Forty years ago, I discovered a recording by Paul Anka, a song that actually got played with other contemporary songs. At first, I thought I might have misunderstood who was singing on it, but no, I was correct. Paul Anka? In the 1980s, Anka was about as far from hip as a teen heartthrob from … More Paul Anka in the 1980s
Released in 1957, 12 Angry Men is the best courtroom film, although it doesn’t take place in court, but in the jury room. It is simply, one of the best dramatic films ever made. The film, based on a play, was the first feature film directed by Sidney Lumet, who would have 73 directing credits, … More 12 Angry Men
I have great luck, when looking around for something to read, good books appear. I wouldn’t say that Be My Baby is a great book, but it is a fascinating read. Ronnie Spector died in January of this year, and her memoirs was updated and published again. Originally published in 1990, she updated Be My … More Ronnie Spector: Be My Baby
Robert Redford uses the term “popcorn movie” to describe films intended principally as big, blockbuster entertainment. The term definitely describes Top Gun: Maverick and most of Cruise’s recent filmography. The original Top Gun made a superstar of Cruise. A two-hour MTV, Navy recruitment music video, equal parts adrenaline and jet fuel, and a precursor to … More Tom Cruise: Maverick
Marillion. I had heard of the band, but I know nothing about them. Strange, because this band has been around since the 1980s, and is often mentioned as one of the best contemporary progressive-rock bands. Why wasn’t I familiar with their sound? I can thank Larry Graves and Glen Kellaway for introducing me to Marillion. … More Marillion: F.E.A.R. (The Album)
Seventy-year old John Mellencamp is still ticking and kicking. He’s usually in the news about who he is dating rather than his music, but he still has a loyal legion of fans. Cougar was a nickname he hated, a marketing decision to bypass using his last name, which didn’t sound like a pop star. John … More John “Don’t Call Me Cougar” Mellencamp: Strictly a One-Eyed Jack (Review)
A couple of years ago I made a list of albums I want with me if I’m ever marooned on a desert island. That was fun, and difficult. Yes, a had with me a solar powered record player. Here is a new list, using guidelines from vlogger Glen Kellaway. One album from each decade going … More Desert Island Music, More
Fifty years later, the band still sounds great. Spirit has been in news in recent years related to a plagiarism lawsuit against Led Zeppelin over parts of “Stairway to Heaven”. I am not going to get into that, my focus will be on the classic period of the band. Randy California (real name Randy Wolfe), … More Spirit (the band)
Success in the music industry is fickle, a creature of timing, promotion, talent, and luck. Here are five albums I own that sadly were neglected and passed into history. Larry Lee, Marooned. The sweet, polished vocalist of “Jackie Blue” of the Ozark Mountain Daredevils. Offered a solo album where he wrote or co-wrote the songs, … More A Dozen Debut Albums that Failed Expectations, but are Deserve a Listen
As a wannabe guitar player, I’m drawn more to smooth sets of chords forming an irresistible melodic progression. A catchy and inventive guitar riff is a thing of beauty for the soul. Riffs seem most closely associated with rock’n’roll, which I agree, but they can be found across musical genres. Riffs catch the ear, and … More Riffing: Music Artists Who Who Utilize the Technique
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