Tag Archives: Electric Light Orchestra
Tom’s Top 5’s: Albums of 1981
1981 was a big year in the history of rock music. First, it was the year that arena rock exploded. Escape (Journey). 4 (Foreigner). Paradise Theater (Styx). Hi Infidelity (REO Speedwagon – released at the end of 1980, but went on to … Continue reading
Tom’s Top 5’s: Albums of 1979
I suspect I have some readers who are deeply disappointed by my almost complete shutout of punk in these lists. For whatever reason, I’ve never been able to get into punk. Perhaps I spent too much of my childhood listening … Continue reading
Tom’s Top 5’s: Albums of 1977
1977 is a harbinger of things to come. The first Apple computer goes on sale; Steve Biko dies in police custody in South Africa, giving new life to the movement against Apartheid; Deng Xiaoping comes to power in China, kicking … Continue reading
Tom’s Top 5’s: Albums of 1976
A look at Billboard’s Year-End Hot 100 Singles of 1976 reveals that, if disco hadn’t yet conquered the world, the sound was on the ascendent: “Silly Love Songs,” “Disco Lady,” “Play That Funky Music,” “A Fifth of Beethoven.” For my … Continue reading
Album Review: Jonathan Wilson, “Fanfare”
When the title track on Jonathan Wilson’s Fanfare (2013) bursts forth with big, reverbed drums, symphonic strings, and flute accents, it might have you wondering whether you accidentally queued up a different Wilson, say, Brian or Dennis. It’s far from … Continue reading
Album Review: The Electric Soft Parade, “IDIOTS”
Trawling through the “Best of 2013” lists that proliferate this time of year is a great way to discover new and interesting music. However, it also means that you’re going to be discovering mostly the kind of music that rock … Continue reading
Revolutions Per Minute 