John Eckman

John Eckman

@johneckman.com

Formerly @jeckman on that other site. Cross posting from johneckman.com and goatless.org

357 followers877 following614 posts

John Eckman
@johneckman.com

Queen Latifah, Nature of a Sista’, 1991 on Tommy Boy This was Latifah’s second album, following All Hail The Queen, and would be her last on Tommy Boy (Black Reign came out on Motown). Latifah split executive... https://goatless.org/2026/10/28/queen-latifah-nature-of-a-sista-1991-on-tommy-boy

goatless.orgQueen Latifah, Nature of a Sista’, 1991 on Tommy BoyThis was Latifah’s second album, following All Hail The Queen, and would be her last on Tommy Boy (Black Reign came out on Motown). Latifah split executive producer credit with Shakim Compere (Sha-Kim). Guest producers include Naughty By Nature, Luis Vega, K-Cut, and Neville Hodge. I love these two first albums – later work is...
John Eckman
@johneckman.com

Izzy Escobar, Sunny in London, 2026 on Artist House Izzy Escobar is from Longmeadow MA, out in the pioneer valley. This is her debut EP, out on Artist House (a label, studio, and management company out of NY). She... https://goatless.org/2026/10/27/izzy-escobar-sunny-in-london-2026-on-artist-house

goatless.orgIzzy Escobar, Sunny in London, 2026 on Artist HouseIzzy Escobar is from Longmeadow MA, out in the pioneer valley. This is her debut EP, out on Artist House (a label, studio, and management company out of NY). She also had a track on the soundtrack to The Devil Wears Prada 2. For songwriting credits she uses Isabella Nolfi-Escobar – she wrote or cowrote...
John Eckman
@johneckman.com

Depeche Mode, Music For The Masses, 1987 on Mute / Sire Depeche Mode’s sixth full length album and the follow up to Black Celebration, Music For The Masses was the first album where Alan Wilder took ownership... https://goatless.org/2026/10/26/depeche-mode-music-for-the-masses-1987-on-mute-sire

goatless.orgDepeche Mode, Music For The Masses, 1987 on Mute / SireDepeche Mode’s sixth full length album and the follow up to Black Celebration, Music For The Masses was the first album where Alan Wilder took ownership of a lot of the production, though David Bascombe and Daniel Miller (of Mute) also get producer credit. It would be their last studio album of the 1980s, with...
John Eckman
@johneckman.com

Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’, Room On The Porch, 2025 on Concord Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ put out an album together called TajMo in 2017. This was the follow up to that collaboration. Great version of “Nobody Know s... https://goatless.org/2026/10/25/taj-mahal-and-keb-mo-room-on-the-porch-2025-on-concord

goatless.orgTaj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’, Room On The Porch, 2025 on ConcordTaj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ put out an album together called TajMo in 2017. This was the follow up to that collaboration. Great version of “Nobody Know s You When You’re Down and Out.” Nothing terribly surprising here but a right down the middle easy blues LP. My copy—via Barnes & Noble at the North...
John Eckman
@johneckman.com

Julian Lennon, Valotte, 1984 on Atlantic This was Julian Lennon’s debut album, produced by Phil Ramone and released late in 1984. Valotte takes it’s name from a French chateau – Le Manoir de la Valotte –... https://goatless.org/2026/10/24/julian-lennon-valotte-1984-on-atlantic

goatless.orgJulian Lennon, Valotte, 1984 on AtlanticThis was Julian Lennon’s debut album, produced by Phil Ramone and released late in 1984. Valotte takes it’s name from a French chateau – Le Manoir de la Valotte – where Lennon stayed and wrote some of the songs. I love “It’s Much Too Late For Goodbyes” and the title track, both of which reflect...
John Eckman
@johneckman.com

Justin Townes Earle, Yuma, 2007 on Bloodshot Records Technically this release—Justin Townes Earle’s debut EP—came out on vinyl first in 2013, having been self-released on CD in 2007 and then issued by Bloodshot... https://goatless.org/2026/10/23/justin-townes-earle-yuma-2007-on-bloodshot-records

goatless.orgJustin Townes Earle, Yuma, 2007 on Bloodshot RecordsTechnically this release—Justin Townes Earle’s debut EP—came out on vinyl first in 2013, having been self-released on CD in 2007 and then issued by Bloodshot Records. It’s an amazing record to come back to nearly 20 years later: raw, powerful, his songwriting already very successful. My copy—via Vinyl Index in Somerville MA—is the Record Store...
John Eckman
@johneckman.com

