Week of October 12 – 18, 2026
Sensory Dispensary
“The record you didn’t know you needed is what I am listening to in the other room.”
“The record you didn’t know you needed is what I am listening to in the other room.”
Some great choices this week, some new and some returning after long absences. Some things might be better remaining unlistened to.
This is an all around exceptional album but “Starship Trooper” ranks right up there as one of my favorite Yes tracks ever. Seeing that one live was one of life’s unforgettable moments, fucking brilliant.
This one disappeared from my listening for about 13 years before it resurfaced and I am so glad it did. I remember being floored by it back when I first heard it, a feeling repeated just the other day. Damn, a great blues voice and some awesome guitar chops make this a great listen.
This came up as recommended following the Joanne Shaw Taylor and it is also quite good but not as fiery as the former. I promised myself I would give it another listen so expect this one to pop in again eventually.
2007 to 2011 were peak Weepies years for me but they are coming back in to my life and for that I am grateful. Deb has such a uniquely amazing voice that, when paired with Steve’s guitar and harmonies, feels like a warm blanket and a hot cup of cocoa. She is also an amazing and inspiring person.
The other Weepie, who it turns out had a solo album. Who knew? It’s really good though in a distinctly not weepie-ish way, which is good or I just would have spent the whole time waiting for Deb’s voice to jump in.
I can’t remember the last time I played this one all the way through but we’ve been talking about it in my Write from Rock class so I thought it might be time. I can’t deny Zeppelin’s awesomeness but “Rock and Roll” is still among my least favorite songs, and I will count this as my annual Stairway listen. “Going to California” and “When the Levee Breaks” are really the only two from this that get any attention from me.
I am prepared to face the hammer of the gods for this review.
I enjoyed this so much I hereby vow to listen to more mother-fucking Kinks albums.
The Conversation