Laugh While You Weep with ‘Bill Hicks: The Essential Collection’
Sean MurphyIt’s a crying shame that Bill Hicks is no longer with us; we sure could use him right about now. It’s a laughing shame (the sort where you laugh until…
Born in the U.S.A. or, Every Day is Veterans Day (Revisited)
I. Personal Remember when Born in the U.S.A. was ubiquitous? The album and the song. Bruce was already big, but he wasn’t over the top. Born in the U.S.A. put…
They’ll Never Put Me in Their Bag: The Continuing Story of Syd Barrett
When he died in 2006, after decades of cult-figure status and willful anonymity, Syd Barrett was arguably better known as the person who inspired one of Pink Floyd’s best albums,…
Beethoven, Barenboim, Bliss
Beethoven again. It seems impossible to believe that Daniel Barenboim is only 68 years old. It feels like he has been around forever. Possibly it’s because the music he plays–the…
The Money Dread, Redux
Like everyone else I know, I grew up—really grew up, if I’ve ever actually grown up—in the Reagan 80’s. Take my childhood, please. Actually, it wasn’t all that bad. During…
Sony Walkman R.I.P. or, My Mix-Tape Confession
Anyone who was born before Y2K cannot be unmoved by the announcement that Sony has ceased production of the beloved Walkman (Begging the question: they were still making them? I admit rocking…
Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain?
Yer daaaaamn right! On a Friday afternoon it doesn't get too much better than this (huge h/t to Mickey G. and Karen M.): And, in case you needed a double…
The Democratic Fault Line
So, fake tan is the new black? How do I feel about the idiot winds that blew this astroturf tsunami over our land? Eh... Certainly, it sucks to see a party…
William Parker: The Inside Songs of Curtis Mayfield
A Match Made in Heaven Turns Into a Near Miss This review should be prefaced by a simple acknowledgment: William Parker has few peers in contemporary music. For the better…
Goodfellas: The Most Definitive American Movie of the Last Two Decades
First, a confession. I did not love Goodfellas the first time I saw it (in the theater, shortly after it opened, in October, 1990). Then again, this seems to happen…