Formed in 1985 in Minneapolis with Mark Olson (acoustic guitar and vocals), Gary Louris (electric guitar and vocals), Marc Perlman (bass) and Norm Rogers (drums), The Jayhawks were sorely one of the most under-rated bands of their era.
Essential Jazz Classics has recently released a set of CDs that collects some of that period's best albums along with some interesting bonus material.
Post-Modern, with its simple cover and clever hooks, lulls the listener into a sense of security before kicking said listener right in the ass. “Will we, find our way back home?!?!” is not just a chorus; it’s a mission.
Pete Yorn’s latest go-round with Columbia records, Back & Fourth, is a departure in both his writing and recording career. His first album in three years, following the trilogy collection, is a depiction of a difficult period in his life. Change seems to be the key element, both personally and professionally, and this album may be the catalyst. For starters, Yorn implored indie producer and noted Saddle Creek arranger, Mike Mogis (Bright Eyes, Rilo Kiley) and recorded the album in Omaha, NE with the guidance of Columbia co-chairman, Rick Rubin.
Though it is totally without frills or DVD bonuses, Warpaint Live represents a fine document of the Black Crowes’ progression since their reformation in 2005. Like its double CD counterpart, the DVD version includes all the material on Warpaint, their first studio effort in seven years as well as cover material that accurately reflect their roots.
Never let it be said that Medeski Martin and Wood repeat themselves but the trio's Radiolarians Series, in its ingenious concept of writing touring then recording all new material in quick succession, represents a willful effort to avoid the predictable.
Cheap Trick. Poison. Def Leppard. It's an odd billing to be sure. Poison and Def Leppard seem reasonable enough, with careers that rode the hair metal explosion of the 80s to multi-platinum success, but Cheap Trick, an 80s power ballad aside, were churning out power pop gems (that continue to influence bands today) five to ten years earlier than their tour mates. Oddly enough, the tour's oldest band chronologically is its youngest spiritually and that is part of the magic that still makes Cheap Trick matter.
Gov’t Mule tends to pull out all the stops when they play in Boston and their latest appearance, at Bank of America Pavilion July 31st, contained a clutch of memorable moments on a number of fronts, including some truly spectacular.
Back in 1985, I bought JFA's Live 1984 Tour LP. It's energy was as unbounded as the possibilities of my new found favorite genre and it quickly found itself in steady rotation on my turntable. Nearly a quarter century later, a new piece of live JFA vinyl is spinning in my basement and it's hard to believe that it still has much of that same thrashy skate punk energy.
For those who maybe questioning White’s choice to play drums, don’t, the skins are pounded with power and precision.
