Occasionally I come upon a new artist whose musical capacity – let’s say, whose musical beauty – is almost literally staggering, so as to challenge finding a proper description or appreciation. I felt this way a few years ago when I first discovered a heretofore unknown 20-year-old named Marcus King. … More Marcus King Band “Where I’m Headed” (2018)
While a fan-favorite standard-bearer of the Americana and Outlaw Country scene, American Aquarium isn’t the kind of band you’re likely to see on a Grammy stage or to receive much mainstream notoriety. Nevertheless, I suggest this as being a song for our times, our difficult and confusing times … More American Aquarium “The World Is On Fire” (2018)
The stupifyingly amazing Derek Trucks, guitarist and co-leader of the indomitable Tedeschi Trucks Band. What has, at times, actually curtailed my enjoyment of his unreal playing? He’s too good. … More Tedeschi Trucks Band “Midnight In Harlem” (2011)
The task was simple and the theme was equally self-evident: create a party playlist of precisely four hours, made up of songs culled from the vastly music-rich era of the seventies. I questioned nearly every choice along the way. Well, every choice except for one: the pick for final song.. … More Bruce Springsteen “Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)” (1973)
In about the time it takes to peruse this piece you could listen to San Francisco hardcore micro-song master Tony Molina’s entire 2014 album, “Dissed And Dismissed.” It contains 12 tracks and runs a total of 11 and a half minutes. Yes, you read that right.. … More Tony Molina “Walk Away” (2014)
One of the great benefits of the forthcoming Joel Paterson album “Let It Be Guitar!” – to be released by Bloodshot Records on September 20th – is that my wife can casually enjoy some beautiful, new arrangements of completely recognizable Beatles tunes, while I can focus intently on the fabulous intricacies of Paterson’s highly developed, … More Joel Paterson “Michelle” (2019)
It’s Labor Day, which means the end of the summer, which for someone like me who so looks forward to the warm weather and so hates the cold, I can honestly only say, fuck that. But, in addition to its significance as a marker on the seasonal calendar, it is.. … More Average White Band “Work To Do” (1974)
Man, I did not love Rush. Until Rush was featured in the movie “I Love You, Man” – and at that, really after just one scene in particular. The 2009 bromance comedy stars Paul Rudd and Jason Segal, whose shared worship of Rush – the Canadian power trio known to them simply as The Holy Trinity.. … More Rush “Limelight” – scene from “I Love You, Man” (2009)
There are just too many great summer songs to mention, but The Lovin’ Spoonful made one of the best, “Summer In The City,” and omitting one letter from a lyric may have made it the greatest ever. … More The Lovin’ Spoonful “Summer In The City” (1966)
I’m quite sure there’s not a soul who needs me to try to describe the greatness of The Queen of Soul. Aretha Franklin was one of those artists that’s just universally accepted as magnificent, and deservedly so. Like the Mona Lisa, Aretha’s grandeur had long ago ceased to even be something to assert, her artistry … More Aretha Franklin “Today I Sing The Blues” (1961)
