James Wayman
@jameswayman.bsky.social
A big fan of rock, jazz, prog, and metal music with a soft spot for baseball history.
Was always a little torn about White Lion. Always kind of felt that Vito Bratta was almost right there with George Lynch and Nuno Bettencourt on guitar. Conversely, the vocals were a bit too smooth and controlled for this musical style. LITTLE FIGHTER is better than I remembered.
November 15, 2025 at 5:21 AM
Was always a little torn about White Lion. Always kind of felt that Vito Bratta was almost right there with George Lynch and Nuno Bettencourt on guitar. Conversely, the vocals were a bit too smooth and controlled for this musical style. LITTLE FIGHTER is better than I remembered.
My youthful contrarian streak found its way into Duran Duran through this side project, Arcadia. Despite even more synths and tech, it made me reverse my initial thinking of LeBon's vocal abilities. There was less space for him to hide. ELECTION DAY and LADY ICE were highlights.
November 13, 2025 at 11:12 PM
My youthful contrarian streak found its way into Duran Duran through this side project, Arcadia. Despite even more synths and tech, it made me reverse my initial thinking of LeBon's vocal abilities. There was less space for him to hide. ELECTION DAY and LADY ICE were highlights.
There are a handful of albums I reach for when it gets dark, cold, and depressing outside. This is probably the heaviest of them. Built for 4:30 pm sunsets and real-feel temps below freezing; it helped me get through icky weather then, counting on it to get me through it now.
November 13, 2025 at 12:03 AM
There are a handful of albums I reach for when it gets dark, cold, and depressing outside. This is probably the heaviest of them. Built for 4:30 pm sunsets and real-feel temps below freezing; it helped me get through icky weather then, counting on it to get me through it now.
With all of these legends appearing; you'd think this album would be less obscure. Though a great drummer, Williams serves the songs and makes space for his soloists (Brecker and Metheny) to shine. The primary themes of CHINA & WILDERESS are expressed through multiple reprises.
November 12, 2025 at 1:19 AM
With all of these legends appearing; you'd think this album would be less obscure. Though a great drummer, Williams serves the songs and makes space for his soloists (Brecker and Metheny) to shine. The primary themes of CHINA & WILDERESS are expressed through multiple reprises.
I was skeptical of the artistic merits for this and its companion album at release. 25 years later, I am a little grateful it exists. There may be better takes of these songs elsewhere, but quite enjoyable when treated as a collection of 'that day's version' of some warhorses.
![The cover art of Chick Corea's ORIGINALS [Solo Piano Part One] featuring an overhead shot of (what I assume to be) Chick's left hand potentially fingering an F-flatted 5th with octave triad... Some visual dissonance.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:xomfl4ghkossskwummqwa6ui/bafkreig2bq7iygxepf5yh76lsetfd4srt3bbjiyk74iccjhqx63dyij2y4@jpeg)
November 10, 2025 at 4:04 PM
I was skeptical of the artistic merits for this and its companion album at release. 25 years later, I am a little grateful it exists. There may be better takes of these songs elsewhere, but quite enjoyable when treated as a collection of 'that day's version' of some warhorses.
Was generously gifted this ROIO, and really enjoying it. A mixture of fan-club singles and differing demo versions of tracks from OUT OF TIME and AUTOMATIC. Mostly appreciate the Television and Mission of Burma covers as my other sources for these don't sound as good.
November 9, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Was generously gifted this ROIO, and really enjoying it. A mixture of fan-club singles and differing demo versions of tracks from OUT OF TIME and AUTOMATIC. Mostly appreciate the Television and Mission of Burma covers as my other sources for these don't sound as good.
Did a deep dive into lower tiered Vertigo artists many years ago and felt I hardly scratched the surface. This was posited as a trio taking a Cream-influence into the same dark and moody spaces early Black Sabbath did. Despite the patina and the limitations, fitting for a cold day.
November 8, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Did a deep dive into lower tiered Vertigo artists many years ago and felt I hardly scratched the surface. This was posited as a trio taking a Cream-influence into the same dark and moody spaces early Black Sabbath did. Despite the patina and the limitations, fitting for a cold day.
While I didn't necessarily wait 25 years for this reunion intentionally; I am grateful it happened. I'M THE MAN and LOOK SHARP hit me more than 10 years after their releases to become favorite records. LOVE AT FIRST LIGHT seems like unmentioned inspiration for Ben Folds.
