Feature: The Cutout Bin

Digging Through the Music Racks for Lost Treasures

Columnists

Kit O'Toole

Articles in this feature

Subscribe to feature RSS

• Franke and the Knockouts's "Sweetheart" - A Perfect Slice of '80s Pop

  Featuring a cool groove and catchy chorus, "Sweetheart" goes down like good comfort food: simple but ultimately satisfying.

  Opinion by Kit O'Toole — on Feb 04, 2009

• Marvin Gaye's 1983 Version of "The Star-Spangled Banner" Still Resonates

  Gaye's soulful version of the National Anthem celebrates diversity as well as the American spirit.

  Review by Kit O'Toole — on Jan 20, 2009

• Les Nubians' 1998 Debut, Princesses Nubiennes, Seamlessly Combines Afro-pop, Jazz, R&B, and Hip Hop

  Over a decade later, world music duo Les Nubians still amaze with their sultry French vocals and modern beats.

  Review by Kit O'Toole — on Jan 08, 2009

• "I Believe in Father Christmas": One of the Darkest and Most Unusual Carols Ever Recorded

  Greg Lake's classic Christmas tune holds some interesting secrets and communicates a lasting message.

  Review by Kit O'Toole — on Dec 08, 2008

• Experience the "Robot Pop" of Kraftwerk

  Kanye West's new album owes a great deal to visionary German band Kraftwerk.

  Review by Kit O'Toole — on Nov 26, 2008

• Like Robin Thicke? Don't Miss Remy Shand's 2002 Gem The Way I Feel

  Blue-eyed soul singer Remy Shand's 2002 debut still delights with its obvious affection for vintage R&B.

  Review by Kit O'Toole — on Nov 12, 2008

• Jimmie and Stevie Ray Vaughan's Family Style Celebrates Music and Family

  Stevie Ray Vaughan's collaboration with brother Jimmie Vaughan still amazes with its energy and musical virtuosity.

  Review by Kit O'Toole — on Oct 30, 2008

• Rediscovering Des'ree's I Ain't Movin'

  90s soul singer Des'ree combined rock and soul with self-empowering lyrics to create a satisfying blend.

  Review by Kit O'Toole — on Oct 15, 2008

• Music Review: Darius Rucker's Back to Then Showcases His Talent Outside of Hootie & The Blowfish

  Think that Darius Rucker's new country CD is his first solo effort? Think again.

  Review by Kit O'Toole — on Oct 01, 2008

• Gerry & The Pacemakers: Not Just Another British Invasion Group

  Gerry & The Pacemakers stand out from other British Invasion groups with their introspective songwriting and catchy songs.

  Review by Kit O'Toole — on Sep 19, 2008

• Soul Train Gang's "Soul Train '75" Represents More Than Just A TV Theme Song

  Unfairly overlooked, the Soul Train Gang's "Soul Train '75" encapsulates some of the best elements of 70s funk and soul.

  Review by Kit O'Toole — on Sep 09, 2008

• Rediscovering Blue-Eyed Soul Singer Lisa Stansfield's Real Love

  Before the current influx of English blue-eyed soul divas, there was Lisa Stansfield and her overlooked 1993 album.

  Review by Kit O'Toole — on Aug 25, 2008

• Robbie Robertson Takes Listeners on a "Crazy" Journey

  Robbie Robertson's 1987 single "Somewhere Down the Crazy River" retains its mystery and sensuality.

  Review by Kit O'Toole — on Aug 18, 2008

• Isaac Hayes: A Guide to His Most Famous — and Little Known — Compositions

  Isaac Hayes became famous as a dynamic performer, but was also a stellar songwriter, having penned songs for various artists.

  Review by Kit O'Toole — on Aug 13, 2008

• John Hiatt's Bring the Family An '80s Masterpiece

  John Hiatt's masterwork amazes with its deeply personal lyrics, bare bones production, and blend of rock, blues, country, and folk.

  Review by Kit O'Toole — on Aug 05, 2008

• Mary J. Blige's Underrated Mary Shows Her Vocal Versatility

  Mary J. Blige's powerful 1999 album cemented her status as the Queen of Hip Hop Soul and as worthy successor to past soul divas.

  Review by Kit O'Toole — on Jul 29, 2008

• Bill Withers' Live at Carnegie Hall Treats Listeners to Deeply Personal Songwriting and Performing

  Bill Withers' under appreciated live album functions not only as a great listen, but as a master class to songwriters and performers.

  Review by Kit O'Toole — on Jul 22, 2008

• Celebrating Level 42's Jazz-Fusion Roots

  Think you know everything about 80s band Level 42? Listen to their early material and gain a whole new perspective.

  Review by Kit O'Toole — on Jul 15, 2008

• Jaco Pastorius Transformed the Bass Forever in His 1976 Solo Debut

  Think you've heard great bass playing? Listen to jazzman Jaco Pastorius's 1976 self-titled album and learn from a music visionary.

  Review by Kit O'Toole — on Jul 07, 2008

• Music Review: Massive Attack - Blue Lines

  Massive Attack's first album challenges listeners with a unique combination of soul, hip-hop, trance, and reggae.

  Review by Kit O'Toole — on Jul 01, 2008