When, during the dying days of December, it comes time to review what happened in pop music during the year that was, it seems inevitable that any list of achievements usually includes far too many records that never registered on the general public’s radar. The questions might be asked: Why didn’t we hear more about these albums earlier? And more consistently? Continue reading
Like so many of the old-school R&B, blues and soul legends that the classic-rock generation idolized, Joe Cocker was a singer, first and foremost. Continue reading
Halloween celebrants everywhere, here’s a new song to add to any spooky playlist. Continue reading
While journalists and fans alike have long appropriated the description of “journeyman” as a nickname for Eric Clapton — chiefly because it was the title for Slowhand’s tacky 1989 album — the descriptor is really a better fit for Clapton’s erstwhile and largely forgotten Cream bandmate, bassist Jack Bruce. Continue reading
Famed drummer and longtime Madison resident Clyde Stubblefield is one of the featured interviewees in a new documentary about soul legend James Brown, which will air on HBO this week. Continue reading
Nearly a year after their last album’s release, Wisconsin indie-rock supergroup Volcano Choir posted on Wednesday a new video for their song “Tiderays.” Continue reading
A new reissue of “Superunknown,” the best album recorded by grunge godfathers Soundgarden seeks to acknowledge the 20th anniversary of the record’s arrival and to resurrect its reputation among fans when so much as happened in the years since then. Continue reading
More than 20 years after releasing their seminal album and then breaking up, post-hardcore band Slint has temporarily reunited to highlight a box-set version of the record. But at the group’s recent show in Chicago, the combo proved they could still execute the music’s bold vision, but not with anything approaching a visionary’s passion. Continue reading
If anyone needs a little cheering up after having to dig out the winter hat and gloves again, guitarist John Fahey’s “When The Springtime Comes Again” might be the remedy you seek. Continue reading
“Come as you are” couldn’t have been a clearer statement of purpose for the music of Nirvana and Kurt Cobain. Continue reading
Soundbytes Music Column 