Sound Affects

Counterbalance 24: The Doors – ‘The Doors’

Counterbalance 24: The Doors – ‘The Doors’

Before you slip into unconsciousness, Counterbalance has put together a few thoughts on the Doors' 1967 debut album. It's number 24 on the Big List.

Counterbalance 23: Bob Dylan – ‘Blood on the Tracks’

Counterbalance 23: Bob Dylan – ‘Blood on the Tracks’

Bob Dylan makes his third appearance on the Acclaimed Music list with his 1975 album, Blood on the Tracks. Counterbalance’s Eric Klinger and Jason Mendelsohn are planting their stories in the press.

Laura Nyro’s “Save the Country” Calls Out from the Past

Laura Nyro’s “Save the Country” Calls Out from the Past

Laura Nyro, a witchy, queer, ethnic Russian Jew, died young, but her non-conformist anthem, "Save the Country", carries forth to these troubled times.

The Top 20 Punk Protest Songs for July 4th

The Top 20 Punk Protest Songs for July 4th

As punk music history verifies, American citizenry are not all shiny, happy people. These 20 songs reflect the other side of patriotism -- free speech brandished by the brave and uncouth.
Counterbalance 22: Jimi Hendrix – ‘Electric Ladyland’

Counterbalance 22: Jimi Hendrix – ‘Electric Ladyland’

“Have you ever been to Electric Ladyland?" Counterbalance's Eric Klinger and Jason Mendelsohn have, and they file this report.

15 Landmark Dance Tracks of 1991

15 Landmark Dance Tracks of 1991

Here are 15 pivotal tracks from 1991 when dance music's potential to amaze seemed boundless.

The 10 Best Hip-Hop Tracks of 1991

The 10 Best Hip-Hop Tracks of 1991

1991's best hip-hop songs lean more towards beats production than the era's increasingly popular gangsta rap genre.

Counterbalance 20: The Beatles – ‘Abbey Road’

Counterbalance 20: The Beatles – ‘Abbey Road’

The Beatles once again make their way onto the list with their 1969 tour de force Abbey Road. Halfway through, Klinger and Mendelsohn realize they can steal but they cannot rob.

Counterbalance 19: Patti Smith -‘Horses’

Counterbalance 19: Patti Smith -‘Horses’

One of the most critically-acclaimed debuts in rock history, Patti Smith’s Horses is a whirlwind of poetry and proto-punk rock. Counterbalance takes Horses for a ride -- go Rimbaud and go Johnny go!
Counterbalance 18: Bruce Springsteen – ‘Born to Run’

Counterbalance 18: Bruce Springsteen – ‘Born to Run’

The rock 'n' roll crossfire of Counterbalance returns with a look at Bruce Springsteen’s 1975 epic Born to Run. Strap your hands ’cross their engines!

12 Essential Performances from New Orleans’ Piano “Professors”

12 Essential Performances from New Orleans’ Piano “Professors”

New Orleans music is renowned for its piano players. Here's a dozen jams from great Crescent City keyboardists, past and present, and a little something extra.

Counterbalance 17: Public Enemy – ‘It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back’

Counterbalance 17: Public Enemy – ‘It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back’

Hip-hop makes its debut on the Big List with Public Enemy’s meaty, beaty manifesto, and all the jealous punks can’t stop the dunk. Counterbalance’s Klinger and Mendelsohn give it a listen.