Dance music. People have been dancing to music for as long as there have been people. But in the history of people, no person has made dance music sound and feel the way that Lady Gaga makes it sound and feel. Part of that sound has been her unabashed nods to her musical influences. Mayhem... Continue Reading →
At the end of every year, I feel the same way. I am sure I didn't listen to that many (non-jazz) albums, and then I’m surprised at how many albums I thoroughly enjoyed during the year. That said, I did listen to fewer pop albums this year as jazz explorations took up much of my... Continue Reading →
It’s that time for my annual look back on my favorite new music. I think I say this every year, but 2023 was one of my favorite years for music, which is why this year’s list is longer than usual. However, there was one remarkable standout. BEST OF THE BEST Gabriels Angels & Queens Many... Continue Reading →
A band’s very charismatic lead singer taking a break to record a solo album and going on tour is not an unusual occurrence. What made Lauren Mayberry’s solo effort an unusual occurrence is that at the time the album and tour were hastily announced, she had no songs! By “no songs”, I mean no songs... Continue Reading →
Thursday night at the stroke of midnight – technically Friday morning – the highly anticipated debut album Angels & Queens by Gabriels dropped. The big hand on the clock didn’t get to 12:01 am before I was already awash in glory from the sounds of the opening track Offering (I’d again get awash in glory... Continue Reading →
In my earlier review of High Drama, I said that what makes this album so compelling is Adam’s ability to interpret and interpolate songs in ways that fundamentally reshape them into new creations. So let’s look at each track and how I think he accomplishes that. Holding Out for a Hero. Adam reconstructs Bonnie Tyler’s... Continue Reading →
“If ever there was a sonic surgeon you'd want holding a scalpel to your favourite song, it would be Adam Lambert: he knows where to cut to let his seductive style seep deep.”[1] This is the album I always wanted Adam to make. What made Adam Lambert the most singular and arguably most memorable Idolist... Continue Reading →
Ray's Musings 