Dave Stewart and the Spiritual Cowboys, Self-Titled, 1990 on RCA / MMC While best known as the other half of Eurythmics, Dave Stewart has also been an award winning producer and had many side... https://goatless.org/2026/10/22/dave-stewart-and-the-spiritual-cowboys-self-titled-1990-on-rca-mmc

goatless.orgDave Stewart and the Spiritual Cowboys, Self-Titled, 1990 on RCA / MMCWhile best known as the other half of Eurythmics, Dave Stewart has also been an award winning producer and had many side projects, including the Spiritual Cowboys, work with Terry Hall, and more recently being part of SuperHeavy with Mick Jagger, Joss Stone, and Damien Marley. This album came out in 1990 when Eurythmics first...
John Eckman
@johneckman.com

Deee-Lite, The Very Best of Deee-Lite, 2001 on Rhino / Elektra If you only know Deee-Lite (yes, that’s four e’s total) from “Groove Is In The Heart” you should check out this collection. It includes 20... https://goatless.org/2026/10/21/deee-lite-the-very-best-of-deee-lite-2001-on-rhino-elektra

goatless.orgDeee-Lite, The Very Best of Deee-Lite, 2001 on Rhino / ElektraIf you only know Deee-Lite (yes, that’s four e’s total) from “Groove Is In The Heart” you should check out this collection. It includes 20 songs across all three of their studio albums in a 2xLP gatefold. It came out on CD in 2001, but the vinyl was a 2025 Record Store Day exclusive. My...
John Eckman
@johneckman.com

David Gray, Mutineers, 2014 on IHT Records Not sure when I first discovered David Gray—it sort of feels like he's always been there, but I know there must have been a moment I first heard him. Might... https://goatless.org/2026/08/20/david-gray-mutineers-2014-on-iht-records

goatless.orgDavid Gray, Mutineers, 2014 on IHT RecordsNot sure when I first discovered David Gray—it sort of feels like he's always been there, but I know there must have been a moment I first heard him. Might have been "Babylon" of off 1998's "White Ladder." This was his tenth full-length album, produced by Andy Barlow who also handled programming. Wonderful collection representing...
John Eckman
@johneckman.com

What Dependencies Are You Creating? Photo by Jakub Żerdzicki on Unsplash (cross posting from LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/p/d2PM-CAi ) Dries Buytaert published recently (link below) about what 25+ years of running an open... https://johneckman.com/2026/08/20/what-dependencies-are-you-creating/

johneckman.comWhat Dependencies Are You Creating?Photo by Jakub Żerdzicki on Unsplash (cross posting from LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/p/d2PM-CAi ) Dries Buytaert published recently (link below) about what 25+ years of running an open source project and a commercial company at the same time tells us about the world "after code scarcity." "As AI makes applications cheaper to recreate, the traditional SaaS bundle...
John Eckman
@johneckman.com

Aretha Franklin, Who’s Zoomin’ Who?, 1985 on Arista From the 90s (Mazzy Star) back to the 80s: Aretha Franklin's very eighties Who's Zoomin' Who?. She actually put out a number of albums in the 80s, but this is... https://goatless.org/2026/08/19/aretha-franklin-whos-zoomin-who-1985-on-arista

goatless.orgAretha Franklin, Who’s Zoomin’ Who?, 1985 on AristaFrom the 90s (Mazzy Star) back to the 80s: Aretha Franklin's very eighties Who's Zoomin' Who?. She actually put out a number of albums in the 80s, but this is the only one I remember. Look at the glorious 80s neon fashion on that cover. The man on the inner sleeve is Franklin's father, The...
John Eckman
@johneckman.com

There is no AI in Failure File this under: you can't make this stuff up (but your generative AI can). I am prepping for a panel I am moderating next week in NYC (Pints, Prompts, and... https://johneckman.com/2026/08/18/there-is-no-ai-in-failure/

johneckman.comThere is no AI in FailureFile this under: you can't make this stuff up (but your generative AI can). I am prepping for a panel I am moderating next week in NYC (Pints, Prompts, and Page Builders), on the challenges (and successes) of using AI in support of content workflows. I remembered vaguely there was a Tumblr about mistakes made...
John Eckman
@johneckman.com

