A Week of Americana. Part Three: The Doors
Sean MurphyIf 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…
Wayne Shorter: National Treasure
Wayne Shorter is about to turn 80. He continues to record, play and inspire. Of the many musicians I admire and seek in some way to emulate (as artists, as…
Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown… (Revisited)
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.…
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.…
Eric Dolphy at 85
Eric Dolphy would --and should-- have turned 85 today. He remains one of my favorite musicians of all time. My tribute, reposted several times over the years, is below. ***…
Paul McCartney Dropping Knowledge…and Acid
It was on this day, in 1967 (a few weeks after a semi-impressive album called Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band was released), that Paul McCartney put a prurient, and…
The Boss, The Big Man and the Best Rock Song of the ’70s (Revisited)
(6/18/2011: Reposted from two years ago. R.I.P., Big Man!) When the change was made uptown and the Big Man joined the band... The rest was history, wasn't it? I am,…
Mad Props to Open Culture
In the past week, I've seen links to not one, but two amazing clips. I want to give all the credit to Open Culture, so please visit them for the…
The Howling or, 100 Years of the Big Bad Wolf (Revisited)
Who's afraid of the big, bad Wolf? Plenty of people, and for good reason. Fortunately for us, we are not sketchy record company executives or anyone else who may have…