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. Continue reading “CD Review: Michael Jackson”
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. Continue reading “CD Review: Roxy Music”
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. Continue reading “CD Review: Amanda Palmer”
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. Continue reading “CD Review: Art Garfunkel”
Patti Smith
Banga
Columbia
By David Chiu
Banga is the punk poet’s first new album of original material since 2004’s Trampin’, and it furthers on her powerful words accompanied by dynamic electric rock. Continue reading “CD Review: Patti Smith”
Ultravox
Brilliant
Chrysalis/EMI
by David Chiu
Is this 1981 or 1982 all over again? First Duran Duran released All You Need Is Now and it has been hailed as a return to form. Now another British synth pop group from the ‘80s, Ultravox, has reclaimed some of that old New Romantic glory with their latest new record — the first one in nearly 30 years featuring the classic lineup of Midge Ure, Billy Currie, Warren Cann and Chris Cross. Continue reading “CD Review: Ultravox”
The Beatles
Yellow Submarine Songtrack
Capitol/EMI
By David Chiu
This shouldn’t be confused with the original Yellow Submarine album, which was about half Beatles songs (including “Hey Bulldog,” “It’s All Too Much,” “Only a Northern Song,” and “All Together Now”) and half orchestral music by producer George Martin for the film. Rather, this set includes all of the Beatle tunes that was in the movie but not on the soundtrack. Continue reading “CD Review: The Beatles”
The Beach Boys
That’s Why God Made the Radio
Capitol/EMI
By David Chiu
On the heels of the Beach Boys’ 50th anniversary is not another hits compilation, but an actual brand-new album and quite a good one at that. Certainly a huge part of it has to do with bringing back Brian Wilson into the fold, which really make it a true Beach Boys reunion. Continue reading “CD Review: The Beach Boys”
Metric
Synthetica
Last Gang Records
By David Chiu
Sonically-speaking, the Canadian band’s latest record picks up where 2009’s breathtaking Fantasies left. Synthetica doesn’t disappoint with its driving electronic-influenced rock as in the case of “Speed the Collapse” and the title track; Continue reading “CD Review: Metric”
The Smiths
The Smiths,
Meat is Murder
The Queen Is Dead,
Strangeways Here We Come
Louder Than Bombs
The World Won’t Listen
Hatful of Hollow
Rank
Sire/Rhino
By David Chiu
Even though they have broken up nearly 25 years ago, the Smiths continue to leave an enduring legacy and remain as popular as ever — enough to spark rumors of an unlikely reunion and of course anything the unflappable Morrissey says these days. Not bad for a band that in their brief history only recorded four studio albums and tons of non-album songs. Now recently reissued, and remastered by guitarist Johnny Marr, the Smiths recordings still sound magical as ever. Continue reading “CD Review: The Smiths”
NewBeats 