Mazzy Star, Among My Swan, 1996 on Capitol This was Mazzy Star's third album out in 1996 on Capitol. (I posted their sophomore album in the last few weeks: So Tonight That I Might See). It would be... https://goatless.org/2026/08/18/mazzy-star-among-my-swan-1996-on-capitol

goatless.orgMazzy Star, Among My Swan, 1996 on CapitolThis was Mazzy Star's third album out in 1996 on Capitol. (I posted their sophomore album in the last few weeks: So Tonight That I Might See). It would be their last album until a re-formed Mazzy Star put out 2013's Seasons of Your Day on their own label. It was produced by Hope Sandoval...
John Eckman
@johneckman.com

U2, Songs of Surrender, 2023 on Island This album features re-recordings of U2's own songs, re-interpreted from their 2023 vantage point. It was something of an accompanying record to Bono's memoir (Surrender: 40 Songs, One... https://goatless.org/2026/08/17/u2-songs-of-surrender-2023-on-island

goatless.orgU2, Songs of Surrender, 2023 on IslandThis album features re-recordings of U2's own songs, re-interpreted from their 2023 vantage point. It was something of an accompanying record to Bono's memoir (Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story) and the AppleTV documentary Bono: Stories of Surrender. The vinyl editions (2 x LP) only have 16 songs, where some of the other editions had more...
John Eckman
@johneckman.com

The Decemberists, What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World, 2015 on Capitol Seventh studio album from Portland Oregon's The Decemberists. The album was a bit of a return to the... https://goatless.org/2026/08/16/the-decemberists-what-a-terrible-world-what-a-beautiful-world-2015-on-capitol

goatless.orgThe Decemberists, What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World, 2015 on CapitolSeventh studio album from Portland Oregon's The Decemberists. The album was a bit of a return to the band following a hiatus of a couple of years after The King is Dead. So many great songs here, many of which get stuck in your head for weeks. My favorite is maybe a toss-up between "Carolina...
John Eckman
@johneckman.com

Lake Street Dive, Obviously, 2021 on Nonesuch This was the seventh album from Boston's own Lake Street Dive (formed at the New England Conservatory) and the third on Nonesuch. It was originally due to come out earlier... https://goatless.org/2026/08/15/lake-street-dive-obviously-2021-on-nonesuch

goatless.orgLake Street Dive, Obviously, 2021 on NonesuchThis was the seventh album from Boston's own Lake Street Dive (formed at the New England Conservatory) and the third on Nonesuch. It was originally due to come out earlier but got delayed by Covid and such. Rachael Price is such a powerhouse vocalist it can almost be overwhelming at times, but I like their...
John Eckman
@johneckman.com

U2, How to Re-assemble an Atomic Bomb, 2024 on Island Let's see if the title gets flagged by the bots. This was the "shadow album" released alongside the 20th anniversary edition of How To Dismantle An Atomic... https://goatless.org/2026/08/14/u2-how-to-re-assemble-an-atomic-bomb-2024-on-island

goatless.orgU2, How to Re-assemble an Atomic Bomb, 2024 on IslandLet's see if the title gets flagged by the bots. This was the "shadow album" released alongside the 20th anniversary edition of How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb and features songs from the sessions for that album. Basically any U2 vinyl I don't already have (or don't need an upgrade copy) is on my wantlist,...
John Eckman
@johneckman.com

Mazzy Star, She Hangs Brightly, 1990 on Capitol Debut album from Mazzy Star, fronted by Hope Sandoval and founded by David Roback (originally as Opal before changing singers). If you only know them from "Fade Into... https://goatless.org/2026/08/13/mazzy-star-she-hangs-brightly-1990-on-capitol

goatless.orgMazzy Star, She Hangs Brightly, 1990 on CapitolDebut album from Mazzy Star, fronted by Hope Sandoval and founded by David Roback (originally as Opal before changing singers). If you only know them from "Fade Into You" (which is a fantastic song, of course) it is worth going back to this debut album (as well as their third LP Among My Swan). This...
John Eckman
@johneckman.com

