Lucinda Williams’ Don’t Tell Anybody the Secrets I Told You (book review)

I can’t believe that singer Lucinda Williams is 70 years old! Thankfully, she is showing no signs of slowing down, and she’s just released her memoirs. Don’t Tell Anybody the Secrets I Told You (2023, Crown Publishing) has just been released and it’s as introspective and haunting as her music. “Too country for rock and … More Lucinda Williams’ Don’t Tell Anybody the Secrets I Told You (book review)

Three Great Consecutive Musical Albums Released (my list of 20)

The challenge has been accepted, three consecutive studio albums released by artist or band. My top 20 list of consecutive releases. No live or greatest hits allowed. The list of course is very subjective and is absent some major artists, and some remarkable albums. No Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Beach Boys, Grateful Dead or Van … More Three Great Consecutive Musical Albums Released (my list of 20)

Blame it on the Hippies for Wanting a Better America

America was great until the damn liberals, poor people, those of color or different ideas and unwashed, longhaired communists started to make trouble. Life was good in Christian, Wonder Bread America before the criticism and protests. It was those commie longhairs that tried to destroy what’s good about this country. If they don’t like it, … More Blame it on the Hippies for Wanting a Better America

How I Learned to Stop Fearing Tales From Topographic Oceans and Love the Album

I love progressive-rock music, but I’ve never connected with Yes’s majestic Tales From Topographic Oceans. The album is hailed in prog-rock circles as one of the most influential albums of all time. The album is 50 years old in 1973, certainly a time for reflection and discussion, and perhaps another chance to fall in love. … More How I Learned to Stop Fearing Tales From Topographic Oceans and Love the Album

Their Satanic Majesties Request: The Rolling Stones’ Answer to Sgt. Pepper?

It was the psychedelic sixties, and for a brief period, rock and roll was hippy, spacey and trippy. Actually, one could say that psychedelic music continued well into the seventies, if you count the offshoot into space-rock, fusion and funk-rock – but who’s counting? My point is that what we commonly refer to “psychedelic rock” … More Their Satanic Majesties Request: The Rolling Stones’ Answer to Sgt. Pepper?

Fresh Music: Discovering Great Music From Yesterday and Today

I try not to be a stick in the mud about my musical preferences, as I’ve been known to happen across some fine artists in categories other than my favorites. Here are a few I’m happy to share. Lizzo, Special (2022) Talk about unexpected surprises! I’d never heard a Lizzo song until I checked out … More Fresh Music: Discovering Great Music From Yesterday and Today

John Mellencamp’s Scarecrow: Rural Electrification (a look back)

Johnny Cougar. What a stupid name. John Cougar Mellencamp. Still a stupid name. Finally, Mellencamp had enough clout to insist on dropping “Cougar” from any version of his name. Mellencamp’s music was always difficult to categorize. The record company wanted another Bruce Springsteen-type pop-rocker. Instead of The Boss, you had Cougar. Just kidding. But not … More John Mellencamp’s Scarecrow: Rural Electrification (a look back)