There are few musical groups, or solo artists for that matter, who can claim a career as long, significant, and varied as The Isley Brothers. Since 1954 this talented musical family has recorded and released Gospel, Doo-wop, Rock-N-Roll, R&B, Rock, Soul, and Funk music on just about every audio format available - 78, 45, LP, EP, Cassette, 8 Track, CD and MP3.

By 1964 The Isleys were tired of major labels and their lack of creative control. They decided to form their own record label (T-Neck) and released several singles that featured Jimi Hendrix. However, those early T-Neck Records did not find success and after Motown owner Berry Gordy reached out to them with an offer, the brothers decided to fold the label.

Three and a half years later, with only minor attention and feeling that Barry Gordy treated them like a “second tier” act, the brothers reactivated the T-Neck label and released It’s Our Thing, featuring the smash hit “It’s Your Thing,” a reference to Barry Gordy’s hold on his Motown artists. It showcased a 16-year-old Ernie Isley on bass and a new musical direction that the Isley’s would now be known for.
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That same year they released The Brothers: Isley, another funky album which featured “I Turned You On.” This song was controversial for its risqué sexual innuendos, but still charted well. I adore this track, the production is outstanding, the murky down-tempo groove is far too funky to ignore, and its brash cocksure insolence would never have found its way to the airwaves on a major label.

For some, Bob Welch was most known for his 1977 French Kiss album which contained the singles “Ebony Eyes” and “Sentimental Lady.” The album went on to sell over a million copies and elevated the career of this talented, but at the time much older singer and songwriter. For others, Welch was most known for the injustice the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame served when they did not induct him with Fleetwood Mac, a band that he fronted and recorded 5 albums with.

From 1967 to 1970, Fleetwood Mac was a blues band and it was Welch who is credited with moving them towards a more melodic pop sound. According to Mick Fleetwood, Welch “saved Fleetwood Mac” as his songwriting and vision moved them from England to America and towards financial success. 

“Hypnotized” epitomizes this direction with soft soothing tones and a deeper sense of musicality. It’s one of my favorite songs of theirs and a fitting tribute to his talents.
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Welch passed away in 2012 after committing suicide. It was widely reported that after a series of failed spinal surgeries he would be a paraplegic, and in a 9-page love letter he told his wife that he did not want to be a burden to her.  It was a sad ending for such a wonderful and talented musician.

This song still brings a smile to my face. Originally found on his 2011 A Way Ep, the opening sample sets the tone- a satirical take on gold digging. As the track builds we are left with a pristinely crafted groove and a nod to the big beat late 90’s.
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Ryan Hemsworth has been releasing excellent electronic music since 2010. Originally from Halifax Nova Scotia, he’s known for his remixes and production work with Tinashe, Grimes and Tory Lanez. In only seven years he’s already won a Juno (Canada’s major music award) and continues to be in demand for his growing production talents. I’m excited to listen to more.

Before there was Green Day or Blink 182 there were The Descendents. Formed in Manhattan Beach California by two 15-year-old classmates and a 34-year-old neighbor, The Descendents are now considered pioneers of hardcore, and more specifically, melodic hardcore punk.

Milo Goes to College is their first full length album, released in 1982 on D. Boon and Mike Watt’s now defunct New Alliance Records. The title is a reference to lead singer Milo Aukerman’s decision to go to college, where he would start his journey to becoming a research scientist and a professor.  It’s one of my favorite albums and features the various songwriting perspectives from each member of the band and captures the longing, joy, angst and pain that adolescence can bring.

“Myage” is the lead track and one of my favorites on the album. It was written when drummer Bill Stevenson found a discarded bass in a trash can. It features Tony Lombardo’s fantastic playing and captures that youthful longing to be loved. Stevenson would go on to write not only my favorite songs from The Descendents, but also from his next band All (formed after Milo left to finish his graduate degree in biochemistry). He’s a brilliant drummer,  a solid producer and one of my favorite lyricists.   
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I adore this album, and while much of hardcore punk at that time seemed angry at being angry, this album was a sensitive, thoughtful take on that pain.

​October is one of my favorite months. The air is as crisp as apples and leaves change colors. At least that was before global warming. For anyone who was around in the 70’s or 80’s, October was an entire month dedicated to horror movie franchises and preparing for Halloween. 

For film making brothers Matt and Ross Duffer, capturing the feel of early 80’s PG 13 horror with their 2016 Netflix series Stranger Things was an easy task. When you combine kids on bikes, walkie talkies and the supernatural, you get a bowl of candy worth slipping your fingers into.
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One of the more memorable aspects of the show is the opening credits. It’s faintly pulsating red logo is a direct homage to everything Steven King and the ITC Benguiat font. It also features a lurking piece of music from Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein from the synthwave band Survive. This magically eerie track brings back memories of VHS tapes and perfectly captures the mood and feel of the series, which start’s its second season later this month.