This Day in Music
Michael Fitzgibbon
The reading habits of pyromaniacs, a legendary awardee, and Elvis is in Toronto, on this day in music.
Nonsuch
1992: Eclectic and reclusive British rockers XTC release their 12th studio album, “Nonsuch.” Their first record since “Oranges & Lemons” in 1989, it keeps the jangly aspect of the prior release's psychedelic sound but moves the overall style into pure pop with string and horn orchestrations.
The second consecutive double-album from the band, and the third overall in their discography, it was met with critical acclaim from reviewers. Michael Azerrand of Rolling Stone wrote, “Nonsuch is what happens when three men who grew up on Sgt. Pepper and Pet Sounds stay true.”
The LP peaked at No. 28 on the U.K. Albums Chart.
Porno for Pyros
1993: "Porno for Pyros," the debut studio album from alt-rock band Porno for Pyros is released.
By 1991, the band Jane's Addiction was suffering from addictions, causing guitarist Dave Navarro and bassist Eric Avery to leave the band in favour of maintaining their sobriety. The remaining members, frontman Perry Farrell and drummer Stephen Perkins, carried on under the new name, Porno for Pyros, a reference to the 1992 Los Angeles riots, which is a recurring theme of the CD's lyrics.
Receiving mixed reviews from critics, the record did spin out the No. 1 single, "Pets," which topped the Billboard Modern Rock chart. The album itself was certified Gold in both Canada and the U.S.
The Monday Miles
1991: In what would be his final year of touring, Miles Davis performs at the Municipal Auditorium in New Orleans as part of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.
Joining Miles on stage were Kenny Garrett (as; fl), Deron Johnson (synth), Joe McCreary (g), Richard Patterson (bg), and Ricky Wellman (d). Davis also played some synth parts in addition to his usual trumpet.
The group covered seven numbers over the course of its 67-minute performance, including “Hannibal,” “New Blues,” and “Tutu.” They also played jazz versions of the pop hits “Time After Time” by Cindi Lauper, “Penetration” by Prince, and “Human Nature,” written by Steve Porcaro and recorded by Michael Jackson on his seminal LP, “Thriller.”
Bob Dylan
2012: Bob Dylan is named by President Barack Obama as one of the recipients of The Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States. He would be presented with the medal by Obama at a ceremony in the White House on May 19, 2012.
The Daily Elvis
1957: Performing a rare concert outside of the United States, Elvis is at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto. It was the final time he wore his gold lamé suit on stage.
