John Cale
Shifty Adventures in Nookie Wood
Double Six
By David Chiu
Forty-five years since stamping his reputation on the Velvet Underground’s landmark debut record, The Velvet Underground and Nico, John Cale continues to compose and craft music that is in the vein of art rock. His excellent new album, Shifty Adventures in Nookie Wood, sounds fresh and dynamic View full article »
(amazon.com)
Ben Folds Five
The Sound of the Life of the Mind
Imaveepee Records/Sony Music
By David Chiu
After a 13-year recording hiatus, Ben Folds Five –Ben Folds, Robert Sledge and Darren Jessee– returns with a fine new effort in The Sound of the Life of the Mind. Reunion albums are sometimes a tricky deal, but this comeback record from the trio is a return to form. View full article »
(amazon.com)
The Beach Boys
50 Big Ones: Greatest Hits
Capitol/EMI
by David Chiu
As the title indicates, this 2-CD set collects 50 of the Beach Boys best known hits, fitting that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the legendary band, whose original members reunited for a tour. It’s really THE compilation of all compilations View full article »
(amazon.com)
Freddie Mercury
The Great Pretender (DVD)
Eagle Vision
By David Chiu
One of the greatest singers in rock and roll history, Queen’s Freddie Mercury lived life to the utmost heights through his trademark extravagance and flamboyance. But offstage, Mercury was very private and shy– as told in a new documentary about the singer directed by Rhys Thomas. View full article »
(amazon.com)
Michael Jackson
Bad25
Epic/Legacy
By David Chiu
Bad, Michael Jackson’s 1987 album, had the big task of being the follow-up to the massively popular Thriller five years earlier. While it certainly doesn’t measure up to Thriller (in essence, what does?), Bad became hugely successful in its own right, with five Number One singles, an impressive feat at the time. View full article »
Roxy Music
The Complete Studio Recordings
Virgin/EMI
By David Chiu
They may not have achieved greater popularity in the States during their career, but Roxy Music were certainly one the most unique bands to come out the ‘70s. Like David Bowie, the band, led by the dapper Bryan Ferry, was ahead of its time as far as the music and visual look that was both a nod to the past and what the future might be. Over the course of 10 years and eight albums, Roxy’s output progressed from its avant garde/art rock beginnings, to smooth romantic pop. It’s now collected in this new boxed set celebrating the 40th anniversary of the band’s self-titled debut, showing why Roxy still continues to influence generations of rockers. View full article »
Amanda Palmer and the Grand Theft Orchestra
Theater Is Evil
8 Ft Records
By David Chiu
Theater Is Evil is the latest solo work from the Dresden Doll singer, a dazzling collection of grandiose, theatrical-influenced rock music that is sexy and ironic with a dash of humor and poignancy. View full article »
(amazon.com)
Art Garfunkel
The Singer
Columbia/Legacy
By David Chiu
Recently, Paul Simon released a double-CD collection titled Songwriter that focused on the many great songs he wrote throughout his career. Now his equally famous musical partner has just put out his own collection that surveys his solid and impressive body of work. View full article »
Frank Veronsky
Listen to “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)” by Joe Jackson and Iggy Pop, off of Jackson’s new album,”The Duke.” Jackson will be touring starting on Sept. 15 in Maryland. For info, visit www.joejackson.com.
(Eagle Rock Entertainment)
Pink Floyd
The Story of Wish You Were Here
Eagle Rock Entertainment
By David Chiu
After making probably the most commercially and artistically successful album of all time, how does a band live up to that for the next record? In the case of Pink Floyd, the result was 1975’s Wish You Were Here, the follow-up to the mammoth record Dark Side of the Moon. View full article »
