College Countdown: CMJ Top 1000, 1979 – 1989 — #836 to #833
836. John Cougar, American Fool (1982) John Cougar was frustrated with the music business grind when he toiled over his fifth album, American Fool. In truth, the singer-songwriter who was born with — and would soon readopt — the last … Continue reading College Countdown: CMJ Top 1000, 1979 – 1989 — #836 to #833
From the Archive — Night of the Living Dead
It was tricky producing a weekly movie review radio program in Central Wisconsin in the early nineteen-nineties. There were nine screens in our town and a decidedly unaggressive approach to bookings. Especially at the time of the year, we’d watch … Continue reading From the Archive — Night of the Living Dead
One for Friday — That Petrol Emotion, “Groove Check”
Thirty years ago, in the autumn of 1988, That Petrol Emotion released their third album, End of the Millennium Psychosis Blues. The band John O’Neill developed after the breakup of his the Undertones, That Petrol Emotional had some of the spunk of their immediate ancestors with a deliberate attempt to convey something distinct about the Northern Irish lineage of O’Neill and some of his cohorts in the group. That Petrol Emotion’s lead singer was Steve Mack, an American who was discovered by the band in London. The varied perspectives of the members drove a sprightly eclecticism in the band’s music. … Continue reading One for Friday — That Petrol Emotion, “Groove Check”
Laughing Matters — The Kids in the Hall, “Into the Doors”
Sometimes comedy illuminates hard truths with a pointed urgency that other means can’t quite achieve. Sometimes comedy is just funny. This series of posts is mostly about the former instances, but the latter is valuable, too. “Greatest hits albums are … Continue reading Laughing Matters — The Kids in the Hall, “Into the Doors”
From the Archive — Batman: The Dark Knight by Frank Miller
I read a lot of comic books as a kid. This series of posts is about the comics I read, and, occasionally, the comics that I should have read. In 1986, I was the prime target for bold, edgy comics. … Continue reading From the Archive — Batman: The Dark Knight by Frank Miller
Golden Words — “Baggage”
Since great television comedy always begins with the script, this series of posts considers the individual episodes that have claimed the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series over the years. To the degree that Everybody Loves … Continue reading Golden Words — “Baggage”
Beers I Have Known — Odell Brewing Company 90 Shilling Ale
This series of posts is dedicated to the many, many six packs, pony kegs and pints that have sauntered into my life at one point or another. If I was going to be many miles away from America’s Dairyland when … Continue reading Beers I Have Known — Odell Brewing Company 90 Shilling Ale
College Countdown: CMJ Top 1000, 1979 – 1989 — #840 to #837
840. The Fixx, Walkabout (1986) Formed in London in 1979, the Fixx were a regular presence on album rock radio throughout the decade that followed. Despite indications that they might be able to cross over to the Top 40 charts … Continue reading College Countdown: CMJ Top 1000, 1979 – 1989 — #840 to #837
From the Archive — The Last King of Scotland
I don’t have much to add about this review, originally written for my former online home. I’m a little surprised it’s as long as it is, given this is a film I’ve barely spared a thought for in the years … Continue reading From the Archive — The Last King of Scotland
One for Friday — Keith Richards, “Take It So Hard”
Thirty years ago, in the fall of 1988, Keith Richards released his debut solo album, Talk is Cheap. Under any circumstances, the first out-on-his-own record released by the lead guitarist in one of the biggest and most important rock ‘n’ … Continue reading One for Friday — Keith Richards, “Take It So Hard”
Coffee for Two 