JD McPherson, The Warm Covers LP, 2023 on New West Records McPherson toured with Robert Plant and Alison Krauss on the Raise the Roof tour (we saw them in Boston). Great roots rock / Americana from New... https://goatless.org/2026/08/12/jd-mcpherson-the-warm-covers-lp-2023-on-new-west-records

goatless.orgJD McPherson, The Warm Covers LP, 2023 on New West RecordsMcPherson toured with Robert Plant and Alison Krauss on the Raise the Roof tour (we saw them in Boston). Great roots rock / Americana from New West Records. As the name suggests this is a covers album, the material on which was originally released on two EPs: one in 2014 (The Warm Covers EP) on...
John Eckman
@johneckman.com

Adele, 25, 2015 on Columbia / XL Recordings The inescapable Adele's third studio album (in between 21 and 25 she put out a Live at Royal Albert Hall album) named like the previous for her age at time... https://goatless.org/2026/08/11/adele-25-2015-on-columbia-xl-recordings

goatless.orgAdele, 25, 2015 on Columbia / XL RecordingsThe inescapable Adele's third studio album (in between 21 and 25 she put out a Live at Royal Albert Hall album) named like the previous for her age at time of writing & recording. This was the one that starts with "Hello"—if I were an album reviewer my review might have been "Adele had me...
John Eckman
@johneckman.com

Various Artists, The Harder They Come, 1972 on Mango This was the soundtrack to a film of the same name, released in the UK in 1972 and in the US in 1973. Although Jimmy Cliff's name is above the... https://goatless.org/2026/08/10/various-artists-the-harder-they-come-1972-on-mango

goatless.orgVarious Artists, The Harder They Come, 1972 on MangoThis was the soundtrack to a film of the same name, released in the UK in 1972 and in the US in 1973. Although Jimmy Cliff's name is above the title, and he has six of the twelve tracks (though 2 have double versions on the LP_, there's also two Maytals tracks and one Desmond...
John Eckman
@johneckman.com

Bonnie Raitt, Nick of Time, 1989 on Capitol Although this was Bonnie Raitt's big commercial breakthrough—and maybe where I first heard her?—it was actually her tenth studio album. (Later I'd find her back catalogue which... https://goatless.org/2026/08/09/bonnie-raitt-nick-of-time-1989-on-capitol

goatless.orgBonnie Raitt, Nick of Time, 1989 on CapitolAlthough this was Bonnie Raitt's big commercial breakthrough—and maybe where I first heard her?—it was actually her tenth studio album. (Later I'd find her back catalogue which has much to recommend in it). It was also her first on Capitol, having been dropped by Warner Bros. It was produced by Don Was (future Blue Note...
John Eckman
@johneckman.com

Aretha Franklin, Aretha Now, 1968 on Atlantic The third of Aretha's Atlantic albums from the 60s, including "Think," "I Say a Little Prayer," and a cover of Sam Cooke's "You Send Me." Produced by Jerry Wexler and... https://goatless.org/2026/08/08/aretha-franklin-aretha-now-1968-on-atlantic

goatless.orgAretha Franklin, Aretha Now, 1968 on AtlanticThe third of Aretha's Atlantic albums from the 60s, including "Think," "I Say a Little Prayer," and a cover of Sam Cooke's "You Send Me." Produced by Jerry Wexler and with on sax, Spooner Oldham on keys, Roger Hawkins on drums, and Jerry Jemott on bass. Fantastic album from the height of Franklin's Atlantic run....
John Eckman
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Acoustic Alchemy, Red Dust and Spanish Lace, 1987 on MCA This was the debut album from Nick Webb and Greg Carmichael, aka Acoustic Alchemy. They'd later be on GRP after MCA acquired the jazz label. Great... https://goatless.org/2026/08/07/acoustic-alchemy-red-dust-and-spanish-lace-1987-on-mca

goatless.orgAcoustic Alchemy, Red Dust and Spanish Lace, 1987 on MCAThis was the debut album from Nick Webb and Greg Carmichael, aka Acoustic Alchemy. They'd later be on GRP after MCA acquired the jazz label. Great album that is also fantastic sounding - recorded by Klaus Genuit at Hansahaus (Berlin). My copy—via Residency Records in Salem MA—is a KM Records pressing that included an original...
John Eckman
@johneckman.com

Steve Winwood, Roll With It, 1988 on Virgin Steve Winwood has had an illustrious and extensive career including having been a key member of the Spencer Davis Group, Traffic, and Blind Faith. Just having written "Can't... https://goatless.org/2026/07/25/steve-winwood-roll-with-it-1988-on-virgin

goatless.orgSteve Winwood, Roll With It, 1988 on VirginSteve Winwood has had an illustrious and extensive career including having been a key member of the Spencer Davis Group, Traffic, and Blind Faith. Just having written "Can't Find My Way Home" would earn him a spot in my pantheon. Roll With It was his fifth solo album and was quite successful commercially, including the...
John Eckman
@johneckman.com

