As I did last year, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite albums from 2014. I’m fortunate to be able to listen to a lot of music and after putting it off for a few weeks, I’ve finally narrowed this list to ten or so albums that have really stuck with me. As always, it isn’t a set ranking of any kind, just a group of solid albums to check out. Continue reading “Just A Guy Favorite Albums of 2014: Part 1” »
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Just A Guy Favorite Albums of 2014: Part 1
Top 10 Songs of October
Just a Guy’s monthly music article includes the top songs of October 2014. The restrictions are simple, the album or the song must have been released during the month in review. So as to encourage musical diversification, we only select one song per album per artist. With all the stipulations out of the way, let’s take a look at the best songs from October. Continue reading “Top 10 Songs of October” »
JAC Classics: A Nod Is As Good As A Wink…to a Blind Horse by the Faces
With so much new music available today, sometimes it’s good to look to the past. Welcome the JAG Classics where we examine the albums of yesteryear. Today we look at A Nod Is As Good As A Wink…to a Blind Horse by the Faces.
With the passing of legendary keyboardist Ian McLagan, now is as good a time as any to speak on the Faces, and the impact they had in their relatively short career. Originally the Small Faces (because the band members were short. Really.), the Faces would come into their own, and get their name, when Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood joined up on vocals and guitar respectively (dropping the ‘Small’ because Stewart and Wood were taller. Really.). The band had a legendary, and a well earned, reputation of wrecking hotel rooms, drinking a lot and generally having a good time. Combine that mindset with exquisite musicianship and you’re in for one freewheeling album. Continue reading “JAC Classics: A Nod Is As Good As A Wink…to a Blind Horse by the Faces” »
Robert DeLong Does Electronic Music (Better than Anyone)
Robert DeLong came into Chicago for a late night show at Lincoln Hall. Despite it being a Monday, and the show starting at 11pm, a nice sized crowd came out to catch one of the most talented electronic artists around, for a short, but wonderful set. DeLong might not be as well known as other names in the electronic scene, but his live show is not to be missed. Continue reading “Robert DeLong Does Electronic Music (Better than Anyone)” »
Top 10 Songs of September
Just a Guy’s monthly music article includes the top songs of September 2014. The restrictions are simple, the album or the song must have been released during the month in review. So as to encourage musical diversification, we only select one song per album per artist. With all the stipulations out of the way, let’s take a look at the best songs from September. Continue reading “Top 10 Songs of September” »
X Ambassadors Hit Lincoln Hall
X Ambassadors
X Ambassadors have certainly come a long way in a year. When I first saw them, they were one of the opening acts for The Mowgli’s. I then caught them at a street festival earlier in the Summer. So the band returned to Chicago, only this time to play at Lincoln Hall, one of the city’s better venues, albeit a small one. The show wasn’t sold out, but a healthy crowd turned out for a Wednesday show. Continue reading “X Ambassadors Hit Lincoln Hall” »
New Music Review: Yellowcard, Hozier and Sixx AM
Yellowcard performing.
A big week for new releases. Well established bands like Yellowcard and Sixx AM added to their catalogs while newcomer Hozier dropped a stellar debut album. Read below as I give my thoughts on the three new albums. As always if there were any albums I missed, let me know in the comments below. Continue reading “New Music Review: Yellowcard, Hozier and Sixx AM” »
JAG Classics: Quadrophenia by The Who
With so much new music available today, sometimes it’s good to look to the past. Welcome the JAG Classics where we examine the albums of yesteryear. Today we look at Quadrophenia by The Who.
The Who in 1975
The Who were bonafide rock stars by the time they released Quadrophenia in 1973. 1969’s Tommy was the first great rock opera, spurning traditional three minute rock singles for more expansive songs while telling the story of a quasi-Messianic deaf, dumb and blind boy. The album was hailed as a breakthrough for the band, producing “Pinball Wizard” and memorable festival performances at Woodstock and the Isle of Wright Festival. The band followed up Tommy‘s success with the more traditional rock album Who’s Next before taking time off to write a new album. Continue reading “JAG Classics: Quadrophenia by The Who” »
New Music Review: Julian Casablancas and Empires
Julian Casablancas on stage.
This week in music saw a wonderfully weird release from Julian Casablancas +The Voidz, as well as a major label debut from Empires. Below, I’ll share a few thoughts on the new releases and why you should be picking up these two albums. Continue reading “New Music Review: Julian Casablancas and Empires” »
Top 10 Songs of August
Just a Guy’s monthly music article includes the top songs of August 2014. The restrictions are simple, the album or the song must have been released during the month in review. So as to encourage musical diversification, we only select one song per album per artist. With all the stipulations out of the way, let’s take a look at the best songs from August. Continue reading “Top 10 Songs of August” »
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