Steel (Guitar) This Album
Sean MurphyI've long maintained that the judicious use of steel guitar is always one of the ultimate secret weapons of any musical act. I've just never said it out loud. Well,…
It’s Official: The Budos Is Upon Us
First off, can we get an Amen for Daptone Records? You know a label has arrived when you go from being pleasantly surprised at the consistent quality of each new…
Steven Wilson: The Gentleman Doth Protest Too Much (Part Two, The Fury)
Many of Steven Wilson's mostly accurate, but increasingly tedious denunciations of inferior audio can be attributed to genuine motivations. He really does despise digital downloads and looks askance at those…
Three From O.C.
I've had some things to say about the indescribable Ornette Coleman, and at some point, I'm sure I'll say more. But what can (should) one really say when it comes…
Steven Wilson: The Gentleman Doth Protest Too Much (Part One, The Sound)
Take a gifted and successful musician; add a cup of elan, a dash of pomposity, some shoulder chips for spice, ambition and sensitivity to taste, bring to a boil then let simmer and...voila,…
Honeycrisps are Back
And they are back, BIG! The taste of autumn is in the air, and in my mouth.
Checking In From Colorado Springs
Not a bad way to begin the day, up in the mountains of Colorado Springs. It almost feels inappropriate to be using a computer here; it almost feels wrong to…
The Budos Is (Almost) Upon Us
Much more on these cats, coming soon. Get ready...
Sungha Jung or, Have You Ever Wondered What You’re Doing With Your Life?
Major hat tip to my man JC for making me aware of this wunderkind named Sungha Jung (check out his official site here). It's both remarkable and refreshing that in…
Yihla Moja (Revisited)
On Sept. 12, 1977, South African black student leader Steven Biko died while in police custody, triggering an international outcry.