Bill Callahan, Reality, 2022 on Drag City Some people write this as Ytilaer, based on how it appears mirrored on the cover and labels. Drag City's website lists it as YTI⅃AƎЯ, and on discogs they call it... https://goatless.org/2026/07/24/bill-callahan-reality-2022-on-drag-city

goatless.orgBill Callahan, Reality, 2022 on Drag CitySome people write this as Ytilaer, based on how it appears mirrored on the cover and labels. Drag City's website lists it as YTI⅃AƎЯ, and on discogs they call it Reality, which is what I think of it as. Whatever you call it, it's the eight solo album Callahan's put out on Drag City. Recorded...
John Eckman
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The Who, Who’s Greatest Hits, 1983 on MCA I don't tend to favor Greatest Hits albums from an artist I'd otherwise collect individual albums from, but picked this up as part of a bundle of records. I love... https://goatless.org/2026/07/23/the-who-whos-greatest-hits-1983-on-mca

goatless.orgThe Who, Who’s Greatest Hits, 1983 on MCAI don't tend to favor Greatest Hits albums from an artist I'd otherwise collect individual albums from, but picked this up as part of a bundle of records. I love it when an artist puts out a Greatest Hits so early in their career - there's also a 2009 Greatest Hits album On vinyl, this...
John Eckman
@johneckman.com

The Monkees, Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd., 1967 on Colgems This was the fourth Monkees LP, as they were taking increasing control and playing the instruments themselves, joined by studio... https://goatless.org/2026/07/22/the-monkees-pisces-aquarius-capricorn-jones-ltd-1967-on-colgems

goatless.orgThe Monkees, Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd., 1967 on ColgemsThis was the fourth Monkees LP, as they were taking increasing control and playing the instruments themselves, joined by studio session musicians. "Peter Percival Patterson's Pet Pig Porky"— which introduces "Pleasant Valley Sunday"—reminds us we're at the heart of the psychedelic 60s. There's now a four CD "Super Deluxe Edition" on the Monkees website, as...
John Eckman
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James Taylor, Walking Man, 1974 on Warner Bros. I became a James Taylor fan in the 80s via a CD of Greatest Hits but as I'm rebuilding my vinyl collection have been picking up his early 70s albums.... https://goatless.org/2026/07/21/james-taylor-walking-man-1974-on-warner-bros

goatless.orgJames Taylor, Walking Man, 1974 on Warner Bros.I became a James Taylor fan in the 80s via a CD of Greatest Hits but as I'm rebuilding my vinyl collection have been picking up his early 70s albums. Walking Man was his fifth, out in 1974 on Warner Bros. (after his debut had been on Apple Records). It was less successful commercially than...
John Eckman
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Chris Stapleton, From A Room: Vol 1., 2017 on Mercury Nashville Stapleton was a fairly successful Nashville based songwriter for more than a decade before his 2015 debut LP Traveller, as well as... https://goatless.org/2026/07/20/chris-stapleton-from-a-room-vol-1-2017-on-mercury-nashville

goatless.orgChris Stapleton, From A Room: Vol 1., 2017 on Mercury NashvilleStapleton was a fairly successful Nashville based songwriter for more than a decade before his 2015 debut LP Traveller, as well as fronting a bluegrass band (The Steeldrivers) and a southern rock band (The Jompson Brothers). Ironically his big hit - "Tennessee Whiskey" is a cover of a David Allen Coe song (written by Dean...
John Eckman
@johneckman.com

Reading the Declaration of Independence in Newburyport MA 250 years (to the day) after it was first read in the public square there #americanhistory #america250 #newburyport MA

John Eckman
@johneckman.com

Eli “Paperboy” Reed & The True Loves, Roll With You, 2008 on Q Division, Reissued By Yep Roc This was Eli "Paperboy" Reed's debut LP in 2008, originally on Q Division out of... https://goatless.org/2026/07/19/eli-paperboy-reed-the-true-loves-roll-with-you-2008-on-q-division-reissued-by-yep-roc

goatless.orgEli “Paperboy” Reed & The True Loves, Roll With You, 2008 on Q Division, Reissued By Yep RocThis was Eli "Paperboy" Reed's debut LP in 2008, originally on Q Division out of Somerville MA (and recorded at their studios). Great "blue-eyed" soul in the spirit of the Dap Tones. Not sure if he needed "Paperboy" because there's already an Eli Reed (a photographer and journalst) or because he just liked the notion...
John Eckman
@johneckman.com

