Ray Davies is no stranger when it comes to looking back.  Over the course of four decades writing songs, Davies has not been shy about wearing his retrospective vision on his sleeve.  This is easily confirmed by a quick perusal of the titles of his most famous songs. So it should come as no surprise that he has reached back to one of the oldest musical traditions for his latest album, that of a collection of a capella voices.

First off, let’s recap. Last article written for this website: October 2008. Divorced from wife of almost 10 years, moved out of home of almost 10 years, new Jeep, new girlfriend. Still able to make killer pasta sauce. In other words, all is right with the world.

For someone who has been through all the changes of the music business in the last six decades, Solomon Burke offers a unique perspective. Although Solomon never quite achieved the crossover appeal of his contemporaries Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles or Sam Cooke, his shadow looms large across the musical landscape.

I first heard of A Skylit Drive when I was visiting my friends in Chiodos on their recent stint.  I had a very surreal moment – we were all chatting and reminiscing when suddenly I saw my old friend Mikayla (MJ) from Australia.  Turns out she’s a tour manager, and then suddenly I saw Michael whom I had met 4 years prior when I was back in the OC.

Why are all the good bands nowadays from other countries?  Maximo Park, Mew, the Sounds, and Disco Ensemble (…and Sonata Arctica) have been in regular rotation in my car and at home for months.  I don’t think I’ve listened to a single recent release by a “local” band, aside from Swashbuckle but that’s for merely camp value. 

The economy has worked its Darwinian effect on the global festival scene. Gatherings across Europe and the US are being postponed, cancelled or reconfigured. The invisible hand of the marketplace has seemingly touched Coachella in only subtle ways. As the lead festival of the season, Coachella is a bellwether. Layaway plans let attendees smooth payments over time (while garnering steady interest for Goldenvoice, the festival's promoter).

The prodigy from Minnesota is known for his cleverness, both onstage and off. In terms of tweaking the standard process of the record business, he may be more King than Prince.  After Warner Music launched and sustained his meteoric career, Prince went about with ‘slave’ on his cheek in protest. He tried to change his name to get out of his recording contract (even though part of his deal made him a VP of the company).

Twenty five years after their iconic spoof set the standard for rockumentaries AND mockumentaries, the trio known as Spinal Tap is making the circuit in a less hirsute and less bombastic manner.  They will open for themselves, as The Folksmen, pulling songs from A Mighty Wind, another superb mockumentary.

LA's Obi Best is hitting the road to share their fanciful pop with you in person.  First they'll be play several west coast dates with their friends The Bird and The Bee, for whom Obi frontwoman Alex Lilly moonlights as a backup singer.  Then they'll embark on their own national tour.