James Wayman
@jameswayman.bsky.social
A big fan of rock, jazz, prog, and metal music with a soft spot for baseball history.
After the success of LIZARD, I thought Saigon Kick had a shot to sidestep the alt/grunge wreckage that wiped out most of their peers. WATER proved me wrong. The distinct vocal harmonies and wide-ranging influences are still present. Even with a Bowie cover, the songs weren't here.
December 17, 2025 at 1:08 AM
After the success of LIZARD, I thought Saigon Kick had a shot to sidestep the alt/grunge wreckage that wiped out most of their peers. WATER proved me wrong. The distinct vocal harmonies and wide-ranging influences are still present. Even with a Bowie cover, the songs weren't here.
It's really something to realize we are 50 years later than Ian Anderson and other Tull alumni had originally considered this as a maturity milestone. Thankfully, they worked through it and still active. Always liked TAXI GRAB, SALAMANDER, PIED PIPER, and title track.
December 16, 2025 at 12:13 AM
It's really something to realize we are 50 years later than Ian Anderson and other Tull alumni had originally considered this as a maturity milestone. Thankfully, they worked through it and still active. Always liked TAXI GRAB, SALAMANDER, PIED PIPER, and title track.
Slow morning soundtracked by a neglected comp. Starting out it had felt like WR and Keith Jarrett were mentioned too often, so built most of my collection out of other artists. WR is an inevitable destination on the jazz trail, so many good players were part of the story.
December 14, 2025 at 5:07 PM
Slow morning soundtracked by a neglected comp. Starting out it had felt like WR and Keith Jarrett were mentioned too often, so built most of my collection out of other artists. WR is an inevitable destination on the jazz trail, so many good players were part of the story.
After the Roth Mtv reunion fiasco. EVH wore a villain hat on a level with Gene Simmons and Kevin DuBrow. Still, I can't resist an underdog and an outlier album. This was miles away from the sun, girls, partying, and travel of earlier albums. More real than fun, but still good.
December 13, 2025 at 3:17 PM
After the Roth Mtv reunion fiasco. EVH wore a villain hat on a level with Gene Simmons and Kevin DuBrow. Still, I can't resist an underdog and an outlier album. This was miles away from the sun, girls, partying, and travel of earlier albums. More real than fun, but still good.
Algorithms can be interesting. Maybe not as ready for primetime as bands like INXS or Hoodoo Gurus; but bearing enough of a resemblance to catch my interest. Part of me recognizes a rabbit hole when I see one; the other feels further exploration in the future is inevitable.
December 13, 2025 at 5:07 AM
Algorithms can be interesting. Maybe not as ready for primetime as bands like INXS or Hoodoo Gurus; but bearing enough of a resemblance to catch my interest. Part of me recognizes a rabbit hole when I see one; the other feels further exploration in the future is inevitable.
Virtuosi face pressure to aggressively demonstrate their abilities. Love this album because McLaughlin humbly plays the Evans book on acoustic guitar. He's earned the right to bump tempos, use distortion, and rewrite the songs; but thankfully doesn't. One of my favorite tributes.
December 12, 2025 at 12:37 AM
Virtuosi face pressure to aggressively demonstrate their abilities. Love this album because McLaughlin humbly plays the Evans book on acoustic guitar. He's earned the right to bump tempos, use distortion, and rewrite the songs; but thankfully doesn't. One of my favorite tributes.
In the 80s, many faith-based artists surrogated for secular ones, and weakened their art. While you can't avoid examples of Exodus, Overkill, and Testament influence littered throughout, Ultimatum still finds its own space. GREED REGIME, INC is still part of my thrash playlists.
December 11, 2025 at 12:46 AM
In the 80s, many faith-based artists surrogated for secular ones, and weakened their art. While you can't avoid examples of Exodus, Overkill, and Testament influence littered throughout, Ultimatum still finds its own space. GREED REGIME, INC is still part of my thrash playlists.
I understand praise and adoration for Radiohead; but am I wrong for feeling Talk Talk was doing its own OK COMPUTER trip several years earlier? Unconventional instrumentation, fragile uneasy atmospheres, and a record that rewards multiple listens. So much here in what's not here.
December 10, 2025 at 12:34 AM
I understand praise and adoration for Radiohead; but am I wrong for feeling Talk Talk was doing its own OK COMPUTER trip several years earlier? Unconventional instrumentation, fragile uneasy atmospheres, and a record that rewards multiple listens. So much here in what's not here.
Originally bought the Ovation vinyl for $1.99 at Hornsby's nearly 40 years ago. Messed with a few cd issues since then; but it's remarkable how much of this album defined JP until VENGEANCE and DEFENDERS were released. VICTIM OF CHANGES, GENOCIDE, TYRANT, and RIPPER live here.
