Blogroll

Midweek Music Moment: Songs in the Key of Life, Stevie Wonder

If any one artist ruled the mid-1970s, it was Stevie Wonder. He moved from “Little Stevie Wonder” to one of the world’s most talented and bestselling musicians. It wasn’t by chance. His talent produced a string of superb albums: Talking Book (1972), Innervisions (1973), Fulfillingness’ First Finale (1974) and 1976’s Songs in the Key of […]

Midweek Music Moment: Terry Kath

When Rolling Stone announced its list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time in 2003, there were plenty of letters and comments complaining about artists excluded (and some who were included). Yet there was one wholly inexcusable omission — Terry Kath.

Kath was the lead guitarist of Chicago until his untimely (and foolish) death […]

Music Review: Springsteen’s Working on a Dream

As with his last release, Bruce Springsteen’s Working on a Dream, set for release next week, leaked to the internet. That isn’t all that surprising given the existence of advance review copies and, among other things, NPR will begin streaming the entire album just before midnight tonight.

As a result of the leak, I had […]

Midweek Music Moment: Blood on the Tracks, Bob Dylan

I’m not one who tends to throw around superlatives. But there’s no doubt in my mind that not only is Blood on the Tracks perhaps the most exceptional Bob Dylan album, it is one of the finest albums ever.

Released on Jan. 17, 1975, Blood on the Tracks is seen as a reflection of […]

Midweek Music Moment: Holland, The Beach Boys

I’d wager a significant amount of money you’ve never heard of Holland, a Beach Boys album released on January 8, 1973. Various critics and longtime fans weren’t overly impressed. But it’s the only Beach Boys album I ever bought.

While there were a few Beach Boys tunes I liked, I wasn’t big into their sound. […]