The Rhythm Changes and The Death of American Vitality and Loveliness
The Rhythm changes is just one contrafact that gave us our treasure trove of pop and jazz musical magic.
Category: Music
Well-Tuned: Hey Hey Rise Up With Pink Floyd
To see Pink Floyd come together today to raise awareness of the tragedy unfolding in the Ukraine would make my dad happy.
Well-Tuned: Take the Money and Run, or Musicians Avoiding Taxes
Successful musicians, athletes, politicians, big business; they all figured how to beat taxes while asking us to donate our time and money for causes they chose to support
Confessions of A Rock and Roll History Teacher
I blow hot and cold on whether rock and roll has been, on balance, a force for good or bad. It’s powerful; there’s no denying that.
Sunday Morning! “Nina Simone’s Gum” by Warren Ellis
Warren Ellis’s new book “Nina Simone’s Gum” is everyone he encountered in his mad quest to save a piece of chewing gum that the legendary singer had left behind on her piano
Well-Tuned: The Show Must Go On…Or Not
Looking back into the history of rock and roll you can see how bands dealt with the loss of one of the group.
Grunge Was the 90s Music Palate Cleanser, Not Its Highlight
Calling the 90s the Grunge Era does a massive disservice to the generation’s wide range of quality and influential minds that really set the tone.
Well-Tuned: When the Bell Tolled for Hair Bands
Back then I was not a fan of the hair bands and was a straight up classic rock guy. To me they were just too polished, to predictable.
Well-Tuned: Let’s Talk Soundtracks
I have always been intrigued by movie and tv soundtracks. When the right song is paired to a scene it can elevate it to something unforgettable.
Well-Tuned: Just One More Song for the Road Please
Road songs. We all have them. Every genre of music has them. So dear reader, Here’s a small list for your consideration
Saturday Music: I’ve Got That Feeling
That feeling I have deep down inside that Paul sings about? That feeling manifests itself in different ways when I really contemplate it.
Talisk: More Than Just a Scottish Folk Trio
Talisk isn’t just your usual neighborhood acoustic Scottish folk trio, all jigs and reels and hornpipes, no
You Think You Know A Band: Observations On The Beatles and Peter Jackson’s Get Back
This is not a review of The Beatles: Get Back, This is more of an observation that I thought I knew that band. I misunderstood the dynamics.
The Music of Meat Loaf (1947-2022)
Seriously, if you never listened to either of Meat Loaf’s Bat Out Of Hells you really should.
What A Boring Musical World It Will Be Without Meat Loaf
The Meat Loaf/Steinman madcap musical universe of sex, and drums, and way over-the-top rock and roll comes to an end
OT Advent Calendar Bonus Content: 380 Reasons to Leave Your Lover
Today’s theme, our last, is Counting Songs. Today I offer two counting songs. Let’s begin with the less annoying, shall we?
OT Advent Calendar Bonus Content: St Stephen’s Day
St. Stephen’s Day is celebrated on December 26th. Or the 27th. Or January 9th. Look, it depends on the variety of Christianity one practices, okay?
OT Advent Calendar: Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas, all! For those who celebrate, I hope today is filled with joy, health, love and peace. For those who do not, I hope today brings you blessings!
OT Advent Calendar Day 27: The Boar’s Head Carol
The Boar’s Head tradition was likely brought to England by the Anglo Saxons, and certainly existed in the Middle Ages.
OT Advent Calendar Day 26: The Wexford Carol
First of all, I have a deep personal connection to County Wexford in Ireland. Second and third, there’s Yo Yo Ma and Alison Krauss.
