CategoryAlbums/Songs

Posted May 27, 2021 Albums/Songs

David Bowie’s Blackstar

David Bowie – Blackstar (2016) I know I’m about five years late here, but recently I’ve become somewhat infatuated with this album. I can’t even say it’s the entirety of … Continue Reading David Bowie’s Blackstar

Posted July 30, 20201 Comment Albums/Songs

Van Halen Albums: In Review

Though their past and present members are still alive, Van Halen is a band we can aptly refer to in the past tense. After all, they’ve only released one album … Continue Reading Van Halen Albums: In Review

Posted June 28, 2020 Albums/Songs

Masterpiece Albums: “Who’s Next”

Masterpiece albums. How many bands and artists have them? Not that many I suppose. The great ones usually do. For some of the greats, there’s even debate over what their … Continue Reading Masterpiece Albums: “Who’s Next”

Posted June 3, 2020 Albums/Songs

Remembering “Soundtracks”

Remember when movie soundtracks were a big deal? I’m not sure if they even make them anymore. I know movies still feature music, but I mean, when’s the last time … Continue Reading Remembering “Soundtracks”

Posted May 27, 2020 Albums/Songs

In Review: “The Dan” (Part III)

In Review: “The Dan” (Parts 1 & 2) are linked below: In Review: “The Dan” (Part II) In Review: “The Dan” (Part I) Following the release of their 1980 album, … Continue Reading In Review: “The Dan” (Part III)

From My Collection

Ben Harper & Relentless 7 – White Lies for Dark Times: (2009)

There are very few bands and artists I discovered in the 1990’s who are either still around today or who I choose to still follow. Pearl Jam is one. Ben Harper is the other. I stumbled upon Ben at something called the HOARD Festival in 1995. I’d never heard of him, much less heard any of his music. His performance that day left an impression on me and I’ve been a fan ever since.

He’s a very active songwriter, who’s released many albums in the years that followed. Some with his backing band, “The Innocent Criminals.” Some billed as solo albums. In 2009 he released an album with a new backing band called “Relentless 7.” Though by no means a pronounced departure from his previous sound, the album was notably a bit harder or edgier than previous efforts.

The result was pound for pound his best work in my opinion. Furthermore, I think it’s one of the best Rock albums of the past 25 years. I highly recommend it.