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25 Years Ago In The UK
25 years ago today, the top 5 singles on the UK charts were, for the first time ever, all performed by female vocalists. Without further ado, here they are, all unapologetically from 1986: (advice: if you only watch one video, minute 1:49 – 1:52 of “Walk Like An Egyptian” is incredibly odd and confusing [and ...
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Murder Songs: Bludgeoning
Greetings, and welcome to our second look at murder songs. Today’s highlight is the crude but effective murderous technique known as bludgeoning. Webster’s dictionary, named after popular lexicographer Noah Webster, defines bludgeoning as follows: to hit with heavy impact. There are many types of simple instruments that fall into the category of a bludgeon. There ...
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Murder Songs: The Knife
When we find ourselves in a dark place, it is important to have an appropriate soundtrack. Murder songs. The exploration of music inspired by violations of the 6th commandment. Today I’ll talk about one of the oldest and most successful of weapons known – the Knife. Originally crafted over 2 millions years ago out of ...
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MISMANAGED: Part 1
Summer is almost over and that annual recognition of the mismanagement of time can be seen in the furrowed brow of many a tanned face. Don’t fret. Here are some musical examples of mismanagement: Leonard Cohen vs Kelley Lynch In the fall ...
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How I Learned to Start Worrying and Love the Song (2)
So I attended the 50th anniversary of the Freedom Rider’s concert celebration in Prospect Park. And I saw Lou Reed lethargically sing “A Change is Gonna Come”. And I am now, at least politically, a fan of Toshi Reagon, and can recommend anyone with the opportunity to see Helga Davis perform to do just that. ...
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Soy loca con mi tigre loca loca loca
In New York City, The Strange Boys, White Fence, and The Babies are playing at 92Y Tribeca (200 Hudson St, between Desbrosses and Vestry Sts, Tribeca). The Strange Boys, about to release their third full-length album with Rough Trade Records, is a six-piece band known for 60s-style garage rock. $8, $10 at the door. For ...
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How I Learned To Start Worrying And Love The Song (1)
One of the most idyllic pleasures of a summer spent in New York is the plethora of free outdoor concerts. Tonight I’ll be heading out to the Prospect Park Bandshell, where Celebrate Brooklyn hosts a season of diverse events that span the arts. This evening, in honor of the 50th anniversary of the freedom riders, ...
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The Artist Interview
Interviews. The word makes me cringe when it comes to job hunting. I’m terrible at them, my nerves usually getting the better of me. But interviews with writers, artists, and musicians? Those I love. Those I crave. I go through interview binges, seeking out every available interview about a particular person. OK that’s not exactly ...
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Songs for Summer, Vol. 1
Welcome to my first of two installments of Songs for Summer, featuring sunny, happy songs you can bike, swim, drink wine, count the stars, and dance to. 1. Fastball, “The Way”: This song recently popped into my head out of nowhere and made me think, “Wow. I really miss the 90s.” According to resource of ...
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Music for Creating
I’ve been in an inspirational rut this spring. Empty notebooks lying everywhere, unused film stored away in a closet, an embarrassing amount of art materials left unsorted. It’s unsightly, really. The only thing that seems to kick my ass out of the ditch during a creative crisis is music. I, like some of you, thrive ...
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A Non-Scientific Pro-Con Type List for Summer Music Concert Attendance
I have been told by quite a few people that I am too practical, and this seems to manifest itself most obviously when I plan events in advance and/or have to spend money. Music concerts require both of these; although I love music and would gladly see a different artist each weekend, this is not, ...
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Neko Case’s Noir
I’ve been on a serious Neko Case kick lately. Maybe it’s the weather or restlessness, but that rough-around-the-edges voice has been stuck in my head for days now. Originally from Tacoma, Case performed in a number of punk bands while attending university in Vancouver. One band, however – the “country super-group” Cub and the Weasels ...