Steve Winwood
ICON
Island/UME
By David Chiu
There have been numerous Steve Winwood compilations, but what makes this one particular collection unique is that it entirely devoted to his solo work under his name, as opposed to combining it with his output from the Spencer Davis Band, Traffic and Blind Faith. Continue reading “CD Review: Steve Winwood”
Check out the new single “Who Are You?” by Kathryn Calder (The New Pornographers), off of her upcoming solo album “Bright … Continue reading News: Kathryn Calder’s new single “Who Are You?”
Check out Feist’s new single, “How Come You Never Go There,” from her upcoming album Metals, due out Oct. 4 (click … Continue reading News: Feist’s new single
Patti Smith
Outside Society
Arista/Columbia/Legacy
By David Chiu
Had Patti Smith had made her debut album Horses in 2011 rather in 1975, there is hardly a chance it would have been released on a major label. That’s how different and groundbreaking that album was and 36 years later, it’s still remains a timeless work. Since that album, Smith’s music has always drawn on the avant-garde, the influence of the Beat poetry, and rip-roaring rock and roll. Her legendary career is celebrated on this new single-disc compilation spanning from Horses through 2007’s 12 Songs. Continue reading “CD Review: Patti Smith”
REO Speedwagon
Hi Infidelity: 30th Anniversary Edition
Epic/Legacy
By David Chiu
Sometimes, a little personal turmoil within a band can yield great results. That is the case with REO Speedwagon’s 1981 masterpiece, Hi Infidelity, which was recently reissued to celebrate its 30th anniversary this year. Continue reading “CD Review: REO Speedwagon”
The Feelies
Prospect Park, Brooklyn
July 23, 2011
By David Chiu
The Feelies’ career began with almost avant-garde, post punk indie rock leanings that later evolved into jangly, melodic guitar pop. The opposite was also true based from their excellent show at Prospect Park this past Saturday, as the music started off warmly and breezily but later morphed into full-fledged, energetic rock and roll. Continue reading “Live Review: The Feelies”
Eleanor Friedberger
4 Knots Festival
South Street Seaport
July 16, 2011
Review by David Chiu
The last time I heard from Eleanor Friedberger was about five years ago when she and her brother Matthew as the indie rock group the Fiery Furnaces released their album, Bitter Tea. For myself who had never listened to the Furnaces before, that record was pretty far out and eccentric. So part of me was kind of expecting more of the same on her new solo album, Last Summer (Merge). Continue reading “Live Review: Eleanor Friedberger”
Paul McCartney
McCartney
McCartney II
Hear Music
By David Chiu
Coming off the Beatles’ breakup in 1970, it would have been tempting for Paul McCartney to make a huge musical splash with his solo debut record. However, that wasn’t the case with ‘McCartney,’ which was released that year. Continue reading “CD Review: Paul McCartney”
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
Let Love In
Murder Ballads
The Boatman’s Call
Mute
By David Chiu
The mid to late ‘90s was a pretty fruitful period for Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, one that saw the band release a string of highly-praised albums. That is the case with these recent reissues of albums from 1994 to 1997 (along with 2001’s No More Shall We Part), accompanied by a DVD of additional tracks and videos. Continue reading “CD Review: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds”
Paul Simon
Paul Simon
There Goes Rhymin’ Simon
Still Crazy After All These Years
By David Chiu
Given the body of work that he established in the ‘60s with partner Art Garfunkel, Paul Simon had no problem duplicating that success in the ‘70s as a solo artist. Continue reading “CD Review: Paul Simon”
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