Paul Simon, One-Trick Pony, 1980 on Warner Bros Paul Simon's fifth solo album and first after moving to Warner Bros. from Columbia. Sort of a soundtrack to the same-named film (starring Simon) but with somewhat... https://goatless.org/2026/07/18/paul-simon-one-trick-pony-1980-on-warner-bros

goatless.orgPaul Simon, One-Trick Pony, 1980 on Warner BrosPaul Simon's fifth solo album and first after moving to Warner Bros. from Columbia. Sort of a soundtrack to the same-named film (starring Simon) but with somewhat different versions and tracklist. Some folks think of this as a bit of a commercial low point for Simon, but it's a great album, including the title cut....
John Eckman
@johneckman.com

Iron & Wine, The Creek Drank The Cradle, 2002 on Sub Pop Debut studio album from Sam Beam's Iron & Wine, put out on Sub Pop in 2002, recorded at home by Beam himself (in Miami Florida, though now he lives in... https://goatless.org/2026/07/17/iron-wine-the-creek-drank-the-cradle-2002-on-sub-pop

goatless.orgIron & Wine, The Creek Drank The Cradle, 2002 on Sub PopDebut studio album from Sam Beam's Iron & Wine, put out on Sub Pop in 2002, recorded at home by Beam himself (in Miami Florida, though now he lives in North Carolina. Beam is another artist I could just put on endless repeat (harder to do on vinyl, I'll grant you). If you don't know...
John Eckman
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Bill Callahan, Shepherd In A Sheepskin Vest, 2019 on Drag City Bill Callahan's sixth studio album under his own name (he previously led a project under the name Smog), recorded at Wonder Chamber in... https://goatless.org/2026/07/16/bill-callahan-shepherd-in-a-sheepskin-vest-2019-on-drag-city

goatless.orgBill Callahan, Shepherd In A Sheepskin Vest, 2019 on Drag CityBill Callahan's sixth studio album under his own name (he previously led a project under the name Smog), recorded at Wonder Chamber in Austin Texas, which is Brian Beattie's home studio. Beattie plays on the record along with Matt Kinsey, Adam Jones, Gary Newcomb, and Callahan. Callahan is a consistent and prolific artist - maybe...
John Eckman
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Ray LaMontagne and The Pariah Dogs, God Willin’ & the Creek Don’t Rise, 2010 on RCA Fourth full length from New England's Ray LaMontagne (born in New Hampshire, has lived in Maine &... https://goatless.org/2026/07/15/ray-lamontagne-and-the-pariah-dogs-god-willin-the-creek-dont-rise-2010-on-rca

goatless.orgRay LaMontagne and The Pariah Dogs, God Willin’ & the Creek Don’t Rise, 2010 on RCAFourth full length from New England's Ray LaMontagne (born in New Hampshire, has lived in Maine & Massachusetts) and the first credited to a band. The album was recorded at The Big Room at Apple Hill, on LaMontagne's property in western Massachusetts. Pariah dog is another name for Desi Kutta or Indian Pariah dog, though...
John Eckman
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Steely Dan, Gaucho, 1980 on MCA This was the seventh Steely Dan full length and their only one on MCA records, following six on ABC. It would also be their last studio album for ~20 years.... https://goatless.org/2026/07/14/steely-dan-gaucho-1980-on-mca

goatless.orgSteely Dan, Gaucho, 1980 on MCAThis was the seventh Steely Dan full length and their only one on MCA records, following six on ABC. It would also be their last studio album for ~20 years. Though Keith Jarrett would later sue and be awarded writing credit on the title track here it is still credited just to Becker and Fagan....
John Eckman
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Regina Spektor; Home, Before and After; 2022 on Sire I was a bit obsessed with Soviet Kitsch, Spektor's major label debut, when it came out in 2004 via Sire (she'd previously self-released it), as well as Begin... https://goatless.org/2026/07/13/regina-spektor-home-before-and-after-2022-on-sire

