Finding Grace in Beautiful Places
Sean MurphyIn a piece I recommend you reading @ the reliably awesome Rumpus, writer Amber Sparks, a non-believer, discusses matters of faith, spirituality and art (check it here). The piece is entitled "Seeking…
Five Reggae Albums You Cannot Live Without: Part Three
This is the reggae album for people who do not know, or claim not to like, reggae music. Go and Seek Your Rights: The Mighty Diamonds’ Right Time Big misconception…
Five Reggae Albums You Cannot Live Without (Part Two)
Part Two: Make a Joyful Noise Unto JAH: Culture’s International Herb Culture is immortal for their 1977 tour de force, Two Sevens Clash, one of a handful of albums that…
Obama’s Next Move
So, back in March 2010, the day after Biden --with his typical ill-advised, but beautiful candor-- announced, within earshot of the mics "This is a big fucking deal", I had…
Five Songs to Welcome Spring
The incomparable John Fahey with the appropriately titled "When The Springtime Comes Again": Janácek's String Quartet "Intimate Letters", 3rd Movement: John Coltrane: "Equinox": Bob Marley, "Natural Mystic": Jethro Tull: "March,…
The Problem with the Homeless Problem*
Who was he? I think the same question each time I see him (every day: the same man in the same spot, holding the same sign that tells everyone who…
Charlie Pierce and the anesthetized fairy tales of reasonable men
That sound you hear is the joyful noise of Charlie Pierce's rhetorical 4-wood going upside the head of the insufferably smug and obtuse Tom Brokaw. Here is a snippet that…
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…
Songs Of Freedom
On the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, I had a few things on my mind. Fortunately, I can take a nap because the ever-reliable and brilliant…
This is the country we live in
As I watch, with much anticipation mixed with wary optimism (amongst other feelings) how things unfold in Egypt, it's impossible to overlook a story like this from today's Boston Globe.…