Allman Brothers Band “Trouble No More” (1969)
Is it possible the most influential member of a band that existed for 45 years was in it for just it’s first 3? Duane Allman was one of 6 founding members of the Allman Brothers Band in Jacksonville, Florida in 1969 – along with his brother Gregg Allman, Dickey Betts, Berry Oakley, Butch Trucks, and...... Read More
Bob Seger “The Fire Down Below” (1976)
You’re listening to a good tune, enjoying it as you go through the verse-verse-chorus-solo sections, and at a certain point as the chorus circles around again, you feel the coda forming, the familiar parts of a song wrapping up, and sadly you know it’s about to end. And then – euphoria! – it re-starts. Even...... Read More
Little Feat “Dixie Chicken” (Waiting For Columbus) (1978)
What band and album was the most played in your freshman college dorm? Kind of a defining characteristic of the times, right? I arrived at Tulane University in the fall of 1979, and moved into the fourth floor of Sharp Hall, where people were trying to establish their identity, at least in part, by what...... Read More
Stevie Ray Vaughan “Love Struck Baby”
The greatest guitarist I've ever heard, or will ever hear. This song changed my life.... Read More
ZZ Top “La Grange” (1973)
Is the funniest thing about ZZ Top the fact that 2 of its 3 members are famed for their massive signature beards, and the 3rd member who completely lacks one is named – it’s true – Frank Beard? Well if not then it must be their song content. I recently heard ‘Tube Snake Boogie,’ the...... Read More
Rolling Stones “Before They Make Me Run” (1978)
It’s said that only cockroaches will survive a nuclear event, but I’d suggest cockroaches and Keith Richards. Keith is 75 and seems about double that; He doesn’t look to have been merely touched by father time, he looks like father time gave him a nasty beating. But against all logic this Stone is still rolling...... Read More
America “Ventura Highway” (1972)
Prince of thieves: how Prince stole his most iconic two words - purple rain - from America's Ventura Highway... Read More
Grateful Dead “Box Of Rain” (1970)
It was a long, strange trip to learn to appreciate the greatness of The Grateful Dead, and it took separating The Dead from Deadheads.... Read More
Dr. John “Such A Night” (1978)
Whether performed by Dr. John or Mac Rebennack, "Such A Night" from The Last Waltz was unforgettable by any name.... Read More
Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes “I’ve Been Working Too Hard” (1991)
Behind Bruce & E Street, the #2 icon of NJ rock and roll? Southside Johnny & the Jukes, of course (and please don't give me poser Bon Jovi).... Read More