goatless.orgRegina Spektor; Home, Before and After; 2022 on SireI was a bit obsessed with Soviet Kitsch, Spektor's major label debut, when it came out in 2004 via Sire (she'd previously self-released it), as well as Begin to Hope which included the song "Samson". This is Spektor's eighth full-length album and her sixth for Sire. It was produced by John Congleton (along with Spektor...
John Eckman
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Coldplay, Parachutes, 2000 on Parlophone Stunning debut album from Coldplay, out in 2000 on Parlophone in the UK. I know some folks have turned on Coldplay as uncool (I blame The 40 Year Old Virgin)... https://goatless.org/2026/07/12/coldplay-parachutes-2000-on-parlophone

goatless.orgColdplay, Parachutes, 2000 on ParlophoneStunning debut album from Coldplay, out in 2000 on Parlophone in the UK. I know some folks have turned on Coldplay as uncool (I blame The 40 Year Old Virgin) but this is truly a wonderful album from beginning to end. It also sold like wild and won Best Alternative Music Album at the 2002...
John Eckman
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Code For the People New short documentary (< 20 minutes) via Automattic about Open Source and the Future of the Web. If you're already working in open source there won't be anything new here,... https://johneckman.com/2026/07/09/code-for-the-people/

johneckman.comCode For the PeopleNew short documentary (< 20 minutes) via Automattic about Open Source and the Future of the Web. If you're already working in open source there won't be anything new here, and if you're part of the WordPress community you might even wonder if the timing of this has anything to do with the WP Engine...
John Eckman
@johneckman.com

R.E.M., The Best of R.E.M. at the B.B.C., 2018 on Craft Recordings Craft Recordings put out an 8 CD / 104 file digital download R.E.M. at the B.B.C. in 2018 - this was the condensed "best of"... https://goatless.org/2026/07/07/r-e-m-the-best-of-r-e-m-at-the-b-b-c-2018-on-craft-recordings

goatless.orgR.E.M., The Best of R.E.M. at the B.B.C., 2018 on Craft RecordingsCraft Recordings put out an 8 CD / 104 file digital download R.E.M. at the B.B.C. in 2018 - this was the condensed "best of" version, narrowing down to 20 tracks across 2 LPs. The first disc is all BBC sessions (Nicky Campbell, John Peel, Mark and Lard, Drivetime, Radio 1 Lounge) and the second...
John Eckman
@johneckman.com

The Connection, 7 Nights to Rock, 2013 on King Yum Records This may actually be called Connection Collection Vol 1 - there's no real title on the cover or the labels but that's what it is currently... https://goatless.org/2026/07/06/the-connection-7-nights-to-rock-2013-on-king-yum-records

goatless.orgThe Connection, 7 Nights to Rock, 2013 on King Yum RecordsThis may actually be called Connection Collection Vol 1 - there's no real title on the cover or the labels but that's what it is currently called on Bandcamp (which also says it came out in 2012). But the "one sheet" for the release I found on Facebook (see below) calls it "7 Nights to...
John Eckman
@johneckman.com

Devotchka, This Night Falls Forever, 2018 on Concord Records DeVotchKa (their capitalization) are an American band formed in Denver, despite the Russian name and the global folk sound. This is actually... https://goatless.org/2026/07/05/devotchka-this-night-falls-forever-2018-on-concord-records

goatless.orgDevotchka, This Night Falls Forever, 2018 on Concord RecordsDeVotchKa (their capitalization) are an American band formed in Denver, despite the Russian name and the global folk sound. This is actually their most recent full length LP, though they also did the soundtrack for The Neverending Story in 2020. Like many people I found DeVotchKa through the soundtrack to Little Miss Sunshine but since...
John Eckman
@johneckman.com

The National, The National, 2001 on Brassland. This was the debut album from Matt Berninger, Aaron Dessner, Bryan Devendorf, Scott Devendorf, with Bryce Dessner listed under additional performers under "with" rather... https://goatless.org/2026/07/03/the-national-the-national-2001-on-brassland

goatless.orgThe National, The National, 2001 on Brassland.This was the debut album from Matt Berninger, Aaron Dessner, Bryan Devendorf, Scott Devendorf, with Bryce Dessner listed under additional performers under "with" rather than as part of the band. Maybe the harshest reviewed records in The National's catalog. I'd agree it is not their strongest but it it where it all started. Who knew...