Another music list … This time it’s songs with water themes, of which there are a bunch. Something to whet everyone’s appetite: from seas to oceans, sloops, bridges, docks of bays, boardwalks and waterfronts: “Take Me to the River” by…
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The memories conjured by recent death of Russ Solomon, the founder of Tower Records, were those of disappointment and despair. Not for Solomon, RIP, but for the failure of his stores. This includes the first one on the corner of…
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Sixty-three years to accumulate and one anguished day to narrow down my 19 favorite musical artists -- as of December 2017. For the record, my criteria considered originality, influence, quality musicianship and songwriting, and consistency. The Beatles (because, they are)…
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“Before you abuse, criticize and accuse, walk a mile in my shoes.” For better or worse, the sentiment in Joe South’s classic folk/rock anthem remains as profound today as it was relevant and prophetic when first released nearly a half-century…
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As important as I believe good lyrics are to a song, I confess to either not knowing or understanding the words of some of my favorite songs. For example, I had no idea what Lou Reed’s “Sword of Damocles” was…
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Music charts have forever showcased the so-called one-hit wonders like Norman Greenbaum’s classic “Spirit in the Sky.” The more noteworthy feat, however, is the one-album wonder. This is a remarkable, albeit curious accomplishment: an artist makes an entire album full…
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This list gets updated almost daily, but as of December 29, 2015, here is an A-Z list of my all-time favorite musical artists. Ryan Adams, Arctic Monkeys, Joseph Arthur The Beatles, Beck, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Blood, Sweat & Tears,…
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Sophomore slump describes various circumstances when a second effort fails to live up to the success of the first. The origin likely comes from high school and the apathy of sophomore students compared to the enthusiasm of their freshman years.…
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Alternative rockers X Ambassadors hit a grand slam, touching all the bases at their show August 5 at San Francisco’s The Independent. A sold out, standing room only crowd showed their approval by singing along to the band’s rousing versions…
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Annie Lennox, 60, magically rocked the house at the Grammys with her rendition of “I Put a Spell on You.” Hopefully it proved to more than a few viewers and audience members that talent and longevity rule over large egos…
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