Introductions first. Oh Wonder is a very new group, formed in 2014 by Josephine Vander Gucht and Anthony West of London. Their style is light alt-pop (alt-light pop?) and their first album (self-titled) was released in 2015, and Ultralife was released on July 14 of this year. The Good, The best songs on this album are those … More New Music Spotlight – Ultralife, from Oh Wonder
Quick – name a song by Styx. Don’t tell me, just keep it in mind while I tell you about the song you picked. The song you named is on the band’s seventh studio album: The Grand Illusion, which celebrates its fortieth birthday this year. One of the best-selling of all their albums, it follows … More Throwback Thursday – The Grand Illusion, Styx
Released June 23rd of this year, the third album from alt-rock group Imagine Dragons, Evolve, presents a unique set of challenges – for both the band and for the listener. Coming into Evolve, Imagine Dragons faced a challenge that any young band would love to face. Their first album – Night Visions (2012) – produced … More New Music Spotlight: Evolve – Imagine Dragons
Although I don’t remember for sure, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band is likely the first Beatles album that I ever listened to in its entirety. I was three days shy of my sixth birthday when the first Beatles album was released in the USA. And though I was too young to make musical buying … More Weekend Ramble – More Thoughts on Sgt. Pepper’s
In these posts, I’ve talked a bit about music being greater than the sum of its parts. The musical artist combines poetic words with well-played instruments, perfect rhythms and soaring vocals in complementary fashion to form a song. And the song gets right to the heart of the listener more profoundly than any of its … More New Music Spotlight: The Dustbowl Revival
No profound words this weekend. As a proponent for breaking down the musical walls we seem to have erected between generations, I humbly submit this video that I came across on YouTube. Listen. Enjoy.
1967 marked a major turning point in the life cycle of the Beatles. As a band, they had formed, struggled, established their “sound” and brought Beatlemania to the USA. “She Loves You” and “Please Please Me” and so many others were inescapable once the Fab Four made their way across the pond. But by 1966, … More Throwback Thursday – Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
Rostam is the performance name of one Rostam Batmanglij, formerly of Vampire Weekend. Though not the band’s frontman, his influence on their music is easily recognized by those who are familiar with the band and have spent even a few minutes with his other musical offerings. Rostam is one of what I call today’s Nomadic … More Artist Spotlight – Rostam
We’re coming up on the second anniversary of Alongsideyour78’s. I’ve have spent many an hour listening to songs and analyzing lyrics from bands that I had previously never heard of. I’d venture to say that I’ve listened to a fair number of songs that you, dear reader, have never heard. So for my pleasure and … More Weekend Ramble – The 10 Best Song You’ve (Probably) Never Heard
Overcoats is a musical duo cosisting of Hana Elion and JJ Mitchell. The two women formed the group in 2015 and released their eponymous EP that same year. Both still in their twenties, they released their debut album, appropriately titled Young, on April 21st of this year. Its musical style would likely land their first album … More New Music Spotlight: Young – Overcoats
Alongside Your 78s 