Nick Lowe – At My Age Nick Lowe’s been around (mostly England) since the 70′s, producing quasi-punk bands (The Pretenders), writing a few hit songs (Elvis Costello’s “What’s so funny (about peace, love, and understanding)”), and playing in bands. So, it seems almost like an afterthought that he would write and record a solo album. [...]
After a week of giving and grading exams, I decided to put myself through one: Rolling Stone’s Almost Impossible Rock & Roll Quiz. I failed (45%). Give it a try.
In 2003, I spent $260 on a brand new 10 GB iPod. After poor battery life and slipping processing health, it finally gave out after a short workout at the YMCA (last song “Here Comes My Baby” by Cat Stevens). For the past 4 years, I’ve seen successive generations of iPods parading in front of [...]
When I go to shows I usually make an effort to checkout opening bands. I don’t do this expecting to be impressed by the opener but because I feel the need to get my money’s worth after Ticketmaster magically turns my $20 ticket into a $40 transaction. There has been the rare occasion that the [...]
Hacktone Records has an interesting business strategy. They sign a few current artists and then scour the rock vaults for great music that either didn’t get released or was overlooked. Getting in the Christmas spirit, they put up a free sampler of their releases on their website. I downloaded most of these selections. One I [...]
I never set out to become a Tom Petty fan, but I am. Big time. This past year I’ve had a lot to be excited about: a new album (produced by Jeff Lynne), a tour, and a documentary (produced by Peter Bogdanovich). After a year of anticipation, Runnin’ Down a Dream came out. It is [...]
Two years ago, I was in NYC visiting a friend. She worked a few blocks away from Central Park and while she worked, I walked over. It was right before Thanksgiving and the perfect time to be there. As I looked at all the buildings bordering the Park, I couldn’t stop wondering, “Which one is [...]
Die Young Stay Pretty – Blondie Released in 1979 on the album Eat to the Beat, I can’t believe this song never made much of an impression on me. It reads like legendary rock & roll, but plays like reggae. Check out this verse: “Oh, you sit all alone in your rocking chair Transistor pressed [...]
I’ve been a distant fan of 90′s Britpop for few years now. I’m a decade short, but that’s fine. We’re all playing catch-up. Or, at least we should be (Have you heard Sam Cooke: Live at the Harlem Square Club? No? Get on it!). Mojave 3 is a band formed from the remnants of Slowdive, [...]
Interpol – July 21 at The Norva in Norfolk, VA Leading up to the show I was a bit bummed I hadn’t caught Interpol on a previous tour because “Our Love To Admire” had only been released a couple of weeks beforehand and I wasn’t bowled over. It’s not a bad album, but it hadn’t [...]
