Repent Sinners; Sean Penn Is A Saint
Sean MurphySean Penn is a saint. Did that get your attention? Good. Since we know that there are no such things as saints, and we also know that the people we…
The Ugly and Unlistenable Death Spiral of Eddie Van Halen
jamiecSammy Hagar seldom disappoints. When I heard he was tapped to replace ass-clown extraordinaire David Lee Roth in 1985, I anticipated uninspiring results. I was correct (your mileage may vary).…
Bird and Magic (Revisited)
1979. It's been so well documented, and remains such a touchstone (it is still the most widely watched NCAA final ever, which--considering the inconceivably successful hype college and pro sports…
33 Thoughts About Villanova vs. Georgetown, 1985
March Madness, indeed. It seemed more than fortuitous that as I was flipping around last night I stumbled upon MASN, which was just beginning a repeat of the Georgetown/Villanova '85…
No, Really: Jeff Beck is God
Since it happened to be Keith Relf's birthday, it seemed appropriate to pay tribute to him on Tuesday. Plus, as I attempted to articulate in that piece, he warrants celebration as…
They Lived This Way Because No One Else Could (Revisited): R.I.P. Liz
Everyone has their favorite picture. I can't say this one is mine, but it will do. Even though I was always too young to fully (or even partially) feel the…
Five From The Yardbirds To Remember Keith Relf
Keith Relf. Who? Exactly. Quite possibly the best vocalist you've never heard of, you still have heard him if you are passingly familiar with rock music. Trust me. He was…
Five from Van the Man on St. Pat’s Day
Van Morrison. St. Patrick's Day. That is all. "And It Stoned Me": "Into The Mystic": "The Way Young Lovers Do": "Tupelo Honey": "Cyprus Avenue":
Really Don’t Mind If You Sit This One Out: Understanding Prog-Rock, Part One
They don't make 'em like that no more, literally, figuratively, metaphorically or --especially-- sarcastically. They can't. For one thing, because they don't make album covers, or albums, anymore. Also…
Taking It All Too Hard: Unironic Love For Phil Collins
There must be some misunderstanding. Is he in or out? (You've got to get in to get out...) Not the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which Genesis was finally…