Dino: The Essential Dean Martin
Review by Frankie Hagan
More than the handsome half of one of the greatest comedy teams of all time, more than a Rat Packer, and more than the host of a highly rated variety show, the man who made a tuxedo look as comfortable as a t-shirt, Dean Martin was the embodiment of cool. And so is The Essential Dean Martin (Capitol), a stand-out among other greatest hits collections in that it combines the Capitol and Reprise hit singles into one stunning package of memorable excellence. Continue Reading »
Popularity: 3% [?]
Posted on Jun 1st, 2004 by specialcontributor | 1 Comment »
Blue Note Plays BURT BACHARACH
Blue Note Plays STEVIE WONDER
Blue Note Plays THE BEATLES
Review by Will “The Thrill” Viharo
Three new compilation CDs paying tribute to Burt Bacharach, Stevie Wonder and The Beatles, respectively, make up the first entries in a wonderfully conceptualized series from Blue Note Records. These albums are glowing examples of how the apparently disparate worlds of rock, soul, jazz and lounge can fuse into an extremely rewarding and revelatory listening experience, proving that great composers create magic for the ages, not just their eras (or genres). Continue Reading »
Popularity: 3% [?]
Posted on May 20th, 2004 by specialcontributor | No Comments »
The Best of Miss Peggy Lee
Review by Will “The Thrill” Viharo
I’m lovin’ this new trend of combining CDs with DVDs in one little package, neatly archiving highlights of a performer’s career both visually and aurally for one ¹s personal pop culture library. This dual format–also realized beautifully with The Ultimate Rat Pack Collection last year–now offers us The Best of Miss Peggy Lee, the silky siren who is as pleasant for the eye and she is for the ear. Continue Reading »
Popularity: 2% [?]
Posted on Apr 6th, 2004 by specialcontributor | No Comments »
Lost in Sin
Review by Janine Veazue
Every region in the country seems to have its own precious and fleeting rockabilly scene these days, and Cleveland, the home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, is no exception. According to Cleveland’s RAB Internet resource, RockabillyUprising.com, along with the Red Star Rangers and the Rocket 88′s, the Lords of the Highway have been picked as one of few favorites that Ohio has to call their own. Slim pickin’s, I’d say. Continue Reading »
Popularity: 3% [?]
Posted on Jan 10th, 2004 by the editor | No Comments »
Off Like a Prom Dress
Review by Frankie Hagan
The sound created by The Lost Patrol could be described as the Cranberries arranged by Chris Isaak with just a splash of surf. The presence of retro cool is obvious, as is the bleak, Gen-X lyrical slant. The band’s latest release, Off Like a Prom Dress, is not the stuff of crowded dance floors, but hauntingly thoughtful mood music that might work in a film score for some atypical teen flick to be played in the background when the guy starts to think about why he lost the girl. For that reason alone, movie producers should pay attention. Continue Reading »
Popularity: 2% [?]
Posted on Nov 6th, 2003 by specialcontributor | No Comments »
Rockin’ Daddy!
Review by Frankie Hagan
If you like rock ‘n’ roll and think the best music ever recorded came out of the Sun Record Sessions, then you’ll love Rockin’ Daddy! from Pete Hodgson & the Fireballs (Raucous Records). Proudly advertised as having been recorded on vintage equipment, when played for listeners, this album will be frequently mistaken for Jerry Lee Lewis originals. Continue Reading »
Popularity: 2% [?]
Posted on Aug 6th, 2003 by specialcontributor | No Comments »
