Quick Music Reviews by Dan Pavelich
Dan Pavelich reviews music.
Rob Halford Celestial (Sony)
As the frontman of stalwart metal outfit Judas Priest, Rob Halford’s banshee-like voice elicits many things. To most, sugarplums and mistletoe wouldn’t have a chance of making that list. “Celestial” is that holiday long-player that nobody asked for, yet manages to be...
Dan Reviews “The Mandalorian”
Nothing could be more exciting to a kid who grew up in the 1970’s than a new entry into the Star Wars saga. It was from that vantage point, that I excitedly waited to watch “The Mandalorian.” From Disney, “After the stories of Jango and Boba Fett, another warrior...
Beastie Boys Root Down E.P. (Grand Royal)
Capitol Records is reissuing the Beastie Boys’ catalog, so I took a listen to the “Root Down” e.p. The album track is featured here, along with two additional remixes, the Free Zone mix and the Pop Balloon mix. The remains twelve tracks are fleshed out with...
Berlin Transcendance (Cleopatra)
After appearing in a 2011 episode of VH1’s “Bands Reunited,” the idea of seeing a future for the legendary synth band seemed feasible. Although vocalist Terri Nunn had fronted several versions of the band, their episode of the series would be the first reunion of the...
Now Showing: The Addams Family
The Addams Family has been rebooted a number of times, and this incarnation captures more of the original 1960’s T.V. series’ charm than several previous attempts. In particular, Charlize Theron as Morticia and Oscar Issac as Gomez, play the dreadful-ever-after...
The Armoires Zibaldone (Big Stir)
In the world of The Armoires, it is perpetually 1967. California is the only place to be, and the golden sun never sets. It’s a beach party where everyone wears paisley, and Brian Wilson is in deep conversation with Mike Nesmith and Stephen Stills, about the...
Zak Brown Band The Owl (BMG)
It’s unfortunate that Zak Brown and his band haven’t been given their due. While it is true that they’re a popular country act, they are of the few interesting bands in modern country, carving out an identity that is equal parts country, Southern rock, blues and a bit...
The Beatles Abbey Road Remastered (Apple)
“Abbey Road” is the latest Beatles’ record to get the deluxe remaster treatment, and it’s a dilly. The version I’m reviewing is the two-disc set. All tracks have been lovingly restored by the late George Martin’s son, Giles Martin. Disc one contains the original...
Bon Iver i, i (Jagjaguar)
I run hot and cold on the music of Bon Iver, which is mainly the vision of band braintrust Justin Vernon. Bon Iver’s first release was recorded in a cabin during a Wisconsin winter, and boy, can you feel it. Vernon has a knack for making dreary-sounding tunes...
Taylor Swift Lover (Republic)
When someone who Taylor Swift felt was an online bully bought the masters to her back catalog, she was justifiably livid. Swift had tried to buy her own masters in the past, and been rebuffed. In a bid to devalue her past masters and regain control of her own music, she has vowed to rerecord her earlier work with bonus content.