We interviewed John Cale in issue #156 around the time of his previous release, Mercy. He has just released POPtical Illusion, a collection of synth and keyboard heavy tunes that carry a heavy, and at times angry message about the state of the world. That is not to say that that Cale has lost all hope and there is optimism that we can still bring about change. POPtical Illusion was produced by Cale along with longtime artistic collaborator Nita Scott.
Bass player Herbie Flowers had a front row seat for some of the most iconic recordings of the late sixties and seventies. He played on a staggering number of classic albums from artists such as David Bowie, Elton John, George Harrison, Harry...
Here's some links and stuff from a thread I started at the Tape Op Message Board forum:
David Byrne interviews Thom Yorke about the Radiohead "In Rainbows" download in Wired Magazine.
Pandora Radio is an internet radio site that allows the...
Ace Hotel has long been a favorite among artist/studio types, so when we heard the news that they were going to beginoffering quality recording gear as a literal hotel service, it made sense.
Featured behind their tailored front desk you'll find...
Guitarist Michael Belfer passed away March 20, 2022 from a series of compounding health issues. He was a friend and my bandmate in Black Lab back in the late ’90s. His unique playing and sound was an influence on players such as Sonic...
Photo: Larry Crane
The recent passing of Ed Cherney sent me to my archives. I'd interviewed Ed many years ago and he asked me not to run it. We went back and forth about it, and I never understood why he didn't want this interview in Tape Op....
You know, when an email with a title like this shows up at Tape Op we just gotta laugh. And an email just did show up, and I hope I don't alienate a potential advertiser or supporter, but hey, please think of another way to promote your...
Some may remember us running excerpts from Phill Brown's book, Are We Still Rolling?, many years ago. We're proud to announce that Tape Op Books will be releasing Are We Still Rolling? this Fall. It's one hell of a read. In the meantime enjoy Phill's...
I dropped by Powell’s City of Books last night to say hello to Daniel Levitin and hear him talk about his new book, I Heard There Was a Secret Chord: Music as Medicine. I interviewed him in Tape Op #74 way back in 2009. There’s a lot of...
If you are a Tape Op reader, you know our recent issue #136 had a focus on Dub Reggae. But beyond King Tubby, Lee Perry and Scientist, many people wonder where they should start with their listening to explore the genre. I asked recent interviewee...