Randy Wells

"Pink Moon" Reissue Box Set, Is It Worth $70?

Randy Wells | Jan 31, 2013 | 15 comments

Nick Drake was born June 19, 1948 in Rangoon, Burma. Such unusual beginnings for a shy singer-songwriter who would die of a drug overdose twenty-six years later might seem exotic to some. But the gentle music he created sounded quite ordinary to most, if they heard it at all.

Album Reviews

The Cars Get Mo-Fi Drive: Candy-O and Shake It Up

Randy Wells | Sep 26, 2012 | 9 comments

It was the summer of 1978. The Cars were moving in stereo. They let the good times roll and were just what I needed.

As it turns out, The Cars were just what another

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million music fans needed too. Recorded at London’s AIR studios, their debut record was so fresh and appealing that it instantly became an AM radio favorite and went Platinum in six months.

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Album Reviews

Sade's 80's Aural Aphrodisiac Randy Wells | views-field-created"> Sep 22, 2012 | 7 comments

When Diamond Life burst onto the scene in 1984/1985 it provided a calm oasis. This was not post-punk or techno-pop. This was an album of lush and lovely music with smooth jazz moods and world beat underpinnings. Superficially cool, the Latin tempos trapped in the grooves simmered with a passion just waiting to explode.

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Album Reviews

Joni Mitchell’s Laurel Canyon Rediscovered Randy Wells | views-field-created"> Jun 28, 2012 | 6 comments

Joni Mitchell’s decision to stay in New York City instead of traveling 300 miles north to attend a three-day rock festival in August of 1969 was probably a good idea. If she had actually seen Woodstock for herself, she may not have created such an intense and idealized song by the same name.

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Album Reviews

Audio Fidelity Takes on The Sensual World Randy Wells | views-field-created"> Apr 01, 2012 | 2 comments

In 1989 digital was all the rage. New vinyl records were on the verge of extinction. And Kate Bush remained silent - four years after her chart-topping album Hounds Of Love. Her famously loyal fans were literally chomping at the bit for the next release from the mystical chanteuse. The Sensual World was just around the corner. Would it be brilliant or bizarre?

Beatles

Buying The Beatles (The "White Album")

Randy Wells | Dec 31, 2011 | 11 comments

After Rubber Soul and the artistic heights of Revolver and Sgt. Pepper, The Beatles followed up by forming Apple Records in 1968 and releasing a double LP that would go on to become their biggest seller. Sporting a clean white cover featuring only their embossed name and a serial number printed in gray ink, The Beatles (a.k.a. The White Album) had a tranquil exterior that revealed little of the turmoil that lay beneath the surface.

Features

Audio Fidelity Gets CS&N Off the Couch and Into Your Room

Randy Wells | Dec 31, 2011 | 1 comments

The day I learned Steve Hoffman was going to re-master Crosby, Stills & Nash for an Audio Fidelity gold CD edition turned out to be the same day he actually did it. I found out early enough in the day to secure an invitation to Marsh Mastering in Los Angeles, and because I happened to be staying with friends that day only an hour away, managed to arrive in time to witness the entire session. CS&N has been a favorite since I was a teen, so for me, this was like winning the lottery.