My Kind of Christmas Music (Revisited)
Sean MurphyTchaikovsky Corelli Bach A few from John Fahey The Who Chuck Berry a three-fer from Jethro Tull! Sonny Boy The Godfather Donny Satchmo Ella! (An embarrassment of riches here, here,…
If I Could Wave My Magic Wand… (Revisited)
(Editor's note: Rush's last great album (in my opinion), Presto, was released this week, in 1989. Almost a quarter-century ago. Yikes. Here is a piece I wrote in October,…
The Holy Trinity, Part Two: Jethro Tull
I, like too many prog-rock fanatics to count, was delighted when Rush received their overdue induction into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. I still hold out hope that…
Like The Dude, Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson Abides
Few Jethro Tull fans could resist the prospect of a new DVD with more than six hours of live footage. It’s debatable how many fans would be overjoyed to learn…
One Small Step for Man’s Mind
Check it out: there are people who actually believe that the moon landing never happened. Lots of people. Not that it didn’t happen, necessarily, but that it was an elaborate,…
Technology and Privacy, Cont’d…
The ongoing controversy surrounding Edward Snowden has reminded me that the issues of privacy are not recent. Indeed, the notion of "other people" knowing what you are doing at all…
Five Songs for April 15
Happy Tax Day! The Beatles: Pink Floyd: Jethro Tull: Jimi Hendrix: Spinal Tap:
Why Is Prog Rock So Inadequate, Simplistic, Reductive, Portentous and…Perfect?*
It’s always crucial, when talking trends—musical or otherwise—to contextualize the times and remember that wardrobe malfunctions, chemical excess and unspeakable atrocities like porn-star mustaches never exist within a vacuum. To…
Back To Bach
It's that time of the year, prompting reflection, peace and positive vibes. At least if you're smart and do most of your holiday shopping online. I doubt it's just me,…
Jethro Tull’s ‘Aqualung’: Even Better Than You Thought It Was (Revisited)
Whatever one’s feelings about progressive rock, Jethro Tull’s Aqualung is a rare album that remains at once part of, and above, the fray. It is, to be certain, a cornerstone…