Recently, through the networking magic of Facebook, I reconnected with an acquaintance from my university days for the first time in more than twenty years. During the brief, ensuing exchange of memory-lane messages, she recalled that way back in early ’80s, I was the first person to introduce her to the music of R.E.M. In [...]

One of my favorite songs of this still-fresh century is Otis Gibbs’ “I Wanna Change It”. From his album One Day Our Whispers, it’s an inspiring sing-along that has only grown in relevance since its release in 2004. Allow me to quote from the song at length. Gibbs sings: There’s been an awful lot of [...]

So where are the strong? And who are the trusted? And where is the harmony? Sweet harmony. – Nick Lowe, “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love And Understanding)” Was there ever any doubt that Bruce Springsteen would rise to the occasion? Though I’m not one of the true believers who genuflects at the altar of [...]

Nine (Musical) Things That Will Almost Certainly Not Disappoint You In 2009: Besides the whole Obama-is-President thing, it turns out there’s a lot to look forward to this year, like a host of new releases. What follows is a very subjective list of potential highlights, but please bear in mind: Many of release dates are [...]

A new line of blues and soul DVDs from the Shout! Factory people under the Mojo Working legend has raised a couple of questions for me — ongoing questions. One is whether that “blues and soul” pairing is becoming permanently joined at the hip now. The two genres certainly have had there moments of (as [...]

UPDATED WITH DAY 2 AND DAY 3, BELOW First, to explain the headline: Central Texas band the Dedringers has a song called “All My Friends Are Goin’ Into The Institution”, a clever and supremely catchy little ditty about watching all their compatriots go off to college. At some point a few days ago, upon hearing [...]

As a reader of these pages, you may be approaching the Grammy Awards, to be held February 9, with about the same enthusiasm that you’re approaching the next Osmond family reunion.There will be a few lively moments, at least one goofy singer summit, and maybe even a head butt (there must be a way to [...]

Year-end mixtapes, er, mixdiscs, er, mix-iTunes playlists….everybody’s got one. (I suppose the coolest of the cool get ‘em pressed up on vinyl these days.) Not that you asked, but here’s mine. And, with turnabout being fair play, I will ask for yours – feel free to submit it in the comments section at the bottom [...]

During a recent snowstorm, I slipped and fell into a deep chasm. I believe the natives call it Facebook. My experience there has been mixed. I don’t necessarily care what former classmates and co-workers think about what I’m cooking for supper, but I sure appreciate being able to gawk at all those old photographs those [...]