November 7, 2025 at 1:15 AM
While I didn't necessarily wait 25 years for this reunion intentionally; I am grateful it happened. I'M THE MAN and LOOK SHARP hit me more than 10 years after their releases to become favorite records. LOVE AT FIRST LIGHT seems like unmentioned inspiration for Ben Folds.
Though this album feels familiar in the company of Hiatt's other albums, I do appreciate the solemnity and the sentiment. Whether celebrating the deuce-and-a-quarter in DETROIT MADE or rehashing what didn't work in ADIOS TO CALIFORNIA; Hiatt makes these things real and touching.
November 6, 2025 at 12:39 AM
Though this album feels familiar in the company of Hiatt's other albums, I do appreciate the solemnity and the sentiment. Whether celebrating the deuce-and-a-quarter in DETROIT MADE or rehashing what didn't work in ADIOS TO CALIFORNIA; Hiatt makes these things real and touching.
Always felt this was an inspired pairing, and it was a bummer that this collaboration only yielded 2 studio albums. Despite being lead vocalists, their voices complement each other. They can be melodic without losing the soulful aspects that keep it interesting.
November 5, 2025 at 12:43 AM
Always felt this was an inspired pairing, and it was a bummer that this collaboration only yielded 2 studio albums. Despite being lead vocalists, their voices complement each other. They can be melodic without losing the soulful aspects that keep it interesting.
Deciding what is and what is out of my control is about as far as I've gotten on the letting-go lesson so far. Easier to pass blame than take responsibility; but sometimes it's your day for a not-so-great day. At least I know the music is good... especially when I have control.
November 4, 2025 at 12:47 AM
Deciding what is and what is out of my control is about as far as I've gotten on the letting-go lesson so far. Easier to pass blame than take responsibility; but sometimes it's your day for a not-so-great day. At least I know the music is good... especially when I have control.
Unsure I'm ready for a 4:45 pm sunset tonight. Trying to get the things done before the work week restarts, and balance productivity with calm. Though this is the recent lineup, I'm really taken with its fresh sonic similarities to the music of the 80s Schmoelling-era of TD.
November 2, 2025 at 7:08 PM
Unsure I'm ready for a 4:45 pm sunset tonight. Trying to get the things done before the work week restarts, and balance productivity with calm. Though this is the recent lineup, I'm really taken with its fresh sonic similarities to the music of the 80s Schmoelling-era of TD.
I'm sore that this went to oblivion. If we do experience that dinosaur wipeout, a future anthropologist could use this album and hear HALE BOPP for how we went wrong and FAITH IN YOU for that smidgen of hope that we'd keep society on the rails. They'll probably find a JACKASS DVD instead.
November 1, 2025 at 6:14 PM
I'm sore that this went to oblivion. If we do experience that dinosaur wipeout, a future anthropologist could use this album and hear HALE BOPP for how we went wrong and FAITH IN YOU for that smidgen of hope that we'd keep society on the rails. They'll probably find a JACKASS DVD instead.
I initially found Yes between BIG GENERATOR and ABWH. Grew to love nearly all of their music and even chased after the alumi projects. After UNION it got a little difficult. This got released in 1999 and reignited everything I loved about the band. Haven't wavered since.
October 31, 2025 at 10:06 PM
I initially found Yes between BIG GENERATOR and ABWH. Grew to love nearly all of their music and even chased after the alumi projects. After UNION it got a little difficult. This got released in 1999 and reignited everything I loved about the band. Haven't wavered since.
I realize a Smithereens album anchors a post every few weeks. I've likely repeated myself multiple times as to their brilliance and efficiency. This one is a little sad, but the songs stay catchy and rarely lose energy. Particularly love the title track.
October 31, 2025 at 12:09 AM
I realize a Smithereens album anchors a post every few weeks. I've likely repeated myself multiple times as to their brilliance and efficiency. This one is a little sad, but the songs stay catchy and rarely lose energy. Particularly love the title track.
Admitting that as a new release, this was a fish on a bicycle for me. Just didn't know what to make of it. As years add on and its influence continues to inspire the artists that follow; I have to admit I was wrong. This is brilliant and 16 year old me still had a lot to learn.
October 29, 2025 at 11:48 PM
Admitting that as a new release, this was a fish on a bicycle for me. Just didn't know what to make of it. As years add on and its influence continues to inspire the artists that follow; I have to admit I was wrong. This is brilliant and 16 year old me still had a lot to learn.
One of the weaknesses of post-Internet American culture is the loss of regional differences in the mainstream. Whereas in 1989 this band of Georgians were allowed to be their weird authentic Southern selves. ALWAYS SATURDAY was catchy, but PRETTY IS seems more on brand.
