Thursday, February 12 2009
Laughing Through the Tears: The Enduring Journey of Etta James
As much as Etta James used her songwriting and vocal skills as primary sources for empowerment and critique, her performances and image were equally significant in reflecting a public persona bursting with wit, wildness, and sassy radicalism.
Monday, November 17 2008
Bo Diddley: Gold
Bo Diddley may be gone, but he is not forgotten, as this two-disc compilation of his prime Checker years easily proves.
Monday, November 6 2006
Tears for Fears: Gold
Just about worth the purchase price for its single new track, Gold is the best summary thus far of Tears for Fears' 25 years.
Friday, October 13 2006
Lynyrd Skynyrd: Gold
I personally would've sewn a Confederate flag to the back of something or other, if not for the sneaking suspicion that I would've looked like a complete twat.
Wednesday, September 20 2006
Smokey Robinson and the Miracles: Gold
You can count the number of songwriters who have matched Robinson's achievements on the fingers of one stump.
Wednesday, November 30 2005
Cat Stevens: Gold
Stevens was once of the biggest, most beloved musical stars in the world. Gold, a new two-disc compilation of his work is a useful reminder of why that was.
Friday, November 11 2005
Buddy Holly: Gold
It's probably impossible to overstate Buddy Holly's importance.
Tuesday, October 4 2005
The Velvet Underground: Gold
Every track is going to absolutely slay you, but there's so much more to be had. You can buy this album if you want, but you have to promise me you'll buy their other ones too.
Monday, April 18 2005
The Jackson 5: Gold
Years before he became the iconic King of Pop, Michael Jackson was in a quaint little group known as the Jackson 5. And yes, he and his brothers were amazing.