December 9, 2025 at 1:00 AM
Originally bought the Ovation vinyl for $1.99 at Hornsby's nearly 40 years ago. Messed with a few cd issues since then; but it's remarkable how much of this album defined JP until VENGEANCE and DEFENDERS were released. VICTIM OF CHANGES, GENOCIDE, TYRANT, and RIPPER live here.
After a couple inches of new snow last night; I'm begging for color out of everything. My food, environs, and music. Instrumental synth-based pop fusion may be the LED ribbon lights of music. Loved the title track, but musically light for a title like the 4-part TALE OF DARING.
December 7, 2025 at 6:08 PM
After a couple inches of new snow last night; I'm begging for color out of everything. My food, environs, and music. Instrumental synth-based pop fusion may be the LED ribbon lights of music. Loved the title track, but musically light for a title like the 4-part TALE OF DARING.
At release you had some Extreme fans who loved the acoustic hits and hated the hard rock; and vice-versa. III was meant to be more wide-ranging and progressive sounding. Bad timing as trends went toward grunge a year later. RIP, COLOR ME BLIND, and PEACEMAKER still catch for me.
December 6, 2025 at 7:17 PM
At release you had some Extreme fans who loved the acoustic hits and hated the hard rock; and vice-versa. III was meant to be more wide-ranging and progressive sounding. Bad timing as trends went toward grunge a year later. RIP, COLOR ME BLIND, and PEACEMAKER still catch for me.
After 3 poor cd reissue editions, I bought this on vinyl 20 years after my turntable died. Traditional hard rock that would sound great in a mix with Y&T, Black & Blue, and early Dokken. Maybe more nostalgia than classic; but FACE OF DEATH hits that hard rock sweet spot for me.
![The cover art for Tsunami's [California] self-titled album features a giant wave against a dark stormy background. The image and the logo font show a cool Japanese visual art influence.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:xomfl4ghkossskwummqwa6ui/bafkreib6prl4y2bocz2odc6kx4mnhoo22lm3j4oyaojp3dhur6iig6tqrq@jpeg)
December 6, 2025 at 5:17 AM
After 3 poor cd reissue editions, I bought this on vinyl 20 years after my turntable died. Traditional hard rock that would sound great in a mix with Y&T, Black & Blue, and early Dokken. Maybe more nostalgia than classic; but FACE OF DEATH hits that hard rock sweet spot for me.
We are in box set season, but wishing I had time to enjoy more than a disc or two from this set. This was an early one for me which I got cheaply because the booklet was loose from the packaging. After BLIND FAITH and DEREK & DOMINOES, I was finally ready for Cream. BADGE and all.
December 5, 2025 at 12:23 AM
We are in box set season, but wishing I had time to enjoy more than a disc or two from this set. This was an early one for me which I got cheaply because the booklet was loose from the packaging. After BLIND FAITH and DEREK & DOMINOES, I was finally ready for Cream. BADGE and all.
In addition to my R.E.M. fandom, I have a soft spot for 80s college rock like Game Theory, Guadalcanal Diary, and Let's Active. I initially heard R.E.M. when I first picked this up; but now hear Big Star, the Beatles, and the Byrds among its influences. They deserved more acclaim.
December 4, 2025 at 1:11 AM
In addition to my R.E.M. fandom, I have a soft spot for 80s college rock like Game Theory, Guadalcanal Diary, and Let's Active. I initially heard R.E.M. when I first picked this up; but now hear Big Star, the Beatles, and the Byrds among its influences. They deserved more acclaim.
I gave massive credit to the savage editing required for a single disc best of Rainbow album to exist. A great overview hitting all corners of the band during its original run. In my hands, the best of Rainbow would be 4 cd's with almost every Dio and Bonnet track; most JLT's.
December 3, 2025 at 12:41 AM
I gave massive credit to the savage editing required for a single disc best of Rainbow album to exist. A great overview hitting all corners of the band during its original run. In my hands, the best of Rainbow would be 4 cd's with almost every Dio and Bonnet track; most JLT's.
My ride to and from work felt like it was on a white sheet of paper at too slow a speed. My day felt like it was running at half-speed. My brain never defrosted. Time to recognize my limitations and embrace some gentle music. TAKE FIVE on guitar is a trip.
December 1, 2025 at 11:28 PM
My ride to and from work felt like it was on a white sheet of paper at too slow a speed. My day felt like it was running at half-speed. My brain never defrosted. Time to recognize my limitations and embrace some gentle music. TAKE FIVE on guitar is a trip.
