Posts From Mark Leviton
Willie Nelson ‘Stardust’: Reimagining the American Songbook
His record label was reluctant to issue it, but the album defied expectations and revived interest in the classic songwriting of the mid-20th century.
Read MoreDeep Purple ‘Machine Head’: Rockin’ in Montreux
The 1972 album, cut by their classic lineup, made them big stars, and they soon toured the world. And there was much more to it than “Smoke on the Water.”
Read MoreZZ Top ‘Eliminator’: Hot-Rods, TV Dinners and Sharp-Dressed Men
The music is stellar, and the LP became a massive hit, selling 10 million copies and staying on the Billboard album chart for three years.
Read More10cc ‘The Original Soundtrack’: A Widescreen Masterpiece @50
The talented quartet was committed to using satire, parody, jokes and sonic guffaws in their eclectic mix.
Read MoreKris Kristofferson & Rita Coolidge: ‘Full Moon’ and In Harmony
“Harmony came easily for both of us, it was very natural,” said Kristofferson.
Read MoreLos Lobos’ ‘How Will The Wolf Survive?’: Songs of Passion
“The title song is about people who are living along that fine line between extinction and…staying alive.”
Read MoreYaz ‘Upstairs at Eric’s’ & Alison Moyet ‘Alf’: Dynamic Duo
Vince Clarke and Moyet were an “arranged marriage.” When Yaz split, each went on to a successful solo career.
Read MoreRoy Orbison ‘Mystery Girl’: Exit Music
“The Big O” aka “The Caruso of Rock” still thrills whenever the microphone captures his one-of-a-kind voice.
Read MoreYes’ ‘Fragile’: A British Prog-Rock Classic
Timeless tracks like “Roundabout” and “Long Distance Runaround,” premiered here and defined the prog genre.
Read MoreJoan Baez ‘Any Day Now’: A Loving Tribute to Bob Dylan
In 1968, the singer decamped to Nashville and cut a double album’s worth of songs written by her good friend and collaborator. The results were mostly glorious.
Read More