From the Archive — George Carlin arrested at Milwaukee’s Summerfest
It’s been ten years since George Carlin died, depriving the world of one of our most combative, stealthily insightful voices. And it was forty-six years ago on the day I post this — or re-post it, really — reflection on … Continue reading From the Archive — George Carlin arrested at Milwaukee’s Summerfest
One for Friday — Hothouse Flowers, “Don’t Go”
Thirty years ago, in the summer of 1988, Hothouse Flowers released their debut album, People. As with many Irish bands of the time, their pathway to broader music business exposure went through the garlanded terraces constructed by U2. Legend has … Continue reading One for Friday — Hothouse Flowers, “Don’t Go”
Top 40 Smash Near Misses — “Foe tha Love of $”
These posts are about the songs that just barely failed to cross the key line of chart success, entering the Billboard Top 40. Every song featured in this series peaked at number 41. The last appearance Eazy-E made in a … Continue reading Top 40 Smash Near Misses — “Foe tha Love of $”
Programming Note
I can already tell that words are going to be very elusive creatures today. In their place, I’ll present a drawing Mike Mignola recently shared. I’ll get back to the expounding tomorrow, friends. Continue reading Programming Note
Playing Catch-Up — Justice League; The Tale; A Monster Calls
Justice League (Zack Snyder, 2017). Where to even begin with this rambling monstrosity? There’s so much to loathe in this desperate attempt to replicate the success of the Marvel movie model by the company’s distinguished competition in the realm of … Continue reading Playing Catch-Up — Justice League; The Tale; A Monster Calls
Laughing Matters — Hannah Gadsby, “Nanette”
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. When the most generous … Continue reading Laughing Matters — Hannah Gadsby, “Nanette”
College Countdown: CMJ Top 1000, 1979 – 1989 — #896 to #893
896. Bananarama, Bananarama (1984) The compromises of “Robert De Niro’s Waiting” exemplify the dilemma Bananarama faced during the creative process. In initial conception, the track from the trio’s second album — when was self-titled at the insistence of their label … Continue reading College Countdown: CMJ Top 1000, 1979 – 1989 — #896 to #893
From the Archive — In the Valley of Elah
For many, Paul Haggis will forever be the person who directed the most egregious Best Picture Oscar-winner of the past twenty-five years. He’s not. That honor belongs to Ron Howard. I’ll over no further defense of Crash at this time … Continue reading From the Archive — In the Valley of Elah
One for Friday — Toni Childs, “Don’t Walk Away”
Thirty years ago, in the summer of 1988, Toni Childs released her debut album, Union. A native of California, Childs spent much of the nineteen-eighties on the fringes of the music scene in London. She cultivated several creative relationships there, … Continue reading One for Friday — Toni Childs, “Don’t Walk Away”
The Art of the Sell, XTC, “Making Plans for Nigel”
These posts celebrate the movie trailers, movie posters, commercials, print ads, and other promotional material that stand as their own works of art. I think of the various college rock bands from my youth as being hobbled by a lack … Continue reading The Art of the Sell, XTC, “Making Plans for Nigel”
Coffee for Two 