soft rock

Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Mirage Tour ’82’ Features the Hits

Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Mirage Tour ’82’ Features the Hits

Culled mostly from previously-released material, this triple-vinyl set catches Fleetwood Mac in the midst of their world-beating commercial phase.

Alex Izenberg Makes a Grand Statement with His Exiles

Alex Izenberg Makes a Grand Statement with His Exiles

Alex Izenberg & the Exiles sees the artist take another step in his evolution as a songwriter, and his supporting cast helps him reach that next crest. 

The Many Happy Lives of The Turtles’ Mark Volman

The Many Happy Lives of The Turtles’ Mark Volman

From working with Frank Zappa and T. Rex to singing the soundtrack to kiddie series like Strawberry Shortcake, Mark Volman’s memoir Happy Forever is a joyful read.

Dr. Dog Find Their Groove on First Album in Six Years

Dr. Dog Find Their Groove on First Album in Six Years

Dr. Dog return with their 11th album, which moves in and out of classic styles. It features their best track to date while proving they are still having fun.

Travis’ Tenth Studio Album ‘L.A. Times’ Lacks Consistency

Travis’ Tenth Studio Album ‘L.A. Times’ Lacks Consistency

L.A. Times finds Travis inspired but in need of direction on what could be a transitional album in their career. They do take more risks than in over a decade.

If You Love Her, Let Her Know: How Olivia Newton-John Became a Country Star

If You Love Her, Let Her Know: How Olivia Newton-John Became a Country Star

Olivia Newton-John’s chart-topping 1974 album remains a touchstone for 1970s culture, bringing the best of country music into mainstream pop.

A Fanatic’s 10 Best Supertramp Songs

A Fanatic’s 10 Best Supertramp Songs

During their heyday, Supertramp created a run of progressive-pop albums so intricate and irresistibly catchy, as to redefine what AOR radio could sound like.

Joni Mitchell’s Archival ‘Volume 3’ Documents Her Most Fertile Period

Joni Mitchell’s Archival ‘Volume 3’ Documents Her Most Fertile Period

Joni Mitchell’s Archives Vol. 3: The Asylum Years (1972-1975) is a towering achievement and the live concert performances are a special treat.

Just Growing Old? Steely Dan’s ‘Countdown to Ecstasy’ at 50

Just Growing Old? Steely Dan’s ‘Countdown to Ecstasy’ at 50

Steely Dan’s Countdown to Ecstasy reveals a progression toward ever more sheen and polish on a smooth shell, the source of the “yacht rock” label that defined them.

How Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks Became the New Age “White Witch”

How Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks Became the New Age “White Witch”

The idea of Stevie Nicks as Fleetwood Mac’s “white witch” is particularly poignant as the second wave of feminism rolled into the ’70s.

That Stank Attitude: Steely Dan’s Final Albums Two Decades Later

That Stank Attitude: Steely Dan’s Final Albums Two Decades Later

The last album by the rock/jazz phenoms Steely Dan was released 20 years ago. This is a look back at why their last two records deserve reconsideration.

Hopelessly Devoted to Whom? Olivia Newton-John, Juliana Hatfield, and Me

Hopelessly Devoted to Whom? Olivia Newton-John, Juliana Hatfield, and Me

In her tribute album, Juliana Hatfield Sings Olivia Newton-John, Hatfield gives us a direct line to the heady days of the ’80s and makes us wonder if shiny, electric blue lycra was really so bad.