Rick Wakeman was my gateway into fusion. Despite its 70s patina, I learned to appreciate the various keyboards he used on this record. When I got around to hearing Return to Forever the first time, the styes were different, but the tech was familiar. Both are great players.
November 30, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Rick Wakeman was my gateway into fusion. Despite its 70s patina, I learned to appreciate the various keyboards he used on this record. When I got around to hearing Return to Forever the first time, the styes were different, but the tech was familiar. Both are great players.
Watching the snow fall and conceding the day. One of my first jazz cd's. Bought it after hearing it on Jazz Transfusion as a new release. Title track reminds me of Chris Whitley's experimental side. The rest feels like a guitarist's homage to Tangerine Dream, Schulze, an Synergy.
November 29, 2025 at 10:17 PM
Watching the snow fall and conceding the day. One of my first jazz cd's. Bought it after hearing it on Jazz Transfusion as a new release. Title track reminds me of Chris Whitley's experimental side. The rest feels like a guitarist's homage to Tangerine Dream, Schulze, an Synergy.
I realize that Budokan was peak era for many; but for some odd reason this is the album that connected for me. They found some new territory in their sound without going off brand here. WHEN THE LIGHTS ARE OUT and TIMES OF OUR LIVES are highlights.
November 29, 2025 at 4:28 AM
I realize that Budokan was peak era for many; but for some odd reason this is the album that connected for me. They found some new territory in their sound without going off brand here. WHEN THE LIGHTS ARE OUT and TIMES OF OUR LIVES are highlights.
Still trying to shake off this cough and congestion. Giving this a spin. Became a fan just before this was released; and remember Anderson's vocal issues at the time. Some tunes became instrumentals here. Felt this travelogue was originally a proof of concept for the Yamaha DRU8.
November 27, 2025 at 6:36 PM
Still trying to shake off this cough and congestion. Giving this a spin. Became a fan just before this was released; and remember Anderson's vocal issues at the time. Some tunes became instrumentals here. Felt this travelogue was originally a proof of concept for the Yamaha DRU8.
A solid set from a remarkable place and an uncanny date. Sound quality could be better, but still enjoyable. ESTIMATED PROPHET, EYES OF THE WORLD, ONE MORE SATURDAY NIGHT, and a version of Zevon's WEREWOLVES are highlights. WHARF RAT is a nice inclusion.
November 26, 2025 at 5:07 PM
A solid set from a remarkable place and an uncanny date. Sound quality could be better, but still enjoyable. ESTIMATED PROPHET, EYES OF THE WORLD, ONE MORE SATURDAY NIGHT, and a version of Zevon's WEREWOLVES are highlights. WHARF RAT is a nice inclusion.
Was never a big fan of this record but ended up here. So why are we here? Because we're here. Peart's lyrical cleverness even pays off on the albums I don't enjoy. Because it happens. Felt this tried too hard. Grateful it led to better albums like COUNTERPARTS & ECHO.
November 26, 2025 at 1:09 AM
Was never a big fan of this record but ended up here. So why are we here? Because we're here. Peart's lyrical cleverness even pays off on the albums I don't enjoy. Because it happens. Felt this tried too hard. Grateful it led to better albums like COUNTERPARTS & ECHO.
Though I continued to buy Metheny albums after the GROUP disbanded, I didn't connect to them in quite the same way at the time. It's fun going back and hearing what I missed. Among Gottlieb, Wertico, and Sanchez; Pat has always had great drummers behind him. LET'S MOVE does.
November 25, 2025 at 1:00 AM
Though I continued to buy Metheny albums after the GROUP disbanded, I didn't connect to them in quite the same way at the time. It's fun going back and hearing what I missed. Among Gottlieb, Wertico, and Sanchez; Pat has always had great drummers behind him. LET'S MOVE does.
Woke up a little under the weather. Ended up spending much of today with the stereo. Thought I had NEFERTITI; but apparently only across two discs in this set at the moment. Ended up listening to 4 of the 6 in this set so far, and hoping this cough settles soon.
November 23, 2025 at 11:30 PM
Woke up a little under the weather. Ended up spending much of today with the stereo. Thought I had NEFERTITI; but apparently only across two discs in this set at the moment. Ended up listening to 4 of the 6 in this set so far, and hoping this cough settles soon.
Appreciated how Chamber Strings navigated the challenge to make something old seem newer. They treated it like a multiverse playing out an alternate outcome for their influences. More a continuation than an update while still finding new ways with the old tools and expectations.
November 22, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Appreciated how Chamber Strings navigated the challenge to make something old seem newer. They treated it like a multiverse playing out an alternate outcome for their influences. More a continuation than an update while still finding new ways with the old tools and expectations.