Weird Scenes Inside the Gold Mine*: Part One
Sean MurphyMerry Christmas to me. So, a year or so ago I did something I'd been meaning --and promising-- to do for ages: I acquired a turntable. I knew it was…
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,…
‘Magical Mystery Tour’ Is Not as Bad as Everyone Says…
Having never had the opportunity to view Magical Mystery Tour all the way through, I looked forward to this DVD with a mixture of anticipation and a sense of settling…
Adaptation*
Remembering. Everything changes after a baby is born. This is what everyone told her. Her mother had told her everything, but—she would come to understand—there is nothing that can be…
Alligator Lizards in the Air: In Search of the Sublimely Awful Lyric (Revisited)
I can think of a lot of rock bands who have written some laughably awful lyrics. So can you. Part of rock and roll's infectious (and mostly innocuous) appeal is…
The Once and Future King: ‘SMiLE’ and Brian Wilson’s Very American Dream
What if I were to tell you the 21st Century has already produced its great American novel? And what if I told you it was actually written almost five decades…
When I’m 64 (Plus Six): My Favorite Macca
Paul McCartney who, no matter where you stand on rock music, The Beatles or list-making, is indisputably one of the best --and most important-- popular musicians of the last…
Davy Jones, R.I.P.
Here's the thing about the '60s: the decade died a long time ago, and it will never die. You could say the same, of course, about any decade. But in…
The Whiteness of the Whale: Remembering The White Album (Revisited)
Therefore, in his other moods, symbolize whatever grand or gracious thing he will by whiteness, no man can deny that in its profoundest idealized significance it calls up a peculiar…
Ten Albums That Supposedly Suck (But Do Not): #9
9. The Rolling Stones: Their Satanic Majesties Request (1967) Stupid title. Silly cover. Blatant attempt to steal some thunder from The Beatles, who were possibly at the height of their…