Mike Zito takes an old Chuck Berry 12-bar blues tune and assails the listener with an overwhelming assault of chops that could go on until the wee wee hours. Whatever those are. … More Mike Zito “Wee Wee Hours” (2019)
John Lennon accidentally created rock’s first-ever recorded feedback on the early Beatles classic ‘I Feel Fine.’ With a new kitchen appliance, I’ve recently matched his serendipity. … More The Beatles “I Feel Fine” (1964)
With ‘Bull Mountain Bridge,’ Gospel-rooted Paul Thorn has a positively jubilant, uplifting tune about a cold-blooded murder. Rejoice! … More Paul Thorn “Bull Mountain Bridge” (2012)
Alto Reed, a man with a giant horn and the best understated name in rock and roll, was the last sorrowful entry on a brutal list of 2020 music world losses. … More Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band “Old Time Rock and Roll” (1981)
Patti Smyth (not Smith) of Scandal punctuates the end of 2020. At last. … More Scandal “Goodbye To You” (1982)
Music City, matted hair, and a message of hope: A short story via Nashville. … More Counting Crows “A Long December” (1996)
Fireball Maria McKee led Lone Justice to a meteoric arrival. Two years later they were down in flames. But some scorching tunes remain. … More Lone Justice “I Found Love” (1986)
You never know where you might meet up with a famous musician at South by Southwest, maybe even the granddaddy of the festival. … More Alejandro Escovedo “Bottom Of The World” (2012) [performed 2016]
“The most influential band you’ve never heard of” helps bring jangly Thanksgiving wishes. … More Big Star “Thank You Friends” (1978)
They recorded some of rock’s greatest songs, but broke up over a decade ago because the two leaders, brawling brothers, just couldn’t take each other. Could Oasis ever be together again? … More Oasis “Champagne Supernova” (1995)
