Much like the subject matter it documents, Lizzy Goodman’s oral history of the New York Rock Scene is a smorgasbord of gossip that’s heavy on the dish and surprisingly devoid of any real sustenance.
Meet Me In The Bathroom: Rebirth and Rock and Roll in New York City 2001-2011
Gerry Monroe: Sally, Pride Of Our Alley: The Complete Chapter One Recordings (él Records)
Gerry Monroe was an unlikely British pop star who came to fame on the variety show Opportunity Knocks in 1970; this collection compiles his complete recorded works in his brief career, and offers a surprising wealth of pop riches.
Robert Lamm: Time Chill: A Retrospective/Peter Cetera: The Very Best Of
To celebrate the band Chicago’s entry into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, two recent compilations examine the solo careers of two of their vocalists; one is an interesting examination into a rather obscure back catalog of solo releases, while the other is a long-overdue and welcome compilation of a successful post-Chicago solo career.
Charlie Byrd: Sixties Byrd: Charlie Byrd Plays Today’s Great Hits (él Records)
Charlie Byrd Sixties Byrd: Charlie Byrd Plays Today’s Great Hits él Records/Cherry Red I have long had the sneaking suspicion that during the Sixties, Easy Listening artists adapted rock and roll and […]
I Want To Stop Wanting It So Much: A Conversation With Toad The Wet Sprocket’s Glen Phillips
In 1997, Toad The Wet Sprocket released its best album to date, Coil. Less than a year later, the band broke up due to internal strife and frustrations as a result of the album’s poor promotion. Twenty years on, frontman Glen Phillips sits down to reminisce about the album and his thoughts on the band.
I’m A Defeatist But I Don’t Have To Be: A Conversation With Eisley’s Sherri DuPree-Bemis
Tyler, Texas-based Eisley was once a record label’s dream: a band of teenage siblings, three sisters, a brother, and a best friend, making dark, moody, dreamy alternative rock music, irrespective of any […]
Haircut One Hundred: Paint And Paint (Cherry Pop)
In 1983, up-and-coming pop group Haircut One Hundred lost their lead singer, Nick Heyward. Instead of disbanding, the group carried on, and Paint And Paint was a noble effort to continue without their distinctive, charismatic frontman.
Red Lorry Yellow Lorry: Albums And Singles 1982-1989 (Cherry Red)
Red Lorry Yellow Lorry may be on the second or third tier in the annals of British post-punk bands, but that’s not for lack of quality; this handy box set compiles the entirety of their Eighties output, and shows that they were a pretty darn good band that made records that are better than you remember; even their attempts of making music with a more commercial appeal are quality.
Various Artists: Singles: Deluxe Edition (Legacy Recordings)
Some thoughts on the bittersweet, unfortunately timed deluxe reissue of the Singles soundtrack.
Michael McGear: Woman (Esoteric Recordings)
Woman was the debut solo album from former Scaffold talent Michael McGear; an album he intended to be a more straightforward, serious affair. Surprisingly, this album is something of a lost jewel, the delightful sound of a young talent trying on different sounds and finding his creative voice.
