Neil Young’s “Trans” was a big departure for the artist. As an songwriter and performer, he had alternated between folk-rock and garage rock (with his band Crazy Horse). In the 1980’s, he made a series of albums that were commercial flops but showed that he was willing to task risks. Trans makes heavy use of… Continue reading Neil Young “Trans”
Author: Hal Meeks
Joe Meek “I Hear a New World”
Joe Meek was a pioneering music producer and composer that was active from the late 1950’s until the mid-late 1960’s. Like other notable producers of the time such as Phil Spector, his productions have a very distinct shaped sound that was unique at the time. His recordings have a modern, artificial signature that could only… Continue reading Joe Meek “I Hear a New World”
Esquivel “Brazil”
Esquivel was a composer/producer/bandleader who was active primarily in the late 1950’s and 1960’s. His music fit into what was called “Lounge Music” – typically jazz-derived music that often featured full orchestration. Esquivel’s productions by today’s standards are seen as over-the-top and a bit kitschy, but he was a true innovator and visionary. He understood… Continue reading Esquivel “Brazil”
How High the Moon
Les Paul’s namesake guitar is how he is often remembered in history. The guitar was based on an initial design by Les Paul called the “Log”. He was searching for a way to amplify his guitar when playing with a band, and improvised a solution that was later refined by Gibson guitars. He was a… Continue reading How High the Moon