Amy Winehouse: Lack of Love is A Losing Game (Revisited)
Sean MurphyEarlier this year I had the opportunity to write about Amy Winehouse via Howard Sounes' book 27. (Full review here.) Here is the crux: For his new book, 27, Howard…
Hell’s Not Gonna Be Hot Enough: Johnny Winter, R.I.P.
Hell is not gonna be hot enough for this cat. R.I.P. Johnny Winter, an American bad-ass of the first rank. An albino playing the blues? Duh. Most young, uninitiated punks…
Echoing out of the Passion Play…
Wow. So I'm working on (yet another) feature about Jethro Tull, this time about the recently released deluxe reissue of A Passion Play. (See previous ones HERE, HERE, HERE, and …
Charlie Haden, R.I.P.
i. 1959 was a watershed year for jazz music (arguably the greatest single year for jazz in all history–which is saying a lot). Here’s a taste: Miles Davis Kind of…
A Week of Americana. Part Four: James Brown
On this most American of holidays, 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 Week of Americana. Part Three: The Doors
If the discussion is going to turn to American rock bands, it would be impossible to avoid R.E.M. Fortunately, I already dealt with their legacy and am on record declaring…
A Week of Americana. Part Two: Captain Beefheart
Don Van Vliet (R.I.P.), with his idiosyncracies, individuality and iconoclasm, represents virtually everything that is profoundly beautiful about America both as a concept and actuality. Like his compatriots Syd Barrett…
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.…
Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown… (Five Years Later)
How do you know you've made an indelible impact on culture? Here's how. Listen: this story has been told so many times it is inextricable from the history of America.…
Happy Birthday, Macca!
Revisiting a piece I wrote two years ago, for #70, entitled "When I'm 64 (Plus Six): My Favorite Macca". *** Paul McCartney who, no matter where you stand on rock…