October 29, 2025 at 2:13 AM
One of the weaknesses of post-Internet American culture is the loss of regional differences in the mainstream. Whereas in 1989 this band of Georgians were allowed to be their weird authentic Southern selves. ALWAYS SATURDAY was catchy, but PRETTY IS seems more on brand.
Spent much of Sunday connecting with Miles from the second great quintet through ON THE CORNER. First heard this in the mid 90's. Unsure of what I heard then. Now I hear the frantic search for the next idea, insistent bass, and tension. Seems more than a mere transition record.
October 28, 2025 at 2:35 AM
Spent much of Sunday connecting with Miles from the second great quintet through ON THE CORNER. First heard this in the mid 90's. Unsure of what I heard then. Now I hear the frantic search for the next idea, insistent bass, and tension. Seems more than a mere transition record.
No disrespect to Tom Morello, but the thing I learned from this album is nearly anything works when the bass and drums are operating at this level. So locked in it gave room for guitar experiments. The vocal style and cadence limited the band's dynamics and range. Still powerful.
October 26, 2025 at 3:23 PM
No disrespect to Tom Morello, but the thing I learned from this album is nearly anything works when the bass and drums are operating at this level. So locked in it gave room for guitar experiments. The vocal style and cadence limited the band's dynamics and range. Still powerful.
Joe Satriani's ALIEN success started a trend for viable instrumental rock guitar albums. While better known for his hard rock work; it was a great time to reintroduce Ronnie Montrose. Here he treats his guitar more like a race car rather than a paintbrush. TELSTAR stands out.
October 25, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Joe Satriani's ALIEN success started a trend for viable instrumental rock guitar albums. While better known for his hard rock work; it was a great time to reintroduce Ronnie Montrose. Here he treats his guitar more like a race car rather than a paintbrush. TELSTAR stands out.
I always had preferred the Charlatans to other British bands of the time. Part of it was the psychedelic qualities; some of it was the Hammond organ; decent vocal harmonies; and interesting songs. WEIRDO seems to end up on every Brit-pop playlist I make.
October 24, 2025 at 11:11 PM
I always had preferred the Charlatans to other British bands of the time. Part of it was the psychedelic qualities; some of it was the Hammond organ; decent vocal harmonies; and interesting songs. WEIRDO seems to end up on every Brit-pop playlist I make.
Despite the disco nods on LOVEFOOL; what made me keep this was the ominous HAPPY MEAL II and an even stranger cover of Sabbath's IRON MAN. An odd juxtaposition of sweetness and darkness doing battle with most of the songs resulting in draws.
October 23, 2025 at 11:16 PM
Despite the disco nods on LOVEFOOL; what made me keep this was the ominous HAPPY MEAL II and an even stranger cover of Sabbath's IRON MAN. An odd juxtaposition of sweetness and darkness doing battle with most of the songs resulting in draws.
When I heard the first single, I really hated the 80s new wave sound they seemed to be trying to cop. My tune changed when I heard STUTTER. A nice energetic burst of power pop with a WHOA refrain that didn't irritate. STUTTER remains a favorite of the era for me.
October 22, 2025 at 11:47 PM
When I heard the first single, I really hated the 80s new wave sound they seemed to be trying to cop. My tune changed when I heard STUTTER. A nice energetic burst of power pop with a WHOA refrain that didn't irritate. STUTTER remains a favorite of the era for me.
I remember Blue Cheer being reintroduced in the late 80s as a very early influence to the harder metal sounds that were emerging; but their music wasn't as easy to find as say the MC5, the Who, or even Iron Butterfly. Amid the distortion it's bluesier than I expected. Interesting.
October 22, 2025 at 12:27 AM
I remember Blue Cheer being reintroduced in the late 80s as a very early influence to the harder metal sounds that were emerging; but their music wasn't as easy to find as say the MC5, the Who, or even Iron Butterfly. Amid the distortion it's bluesier than I expected. Interesting.
My appreciation for Genesis is in the little things. Despite hits and experiments, I really like the goofy number ANOTHER RECORD that closes this. It's like "we're glad you listened to this... now listen to something else." As if I needed much of a nudge to comply...
October 20, 2025 at 11:47 PM
My appreciation for Genesis is in the little things. Despite hits and experiments, I really like the goofy number ANOTHER RECORD that closes this. It's like "we're glad you listened to this... now listen to something else." As if I needed much of a nudge to comply...