Spins
Spins: Flaming Lips: The EPs
The Flaming Lips Hypnotist vinyl EP Fight Test vinyl EP Ego Tripping at the Gates of Hell vinyl EP (Warner Records) Released in conjunction with the Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots 20th-anniversary campaign, these three EPs add to the picture of The Flaming Lipsâ surging power during a period of peak creativity while simultaneously edging […]
Spins: Paramore ⢠This Is Why
Paramore This Is Why (Atlantic) After a nearly 6 year hiatus, Paramore is back with a vengeance, and their new album This Is Why is proof that time apart makes the musical heart grow fonder. Joining its neo-pop predecessor After Laughter in solidifying Paramoreâs golden trio â Zac Farro on drums, Taylor York on guitar, and the […]
Spins: Crosby, Stills & Nash Debut Album Reissue Box
Crosby, Stills & Nash Crosby, Stills & Nash  LP reissue box (Mobile Fidelity/Rhino) As this pristine LP reissue of 1969’s debut release by Crosby, Stills & Nash goes to press, news has just arrived of the passing of David Crosby on January 18, 2023, at the age of 81. Crosby’s notable career spanned nearly 60 years, […]
Spins: Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs ⢠External Combustion
Mike Campbell and the Dirty Knobs External Combustion (BMG) Mike Campbell wrote piles of great rock ânâ roll and jangle-pop songs during a 40-year career as lead guitarist for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (and Mudcrutch), but waited until the untimely 2017 loss of his co-captain before releasing his own album. Campbell even sublimated his […]
Spins: Robbie Williams ⢠Iâve Been Expecting You
Robbie Williams Iâve Been Expecting You LP reissue (Island/UMC) Transcending boy band roots and released at the height of Britpop, erstwhile Take That vocalist Robbie Williamsâ Iâve Been Expecting You has aged considerably well. Although Williams never quite became the household name in North America that many expected, the singer made a strong showing while […]
Spins: The Beach Boys ⢠Feel Flows: The Sunflower & Surfâs Up Sessions 1969-1971
The Beach Boys Feel Flows: The Sunflower & Surfâs Up Sessions 1969-1971 (UMe/Capitol) Sunflower and Surfâs Up were the Beach Boysâ 16th and 17th studio albums, released on August 30 of 1970 and 1971, respectively. Sunflower was the Beach Boysâ first album for Reprise Records after the band left Capitol Records ensconced as the most […]
Spins: Daryl Hall and John Oates ⢠Live at the Troubadour
Daryl Hall and John Oates Live at the Troubadour LP (BMG) This 3xLP set marks the vinyl debut of the top-selling pop duoâs 2008 performance at Los Angelesâ famed nightclub. In the pairâs first performance at The Troubadour in 35 years, Daryl Hall and John Oates take a special trip back to 1973 by […]
Spins: Neil Young & Crazy Horse ⢠Barn
Neil Young & Crazy Horse Barn (Reprise) Neil Young collects his trusty, veteran Crazy Horse gang for a freewheeling album that sounds like a joyful weekend getaway among friends in the garage â or in Youngâs case, the restored 19th-century barn. The ambiance is amiable, loose, and natural. The recording draws together an intuitive band […]
Media: December 2021 ⢠Never Forget
At the end of every year, we like to take a moment to acknowledge the media giants in Illinois we lost during the year. This year the list includes television and radio icons, familiar faces and voices, and people behind the scenes. One of the most consequential names you might not know is former […]
Spins: The Rolling Stones ⢠A Bigger Bang Live on Copacabana Beach
The Rolling Stones A Bigger Bang Live on Copacabana Beach (Eagle Vision/Mercury/Universal) Walking onto the stage before a massive Brazilian crowd stretching as far down Copacabana Beach as the eye can see, the Rolling Stones tear into a revved-up version of âJumpinâ Jack Flashâ to begin this concert filmed on February 18, 2006. The band […]
Spins: Bob Marley and the Wailers ⢠The Capitol Session â73
Bob Marley and the Wailers The Capitol Session â73 (Tuff Gong/Mercury/Universal) After October 1973 shows in San Francisco during October 1973, producer Denny Cordell brought reggae pioneers Bob Marley and the Wailers to Los Angeles for a session at the famed Capitol Studios. The results are this 12-song CD and film, released for the first […]
Spins: Vanishing Shores ⢠“Maps”
Vanishing Shores Maps (independent) Vanishing Shores has made a swift ascent toward their summit of song. Kevin Bianchi established a compelling sonic identity for the group with 2018âs self-titled debut EP, but he strides forward with this full-length release. Maps finds Bianchiâs artistry expanding while offering a more focused and personal portrait. Elements of Laurel Canyon […]
Spins: Jeff + Ping ⢠The Threefinger Opera
Jeff Elbel + Ping The Threefinger Opera (Marathon Records) A few years ago, Chicago-area musician Jeff Elbel experienced a crushed nerve ending that denied him the use of two fingers on his left hand. This is bad news for someone who not only fronts his own band, the expansive Jeff Elbel + Ping but sits […]
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