever you went—blaring from jukeboxes and car radios. When you bought the album you heard a long extended "Light My Fire" that for many listeners was as uncomfortably... Read More