As 2020 rolls to a close, writer Kevin Burke looks at a selection of worthwhile reissues

2020 was a brave year to release music without the touring or usual album promotion, writer Kevin Burke explores 10 of the Best album release

“It will be great to get back out but I am sure once on the road, I’ll laugh and say ‘Oh God, why am I doing this all over again?’ We always worked to play all-ages shows, why preach to the converted? We’re like a sick rock & roll cult that wants to recruit a new congregation,” laughed Hopeless.

Tim Kinsella, Melina Ausikaitis, Theo Katsaounis, and Bobby Burg tell the tale of bringing Joan of Arc to an end in this oral retrospective.

“In the face of futures postponed or cancelled, the underbelly of civilization shows itself in increased violence and racism while caution, politeness and caring are disregarded without a thought by those who feel freed to do so by the examples set by their leaders.”

Amidst a pandemic, political unrest, and economic distress, Diamond Dogs offers a new translation to a listener in 2020. David Bowie infused his talent for changing personas directly into the album itself as though he knew something that we did not. It is almost if he knew this was coming.

Writer Kevin Burke takes a look at the true toll on the music industry, this pandemic has had.

Gale, frontman for metal luminaries Power Trip, died this week of unnatural causes. Here is my interview with the screaming legend from less than a year ago.

“It all began in a very grassroots way. This was their Metal, for the new fans. Not hokey rock and roll and it was the real thing. We worked to give these bands to the people that wanted more and were willing to support it,” reflected Zazula.

Bandcamp give artists 100% of the profits, Kevin Burke shares 70 recommendations worth checking out

2020 is a year that has so far devastated the music world. A further loss comes in the form of the illustrious Miss Mercy.

Shoegaze songwriter Andy Jossi publishes his life’s work in a new self-released double album released in July.

35 years ago, Live Aid happened. Kevin Burke remembers the standout performance.

As Metal Machine Music turns 45, Writer Kevin Burke tries to explain what it actually is

Through the pandemic, Tim Burgess is keeping us entertained and the positivity flowing.

Writer Kevin Burke looks back 35 years at the Prefab Sprout classic Steve McQueen/ Two Wheels Good

Bandcamp launches a Juneteenth gift to fund the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. Kevin Burke looks at this, and some of the artists to watch.

“I proud to say that I think we came back strong. I know it’s been awhile since the last record in 2013. I’m happy our fans our loyal because we never relied on radio, we relied on touring and with what has been happening it has been difficult. We’ve played together for so long; I have learned not to argue over childish stuff and just enjoy each other.”

As Bob Dylan turns 79, writer Kevin Burke takes a look back at some of his seminal sixties moments.

Big Takeover writer Jen Dan revisits the discography of the captivating, lyrically insightful shoegaze/dream-pop/guitar-pop band Lush(1987 – 1996 and 2015 – 2016).

Writer Kevin Burke examines the actual threat facing the music industry from COVID-19, including the loss of the brilliant Matthew Seligman

Kevin Burke points out the damage dishonesty brings to an already damaged industry

This week, writer Kevin Burke discusses the importance of the Miles Davis classic Bitches Brew released 50 years ago this week

Big Takeover writer Jen Dan revisits the discography of the mesmerizing, compelling electronic rock/alternative guitar-rock band Curve (1990 – 2005).

On Saint Patrick’s Day, writer Kevin Burke celebrates the Irish that crossed the Atlantic, and their influence on American pop culture

As 2020 steers us into uncharted territory, writer Kevin Burke discusses how it will take old school methods for the music industry to survive

Big Takeover writer Jen Dan revisits the discography of the cinematic, atmospheric rock/dream-pop/electronic band Cranes (1986 – 2008).

Writer Kevin Burke looks at the importance of last years release by The Coolies, along with the upcoming tribute to Kim Shattuck at the ALS benefit concert in Los Angeles

“I don’t feel any burnout or pressure, more like being thankful that I’m still able to do this. Everyone gets along so well playing with Michael Monroe and we all realize that nothing is more important than the music. This is our livelihood and for me, it’s my only job so I make sure to do it at the highest level, no matter which group I am in,” stated Jones.

Writer Kevin Burke reinforces the power of Bob Marley’s music, 75 years after the reggae legend was born.

A Profile of Guelph, Ontario DIY musician Green Palm Radiation, a.k.a. Jay Newberry.

Writer Kevin Burke celebrates David Bowie’s birthday by looking at one of his most underrated albums 1;Outside

Writer Kevin Burke remembers Neil Innes, the comedic genius who started the ball of creativity rolling with the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band

“It’s high praise that people struggle to define us. I don’t want to be a Goth rock band or an exclusively Metal band. The longer I can hold people off from genre defining statements the better,” laughed Franco.

Writer Kevin Burke captures ten of the best albums of 2019 by female solo artists

Writer Kevin Burke looks back on some of the best reissues of 2019

“We’re not naïve in believing we’re the ultimate solution but this campaign is to make people understand that shootings and violence should not be an accepted, normal part of growing up,” stated Hegel.

In Ten Bangerz From The Bunch, writer Kevin Burke looks back on ten sublime releases from 2019, featuring Kim Gordon, Fontaines D.C, Sleater-Kinney, Ride, Nick Cave and more.

Writer Kevin Burke peels back the layers on the Velvet Underground’s original incarnation

Writer Kevin Burke looks back on The Beach Boys lost masterpiece SMiLE, and what could have been.

Writer Kevin Burke discusses the sublime masterpiece Led Zeppelin II, fifty-years after its release.

Writer Kevin Burke discusses the shortcomings of the recent Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame nominations.

Writer Kevin Burke looks back forty-years to the start of The Specials and Two-Tone

October 10th marked a quarter century since the release of the modern classic Dog Man Star by Suede. Kevin Burke pays tribute to the slow burning masterpiece

The Muffs (new album out soon!) and The Pandoras frontwoman shined brightly in the garage rock/punk music world and is dearly missed.

As the Hellraiser now resides in Heaven, writer Kevin Burke looks back on the career of Ginger Baker, one of last great drummers of influence and invention

Bruce Springsteen reaches the milestone of 70 today, writer Kevin Burke looks back on what is considered his finest work, Darkness On The Edge Of Town.

In the past 48 hours the music world lost the visionary talent of Ric Ocasek, writer Kevin Burke looks back on some of the highlights from his illustrious career.

On this date in September 1977, the seventies rock star Marc Bolan was tragically killed in a road accident, writer Kevin Burke discusses his crossover to the punk movement before his passing

This week the music world mourns the loss of Daniel Johnston, writer Kevin Burke looks back on the career of the outsider, lo-fi artist who will continue to speak to generations.