30 Years Ago Today – Pavement Releases ‘Wowee Zowee’
Thirty years ago today, Pavement released their third studio LP, Wowee Zowee. Although not as glorified as Slanted & Enchanted or Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain song for song Wowee is as experimental and challenging as anything in the Pavement catalog with its diverse song sequencing. At 18 songs, this third…
50 Years Ago Today – Miles Davis & The Grateful Dead Share Four Night Bill Together at Fillmore West
Fifty-five years ago today (4/10/70), Miles Davis and the Grateful Dead shared the bill at the Fillmore West for the second night of four shows (4/9/70-4/12/70) – their only run of shows together. Miles had his Bitches Brew lineup, and it might be said he taught the Dead a thing…
40 Years AGo Today – Slayer Releases Second Album ‘Hell Awaits’
40 years ago today (4/8/85), Slayer released their second album Hell Awaits. The album helped define thrash metal’s most extreme boundaries and marked a significant leap in complexity and ambition compared to their debut, Show No Mercy (1983). Of course, the album to follow, 1986’s Reign in Blood, would become…
Five Years Ago Today – John Prine Dies at 73
Five years ago today (4/7/00), John Prine died at age 73 following complications from COVID-19. Prine was enjoying a decade-or-so-long career resurgence, and many a younger, successful artist praised Prine as a primary influence. He was a storyteller with a rare gift for blending wit, warmth, heartbreak, and humanity in…
30 Years Ago Today – Guided By Voices Release ‘Alien Lanes’ Album
30 years ago today (4/4/95), Guided By Voices released Alien Lanes, the first GBV album on Matador Records. Their eighth album served up 28 tracks spanning 41 minutes, and the album fundamentally altered the concept of what a rock and roll record could be. Bob Pollard gave it up with…
30 Years Ago Today – King Crimson Ends Decade Long Hiatus With Release of ‘Thrak’
30 years ago today (4/3/95) King Crimson released Thrak (1995) after a decade-long hiatus, marking a new era for the band. This album showcases the “double trio” lineup—two guitars, two bassists, and two drummers—featuring Robert Fripp, Adrian Belew, Tony Levin, Trey Gunn, Bill Bruford, and Pat Mastelotto. It blends the…
50 Years Ago Today – Journey Release Self Titled Debut Album
50 years ago today (4/1/75), Journey released their self-titled debut album. The album showcased their progressive rock roots, featuring instrumental complexity and jazz fusion influences. Unlike their later, more commercially successful AOR albums with Steve Perry, Journey primarily highlighted the chops of former Santana bandmates Neal Schon on guitar and…
Happy 70th Birthday Angus Young
Happy 70th birthday to Angus Young of AC/DC, born on 3/31/55. The lead guitarist/band co-founder in the schoolboy outfit is one of the most recognizable artists in rock history. His sweaty head bobbing, duck walk, and bluesy leads give AC/DC its style and swag. AC/DC heroically is still on tour…
30 Years Ago Today – Wilco Release Debut Album ‘A.M.’
30 years ago today (3/28/95), Wilco released their debut LP A.M, the first and last Wilco album to feature Brian Henneman (Bottle Rockets) on lead guitar, who was brought into the recording sessions. The album was released only months after the breakup of Uncle Tupelo. Uncle Tupelo’s last album, Anodyne,…
30 Years Ago Today – Silverchair Release Debut Album ‘Frogstomp’
30 years ago today (3/26/95), Silverchair released their debut album, Frogstomp. Released when the band members were just 15 years old, the debut album features a raw, grunge-inspired sound heavily influenced by Pearl Jam. Tracks like “Tomorrow,” “Pure Massacre,” and “Israel’s Son” showcase their powerful riffs and emotionally charged lyrics.…