Hackskeptic

n a 1987 interview for Belgian TV, chief songwriter Martin Gore corrected the host, suggesting that his band weren’t one of the best known pop acts in Europe, but merely a cult band that couldn’t release a single that would reach any higher than number 16 in the U.K. charts. His view was probably partly skewed by the fact that the band weren’t recognized across the Atlantic. “Music For The Masses”, the ironically titled sixth long player by the Basildon four piece ... read more

There’s a kind of comic irony in the title of Karl Blau’s new collection, “Introducing Karl Blau”. The Washington state artist has been releasing music for 20 years and has a prolific and extensive back catalogue. To most, his latest release is an introduction, giving the title a genuine validity and leading one to think “Where the heck has Karl Blau been all my life?” On investigation, his artistic escapades have been made up of genre hops that even the most ... read more

1969, a time when Rock music was morphing in every direction, driven by changing cultures, social awareness, and recreational drug use. Bands were discovering Heavy Rock, Folk Rock, the remnants of Blues, and all sounded perfect for the new spaced out population, everyone in the clouds un-tethered, listening to their Doors, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Jefferson Airplane on their transistors. So where do CCR find a vehicle for their “old style” Country Rock ‘n Roll.? To a ... read more

Let’s face it, Beck needed a return to form. His last two long players (“Guerolito” and “The Information”) were cursed with so many weighty inconsistencies that even his most loyal followers must have questioned his wisdom. Fortunately, owing to his immense chameleonic abilities, one knew Hansen wouldn’t stand still for long. The Danger Mouse produced “Modern Guilt” is his most conventional, melody driven recording since 2002’s outstanding ... read more