(amazon.com)
Heart
Strange Euphoria
Epic/Legacy
By David Chiu
Heart’s new boxed set isn’t so much an exhaustive retrospective crammed with the familiar hits, although some of them are present. Rather, it goes for something far deeper through previously unreleased early demos, live recordings, side projects and album tracks/non-singles to offer a broad overview of Ann and Nancy Wilson’s extraordinary career. View full article »
(amazon.com)
Thin Lizzy
Nightlife
Fighting
Mercury/UME
Two of Thin Lizzy’s early albums, which were recently reissued in expanded form, rank alongside 1976’s Jailbreak as some of their best work. Both records showcase the elements that defined Thin Lizzy’s sound: legendary front man Phil Lynott’s soulful yet yearning vocals; powerful guitar playing; and the relentless ‘take-no-prisoners’ and everyman sentiments in the lyrics. View full article »
(amazon.com)
Janis Joplin
The Pearl Sessions
Columbia/Legacy
By David Chiu
Whether it could be considered fate or destiny, Janis Joplin’s last album, Pearl, recorded before her death, ultimately became a poignant tribute to the emotive, blues-influenced singer. The songs on this 1971 release encompass all what she was about: attitude, fragility and tenderness. View full article »
(amazon.com)
Glenn Frey
After Hours
Universal Music/UME
By David Chiu
At first, it may seem strange that Glenn Frey would record a standards album given his legendary background in Southern California rock with the Eagles as well as his pop hits as a solo artist. View full article »
(amazon.com)
Noam Weinstein
Clocked
No Songs
by David Chiu
Noam Weinstein takes a page from the Randy Newman, Elvis Costello and Paddy McAloon (Prefab Sprout) style of songwriting–catchy, sophisticated pop songs with clever yet ironic lyrics. View full article »
Pink Floyd
The Wall (Immersion Edition)
Capitol/EMI
By David Chiu
Although they were part of the progressive rock movement by the time The Wall was released in 1979, Pink Floyd—particularly Roger Waters—crafted something that is arguably punk in attitude and spirit. The Wall conveys the themes of isolation and detachment with both venom and poignancy. View full article »
(fatpossum.com)
Tennis
Young and Old
Fat Possum
By David Chiu
Based on the music from their second album, the trio Tennis sounds like a cross between vintage‘60s pop and garage rock. In all, Young and Old is a buoyant record full of sweet melodic hooks. View full article »
(amazon.com)
Beth Jeans Houghton and the Hooves of Destiny
Yours Truly, Cellophane Nose
Mute
By David Chiu
This latest album from this British newcomer may be the most unorthodox sounding and unpredictable release so far this year—and that’s what makes it so interesting on an artistic level. View full article »
(amazon.com)
Kathleen Edwards
Voyageur
Rounder
By David Chiu
Although Kathleen Edwards has already has several albums under her belt, she’s kind of an under-the-radar artist as far as greater mainstream popularity. Hopefully her latest record Voyageur will change that. View full article »
