Blessed Blackness & Holiday Fireworks from the Godfather of Soul
Sean MurphyOn this most American of weekends, it seems appropriate --if not obligatory-- to celebrate the most American of geniuses. It does not get any more American than James Brown, does…
A Different Kind of Independence Day: Revisiting Bottle Rocket
First off, huge hat tip to my boy JB (the award-winning home-brewer and all around great man) for bringing this amusing, and somewhat touching piece to my attention. It seems…
More on Hicks for Those Arriving to the Show, Already in Progress
In case you didn't catch my review of Bill Hicks: The Essential Collection from last fall, it is an appropriate companion piece for yesterday's take on the new Hicks documentary.…
‘American’: The Bill Hicks Story
Not familiar with Bill Hicks? You need to be. Check this out: Coming so soon after last fall’s release of Bill Hicks: The Ultimate Collection, getting a full-blown Bill Hicks…
You’re My Best Friend
Another post about death and dying. Another post about the wonder of dogs. Hat tip to my old friend Anthony for bringing this article to my attention (warning: even the…
With You There To Help Me: Cheerio To An Old Teacher
Shortly after 2011 began, I noted the unhappy occasion of Gerry Rafferty's passing and did my best to articulate (and celebrate) what his work meant to me (original post here). In…
The Boss, The Big Man and the Best Rock Song of the ’70s (Revisited)
When the change was made uptown and the Big Man joined the band... The rest was history, wasn't it? I am, of course, quoting from "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out", the second…
Four Albums and a Film: The Best Summer Entertainment*
The Congos - Heart of the Congos (1977) Great art knows no seasons. Nevertheless, some music is made for—or at least can be fully appreciated during—specific times of the year.…
Neither Fleeting Nor Helpless: Fleet Foxes’ Instant Masterpiece
A couple of years ago as I assessed what I considered to be the best 50 rock albums of the last decade, I had this to say about the Fleet…
Revisiting The Heart of the Congos
Great art knows no seasons. Nevertheless, some music is made for—or at least can be fully appreciated during—specific times of the year. Reggae music, which many people still believe means…