NDIM Top Ten Stories 2023
It’s January, so it’s time to take a look back at what were the most popular posts at NDIM in 2023. I haven’t done this in the past, but it’s interesting for me to see what posts did surprisingly well, what people most enjoyed reading, or found most interesting. It also provides a chance for newcomers or those just finding the site to get a sense of what NDIM is all about.
It’s also a chance to say that a lot of time, research, and eyestrain goes into these pieces and others just like them that have been published at NDIM, and that I’m honored if you sign up for a free subscription in order to keep up with my work. If you feel able and are so inclined, a paying subscription, whether short term or for a longer period, is greatly appreciated and helps to sustain the effort to bring you this newsletter.
Now, ‘on with the show, good health to you!’
Robert Fripp's Crimson Hiatus, 1974-1980
Fripp’s years between versions of King Crimson, 1974-1980. This period covers his many collaborations with David Bowie, Brian Eno, Darryl Hall, Peter Gabriel, and David Byrne.
Steely Dan's saxophone stable
A look at seven saxophonists behind some of the memorable solos on Steely Dan tracks.
Christine McVie: Fleetwood Mac songs, 1970-1974
During Fleetwood Mac’s transitional period Christine McVie wrote and recorded fifteen songs with the band. Hear all of them on this YouTube playlist.
My Life In the Cutout Bins: The Rolling Stones/Emotional Rescue
The Stones' most dance-track oriented record still has plenty of the rock and roll juice that made 'Some Girls' a hit.
Tony Allen: The drummer who helped create Afrobeat
A survey of the career of the drummer without whom Fela Kuti says there would have been no Afrobeat sound.
Magical Memories Tour: The Beatles/"Now and Then"
It seems like more than simple nostalgia, and maybe just what we needed right now.
My Life in the Cutout Bins: Tom Waits/Nighthawks at the Diner
More like a Broadway musical than a live rock album, it's a show I'd definitely pay to see more than once.
Miles Davis: On the Corner Fifty-one years later
If 'Bitches Brew' was Miles Davis' 'Ulysses,' then 'On the Corner' was his 'Finnegan's Wake.'
Jeff Beck: Playing Further
Jeff Beck was a guitarist's guitarist, a guy who could fit into any musical environment he chose to engage with while never losing his sense of who he was as a musician. When you hear Jeff Beck on a track, you know it. A survey of his formidable solo career.
Great stuff Marshall! Here's to a great 2024!
A good year, Marshall! Here's to more in 24.