I don’t believe in tribute albums. Too often populated with the work of second-rate artists or stars phoning it in, you’re better off listening to the originals. But what if you don’t know the originals? I’ve got seven John Martyn tracks in my iTunes library, I love "Head & Heart", but to say I’m familiar […]

Too many people who would like this album will never hear it. You see country is the new rock and roll. Or, more accurately, the old rock and roll. But it’s wrapped up in so much ass-kissing right wing family values bullshit that there’s a wall through which the music doesn’t penetrate, it lives in […]

You won’t find a more opinionated man than Al Kooper. And he’s got a high opinion of himself too. Every Tuesday Al combs through every iTunes release, looking for gems, not to get rich, but for personal satisfaction. A couple of months ago, he decided to compile a weekly list of his picks. And I […]

So I’m sitting in a studio in Glendale and the engineer/producer/owner tells me the only good thing he’s heard in years is Carney. Huh? But the lead singer was too good-looking, he gave up and went to Broadway, he’s the lead in "Spider-Man". Huh? I feel like James is speaking a foreign language, then he […]