Five Deep Cuts Underscore the Overlooked Brilliance of Steely Dan’s ‘Katy Lied’

Five Deep Cuts Underscore the Overlooked Brilliance of Steely Dan’s ‘Katy Lied’

March 15, 2020

Let’s return to a handful of lesser-known moments from Steely Dan’s ‘Katy Lied,’ which arrived 45 years ago this month.

Jeff Coffey, on ‘Origins,’ Ex-Chicago Bandmates and What’s Next: Something Else! Interview

Jeff Coffey, on ‘Origins,’ Ex-Chicago Bandmates and What’s Next: Something Else! Interview

March 9, 2020

Don Felder sideman Jeff Coffey stopped by to discuss his new solo project, what it’s been like reconnecting with former Chicago bandmates and his plans for what’s next.

The Necks – ‘Three’ (2020)

The Necks – ‘Three’ (2020)

March 16, 2020

Every Necks album is a plot twist in a long-running musical riddle, and ‘Three’ keeps the story very much alive for one of the most singular bands in contemporary music.

The Necks – ‘Three’ (2020)

The Necks – ‘Three’ (2020)

March 16, 2020

Every Necks album is a plot twist in a long-running musical riddle, and ‘Three’ keeps the story very much alive for one of the most singular bands in contemporary music.

Horse Lords – ‘The Common Task’ (2020)

Horse Lords – ‘The Common Task’ (2020)

March 13, 2020

Horse Lords make instrumentals that are largely unlike anything you’ve heard before but through clever and deliberate planning, make wildly disparate songs that draw you in all the same.

JUNO Fever (or Not): The Modern World Meets the Boogie Woogie Flu

JUNO Fever (or Not): The Modern World Meets the Boogie Woogie Flu

March 18, 2020

A few music-related thoughts as we self isolate, elbow bump and search desperately for bathroom tissue during the coronavirus pandemic.

MFTJ [Mike Keneally + Scott Schorr] – ‘MFTJ’ (2020)

MFTJ [Mike Keneally + Scott Schorr] – ‘MFTJ’ (2020)

March 12, 2020

There’s a roomful of artistic capacity between just Mike Keneally and Scott Schorr. ‘MFTJ’ puts it to good use.

Ozzy Osbourne – ‘Ordinary Man’ (2020)

Ozzy Osbourne – ‘Ordinary Man’ (2020)

February 21, 2020

Ozzy Osbourne’s ‘Ordinary Man’ is extremely difficult to listen to – not because of the content, but because it sounds like utter crap.

JUNO Fever (or Not): The Modern World Meets the Boogie Woogie Flu

JUNO Fever (or Not): The Modern World Meets the Boogie Woogie Flu

March 18, 2020

A few music-related thoughts as we self isolate, elbow bump and search desperately for bathroom tissue during the coronavirus pandemic.

Robert Cray – ‘That’s What I Heard’ (2020)

Robert Cray – ‘That’s What I Heard’ (2020)

February 14, 2020

After nearly 40 years, Robert Cray remains as viable as ever. In a world turned upside down, his music continues to serve as comfort food for the soul.

In Defense of the Kinks’ Often-Overlooked Sophomore Album, ‘Kinda Kinks’

In Defense of the Kinks’ Often-Overlooked Sophomore Album, ‘Kinda Kinks’

March 5, 2020

Ray Davies has ranked ‘Kinda Kinks,’ which arrived 55 years ago today, as his least favorite Kinks album. Let’s take a second look.

MFTJ [Mike Keneally + Scott Schorr] – ‘MFTJ’ (2020)

MFTJ [Mike Keneally + Scott Schorr] – ‘MFTJ’ (2020)

March 12, 2020

There’s a roomful of artistic capacity between just Mike Keneally and Scott Schorr. ‘MFTJ’ puts it to good use.

Future Cowboys – ‘Life On Mars’ (2020)

Future Cowboys – ‘Life On Mars’ (2020)

March 8, 2020

What if Riders in the Sky and Leon Russell decided to work with A Tribe Called Quest, and the Roots served as producers? Future Cowboys provides the answer.

Judas Priest, Jackson Taylor, Blackberry Smoke, Alestorm + Others: Fred Phillips’ Best of 2010s

Judas Priest, Jackson Taylor, Blackberry Smoke, Alestorm + Others: Fred Phillips’ Best of 2010s

January 26, 2020

It’s not until you actually start combing through the hundreds of records you’ve listened to over a decade that you realize how daunting the task really is.

Nigel Dick, Toto Video Director: Something Else! Interview

Nigel Dick, Toto Video Director: Something Else! Interview

February 28, 2020

Nigel Dick joins us to discuss his lengthy history with Toto, including his favorite music video – and one that was overshadowed by tragedy.

The Eddies, “Hey Baby” (2020): One Track Mind

The Eddies, “Hey Baby” (2020): One Track Mind

March 14, 2020

The Eddies have an impressive track record, and “Hey Baby” keys in as another fine addition to their catalog.

Conniption and Lords of the Trident: Two Bands Deserving Wider Recognition

Conniption and Lords of the Trident: Two Bands Deserving Wider Recognition

February 17, 2020

A recent show in Cudahy, Wisconsin, said worlds about the musical backgrounds and depth of conviction from Conniption and Lords of the Trident.

In Defense of the Kinks’ Often-Overlooked Sophomore Album, ‘Kinda Kinks’

In Defense of the Kinks’ Often-Overlooked Sophomore Album, ‘Kinda Kinks’

March 5, 2020

Ray Davies has ranked ‘Kinda Kinks,’ which arrived 55 years ago today, as his least favorite Kinks album. Let’s take a second look.

Spencer Davis Group – ‘Gluggo’ (1973): Forgotten Series

Spencer Davis Group – ‘Gluggo’ (1973): Forgotten Series

December 7, 2018

Long overlooked, the Spencer Davis Group’s ‘Gluggo’ stands as a fun and energetic collection of meat-and-potatoes rock and roll.

Being My Own Hero: Neil Peart & My Connection to Rush

Being My Own Hero: Neil Peart & My Connection to Rush

March 4, 2020

With Neil Peart’s passing, Mike Tiano reflects on his connection to Rush through working for Canadian rock artists during the 1970s.

Lyle Mays (1953-2020): An Appreciation

Lyle Mays (1953-2020): An Appreciation

February 11, 2020

Jazz piano great Lyle May passed away on February 10, 2020. Few have been able to project subtle emotions so powerfully.

The Beatles, “What Goes On” from ‘Rubber Soul’ (1965): Deep Beatles

The Beatles, “What Goes On” from ‘Rubber Soul’ (1965): Deep Beatles

November 13, 2019

“What Goes On” provides another example of how the Beatles incorporated various musical genres, but never simply copied them.

Bruce Springsteen – The River (1980): Gimme Five

Bruce Springsteen – The River (1980): Gimme Five

October 18, 2015

When Bruce Springsteen issued ‘The River’ in October of 1980, I didn’t like it very much. Time has changed that – and here’s why.

Levon and the Hawks, “He Don’t Love You” (1965): Across the Great Divide

Levon and the Hawks, “He Don’t Love You” (1965): Across the Great Divide

October 22, 2015

The Band, then known as Levon and the Hawks, released a few forgotten songs before heading to that basement with Bob Dylan. Here’s one of the best.