Bottle Rockets “Better Than Broken”
I lost one of my best friends of the last 20 years this week, the Bottle Rockets, when the band stunningly announced that they were calling it quits. The decision actually came solely from the group’s ornery but always inspirational..... Read More
Mike Zito “Wee Wee Hours” (2019)
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.... Read More
The Beatles “I Feel Fine” (1964)
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.... Read More
Paul Thorn “Bull Mountain Bridge” (2012)
With 'Bull Mountain Bridge,' Gospel-rooted Paul Thorn has a positively jubilant, uplifting tune about a cold-blooded murder. Rejoice!... Read More
Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band “Old Time Rock and Roll” (1981)
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.... Read More
Scandal “Goodbye To You” (1982)
Patti Smyth (not Smith) of Scandal punctuates the end of 2020. At last.... Read More
Counting Crows “A Long December” (1996)
Music City, matted hair, and a message of hope: A short story via Nashville.... Read More
Lone Justice “I Found Love” (1986)
Fireball Maria McKee led Lone Justice to a meteoric arrival. Two years later they were down in flames. But some scorching tunes remain.... Read More
Alejandro Escovedo “Bottom Of The World” (2012)
You never know where you might meet up with a famous musician at South by Southwest, maybe even the granddaddy of the festival.... Read More
Big Star “Thank You Friends” (1978)
"The most influential band you've never heard of" helps bring jangly Thanksgiving wishes.... Read More