May 2012
Counterbalance No. 83: The Stooges’ ‘Fun House’
This week's Counterbalance is out of its mind on Saturday night, 1970 rolling in sight. And just on the horizon is the Stooges' sophomore effort—will it feel all right? Find out.
Bat Out of Hell, Hell in a Handbasket: An Interview with Meat Loaf
Upon the release of Hell in a Handbasket, the classic rock icon opens up about fame, faith, and his fears about the world.
The Top 10 Overplayed Songs You Hate by Artists You Love
Individually, they've each amassed a musical legacy worthy of several daily spins. Yet according to radio, these terrific musicians are only worth one -- or on the outside chance, two -- songs each. As a result, they've become pigeonholed, and these 10 tracks have become (almost) insufferable.
Death Disco: The (Death) Cult’s Visit to “God’s Zoo”
Before the big riffs and the arena-sized swagger, the band now known as the Cult injected disco and funk into its gothic theater for one riveting dance-rock smash.
Prog’s Only Stupid Dream: Porcupine Tree - “Stranger by the Minute”
The second single off of Stupid Dream, "Stranger by the Minute" is one of the album's most endearing songs, a tongue-in-cheek mash of psychedelic lyrics and radio-friendly rock. It's also unusually chipper for these usually melancholy proggers.
Counterbalance No. 82: U2’s ‘Achtung Baby’
Did U2’s 1991 blockbuster disappoint you? Or leave a bad taste in your mouth? Either way, it’s still the 82nd Most Acclaimed Album of All Time. Counterbalance has a listen.
The Best Canadian Records of the Year? The Fun Agony of Voting for the Polaris Prize Long List
It’s roughly one month now before the first ballot for Canada’s Polaris Prize produces its Long List of the 40 best records of the year. As of today, here are my picks for the top ten Canadian records of the past 12 months.
Top Ten Lost Midwest Punk Singles
From the basement dust bins come the sound and fury of the flatlands! Sounds Affects takes a look at ten outstanding obscure punk 45s from the American Midwest.
Prog’s Only Stupid Dream: Porcupine Tree - “Baby Dream in Cellophane”
Stupid Dream's eighth track, "Baby Dream in Cellophane", is a unique little experiment in that it merges Porcupine Tree's early psychedelic sonic with Steven Wilson's love of Beach Boys-styled vocal harmonies.
Counterbalance No. 81: Aretha Franklin’s ‘I Never Loved a Man…’
If you want a do right, all day woman, look no further than the 81st Most Acclaimed Album of All-Time, a landmark 1967 soul serenade from Aretha Franklin.
